Itinerary
- Day 1
Nairobi to Masai Mara
You'll depart Nairobi at 08:00 after a pre-departure meeting the evening before. The drive takes you across the Great Rift Valley's dramatic landscape toward Masai Mara Reserve. Once you reach camp and get settled, you'll head out on an afternoon game drive in a safari vehicle to search for wildlife across the reserve.
Included Activities
- Afternoon game drive in Masai Mara Reserve in specialized safari vehicle
Landmarks/POIs Masai Mara National Reserve Great Rift Valley - Day 2
Masai Mara
Both morning and afternoon game drives fill your day in Masai Mara. This part of the Serengeti ecosystem hosts the Great Migration and Africa's most recognizable wildlife. You'll have good chances to spot wildebeest, antelope, zebra, lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and giraffe.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Morning game drive in Masai Mara Reserve
- Afternoon game drive in Masai Mara Reserve
Landmarks/POIs Masai Mara National Reserve Mara River - Day 3
Masai Mara to Nairobi
You'll leave Masai Mara and drive back to Nairobi for your final night in Kenya. The city has plenty to explore on your own, and you should try dinner at the famed Carnivore restaurant if you get the chance.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Dinner at Carnivore restaurant
- Day 4
Nairobi to Arusha
After boarding your overland truck, you'll cross the border into Tanzania and head to Arusha, the country's safari capital. Arusha sits near Mount Meru and the Serengeti, so you'll explore local markets before arriving at camp. Depending on timing, there might be a visit to a Maasai village included.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Browse local markets in Arusha
- Maasai village visit (subject to time availability)
Landmarks/POIs Mount Meru - Day 5
Arusha to Serengeti National Park
You'll switch to smaller specialized safari vehicles for your entry into Serengeti National Park. The route takes you around the rim of Ngorongoro Crater before reaching your unfenced bush campsite. From there, you can listen to the sounds of African wildlife all around you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Game drive to Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater rim drive
Landmarks/POIs Serengeti National Park Ngorongoro Crater - Days 6 - 7
Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Start with a final game drive in the crater, then head back to camp for lunch. After that, you'll pack up and begin the drive back toward Arusha.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Final game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Landmarks/POIs Ngorongoro Crater - Day 8
Arusha to Bagamoyo
You're heading to Bagamoyo, a port city on the Indian Ocean coast. It's a long drive, but on clear days you'll see snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. Your beachside campsite gives you time to walk around and explore the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Bagamoyo town and beach
Landmarks/POIs Mount Kilimanjaro - Day 9
Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam
From Bagamoyo, you'll drive down the Tanzanian coast to Dar es Salaam, the country's main port city. The drive is fairly short at about 2 to 3 hours, leaving time to explore on your own. The city has Arab architecture, vibrant markets, beaches, and local bars. You'll camp on the beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Arab architecture in Dar es Salaam
- Visit vibrant markets
- Beach time
- Days 10 - 12
Zanzibar
Your final day in Zanzibar has no set schedule. Spend time on the beaches and enjoy the island atmosphere from your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Spice tour
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving
- Relaxing massage
- Beach exploration
- Stone Town exploration
Landmarks/POIs Stone Town, Zanzibar - Day 13
Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
You'll have a final swim this morning before checking out after breakfast. The ferry takes you back to the mainland, and then you'll return to beach camping in Dar es Salaam. If you want, you can explore the city again.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Ferry back to Dar es Salaam
Optional Activities
- Final swim in Zanzibar
- Return to Dar es Salaam city
- Day 14
Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park
You'll board your overland truck and head inland toward the Malawian border. The route goes through Mikumi National Park, where you'll stop if forest elephants or giraffe herds show up. Your campsite sits on the reserve edge where you can have drinks at the local bar and spend time around the campfire.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Driving through Mikumi National Park with wildlife spotting
Optional Activities
- Optional additional game drive in Mikumi National Park
Landmarks/POIs Mikumi National Park - Day 15
Mikumi National Park to Iringa
You'll drive through Tanzania's spectacular Southern Highlands. Your camp is at a local family-run organic farm about 50km from Iringa, managed by the Ghaui family for over 70 years. This spot is well-known among travelers heading to Malawi.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 16
Iringa to Mbeya Area
On the way to Malawi, you'll stop at Utengule Coffee Lodge in the Mbeya range. From there you can take in views of the East African Rift Valley, relax by the pool, or try activities like squash, tennis, table tennis, and volleyball.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of coffee plantation with roasting demonstration and coffee tasting
- Poolside relaxation
- Squash
- Tennis
- Pool
- Table tennis
- Volleyball
Landmarks/POIs East African Rift Valley - Day 17
Mbeya Area to Chitimba Beach, Malawi
You'll cross from Tanzania into Malawi at the Songwe border post. After that, you'll arrive at Chitimba Beach on Lake Malawi. Fishermen in traditional dugout canoes cast nets at dawn if you want to watch. Your time is free to relax on the beach, stroll through the village, check out the craft market, try woodcarving, learn the traditional game of Bao, or shop for handmade items.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation
- Village walks
- Local craft market exploration
- Woodcarving experience
- Traditional game of Bao
- Shopping for handmade crafts
Landmarks/POIs Lake Malawi - Days 18 - 19
Nkhotakota Region
You'll spend the day at leisure in the Nkhotakota region along Lake Malawi's shores. Beach time and optional activities are available.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Horse riding
- Visit to a Malawian village
- Freshwater scuba diving
Landmarks/POIs Lake Malawi - Day 20
Nkhotakota Region to Petauke, Zambia
You're saying goodbye to Lake Malawi today. The drive takes you through Nkhotakota Game Reserve toward the Zambian border. After crossing into Zambia, you'll continue to Petauke, a region known for farming. Along the way you'll pass fields of maize, cotton, sunflowers, soya beans, and other crops.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Nkhotakota Game Reserve - Day 21
Petauke to Lusaka
An early start means a long drive to Lusaka, Zambia's capital and Southern Africa's fastest-growing city. You'll follow the scenic Great Eastern Road through lush countryside and across the rushing Luangwa River. Your camp is a tranquil farm site outside the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Luangwa River - Days 22 - 25
Livingstone
Your final free day in Livingstone before heading to Botswana. Make the most of your time and the available optional activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Bungee jumping
- Canoeing on Zambezi River
- Rafting on Zambezi River
- Scenic flight over the falls
- Fishing trip
- Poolside relaxation
Landmarks/POIs Victoria Falls - Day 26
Livingstone to Chobe National Park, Botswana
You'll cross from Zambia into Botswana and take the short journey to Kasane, which sits at the gateway to Chobe National Park. This afternoon, you'll cruise on the Chobe River looking for elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along the riverbanks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Chobe River cruise
Landmarks/POIs Chobe National Park Chobe River - Day 27
Chobe National Park to Nata
An open vehicle game drive in Chobe National Park lets you spot the prolific elephant population along with lion and antelope species. You'll travel south to the Nata region through sparsely populated areas where buffalo sometimes appear. Your unfenced campsite allows wildlife to wander through, and many groups have their best wildlife moments here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Open vehicle game drive in Chobe National Park
Landmarks/POIs Chobe National Park - Day 28
Nata to Maun
You'll travel to Maun, your base for exploring the famed Okavango Delta. If time allows, you might enjoy a scenic flight over the delta. Otherwise, this opportunity will be offered on Day 30.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over Okavango Delta
Landmarks/POIs Okavango Delta - Days 29 - 30
Okavango Delta to Maun
You'll take another mokoro ride back out of the delta and return to Maun. If the scenic flight didn't happen on Day 28, there's time to try it now.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Mokoro canoe ride out of Okavango Delta
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over Okavango Delta
Landmarks/POIs Okavango Delta - Day 31
Maun to Omaheke Region near Gobabis, Namibia
Your overland truck travels to the Namibian border via Ghanzi, skirting the barren Kalahari Desert. After crossing into Namibia, you'll have an included bush walk with local San Bushmen to learn about their traditional way of life. Depending on your arrival time, this might happen on Day 32 instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Kalahari Bushman Walk with local San Bushmen
Landmarks/POIs Kalahari Desert - Day 32
Omaheke Region to Windhoek
You'll arrive in Windhoek, Namibia's capital with 470,000 people. The city shows off German colonial architecture from Namibia's early colonial period. Your camp sits on the city edge, so it's easy to explore, grab meals, or visit places like Joe's Beerhouse, one of Namibia's most famous restaurants.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Windhoek city
- Dinner at Joe's Beerhouse
- Days 33 - 34
Etosha National Park
You'll spend the full day game driving across Etosha National Park, stopping whenever you see wildlife worth watching. Your tour leader decides where to stay the second night based on where animals are active and current conditions, so you might return to the first campsite or move somewhere new.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Full day game drive in Etosha National Park
Landmarks/POIs Etosha National Park - Day 35
Etosha National Park to Spitzkoppe
You're leaving Etosha and heading into Damaraland toward Spitzkoppe mountain peak. Well-preserved Bushmen paintings and rock formations reaching 1800 metres await. The rocks change color as the sun moves across the sky, looking particularly nice at sunrise and sunset. You'll stay at a base campsite for sunset views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Spitzkoppe with Bushmen paintings and rock formations
Landmarks/POIs Spitzkoppe - Days 36 - 37
Swakopmund
You have a free day to explore Swakopmund as you choose. Walk through town, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and colonial architecture, or try optional activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Swakopmund town
- Relax at cafes
- Quad-biking
- Sand boarding
- Skydiving
- Dolphin-watching cruises
- Day 38
Swakopmund to Solitaire Area
You'll continue south, crossing over the Tropic of Capricorn with a photo stop. Then you'll head to your desert camp in the Khomas region of Namibia.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Photo opportunity at Tropic of Capricorn
- Day 39
Sesriem Area
You're heading into Namib-Naukluft National Park to reach Dune 45, the desert's most famous landmark. This sand dune towers over 300 metres high and you can try climbing if you're up to it. Continue to Deadvlei, a white clay pan surrounded by golden dunes with petrified trees. Sesriem Canyon is on the route to camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Dune 45
- Visit to Deadvlei
- Stop at Sesriem Canyon
Landmarks/POIs Dune 45 Deadvlei Sesriem Canyon - Day 40
Sesriem Area to Fish River Canyon
It's a long drive south through desert scenery to reach Fish River Canyon, the world's second-largest canyon after the Grand Canyon. More than 500 metres deep and running 160km, it's a remarkable sight. You'll stop at viewpoints and visit 'Hell's Corner', known for its sharp bend.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Fish River Canyon with viewpoints
- Visit to Hell's Corner
Landmarks/POIs Fish River Canyon - Day 41
Fish River Canyon to Orange River
You'll travel south to the Orange River, also called the Gariep, which marks the border between Namibia and South Africa for much of its length. Your campsite is on the Namibian side with an optional canoe safari available if you want to see the surrounding scenery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Optional canoe safari on Orange River
Landmarks/POIs Orange River - Day 42
Orange River to Cederberg Region, South Africa
You'll cross into South Africa, your seventh and final country. The drive takes you south through Namaqualand where beautiful wildflowers appear if you're traveling in spring (August-September). You'll arrive at your riverside campsite with optional wine tasting available for those interested in sampling Cederberg region wines.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting in Cederberg region
- Day 43
Cederberg to Cape Town
You've completed your six-week journey and arrived in Cape Town, South Africa's 'Mother City'. Home to Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and remarkable scenery, this is where your tour ends. Post-tour accommodation can be arranged if you want to stay longer and explore the city further.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Table Mountain V&A Waterfront
