Cape Town to Zanzibar: 35 Day Tour (Accommodated)

Day 1. Cape Town, South Africa to Cederberg Area Highlights. Cape Town, South Africa. Cederberg, South Africa. Township Tour Cape Town, South Africa.

Our adventure tour begins in Cape Town at one of Cape Town’s intriguing townships by visiting some of the local people and community projects in the area. After a traditional lunch, it time to board our Acacia vehicle and venture up the Western Cape to our accommodation in the Cederberg Region. This area is also known for its wine, which you have the option to sample once settling in.

3 images Cape Town, South Africa

3 images Cederberg, South Africa

3 images Township Tour Cape Town, South Africa

Day 2. Cederberg Area to Gariep (Orange) River, Namibia Highlights. Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia.

Driving north today via Namaqualand region, famous for its prolific flowers that bloom in the spring months (July – September), we cross the border into Namibia and arrive at the Gariep (Orange) River. With its 142 different species of birds and majestic views of the Richtersveld, this beautiful area is at your leisure to explore by foot, swim and gaze at the stars that come to life when dusk hits.

3 images Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia

Day 3. Gariep (Orange) River to Fish River Canyon Highlights. Fish River Canyon, Namibia.

Enjoy an optional canoe trip this morning on the river, or simply relax on the water’s edge. Leaving, we pass rocky outcrops dotted with quiver trees to the majestic Fish River Canyon, stopping to gaze at its beauty. At over 161km long, the Fish River Canyon is the 2nd largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon and is known for its outstanding diverse and unique flora and fauna.

3 images Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Day 4. Fish River Canyon to Sesriem Area Highlights. Namib Naukluft Park, Namibia.

Journeying on, marvel the rocky desert landscapes dotted with quiver trees. Arriving at the Sesriem area, the gateway to the Namib Naukluft National Park, known for the world’s oldest desert and highest sand dunes, it’s time to relax for the evening under the African sky and enjoy the awe-inspiring view.

3 images Namib Naukluft Park, Namibia

Day 5. Namib Naukluft National Park to Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region Highlights. Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia. Sesriem Canyon, Namibia. Sossusvlei, Namibia.

Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park this morning, the journey takes you through a sea of sand and towering dunes. Climb up dune 45 for unbelievable views as the sun rises, delve into a rewarding breakfast and enjoy a shuttle ride and a walk deeper into the desert to view the remarkable Deadvlei. Its then off to view the spectacular Sesriem canyon en-route to our camp in the desert of the Khomas Region 40km from Solitaire, the smallest registered town of Namibia.

3 images Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia

3 images Sesriem Canyon, Namibia

3 images Sossusvlei, Namibia

Day 6. Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region to Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia. The Tropic of Capricorn.

This morning, stop at the Tropic of Capricorn for a photo opportunity before continuing on to the Atlantic Coast and Swakopmund, a quaint town sandwiched in the desert and coast. Established by German colonists in 1892, this stunning town offers a variety of German restaurants, cafés and palm-lined streets. Most of all it’s an adventure lovers paradise hosting a variety of action packed activities – sky diving, sandboarding, quad biking which can be enjoyed over the next few days.

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

3 images The Tropic of Capricorn

Day 7. Swakopmund

Today is a free day to enjoy all this quaint seaside town has to offer - from the many optional activities to the German patisseries, cafés and restaurants. Spend the day out and about exploring or take some time to relax and enjoy the hospitality of the local 'Swakopmunders').

Day 8. Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe Highlights. Spitzkoppe, Namibia.

Leaving the coast, turning inland through flat desert plains to the beautiful Damaraland region and Spitzkoppe, a group of bald granite peaks rising to 1784 metres above sea level and formed over 120 million years ago. This magnificent rock formation offers brilliant photo opportunities and walks. Visit the ‘Bushman Paradise’, a series of ancient Bushman paintings and marvel the beauty as the shifting colours move from boulder to boulder as the sunsets. Accommodation for the night is under canvas offering a true African experience.

3 images Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Day 9. Spitzkoppe to Etosha National Park

Making our way north to Etosha National park, a vast protected area in the Northern part of Namibia. Home to over 114 mammals and 340 bird species, this magnificent park offers fantastic game viewing opportunities. Entering at Anderson gate, keep your eyes peeled for the animals that concentrate at the local watering holes. Accommodation for the evening is near a floodlit waterhole, allowing observers to frequently see a range of night visitors coming into drink including the iconic oryx, elephants, rhino, lion, leopard and giraffe.

Day 10. Etosha National Park Highlights. Etosha National Park, Namibia.

Enjoy a full day game driving in this wondrous animal kingdom – taking in the massive central salt pan, which is so large it can be seen from space. Game can be viewed relatively easily around the waterholes that fringe the pan offering unforgettable memories as you observe natural animal behaviour at its best. Our last night in the park can be spent around a floodlit waterhole completing the full Etosha game viewing experience.

3 images Etosha National Park, Namibia

Day 11. Etosha National Park to Windhoek Highlights. Windhoek, Namibia.

Heading south, Windhoek (Windy-corner in English) is the capital of Namibia and is home to approximately three hundred thousand people, making it a relatively small capital by global standards. The city centre is characterised by German architectural buildings, a lasting reminder of the colonial history. In the evening explore the city and sample some of the local cuisines.

Day 12. Windhoek to Omaheke Region Highlights. Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia.

Leaving Windhoek, turning east our journey takes us into the Kalahari region. Our first stop is the Omaheke Region, 20 km from the Botswana border post. Here in the midst of this dry and semi-barren terrain we meet the Bushman, the ancestors of the original hunters-gathers and have a guided cultural walk, learning their ways of life and how they work with nature.

3 images Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia

Day 13. Omakehe Region to Maun, Botswana Highlights. Maun, Botswana.

Travelling further east we cross the border and head to Maun, the 5th largest town in Botswana and the gateway to the Okavango. Maun is a thriving tourist town with a mixture of new infrastructure and the local rondavel dwellings. Accommodation is based outside of town and it is here you can relax by the pool, take an optional flight over the Delta and pack for the following day’s adventure into the Okavango Delta.

3 images Maun, Botswana

Day 14. Okavango Delta Highlights. Okavango Delta, Botswana.

This morning we board the transfer to the Poler meeting point in the Delta. Here the local Tswanian polers set up the boats ready for the adventure. Traverse in a mokoro (dug-out canoe) amongst the giant lily pads and meandering waterways to the tented camp, situated on an island in the middle of the African wilderness. Relax with a journal or a good book in the heat of the day and partake in an afternoon bush walk to learn about your surroundings and see the wildlife roam in its natural habitat. Once dusk hits, relish the starry night, the whistles of the birds and the cracking sound of an open fire.

5 images Okavango Delta, Botswana

Day 15. Maun

After breakfast, retracing the way back home with a peaceful mokoro ride to the poler station and onward to Maun. The afternoon is yours at leisure. Partake in an optional flight over the delta, explore the area on horse-back, check out the town or simply unwind with a good book and a cool beverage around the pool.

Day 16. Maun to Nata Highlights. Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana.

Our journey moves on, taking in the breath-taking surroundings dotted with ancient Baobab trees via the small town of Nata to our camp in the nearby woodlands at Elephant Sands. This magical place has no fences and a central waterhole where frequent visits from elephants come in. Watch these impressive creatures whilst they drink only a couple of meters away from you, a unique and thrilling experience!

3 images Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana

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

We drive north though elephant country to Kasane, the gateway to the famous Chobe National Park. At 11,700 sq. km and home to over 75 mammal species and over 450 bird species, this magnificent park is Botswana’s most recognised park and famous for its diversity. With binoculars at hand, this afternoon relax on a sunset game viewing cruise on the Chobe River in search of Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hippo and numerous antelope species including the rare Sable that come to the river to drink.

3 images Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana

Day 18. Kasane to Livingstone, Zambia Highlights. Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana.

Rising early, board an open 4x4 safari vehicle and drive into the Chobe National Park. Home to over 50,000 elephants, game driving here can offer a plentiful photo opportunity. Search for these creatures along the Chobe River as well as all animals and birds that you may not have seen on the cruise. Crossing to Zambia and onto Livingstone, the ‘adventure capital’ of Africa. Accommodation is based on the Zambezi River where you can enjoy optional activities and visit the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the natural 7 wonders of the world.

3 images Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana

Day 19-20. Livingstone Highlights. Livingstone Activities, Zambia. Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Zambia.

Over the next two days, sample the many optional activities of the area – white water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, river cruises, game drives, abseiling, flights over the falls and volunteer projects. Lunches and dinners can be enjoyed at one of the many restaurants and cafés of the area sampling traditional cuisine and shop at the local markets allowing you some free time to explore.

3 images Livingstone Activities, Zambia

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

Day 21. Livingstone to Lusaka Highlights. Lusaka, Zambia.

Boarding our Acacia vehicle, our travels take us through lush vegetation and rural villages to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Lusaka is Located on the Southern Plateau of the Zambia and is Southern Africa’s fastest growing city with a population of Approx. 1.7 million people. Our accommodation is based on a farm outside of the city center.

Day 22. Lusaka to Petauke

Driving through lush countryside and small villages we cross over the Luangwa River reaching our accommodation for the night, situated 5km from Petauke.

Day 23. Petauke to South Luangwa National Park

Leaving early, it’s off to South Luangwa National Park, one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and home to 60 different animal species and over 400 bird species. Here, once settled into your accommodation experience the many optional activities on offer – game drives and walks.

Day 24. South Luangwa National Park to Chipata Highlights. South Luangwa National Park.

Entering the park in open 4x4 safari vehicles, traverse with a local guide on the rugged roads along the South Luangwa River ecosystem spotting the abundant of game flocking the water’s edge.

Returning to the accommodation before the heat of the day take a breather next to the pool before we head to Chipata.

3 images South Luangwa National Park

Day 25. Chipata to Kande Beach, Malawi

Crossing into Malawi today, we make our way to the impressive Lake Malawi. Home to over 500 species of tropical fish (cichlids), Lake Malawi offers a selection of activities including water sports - scuba diving, snorkelling and boats. Our accommodation for the two nights is nestled right on the lake surrounded by a local village. Explore by foot and interact with the locals, laze on the beach or take a snorkel trip to a small island.

Day 26. Kande Beach Highlights. Kande Beach Activities, Malawi.

Rising to the sound of the lake and the locals tending to their day to day duties, today is a free day to explore and try the many optional activities. Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa is the ninth largest lake in the world and the second deepest in Africa.

3 images Kande Beach Activities, Malawi

Day 27. Kande Beach to Chitimba Beach Highlights. Chitimba Beach.

Today we head north via mountainous rubber plantations, to Mzuzu, the capital of the Northern region of Malawi and the largest town. Pausing for a short while to explore the town and stock up on supplies, it’s back to the Lake for a further two nights. The camp is set on a beautiful golden-sand beach where sunrises and sunsets shimmer on the water and can be seen from behind the banana palms at the bar/restaurant. Put your feet up and soak in its beauty.

3 images Chitimba Beach

Day 28. Chitimba Beach to Iringa, Tanzania

Bidding our farewell's to Malawi, we cross into Tanzania and drive through the majestic Southern Highlands to a quaint farmstead located 1600 m above sea level. This amazing farm has been owned by the Ghaui family for over 70 years, providing organic produce to the surrounding markets. Enjoy a stroll around the farm and when dusk hits, head to the candlelit bar for a peaceful night around the fire.

Day 29. Iringa to Mikumi National Park area Highlights. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.

Rising early, we leave the picturesque scenery of Southern Highlands, passing the Udzungwa Mountains National Park to Mikumi.

Our accommodation for the evening is located just outside the National Park gates. After settling in and if time allows, join an open 4x4 optional game drive in search of the numerous wildlife species inhabiting the area or simply relax by the pool with a good book and a cool beverage.

3 images Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

Day 30. Mikumi to Dar es Salaam Highlights. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Leaving the comfort of our lodge, we travel through the Mikumi National Park, keeping our eyes peeled for the wildlife that can be spotted alongside the road, and on to the Indian Ocean and the bustling city of Dar es Salaam, the largest city of Tanzania. Our accommodation in Dar es Salaam is situated to the south of the city, nestled along the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy sundowners on the beach and pack for the Zanzibar adventure leaving the following day.

3 images Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Day 31. Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Highlights. Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Waking to the fresh air of the ocean we head over to the bustling port in the center of Dar es Salaam. Boarding the ferry, marvel at the views as it takes you over the channel to enter the port at Stone Town in Zanzibar. Exotic Zanzibar conjures up images of spice markets, ancient maze-like alleyways lined with Arabic buildings, bronzed-knobbed doors, and palm fringed beaches. Explore Stone Town on our first night on the Island. Sip a cocktail on a rooftop bar at sunset, eat at the bustling Fhorodhani food market, or dine in style at one of the many local restaurants as you get into the ambiance of the spice island.

3 images Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Day 32-34. Zanzibar Highlights. Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania.

After a night on the town, it's off to the Northern beaches through fertile plantations and rural villages, stopping for an optional spice tour en route. Time at the northern beaches is yours at leisure for the next 3 nights. Explore the beach and resorts dotting the water's edge, sample the local cuisine and gaze at sunsets and sunrises.

There are many optional activities to satisfy one's taste. Experience an Arabic dhow safari or try scuba diving and snorkelling on the pristine coral reefs with its wealth of marine life or simply sit in a hammock with an exotic cocktail.

3 images Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania

Day 35. Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

Saying ‘goodbye’ to the beaches, we retrace our footsteps back to Stone Town for a spot of final shopping. It’s then back to the mainland and the bustling Port of Dar es Salaam where our tour ends.