Cape Town to Kilimanjaro: 41 Day Safari Tour (Accommodated)

Day 1. Cape Town to Cederberg Area Highlights. Cederberg, South Africa. Accommodation. Highlanders Camp, Cederberg.

We begin our tour in Cape Town where we join a cultural tour of the Cape Flats, one of Cape Town's townships. We get to meet the local people, try some local cuisine and see the community projects in this area. Leaving the city we travel north to the beautiful Cederberg region. Our accommodation for the evening is set in a picturesque setting overlooking the Olifants River and vineyards. Here we have the opportunity to sample some of the local wines made in the area.

3 images Cederberg, South Africa

5 images Highlanders Camp, Cederberg

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

Travelling north today via Namaqualand famous for the flowers that bloom between August and September to the Gariep (Orange) River. Our accommodation is located on the Namibia's side of the river. Relax, swim or enjoy a nice walk in the Richtersveld's scenic rocky mountains.

3 images Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia

4 images Felix Unite

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

This morning you have the option to explore the impressive Richtersveld on a canoe safari, morning hike, swim or simply relax and soak in this beautiful area. After a relaxing morning, we make our way to one of Africa's natural wonders, Fish River Canyon. The canyon is around 550m deep and over 161 km long making it the second largest canyon in the world.

3 images Fish River Canyon, Namibia

5 images Canon Roadhouse, Fish River Canyon

Day 4. Fish River Canyon to Sesriem Area Highlights. Namib Naukluft Park, Namibia. Tsaris Pass, Namibia. Accommodation. Sossus Oasis Overland Camp.

Leaving the canyon we travel to the Sesriem Area via scenic landscapes dotted with quiver trees to the Namib Naukluft National Park. This national park has an area of nearly 50,000 km2 making it Africa's second largest game park. After settling into your accommodation, we have dinner and enjoy the quietness of the desert under the starry African sky.

3 images Namib Naukluft Park, Namibia

3 images Sossus Oasis Overland Camp

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. Accommodation. Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region.

Namib Naukluft National Park contains part of the world's oldest desert and some of the highest sand dunes. We enter the park and trek to the top of Dune 45 at sunrise for an unforgettable view. After a rewarding breakfast, we take a transfer to 'Deadvlei' and have a tour of this area before retracing our steps back to the park gates. We visit the quaint conglomerate Sesriem Canyon en-route to our desert camp 40km from Namibia's smallest town, Solitaire.

3 images Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia

3 images Sesriem Canyon, Namibia

3 images Sossusvlei, Namibia

5 images Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region

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

We depart our stunning camp and cross over the Tropic of Capricorn and through magnificent mountainous terrain en-route to the quaint town of Swakopmund. Sandwiched between the dunes and the Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund offers a range of sand-loving activities, beautiful cafe's and restaurants. We spend the next two nights here to enjoy the town and the many activities the area has to offer.

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

3 images The Tropic of Capricorn

6 images Amanpuri Lodge, Swakopmund

Day 7. Swakopmund Accommodation. Amanpuri Lodge, Swakopmund.

Today is a day for you to enjoy the optional activities and explore this seaside town. Activities include - quad biking, sandboarding, skydiving, scenic flights, township tour and deep sea fishing.

6 images Amanpuri Lodge, Swakopmund

Day 8. Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe Highlights. Spitzkoppe, Namibia. Accommodation. Spitzkoppe Community Camp.

We leave the Atlantic coast and travel through the Damaraland region to Spitzkoppe. Described as the 'Matterhorn of Namibia', this magnificent rock formation rises to 1728 metres. This afternoon take a beautiful walk to explore the area in search for Bushman paintings which can be found in various places, many in the 'Bushman Paradise'.

3 images Spitzkoppe, Namibia

6 images Spitzkoppe Community Camp

Day 9. Spitzkoppe to Etosha National Park Accommodation. Etosha National Park, Namibia.

Travelling north today we arrive at Etosha National Park, a reserve over 20,000 sq km. On entry to the park we game drive to our accommodation and enjoy our first evening around the floodlit watering hole, observing natural animal behaviour at its best.

5 images Etosha National Park, Namibia

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

We have a full day game drive, exploring this national park today. The main characteristics are the vast salt pan and the numerous game that congregate around the water holes that dot around the parks salt pan. Home to over 100 mammal and 340 bird species, Etosha is one of the best places in the world to view wildlife.

3 images Etosha National Park, Namibia

5 images Etosha National Park, Namibia

Day 11. Etosha to Windhoek Highlights. Windhoek, Namibia. Accommodation. Urban Camp, Windhoek.

We leave Etosha today and travel south to the country's capital Windhoek. Home to approximately 200,000 people, Windhoek is characterised by German-style architecture, a lasting reminder of Namibia's early colonial history. Take the opportunity to explore the city by night and sample some of its local cuisine.

6 images Urban Camp, Windhoek

Day 12. Windhoek to Omaheke Region, Namibia Highlights. Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia. Accommodation. Zelda's Guestfarm, Omaheke Region.

Travelling west to the Kalahari region we spend our last night in Namibia after the town of Gobabis and near Botswana border. Here we meet the San/Bushman and join a guided walk. Experience how these ancient people survive the harsh desert as we learn about their ways of life and techniques from their forefathers.

3 images Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia

4 images Zelda's Guestfarm, Omaheke Region

Day 13. Omaheke Region, Namibia to Maun, Botswana Highlights. Maun, Botswana. Accommodation. Delta Rain Sitatunga Camp, Maun.

Leaving the San/Bushman we travel across the border of Botswana's and on to the fifth largest town Maun. We spend the night in Maun before our excursion to the Okavango Delta, if time allows on arrival we may be able to take an optional scenic flight over the Delta.

3 images Maun, Botswana

8 images Delta Rain Sitatunga Camp, Maun

Day 14. Maun to Okavango Delta Highlights. Okavango Delta, Botswana. Accommodation. Elephant Bush Camp, Okavango Delta.

This morning we board a 4x4 safari vehicle to the mokoro station to meet our local Tswana polers, that guide us through the giant lily pads, meandering waterways and swaying reeds to our tented camp. We relax at camp in the heat of the day before heading out for an afternoon walk in search of resident animals and interesting plants. By night, tucked in your safari tent you can listen to the African wilderness come to life for an unforgettable experience!

5 images Okavango Delta, Botswana

5 images Elephant Bush Camp, Okavango Delta

Day 15. Okavango Delta to Maun Accommodation. Delta Rain Sitatunga Camp, Maun.

This morning we have a leisurely paced Mokoro ride out of the Delta to the polers station before picking up our transfer back to Maun where we spend the night.

8 images Delta Rain Sitatunga Camp, Maun

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

Leaving Maun today we travel between the Nxai and Makgadikgadi Pans to Nata. Our accommodation for the evening is at Elephant Sands. This lodge has no fences so all wildlife can run freely from water hole to another, offering a unique and amazing wildlife experience.

3 images Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana

6 images Elephant Sands, Nata

Day 17. Nata to Kasane Highlights. Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana. Accommodation. Thebe River Lodge.

Waking early, we travel to the northern corner of Botswana to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. This afternoon we join a 'Fish Eagle' cruise along the Chobe River. At over 11,700sq km, Chobe is the third largest park in Botswana and hosts over 50,000 elephants, large concentrations of lion, leopard, African wild dog, sable, hippos and prolific birdlife.

3 images Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana

7 images Thebe River Lodge

Day 18. Kasane to Livingstone, Zambia Highlights. Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana. Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Zambia. Accommodation. The Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone.

This morning we explore the Chobe National Park by open vehicle where we will have the opportunity to spot any wildlife we have missed previously on the cruise.

Departing Kasane we take a ferry crossing into Zambia and on to the town of Livingstone. Livingstone is home to Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world and we will visit the falls during our time in Livingstone. We spend the next three nights here enjoying the town and the many optional activities on offer.

3 images Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana

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

8 images The Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone

Day 19-20. Livingstone Highlights. Livingstone Activities, Zambia. Accommodation. The Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone.

The days are free for you to take on the optional activities available in Livingstone, these include - bungee jumping, abseiling, village tour, game walk, gorge swing, jet boat, white water rafting, helicopter/microlight ride, sunset cruise and more.

3 images Livingstone Activities, Zambia

8 images The Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone

Day 21. Livingstone to Lusaka Highlights. Lusaka, Zambia. Accommodation. Eureka Camp, Lusaka.

After our time in Livingstone we make our way to Southern Africa's fastest growing city and Zambia's capital city Lusaka, where we spend the evening.

5 images Eureka Camp, Lusaka

Day 22. Lusaka to South Luangwa National Park Accommodation. Wildlife Camp, South Luangwa.

We travel to South Luangwa National Park, one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The park hosts 60 different animal species and 400 different bird species that congregate around the Luangwa River. After settling into your accommodation, the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the many optional activities from village tours, game walks and game drives.

7 images Wildlife Camp, South Luangwa

Day 23. South Luangwa National Park Highlights. South Luangwa National Park. Accommodation. Wildlife Camp, South Luangwa.

This morning you will have some free time to try some optional activities or simply relax by the pool. In the afternoon, we embark on an open vehicle game drive along the river's edge, hoping to spot some of the wildlife in this park, including - lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffe, leopard and more.

3 images South Luangwa National Park

7 images Wildlife Camp, South Luangwa

Day 24. South Luangwa to Kande Beach, Malawi Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi. Accommodation. Kande Beach, Malawi.

We leave South Luangwa and cross the border into Malawi and then on to Lake Malawi. Formally known as 'Lake Nyasa', this amazing lake covers a fifth of the countries land mass and is a source of livelihood for many Malawians.

We arrive at our accommodation based on the water's edge at Kande Beach where we will spend the next two nights.

3 images Lake Malawi, Malawi

5 images Kande Beach, Malawi

Day 25. Kande Beach, Malawi Highlights. Kande Beach Activities, Malawi. Accommodation. Kande Beach, Malawi.

Lake Malawi has the highest number of endemic freshwater fish species (over 500 species of Cichlids) in the world offering water enthusiasts a real treat.

Today you will have the opportunity to explore this magnificent lake by paddle boat, snorkelling, swimming, horse riding and scuba diving. Alternatively, meet the local people on a village tour to gain insight into their way of life.

3 images Kande Beach Activities, Malawi

5 images Kande Beach, Malawi

Day 26. Kande Beach to Chitimba Beach Highlights. Chitimba Beach. Accommodation. Chitimba Camp, Lake Malawi.

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.

3 images Chitimba Beach

8 images Chitimba Camp, Lake Malawi

Day 27. Chitimba Beach Highlights. Livingstonia Day Hike, Malawi. Accommodation. Chitimba Camp, Lake Malawi.

Relax on the beach, take a walk to the local markets or embark on a full day hike (11km) to the Manchewe Falls. Once you reach the top, water plummets down the Rift Valley 80 meters below offering magnificent photo opportunities.

3 images Livingstonia Day Hike, Malawi

8 images Chitimba Camp, Lake Malawi

Day 28. Chitimba Beach to Iringa, Tanzania Accommodation. Iringa Farmhouse.

Leaving Lake Malawi, we travel north to the Tanzania border. We make our way to Kizalonza Farm House, our accommodation for the night, nestled 1600m above sea level of Tanzania's Southern Highlands. This working farm has been home to the Ghaui family for over 70 years and provides organic meat and vegetables to surrounding markets.

5 images Iringa Farmhouse

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

Leaving the highlands behind we continue east to the Mikumi National Park, Tanzania's 4th largest park and home to giraffes, elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards and numerous antelope and bird species.

We arrive at our accommodation in the early afternoon situated just outside the national park's gates. In the late afternoon, If time allows, join an optional game drive. Don't forget to bring your camera for the close wildlife encounters.

3 images Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

6 images Tanswiss, Mikumi

Day 30. Mikumi National Park area to Dar es Salaam Highlights. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Accommodation. Kipepeo Beach Village, Dar es Salaam.

Rising early, we make our way to Dar es Salaam travelling through Mikumi National Park and should hopefully be able to spot the many grazing animals feeding alongside the road. Our accommodation for the night is right on the beach just outside the city centre. Here you will have the opportunity to prepare for the trip to Zanzibar and marvel over the beauty of the Indian Ocean.

3 images Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

5 images Kipepeo Beach Village, Dar es Salaam

Day 31. Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, Stone Town Highlights. Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Zanzibar, Tanzania. Accommodation. All Seasons Hotel, Zanzibar.

This morning we board the ferry to Zanzibar. This magnificent Island conjures up images of Idyllic white sandy beaches and turquoise waters; ancient buildings; lush forests and an intriguing history.

Our first night on this Island is in Stone Town, the capital. Explore the bazaars, visit mosques, palaces, and sample the traditional Zanzibarian food made from the local spices grown nearby.

3 images Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

3 images Zanzibar, Tanzania

3 images All Seasons Hotel, Zanzibar

Day 32-34. Zanzibar Highlights. Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania. Accommodation. Sunset Bungalows Kendwa.

The next three days are yours to enjoy this tropical paradise at your leisure. Take an option spice tour and sample the exotic fruit en-route to the northern beaches. Once at the beaches, relax on the sun-kissed sand and swim in the turquoise warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Try snorkelling and scuba diving, indulge in some local seafood, or simply relax beneath a coconut palm with a cocktail or a good book.

3 images Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania

5 images Sunset Bungalows Kendwa

Day 35. Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam Accommodation. Kipepeo Beach Village, Dar es Salaam.

Today, after a relaxing breakfast, we transfer back to Stone Town, enjoying any last minute shopping before retracing our steps back to Dar es Salaam and our accommodation for the night.

5 images Kipepeo Beach Village, Dar es Salaam

Day 36. Dar es Salaam to Marangu Highlights. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Accommodation. Malealea Lodge.

Departing early, we travel north via the Usambara and the Pare Mountains en-route to Marangu, which is nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. If the weather is clear, we may get to view this magnificent snow-capped peak, at 5895m.

3 images Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

4 images Malealea Lodge

Day 37. Marangu to Arusha Accommodation. Meserani Snake Park.

We leave Marangu today and pass the town of Moshi before arriving at Arusha, a city situated halfway between Cairo and Cape Town. We spend the night just outside the city on the edge of the Maasai plains.

Here we enjoy a walk around a local Maasai Village, visit the snake enclosures and prepare for our 2 nights/3 days Serengeti and Ngorongoro excursion.

5 images Meserani Snake Park

Day 38. Arusha to Serengeti National Park Highlights. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Accommodation. Serengeti Camp.

Packed and ready, we transfer to 4x4 game park friendly vehicles and drive west across the Great Rift Valley. We enter the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and drive around the crater's rim, observing the beauty below before descending onto the Serengeti Plains. Home to an enormous variety of grazing animals including the 'Big 5' - lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and the elusive leopard, we game drive to our accommodation for the evening.

3 images Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

2 images Serengeti Camp

Day 39. Ngorongoro Crater Accommodation. Simba Camp, Ngorongoro Crater.

Rising early, we enjoy a game drive on the Serengeti plains. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry, this is home to an enormous variety of grazing animals, predators, and birdlife and we hope to spot these along the way.

After lunch, we ascend the walls of the crater and spend the night on the rim's edge. At 326 square kilometres, the Ngorongoro is Africa’s largest intact caldera and a World Heritage Site.

5 images Simba Camp, Ngorongoro Crater

Day 40. Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha Highlights. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. Accommodation. Meserani Snake Park.

This morning, waking early, we descend the sheer walls onto the crater floor (some 600 metres below) for a morning of game driving in this spectacular place. All of the major animals are present except the giraffe which cannot manage the steep slopes into the crater.

After our morning game drive, we pause for a nice lunch and retrace our footsteps back to Arusha.