Masai Mara to Cape Town: 43 Day Safari Tour (Accommodated)

Day 1. Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve Highlights. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

We depart Nairobi, making our way across the Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in specialised small safari vehicles.

We spend the next two nights here and enjoy an afternoon game drive today, trying to spot the wildlife that live here.

3 images Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Day 2. Maasai Mara National Reserve

Today we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search for the animals inhabiting here including lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and hippos. Wildebeest traverse its plains during their annual migration arriving around October - November.

Day 3. Maasai Mara to Nairobi

Leaving the Mara today, we retrace our steps and make our way back to Nairobi where we spend the evening.

Day 4. Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania Highlights. Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania.

Leaving Kenya today, we make the border crossing into Tanzania and the city of Arusha, situated mid-way on the famed Cairo to Cape Town trade route of old.

We spend the night here preparing for our excursion to Serengeti and Ngorongoro tomorrow.

3 images Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania

Day 5. Arusha to Serengeti National Park Highlights. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

Packed and ready, we transfer into smaller game park friendly vehicles for our 2 night and 3-day safari to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater - A National Geographic wonderland.

On arrival, we enter into the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and traverse the crater's rim - pausing for a photo opportunity, then onto the Serengeti plains. This treeless area offers a great insight into the migration where over 2million hoofed animals start their migratory route to the Maasai Mara.

We game drive across the plains to our campsite deep inside the park itself.

3 images Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Day 6. Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

Rising with the sun, we head out again to explore the surrounds and seek out the animals we've not yet seen especially the early active risers like the lion, leopard and cheetahs.

After packing up, we head to our campsite on the Ngorongoro Crater rim where we can experience spectacular views from the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater at 2400 metres above sea level.

Day 7. Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha Highlights. Maasai Culture Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.

This morning we drive the steep slopes to the crater floor. Here we traverse the fertile lands of this 300 sq km area. keep your eyes peeled for the numerous species of antelope, elephants, wildebeest and even hippo's wallowing in the craters lakes.

This afternoon we make our way back to Arusha where we spend the evening.

3 images Maasai Culture Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania

3 images Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Day 8. Arusha to Bagamoyo Highlights. Bagamoyo, Tanzania.

Departing Arusha this morning, we travel south via the town of Moshi where we may get to see the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro if the weather is clear.

Our first night on Indian Coast is at Bagamoyo. In the late 19th century Bagamoyo was one of the most important trading ports of the east-central coast of Africa, trading mainly in slaves and ivory.

3 images Bagamoyo, Tanzania

Day 9. Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam Highlights. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

We make our way to the coast and the bustling port city of Dar es Salaam today.

Just south of the city, our camp located on a beach on the shores of the Indian Ocean, where we'll have the opportunity to cool off and enjoy a swim this afternoon, or a sun-downer cocktail this evening - preparing for our trip across to Zanzibar Island in the morning.

3 images Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Day 10. Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Island, Stone Town Highlights. Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Zanzibar, Tanzania.

We take the ferry across the channel to tropical Zanzibar island today. Our first night is spent in Stone Town which is easily explored on foot - visiting mosques and palaces, wending through colourful courtyards and alleyways, we take in the Arabic influenced architecture, huge studded wooden doors and brightly painted buildings.

3 images Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

3 images Zanzibar, Tanzania

Day 11-12. Zanzibar Island, Stone Town - Nungwi Highlights. Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania.

This morning we transfer to the northern beaches of the island and the next couple of days are at your leisure to relax on the beach - snorkel or dive in the beautiful clear blue ocean, take a dhow boat trip, or just laze on the beach.

3 images Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania

Day 13. Zanzibar Island, Nungwi to Dar es Salaam

We leave this tropical paradise today, making our way back to the African mainland where we spend the night at our beach camp in Dar es Salaam.

Day 14. Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park Area Highlights. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.

Departing the city, we make our way through Mikumi National Park where we may be able to spot giraffe or elephant on the side of the road on our way to our accommodation just outside of the park.

3 images Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

Day 15. Mikumi National Park Area to Iringa

Today we make our way through the Southern Highlands of Tanzania to our accommodation in Iringa. We stay at the Kisolanza Farm where the Ghaui family have lived for over 70 years - sharing their knowledge of Africa with visitors and providing a range of organic vegetable crops and meats to the local markets.

Day 16. 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 17. Mbeya Region to Chitimba (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.

Day 18. 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 19. Nkhotakota Region (Lake Malawi) Highlights. Kande Beach Activities, Malawi. 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 Kande Beach Activities, Malawi

3 images Lake Malawi, Malawi

Day 20. Nkhotakota Region (Lake Malawi) to Petauke, Zambia

Saying our goodbye’s to ‘the Lake’, we drive through Nkhotakota 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 21. Petauke to Lusaka Highlights. Lusaka, Zambia.

We travel to Zambia's capital Lusaka today, taking the Great Eastern Road to Southern Africa's fastest growing city.

Day 22. Lusaka to Livingstone

Leaving Lusaka, we travel south to Livingstone on the banks of the Zambezi River. We make a visit to the Victoria Falls, one of the worlds most incredible waterfalls.

There are plenty of optional activities to enjoy in and around the Livingstone area over the next few days.

Day 23-25. Livingstone Highlights. Livingstone Activities, Zambia.

The next three days are free for you to enjoy the optional activities available here - bungee jumping, abseiling, game walks, white water rafting, village tours, gorge swings, helicopter flights, fishing or canoeing, to name just a few.

3 images Livingstone Activities, Zambia

Day 26. Livingstone to Kasane, Botswana Highlights. Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana.

We leave Livingstone today and make the short river-crossing into Botswana and the town of Kasane.

The Chobe River is a major watering spot for large breeding herds of elephants, as well as families of giraffe, sable and buffalo and this afternoon we have a 'Fish Eagle' cruise along the - a great opportunity to see hippo and perhaps elephant or buffalo coming to the river to bathe and drink before sunset.

3 images Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana

Day 27. Kasane to Elephant Sands, Nata Highlights. Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana. Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana.

This morning we board an open vehicle and go on a game drive in Chobe National Park in search for resident wildlife we may have missed the day before.

After our game drive, we make our way south to our accommodation at Elephant Sands. An un-fenced area which permits wildlife to roam freely. Enjoy sundowners at the camp's bar with a view.

3 images Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana

3 images Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana

Day 28. Nata to Maun Highlights. Maun, Botswana.

Heading to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta today. Time permitting, there may be the opportunity to take a scenic flight over the Delta.

3 images Maun, Botswana

Day 29. Maun to Okavango Delta Highlights. Okavango Delta, Botswana.

Our overnight Okavango Delta excursion starts with a transfer by open 4x4 safari vehicles to the Polers Station deep into the delta itself. Here we meet our guides and polers and board our mokoros (dugout canoes). We traverse the winding waterways with giant lilly pads and swaying grasses to our camp for the night.

Just before dusk hits, we embark on a nature walk. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife seen - giraffes, elephants and numerous species of antelope and birds. We spend the rest of the evening under the African starry night with an open fire.

5 images Okavango Delta, Botswana

Day 30. Okavango Delta to Maun

Rising to the calmness and sounds of the wilderness around us, we take a slow morning's mokoro ride back to the polers stations. Bidding our 'farewells' to our polers and guides we board our transfer vehicle back to Maun and our camp.

If time allows, take an optional scenic flight over the Delta. The majestic views from the plain are so different from what you see on the ground.

Day 31. Maun, Botswana to Omaheke Region, Namibia Highlights. Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia.

Departing Maun, we leave Botswana today, crossing the border into Namibia and to our camp for the evening. Here in this seemingly barren land, we join a guided tour with the Kalahari Bushman to learn on how they have survived in the desert for over 20,000 years.

3 images Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia

Day 32. Omaheke Region to Windhoek, Namibia Highlights. Windhoek, Namibia.

Our venture today takes us to the capital city Windhoek.

The city centre is characterised by a proliferation of German-style buildings, a lasting reminder of Namibia's early colonial history. Take the opportunity to enjoy a night out at one of the local restaurants or visit the famous 'Joe’s Beer House'.

Day 33. Windhoek to Etosha National Park

Travelling north today, we make our way to Etosha National Park. On entry into the park, we game drive to toward our accommodation this evening.

Our camp is located near a flood-lit water hole, where we hope to see more wildlife coming to the water to drink before sunset, or to spot some of the nocturnal visitors later during the night - perhaps lion, hyena, jackal and aardvark (antbear).

Day 34. Etosha National Park Highlights. Etosha National Park, Namibia.

Today we have a full day of game driving in Etosha. The reserve is over 20,000 sq km in size and home to around 114 mammal- and 340 bird species, giving us a good opportunity to explore this park and spot some of its wildlife.

3 images Etosha National Park, Namibia

Day 35. Etosha National Park to Spitzkoppe Highlights. Spitzkoppe, Namibia.

Game driving out of Etosha today, we make our way to the Damaraland Region and Spitzkoppe. We explore the peculiar rock formations and ancient bushman paintings in this untamed, ruggedly beautiful area.

3 images Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Day 36. Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia.

Today we travel to the Atlantic coast and the coastal town of Swakopmund. We spend two nights here allowing us to take part in the many optional activities available here.

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

Day 37. Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia.

Time at leisure to take on some as many or as few of the optional actives in and around Swakopmund as you please.

Maybe try your hand at sand-boarding, quad biking, sky diving, deep sea fishing, scenic flights or a township tour?

Alternatively visit the quaint cafés, quirky restaurants, museums, galleries, promenade boardwalk, or simply relax - the choice is yours.

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

Day 38. Swakopmund to Solitaire Area Highlights. The Tropic of Capricorn.

Leaving the coast today, we cross the Topic of Capricorn and continue to our desert camp - set in the midst of the Khomas region.

Our accommodation for the night is under canvas and in a tranquil setting with great views of the desert landscape.

3 images The Tropic of Capricorn

Day 39. Solitaire Area to Namib Naukluft National Park Highlights. Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia. Sesriem Canyon, Namibia. Sossusvlei, Namibia.

This morning we wake early and enter the Namib Nauklift National Park. We trek to the top of Dune 45 before catching a shuttle ride for a guided tour of Dead Vlei. After our time in the desert, we make our way to our accommodation nestled between the Nubib and Tsaris mountains.

3 images Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia

3 images Sesriem Canyon, Namibia

3 images Sossusvlei, Namibia

Day 40. Sesriem Area to Fish River Canyon Highlights. Fish River Canyon, Namibia.

We travel to Fish River Canyon today one of Africa's natural wonders. The canyon is 160km long and around 500m deep making it one of the worlds largest.

There are plenty of opportunities for keen photographers as we spend time around this area and visit the canyon’s infamous sharp river bend, known as ‘Hell’s Corner.

3 images Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Day 41. Fish River Canyon to Gariep (Orange) River Highlights. Gariep (Orange) River, Namibia.

We depart Fish River Canyon and head south through rugged desert terrain to the Gariep (Orange) River bordering Namibia and South Africa. Our accommodation for the evening is situated on the banks of the Namibian side - overlooking scenic landscapes of the river and the Richter's veld. Maybe swim, take an optional canoe safari, or simply relax with a sun-downer.

3 images Gariep (Orange) River, Namibia

Day 42. Gariep (Orange) River to Cederberg Area Highlights. Cederberg, South Africa.

Leaving the Gariep (Orange) River today we cross the border into South Africa and travel through Namaqualand to our accommodation near the Olifants River. Here you will have the opportunity to sample some wines of the region.