Zanzibar to Cape Town: 34 Day Adventure Tour (Camping)

Day 1. Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Island, Stone Town Highlights. Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Our journey kicks off with a fast ferry across to the spice island of Zanzibar. Our first night is in Stone Town. Head out the the markets or marvel at the many winding alleyways with the traders seated on door-steps along the way. There are many restaurants and cafes to choose from for meals while on the island - try the fresh seafood delights or savour the flavours of the fresh fruit the island is famous for.

3 images Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Day 2-3. Zanzibar Island, Nungwi Highlights. Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania.

Nungwi is home to some of the white sandy sun-kissed beaches that Zanzibar is famous for and this morning we transfer North from Stone Town to this resort.

Along the way, opt to join a Spice tour - a great insight into the local produce and history of the area.

3 images Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania

Day 4. Zanzibar Island, Nungwi to Dar es Salaam Highlights. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Leaving the beautiful Zanzibari beaches behind this morning we travel down through the island to Stone Town. We catch the ferry this afternoon back to Dar es Salaam to our beachside camp for the night.

3 images Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Day 5. Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park Area Highlights. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.

Our travelling day starts early as we negotiate the traffic to get out of the city and once out on the open road we travel through the beautiful countryside of Tanzania.

Our journey takes us through the Mikumi National Park where we may be lucky enough to spot some animals grazing alongside the road and on to our camp a short distance from the park.

If time allows, we may have the opportunity for a game drive in the park itself.

3 images Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

Day 6. Mikumi National Park Area to Iringa

Continuing on through Tanzania the route takes us up towards the Southern Highlands along with a pleasant fresh climate.

Our camp for the night is at a working organic farm which has been in the same family for over 70 years known for its cosy bar and fantastic chocolate brownies.

Day 7. Iringa to Mbeya Region Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi.

Heading towards Malawi we make a stop at the tranquil Utengule Coffee Lodge nestled amidst the majestic Mbeya range in Southern Tanzania.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the East African Rift Valley, relax by the poolside or enjoy the various activities like squash, tennis, pool, table tennis, or volleyball.

For those interested in coffee, an optional guided tour through the coffee plantation is available, including a roasting demonstration and a cup of home-grown coffee.

3 images Lake Malawi, Malawi

Day 8. Mbeya Region to Chitimba (Lake Malawi), Malawi Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi.

After our last night in Tanzania, we head to the Songwe border post into Malawi. Lake Malawi formerly ‘Lake Nyasa’ covers almost a fifth of the country’s area and provides the source of livelihood for many of the Malawi people. Fishermen, fish traders, canoe and net makers all ply their trade, and a common sight is that of a fisherman in his Bwato, (dugout canoe made from hollowed out tree trunk) fishing on the lake at the break of day. The lake also has the highest number of endemic freshwater fish species of any in the world.

Relax on the beach, take a leisurely village walk, visit the local craft market where you can enjoy learning the ins and outs of woodcarving your own souvenir, learn to play the game of Bao or haggle for some souvenirs.

3 images Lake Malawi, Malawi

Day 9. Chitimba to Nkhotakota Region (Lake Malawi)

Today we take a nice scenic drive through rubber plantations to Mzuzu - the capital of the northern region and the third largest town in Malawi - where we stop for a short while to grab supplies and check out the markets, before arriving to Ngala Beach Lodge.

Day 10. Nkhotakota Region (Lake Malawi) Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi.

Today you’ll have some free time to try some of the optional activities, such as hiring a kayak, snorkelling, village walk, waterfall hike, or simply relax and enjoy the warm, fresh waters of Lake Malawi.

3 images Lake Malawi, Malawi

Day 11. Nkhotakota Region (Lake Malawi) to Petauke, Zambia

Saying our goodbye’s to ‘the Lake’, we drive through Nkhotakhota Game Reserve towards the border where we cross into Zambia. After completing the border formalities, we continue our journey to Petauke, a region known for agriculture, producing maize, cotton, sunflower, soya beans, and other crops.

Day 12. Petauke to Lusaka Highlights. Lusaka, Zambia.

Continuing onwards through Zambia passing numerous small villages we eventually reach the capital city, Lusaka and our camp a short distance out of the city on a peaceful farm.

Day 13. Lusaka to Livingstone Highlights. Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Zambia.

After another day of travelling through Zambia we reach the town of Livingstone close to the mighty Victoria Falls. We visit the falls themselves and walk around the various pathways taking in this awe inspiring sight.

Our camp is just upstream from the falls themselves on the banks of the Zambezi and there are a wide range of different activities on offer in the area. Our team will be on hand to assist in ensuring we make the most of our time here.

3 images Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Zambia

Day 14-16. Livingstone Highlights. Livingstone Activities, Zambia.

We have three days at leisure in the Livingstone area. Possibly enjoy a day white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi river shooting rapids with makes like 'The Devils Toilet Bowl' and 'Overland Truck Eater' or maybe take a more relaxed canoe safari on the upper stretches of the river.

3 images Livingstone Activities, Zambia

Day 17. Livingstone to Kasane, Botswana Highlights. Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana.

Travelling the sort distance to the Kazangula Ferry we cross the border into Botswana and on to the nearby Chobe National Park.

This afternoon we embark on a Fish Eagle Cruise on the Chobe River hoping to get some fantastic game viewing.

3 images Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana

Day 18. Chobe National Park to Nata Highlights. Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana. Chobe National Park, Botswana. Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana.

We are up early this morning to enjoy a 4x4 game drive in Chobe National Park after cruising on the river we get a different perspective on the park.

We continue our journey through Botswana where we may even encounter more animals along the road before reaching our camp in Nata. Unfenced from the wildlife we are often lucky enough to have animals roaming through the camp, most notable herds of Elephants.

3 images Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana

3 images Chobe National Park, Botswana

3 images Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana

Day 19. Nata to Maun Highlights. Maun, Botswana.

Continuing westwards through Botswana and the sands of the Kalahari we reach the town of Maun which is the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Stocking up on supplies in town before having the afternoon relaxing in the pleasant camp.

3 images Maun, Botswana

Day 20. Maun to Okavango Delta Highlights. Okavango Delta, Botswana.

Leaving our camp we depart on a 4x4 safari vehicle and then into traditional dugout canoes (mokoros) where we explore this vast inland delta with its labyrinth of channels and islands.

The Delta is a wilderness paradise and while exploring both on foot and in the mokoros we may be lucky enough to have some good game sightings.

Our camp on one of the islands provides a wilderness home for the night.

5 images Okavango Delta, Botswana

Day 21. Okavango Delta to Maun

After a morning game walk we retrace our steps back to the base in Maun. This afternoon we can either check out the town or take an optional flight over the delta and try spotting some game from the air!

Day 22. Maun to Omaheke Region, near Gobabis, Namibia Highlights. Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia.

Travelling on through the vastness of Botswana and the edges of the Kalahari Desert we cross into Namibia and make tracks to our camp for the night. Here we meet the San / Bushmen and learn about their culture and how they survive in this harsh and seemingly barren landscape.

3 images Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia

Day 23. Omaheke Region to Windhoek Highlights. Windhoek, Namibia.

First off we travel to Windhoek, the small capital city with its interesting Germanic colonial architecture. This evening we might enjoy visiting one of the well known German restaurants in the city.

Day 24. Windhoek to Etosha National Park

With a change of direction we head north towards the Etosha National Park and the vast salt pan that dominates the landscape. The shimmering white pan can apparently been seen from space.

There are a variety of waterholes in the park and we camp at one of these. Floodlit at night it allows us to head down to watch animals come in to drink under the cover of darkness.

Day 25. Etosha National Park Highlights. Etosha National Park, Namibia.

We enjoy a full day game driving in the park today hoping to catch sight of some of the animals that the park is so famous for including elephant, giraffe and possibly rhino. Etosha is classified as a desert National Park so keep an eye open for the prancing Springbok, and regal looking Oryx as you travel through the wild.

This evening we return to our camp by the waterhole to hopefully catch some more nocturnal sightings.

3 images Etosha National Park, Namibia

Day 26. Etosha National Park to Spitzkoppe Highlights. Spitzkoppe, Namibia.

Having travelled through the Etosha National Park our journey takes us south through the eerily beautiful Damaraland region of Namibia to Spitzkoppe and it's unique rock formations dotted with bushman paintings.

We stay in a community run camp at the foot of the rock formations.

3 images Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Day 27. Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia.

Heading for the west coast of the African continent and the cool waters of the South Atlantic we are heading for Swakopmund, a cool and refreshing seaside town, from where we can take part in a variety of different activities both in the nearby sand dunes and over them!

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

Day 28. Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia.

We have the day at leisure today to possibly enjoy quad biking, sand boarding or even a skydive! Alternatively, it could be simply enjoying some of the fantastic coffee shops in the town and enjoying a view of the tumultuous Atlantic ocean

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

Day 29. Swakopmund to Solitaire Area Highlights. The Tropic of Capricorn.

Leaving the coast behind, we turn inland over the Tropic of Capricorn, stopping for a photo opportunity en-route to our desert camp. It's here we admire the views over this vast desert and spend the night under canvas.

3 images The Tropic of Capricorn

Day 30. Solitaire Area to Namib Naukluft National Park Highlights. Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia. Sesriem Canyon, Namibia. Sossusvlei, Namibia.

Up early this morning to enter the Namib Naukluft National Park. The rising sun causes the sands to appear as if they are changing colour and we are able to watch the desert come to life by climbing Dune 45. After the challenging climb we are rewarded by a hearty breakfast before taking a shuttle to Dead Vlei where we have a guided tour.

3 images Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia

3 images Sesriem Canyon, Namibia

3 images Sossusvlei, Namibia

Day 31. Sesriem Area to Fish River Canyon Highlights. Fish River Canyon, Namibia.

Our journey continues southbound through the barren and rocky landscape dotted with strange looking quiver trees.

Reaching the Fish River Canyon, which, at over 160km long is the worlds second largest.

Our crew will take you to the best spots for some stunning photo opportunities

3 images Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Day 32. Fish River Canyon - Gariep (Orange) River Highlights. Gariep (Orange) River, Namibia.

Heading south, we travel through rocky terrain dotted with quiver trees and succulents native to the area and make our way to the Gariep (Orange) River bordering Namibia and South Africa. Our camp is located on the river bank on the Namibian side and here you will have the opportunity to take an option canoe, walk the magnificent rugged kloofs or relax by the water.

3 images Gariep (Orange) River, Namibia

Day 33. Gariep (Orange) River to Cederberg Region, South Africa Highlights. Cederberg, South Africa.

Our penultimate day on the Acacia vehicle takes us from the Namibia side across the border to South Africa of the arid Northern Cape towards the fruit and citrus growing areas of the Western Cape. Travelling through this area in the spring months we will be rewarded by views over fields of wildflowers.

This afternoon we have the opportunity to taste some of South Africa's locally produced wine at our camp overlooking vineyards.

3 images Cederberg, South Africa

Day 34. Cederberg Area to Cape Town Highlights. Cape Town, South Africa.

Back onto the Acacia vehicle for the final leg of our adventure down to the 'Mother City' Cape Town. One of the world's most iconic cities dominated by Table Mountain towering over the city.

We recommend having a couple of extra days in Cape Town at the end of the journey to make the most of everything that is on offer here.