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From Cape Town to Nairobi, the journey begins and ends at a mountain, Table Mountain and Mt Kilimanjaro. Along the way, traverse the giant sand dunes of Namibia, laze on the beaches of Zanzibar, and gaze upon the thundering Victoria Falls. This comprehensive tour will leave you with unforgettable memories of the African wilds.
This tour is also available in reverse, starting in Nairobi and ending in Cape Town.
Day 1. Cape Town to Cederberg Highlights. Cederberg, South Africa. Township Tour Cape Town, South Africa.
This morning we begin our adventure in the Cape flats visiting a township to meet some of the locals in the area. We then head up the West Coast to the Cederberg area where we spend our first night under the African sky.Day 2. Cederberg Area to Orange River Highlights. Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia.
Heading further north we travel through the Karoo of the Northern Cape and cross the Namibian border to the Orange River (Gariep) River.Day 3. Orange River to Fish River Canyon, Namibia Highlights. Fish River Canyon, Namibia.
This morning you have the option of enjoying a canoe trip on the Orange River to explore deeper into the Richtersveld area. Thereafter we continue to the breathtaking Fish River Canyon.Day 4. Fish River Canyon Highlights. Sesriem Canyon, Namibia. Tsaris Pass, Namibia.
Travelling further into Namibia we continue along the dirt-roads and over the Tsaris Pass to the Namib Naukluft area where we spend our next night in preparation for our visit to Sesriem and Sossusvlei tomorrow. 1 images Sesriem Canyon, NamibiaDay 5. Sesriem Area to Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region Highlights. Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia. Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region, Namibia. Sossusvlei, Namibia.
This morning we rise early and head to the dune-scape of the Namib Naukluft National Park. We stop off at the majestic Dune 45 where we have the chance to scamper up the dune and see the surrounding 'sand-sea' from above. Then continue on to the Deadvlei for a guided walk of this eerie area. We finish off with a trip to the Sesriem Canyon to see what lies under these giant red dunes.Day 6. Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region to Swakopmund Highlights. The Tropic of Capricorn.
Journeying west we head to the Atlantic seaboard this morning, first crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and then driving down the Kuiseb Pass before hitting the flat coastal plateau.Day 7. Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia.
Today is free to enjoy the town's many shops and cafes or head out in search of adventure - quad bike the dunes, tandem skydive over, or grab a board and slide down - there's loads of adrenaline action here.Day 8. Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe Highlights. Spitzkoppe, Namibia.
Heading back inland we drive to Spitzkoppe located on a flat coastal plateau. Rising out of the horizon, you'll be amazed at these large granite boulder-like mountains - it's no wonder they were considered sacred by the San bushmen.Day 9. Spitzkoppe to Etosha National Park
Departing the magical boulder-mountains of the Spitzkoppe we drive north to the famed Etosha National Park.Day 10. Etosha National Park Highlights. Etosha National Park, Namibia.
This morning we rise early and head out in search of the predators we may have heard overnight. Each camp is fenced so we drive out as they open the gates at sunrise and keep our eyes pealed.Day 11. Etosha National Park to Windhoek Highlights. Windhoek, Namibia.
Passing through some of the farming towns on our way to Windhoek we catch a glimpse of the everyday life of the local Namibians.Day 12. Windhoek to Ghanzi, Botswana Highlights. Kalahari Bushman Walk, Botswana.
From the Namibian Capital we head east and to the border of Botswana, where after formalities we continue on to Ghanzi at the north of the great Kalahari.Day 13. Ghanzi to Maun Highlights. Maun, Botswana.
We journey further into Botswana and on to the gateway to the Okavango Delta at Maun. This small frontier town has long been the starting point for many an adventurer into the watery wilderness beyond.Day 14. Maun to Okavango Delta Highlights. Okavango Delta, Botswana.
Piling into our 4x4 transfer, we load up our gear and start winding our way across the sandy terrain and on to the poling station at the water's edge. It is here that we meet up with our resident guides who will take us out on their mokoro's and to our camp in the wild.Day 15. Okavango Delta to Maun
We rise with the sun and head out again on foot in search of any game that may have wandered into our area overnight.Day 16. Maun to Nata Highlights. Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana.
Nata is a small town at the main intersection of the north-south and eastern roads in Botswana. Small as it may be, it is also located on the edge of the great salt pans and in the rain season an abundance of birdlife can be seen in the area.Day 17. Nata to Kasane Highlights. Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana. Chobe National Park, Botswana.
Heading north we journey through the vast mopane woodlands as we make our way to Kasane on the outskirts of the Chobe National Park.Day 18. Kasane to Livingstone, Zambia Highlights. Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana. Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Zambia.
This morning we head out to explore the Chobe National Park on an open vehicle game drive where we have the opportunity to spot not only elephant that are so prolific in the park, but also lion, and different antelope species. Moving on from Kasane we take the ferry across the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers into Zambia and continue to our camp at Livingstone.Day 19-20. Livingstone Highlights. Livingstone Activities, Zambia.
We spend the next days enjoying some free time to explore the surrounds and the many activities on offer.Day 21. Livingstone to Lusaka Highlights. Lusaka, Zambia.
We leave the tranquility of Livingstone and head for Zambia's Capital - Lusaka. Lusaka is Southern Africa’s fastest growing city with approx 1.7 million people and is located on the southern plateau at an elevation of 1300m with four main highways running north, south, east and west to different parts of Africa.Day 22. Lusaka to South Luangwa National Park
One of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa, the magnificent South Luangwa National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife and birdlife and the birthplace of the walking safari.Day 23. South Luangwa National Park Highlights. South Luangwa National Park.
With a morning at leisure, we head out this afternoon to explore on a guided game drive with the resident guide to lead the way.Day 24. South Luangwa to Kande Beach, Malawi Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi.
We pass through the textile villages on our way out of the South Luangwa area and continue to the border, where after border formalities, we cross into the warm heart of Africa - Malawi.Day 25. Kande Beach, Malawi Highlights. Kande Beach Activities, Malawi.
Waking to the soft sound of the water lapping the sandy beach, we have the day free to explore, go on adventures or simply relax.Day 26. Kande Beach to Chitimba Beach Highlights. Chitimba Beach.
Travelling further along the lake we make our way via the forests of rubber trees on to the town of Mzuzu to the north of Malawi. After stocking up on supplies and exploring the local market, we continue along the higher plateau and on to the northern part of the lake where we spend the next two nights at Chitimba Beach. 2 images Chitimba BeachDay 27. Chitimba Beach Highlights. Livingstonia Day Hike, Malawi.
We have the day free to relax on the beach, take a leisurely village walk or do the full day trip to Manchewe Falls where after 11km of hiking you can cool off in a natural bath. The surrounding hills are home to the Livingstonia Mission where David Livingstone worked from for a time while staying in Malawi. The views from here are simply magnificent and well worth the effort of hiking to.Day 28. Chitimba Beach to Iringa, Tanzania
Leaving the smiling faces of the local Malawians behind, we head on up the to the higher lying ground and cross into Tanzania. As we make our way up into the Tanzanian highlands we pass through some small villages and find our way to Iringa where we spend our first night in the country.Day 29. Iringa, Tanzania to Mikumi National Park area Highlights. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.
Departing the fresh air and captivating views over the Southern Highlands, we head east to the Mikumi National Park. At 3230 sq km, Mikumi is the 4th largest National Park in Tanzania and hosts buffaloes, elephants lions, numerous antelope species and the endangered wild dogs.Day 30. Iringa to Dar es Salaam Highlights. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Driving further east via the Mikumi National park, we make our way to Dar es Salaam. As we near the coast you'll see traffic increase, and the villages start to melt into one another with many shopfronts with their quirky signage to enjoy.Day 31. Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Highlights. Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Zanzibar, Tanzania.
We leave our truck at camp and make our way to the busy ferry terminal where we board our ferry to the spice island - Zanzibar.Day 31-34. Zanzibar Highlights. Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania.
Whether you're spending your time enjoying the powdery white beaches, swimming in the azure waters, scuba diving the colourful reefs, or tasting your way through the delicious island cuisine - Zanzibar is truly a dream destination. 9 images Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, TanzaniaDay 35. Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Packing our bags and squeezing in a last bit of shopping in Stone Town, we board the ferry and head back to our truck on the mainland.Day 36. Dar es Salaam to Marangu Highlights. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Marangu, Moshi Area, Tanzania.
Making our way out of the city, we head north past the Usambara Mountains, winding our way through the farming villages along the way. This afternoon as we near the mighty Kilimanjaro we hope to catch a glimpse of the summit as we drive toward the base of Africa's highest peak, and our camp at Marangu. 6 images Kilimanjaro, TanzaniaDay 37. Marangu to Arusha Highlights. Maasai Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania. Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania.
Winding our way along Kilimanjaro's base, we first drive through the bustling town of Moshi with its bikes, matatus and foot-traffic and then make our way to Arusha - Tanzania's safari capital.Day 38. Arusha to Serengeti National Park Highlights. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
Shifting our gear over into the smaller safari vehicles, we meet our resident guides and hit the road to the Serengeti.Day 39. Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Rising with the dawn, we head out as soon as it's light to search predators that may still be actively hunting now. After our drive, it's back to camp where we pack up and head back out via the open savannah plains to the Ngorongoro Crater.Day 40. Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha Highlights. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.
This morning we enjoy a quick breakfast and then head out to explore! Winding our way down the steep crater road to the base 600m below, we'll begin to see the herds below. We spend the morning criss-crossing the caldera which is home to an abundance of wildlife owing to the rich fertile soil and varied habitats.Day 41. Arusha to Nairobi, Kenya
We make our way on our last journey today crossing the border into Kenya. After border formalities, we continue on to the Capital city Nairobi where our overland adventure safari tour ends on arrival. Show more...Please note: As from 1st May 2018, we will change our accommodation from Ashanti Lodge in Greenpoint to Ashanti Lodge in Gardens. Please check your tour voucher to confirm that your tour starting and ending point is correct before departing. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain and in walking distances to the city centre, Ashanti Lodge Backpackers in Gardens is your gateway to Cape Town. This gorgeous Victorian Mansion offers backpacker dormitories to single, double and twin rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Chill next to the stunning pool, join the party in the legendary Kumasi Café/Bar with its cool cocktails, tasty food and fabulous mountain views or go explore the city's highlights close by.
* Suggested pre and post tour accommodation can be booked together with your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Suggested Post-Tour Accommodation. Hotel Boulevard, NairobiConveniently located on Nairobi's Harry Thuku Road and set in manicured gardens, this hotel offers a peaceful oasis in the centre of town. Walking distance to shops and craft markets. Rooms – single, twin, double en suite rooms with balcony and satellite TV. Facilities – restaurant, bar, swimming pool, internet, laundry. Transfers are available from the Airport by pre-arrangement
* Suggested pre and post tour accommodation can be booked together with your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Additional Info
PRE TOUR ACCOMMODATION:
This tour departs Cape Town early on day 1; we strongly recommend therefore that you plan to arrive the day before departure to overcome any jet-lag and to acclimatise to Africa. We would be happy to book pre-tour accommodation for you – please call or email us (or speak to your agent) with your arrival details and accommodation requirements. However please book early to avoid disappointment and the risk of having to find more expensive (or less convenient) lodgings.
If time allows, we also suggest planning a night or two extra (after your tour) to make the most of this part of Africa. Accommodation is usually available locally on arrival but you can also pre book this with Acacia. There is a variety of activities and excursions in the Nairobi area you can arrange locally or with your Tour Leader.
ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS:
These are optional activities that are booked during your holiday and paid directly to the provider while on tour. These options offer a variety of experiences and allow you the freedom to decide what activities you would like to do.
ACCOMMODATION:
We use 2-person dome tents with fly sheets, sewn-in groundsheets, zip-up insect screens and foam mattresses. We mainly use campsites, which usually have reasonable wash and shower facilities, electricity points and sometimes even a small shop, bar or swimming pool. In the Okavango Delta on day 15 we use twin share pre-erected tents with basic en-suite facilities. In the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater there are basic facilities. On Zanzibar we use basic tourist class local hotels.
TRANSPORT:
24-seater, self-contained, custom-built safari truck with on-board tables, plug sockets, freezer, water tank, library, i-pod jack, safety features and 70-litre individual lockers, mokoro (dugout canoe), river boat, 4x4 safari vehicle and fast ferry.
GAME PARK VISITS:
In order to maximise the quality of game driving and to comply with local authority rulings, some of our National Park visits and game viewing is carried out using services provided by local African ground handlers. As well as enhancing our experience using local guides and smaller vehicles it also allows us to contribute at a ‘grassroots’ level to local economies from which local people benefit.
TOUR STYLE:
This is a participation tour and your help will be needed in assisting with the various day to day duties, such as shopping, cooking and keeping the truck tidy (usually on a rota basis). But don’t worry it’s not all hard work and it’s a great way to meet the local people and get to know your fellow travellers. Your contribution benefits the success of the tour - most people find the greater their involvement, the greater their enjoyment of the whole trip.
Meals
40 Breakfasts, 30 Lunches, 30 Dinners
Accommodation
33 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 2 nights dorm, 1 night tented camp, 4 nights tourist class hotel
South Africa
22 days