Day 1

Nairobi, Kenya

Upon arrival in this stunning geographical country, you will be greeted with the words of “jambo” (hello) or “hakuna matata” (no problem) by the friendly locals. With a population of almost 42 million and land area of more than 580 000 sq km Kenya is home to an abundance of animals and vibrant tribes, creating the perfect escape for a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Meals Included: No meals

Day 2

Nairobi to Arusha , Tanzania

We leave Nairobi, travelling south and crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga. We stay in a charming campsite tonight in Meserani, located on the outskirts of Arusha, before we make our way to our Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater adventure tomorrow.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Arusha to Karatu, Tanzania

We start the day by visiting the Meserani Snake Park and Masai Cultural Museum. Alternatively, explore the lovely town of Arusha. Just a few minutes walk away from the campsite you will find a gallery selling paintings with a charming African feel to it. After a delicious lunch you are met by a local Tanzanian operator who leads the trips into the Parks in four wheel drive vehicles that have been modified for safari use. These vehicles allow for fantastic photo opportunities.

Departing from the campsite we make our way through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (‘Mosquito River’, situated next to the Lake Manyara National Park), and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the village of Karatu. Karatu boasts incredible views of the surrounding hills and has numerous wheat farms that only add to this magnificent scenery. Our evening is spent at a lovely campsite in Karatu (campsite has ablution facilities).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activity: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Excursion

Day 4

Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Excursion, Tanzania

This morning we leave early for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and make our way into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken, unflooded caldera in the world with open savannahs, acacia forests and both soda and fresh water lakes. This World Heritage Site has some of the best game viewing in the African continent, including the elusive Black Rhino.

Following our game drive, we travel down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ before reaching the Serengeti National Park. Game driving through the southern and central regions of the Park, we cross seemingly infinite landscapes of incredible natural beauty. We camp tonight in the bushveld (no ablution facilities) surrounded by the cool breezes and tranquil sounds of the African wilderness.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Serengeti Excursion to Arusha, Tanzania

In the morning we experience another game drive and explore the plains in search of the resident wildlife. If we are lucky we may get to see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’. Following this, we return to the bountiful Crater rim and board our truck to return to Arusha where our night is spent swapping stories and laughter of our exhilarating experience with the wilderness.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Arusha to Pangani*, Tanzania

Before continuing onto Dar es Salaam, we stop in Arusha in the morning to replenish our supplies. We drive through the town of Moshi located at the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain. Moshi acts as the starting point for all expeditions up Mount Kilimanjaro. Depending on weather conditions, we might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the mountain’s snow-capped summit that makes for an incredible photographic opportunity. We pass through vast sisal plantations by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges before arriving at our beautiful campsite situated between these mountains, midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
*Please Note: Some trips may choose to forego this stop/night and push on to the next stop (at their own cost).

Day 7

Pangani to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

We make our way to Dar es Salaam today, through picturesque landscapes and gorgeous palm trees, nearing the warm Indian Ocean. Our driving time today is extended due to the high amount of traffic that is city-bound, but the sights and sounds of the bustling Dar suburbs will keep you entertained. Keep a lookout for the shop-fronts boasting funny catch phrases. Upon our arrival in Dar es Salaam, we head out to our seaside campsite in order to prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

We are taken to the ‘Spice Island’ via a ferry that departs from Dar es Salaam where we spend the next three evenings. Zanzibar is rich in history and was one of the major starting points for the majority of East African explorers in their pursuit of new land. New passengers may join us here, replacing those who will be leaving us at the end of our Zanzibar expedition.

Please note: Meals are for your own account while in Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own, and in accordance with their own budget. The Trip Leader joins you and will arrange your activities, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants. There are also a wide variety of optional excursions on offer.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Included Activity: Spice Tour & Dhow Excursion, Zanzibar Excursion
Please Note: New legislation prohibits the taking of photographs during the Zanzibar ferry ride. Spot fines can be issued, if legislation is not obeyed.

Day 9 – 10

Zanzibar Island

Apart from it’s intriguing history, Zanzibar has plenty of enthralling experiences to offer visitors. The quiet streets of Stone Town has still retained it’s Arabic influence which can be seen from the shops and palaces of the Sultans who created their empires on the spoils of slave and ivory trade. Zanzibar is well-known for it’s tasty spices and a trip around one of the spice plantations always proves to be an extremely interesting experience. Other Optional Excursions include an outing to the incredible beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or even a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. You can hire a moped to get yourself around the island, perhaps to one of the brilliant seafood restaurants where you can indulge in a sumptuous and very reasonably-priced meal. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s heaven, with only the freshest seafood being caught daily – crayfish being a rather well-liked specialty. If you prefer feel free to socialize with the interesting and friendly locals during dinner.

Meals are for your own account while in Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own.

Day 11

Zanzibar to Mikumi, Tanzania

We depart from Dar es Salaam in the morning and make our way south passing through the Mikumi National Park, where we may spot a variety of wildlife from the roadside, completely oblivious to the vehicles passing by

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

Mikumi to Iringa, Tanzania

We make our way toward Iringa, where our night is spent in a lovely campsite that is renowned for it’s delicious Amarula Hot Chocolate and steamy showers.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 – 15

Iringa to Lake Malawi, Malawi

We enter ‘the warm heart of Africa’, Malawi, via the Songwe border post and pass through some beautiful Tukuyu tea and banana plantations. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of it’s overall area made up of the beautiful Lake Malawi. We adventure across the length of the western side of the lake, making stops at numerous bays and inlets over the next three days.

Our days are spent learning the game of Bao from the locals, browsing the markets for bargains or relaxing on the unspoiled golden beaches. The pleasant climate of Malawi allows us to enjoy long swims in the clear, sparkling blue freshwater lake all year round. Feel free to explore the exquisite shore where you will be able to spot local fishermen reeling in their catches of the day. These locals still make use of traditional fishing techniques and, in order to appreciate their boating skills, you should head onto the still waters on a dugout canoe all on your own – it’s more difficult than it may seem! During the evening you will see the pretty ‘fairy lights’ of the fishermen still out on the lake in the distance. The numerous campsites along the shores of Lake Malawi provide many Optional Excursions, including a wide variety of water sports, horseback rides and even a stopover at the local village and school.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional activities Vary; however we do recommend that you do the village tour.
Please note: You can bring along with you pens, notepads, pencils and dry starch foods for the village tour. For more information please speak to your crew.

Day 16

Lake Malawi to Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Heading away from Lake Malawi, we make a stop in the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe – a relatively small city that is divided into the old town and the new administrative centre. We stock up on our provisions before we cross into Zambia where we overnight in the magnificent South Luangwa National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

South Luangwa National Park is located in the Eastern part of Zambia along the Luangwa River. Founded as a game reserve in 1938, South Luangwa was declared a National Park in 1972. A stunning setting, home to many wildlife including giraffe, buffalo and elephants. On the river you’ll be able to spot hippo and crocodiles.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activity: Game drives through South Luangwa National Park

Day 18

Luangwa National Park to Lusaka, Zambia

Departing Luangwa National Park we make our way further south through the mining and farming regions of Zambia. On the way we pass through some of the villages and towns of Zambia. In the 60’s during the copper boom Zambia was able to build an infrastructure at the main mining and farming communities but after the fall of the copper industry the country was left virtually bankrupt and left to fall to ruin. Due to the rise in the mining industry and foreign investment, the town is gradually prospering once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19

Lusaka to Livingstone, Zambia

As we continue south on our way to Livingstone, we travel through the southern towns of Zambia, majority of which support the local agriculture and farming industries. Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘the Smoke that Thunders’, Victoria Falls is approximately 1700 metres wide and about 100 metres high, making it the world’s biggest sheet of falling water and an incredible sight to witness on your journey through Africa. We can view the mighty Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, which makes for an incredible photographic opportunity. In the evening, we have the option to delight in a gorgeous sunset dinner cruise on the majestic Zambezi.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Zambezi Sunset river boat cruise

Day 20

Livingstone to Chobe National Park, Botswana

Departing from Zambia, we cross the border into Botswana at the Kazangula Ferry. Once we have completed the formalities required by border patrol, we carry on toward the town of Kasane located on the Chobe River banks. The Chobe River creates a natural divide between Botswana and Namibia, with Zambia as it’s primary water source. We continue on for our  Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile adventure, an overnight excursion taking place in the wilderness of the Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s leading game parks, renowned for it’s massive elephant herds. Our afternoon is spent in search of wildlife while we game drive to our campsite situated within the park, where we will spend the night surrounded by the sounds of nocturnal wildlife. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled during our game drive for the scarce Sable and Roan Antelope with their magnificent horns. Following our evening in the bush, we head out early in the morning to carry on our search for wildlife before we depart from our campsite and head back to Kasane.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activity: Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile Excursion

Day 21

Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

When we have returned to camp, we board our truck once again and make our way to Zimbabwe’s border. When we have completed border formalities, we continue a short distance to Victoria Falls. The town of Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our campsite for today is conveniently located in the centre of town, within walking distance to the adventure booking agents, restaurants and stores. A short walk down the main road will lead you to the entry point where you can view the Falls located between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘the Smoke that Thunders’) was named by the famous David Livingstone on his explorations in Africa, and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Our afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite, watching the spray of the mighty Victoria Falls or simply adventuring around town and soaking up all that it has to offer.

Meals Included: Brunch
Included: Entrance to Victoria Falls

Day 22 – 23

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The next two days is spent relaxing or taking part in a variety of Optional Excursions. Several people in our group will be leaving us on this Victoria Falls section of the tour, to be replaced by new adventurers who will be joining us for the remainder of our trip.

Meals Included: Breakfast on both days
Optional Activities: Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge – neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the “floats,” where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

Day 24

Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park, Botswana

Today we make our way out of Victoria Falls to the border that allows us to cross over into Botswana. When we have completed the border formalities, we travel back to the town of Kasane located on the banks of the Chobe River.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25

Chobe National Park to Kasane, Botswana

After a delicious breakfast, there is some time to relax. Feel free to partake in an optional boat cruise on the Chobe River, or you can simply spend your time unwinding at the swimming pool.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26

Kasane to Maun, Botswana

Maun is the starting point for travel into the Okavango Delta and it is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta. Tonight we prepare for our overnight excursion. We recommend bringing along a smaller daypack on your trip which can be used to pack the supplies needed for this short excursion. Your guide will brief you on what is needed and what to expect before your trip to the Delta.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 27

Maun to Okavango Delta, Botswana

You have the opportunity to partake in the overnight excursion into the Delta. Rising early, we travel from Maun for a few hours heading north towards the mokoro poler’s station.The Delta region is studded with many local villages where many families live in a traditional way. Some of the villages are very remote and can only be reached by the traditional mode of transport – the Mokoro. Mokoros are dugout canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds. At the Mokoro station, we meet our ‘Polers’ and pack our supplies before heading out into the waterways. After a couple of hours along the waterways, we arrive at our mobile tented camp situated in the heart of the Okavango.

Upon arrival you meet the local staff who will be your host during your stay. A brief introduction will be given showing you your dome tent with twin beds and a bush en-suite bathroom – long drop toilet and a bucket shower. Relax in the tent with a cold drink or take a paddle in the Delta in a canoe. The activities at the camp include Mokoro trails and guided walking.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activity: Overnight Delta excursion

Day 28

Okavango Delta to Maun, Botswana

After our mokoro ride and vehicle transfer, we arrive back in time to participate in an optional scenic flight over The Delta (dependent on weather conditions & availability).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 29

Maun to Ghanzi, Botswana

Travelling towards the small village of Ghanzi, this will be our last night in the beautiful Botswana. The village is home to the San / Bushman and you can learn more about them by participating in the optional Bushman experience offered by the campsite.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Bushman Experience

Day 30

Ghanzi to Windhoek, Namibia

Today we drive through small rural towns and scenic landscapes to Windhoek. It is a rather small capital but with many places of historical interest. The afternoon is free for you to do some exploring.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional: Dinner at Joe’s Beer house

Day 31

Windhoek to Etosha National Park, Namibia

Leaving Windhoek, we make our way to the Etosha National Park. Covering 22 700 km squared, Etosha is Namibia’s most famous wilderness and wildlife reserve. After lunch, we spend the remainder of the day exploring the park’s northern area. After dinner, feel free to sit at the waterhole observing the wildlife that may come have a drink in the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Night game drives with Etosha National Park

Day 32

Etosha National Park Area, Namibia

We make our way across the park, keeping a close lookout for the various mammals, reptiles, birds and insects indigenous to this area. As the vegetation types change, so does the animal and bird life that depend on it. Therefore, you will be able to witness a massive selection of different game as you cross to the different areas of the Park. Following our full day of game viewing, we leave the Park though the Anderson gate and make our way back to our campsite, a mere 10 kilometres away. Here we have the chance to indulge in a quick dip in the pool before dinner followed by a peaceful evening at the bar.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activity: Game drives through Etosha National Park

Day 33 – 34

Etosha National Park Area, Namibia

Today our game drive takes us further south through the Namibian countryside to our campsite which is located in the vicinity of the Etosha National Park.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activity: Game Drive in Truck
Optional Activity: Night drive

Day 35

Swakopmund to Sesriem, Namibia

Departing from Swakopmund, we make our way south to the industrial Walvis Bay before heading inland toward the desert. We enter the Namib-Naukluft Park , one of the oldest deserts in the world. Basing ourselves at Sesriem, we are given the opportunity to truly enjoy the Namib and our beautiful surrounds. A brief distance away is Sossusvlei – a salt and clay pan enclosed by an undulating ocean of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Exquisite desert views can be seen from the tops of these incredible dunes. Our afternoon is spent exploring this incredible region.  Be sure to take a look at the stars tonight, because this desert sky gives a special performance that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activity: Visit to Dune 45, Visit to Sossusvlei

Day 36

Sesriem to Fish River Canyon, South Africa

Waking early, we leave to watch the sunrise over this stunning area and we depart the tranquillity of the dunes in order to make our way south to the Fish River Canyon. This is the world’s second biggest canyon at approximately 161 kilometres long, 27 kilometres wide and around 550 metres deep. The outer part of the canyon was created by tectonic shifts while the inner portion was formed by erosion. There is a driving route that follows the eastern rim, allowing us entry to numerous view points where we can take in spectacular views and breathtaking sunsets.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activity: Visit to Fish River Canyon

Day 37

Fish River Canyon to Gariep River, South Africa

We continue south this morning and, following a brief drive, we arrive at the Gariep River which forms a natural divide between Namibia and South Africa. We camp at a gorgeous campsite situated on the riverbanks on the South African bank of the river. In the evening there’s a chance for some fun at the fantastic camp bar that overlooking the river.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 38

Orange River to Cederberg, South Africa

An early morning start sees us travel south through Richtersveld and the mining town of Springbok, before arriving in the area known as Namaqualand renowned for it’s abundance of Namaqua wildflowers that bloom every spring. We spend our night is spent in a beautifully scenic campsite surrounded by local wine farms. Tonight is our last night beneath the star-speckled African sky.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 39

Cederberg to Cape Town, South Africa

Leaving the beautiful Cederberg region, we travel south toward the cosmopolitan Mother City of Cape Town. We journey through the abundant fruit growing areas of Citrusdal before we cross the Piekenierskloof Pass to the Cape’s wine growing areas. Our first sighting of the Mother’s City Table Mountain across Table Bay means we have reached our final destination. We spend tonight in dormitories located in one of the beautiful city’s most loved hostels.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 40

Cape Town, South Africa

Today is spent exchanging contact details following which we part ways with the people who have experienced a life-changing journey with us.

Meals: None

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.