East Africa to Southern Africa

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

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Day 1, Nairobi to Arusha

After a short but somewhat bumpy trip we cross the border at Namanga, enter Tanzania and continue to Arusha in the heart of Masai lands. This pleasant town is situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for your optional excursion to Ngorongoro Crater and/or Serengeti National Park.

Day 2, 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 3, 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 4, 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 5 to 6, Arusha to Dar es Salaam

On our way to Dar es Salaam we have a chance of viewing the snow capped Kilimanjaro as we pass through a number of small villages, towns and sisal plantations.The temperature becomes noticeably hotter as we get closer to Dar es Salaam.

Day 7, 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 8 to 10, 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 11, 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 12 to 18, Dar Es Salaam to Lake Malawi (via Iringa)

Further west sees us travelling some 'interesting' roads through mountainous central Tanzania before turning south again and crossing into Malawi. Picturesque Lake Malawi is where we spend the next few days as we drive along the western edge of this massive Lake. Plenty of good curios on offer here!

Day 19, 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 20, 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 21, 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 22, Lake Malawi

After all that shopping, water sports, village visits, horse rides and scuba diving, today should be a day to rest! Catch up on your postcards and diary and hang out on the beach.

Day 23, Lake Malawi to Lilongwe

During our visit in Lilongwe we will go shopping for African curios while the crew stocks up on supplies.

Day 24, Lilongwe

A free day today to explore at leisure while the Crew sort out your visa's for the crossing through Mozambique.

Day 25 to 26, Lilongwe to Harare

The Lake disappears behind us as we travel further south and enter Mozambique. The infamous Tete Corridor was well known for gun running in it's day. Fortunately for us it is now all quiet and we make our way through this strip of Mozambique before crossing into Zimbabwe and arriving in Harare - the capital.

Day 27, Harare to Gweru

Antelope Park is (in our opinion) the best camp in Africa! After travelling through Mashonaland we arrive at the Park and look forward to a couple of days playing, walking and taking photos of Lion - big and small.

Day 28 to 30, Gweru

Spend the next few days at leisure and try one of the many activities that are available: try your hand at fishing, elephant riding, walk with lions, the list is endless - you can even swim with elephants, assuming it is warm enough to do so!

Day 31, Gweru to Bulawayo

A scenic drive takes us to Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. It has a nice, laid back atmosphere and its unusually wide streets used to accommodate turning a full span of oxen. Many old British colonial buildings are still maintained as heritage sites and this tree-lined town has many interesting places to visit.

Day 32, Bulawayo to Victoria Falls

Now we head north, making our way to one of the natural wonders of the world, the mighty Victoria Falls. Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) will be a memorable finish to this trip and it's not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and approx 100 m high, this is the world's biggest sheet of falling water!

Day 33, 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 34, Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park

This morning we depart Victoria Falls and after a short drive cross the border of Zimbabwe into Botswana. We set up camp for the night at the banks of the Chobe River and prepare for our first night under Botswana's star-filled skies. Chobe is renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River so bring plenty of spare film!

Day 35, Kasane to Kasane (via Chobe National Park)

There is the option of a early morning game drive should you wish to spot some game as they come out for a drink in the cool, crisp morning. After lunch we have the option to jump on a boat for a cruise along the Chobe River, to spot some more of the world's largest mammals and some of the smallest bird species.

Day 36, Chobe National Park to Maun

Today, after an early morning start, we travel to Maun - the base camp for the Okavango Delta region. We pass by the stark and endless-looking Makgadikgadi Pans so keep an eye out for Elephant and Giraffe as well as birdlife.

Day 37, 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 38, 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 39, Maun to Caprivi Strip

We drive north and enter the Caprivi strip in Namibia. This small strip of land bordering Zambia, Angola and Botswana is wildlife rich and provides significant habitat to the critically endangered Wild African Dog. 

Day 40, Caprivi Strip to Etosha National Park

From the Caprivi we move west into Namibia to the Etosha National Park which is dominated by the massive Etosha Pan.

Day 41, Etosha National Park

A full day of game drives and waterhole viewing as we try to catch a glimpse of some of the plains game and Big 5 that reside in Etosha National Park.

Day 42, Etosha National Park to Cheetah Park

We have a short drive to the Cheetah Park. It is a private farm and you will learn about the conservation of the cheetah population in Namibia. You will also have a chance to meet the resident cheetah's up close!

Day 43, Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe

After a full day's drive, we arrive at Spitzkoppe. The 1728m high rock formation is one of Namibia's landmarks. You will have a chance to view the bushman paintings and explore the surrounding area at your own speed.

Day 44, Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund

Today we head for Swakopmund, an old German colony founded in 1892. Rest in the excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars, browse the craft shops selling Namibian curios or check out the museum, aquarium or art galleries. Otherwise take a quiet walk along the beach and get ready for some adrenaline pumping activities!

Day 45, Swakopmund

A leisure day today to get the feel of this quaint German town sandwiched between the edge of a massive dune field and the ocean. Take on some adventure activities or relax in a cafe on the beachfront.

Day 46, Swakopmund

Laze on the beach, finish the book, check the email or take part in some of the activities you haven't tried yet.

Day 47, Swakopmund to Sesriem

Today we head south, past Walvis Bay enroute to Sesriem. Close by and surrounded by a sea of sand dunes, is Sossusvlei. The top of the dunes, some over 300m high, offers fantastic views of the desert. We spend the afternoon exploring and can enjoy the glorious sunset from the top of a big dune should the weather permit.

Day 48, Sesriem to Sesriem (via Sossusvlei)

An early start as we enter into the park and head for Dune 45. Clamber to the top for a stunning high-point view over the dunes. We continue to Sossusvlei and from here you will have your own free time to explore the vlei or the surrounding area. Stunning photographic opportunities are available in the dunes so bring those cameras!!

Day 49, Sesriem to Fish River Canyon

After a stunning sunrise we leave the Namib - Naukluft Park area and head south to the Fish River Canyon. The second largest canyon in the world was forming by a mixture of both tectonic activity and water erosion. A road follows the canyon rim allowing us access to several viewing points from where we can take in the spectacular view.

Day 50, Fish River Canyon to Orange River - South Africa

Further south we cross over the Orange River, the natural land border of Namibia, and enter South Africa. Our gorgeous campsite rests on the bank of the river. An option this afternoon is to take a canoe trip on the peaceful Orange River and check out the bird life.

Day 51, Orange River - South Africa to Cedarberg

An early morning start sees us travelling south through Namaqualand - well known for its glorious Namaqua wildflowers flooding the fields with colour for miles and miles each spring. We stop for the night in 'Wine Country' and our lovely campsite is surrounded by local wine farms. The stunning scenery ranges from the towering Cederberg Mountains to the flat fields of maize on the plain.

Day 52, Cedarberg to Stellenbosch

Leaving the stunning Cedarberg ranges behind us we head further south and enter the Cape Winelands and beautiful Stellenbosch.

Day 53, Stellenbosch

A free day today to enjoy the best this region has to offer. Try a Wine Tour, check out historic Stellenbosch town centre or catch up on your diary and postcards.

Day 54, Stellenbosch to Cape Town

Today we arrive in the 'Mother City' of Cape Town. So much to see and do with stunning scenery and numerous landmarks to keep you busy. Start with a trip up Table Mountain for awesome views of this beautiful city.

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There are 45 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• $60 Abseiling Table Mountain
• $75 Cape Point Day Trip
• $12 Cape Town City Tour
• $50 Cape Town City Walking Tour
• $60 Cape Town Township Tour
• $75 Cape Winelands Wine Tour
• $45 Chobe Sunset Boat Cruise
• $30 Dhow Fishing Trip - Zanzibar
• TBA Game Fishing
• $18 Historical Cape Town on Foot Tour
• $60 Kande Beach Horse Riding
• $40 Kande Beach Scuba Diving
• $15 Lake Malawi Snorkelling Trip
• $110 Lake Malawi Water Skiing
• $10 Malawi Village Walk & Meal
• $30 Nungwe Snorkel Trip
• $150 Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursion
• $80 Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
• $30 Orange River Canoeing
• $60 Paragliding
• $40 Prison Island Excursion
• $20 Prison Island Snorkelling Trip
• $30 Robben Island
• $450 Serengeti National Park Excursion
• $520 Serengeti National Park Hot Air Balloon Ride
• $35 Sossusvlei Guided Walk
• $230 Sossusvlei Scenic Flight
• $35 Stone Town City Tour
• $25 Stone Town Spice Tour
• $85 Swakopmund Quadbiking
• $45 Swakopmund Sandboarding
• $320 Swakopmund Sky Diving
• $70 Swakopmund Township Tour
• $110 Swimming with Dolphins
• $15 Table Mountain Cable Car
• $150 Tandem Paragliding from Lions Head
• $140 Victoria Falls Adrenaline Day
• $105 Victoria Falls Bungee Jump
• $110 Victoria Falls Elephant Ride
• $120 Victoria Falls Flight of Angels
• $20 Victoria Falls National Park
• $115 Walk with the Lions - Victoria Falls
• $110 White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
• $65 Zambezi Gorge Swing
• $50 Zambezi River Sunset Dinner Cruise