Cape Town to Nairobi Overland Tour

Day 02      Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River

Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. We continue our journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this days travel.

Route

Citrusdal to Vioolsdrift

Included activities

Spring Wild Flower (Seasonal July – September)

Day 03       Namibia – Gariep (Orange) River – Fish River Canyon

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Later this morning we cross the border into Namibia and travel onwards to the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest in the world. This afternoon we take a walk along the rim of the canyon and end our day with a memorable sunset on the canyon edge.

Route

Orange/Gariep River to Fish River Canyon

Included activities

Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon

Day 04    Namib-Naukluft National Park

Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Tonight we camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko.

Route

Fish River Canyon to Namib Naukluft

Day 05     Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park

Watching the sunrise over the red dunes is an iconic highlight of any trip to Namibia and this morning we rise before the sun to capture this magnificent moment. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert sunrise. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. A last stop at the Sesriem Canyon may end our visit to the dune fields, but our day in the desert continues this afternoon as we join a local expert for an educational desert excursion. Tonight we empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land.

Route

Namib-Naukluft NP to Naukluft Area

Included activities

Sunrise hike up Dune 45

Walk into Sesriem Canyon

4×4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei

activity package

Guided desert walk with local expert

Day 06   Swakopmund

Today we continue west and make our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilization await. Reluctantly we leave the Namib behind and after a stop to mark our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn, we continue to the Atlantic coastline. We make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, where we hope to catch a glimpse of the Flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. Arriving in Swakopmund we will have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer. We enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant tonight.

Route

Naukluft Area to Swakopmund

Included activities

Walvis Bay Lagoon

Tropic of Capricorn

optional activities

Dinner Out in Swakopmund

Day 07    Swakopmund

While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land.

Optional activities

Quad biking

Sand boarding

Skydiving

Dolphin cruise

Dinner Out in Swakopmund

Day 08  Spitzkoppe

This morning we travel a section of the famous Skeleton Coast road, passing the Salt Works we head north for a photo opportunity in the colourful town of Wlotskasbaken. Lichens are one of the most fascinating examples of symbiosis in nature, algae and fungus unite to form the Lichen and live inseparably as one organism. We will have the opportunity to view these fascinating desert inhabitants before turning east towards Spitzkoppe. These massive granite formations tower 700 metres above the desert plains below and the presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. We will enjoy a late afternoon walk with a local guide and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art.

Route

Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe

Included activities

Visit and explore Spitzkoppe with a local guide

Day 09  Himba Tribes: Outjo

We continue north this morning and on our way we will visit a project that will introduce us to the Himba people of Northern Namibia.

The semi-nomadic Himba Tribe are extremely susceptible to Western influence and have lost a large portion of their land to farmers, engineers, miners and many were displaced during the wars that raged between Namibia and Angola. The dwindling number of pastoralists that still exist in their natural environment are protected as far as possible by creating a “buffer zone”, or an “educational tribe” where tourists who would like to get a better understanding of the way of the Himba, their lifestyle and their traditions, can do so without interfering with those still living in their natural environment. Visiting the Himba tribe can be a controversial topic that gets discussed at the camp fire, however not so much if the reason for visiting this particular tribe is understood beforehand. The income that this specific tribe generates from the visits goes towards the education of orphaned Himba children and assists the tribe in giving them a chance to learn about their own culture and heritage. There is a market at the end of your visit, this is a way for the women to establish a small income, used for their own private expenses, and it is up to you whether you’d like to purchase anything or not

We continue to our camp for the night and prepare for two magical days of game viewing in Etosha National Park.

Route

Spitzkoppe to Outjo

Activity package

Himba Tribe visit

Day 10    Etosha National Park

Rising early this morning we make the short drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. Today we have a full-day to explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park. Our truck offers us an elevated platform and we will spend some time at the many waterholes dotted throughout the park. Evenings in Etosha are best spent wrapped up warm at the floodlit waterholes at the camps. Those who wish to partake in an optional night drive may do so tonight.

Route

Outjo to Etosha National Park

Included activities

Afternoon game drive in the truck

Optional activities

Etosha Night Drive – subject to availability

Day 11    Etosha National Park

Our second day in Etosha allows another full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. Tonight a second opportunity presents for those who wish to do an optional night drive, while the floodlit waterholes ensure that our game viewing continues deep into the night.

Included activities

Full day game drive in the overland truck

Optional activities

Etosha Night Drive – subject to availability

Day 12    Windhoek

A last early morning and short game drive to the gate sees us wrap up our visit to Etosha and take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Today we make a brief stop at the craft markets of Okahandja before arriving in Windhoek in the afternoon. We will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some its better known landmarks. Tonight we have the chance to eat at Windhoek’s most famous eatery, Joe’s Beer House has gained an international reputation for its venison dishes and quirky atmosphere.

Route

Etosha National Park to Windhoek

Optional activities

Dinner at Windhoek

Included activities

Walk through Windhoek with your guide

Craft market stop en-route

Day 13    Botswana – Ghanzi

Today we travel east and make our way to neighbouring Botswana and the Kalahari Desert. Starkly different to the Namib Desert after which Namibia is named, the Kalahari is no less dramatic and covers over 900 000 square kilometres. The San people have long been associated with this harsh environment and tonight we enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance and story-telling.

Route

Windhoek to Ghanzi

Included activities

San Evening Dance Performance

Day 14      Gateway to the Okavango Delta

The San people have existed in some of the harshest conditions for thousands of years and this morning you will have the opportunity of joining an optional walk with San guides to learn how they embrace the environment to survive. This afternoon we journey to the banks of the Okavango River, our launching pad for the Okavango Delta excursion. Your guide will brief you on what to pack for the Delta excursion, a small daypack or overnight bag will be needed due to space restrictions for our transfers to and from camp.

Route

Ghanzi to Etosha

Optional activities

San walk

Day 15     Okavango Delta

Today we embark on our Okavango Delta excursion. This unique and unusual ecosystem sees the annual flood waters of the Okavango River fan out into the sands of the Kalahari Basin. The seasonality of the flood waters lends the Delta its ever changing character. While water levels may fluctuate the tranquility of this wilderness area remains constant.

Activity package

Okavango Delta excursion

Day 16   Okavango Delta

A full day is set aside to enjoy the activities on offer in the Delta, while the programme of activities is flexible to accommodate the seasonal changes, you will have the opportunity to enjoy amongst other activities traditional mokoro rides and natures walks. The Okavango Delta is not only a natural wonder, but represents one of the last great wilderness areas in the world today.

Day 17   Okavango Delta – Caprivi Region

Leaving the Delta behind us this morning we make our way to the border and re-enter Namibia. As we transit through the Caprivi Strip, much of our day is spent travelling through Game Parks and there is always the possibility of a lucky sighting. We overnight a short distance from the Botswana border as we prepare for an exciting day of activities in Chobe National Park tomorrow.

Route

Okavango Delta to Caprivi Region

Day 18      Kasane – Chobe National Park

We enjoy our breakfast in Namibia this morning before returning to Botswana and our camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Lunch will be served from the truck and the afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. We begin our exploration in 4×4 vehicles, which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many Elephants that frequent the River in the afternoons. The afternoon ends with a leisurely Boat Cruise and a meal served around the campfire.

Route

Caprivi Region to Kasane

Activity package

Chobe National Park game drive

Chobe National Park boat cruise

Day 19   Zimbabwe -Victoria Falls

With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border in Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well. Tonight we enjoy an optional dinner out, your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available.

Route

Kasane to Victoria Falls

Optional activities

Dinner at Victoria Falls

Activity package

Vic Falls National Park entry

Day 20      Victoria Falls

With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls.

Optional activities

Bungee Jump – Solo

White Water Rafting

Helicopter Flights

Zambezi Sunset Cruise

Day 21    Lusaka

Setting off early from Victoria Falls, we catch a last sighting of the mighty falls before crossing the border into Zambia. While we have a long day travelling today, we get our first impressions of the Africa that awaits us. Colourful markets, busy villages and rural scenes form the backdrop of our journey to the outskirts of Lusaka. We enjoy a prepared meal on arrival as our guides brief us on the days ahead.

Route

Victoria Falls to Lusaka

Included activities

View of Victoria Falls from the Bridge

Day 22   Petauke

This morning we drive through Zambia’s busy capital Lusaka before turning east towards Petauke, our destination for the night. As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and we will cross the mighty Luangwa River along the way. Dotted with villages and subsistence farms, today’s landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries so many of us call home.

Route

Lusaka to Petauke

Day 23    South Luangwa National Park

With two days of travel behind us we look forward to the tranquility of South Luangwa and this morning we make our way to the banks of the Luangwa River. Our first stop though is the town of Chipata, home of Chipata Cotton and an important centre for the cotton famers of the region. Tribal Textiles represents the creativity of the African culture and those interested can enjoy a tour of their workshops (March to December). One of the finest sunsets is surely that enjoyed on the banks of the Luangwa River, so grab a cold drink and watch the day fade away.

Route

Petauke to South Luangwa National Park

Included activities

Textile project visit

Day 24  South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination and we have a full day to explore the park in search of the variety of wildlife found in the park. This morning you can partake in an optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris on offer in the park. This afternoon we will enjoy a Sunset Drive in the park, we split our time between day and night with a sundowner stop in between. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives us a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen in the day.

Optional activities

Morning Game Drive in South Luangwa

Safari Walk (seasonal)

Activity package

Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park

Day 25    Lake Malawi – Malawi

This morning we board our truck and set off for Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system. As one of the ten largest lakes in the world, the lake stretches for over 500km along the western boundary of Malawi and is home to more species of fish than other lake. We spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder.

Route

South Luangwa National Park to Lake Malawi

Day 26    Northern Lake Malawi

Taking our time this morning we enjoy the charms of sunrise on the Lake, we head out this afternoon and come to rest on the northern reaches of the lake shore. Here we spend a few days indulging in the many attractions that underlie the charm of the Lake and its people. Our base for the next three nights offers a range of opportunities to satisfy every wish.

Route

Southern Lake Malawi to Northern Lake Malawi

Day 27  Lake Malawi

Amongst the myriad of optional activities to fill your days, we will pay a visit to a local community this morning to meet the people of the lake. Hikers will find a selection of trips, including a rather strenuous outing to the mission village of Livingstonia, set high above the lake. Snorkelling in the crystal waters offers the chance to see first-hand the brilliantly coloured tropical cichlids, tiny fish often found in colourful aquariums around the world. Your guide will assist you to plan your activities for the coming days, or you can simply slow your clock to Africa time relaxing on the lake shore.

Optional activities

Community Volunteering

Livingstonia day trip (hike)

Snorkelling Lake Malawi

Included activities

Local Village Visit

Day 28      Lake Malawi

This morning we set aside some time for a visit to Karonga, this interesting town has a turbulent history as a centre Malawi’s slave trade. Home to a museum that boasts a dinosaur amongst its displays, we learn more of the rich history of both people and the natural world. We return for a final afternoon of relaxation and a final sundowner on the shores of this great lake.

included activities

Museum Visit

Karonga Town

Optional activities

Community Volunteering

Livingstonia day trip (hike)

Snorkelling Lake Malawi

Day 29      Iringa

Today as we leave Malawi, we ascend the Great Rift Valley and make our way into Tanzania. We round the northern extremes of the lake as we turn east and continue to our overnight stop in Iringa.

Route

Northern Lake Malawi to Iringa

Day 30   Mikumi

This morning we complete our journey to the doorstep of Mikumi National Park. Mikumi ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania, but forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. Abutting the northern border of this vast wilderness, Mikumi offers us an opportunity for an afternoon of game viewing.

Route

Iringa to Mikumi

Activity package

Mikumi National Park game drive

Day 31    Dar es Salaam

Today we continue onwards to the bustling port of Dar es Salaam, tonight we have an opportunity to dinner out on the town as we prepare for our upcoming excursion to Zanzibar. Dar es Salaam grew from a humble fishing village and today is one of the largest cities in Africa.

Route

Mikumi to Dar es Salaam

Optional activities

Dinner

Day 32  Zanzibar Excursion

Boarding the ferry to Zanzibar this morning we make the ocean journey to the island of Zanzibar. On arrival we will partake in a Spice Tour before reaching Nungwi on the northern point of the island. Our home for the next two nights, Nungwi offers a perfect stop to enjoy the beaches and activities on offer.

Route

Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar by ferry – transfer to Nungwi

Optional activities

Snorkelling

Sunset Sailing Trips

Included activities

Spice Tour and City Tour

Activity package

3-Day Zanzibar excursion

Day 33  Zanzibar Excursion

Today is a free day for enjoying some of the many attractions and activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day and Nungwi offers fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of ocean safari options. Whatever it is you chose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Rent a scooter and explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Optional activities

Jozani Forest

Village Tour

Turtle Sanctuary Visit

Scuba Diving

Fishing

Snorkelling

Day 34    Zanzibar Excursion

Our visit to Nungwi comes to an end today as we travel to Stone Town this afternoon. Boasting a rich history this bustling port was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes. We overnight here before returning to Dar es Salaam in the morning.

Route

Nungwi Beach to Stone Town

Day 35    Dar es Salaam – Bagamoyo

This morning we have some time to explore the sights of Stone Town, the rich history and vibrant markets are some of the highlights of any visit to Zanzibar. We bid farewell to the island this afternoon and board our return ferry, on arrival in Dar es Salaam make the short journey north to Bagamoyo where we make our stop for the night.

Route

Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam by ferry; Dar es Salaam to Bagamoyo

Places

Stone Town

Day 36  Arusha 

Heading north this morning we travel across the northern reaches of Tanzania, our destination tonight is the bustling town of Arusha which is our launching point for the Serengeti. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro. This evening we will briefed on the excursion to Serengeti by our local guide as we prepare for the coming days.

Route

Bagamoyo to Arusha

Day 37  Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion

The following days are set aside for the 3-night optional camping excursion into the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. This area has one of the most densely inhabited large animal populations in Africa. The Serengeti excursion is in open topped 4×4 safari vehicles in order to tackle the challenging side roads in the parks. We leave our accommodation in the morning and drive to the Serengeti. On arrival we will start with our first game drive.

Route

Arusha to Serengeti National Park

Places

Serengeti National Park

Optional activities

04-Day Serengeti camping excursion

Day 38    Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion

We spend the entire day game driving through the Serengeti. Our route is depending on the movement of the game and sightings.

Day 39    Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion

Today we explore more of the Serengeti and make our way to the famous Ngorongoro Crater. We drive down to the bottom of the Crater, where we try and see as many animals as possible.

Route

Serengeti to Ngorongoro

Places

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

Day 40    Arusha

Returning to Arusha tonight we share out experiences of the Serengeti and prepare for the trip to Nairobi tomorrow.

Route

Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

Day 41      Kenya – Nairobi

We cross the border into Kenya this morning and make our way to Nairobi where our journey ends on arrival.

Route

Arusha to Nairobi

Optional activities

Dinner