Itinerary
- Day 1
Nairobi
You'll arrive in Nairobi for a 6 pm welcome meeting. If you get there early, the city has plenty to offer - walk around and check out the bars, restaurants, markets and shops to get a feel for the local atmosphere. After meeting your group, you'll head out for a welcome dinner together.
Optional Activities
- Explore Nairobi's bars and restaurants
- Browse local markets and craft shops
- Welcome dinner with group
Landmarks/POIs Nairobi - Day 2
Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
Head northwest toward Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley. Along the way you'll pass through some incredible scenery with views of the Rift Valley and Lakes Naivasha and Elementaita. Once you arrive, there's time for a short evening game drive along the lake where you might spot rhinos and other wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Overland vehicle game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
Landmarks/POIs Rift Valley Lake Naivasha Lake Elementaita Lake Nakuru National Park - Day 3
Lake Nakuru National Park to Eldoret
Start early for a full-day game drive as you leave Lake Nakuru. Grab breakfast and lunch at the gate, then drive northwest to Eldoret, one of Kenya's fastest-growing cities. After you settle in, enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite just outside town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional dinner at campsite)
Included Activities
- Morning overland vehicle game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
Landmarks/POIs Lake Nakuru National Park Eldoret - Day 4
Eldoret to Kampala, Uganda
Today marks a long travel day crossing the Kenya-Uganda border as you head to Kampala. Since it's a substantial drive, you'll stay at a hotel tonight instead of camping. After arriving, you'll have a hotel dinner and can rest up for the days ahead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Hotel-prepared dinner)
Landmarks/POIs Kampala - Day 5
Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park and set up camp. Once you're settled, you have the choice to take a boat cruise along Kazinga Channel. From the water you can spot pelicans, eagles, hippos and various birds, or just relax at camp if you prefer.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Boat cruise along Kazinga Channel
Landmarks/POIs Queen Elizabeth National Park Kazinga Channel - Day 6
Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kalinzu Forest National Park
Start your morning with a leisurely overland game drive looking for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. From there, head to nearby Kalinzu Forest National Park where you'll set up camp. Later, walk around the area with your group to search for chimpanzees, colobuses, baboons, monkeys and forest hogs.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Overland vehicle game drive at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Landmarks/POIs Queen Elizabeth National Park Kalinzu Forest National Park - Day 7
Kalinzu Forest National Park to Lake Mutanda, Kisoro
This morning you can choose to take an excursion to see chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest, or stay relaxed at camp. Later, travel southwest to Kisoro on the Uganda-Rwanda border. You'll camp on Lake Mutanda's shore with Virunga Mountains in view. Spend your evening swimming, relaxing or looking for weaver bird nests and African clawless otters.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Chimpanzee excursion in Kalinzu Forest
Landmarks/POIs Kalinzu Forest National Park Lake Mutanda Virunga Mountain range - Day 8
Mountain Gorilla Trek
With a local ranger and gorilla trackers, you'll climb through the rugged mountain terrain of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Only eight people per day visit each habituated gorilla family, so this is a rare opportunity. You'll watch the gorillas as they eat, sleep, groom and play, led by a great male silverback.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mountain gorilla permit and trek in Bwindi National Park
Landmarks/POIs Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Day 9
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Kisoro
If you didn't finish your gorilla visit yesterday, you'll head out again today. Otherwise, you have a free day with several options available. Consider additional rainforest hikes to see monkeys, nature walks, or if you're interested, an optional day trip across the border to Rwanda to visit the genocide memorial, art museum or Nyamirambo women's center.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Complete gorilla visit (if not finished on Day 8)
- Rainforest hikes to see monkeys
- Nature walks
- Day excursion to Rwanda - genocide memorial, art museum and Nyamirambo women's center
Landmarks/POIs Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Day 10
Bwindi to Mbarara
Begin your long journey back toward Kampala with an overnight stop in Mbarara to break things up. There's not much to do around town, so this is a good time to recharge, relax at camp or catch up on reading before continuing tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Mbarara - Day 11
Mbarara to Jinja
Continue inland toward Jinja, one of Uganda's highlights. The town sits at the source of the Nile River and has earned a reputation as the adventure capital. You'll camp at a scenic riverside site and rest up for tomorrow's activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Jinja Nile River Source - Day 12
Free Day
You have a full free day in Jinja to enjoy at your own pace. Located where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria, this destination attracts adventurers and eco-travelers. You can choose from optional activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking along the river, or taking a boat cruise to the Nile source.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Whitewater rafting
- Kayaking on the Nile River
- Boat cruise to the source of the Nile
Landmarks/POIs Jinja Nile River Lake Victoria - Day 13
Jinja to Kericho, Kenya
Start heading back to Kenya and Nairobi, stopping overnight in Kericho, one of Kenya's popular towns. The area is surrounded by thick tea plantations and sits on the edge of the South-Western Mau National Reserve. You'll visit a tea plantation and learn from locals about how tea farming works here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tea plantation visit and learning about tea farming process
Landmarks/POIs Kericho South-Western Mau National Reserve - Day 14
Kericho to Maasai Mara National Park
Drive to the famous Maasai Mara National Park. Stop in Loita Hills at Tepesua Village where Maasai warriors welcome you with traditional song and dance. Learn about Maasai culture and meet women who make eco-friendly handbags and backpacks. Continue to Maasai Mara and take an early evening 4WD game drive across the sparse open plains.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Maasai village visit in Loita Hills with traditional welcome and cultural talk
- 4WD safari in Maasai Mara National Park - early evening game drive
Landmarks/POIs Loita Hills Tepesua Village Maasai Mara National Park - Day 15
Full Day Safari
This morning, you have the optional chance to take a balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise if you've pre-booked. You'll be picked up before dawn and get briefed by your pilot before gliding through the skies for photos, then enjoy a bush breakfast. Spend the full day on 4WD safari with expert local guides exploring the park and viewing wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Full day 4WD safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve with expert local guides
Optional Activities
- Hot air balloon ride over Maasai Mara at sunrise (must be pre-booked)
Landmarks/POIs Maasai Mara National Park - Day 16
Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Make your way back to Nairobi and settle into your hotel. You'll have the evening to yourself before attending a second welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your new travel group for the next leg of the journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Nairobi - Day 17
Nairobi to Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania
Depart early in your overland truck toward Tanzania. Keep your passport handy as you cross the Kenya-Tanzania border. Stop at an ATM and market to stock up on supplies. Arrive at Mto wa Mbu, a small village that offers a genuine snapshot of small-town African life, well off the standard tourist trail.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Mto wa Mbu - Day 18
Mto wa Mbu to Serengeti via Ngorongoro Crater
Wake up early, pack your gear into a six-person jeep and head into the Serengeti through the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a 3-4 hour safari spotting black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. Around 30,000 animals live on the crater floor year-round. Continue to the Serengeti's wide-open plains and camp within the park, falling asleep to the sounds of nocturnal animals.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- 4x4 game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti safari experience
Landmarks/POIs Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti National Park - Day 19
Game Drives
Get up at dawn for a game drive while animals are most active, then return to camp for brunch around 11 am. Spend the middle of the day resting like the animals do. Head out again as it cools for a second game drive and return for dinner. An optional hot air balloon ride over the park is available this morning as an alternative to some drives, followed by a five-star bush breakfast.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Morning 4WD game drive in Serengeti
- Afternoon/evening game drive in Serengeti
Optional Activities
- Hot air balloon ride over Serengeti at dawn (must be pre-booked)
Landmarks/POIs Serengeti National Park - Day 20
Serengeti to Mto wa Mbu
Rise early and enjoy another game drive as you leave the Serengeti. Jump back into your overland vehicle heading to Mto wa Mbu. After you set up camp, take a guided walk through farming areas, local homes and farmlands to meet the community and learn about their daily life. End with a local dinner in town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Local dinner in town)
Included Activities
- Morning game drive leaving Serengeti
- Guided village walk through farming areas and local homes
- Local dinner in town
Landmarks/POIs Serengeti National Park Mto wa Mbu - Day 21
Mto wa Mbu to Lushoto, Usambara Mountains
Prepare for a long travel day heading toward the Usambara Mountains. Stretch your legs during a supply stop in Arusha, then continue watching Tanzania's changing scenery, reading or getting to know your fellow travelers. Your base is Lushoto, an old German colony and home to the Wasambaa people. This highland town sits at about 1400 metres and you'll camp on the grounds of one of Africa's oldest hotels.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Arusha Usambara Mountains Lushoto - Day 22
Lushoto Exploration
Spend the day exploring the beautiful, unspoilt Usambara Mountains. Very few tourists come to this area, so it has an authentic feel. The real draw here is the local people and villages. Visit communities to experience genuine hospitality. Take a walk to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint, bringing water and snacks. On the way back, stop at a local cultural project where you'll have a prepared lunch.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Local lunch at cultural project), Dinner
Included Activities
- Irente viewpoint hike in Usambara Mountains
- Local community visits
- Local lunch at cultural project
Landmarks/POIs Usambara Mountains Irente Viewpoint Lushoto - Day 23
Lushoto to Dar es Salaam Coastal Beach
Leave the mountains behind and travel south to the coastal town of Kipepeo Beach in Dar es Salaam. Your camp is right by the beach, so take advantage of it. Consider taking a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Dar es Salaam Kipepeo Beach - Day 24
Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Stone Town
Catch a ferry to Zanzibar, Africa's famous 'Spice Island.' When you arrive, you'll have free time to discover Zanzibar City at your own pace. Wander through the maze of Stone Town's cobblestone alleyways, check out the mix of Arabic, African and European architecture, or experience the bustling Darajani Bazaar. Attend a welcome meeting at 2 pm to meet new travelers. After that, head to a local restaurant for dinner with recommendations from your leader.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Stone Town's cobblestone alleyways
- Visit Darajani Bazaar
- Dinner at local restaurant with group
Landmarks/POIs Zanzibar Stone Town Darajani Bazaar - Day 25
Zanzibar Stone Town to Northern Beaches
After checking out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations. You'll learn about the spice trade history and get to smell and taste various spices like cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample spiced teas. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches where white sands and sparkling blue seas await.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided spice plantation tour with spice tasting
Landmarks/POIs Zanzibar Spice Plantations Northern Beaches, Zanzibar - Day 26
Free Day
Wake up to the sound of gentle waves and soft ocean breezes. You have a full free day to enjoy Zanzibar's coastline however you like. Take a refreshing swim, stretch out on the beach beneath the palms, or have a seafood dinner by the water. Today is all about slowing down and letting island life take over.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Swimming
- Beach relaxation
- Seafood dinner by the water
Landmarks/POIs Northern Beaches, Zanzibar - Day 27
Northern Beaches to Stone Town
Spend a final morning relaxing on the sandy northern beaches before returning to Stone Town for an afternoon and evening at leisure. Try a urojo, a unique street snack made from potatoes and noodles stewed in turmeric, mango and flour, or grab sugarcane juice and wander around. Make the most of your free time since you have a long drive tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation in the morning
- Explore Stone Town at leisure
- Try local street food including urojo
Landmarks/POIs Northern Beaches, Zanzibar Stone Town - Day 28
Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park
Start early with a 7:30 am ferry to the mainland, then head to Mikumi. Watch the Tanzanian landscape pass by on this long drive, a great chance to take in the scenery. Look out at vast plains dotted with baobab and tamarind trees and watch for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and leopards. Your leader will help you set up and get comfortable at the campsite.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Mikumi National Park - Day 29
Mikumi National Park to Iringa
Wake up early for a 4WD game drive into Mikumi National Park with local expert guides. This less-touristed park has impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas. You might even spot a predator. After the drive, head to Iringa and set up camp on a farmhouse's grounds. Spend the evening stargazing before bed.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- 4WD game drive in Mikumi National Park
Landmarks/POIs Mikumi National Park Iringa - Day 30
Iringa to Chitimba, Malawi
Enter Malawi this morning and travel to your campsite at Chitimba. Malawi, the 'warm heart of Africa,' is dominated by its lake which covers almost a fifth of the country. You'll see fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers doing their work. Dugout canoes, called bwatos, are a common sight on the still lake at dawn.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Lake Malawi Chitimba - Day 31
Chitimba to Kande Beach, Lake Malawi
Travel from Chitimba to Kande Beach on Lake Malawi's shore. Stop at a shop or market to stock up on supplies along the way. Enjoy a relaxing break from crowds and commercialism with a few days on the lake's peaceful beaches. Your campsite sits right on the shore of Lake Malawi.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Lake Malawi Kande Beach - Day 32
Free Day
You have free time to take in your idyllic surroundings. Chill out on the sandy lake shores and make sure to meet some local Malawians, easily some of the friendliest people in Africa. You can also hire canoes, bikes or pedalos to enhance your time here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Swim or relax on the beach
- Meet local Malawian community
- Hire canoes
- Bike rental
- Pedalo (paddle boat) rental
Landmarks/POIs Lake Malawi Kande Beach - Day 33
Kande Beach to South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Journey through southern Malawi and cross into Zambia, continuing to South Luangwa National Park. Handle border crossing formalities and stop at a local shop or market to stock up or visit an ATM. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is among the highest in Africa. Watch for colorful birds and herds of elephants as you take in the scenery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs South Luangwa National Park Luangwa River - Day 34
Game Drives
Rise early, have a light breakfast and get ready for a morning game drive in a 4WD with a local guide. Return to camp for early lunch as this is the hottest part of the day. Rest in the shade or take an optional village walk to see daily life in the local community. Head back to the park for an evening game drive, watching for wildlife as the sun sets.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Morning 4WD game drive in South Luangwa National Park
- Evening 4x4 game drive in South Luangwa National Park
Optional Activities
- Village walk to experience local community life
Landmarks/POIs South Luangwa National Park - Day 35
South Luangwa to Petauke, Zambia
After breakfast, visit a workshop where local craftswomen turn snare wire recovered from poaching traps into jewelry inspired by the African bush. They'll show you around and let you try coiling or hammering wire yourself. Each sale donates to anti-snare patrols dedicated to wildlife conservation. Afterwards, head south to Petauke.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Anti-poaching jewelry project workshop visit
Landmarks/POIs South Luangwa National Park Petauke - Day 36
Petauke to Lusaka, Zambia
Get back on the road heading for your camp just south of Lusaka City. When you arrive, stretch your legs and take a stroll to discover the town on foot. Though it's developing quickly, Lusaka retains a strong African feel and locals usually enjoy chatting. Your leader will give you some insight into the area. Tonight you're free to chill under the stars at camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Lusaka on foot
Landmarks/POIs Lusaka - Day 37
Lusaka to Harare, Zimbabwe
Travel to Harare today. The first part of your journey takes you to Zimbabwe's border. After crossing and handling border formalities, continue to Harare. Upon arrival, explore the town and stock up on whatever you need at a market or local shop.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Harare
- Visit local markets and shops
Landmarks/POIs Harare - Day 38
Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Head to Masvingo, Zimbabwe's oldest colonial settlement, which serves as the perfect base for exploring Great Zimbabwe's ruins. This ancient UNESCO site was first built in the 11th century and is believed to have been a monarch's seat of power. Spend a few hours exploring before heading to camp where your evening is free to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Great Zimbabwe ruins guided visit
Landmarks/POIs Great Zimbabwe Masvingo - Day 39
Masvingo to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Travel to Bulawayo, known locally as the 'City of Kings' and Zimbabwe's second largest city. The town has some impeccable historical architecture, so feel free to walk around at your own pace when you arrive. You have free time this afternoon to explore or ask your leader for optional activities. Browse local markets, chat with locals, or visit the Natural History Museum and National Art Gallery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Browse local markets
- Visit Natural History Museum
- Visit National Art Gallery
- Explore town on foot
Landmarks/POIs Bulawayo - Day 40
Matobo National Park Rhino Tracking
Get ready for an incredible experience today, tracking rhinos on foot with an expert guide in Matobo National Park. The park is known for its black and white rhinos and also home to klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. Learn about these animals and gain insights into local plants including wild pear and paperbark. Discover San paintings and the fascinating rock formations that hold spiritual significance for locals.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Rhino tracking, park visit and San rock paintings tour in Matobo National Park
Landmarks/POIs Matobo National Park - Day 41
Bulawayo to Victoria Falls Activity Centre
Depart Bulawayo and drive toward Victoria Falls. The falls stretch 1.6 km wide and drop 108 m into a narrow gorge. In the wet season, spray can rise 400 m and be seen from far away. It's called Mosi oa Tunya, the 'Smoke that Thunders.' In the dry season, you'll get unobstructed views and see river islets. Your leader will take you to a local activity centre with various options.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Various activities at activity centre
Landmarks/POIs Victoria Falls - Day 42
Free Day
Today is a free day to enjoy the many activities available. Optional helicopter flights are on offer. If interested in a 12 or 25-minute helicopter flight, your leader can arrange it through the endorsed operator, Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Helicopter flights - 12 minute option
- Helicopter flights - 25 minute option
- Other adventure activities
Landmarks/POIs Victoria Falls - Day 43
Optional Falls Visit
You have the option to visit Victoria Falls yourself. Spanning about a mile wide and falling 108 m into a narrow gorge, spray from the falls can sometimes be seen from kilometers away. In the dry season the view is unobstructed by mist and you can see little islets in the river. To fully grasp the sheer force, you need to experience it in person. Otherwise, your leader will recommend other activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit Victoria Falls
- Other adventure activities available at activity centre
Landmarks/POIs Victoria Falls - Day 44
Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park, Botswana
This morning is free to continue enjoying Victoria Falls. Afterwards, travel to Chobe National Park in Botswana via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, one of The Intrepid Foundation's projects. Learn about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, human-wildlife conflict and anti-poaching work. You may meet rescued or orphaned wildlife in their care. Continue to Botswana's first national park, famous for its high elephant concentration. Keep an eye out as they often swim in the Chobe River.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust visit
Landmarks/POIs Victoria Falls Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Chobe National Park Chobe River - Day 45
Safari and River Cruise
Rise early for a morning game drive through the park to get close to wildlife. With luck you'll spot various animals and exotic birds. Besides elephants, the river attracts hippos and crocodiles. Cheetahs also come down for water. The birdwatching is excellent with eagles, kingfishers and marabou storks among hundreds of species. In the afternoon, consider an optional cruise down the Chobe River, one of the best ways to enjoy park wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Dawn 4WD game drive in Chobe National Park
Optional Activities
- Chobe River cruise
Landmarks/POIs Chobe National Park Chobe River - Day 46
Chobe to Bagani, Namibia
Enter Namibia, driving from Kasane to Ngoma Bridge and on to your camp at Bagani. Enjoy the journey watching the scenery change with towns, trees and skies rolling past. Bagani is the homestead of the local Mbukushu kings. You'll have chances to stop at an ATM and market or shop today.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Bagani Kasane Ngoma Bridge - Day 47
Bagani to Okavango Delta
Cross back 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 will take you to your mokoro team and you'll start exploring the Okavango Delta. Each traditional dugout canoe is expertly poled through waterways by a local guide. As you glide past reeds and lily pads, you may hear hippos grunting. Camp on a secluded island far from civilization your first night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mokoro safari in Okavango Delta
Landmarks/POIs Okavango Panhandle Okavango Delta Sepopa - Day 48
Mokoro Safari and Nature Walk
Continue exploring the delta by mokoro today and enjoy a short guided nature walk. Later, return to Sepopa Camp where you can relax with hot showers, a swimming pool and a small bar. For a different perspective, you have the option to take a scenic flight over the delta for an unforgettable aerial view.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mokoro safari in Okavango Delta
- Nature walk in Okavango Delta
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over the delta
Landmarks/POIs Okavango Delta - Day 49
Okavango Delta to Bagani, Namibia
Cross back into Namibia and return to Bagani to camp for the night. Various boat trips and guided hikes are possible from Bagani, so if you're feeling active, get out and make the most of it. Those feeling bold might challenge the local kids to a soccer match, though don't expect to win. Retire to your camp in the evening and enjoy this welcome break from the road.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Boat trips from Bagani
- Guided hikes from Bagani
- Soccer with local kids
Landmarks/POIs Bagani - Day 50
Bagani to Grootfontein
Drive to your camp situated 50 km outside of Grootfontein. The town of Grootfontein, part of the Otavi Triangle, tends to get very green in the warmer months but dries out markedly in winter. If it's springtime, you'll likely see jacarandas in bloom.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Grootfontein - Day 51
San Bushman Cultural Experience
Take a 180-km round-trip to visit the San people, the oldest inhabitants of southern Africa who've lived in this region for at least 20,000 years. Listen to their stories and songs and learn how those following a traditional way of life emphasise living in harmony with the environment.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- San Bushman cultural experience and visit
Landmarks/POIs San Bushman Villages - Day 52
Grootfontein to Etosha National Park
Head to Etosha National Park this morning. The park is home to a wide range of southern Africa's wildlife including big carnivores and five rare or endangered species: black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and tiny Damara dik-dik. Game viewing is relatively easy due to man-made waterholes and large pans. Take an optional evening game drive, then spend the night at Namutoni. Accommodation upgrades are available here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Overland vehicle game drive in Etosha National Park
Optional Activities
- Evening game drive in Etosha National Park
Landmarks/POIs Etosha National Park Namutoni - Day 53
Full Day Safari
Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so significant elephant, antelope and herbivore populations live here. The park also has approximately 340 bird species, so keep an eye to the sky for soaring eagles. Tonight you'll stay at the spectacular Okaukuejo Camp overlooking a floodlit waterhole visited by many species throughout day and night. Upgrades aren't available here tonight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Camp - Day 54
Etosha to Spitzkoppe
Travel to the mountain of Spitzkoppe. The wild lands around this superb granite peak are some of Namibia's most striking. The mountain itself is 700 million years old and 1987 m high. You shouldn't try climbing to the top, but the area is rich in plant life with some bush paintings to find. Be sure to look out for the sunset from your bush camp this evening. The landscape is known to take on dazzling hues of orange and red.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Spitzkoppe - Day 55
Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund
Continue to the town of Swakopmund. 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/POIs Cape Cross Cape Cross Nature Reserve Swakopmund - Day 56
Free Day
Surrounded by massive dune fields of the Namib Desert on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Swakopmund shows German culture found in all Namibia's major settlements. With your free time, 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
- Explore Swakopmund on foot
- Discover dining options
Landmarks/POIs Swakopmund Namib Desert - Day 57
Free Day
You have another free day to enjoy this fun beachside town. If you're interested in history and culture, stop at the lighthouse or visit the Swakopmund Museum. Active types and thrill-seekers might take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer, as this town is the adventure sports mecca of Namibia.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit lighthouse
- Visit Swakopmund Museum
- Adventure sports activities
Landmarks/POIs Swakopmund Lighthouse Swakopmund Museum Swakopmund - Day 58
Swakopmund to Sesriem
Drive to Sesriem, your base for exploring the incredible Namib Desert region. The Namib Desert's most famous part is its vast dune fields, with the most spectacular near Sesriem Canyon. The canyon was formed when the Tsauchab River carved a 30-metre gorge into gravel deposits about 15 million years ago. Now the river flows out to dune fields stretching hundreds of miles and dries at Sossusvlei. These are the world's highest dunes with magnificent flaming tones from brightly colored sands.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Sesriem Canyon Sossusvlei Namib Desert - Day 59
Sossusvlei Sunrise and Dunes
Wake before dawn and scramble to the dune tops for a dramatic sunrise view across a vast sand sea. The color changes are incredible and provide a spectacular brunch setting. Then jump in the back of a pickup truck heading to Sossusvlei, the incredible salt and clay pan nearby. Explore this mysterious desert oddity. Later, continue to your camp past the small town of Bethanie. Your camp has basic facilities with showers, flush toilets, wi-fi and optional upgrades.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Sossusvlei 4x4 tour and visit
- Sand dunes visit at sunrise
Landmarks/POIs Sossusvlei Sesriem Canyon Bethanie - Day 60
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 world's largest. During the dry season the riverbed tends to dry completely, leaving only a few puddles. In the wet season, after summer rains, the river becomes a spectacular raging torrent. At any time there are remarkable photo opportunities as granite rocks change color with the sun.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Fish River Canyon entrance visit
Landmarks/POIs Fish River Canyon Bethanie - Day 61
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 River, stretching 2200 kilometres as southern Africa's longest river. The river's source is in the Drakensberg mountains and it flows into the Atlantic at Alexander Bay in South Africa. The Orange River is responsible for transporting diamonds and creating deposits found along the Namibian coast.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Gariep River (Orange River) Noordoewer - Day 62
Noordoewer to Klawer, South Africa
Depart your camp first thing in the morning and head to Klawer, a town named after the Afrikaans word for wild clover that blooms after rainfall. The surrounding countryside is beautiful and if there's time, you'll explore some of it. Take a delightful walk around nearby mountains and farms before settling in for a relaxing evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walk around nearby mountains and farms
Landmarks/POIs Klawer - Day 63
Klawer to Cape Town, South Africa
Head to Cape Town this morning where your trip comes to an end. With its stunning coastline, modern cityscape, nearby mountains and numerous vineyards within reach, this is one of Africa's most exciting cities. There's no accommodation provided for tonight, but this can be arranged. Enquire at booking time if you need help with arrangements.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Cape Town
