Itinerary
- Day 1
Nairobi
You can arrive anytime today since there's nothing scheduled until your 6 pm welcome meeting. If you land early, the National Museum of Kenya is worth checking out, or consider the Karen Blixen Museum if literary history interests you. Bomas of Kenya shows traditional tribal homesteads and gives you a real sense of Kenya's cultural diversity before you head to your meeting.
Optional Activities
- National Museum of Kenya visit
- Karen Blixen Museum visit
- Bomas of Kenya visit - traditional tribal homesteads
- Nairobi City Experience Urban Adventure
Landmarks National Museum of Kenya Karen Blixen Museum Bomas of Kenya - Day 2
Nairobi to Mto wa Mbu
Head out early in your overland truck crossing from Kenya into Tanzania. You'll stop to grab cash at an ATM and hit a market for supplies before rolling into Mto wa Mbu. This small village sits away from the main tourist circuits, so you'll get a genuine feel for local African life here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3
Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti
Load your camping gear into a six-person jeep before dawn and drive toward the Serengeti through Ngorongoro Crater. You'll spend 3 to 4 hours on safari in this volcanic caldera where black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos roam. After that, head out to the Serengeti plains where your campsite waits inside the park itself.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Ngorongoro Crater 4x4 game drive
Landmarks Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti National Park 
- Day 4
Serengeti
Get up at dawn for a morning game drive when animals are most active, then head back to camp for brunch around 11 am. The middle of the day is for resting in the shade like the local wildlife do. Later, as things cool off, head back out for an evening game drive before dinner. If you pre-booked, an optional hot air balloon ride includes early pickup and a five-star bush breakfast.
- Meals
- Brunch (Around 11 am at camp), Dinner
Included Activities
- Serengeti National Park morning 4WD safari
- Serengeti National Park afternoon 4WD safari
Optional Activities
- Serengeti hot air balloon ride with bush breakfast
Landmarks Serengeti National Park - Day 5
Serengeti to Mto wa Mbu
Rise with the sun for one final game drive as you leave the Serengeti. Drive back to Mto wa Mbu in your overland vehicle, then set up camp. After that, take a guided walk through the farming areas and local homes to meet community members and see how they live, followed by a local dinner in town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Scrumptious local dinner in town)
Included Activities
- Serengeti morning game drive
- Mto wa Mbu village walk and guided community visit
- Mto wa Mbu local dinner
Landmarks Serengeti National Park - Day 6
Mto wa Mbu to Lushoto
This is a long travel day toward the Usambara Mountains. You'll make a quick supply stop in Arusha to stretch, then continue through changing scenery to Lushoto at about 1400 metres elevation, a former German colony. Camp sits on the grounds of one of Africa's oldest hotels.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Usambara Mountains - Day 7
Lushoto
Walk through the Usambara Mountains today visiting small local communities and experiencing real hospitality. Head out to Irente viewpoint, bringing water and snacks for the walk. On the way back, stop at a local cultural project where lunch is prepared for you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Prepared lunch at local cultural project), Dinner
Included Activities
- Irente viewpoint hike from Lushoto
- Local community visits
- Irente local lunch at cultural project
Landmarks Irente Viewpoint Usambara Mountains - Day 8
Lushoto to Dar es Salaam
Travel south from the mountains to Kipepeo Beach in Dar es Salaam on the coast. Your camp sits right by the beach, so after you arrive and settle in, take a stroll along the shore.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Kipepeo Beach - Day 9
Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
Take the ferry to Zanzibar, Africa's famous Spice Island. Once you arrive, walk through Stone Town at your own pace, getting lost in cobblestone alleyways and admiring the mix of Arabic, African and European architecture. Check out the bustle of Darajani Bazaar. Meet the group at 2 pm for a welcome meeting, then head out for dinner together at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Local restaurant dinner with group)
Optional Activities
- Stone Town self-guided exploration
- Darajani Bazaar visit
Landmarks Stone Town Darajani Bazaar - Day 10
Zanzibar
After checking out this morning, consider booking an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations where you can smell and taste cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample spiced teas. Later, head to the Northern Beaches for white sands and sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Zanzibar spice tour
Landmarks Zanzibar Spice Plantations Northern Beaches, Zanzibar - Day 11
Zanzibar
Start the day with gentle waves and ocean breezes. You have the full day free to enjoy Zanzibar's coastline however you like. Swim in refreshing waters, stretch out under palm trees, or try seafood by the water. Just let the rhythm of island life take over.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Swimming in Indian Ocean
- Beach relaxation
- Seafood dinner by the water
Landmarks Northern Beaches, Zanzibar - Day 12
Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Spend your final morning relaxing on the sandy northern beaches before heading back to Stone Town for a free afternoon and evening. Grab a urojo, a street treat made from potatoes and noodles in turmeric and mango stock. Try sugarcane juice or wander the streets. Since you have a long drive tomorrow, make your free time count.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation
- Stone Town self-guided exploration
- Street food tasting - urojo
- Sugarcane juice
Landmarks Stone Town Northern Beaches, Zanzibar - Day 13
Zanzibar to Mikumi
Take an early 7:30 am ferry to the mainland, then start the long drive to Mikumi. Watch vast Tanzanian plains dotted with baobab and tamarind trees pass by, where you might spot elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and leopards. When you reach camp, your leader helps you set up your tent for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Mikumi National Park - Day 14
Mikumi to Iringa
Get up early for a 4WD game drive into Mikumi National Park with local expert guides. This less visited park has impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas, and you might see a predator too. Afterwards, drive to Iringa and camp on a farmhouse property surrounded by bushland and native birds. End your evening stargazing.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mikumi National Park 4WD game drive
Landmarks Mikumi National Park - Day 15
Iringa to Chitimba
Enter Malawi this morning and travel to your campsite at Chitimba on Lake Malawi. Malawi, called the 'warm heart of Africa,' is dominated by this massive lake covering almost a fifth of the country. In early morning, watch fishermen in traditional bwatos, dugout canoes carved from hollowed tree trunks, work on the still water.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Lake Malawi - Day 16
Chitimba to Kande Beach
Drive from Chitimba to Kande Beach on Lake Malawi's shore. Stop at a shop or market for any supplies you need along the way. Your campsite sits right on the shore, offering a relaxing escape from commercialism and crowds for the next few days on the lake's peaceful beaches.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Kande Beach Lake Malawi - Day 17
Kande Beach
You have free time today to soak in your surroundings on Lake Malawi's sandy shores. Meet some local Malawians, who are often some of the friendliest people in Africa. Rent canoes, bikes or pedalos (paddle boats) if you want to enhance your time here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Canoe hire
- Bike hire
- Pedalo (paddle boat) hire
- Meet local Malawians
Landmarks Kande Beach - Day 18
Kande Beach to South Luangwa
Journey through southern Malawi and cross into Zambia, heading to South Luangwa National Park. Handle border formalities and stock up on goods or grab cash at a local ATM. The animal concentration around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is among Africa's highest, so watch for colourful birds and herds of elephants across beautiful scenery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks South Luangwa National Park Luangwa River - Day 19
South Luangwa
Rise early, grab a light breakfast and head out for a morning game drive in a 4WD with a local guide. Return to camp for an early lunch during the hottest part of the day. Rest in the shade or take an optional village walk to see daily community life. Return to the park for another game drive in the evening as the sun sets.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Light breakfast before morning game drive), Lunch (Early lunch during hottest part of day), Dinner
Included Activities
- South Luangwa National Park morning 4WD game drive
- South Luangwa National Park evening game drive
Optional Activities
- Village walk
Landmarks South Luangwa National Park - Day 20
South Luangwa
After breakfast, visit a workshop where local craftswomen turn recovered snare wire from poaching traps into beautiful jewellery inspired by the African bush. Watch them show you around their workshop and try coiling or hammering the wire yourself. Each sale supports anti-snare patrols focused on conservation. Then head south to Petauke in your vehicle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- South Luangwa anti-poaching jewellery project workshop visit
Landmarks South Luangwa National Park - Day 21
Petauke to Lusaka
Get back on the road this morning heading for your next camp just south of Lusaka City. When you arrive, stretch and take a stroll to discover the town on foot. Though it's developing fast, Lusaka keeps a strong African feel and locals usually enjoy a chat. Your leader will give you insight into the area. Tonight, relax under the stars at camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Lusaka town exploration
Landmarks Lusaka - Day 22
Lusaka to Harare
Travel to Harare today. Head to the Zimbabwe border, handle crossing formalities and continue into Harare. When you arrive, you'll have a chance to explore the town and stock up at a market or local shop.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Harare town exploration
Landmarks Harare - Day 23
Harare to Masvingo
Head to Masvingo, a colonial settlement and Zimbabwe's oldest town. It's the perfect base for seeing Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage site first built in the 11th century and believed to be the seat of power for a monarch. Spend a few hours exploring this ancient site, then head to camp where your night is free to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Great Zimbabwe ruins guided visit
Landmarks Great Zimbabwe - Day 24
Masvingo to Bulawayo
Travel to Bulawayo, known as the 'City of Kings' and Zimbabwe's second largest city. There's impeccable historical architecture to take in here and you can walk around at your own pace. The afternoon is free to explore town or ask your leader about optional activities. You might check out local markets, chat with people or visit the Natural History Museum or National Art Gallery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Bulawayo town exploration
- Local market browsing
- Natural History Museum visit
- National Art Gallery visit
Landmarks Bulawayo Natural History Museum National Art Gallery - Day 25
Bulawayo to Matobo
Get ready to track rhinos on foot with an expert guide in Matobo National Park. The park is known for black and white rhinos and also has klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. Learn about these animals, local plants and trees like wild pear and paperbark. Find San paintings and see the fascinating rock formations. Matobo holds spiritual and cultural significance where important ceremonies still happen.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Matobo National Park rhino tracking on foot
- Matobo National Park guided tour with wildlife and botanical knowledge
- San rock paintings visit
Landmarks Matobo National Park - Day 26
Matobo to Victoria Falls
Leave Bulawayo this morning and drive toward Victoria Falls. Set up camp and have free time to relax, freshen up and plan your next couple of days. Ask your leader for their tips on what to see and do.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Victoria Falls 
- Day 27
Victoria Falls
Spend the day soaking in the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls until your welcome meeting at 4 pm. See the thundering curtain of water about 1.5 km wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. During wet season, spray rises an incredible 400 m and the falls roar. In dry season, the view clears and you can see small islets in the river. After the meeting, grab dinner with your new group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Group dinner after welcome meeting)
Optional Activities
- Victoria Falls viewing and exploration
Landmarks Victoria Falls - Day 28
Victoria Falls
This day is completely free for you to choose your own adventure. Take an optional helicopter flight for a view of the falls from above, visit one of the local breweries for craft beer, or enjoy a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Rest up and get ready for tomorrow's border crossing however you want.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls
- Local brewery visits
- Sunset cruise on Zambezi River
- Victoria Falls activities
Landmarks Victoria Falls Zambezi River - Day 29
Victoria Falls to Chobe
This morning is free to continue enjoying Victoria Falls. Afterwards, travel to Chobe National Park in Botswana via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, a partner of The Intrepid Foundation. Learn about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, human-wildlife conflict and their anti-poaching efforts. Meet rescued or orphaned animals in their care. Continue to Botswana's first national park, famous for high elephant numbers, watching for them swimming in the Chobe River.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust visit
Landmarks Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Chobe National Park Chobe River - Day 30
Chobe
Rise early for a morning game drive through Chobe National Park. Get close to the wildlife and with luck you'll spot a variety of animals and exotic birds. Besides the iconic elephants, the Chobe River attracts hippos and crocodiles sunning by the water's edge. Cheetahs come down for a drink. Birdwatching is excellent here, look for eagles, kingfishers and marabou storks. Afternoon option is a cruise down the Chobe River.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Chobe National Park early-morning 4WD game drive
Optional Activities
- Chobe River boat cruise
Landmarks Chobe National Park Chobe River - Day 31
Chobe to Bagani
Enter Namibia today, driving from Kasane to Ngoma Bridge and on to your camp at Bagani, the homestead of the local Mbukushu kings. Enjoy watching the scenery change with towns, trees and skies rolling past. You'll have the chance to stop at an ATM and a market or shop.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Ngoma Bridge - Day 32
Bagani to Okavango Delta
Cross the border into Botswana and travel south along the Okavango Panhandle to Sepopa. Leave the truck behind as you head deeper into the delta. A boat ride takes you to your mokoro team where you start exploring the Okavango Delta. Each mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, is expertly poled through waterways by a local guide. Camp on a secluded island on your first night, far from civilization.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Okavango Delta mokoro safari
Landmarks Okavango Delta Okavango Panhandle 
- Day 33
Okavango Delta
Continue exploring the delta by mokoro and take a short guided nature walk. Later, head back to Sepopa Camp where you can relax with hot showers, a swimming pool and a small bar. For another perspective, you can take an optional scenic flight over the delta for an unforgettable aerial view.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Okavango Delta mokoro safari
- Guided nature walk
Optional Activities
- Scenic helicopter flight over Okavango Delta
Landmarks Okavango Delta - Day 34
Okavango Delta to Bagani
Cross back into Namibia and return to Bagani to camp for the night. Various boat trips and guided hikes are possible from Bagani if you want activity. Those feeling bold might challenge local kids to a soccer match, though winning isn't guaranteed. Retire to your camp in the evening and enjoy this break from the road.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Boat trips from Bagani
- Guided hikes from Bagani
- Soccer match with local kids
Landmarks Bagani - Day 35
Bagani to Grootfontein
Drive to your camp located 50 km outside of Grootfontein. The town of Grootfontein, part of the Otavi Triangle, gets very green in warmer months but dries out noticeably in winter. If it's springtime, you'll likely see jacarandas in bloom.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Grootfontein - Day 36
Grootfontein
Start a 180 km round trip to visit the San people. The oldest inhabitants of southern Africa, the San have lived in this region for at least 20,000 years. Listen to their stories and songs and learn how those who follow traditional ways emphasize living in harmony with the environment.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- San Bushman cultural experience and visit
- Day 37
Grootfontein to Etosha
Head to Etosha National Park this morning. While the park has a wide range of southern Africa's wildlife including big carnivores, it's known for five rare or endangered species: black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Game viewing is relatively easy with man-made waterholes and large sparsely vegetated pans. Take an optional evening game drive, then spend the night at Namutoni. Accommodation upgrades are available here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Etosha evening game drive
Landmarks Etosha National Park Namutoni 
- Day 38
Etosha
Enjoy a full day game drive in Etosha National Park. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so significant numbers of elephants, antelope and other herbivores live here. The park also has roughly 340 bird species, so watch the skies for soaring eagles. Tonight you'll stay at spectacular Okaukuejo Camp overlooking a floodlit waterhole visited by many species throughout the day and night. No upgrades available at this location.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Camp - Day 39
Etosha to Spitzkoppe
Travel to Spitzkoppe mountain today. The wild lands around this granite peak are some of Namibia's most striking areas. The mountain itself is 700 million years old and stands 1987 m high. While climbing to the top isn't advisable, the area is rich in plant life and has some bush paintings. Make sure to catch the sunset from your bush camp this evening when the landscape glows with orange and red.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Spitzkoppe San rock painting guided walk
Landmarks Spitzkoppe - Day 40
Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund
Continue to Swakopmund on the coast. Be dazzled by the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shores of Cape Cross while traveling up the Atlantic Coast. You'll be able to stop along the way to access an ATM and market if you need supplies.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cape Cross seal colony visit
Landmarks Cape Cross - Day 41
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is surrounded by massive dune fields of the Namib Desert on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, showing German culture found in all major Namibian settlements. Use your free time to wander the streets and explore at your own pace or ask your leader for recommendations on activities and dining options.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Swakopmund town exploration
- Swakopmund Museum visit
Landmarks Swakopmund - Day 42
Swakopmund
Another free day to enjoy this fun beachside town. If history and culture interest you, stop at the lighthouse or visit the Swakopmund Museum. Active types and thrill-seekers can take advantage of the many outdoor activities offered here, this town is Namibia's adventure sports center.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Swakopmund Museum visit
- Lighthouse visit
- Adventure sports activities
- Horse riding
- Other outdoor activities
Landmarks Swakopmund Swakopmund Lighthouse - Day 43
Swakopmund to Sesriem
Drive to Sesriem, your base for exploring the incredible Namib Desert region. The most famous part is its vast dune fields, most striking near Sesriem Canyon. This canyon was carved when the Tsauchab River cut a gorge 30 metres into gravel deposits about 15 million years ago. The river now flows out to dune fields stretching hundreds of miles up the coast and dries up at Sossusvlei. The dunes, the highest in the world, display magnificent flaming tones created by brightly coloured sands.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Sesriem Canyon Sossusvlei Namib Desert 
- Day 44
Sesriem to Bethanie
Wake before dawn and scramble to the top of the dunes for a dramatic sunrise across a vast sea of sand. The colour changes are incredible and provide a great setting for your brunch. Afterwards jump in a pickup truck heading to Sossusvlei, the incredible salt and clay pan nearby. Spend time exploring this mysterious desert oddity. Later, continue past the small town of Bethanie to your camp with basic facilities including showers, flush toilets, wi-fi and optional upgrades.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Brunch after dune sunrise), Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Sesriem dune sunrise and breakfast
- Sossusvlei 4x4 tour
Landmarks Sossusvlei Namib Desert Dunes Bethanie - Day 45
Bethanie to Fish River Canyon
Check out the town of Bethanie before heading further south into Namibia's vast desert lands toward Fish River Canyon. At 500 m deep and over 160 km long, Fish River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world. During dry season, the riverbed tends to dry completely, leaving only puddles. In wet season after summer rains, the river becomes a raging torrent. Year-round there are remarkable photographic opportunities as granite rocks change colour with the setting sun.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Fish River Canyon entrance visit
Landmarks Fish River Canyon - Day 46
Fish River Canyon to Noordoewer
Leave Fish River Canyon and travel to Noordoewer in southern Namibia. Pitch your tent on the scenic banks of the Gariep (Orange) River, which stretches 2200 kilometres as the longest river in Lesotho. The river's source is high in the Drakensberg mountains and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay in South Africa. The Orange River transports diamonds and creates the deposits found along the Namibian coast.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Gariep River (Orange River) - Day 47
Noordoewer to Klawer
Depart your camp first thing in the morning heading to Klawer, a town named after the Afrikaans word for a wild clover that blooms after rainfall. The surrounding countryside is beautiful and if time allows, you'll explore some of it. Perhaps take a walk around nearby mountains and farms before settling in for a relaxing evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Klawer town exploration
- Walks around mountains and farms
- Winery visit and tasting
Landmarks Klawer - Day 48
Klawer to Cape Town
Head to Cape Town this morning where your trip ends. The city has a striking coastline, modern cityscape, nearby mountains and vineyards within reach, making it one of Africa's most exciting cities. There's no accommodation provided tonight, but this can be arranged, please inquire at booking.
Optional Activities
- Cape Town harbour cruise
- Table Mountain hike
- Table Mountain aerial cable car
- Robben Island tour
- Best of the Cape combo tour
- Cape Peninsula and SUP tour
- Robben Island and Table Mountain tour
- Winelands tour full day
- Winelands tour half day
- Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain tour
- Township experience half day
- City and waterfront tour half day
- Cape Peninsula and Kirstenbosch tour
- District Six and Bo-Kapp cultural tour
Landmarks Cape Town Table Mountain Robben Island
