Nairobi to Cape Town

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, Arusha to Pangani

Leaving Arusha we head towards the warm Indian Ocean. Travelling through the town of Moshi we cross the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. If we're lucky the day is clear and you might be able to view the snowy summit & another great photo opportunity. Continuing south we pass the Usambara Mountains on our left and after driving past vast sisal plantations we are on our way to Dar es Salaam.

Day 6, Pangani to Dar Es Salaam

Leaving Pangani early we head for exotic Dar Es Salaam. A long day's drive through beautiful lush scenery and palm trees sees us arriving late in Dar. We sent up camp for the night at a beach hotel/campsite which is situated to the north of the city. There is time to prepare for your departure to Zanzibar tomorrow.

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 9, 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 10, 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 11, Dar Es Salaam to Iringa

Today we head deeper into Tanzania. Passing through Mikumi National Park we might be lucky and view a fair amount of wildlife from our truck. We spend the night at the Old Farmhouse, a beautiful rustic spot in rural Tanzania. Try one of their famous Amarula hot chocolates!

Day 12, Iringa to Lake Malawi

The following morning we head for Malawi passing through some gorgeous rolling hills, and beautiful tea and rubber plantations before exiting Tanzania.

Day 13, 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 14, 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 15, 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 16, Lake Malawi to Chipata

After an early start we cross the border into Zambia, a large green country with pretty lush scenery. Our first night in Zambia is spent at a beautiful little campsite just over the border.

Day 17, Chipata to Lusaka

We cross the landlocked country of Zambia, passing through the capital Lusaka where we spend the night. The campsite is home to some local wildlife and has nice facilities available to us.

Day 18, Lusaka to Livingstone

Heading off early this morning to Livingstone. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World - Victoria Falls - is a sight to behold and it's not difficult to see why. An option for tonight is a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi while watching the sun go down and the wildlife come out to drink - stunning!

Day 19, Livingstone to Chobe National Park

We cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane from where we will join the Chobe mobile team for our night in the African bush.

Day 20, Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls

After a hearty brunch we make our way into Zimbabwe and to Victoria Falls. About 1 700 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 to 24, 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 25, 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 26, 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 27, 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 28, 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 29, Maun to Rundu

We head in a north west direction along the Kavango River and enter Namibia. We stock up on supplies in Rundu before reaching our campsite for the night on the banks of the Kavango River. Our campsite is complete with 'open air' facilities and the occasional wild hippo grazing on the lawn.

Day 30, Rundu to Etosha National Park

We arrive at Etosha National Park in the late afternoon. Etosha is Namibia's major nature reserve, covering over 22 000 square kilometres with a large variety of animal and bird species. The park is situated around the Etosha Pan, and has a network of gravel roads that enables us to get to far & remote areas of the park.

Day 31, Etosha National Park

We have a full day of game driving, making our way from east to west, across 150kms of the park. We relax this evening listening to the sounds of Africa. Floodlit waterholes allow us to get as close to the action as possible, and still be behind the fence!

Day 32, 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 33, 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 34, 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 35 to 36, 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 37, 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 38, 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 39, 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 40, 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 41, Cedarberg Mountains to Cape Town

After passing through the fruit growing area of Citrusdal we cross the Picketberg Pass and head into the Cape's main wine growing regions. On a clear day we will see Table Mountain from afar - assuming the 'Table Cloth' doesn't hamper our efforts - arriving in the 'Mother City' in the afternoon.

Day 42, Cape Town

Your tour ends this morning after breakfast. Make sure to spend a few extra days exploring this cosmopolitan city - the Mother City of South Africa.

Meals included in your tour cost

38 Breakfasts, 32 Lunches, 31 Dinners

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Highlights included in your tour cost

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There are 52 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• $75 Arusha Camel Rides
• $40 Chobe National Park Game Drive
• $35 Dhow Fishing Trip - Zanzibar
• TBA Game Fishing
• $105 Jet Boating on the Zambezi
• $90 Kande Beach Horse Riding
• $45 Kande Beach Scuba Diving
• TBA Kande Beach Water Sports Equipment
• $15 Karen Blixen Museum
• $20 Langata Giraffe Centre Visit
• $15 Malawi Village Walk & Meal
• $10 Masai Cultural Village
• $450 Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Ride
• $70 Moped Hire - Zanzibar
• $85 Nairobi National Park
• $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
• $35 Sossusvlei Guided Walk
• $350 Sossusvlei Scenic Flight
• $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
• $130 Victoria Falls Elephant Ride
• $120 Victoria Falls Flight of Angels
• $130 Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight
• $75 Victoria Falls Horse Rides
• $120 Victoria Falls Microlight Flight
• $30 Victoria Falls National Park
• $115 Victoria Falls Rhino Walk
• $75 Victoria Falls Scenic Flight
• $130 Walk with the Lions - Victoria Falls
• $130 White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
• $65 Zambezi Gorge Swing
• $165 Zambezi River Rafting & Boarding Combo
• $80 Zambezi River Sunset Dinner Cruise
• $75 Zanzibar Scuba Diving
• TBA Zimbabwe Walking Safaris