Itinerary
- Day 1
Cape Town
You'll land in Cape Town and settle into this vibrant coastal city. If your flight gets in early, there's time to walk through Newlands Forest, take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway up for views, or check out Cape Town Stadium by the waterfront. Your welcome meeting happens at 6 pm this evening.
Optional Activities
- Walk in Newlands Forest
- Table Mountain Aerial Cableway ride
- Visit Cape Town Stadium
- Welcome dinner with group
Landmarks Table Mountain Cape Town Stadium Newlands Forest V&A Waterfront 
- Day 2
Western Cape
Head north from Cape Town through the Western Cape's open countryside and stay at a working farm. This gives you a real sense of daily life in this remote part of South Africa. The mountains and farms around you are great for walking, so spend time exploring on foot before settling in for the night.
Optional Activities
- Walk around nearby mountains and farms
- Day 3
Orange River
Travel to the Orange River, which forms the natural border between South Africa and Namibia. You'll pass through Namaqualand where wildflowers bloom from late July through mid-September. The Orange River is South Africa's longest at 2,200 km, flowing from Lesotho's Drakensberg Mountain Range all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
Landmarks Orange River Namaqualand - Day 4
Fish River Canyon
Start with an optional canoe trip on the Orange River if you're interested in a leisurely float. From there, head west into Namibia's desert toward Fish River Canyon, one of the world's largest canyons at 500 meters deep and over 160 km long. The granite rocks shift color as the sun sets, creating great photo chances.
Included Activities
- Fish River Canyon - Canyon entrance
Optional Activities
- Canoe adventure on Orange River
Landmarks Fish River Canyon Orange River 
- Day 5
Sesriem Canyon & Namib Desert
This is a long drive toward Namibia's famous sand dunes. Stop at a market or shop to grab supplies before reaching the bush camp. Once you arrive, take in the desert landscape and get settled. You're heading to the Namib Desert near Sesriem Canyon, surrounded by vast dune fields. Get an early night since you're waking before dawn tomorrow.
Optional Activities
- Market or shop visit for supplies
Landmarks Sesriem Canyon Namib Desert - Day 6
Sossusvlei & Dune Sunrise
Wake before dawn and climb to the top of the dunes to watch the sunrise across endless sand. Some of the world's highest dunes surround you and the colors are incredible. After brunch, jump into a pickup truck to visit Sossusvlei, a salt and clay pan nearby. Explore on your own before heading back to the bush camp in the heart of the Namib Desert.
- Meals
- Brunch
Included Activities
- Sossusvlei - 4x4 Tour
- Sesriem - Sand dunes visit
Landmarks Sossusvlei Namib Desert Dunes 
- Day 7
Swakopmund
Travel to Swakopmund, a seaside town with massive Namib Desert dune fields on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean on the fourth. The town has an interesting German-Namibian atmosphere that's fun to walk around. If you're interested in history, the Swakopmund Museum (Namibia's largest privately run museum) has zoology, geology, and technology exhibits.
Optional Activities
- Swakopmund Museum visit
Landmarks Swakopmund Museum - Day 8
Swakopmund
You have a free day to explore Swakopmund. Wander the Germanic architecture, do some shopping for souvenirs, or visit the lighthouse and museum if history interests you. If you're after adventure, this town is Namibia's adventure-sports capital with plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.
Optional Activities
- Visit lighthouse
- Swakopmund Museum visit
- Adventure sports activities
Landmarks Swakopmund Lighthouse Swakopmund Museum - Day 9
Swakopmund
Another free day in Swakopmund. You might relax with a book and a swim, or venture about 12 km east to Okakambe Trails or the Camel Farm. A horse ride or camel ride gives you a different way to see the desert landscape.
Optional Activities
- Swimming
- Okakambe Trails visit
- Camel Farm visit
- Horse ride
- Camel ride
Landmarks Okakambe Trails - Day 10
Cape Cross & Spitzkoppe
Head to Spitzkoppe today and see thousands of olive-colored seals on the Atlantic Coast at Cape Cross. Then visit one of Namibia's most striking areas around Spitzkoppe, also called the Matterhorn of Namibia. There are great hikes and guided walks through plant-rich terrain with thousands of ancient Bushmen rock art paintings. Watch for spectacular orange and red colors at sunset from your bush camp.
Included Activities
- Cape Cross Nature Reserve - Cape Cross seal colony
Optional Activities
- Hikes and guided walks at Spitzkoppe
Landmarks Cape Cross Spitzkoppe - Day 11
Etosha National Park
Travel to Etosha National Park this morning and stop at a market, shop, or ATM if needed. Etosha ranks among the world's best wildlife viewing spots with southern African animals roaming freely including all big carnivores and rare species like black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, and black-faced impala. Stay at Okaukuejo Camp overlooking a floodlit waterhole where animals visit throughout the day and night.
Included Activities
- Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Optional Activities
- Evening game drive at Etosha National Park
Landmarks Etosha National Park 
- Day 12
Etosha National Park
Spend a full day game driving through Etosha National Park. Game viewing is relatively straightforward thanks to constructed waterholes and large open pans. The bushland can be thick, but clearings, pans, and waterholes usually provide good sightings. Look for elephants, antelope, and other herbivores. By evening you'll move to Namutoni Camp.
Included Activities
- Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Landmarks Etosha National Park - Day 13
Grootfontein
Leave Etosha National Park and travel to a camp located 50 km outside Grootfontein, your base for visiting the San people tomorrow. When you arrive, stretch your legs, take a swim if you want, and relax with other travelers for an easy evening.
Optional Activities
- Swimming
Landmarks Etosha National Park - Day 14
San Bushman Cultural Experience
Do a 180-km round-trip to visit the San people today. Walk with some of the tribe, listen to their stories and songs in Khoisan, the 'clicking' language. The San are Namibia's oldest ethnic group with 20,000 years in southern Africa. Around 30,000 live in Namibia today, but only 2,000 still follow traditional ways. Experience their deep knowledge of nature and ecology.
Included Activities
- Grootfontein - San Bushman cultural experience
- Day 15
Bagani
Head to Bagani, a small and friendly town with nice spots to relax and catch the sunset over the Okavango River. You might spot hippos grunting as they come out of the water to graze. This area is the homestead of the local Mbukushu kings.
Landmarks Okavango River - Day 16
Okavango Delta
Cross the border into Botswana and head south along the Okavango Panhandle to Sepopa. Leave your vehicle behind and travel by boat into the delta to your bush camp on an island. Punt past birds and lily pads while occasionally hearing hippos interrupt the quiet with their grunts.
Included Activities
- Okavango Delta - Boat Safari
Landmarks Okavango Delta Okavango Panhandle 
- Day 17
Okavango Delta Mokoro Safari
After breakfast, head out for a mokoro experience in a small dugout canoe with a local tribesman poling you through meandering waterways. Take a short nature walk with your guide to see beautiful surroundings, learn local history, and look for birds and occasionally elephants. Return by boat to Sepopa Camp with hot showers, a pool, and a small bar.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
- Okavango Delta - Nature Walk
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over Okavango Delta
Landmarks Okavango Delta - Day 18
Bagani
Leave the delta and return to Bagani by boat. When you arrive, there's time for an optional boat trip or a sunset cruise if you want. Otherwise, relax and recharge at camp.
Optional Activities
- Boat trip
- Sunset cruise
Landmarks Okavango River - Day 19
Chobe National Park
From Bagani, drive to Chobe National Park. Grab a window seat and watch the rolling landscape go by. Enter at the Goma border, the gateway to the park. Once you arrive, take an optional cruise down the Chobe River, one of the best ways to see hippos, elephants, and buffalo.
Optional Activities
- Chobe River cruise
Landmarks Chobe National Park Chobe River 
- Day 20
Chobe National Park
Do an early-morning game drive through Chobe National Park to get close to wildlife. With some luck, you'll spot lions, buffalo, and exotic birds. The park is famous for its elephant population, so keep an eye out for herds walking or swimming in the Chobe River. The river also has buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles. In the afternoon, there are optional boat cruises or game drives for different viewing angles.
Included Activities
- Chobe National Park - Dawn 4WD Safari
Optional Activities
- Afternoon boat cruise
- Afternoon game drive
Landmarks Chobe National Park Chobe River - Day 21
Victoria Falls
Travel to Victoria Falls this morning, crossing into Zimbabwe in time for lunch on the Zambezi River banks. Set up camp and take free time to relax, freshen up, and plan your next couple of days. Ask your local leader for tips on what to see and do.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River)
Landmarks Zambezi River 
- Day 22
Victoria Falls
Spend the day experiencing Victoria Falls, a thundering curtain of water roughly 1.5 km wide falling 108 meters into a narrow gorge. In the wet season, spray rises an incredible 400 meters creating a raging torrent. In the dry season, you can see the falls clearly and little islets in the river below. Your welcome meeting is at 4 pm, after that grab dinner with your group.
Optional Activities
- Victoria Falls exploration
Landmarks Victoria Falls - Day 23
Victoria Falls
You have a completely free day to choose your own adventure at Victoria Falls. Consider an optional helicopter flight for an aerial view, visit one of the local breweries for craft beer, or enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Rest up and get ready for tomorrow's border crossing into Zambia.
Optional Activities
- Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls
- Local brewery visit
- Sunset cruise on Zambezi River
Landmarks Victoria Falls Zambezi River - Day 24
Lusaka
Travel to Lusaka this morning. It's a long drive, so settle in with a good book or catch up on podcasts. Cross from Zimbabwe into Zambia, then continue to your campsite on a private farm surrounded by natural bushland just outside the city. When you arrive, set up camp and explore the area, perhaps spotting impala, giraffes, or zebras.
- Day 25
Lower Zambezi National Park
After breakfast, travel to Lower Zambezi National Park on the Zimbabwean border, famous for its spectacular Zambezi River valley and abundant wildlife including fish eagles, buffalo, and elephants. Tonight, camp in the wildlife-rich Chiawa area surrounded by native bush with animals roaming freely through camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Lower Zambezi National Park - Day 26
Lower Zambezi National Park
Do a full-day safari through one of Zambia's best wildlife viewing areas. Lower Zambezi National Park sits along a wide floodplain of the Zambezi River dotted with acacias and towering trees, framed by dramatic slopes covered in thick miombo woodland. Across the river sits Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park. Keep watch for elephants, leopards, lions, cheetahs, and birds.
Included Activities
- Lower Zambezi National Park - Full Day Safari
Landmarks Lower Zambezi National Park Mana Pools National Park - Day 27
Petauke
Wake early and begin your journey to Petauke in Zambia's Eastern Province. Watch the scenery change from open plains to rural villages and bustling roadside markets, offering a real glimpse into daily Zambian life. Tonight, rest at your camp under the African sky.
- Day 28
South Luangwa National Park
After breakfast, visit a workshop in South Luangwa where local craftswomen turn snare wire from poaching traps into jewelry inspired by the African bush. Watch them work, then try coiling or hammering wire yourself. Continue through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park. When you arrive, go on a game walk or river trip to see the park's scenery as the sun sets.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- South Luangwa - Anti-Poaching Jewelery Project
Optional Activities
- Game walk or river trip at sunset
Landmarks South Luangwa National Park - Day 29
Chipata
After breakfast, spot iconic African wildlife on a 4WD safari with a local guide. Look for elephants, buffalo, leopards, Thornicroft's giraffes, and lions. Learn about the region's diverse landscapes and animals, then head to your next camp near Chipata for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- South Luangwa National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
Landmarks South Luangwa National Park - Day 30
Lake Malawi
Cross the border into Malawi and head straight to your camp on the shores of Lake Malawi. The country is dominated by this lake, which covers almost a fifth of it and provides livelihoods for many through fishing and canoe making. Your campsite sits right on the shore so you can relax on the beach after today's drive.
Landmarks Lake Malawi - Day 31
Lake Malawi
Enjoy a free day soaking up Lake Malawi's sandy shores. Take a dip in the lake, explore by bike, or join a guided snorkelling trip. The lake's high alkalinity creates an abundance of brightly colored fish and few plants, giving you a tropical, ocean-like snorkelling experience in a landlocked freshwater lake. Tonight, find a local restaurant for dinner.
Optional Activities
- Swimming
- Bicycle exploration
- Guided snorkelling trip
Landmarks Lake Malawi - Day 32
Chitimba
Drive to your camp in Chitimba along Lake Malawi's coast with lovely beaches, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere. When you arrive, take a stroll and get to know this different part of the lake. Enjoy the scenery of banana palms, papaya trees, and the Livingstonia and Nyika mountains nearby.
Landmarks Lake Malawi Livingstonia Mountains Nyika Mountains - Day 33
Chitimba
This morning you can take an optional walk through the nearby village to meet some local Malawians, easily some of Africa's friendliest people. Enjoy a free afternoon relaxing on the lake's sandy shores. Take a dip or try cycling to the hilly villages. Cool off with an optional snorkelling trip with a local guide, experiencing tropical ocean-like conditions in a landlocked freshwater lake.
Optional Activities
- Village walk
- Swimming
- Cycling to hilly villages
- Guided snorkelling trip
Landmarks Lake Malawi - Day 34
Mikumi National Park
Drive to the edge of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania's fourth largest, situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free to explore on your own. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner
Landmarks Mikumi National Park Uluguru Mountains - Day 35
Mikumi National Park
Explore Mikumi National Park off the main routes, a landscape of baobab-studded plains and open savannahs. Tanzania's fourth largest national park is near Morogoro. Join an expert guide on a 4WD safari to see buffalo herds, wildebeest, giraffe, elephant, and zebra.
Included Activities
- Mikumi National Park - 4WD Safari
Landmarks Mikumi National Park - Day 36
Kipepo Beach
Relax and enjoy the scenic drive to Kipepo Beach on white sandy shores on Dar es Salaam's south coast. When you arrive, set up camp and take time to stroll along the shore. Your camp is on the grounds of a hotel right next to the beach, perfect for a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean.
Landmarks Kipepo Beach - Day 37
Dar es Salaam
You have a free day to explore on your own. Spend it at the beach or head into Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city and cultural center. Start at Kivukoni Fish Market where fishing dhows unload fresh catch as the city wakes up. In the city center, tea vendors sell spicy samosas, and the African, Arabic, Indian, and German architecture tells Dar's rich cultural story.
Optional Activities
- Beach day
- Dar es Salaam exploration
- Kivukoni Fish Market visit
- City centre exploration
Landmarks Kivukoni Fish Market - Day 38
Zanzibar
Catch a ferry to Zanzibar, Africa's famous Spice Island. On arrival, explore Zanzibar City on your own. Get lost in the cobblestone alleyways of Stone Town, see the Arabic, African, and European architecture, or soak up the bustling atmosphere of Darajani Bazaar. Your welcome meeting is at 2 pm to meet new travelers. After, head out for dinner at a local restaurant.
Optional Activities
- Stone Town exploration
- Darajani Bazaar visit
Landmarks Stone Town Darajani Bazaar - Day 39
Zanzibar Northern Beaches
After checking out of Stone Town, consider booking an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations to learn about the spice trade. Smell and taste cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, and sample teas made with these spices. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches where white sands and sparkling blue seas await.
- Meals
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Guided spice plantation tour
Landmarks Zanzibar Spice Plantations 
- Day 40
Zanzibar Northern Beaches
Ease into the day with gentle waves and soft ocean breezes. You have a full day free to enjoy Zanzibar's coastline, so take a refreshing swim, stretch out on the beach beneath the palms, or have a seafood dinner by the water. Today is about slowing down and letting the rhythm of island life take over.
Optional Activities
- Swimming
- Beach relaxation
- Seafood dinner by the water
Landmarks Zanzibar Northern Beaches - Day 41
Bagamoyo
Say goodbye to Zanzibar's northern beaches this morning and travel back to Stone Town. Meet new group members at an 11 am welcome meeting before taking the ferry back to Dar es Salaam. Say hello to your driver and cook before boarding your overland vehicle for the short drive to camp in Bagamoyo, a lovely beach spot.
Landmarks Stone Town - Day 42
Usambara Mountains
Travel into the remote Usambara Mountains of Tanzania (around 7 hours). This unspoilt area sees very few tourists, making it perfect for soaking in your surroundings. The forests stretch across the mountains and are great for easy hikes and guided walks. Your base is Lushoto, an old German colony where you'll stay at one of Africa's earliest hotels.
Landmarks Usambara Mountains Lushoto - Day 43
Usambara Mountains
Explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains and experience gentle hospitality visiting small communities. Hike to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint and pack water and snacks in a day pack. On your way back, visit a local cultural project at Irente farm and enjoy a locally prepared lunch.
- Meals
- Lunch (Locally prepared lunch at Irente farm)
Included Activities
- Irente - Lushoto hike
- Irente - Local lunch
Landmarks Irente Viewpoint Irente Farm - Day 44
Arusha
Journey from the scenic Usambara Mountains to Arusha. There are no planned activities, so enjoy the drive through Tanzania's picturesque landscapes as you head to the gateway of the northern safari circuit. Upon arrival at your campsite on the town's outskirts, unwind and settle in for a restful evening.
Landmarks Arusha - Day 45
Karatu
After breakfast, head to Karatu, the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater. Hike through Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves and Endoro waterfalls. The calcium-rich caves got their name from elephants visiting to eat mineral-rich dust. With a local guide and armed ranger, explore the rainforest and spot animal tracks, birdlife, and wild landscapes. Visit Karatu village for a coffee farm tour. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner with a local Tanzanian family.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional home-cooked dinner with local Tanzanian family)
Included Activities
- Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek
- Karatu - Home-Cooked Dinner
- Karatu - Coffee Farm Tour
Landmarks Ngorongoro Crater Elephant Caves Endoro Waterfalls - Day 46
Serengeti National Park
Get up early, pack your gear into a six-person jeep, and head to the Serengeti via Ngorongoro Crater. Do a safari in the crater spending 3-4 hours exploring this perfectly intact volcanic crater. Watch for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras, and hippos. Move on to the open plains of the Serengeti. Green after rains, brown and burnt in dry season, it's the quintessential Africa image. Your campsite is within the Serengeti itself.
Included Activities
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
Landmarks Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti National Park 
- Day 47
Serengeti National Park
Wake at dawn and head out on a game drive while animals are most active. Return to camp for brunch around 11 am. Spend the middle of the day relaxing like the animals do, then head out again as it cools. You'll return in time for dinner. Alternatively, pre-book a balloon ride over the park for the morning. If you do, you'll be picked up before dawn for a safety briefing and glide through the dawn sometimes at tree height. After landing, enjoy a five-star bush breakfast before returning to camp.
- Meals
- Brunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Balloon ride over the park
Landmarks Serengeti National Park 
- Day 48
Mto wa Mbu
Rise with the sun and enjoy another game drive as you leave the Serengeti. Jump back into your overland vehicle and head for Mto wa Mbu. After setting up camp, take a guided stroll through farming areas, local homes, and farmlands to get to know the local community and their way of life. Later, enjoy a scrumptious locally prepared dinner in town.
- Meals
- Dinner (Locally prepared dinner in town)
Included Activities
- Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
Landmarks Mto wa Mbu - Day 49
Nairobi
Set off early and cross the Kenyan border, then continue to Nairobi. You'll be dropped at the finishing point hotel in Nairobi where your trip ends. If you'd like to stay longer, speak to your booking agent about extending your stay.
Landmarks Nairobi
