Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi (Kenya)
Today is an arrival day and you may arrive at any time. The remainder of your day is free for you to enjoy at leisure.A pre-departure meeting takes place at 6pm at the hotel. You may choose to eat at the hotel restaurant this evening or venture out to one of the many fine restaurants that Nairobi has to offer (own expense).
Day 2: Arusha (Tanzania)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) Starting early this morning we traverse the 'wildlife corridor' between Nairobi and Arusha, also known as the 'safari capital' of Tanzania. This town buzzes with activity, and you can expect to see several safaris heading off – or returning after a week in the bush. On arrival we set up camp on the outskirts of town and enjoy our surrounds. Our campsite is located at Meserani Snake Park and Masai Museum. The snake park is home to a variety of snakes common to East Africa, from the black mamba to the African python, as well as monitor lizards, tortoises and crocodiles. The adjoining Masai Museum centres on the culture, customs and dress of the Masai tribes. The Meserani Project works closely with the local community, providing antidote treatment for snake bites and other basic health service, free of charge, to the local Masai communities.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus; game drive times variable) Taking a break from our overland vehicle and bidding farewell to our driver and cook for the next three days, we transfer into 4WD vehicles for our expedition to Serengeti National Park. We stop on the top of the Rift Valley escarpment for an incredible view out over Lake Manyara before continuing westward to our next destination - the great plains of the Serengeti. These massive grasslands seem to stretch as far as the eye can see, and even beyond! Over a million wildebeest roam through the park, along with a multitude of antelope species and significant populations of lion and cheetah. We spend two days exploring the plains on game drives as well as checking out the rocky outcrops, or 'kopjes', which are a favourite resting spot for the predators. We spend two nights camping inside the park - perfectly situated for the opportunity to hear the night time serenade of the African savannah. Please note that the campsites in Serengeti National Park are run by the national park administration and are the only public campsites available. You will need to purchase bottled water at your own expense for this part of the tour. The facilities are quite basic, but the opportunity to camp in the middle of the Serengeti Plains is a real highlight and an experience that you are unlikely to forget.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Game drive times variable) Home to massive numbers of grazing animals and also various predators, Serengeti National Park provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. Today we will start around sunrise for a morning game drive and follow that up later on with an afternoon game drive, as the animals tend to be more active in the cooler hours of the day. We will usually return to camp during the hotter hours in the middle of the day, where we get to enjoy a hearty meal, relax and maybe take a siesta. Depending on wildlife movements and opportunities for sightings, our drive could sometimes be a continuous one that last all day and involves returning to camp in the late afternoon.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater - Mto Wa Mbu (Tanzania)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 8 hours; game drive times variable) Departing Serengeti National Park, we head back eastward to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. At the heart of this is the crater, which is a volcanic caldera some 20 kilometres wide that contains an abundance of wildlife and bird life. Ngorongoro is often referred to as a microcosm of Africa, with forest and grasslands, as well as freshwater and soda lakes. We head down to the crater floor, where we spend time exploring this outstanding wildlife sanctuary. The crater is home to several black rhinos and, with luck, we may have the opportunity to seeing some of these highly endangered animals. (National park regulations stipulate that vehicles are only allowed a maximum of six hours in Ngorongoro Crater.) After an exciting visit to the crater we continue to the colourful and vibrant market town of Mto Wa Mbu. There is a nearby Masai village that you may visit (own expense) to learn more about the unique culture and traditions of this proud tribe. The town has a great curio market, as well as a fresh produce market which you can wander through. Alternatively you may choose to spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the campsite.
Day 6: School of St Jude - Arusha (Tanzania)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 2 hours) We head back to our Arusha campsite where we are reunited with our overland vehicle, driver and cook. We then visit a very special school in Arusha. The School of St Jude was founded in 2002 by Gemma, a young Australian woman, for orphans and very poor children of Arusha. The school was founded on Gemma's belief that not only was a good and accessible education a right for all children in the world but without it, Africa's rate of development would continue to lag behind the rest of the world. Under the banner of 'Fighting Poverty through Education' the school provides a totally free education to over 90% of the pupils, including supplying transport, uniform, stationery, snacks, water and a hot meal. The opportunity for sponsorship at St Jude is given to the brighest and most ambitious children of extremely poor families, after a series of tests designed to measure potential and poverty levels. Whilst on a guided tour of the school we are given more information on how it operates and the success that it has achieved. We have time to visit children in class, before joining them for tea. Our time here is certain to touch our souls and fill us full of optimism.
Day 7: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 11 hours) From Arusha we travel past Mount Kilimanjaro which, on a clear day, may give us a splendid view of the snow-capped Uhuru peak. We cover a lot of ground today, through changing mountain and coastal scenery, as we make our way toward Dar es Salaam - the former capital of Tanzania. With over 2.5 million people, it is still the country's largest city and main administrative centre. We spend a night here at a beachside camp - a chance to experience a large African city before catching the following morning's ferry to Zanzibar.
Day 8: Stone Town - Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Meals included: 1 breakfast
(Ferry sailing: approx 1½ hours) We say goodbye to our overland vehicle for four days and catch a ferry for the 1½ hour crossing to the famous spice island of Zanzibar, where we spend our first night in the evocative and historic Stone Town. In Stone Town allow yourself time to wander through the many cobbled laneways, take in the architecture and appreciate the famous Zanzibar doors. The market is a sea of colour and noise and offers a great insight into the lives of the friendly local people. An optional Spice Tour starts with a brief tour of the historical sights in Stone Town, before visiting the Slave Museum, the ruins of the Sultan's Palace and then travelling inland to the famous spice plantations. Here you learn about the many spices and fruits grown on the island, as well as their medicinal and culinary uses. A traditional lunch caps of this great half-day tour. Another great option in Stone Town is getting out to Prison Island. A local motorised dhow is hired and you are taken to the nearby Prison Island, where you enjoy excellent views back to Stone Town. On the island you can swim and snorkel (which you cannot do in Stone Town itself), as well as observe the giant tortoises that inhabit this island. Stone Town also offers great shopping and eating opportunities. Craft markets sprawl out of doorways and down alleyways. Wooden products, paintings and soapstone carvings are just some of the wares on sale. There are many little restaurants that are worth a try and the Night Market offers a great (and cheap) dining experience – the Zanzibari pizzas are quite unique and the banana and chocolate pizza is a real treat.
Day 9-10: Nungwi Beach - Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
(Driving time: approx 1 hour) The next two days are spent on the idyllic north coast near the beachside village of Nungwi. This is located at the northern tip of the island and is a major place for construction of dhows (traditional Arabic sailing vessels). Here we also experience white sandy beaches and a warm tropical sea, making it a great place to chill out and relax. Our days in paradise are sure to prove a most welcome break in the midst of our long overland adventure.
Day 11: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 1 hour; ferry sailing: approx 1½ hours) We spend a final morning on the beach which allows us an opportunity to grab some last minute bargains, such as the colourful Zanzibari 'katanga'. Similar to a sarong, 'katangas' can be used as a scarf, towel, wrap or blanket. In the afternoon we catch the ferry back to the mainland where we are reunited with our truck. The evening is spent at a seaside campsite.
Day 12: Iringa (Tanzania)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 8 hours) We spend our final night in Tanzania where we camp on the grounds of an old farmhouse, a beautiful rustic campsite in the southern highlands. This campsite was voted as having the best showers in all of Africa! The area is fertile and hilly and is known for its vast tea estates and banana plantations.
Day 13-15: Lake Malawi (Malawi)
Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
(Driving times: approx 8 hours plus) After our time in Tanzania we cross the border into Malawi - a hilly country with the picturesque Lake Malawi dominating its eastern flank. Previously known as Lake Nyasa, this lake is the southernmost part of the Great Rift Valley and is the third largest as well as the second deepest in Africa. It is also home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world. The lake is a relaxing spot to stop at and a good place to partake in a range of optional activities. There is also a large curio market here where we can test our bargaining skills (essential!) and buy some of the famous Malawi chairs and other wood carvings. In some places, we may also be able to see hippos as well as some of the numerous waterbirds. Our itinerary here is flexible and we may stop at more than one place along the lake, so please understand that the driving times mentioned may vary significantly.
Day 16: Lilongwe (Malawi)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 5 hours) Our next destination is Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, for an overnight stay. This is again a chance to replenish our supplies, change money, perhaps send some postcards and enjoy a taste of African city life.
Day 17-18: South Luangwa National Park (Zambia)
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
(Driving time: approx 8 hours; game drive times variable) We cross the border into Zambia and our next stop is one of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa - South Luangwa National Park. Covering an area of 9050 square kilometres, it is home to an amazing concentration of wildlife. Its terrain includes dry shrublands, mopane forests and oxbow lakes, but the main feature is the Luangwa River. As we enter the park we cross the Luangwa River and will be immediately astounded by the incredible numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Our two nights here are spent camping at the border of South Laungwa National Park and we enjoy two game drives (one morning and one evening) in open 4WD vehicles in search of wildlife. If we are very, very lucky, we may even see leopard. This park is off-the-beaten-track, so we are some of the privileged few as not many travellers get to explore this hidden 'gem'. One day that will change!
Day 19-20: Chipata - Lusaka (Zambia)
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
(Driving time: approx 4 hours on Day 19 and 7 hours on Day 20) After our wildlife sojourn, we travel to Chipata for an overnight stay. There is a supermarket here and also a few places to change money. There is also an impressive mosque in town (entry is restricted to Muslims) and a collection of shops and markets. Next is the capital of Zambia - Lusaka. Lusaka actually replaced Livingstone as capital of the then-colony in 1935. It is a cosmopolitan city with a population of just over a million people. Always full of activity, you may wish to wander amongst the market place – a myriad of restaurants, fishmongers, fruit-sellers and craftsmen!
Day 21-23: Livingstone (Zambia) - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Meals included: 3 breakfasts
(Driving time: approx 8 hours) We make our way into Livingstone, Zambia's gateway to spectacular Victoria Falls. Upon arrival in Livingstone we set up camp at our site located on the banks of the Upper Zambezi River. There is also be time to view the falls themselves and explore the craft markets, as well as the town of Livingstone. For our second and third nights here, we make our way into Zimbabwe and our campsite located right in the centre of town. From here it is only a short walk to the magnificent Victoria Falls. No trip to Africa is complete without a visit to Victoria Falls and nothing quite prepares you for the awesome power of this natural phenomenon. At its peak, it is estimated that 5 million cubic metres of water pass over the cataracts every minute! In addition to viewing the falls themselves, there is plenty of time to partake in some of the many optional activities in the Victoria Falls area. These include whitewater rafting (seasonal), bungee jumping, walking with lion cubs and flights over the falls. Your tour guide will be on hand to assist you in arranging any optional activities.NB: You will have a pre-departure meeting in Victoria Falls on Day 36 at 6pm for the final leg of your journey, where you may meet new travellers joining the trip. You may also have a change in crew .
Day 24-25: Kasane - Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border; game drive times variable) There is time for a short activity this morning prior to our departure from Victoria Falls just after lunch. We leave Zimbabwe, cross the border into Botswana and travel on to Kasane, where we camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The following morning we meet with our local specialist guide, travelling in open 4WD vehicles through Chobe National Park. Known throughout the world as Africa's greatest elephant sanctuary, Chobe National Park is also home to a wide variety of other animals including Cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo and many different species of antelope. In the afternoon we enjoy a magical sunset boat trip on the Chobe River, watching elephants and other animals coming down to drink – a great way to end our day! We also have the option staying a night in a mobile camp located inside Chobe National Park (optional - at own expense).
Day 26: Sepupa (Botswana)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 7 hours) Leaving Kasane we transit through parts of Chobe National Park before exiting Botswana at the Ngoma Bridge border. We enter Namibia and head west along the 500 kilometre long Caprivi Strip before re-entering Botswana. At Sepupa we set up camp on the banks of the Okavango River and prepare for our upcoming Okavango Delta excursion.
Day 27-28: Okavango Delta (Botswana)
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
No visit to this corner of Africa is complete without exploring the irresistible wilderness of the Okavango Delta. Over the next two days we explore our surroundings on land and on the water. The real attraction here is the experience of travelling by mokoro (local dug-out canoe) and seeing how the people and animals share the wilderness, living as they have for hundreds of years. If we are lucky we may also have the bonus of seeing various antelopes and other animals in the area. We spend one night camping in the wild under the stars of the southern skies and experience the full majesty of the area, whilst the other night is spent on a houseboat on the waterways in the delta. A powerboat ride through the upper channels is a real highlight, as is the opportunity to take a walk though the village of the local Setswana people. This excursion explores the permanent water areas of the inner delta, also known as the panhandle section, which ensures an incredible experience year round regardless of rainfall and water levels in the Okavango Delta system. This excursion is operated through the Okavango Polers Trust, whose aim is to preserve and maintain the traditional lifestyle of the Batswana people who inhabit the delta region. This trust ensures that all members of the community are given the opportunity to become polers, which allows them to earn money through tourism. Poler and guides fees are set by the trust and additional income earned by the trust is used to assist various community projects in the area. Be sure to bring some cash along for souvenirs as there are some top-quality handicrafts available for sale here. For the two nights in the Okavango Delta you need to pack clothing and other personal items into a smaller overnight bag, as space is limited. There will be no access to showers and you will be away from the safari vehicle.
Day 29: Bagani (Namibia)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) Leaving behind the beauty of the Okavango Delta we rejoin our vehicle and travel west parallel to the Okavango River in a region known as the Caprivi Strip - a thin slither of Namibia that divides Botswana from Angola. We camp for the night at a riverside lodge near the towns of Bagani and Divundu and on the banks of the Okavango River, which itself separates Namibia from Angola. The river is full of hippos and home to various water birds. Optional boat trips can be arranged at the lodge.
Day 30-31: Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
(Driving time: approx 8 hours on Day 30, not including time at border, and approx 5 hours on Day 31; game drive times variable) We head to Etosha National Park and arrive in time to set up camp, before heading to the floodlit waterhole for some night time game viewing. Two days in the park allow for plentiful game opportunities in this enormous wildlife arena. Etosha is the third largest wildlife sanctuary in the world and one of the most impressive national parks in Africa, especially in the dry season. The pan is a vast shallow depression 139 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide and a number of permanent springs are located along its southern edge. We spend our time exploring the park on morning and afternoon safaris, as we traverse the southern flank of the pan observing zebra, gemsbok, elephant and rhino. We may also find time for a swim in the heat of the day. It is a magical place and, for many people, the highlight of the trip.
Day 32: Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Namibia)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 11: Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Namibia) (Driving time: approx 6 hour; game drive times variable) After a morning safari drive as we depart Etosha National Park we continue a short distance towards Kamanjab, where we stay at the Otjitotongwe Lodge and Cheetah Park. Many cheetahs are being persecuted in Namibia by farmers because they pose a threat to livestock, so this centre helps to protect them and provide them with a home. A drive in a truck around the large enclosed areas out the back enables us to meet several cheetahs. We may also get a very close-up encounter with lodge's tame cheetah near the house.
Day 33: Himba Village - Twyfelfontein - Spitzkoppe (Namibia)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 7 hours) Leaving our cheetah friends we stop to visit the Himba people in their village. Descendants of Herero herders, they are semi-nomadic people and are unique in that they have rejected modern ways in favour of traditional beliefs and methods. The women have elaborately plaited hair and incredibly smooth skins, due to an ointment that they make purely from natural products. The struggle for the Himbas will be to retain their identity in the face of a modern world that is fast encroaching, bringing with it the inevitable changes. We then continue to the rock amphitheatre of Twyfelfontein to view some of the hundreds of rock engravings and imagine what life must have been like here thousands of years ago. Some of these etchings actually date back to the early Stone Age and are now UNESCO World Heritage listed. Some 2000 figures are engraved here into the rocks and they have helped archaeologists to uncover more information about the traditions, rituals and beliefs of local tribes. It is a bit of a climb up the rocks to reach some of the best etchings, but well worth the effort. Driving south through the beautiful area of Damaraland, we take in views of Namibia's tallest peak, Brandberg (2573 metres), before reaching our community campsite at Spitzkoppe. The 1728 metre high Spitzkoppe, a granite isleberg, is the remnant of an ancient volcano. Its distinctive shape has led to it being commonly referred to as The Matterhorn of Africa. One optional activity is a guided walk to Bushman's Paradise, but you are also free to spend time on your own exploring this beautiful area on foot. Spitzkoppe has long been of spiritual importance to the bushmen and an evening spent under a million stars will surely be one that etches itself into your memory.
Day 34-35: Cape Cross - Swakopmund (Namibia)
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch
(Driving time: approx 2 hours) We head west to the Namibian coastline where we witness the largest seal colony in Africa, as a multitude of Cape fur seals bask in the sun on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It is literally quite an experience for all the senses, including that of smell! Cape Cross is also an important historic landmark, being the first place that European explorers set foot on Namibian soil. Our next two nights are spent on the coast at Swakopmund, a great spot to relax after all the wilderness we have encountered on our journey since Victoria Falls. We will stay in a basic hotel here, right in the centre of town, providing a welcome break from camping. There is a first-rate museum and aquarium to visit and there are also a number of optional activities, such as duneboarding and quadbiking. Lunch is included on our drive to Swakopmund, but only breakfast is provided during our two-night stay in town. Some of the full-day activities include lunch, and there are many inexpensive cafes, restaurants and bars around town.
Day 36-37: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park (Namibia)
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
(Driving time: approx 5 hours on Day 36, and approx 2 hours on Day 37) Sossusvlei, in the heart of the Namib Desert, is probably the oldest desert on the face of this planet. The scenery in this harsh and primeval area is spectacular to the extreme. We have a full day to explore the highest sand dunes in the world - some of which rise to an unbelievable 300 metres above the surrounding terrain. The effects of sunlight and the atmosphere combine to create a myriad of shades and hues on the sand dunes, so that the entire area seems to change complexion throughout the course of the day. Whilst in Namib-Naukluft National Park we watch the sunrise from the dunefields and then climb up one of these 'sand mountains' (hard work, but great fun) to watch the sunset. We also walk through this incredible landscape of dunes and shifting ridgelines and visit Sesriem Canyon. We drive from Sossusvlei to Deadvlei, along the way we are given an incredible insight into the geography and wildlife of the region, as well as an explaination of the unique lifestyle of the indigenous.
Day 38: Fish River Canyon (Namibia)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 7 hours) We travel from Sesriem to Hobas, our base for exploring Fish River Canyon. In a country of scenic superlatives, this canyon is perhaps the 'jewel in the crown'. Nearly 30 kilometres across and 160 kilometres in length, it is reportedly the second largest (and one of the least visited) canyon in the world. We walk along the rim and, in the late afternoon, watch the canyon walls change colour, as they are tinged with golden rays from the setting sun.
Day 39: Orange River (South Africa)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) Today we cross the Orange (Gariep) River, which forms the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa. After clearing immigration and customs we set up camp on the South African side, by the banks of the river. We have the option to take a canoe trip on the river, which enables us to survey the harsh and arid surroundings.
Day 40: Cederberg Region (South Africa)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Today we travel south, winding our way across a rugged mountainous plateau to reach the Cederberg Region. Depending upon the season, we make our final campsite at either Clanwilliam or Citrusdal. The scenery on today's drive is one of open, arid plains, dotted with the strange quiver trees, all of which produces an impression of rugged beauty and isolation. As we reach further south, mountain ranges emerge providing a more fertile environment for growing citrus fruit. After settling into our campsite, we spend the remainder of the day taste-testing some of the region's best produce; wine!
Day 41: Cape Town (South Africa)
Meals included: 1 breakfast
(Driving time: approx 4 hours) Our final drive takes us into the heart of Cape Town, set dramatically at the foot of Table Mountain, where we check into our lodge located in the heart of the city. Cape Town is an exciting cosmopolitan city and our hotel is located just a stone's throw from the restaurant and nightlife hub of Long Street.
Day 42: Cape Town (South Africa)
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Our tour ends after breakfast and you are free to leave any time. If you have not been to Cape Town before and can spare the time, then it's definitely worth extending your stay a few days to discover this vibrant city and its beautiful surrounding regions in depth. Not-to-be-missed excursions include catching the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), taking the ferry across to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, and a day trip down to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope peninsula.
At A Glance
