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 8, Arusha to Dar Es Salaam

On our way to Dar es Salaam we have a chance of viewing the snow-capped Kilimanjaro. We will stop off at Marangu where you’ll have the opportunity to tackle a climb to Kilimanjaro base camp, or take a walk through the awesome surroundings with its coffee plantations, rivers, waterfalls, caves and local people. The temperature becomes noticeably hotter as we get closer to Dar es Salaam.

Day 9, Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar Island

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 10 to 12, 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 13, 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 14 to 15, Dar Es Salaam to Iringa

We head deeper into Tanzania. Passing through Mikumi National Park we might be lucky and view a fair amount of wildlife from our truck.

Day 16 to 17, Iringa to Lake Malawi

The few days drive to Malawi takes us through interesting landscapes, passing through some gorgeous rolling hills, and beautiful tea and rubber plantations before exiting Tanzania. En-route we stop along the way to visit a tea plantation.

 

 

Day 18, 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 19, 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 20, 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 21, 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 22, Lake Malawi to Lilongwe

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

Day 23, Lilongwe

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

Day 24 to 25, 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 26 to 28, Harare to Chimanimani National Park

Moving through Harare’s fascinating blend of history, culture and scenery, we make our way to the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe where we will either visit Chimanimani National Park or Vumba Gardens. Here you’ll have the opportunity to exercise your inner adventurer with a hike in the mountain wilderness or to the nearby bridal veil falls. If you’re in the mood for a relaxed day, strolling through the sleepy village and exploring the local market is also an option.

Day 29, Chimanimani National Park to Gweru

Leaving Chimanimani National Park, we head off to what we like to call the best camp in Africa: Antelope Park! 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 30 to 32, 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 33, 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 34, Bulawayo

Here we have the option to visit the Matobo National Park which is renowned for its many leopards, black eagles and rhino. Many caves and rock paintings are evidence of the ancient San inhabitants in this area and Cecil Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) was buried here at his own request.

Day 35, 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 36, 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 37, 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 38, 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 39, Chobe National Park to Maun via (Nata)

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 40, 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 41, 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 42, 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 43, 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 44, 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 45, 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 46, 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 47, Cheetah Park to Brandberg

A beautiful drive takes us to the Brandberg (Burning Mountain), Namibia's highest mountain. Here we bush camp and have the option to explore the area famous for the 'White Lady' Bushmen painting.

Day 48, Brandberg to Spitzkoppe

We move south towards the huge granite domes of Spitzkoppe and travel through beautiful desert landscapes. Spitzkoppe has a mysterious feel and always reward with magnificent sunsets.

Day 49, 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 50, 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 51, 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 52, 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 53, 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 54, 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 55, 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 56, Orange River - South Africa to Cape Town

We cross the Orange River and arrive into South Africa. After a long days drive we end this expedition in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.

Meals included in your tour cost

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Highlights included in your tour cost