Cape Town to Nairobi with Gorilla Trek

A day-by-day breakdown of what to expect and where you'll be staying.

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Day 1, Cape Town to Cedarberg

This morning we make our way northward out of Cape Town, passing through the beautiful wine lands. We set camp tonight in the shadow of the Cederberg Mountains.

Day 2, Cedarberg to Orange River - South Africa

Today we journey to a region that is renown for its wildflower display in the Spring, Namaqualand. We make a quick pit stop in Springbok for supplies before journeying on to the Orange River. Tonight we camp on its banks.

Day 3, Orange River - South Africa to Fish River Canyon

An optional half day canoe trip on the calm Orange River is available here this morning. After enjoying lunch we border cross into Namibia. Our campsite is Hobas, which is only a short drive away from the Fish River Canyon.

Day 4, Fish River Canyon to Helmeringhausen

We spend this morning at leisure before travelling to the farming area of Namibia. It is likely we will stop off for supplies in Bethanie before heading to tonights camp.

Day 5, Helmeringhausen to Sesriem

We now enter the Namib Naukluft Park which is a popular tourist destination here in Namibia and known as the oldest desert in the world. On top of the the Sossusvlei's dramatic sea of dunes are thought to be the highest in the world. The scenery changes dramatically from flat, brown plains with rocky hills to caramel coloured flowing sand dunes - stunning! You will be amazed at what lives here!

Day 6, Sesriem to Swakopmund

A spectacular sunset awakens us this morning. We travel north towards Walvis Bay via some glorious desert passes, and make our way along the coast, before finally arriving in Namibia's prime adventure resort - Swakopmund.

Day 7 to 8, Swakopmund

Spend the day relaxing or take up one of the many optional activities on offer in this desert town. Skydiving, quad biking, fishing trips, desert flights, golf, water sports, sand boarding and 4WD hire are just a few!

Day 9, Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe

Today we make our way to the ancient San bushman sacred site of Spitzkoppe. Explore the 1728m high formation and view the rock paintings before bush camping under the African stars.

Day 10, Spitzkoppe to Cheetah Park

A scenic drive today takes us to a private game farm called The Cheetah Park. Here you will learn about conservation efforts for these beautiful creatures and get the once in a lifetime opportunity to see them up close.

Day 11, Cheetah Park to Etosha National Park

We make our way to Etosha National Park, stopping en-route only to refresh our supplies. The 22,000sq.km park is a haven for a large variety of bird and animal species and we will spend some time game driving through the southern part of it. At night you can sit at the floodlit water hole beside our camp site and see what comes to visit!

Day 12, Etosha National Park

Today we enjoy a full day of game driving, making our way east along the length of the park. After dinner make your way to another floodlit water hole to see what animals arrive at the water to drink, or relax at the campsite.

Day 13, Etosha National Park to Rundu

Departure this morning is early as we travel towards the Kavango area. En route to our campsite we may make a brief stop in Rundu for supplies. Our campsite is situated on the edge of the Kavango River overlooking Angola!

Day 14, Rundu to Maun

We enter into Botswana today and and travel along the course of the Okavango River to Maun - our base for the Okavango Delta.

Day 15, Maun to Okavango Delta

You have the opportunity to take a 3 day / 2 night excursion into the Delta. You travel in local transport and then in mokoros, the local dug out canoes, which are poled by local guides through the winding waterways. These local canoes are a perfect way to navigate this waterway wonder - the biggest inland Delta in the world. Your guides will select a place out in the bush to set up camp. An afternoon game walk will allow you to experience the Delta wilderness in all its glory.

Day 16, Okavango Delta

Early morning and late afternoon game walks give you time in the middle of the day to relax, chill out and enjoy your surroundings. Why don't you have a go at poling your own mokoro? It is not as easy as it looks!

Day 17, Okavango Delta to Maun

Today we return to Maun, however, you will have the chance for an early morning game walk before packing up camp. There is also the option of a scenic flight over the Delta in the afternoon - the best way to appreciate the expanse of waterways you have travelled through.

Day 18 to 19, Maun to Chobe National Park

We make our way towards northeastern Botswana with a fairly long and interesting drive. Here we will enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe River and afterwards enjoy a night under Botswana's star-filled skies on a Chobe National Park Sleepout.  

Day 20, Kasane to Victoria Falls

After a hearty brunch we make our way into Zimbabwe and to Victoria Falls. Approx 1700 m wide and 100 m high, Victoria Falls is a memorable sight! Take part in one of the many adventure activities or relax by the pool.

Day 21, Victoria Falls

Today you will have a chance to do a few of the optional activities on offer in this adventure paradise. The Falls can be seen from many viewing points in the Victoria Falls Park or from the Zambian side. You will have many photo opportunities. Bungee jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe and the White water rafting is considered world class. Also, flights over the Vic Falls and the islands are available.

Day 22, Victoria Falls

Spend today walking around this little town with its BIG waterfall, rest by the pool, write your postcards, shop or chill out at a little cafe. If that sounds too relaxing then finish off the adventure activities you haven't tried yet!

Day 23, Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park

This morning we depart Victoria Falls. After a short drive cross the border of Zimbabwe into Botswana and arrive in Kasane where we take a boat cruise along the Chobe River. Once we return, we prepare for another night under Botswana's star-filled skies on the Chobe National Park Sleepout. If you’d prefer to skip the sleepout, no problemo! You’re more than welcome to enjoy the evening at the campsite in Kasane, there is an option to do an early morning game drive on the 2nd morning in Kasane instead.

Day 24, Chobe National Park to Livingstone

We take the Kazangula Ferry and make our way across the Zambian border to Livingstone.

Day 25, Livingstone to Lusaka

Leaving the Victoria Falls behind us we head for our camp in Southern Zambia a short distance from the capital city Lusaka.

Day 26, Lusaka to Chipata

We journey from bustling Lusaka to our overnight stop situated just a few kilometers from the Malawi/Zambia border.

Day 27, Chipata to Lake Malawi

After crossing into Malawi we stop in the capital, Lilongwe before reaching the western side of the lake and turning south. Bargain in the markets or relax on the beach and watch the local fisherman haul in todays catch. There are optional activities to keep you busy including water sports, horse back rides and a visit to the local village and school.

Day 28, Lake Malawi

The huge Lake Malawi stretches as far as you can see as you drive along the western coastline. Other than the beautiful views, spend some time taking up some of the many water based activities on offer or trip into a local village to meet some real 'salt of the earth' Malawians.

Day 29, Lake Malawi

Today you can spend some time taking up some of the many water based activities on offer, trip into a local village or relax on the beach and read your book.

Day 30, Lake Malawi

Other than water activities, scuba diving, visits to local villages or relaxing on the beach there is also time for some shopping! Locally made crafts are often beautifully turned out and reasonably priced. Don't forget to check your home country's rules regarding importing these products before you buy. Bartering with the locals is expected!

Day 31, Lake Malawi to Iringa

After entering Tanzania our scenic drive takes in the beauty of the tea and banana plantations before arriving in Iringa at the 'Farmhouse'. Try out those decadent Amarula hot chocolates!

Day 32, Iringa to Dar Es Salaam

Today we pass through the Mikumi National Park en-route to our seaside campsite in Dar es Salaam where we get prepared for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning. The rolling hills and beautifully straight rows of the tea plantations give way to the bush and plains of Mikumi National Park before we reach the bustling city of Dar. Keep an eye out for Elephant calmly grazing beside the road.

Day 33, Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

We have the option to spend the following nights on the famous 'Spice Island'. The long and rich history of Zanzibar is reflected in the varied architecture, markets and cultures of Stone Town, while further north you can relax on the white sand beaches or scuba dive in the clear warm water.

Day 34 to 35, Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. The quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence. With pretty Medina-like shops, the palaces of the Sultans, its spices, tours around a spice plantation - there is something for everyone on this island. You can even hire a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of Zanzibar.

Day 36, Zanzibar Island to Dar es Salaam

We take the ferry back to mainland for another night in Dar es Salaam. Time permitting there may be an opportunity to visit one of the local craft markets offering a large range of exquisite products (where prices depend on your bargaining skills).

Day 37, Dar Es Salaam to Arusha

After passing through the bustling town of Moshi, (the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions) we arrive at Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha where you have the option of taking a 1 or 2 night tour of the Serengeti and/or Ngorongoro Crater. See if you can catch a glimpse of the biggest mountain in Africa which lives most of the year under cloud!

Day 38, Arusha to Serengeti National Park

From Arusha you have the option of visiting the famous Serengeti National Park. You will depart Arusha in the morning with your vehicles and guides, if you take up the two-night/three day option. From Arusha you drive through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) and up into the Ngorongoro Nature Reserve for a glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater. Then you descend down onto the vast plains of the Serengeti. The abundance of plains game has never stopped to suprise anyone entering this wildlife heaven. The afternoon will be spent game spotting before setting up camp in the midst of the park. A camp fire and the night time noises of the wildlife finish off a day in one of East Africa's most famous game parks!

Day 39, Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

An absolute 'must do' when in Tanzania. Pass through the 'Cradle of Mankind' and the Rift Valley whilst enjoying one of the best game viewing opportunities Africa has to offer. An early start takes us off for a full morning game drive in the Serengeti. We head back towards Ngorongoro where we sleep on the Crater's edge. We suggest you wear your winter woollies as it can get pretty cold on the rim of the crater during night times.

Day 40, Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Arusha

This morning we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 metre walls. This Garden of Eden is 20-kilometre wide and a true natural wonder. The size of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself where the abundance of its animal inhabitants becomes apparent. It is home to nearly every species of African animal and offers great photo opportunities of most of East Africa's mammals, such as Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Lion, and plain's game. After spending the morning in the Ngorongoro Crater you will return to our overnight stop near Arusha for the night.

Day 41, Arusha to Namanga

After stopping in Arusha to restock our supplies and view the craft markets, we head for our camp just over the Kenyan Border.

Day 42, Namanga to Nairobi

The bustling, busy city of Nairobi awaits us today where some of our fellow travellers will leave us and others will join.

Day 43, Nairobi to Masai Mara

We depart from the bustling city of Nairobi and leave for our first viewpoint where we stop to overlook the Great African Rift Valley. We then descend into the valley and enter Masai land. The Masai, habitual pastoralists are seen quite regularly on the side of the road as they tend their cattle. We arrive at our campsite in the early evening in time to enjoy sunset over the plains of the Masai Mara.

Day 44, Masai Mara

We will look for the infamous Big 5 as well as the plentiful plains game and birdlife on our game drives. You will see this 'garden of Eden' in a state nature intended it to be, rolling hills, huge plains, and an abundance of game matched no where else on earth. Buffalo, elephant, lion, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck just to name a few of the animals that inhabit this wild wonderland. Sitting around a campfire listening to the bush sounds, whilst watching the sun set is the perfect way to finish a day's game viewing in the Mara.

Day 45, Masai Mara to Kisumu

Leaving early in the morning and passing stunning tea plantations, we descend the glorious Rift Valley Plateau on our way toward Lake Victoria. We restock our supplies and overnight here.

Day 46, Kisumu to Kampala

After an early start we cross the border into Uganda and travel via the lakeside town of Jinja (the Source of the Nile) before reaching Kampala, Uganda's capital, for an overnight stay. Uganda is a small country with beautiful scenery and friendly people. Don't forget to wave at the kids when they come running out of their houses to check you out!

Day 47, Kampala to Kisoro

After passing through some beautiful countryside we arrive at Kisoro - our base for the Gorilla trekking adventure - in time to get organised for tomorrow.

Day 48, Kisoro

From our base in Kisoro and depending on permit availability and the location of the Gorillas, we have the option of joining a Gorilla trek in either Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga in the DRC, or the Ruhengeri, Rwanda. An unforgettable experience! 100% of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to protect and promote these amazing creatures.

Day 49, Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni

After our gorilla trek it's now time for some downtime. We head for Lake Bunyoni, the deepest crater lake in Africa. We can camp on the shores and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this pretty lake. If you're lucky you'll spot some of the elusive otters or just enjoy the variety of birdlife present.

Day 50, Lake Bunyoni

A day of leisure today. Visit the local village, hike, canoe, swim, catch up on writing your postcards... or relax, and sit back and enjoy the beautiful lake and its creatures. We have the whole day to enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyoni and its surrounds.

Day 51, Lake Bunyoni to Kampala

We return to Kampala after enjoying the peaceful surrounds of Lake Bunyoni. We cross the equator for the second time and there will be ample opportunity for photos at the Equator crossing. If you want to try out Kampala's night life then tonight is your chance!

Day 52, Kampala to Jinja

A short drive brings us to Jinja, at the Source of the River Nile. We have the option to either white water raft the Nile or visit Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Day 53, Jinja to Lake Nakuru National Park

We leave Uganda behind and  head in Kenya today where we overnight in Nakuru, capital of the Rift Valley Province, in preparation of our journey into Lake Nakuru National Park.

Day 54, Lake Nakuru National Park

After restocking our supplies in town we explore the Lake Nakuru National Park - a soda lake that is famous for the huge volumes of lesser and greater flamingos that flock here. A truly spectacular sight! We also keep an eye out for Black and White Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo, Giraffe, antelope and the occasional Hippo before spending the night at a bush camp within the Park.

Day 55, Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha

Moving east again we head to Lake Naivasha, home to the magnificent African Fish Eagle. At 1880 m this is the highest Rift Valley lake and time permitting we can spend the afternoon enjoying optional excursions close by. We spend our last night in a lovely campsite on the lakes edge.

Day 56, Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

Our trip of a lifetime is drawing to a end... We leave Naivasha after breakfast and return to Nairobi, arriving in the early afternoon.

Meals included in your tour cost

49 Breakfasts, 44 Lunches, 45 Dinners

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Highlights included in your tour cost

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There are 58 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• $75 Arusha Camel Rides
• $90 Cape Winelands Wine Tour
• $20 Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary
• $35 Dhow Fishing Trip - Zanzibar
• $15 Elsamere
• TBA Game Fishing
• $750 Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
• $750 Gorilla Trekking in the DRC
• $750 Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
• $50 Hells Gate National Park
• $105 Jet Boating on the Zambezi
• $15 Jinja Guided Village Walk
• $70 Jinja Quad Bike Safari
• $90 Kande Beach Horse Riding
• $45 Kande Beach Scuba Diving
• TBA Kande Beach Water Sports Equipment
• $20 Lake Malawi Snorkelling Trip
• $130 Lake Malawi Water Skiing
• $15 Malawi Village Walk & Meal
• $70 Moped Hire - Zanzibar
• $85 Nairobi National Park
• $65 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• $35 Nungwe Snorkel Trip
• $160 Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursion
• $85 Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
• $40 Orange River Canoeing
• $500 PADI Dive Course - Zanzibar
• $80 Paragliding
• $50 Prison Island Excursion
• $25 Prison Island Snorkelling Trip
• $450 Serengeti National Park Excursion
• $550 Serengeti National Park Hot Air Balloon Ride
• $15 Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Rhino Sanctuary
• $25 Softpower Community Project
• $35 Sossusvlei Guided Walk
• $45 Stone Town City Tour
• $25 Stone Town Spice Tour
• $85 Swakopmund Quadbiking
• $65 Swakopmund Sandboarding
• $350 Swakopmund Sky Diving
• $75 Swakopmund Township Tour
• $35 Swimming with Dolphins
• $140 Victoria Falls Adrenaline Day
• $105 Victoria Falls Bungee Jump
• $110 Victoria Falls Elephant Ride
• $120 Victoria Falls Flight of Angels
• $115 Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight
• $70 Victoria Falls Horse Rides
• $120 Victoria Falls Microlight Flight
• $20 Victoria Falls National Park
• $115 Victoria Falls Rhino Walk
• $75 Victoria Falls Scenic Flight
• $125 White Water Rafting on the Nile
• $110 White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
• $65 Zambezi Gorge Swing
• $140 Zambezi River Rafting & Boarding Combo
• $50 Zambezi River Sunset Dinner Cruise
• TBA Zimbabwe Walking Safaris