Itinerary
- Day 1
Cape Town to Trawal
Your trip kicks off with a township tour through Cape Town where you'll get a real sense of how locals live and work. After that you'll drive north along the West Coast, heading toward Trawal near the Cederberg Mountains. The camp sits in a spot with views of those mountains, so it's worth arriving early to settle in. An optional wine tasting happens this afternoon at camp if you're interested.
Included Activities
- Township tour in Cape Town
- Camping at Trawal with mountain views
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting at camp
Landmarks/POIs Cederberg Mountain Range - Day 2
Trawal to Namibian Gariep River
You'll notice the landscape shifting as you head further north, getting drier and rockier with each kilometer. At Vioolsdrift you cross into Namibia and set up camp on the Namibian side of the Gariep River. The camp has proper facilities including hot showers, flush toilets, grassy spots, a swimming pool, and a bar. The river is safe for swimming if you want to cool off. Later today or tomorrow morning you can do an optional canoe safari on the river.
Included Activities
- Camping at Gariep River camp
Optional Activities
- Gariep River canoe safari (afternoon or following morning)
Landmarks/POIs Gariep River Richtersveld - Day 3
Gariep River to Fish River Canyon
This morning you'll paddle out in canoes to explore the Richtersveld area from the water. After you return to camp and pack everything up, you'll drive through a landscape that really does look like Mars, heading toward Fish River Canyon. The canyon itself is something else at 165km long and up to 80km wide. You'll take a walk along the canyon rim to the viewpoint where it's just you and the desert.
Included Activities
- Gariep River canoe paddle in Richtersveld
- Walk to Fish River Canyon viewpoint
Landmarks/POIs Fish River Canyon Richtersveld - Day 4
Fish River Canyon to Namib Naukluft
The desert morning sounds will wake you up here. You'll head north toward the Namib Naukluft region, and along the way you'll walk down the Tsaris Pass which is steep but doable. Once you reach camp you'll have time to get settled and rest up before tomorrow's dune exploration begins.
Included Activities
- Walk down Tsaris Pass
Landmarks/POIs Tsaris Pass Namib Naukluft National Park - Day 5
Namib Naukluft National Park
You're up before sunrise and heading into Namib Naukluft National Park at Sesriem. Dune 45 is first on the agenda and you'll climb it for views that stretch out across the entire dune sea. From there you'll check out Sossusvlei and Deadvlei with its dead trees and white salt pan. Before heading back to camp you'll swing by Sesriem Canyon to see the unusual rock layers cutting through it.
Included Activities
- Sunrise visit to Dune 45 with climb
- Visit to Sossusvlei
- Explore Deadvlei with gnarled trees
- Visit to Sesriem Canyon
Landmarks/POIs Dune 45 Sossusvlei Deadvlei Sesriem Canyon - Day 6
Namib Naukluft to Swakopmund
You'll wake to the quiet of the desert and then head west down the inland plateau toward the coast. Driving through Kuiseb Canyon, you'll eventually reach the Atlantic coastline. Those towering coastal dunes between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund come into view, and that's where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Included Activities
- Drive through Kuiseb Canyon
- Scenic coastal drive to Swakopmund
Landmarks/POIs Kuiseb Canyon Walvis Bay Swakopmund - Day 7
Swakopmund
This day is yours to spend however you like in Swakopmund, the German colonial town. You could visit the museums, grab coffee at a café, walk the beach promenade, or check out local shops. The German bakeries here have delicacies worth trying. If you want something more active, optional desert excursions include quad biking, sand-boarding, tandem skydiving, or fishing trips.
Included Activities
- Free time in Swakopmund
Optional Activities
- Quad biking in the desert
- Sand-boarding down dune slopes
- Tandem sky diving over the desert
- Fishing trip
Landmarks/POIs Swakopmund - Day 8
Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe
You'll leave Swakopmund heading west to Spitzkoppe where massive granite boulder mountains rise up like sentinels on the horizon. The San bushmen considered these peaks sacred, and you can explore caves and rocks while checking out ancient San art left by their ancestors. Tonight you're camping under the stars in this remote spot.
Included Activities
- Drive to Spitzkoppe
- Explore caves and rocks
- View ancient San art
Landmarks/POIs Spitzkoppe - Day 9
Spitzkoppe to Etosha National Park
You're heading north to Etosha National Park where you'll spend the next two nights. The game drive takes you to camp in an Acacia vehicle. Each camp has a floodlit waterhole where you can watch wildlife quietly coming to drink at night. You'll see elephants, zebra, and different antelope species moving through.
Included Activities
- Game drive to Etosha camp
Landmarks/POIs Etosha National Park - Day 10
Etosha National Park
Today is dedicated to wildlife viewing. You'll head out early when animals are most active. Etosha covers over 20,000 sq km with a large open pan in the center. You'll spot antelope, oryx, and springbok throughout the day. Keep watching for the white-looking elephants that rolled in desert mud, known as the 'Ghosts of Etosha'. Depending on the season, your camp arrangements might stay the same or split between two locations.
Included Activities
- Early morning game drive
Landmarks/POIs Etosha National Park - Day 11
Etosha to Windhoek
You'll travel south through Namibian towns and arrive in Windhoek, the capital city and main commercial hub. A large portion of Namibia's population lives here. Tonight you'll have a chance to get out and enjoy dinner on the town.
Included Activities
- Drive to Windhoek
Optional Activities
- Dinner out in Windhoek
Landmarks/POIs Windhoek - Day 12
Windhoek to Kalahari
You're heading east via Gobabis into the Kalahari Desert, setting up camp near the Botswana border. You'll meet with a local San tribe to learn how they live and survive in these harsh conditions using knowledge passed down through generations.
Included Activities
- Meet with local San tribe
- Learn about San survival in Kalahari
Landmarks/POIs Kalahari Desert - Day 13
Kalahari to Maun
Crossing the border into Botswana, you'll travel to Maun which is the gateway to the Okavango Delta. You'll stock up on supplies here for the delta trip ahead. The rest of the afternoon is free, so you can take a swim in the pool, play volleyball, or just relax with a cold drink.
Included Activities
- Travel to Maun
Optional Activities
- Swimming pool
- Volleyball
Landmarks/POIs Maun Okavango Delta - Day 14
Maun to Okavango Delta
You'll load your gear onto a 4x4 and head past Maun into the wilderness through surrounding settlements. When you reach the water's edge you'll meet the Mokoro polers who'll take you by traditional canoe out onto the waterways to Elephant Camp in the delta. The camp has en-suite tents, a bush toilet, and bucket shower. After settling in you'll take a nature walk before sundown.
Included Activities
- 4x4 transfer to water's edge
- Mokoro pole journey to Elephant Camp
- Nature walk before sundown
Landmarks/POIs Okavango Delta - Day 15
Okavango Delta to Maun
You're up with the African dawn and take one last walk before packing up. Then you'll glide back along the waterways with the polers to their station. The 4x4 takes you back to your Maun camp where the afternoon is relaxed. An optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta is available if you want a different perspective on the waterways.
Included Activities
- Morning nature walk
- Mokoro return journey
- Return to Maun camp
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over Okavango Delta
Landmarks/POIs Okavango Delta - Day 16
Maun to Nata
You're driving through Botswana's rich wildlife habitat along the migratory path from Chobe National Park to the Central Kalahari. Along the way you'll see baobab trees, locally called 'upside down trees' because of their swollen trunks and thin branches. You'll spend the night outside the small town of Nata.
Included Activities
- Drive through wildlife habitat
- Stop to view baobab trees
Landmarks/POIs Chobe National Park Central Kalahari - Day 17
Nata to Kasane
You'll make your way to Kasane in the northern corner of Botswana, the gateway to Chobe National Park. It's the third largest park in the country and the most diverse, home to elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and lots of birdlife including the African fish eagle. A Fish Eagle cruise on the Chobe River lets you watch hippo and maybe elephant or buffalo coming to bathe and drink. The river is a major watering spot for large elephant herds.
Included Activities
- Fish Eagle cruise on Chobe River
Landmarks/POIs Chobe National Park Chobe River - Day 18
Kasane to Zambezi River
You're up early and boarding a game viewing vehicle to explore Chobe National Park. Watch for rare sable or roan antelope with their curved horns. Later you'll cross into Zambia on the busy Kazangula Ferry and travel to camp on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.
Included Activities
- Game drive in Chobe National Park
- Ferry crossing into Zambia
Landmarks/POIs Chobe National Park Kazangula Ferry Zambezi River - Days 19 - 20
Livingstone
You have two full days of free time to explore Livingstone and the surrounding area. You can visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to see Victoria Falls up close. Optional adventures include white water rafting, village visits, biking, fishing, scenic flights, and other activities if you're seeking more adrenaline.
Included Activities
- Visit to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
- View Victoria Falls
Optional Activities
- White water rafting
- Village visits
- Biking
- Fishing trips
- Scenic flights
- Adrenaline activities
Landmarks/POIs Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park Victoria Falls - Day 21
Livingstone to Lusaka
You're heading northeast into the heart of Zambia to Lusaka, the capital city. You'll pass through farming villages and rural settlements where you'll see Zambia's developing economy with recent growth and new developments popping up.
Included Activities
- Drive to Lusaka
Landmarks/POIs Lusaka - Day 22
Lusaka to Petauke
You're traveling along the Great East Road that links Zambia with Malawi, passing through rural villages. You'll cross the impressive Luangwa River bridge before reaching accommodation about 5km from Petauke.
Included Activities
- Drive along Great East Road
Landmarks/POIs Luangwa River - Day 23
Petauke to South Luangwa National Park
Heading north to South Luangwa National Park, you'll find one of the most intense concentrations of animals around the Luangwa River with its oxbow lagoons. Over 60 mammal species and 400+ bird species live in the area across 20,000 sq miles of savannah woodland. You'll set up camp and have the rest of the day at leisure with optional activities available.
Included Activities
- Arrive at South Luangwa National Park camp
Optional Activities
- Optional activities in South Luangwa
Landmarks/POIs South Luangwa National Park Luangwa River - Day 24
South Luangwa to Chipata
In the morning you'll do an open vehicle game drive with a local ranger along the river's edge to see the abundance of animal and birdlife. After the drive you'll make your way to Chipata.
Included Activities
- Open vehicle game drive along river's edge
Landmarks/POIs South Luangwa National Park - Day 25
Chipata to Kande Beach
You're crossing the border into Malawi and heading to a lakeside camp at Kande. Lake Malawi covers almost a fifth of the country and is vital for many Malawians who work as fishermen, fish traders, and canoe makers. You can watch fishermen in their dugout canoes fishing at dawn or by lantern light at night.
Included Activities
- Border crossing into Malawi
- Arrive at Kande lakeside camp
Landmarks/POIs Lake Malawi - Day 26
Kande Beach
This day is free to enjoy the chilled atmosphere of the lake and surroundings. You can do optional snorkel trips to discover the tropical freshwater fish species underwater, or hire a pedalo. Alternatively, meet local people on a village tour to see how they live.
Included Activities
- Free time at Kande Beach
Optional Activities
- Snorkel trip in Lake Malawi
- Pedalo hire
- Village tour
Landmarks/POIs Lake Malawi - Day 27
Kande Beach to Chitimba Beach
You'll take a scenic drive along the lakeside to Mzuzu to stock up on supplies. The town is busy with activity and a great marketplace to explore where local Malawians shop for necessities. In the afternoon you'll arrive at the northern lake and your camp at Chitimba Beach.
Included Activities
- Scenic drive along lakeside
- Stop in Mzuzu
- Marketplace exploration
Landmarks/POIs Mzuzu - Day 28
Chitimba Beach to Iringa
You're saying goodbye to Malawi and crossing the border into Tanzania heading to Iringa, a small farming town in the Tanzanian highlands. The Farmhouse, home to a multi-generational farming family, has become a popular stopover. The altitude means cool nights, perfect for trying Amarula hot chocolate at the camp's bar.
Included Activities
- Border crossing into Tanzania
- Arrive at Farmhouse in Iringa
Optional Activities
- Amarula hot chocolate at camp bar
Landmarks/POIs Iringa - Day 29
Iringa to Mikumi National Park
You're heading east toward Mikumi National Park, the fourth largest in Tanzania. The landscape of endless grassy plains dotted with baobab trees is something to see. The park has 4 of the Big 5 including lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. Optional afternoon game drive, swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and stargazing around an open fire are available.
Included Activities
- Arrive at Mikumi National Park camp
Optional Activities
- Optional afternoon game drive
- Swimming pool access
Landmarks/POIs Mikumi National Park - Day 30
Mikumi to Dar es Salaam
You'll enter the park gates in the morning with eyes open for wildlife along the roadside. Driving through toward coastal Dar es Salaam, traffic and settlements increase as you get closer to the city. You'll see colorful shop-fronts, chaotic transport, and livestock on the roadside showing how locals live.
Included Activities
- Transit through Mikumi National Park
Landmarks/POIs Mikumi National Park Dar es Salaam - Day 31
Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
You're leaving your beachside camp early and heading to the busy ferry port. The ferry takes you to Zanzibar, which operates independently from Tanzania with separate border rules. You'll arrive at Stone Town, the capital of the islands, and head to your lodge. You'll have free time to explore museums, shops, beaches, and optional tours.
Included Activities
- Ferry to Zanzibar
- Arrive at Stone Town
Optional Activities
- Museums
- Shops
- Beaches
- Optional tours
Landmarks/POIs Stone Town - Days 32 - 34
Zanzibar Beaches
You have free time on Zanzibar with a transfer from Stone Town to the northern beaches. You'll relax on the sun-kissed beaches of Nungwi at the northern tip of the island. Optional diving trips to colorful reefs or snorkeling closer to shore are available to explore marine life.
Included Activities
- Transfer to northern beaches
- Beach time in Nungwi
Optional Activities
- Diving to colorful reefs
- Snorkeling near shore
Landmarks/POIs Nungwi Beach - Day 35
Nungwi to Dar es Salaam
You'll do a bit of last-minute shopping in Stone Town before boarding the ferry back to your vehicle on the mainland. You'll spend your final night on the warm beach washed by the Indian Ocean.
Included Activities
- Shopping in Stone Town
- Ferry back to mainland
Landmarks/POIs Stone Town - Day 36
Dar es Salaam to Marangu
You're heading north through smaller villages on your way to Kilimanjaro, arriving at your camp at Marangu, the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. If the weather cooperates you'll catch a glimpse of the snow-peak at 5,895m high, Africa's tallest mountain and the world's tallest free-standing mountain.
Included Activities
- Drive to Kilimanjaro base camp
Landmarks/POIs Mount Kilimanjaro - Day 37
Marangu to Arusha
You'll pass through Moshi on your way to Arusha, the safari capital and halfway point on the Cape to Cairo trade route. Arusha buzzes with tourist activity because of its location on the way to Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti National Parks. This afternoon you'll walk to a local Masai village, visit the Masai museum and local school, check out the clinic, and stop by the Meserani Snake Park.
Included Activities
- Walk to local Masai village
- Visit Masai museum
- Visit local school and clinic
- Visit Meserani Snake Park enclosure
Landmarks/POIs Meserani Snake Park - Day 38
Arusha to Serengeti and Ngorongoro
You'll pack your gear onto safari vehicles and head out on your Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safari. You'll drive through the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area first, then across to the Serengeti plains where you'll spend the afternoon looking for wildlife. Tonight you're camping out in the wilderness with the sounds of the African night all around.
Included Activities
- Drive via Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area
- Afternoon game viewing on Serengeti plains
Landmarks/POIs Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti National Park - Day 39
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
You're up early searching for active predators and their prey. After returning to camp and packing up you'll head back across the plains to your camp on the rim of the Crater. With views down into the crater base this camp has ideal vantage points. The crater is home to abundant wildlife with different habitats in limited space.
Included Activities
- Early morning predator game drive
Landmarks/POIs Ngorongoro Crater - Day 40
Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
You're rising early to take advantage of the cooler morning hours for a game drive. The Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its uniqueness as a wildlife destination. After exploring you'll return to camp and head back to your Acacia vehicle outside Arusha. Tonight you'll share your magnificent Serengeti and Ngorongoro experience with fellow campers.
Included Activities
- Early morning crater game drive
Landmarks/POIs Ngorongoro Crater - Day 41
Arusha to Nairobi
You're crossing the border into Kenya and traveling to Nairobi, the bustling capital known as the garden city. Growing as a hub of commerce and industry in East Africa, you'll stay at a camp on the outskirts with free time to explore the city's nightlife.
Included Activities
- Cross border into Kenya
- Arrive in Nairobi
Optional Activities
- Explore city nightlife
Landmarks/POIs Nairobi - Day 42
Nairobi
You can explore the city checking out museums, cafes, and shops, or head to the elephant orphanage or giraffe center for different wildlife experiences. Alternatively, enjoy downtime at camp catching up on travel journals, blogging, or social media.
Included Activities
- Free time in Nairobi
Optional Activities
- Elephant orphanage visit
- Giraffe center visit
- Museums
- Cafes and shops
Landmarks/POIs Nairobi - Day 43
Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
You're leaving the city hustle behind and traveling via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint to see this geographic feature on the Kenyan landscape. You'll arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park and do a game drive with a resident guide. The shallow soda lake attracts huge bird variety especially flamingos which can gather so densely they form a pink fringe around the lakeshore.
Included Activities
- Great Rift Valley viewpoint visit
- Game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
Landmarks/POIs Great Rift Valley Lake Nakuru National Park - Day 44
Lake Nakuru to Eldoret
You're traveling further through Kenya to Eldoret, Kenya's fifth largest city and a border town. You'll camp outside town at a unique campsite on hilly forest tribal land once home to the ancient Sirikwa tribe. The site has excavations with stone sides called Sirikwa holes believed to have been roofed and occupied by past inhabitants.
Included Activities
- Drive to Eldoret
- Camp at Sirikwa tribal site
Landmarks/POIs Eldoret - Day 45
Eldoret to Kampala
You're crossing the border into Uganda where you'll notice busy boda-boda taxis, lots of foot traffic, and livestock passing by. You'll drive to the capital through lush countryside and farmlands with tropical fruit plantations and rice paddies.
Included Activities
- Cross border into Uganda
- Drive to Kampala
Landmarks/POIs Kampala - Day 46
Kampala to Western Uganda
You're traveling west from Kampala crossing the equator again through fertile green terraced hillsides, lush banana plantations, steep mountains, and tangled forests. From the Acacia vehicle you'll see herds of Ankole cattle with their incredible long curving horns roaming roads and paddocks. You'll arrive at your accommodation to relax and explore the surrounding areas.
Included Activities
- Drive through Uganda's terrain
- Arrive at accommodation
Optional Activities
- Local walks
- Community interaction
- Day 47
Chimpanzee Trek
This morning you'll trek to see chimpanzees. Unlike their larger mountain gorilla cousins, chimps live mostly in the trees so you'll be peering up into the forest canopy. Seeing our closest relative in the wild is a memorable experience. Chimpanzee trek permits are issued by the wildlife authority in small groups.
Included Activities
- Chimpanzee forest trek
- Day 48
Lake Bunyonyi
After your chimpanzee experience you'll continue south to the volcanic mountains and Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa's deepest lakes. Surrounded by terraced farms on the mountain slopes the lake is home to abundant birdlife.
Included Activities
- Drive to Lake Bunyonyi
Landmarks/POIs Lake Bunyonyi - Days 49 - 50
Lake Bunyonyi
You're spending two days at the lake to give those trekking Mountain Gorillas time to trek if they have permits. When not trekking you can visit lake islands, local tribes and villages, orphanages, do birdwatching, or take nature walks. Alternatively relax at camp, work on your travel diary, or read a good book in the tranquil surroundings.
Included Activities
- Accommodation at Lake Bunyonyi
Optional Activities
- Mountain Gorilla trekking (permit holders only)
- Lake island visits
- Local tribe and village visits
- Orphanage visits
- Birdwatching
- Nature walks
Landmarks/POIs Lake Bunyonyi - Day 51
Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala
After your trekking adventure and relaxation at the lake you'll journey back up to Kampala. With vibrant nightlife here tonight offers the perfect chance to get out and enjoy the music, pubs, and bars on the town.
Included Activities
- Return drive to Kampala
Optional Activities
- Kampala nightlife
Landmarks/POIs Kampala - Day 52
Jinja
You're traveling to Jinja on the banks of the Nile, a short distance from Kampala. This is your base for the next few days' activities. Back in 1862 British explorer John Hanning Speke recognized Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile starting a long dispute about Africa's and the world's longest river. From Speke's monument the Nile begins its 4,132-mile journey through Uganda, Sudan, Egypt to the Mediterranean.
Included Activities
- Arrive in Jinja
Landmarks/POIs Nile River Source Lake Victoria - Days 53 - 54
Jinja Nile Activities
You're spending a couple of days on the banks of the Nile with various optional activities available. For adrenaline seekers you can try bungee jumping, kayaking, or white water rafting. Alternatively take quad-bike trips to villages or volunteer with the local Soft Power community project. The murmur of rushing water and lush camp area make for a perfect base to relax.
Included Activities
- Accommodation at Jinja on Nile banks
Optional Activities
- Bungee jumping
- Kayaking
- White water rafting
- Quad-bike trips to villages
- Volunteer with Soft Power community project
Landmarks/POIs Nile River - Day 55
Jinja to Eldoret
You're retracing your steps back across the border into Kenya. You'll spend your last night together at your camp at Eldoret.
Included Activities
- Cross border back into Kenya
- Return to Eldoret
Landmarks/POIs Eldoret - Day 56
Eldoret to Nairobi
You're crossing the equator one final time and heading back up the Rift Valley escarpment to Nairobi where your adventure ends. For those wanting to stay on in the city, post-tour accommodation can be arranged so inquire at booking time to check availability.
Included Activities
- Cross equator
- Return to Nairobi
Optional Activities
- Post-tour accommodation in Nairobi (available for booking)
Landmarks/POIs Great Rift Valley Nairobi
