Masai Mara to Cape Town: 43 Day Adventure Tour (Camping)

Day 1. Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Departing the city early, we make our way across the Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara National Reserve - enjoying the vast vistas en-route. We travel in small specialized safari vehicles that enable us to have a more intimate view of wildlife.

Day 2. Maasai Mara National Reserve Highlights. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

The sweeping plains, distant horizons, low slung acacia trees, and plentiful wildlife ensure a deeply evocative few days. The ‘Mara’ is crossed every year between July and October by great herds of wildebeest, zebra and other grazing animals in their migration from the adjoining Serengeti plains to the south (in Tanzania), however game viewing is spectacular year-round.

We spend the day out on game drive, seeking the wildlife in their natural habitat and enjoy the open wild experience.

3 images Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Day 3. Maasai Mara to Nairobi Highlights. Great Rift Valley.

Heading back through the Maasai town of Narok, we make our way back up the Great Rift Valley and stop off at the viewpoint to see how the continent has shifted in this area.

3 images Great Rift Valley

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

We leave lovely Kenya and cross the border to Tanzania today, where we pass through the safari capital Arusha. Being the half-way mark of the famed old Cape to Cairo trade route, Arusha is now most famed as the place to start your Serengeti Safari from, despite a healthy and growing coffee industry, with numerous coffee plantations in the area. Maybe stop off for a cuppa at a local cafe and see what you think?

Our camp at Meserani offers a reptile park and Masai cultural museum to visit this afternoon.

3 images Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania

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

We gather our gear and pile into specialized and purpose-built safari vehicles, with resident guides and head out on the road via Karatu to the Serengeti.

We enter at Naabi Hills with a view over the great plains and make our way across the savannah in search of wildlife. With a bit of luck you may encounter the migration with herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle grazing or making their way forward in search of greener pastures. The Serengeti has an abundance of wildlife offering one of the most memorable safari experiences in Africa.

3 images Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Day 6. Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater Highlights. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.

Waking early we head out in search of the night's wildlife activity before heading back to camp to pack up, and continue on over the plains and on to the Ngorongoro Crater.

We spend the night camping on the rim where wildlife also roams free. At 326 square kilometres, the Ngorongoro is Africa’s largest intact caldera and a World Heritage Site. If the view from the rim (2400 metres above sea level) is spectacular, the site from the Crater floor (some 600 metres below) is equally enjoyable.

3 images Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

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

This morning it's all about game viewing - heading down the steep crater walls you'll see the herds from a distance and know where to head on reaching it's base.

From here you criss-cross the various habitats - from marsh to savannah, to forests and mountainous terrain.

Keep you eyes pealed for the large packs of hyena, prides of lion and the elusive black rhino.

We head back to camp for lunch and our Acacia vehicle at Arusha, where we spend the evening recounting our marvellous wildlife tales.

3 images Maasai Culture Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania

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

Today our journey takes us along the base of the magnificent Mount Kilimajaro. At 5895m high, the summit is often shrouded in cloud in the early morning, so we hope to catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peak as we travel on through the day.

Our camp at Bagamoyo is located on a stretch of coast outside the city and it is here that we get our first taste of the warm Indian Ocean.

3 images Bagamoyo, Tanzania

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

We continue along the coast to the bustling city of Dar es Salaam. As we near the city, there's much to see with the increase in traffic, roadside businesses and housing.

Our camp to the south of the city is located on the beach and we'll have the opportunity to cool off and enjoy a swim or a sun-downer cocktail this evening, while we prepare for our trip across to Zanzibar in the morning.

3 images Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

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

We leave our Acacia vehicle at camp and make our way to the ferry terminal where we board the ferry across the channel to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar.

Zanzibar was the base of the great 19th century explorers such as John Hanning Speke, Richard Burton and David Livingstone and once was a major trading centre of spices. Indeed the spice trade here is centuries old: Zanzibarians have traded with the people of the Arabian peninsula for many generations, navigating the ocean in simple dhow sailboats, relying on the annual trade winds for passage.

3 images Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

3 images Zanzibar, Tanzania

Day 11-12. Zanzibar Highlights. Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania.

Time on Zanzibar is spent at leisure enjoying the many sights and experiences on offer. Most groups will spend the first night in Stone Town and then head up to the northern beaches for the remainder of their stay.

Enjoy the winding alleyways of Stone Town's local shops or head out on a spice plantation tour. In the north there are scuba dives, snorkelling tours and dhow trips to enjoy - or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the tropical breeze.

3 images Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania

Day 13. Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

After picking up some last minute supplies and saying our farewells to the white-sand beaches, we head back via the ferry to the mainland and our Acacia vehicle waiting for us in Dar es Salaam.

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

Making our way through the bustling city we drive west and we make our way through the Tanzanian countryside.

Our drive takes us through the Mikumi National Park where we arrive to our camp on the outskirts of the park in the afternoon.

Time permitting, there is an opportunity to either enjoy an optional game drive in the park this evening, or to enjoy an evening out under the starry African night sky.

3 images Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

Day 15. Mikumi to Iringa

Driving up into the Tanzanian highlands we pass through the aptly named Baobab Valley before making our way up onto the higher plateau.

The Farmhouse at Iringa is a well-loved stop along the way. The evenings here can be brisk and cool - perfect for a hot shower and their trademark 'Amarula coffee' to warm up before bed.

Day 16. Iringa to Chitimba Beach, Malawi Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi.

Waking early, we head further west to the mining town of Mbeya before taking a 'left' on our way to Malawi.

After border formalities, we continue on to our camp on the banks of the shimmering Lake Malawi - where we spend the next two nights.

3 images Lake Malawi, Malawi

Day 17. Chitimba Beach

Today is free to relax, enjoy browsing the local woodworkers market, visit the nearby village or take a hike up the nearby mountains to the Livingstonia Mission.

Either way - you can be as busy or relaxed as you desire.

Day 18. Chitimba to Kande Beach

Discovering more of the Malawian countryside, today we travel via the town of Mzuzu - a main trading and shopping post for the north. After stocking up on supplies and surveying the local markets, we continue on via the forests of rubber plantations - back to the lakeside and our camp at Kande Beach.

Day 19. Kande Beach Highlights. Kande Beach Activities, Malawi.

Spend the day chilling on the beach, take a dive to see the diversity of the freshwater Cichlids in the lake, go horseback riding, or simply relax with a good book - today is all yours to fill doing whatever takes your fancy.

3 images Kande Beach Activities, Malawi

Day 20. Kande Beach to Chipata, Zambia

Bidding our farewells to the blue waters of the lake, we travel via the capital, Lillongwe and stopping off for supplies, before making our way to the border with Zambia.

Along the way you'll see many small villages, and plenty of Malawians on their bikes as they commute to work or school and back.

Once we've crossed over into Zambia we continue to our camp at Chipata.

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

Journeying through Zambia and along the Great East road, our drive takes us across the bridge at the Luangwa River. We travel through many smaller towns, villages and farmland - getting a glimpse of how Zambians live & work.

This afternoon we arrive to the Capital city Lusaka where we stop briefly before continuing to our camp for the evening.

Day 22. Lusaka to Livingstone

Winding our way through southern Zambia, we arrive to Livingstone - a stone's throw from the border to Zimbabwe and our base for the next few nights.

Our camp is located on the banks of the mighty Zambezi river and is the perfect place from which to enjoy the many activities in the area. With a viewing deck facing the river, a vibrant bar and restaurant - we're set for entertainment and meals in between exploring sessions of the area.

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

The next days are spent at leisure - taking advantage of the many activities on offer in and around Livingstone.

Our camp has a booking office for scenic flights, white-water rafting, canoe trips, fishing, bungee jumping and various other activities making it easy to choose how to fill our free time.

Alternatively relax at the pool, or head to town to browse the shops for some souvenirs.

3 images Livingstone Activities, Zambia

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

Jumping back on the Acacia vehicle, we drive to the border of Botswana and cross via the quirky Kazangula ferry. From here it's only a short drive to our camp at Kasane on the outskirts of the Chobe National Park.

This afternoon we head out onto the water on a 'Fish Eagle' boat-cruise and seek the wildlife that comes to the waterside to slake their thirst. This is also a phenomenal place to see bird-life including Bee-Eaters, Kingfishers and the iconic African Fish Eagle.

3 images Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana

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

This morning we rise early and board our game viewing vehicle to head into the famed Chobe National Park. Making up the northern wilderness adjacent to the Moremi & Savute, the Chobe National Park is most well-known for the abundant herds of elephant that are found here.

Keep an eye out for the regal Sable and Roan antelope, buffallo, impala as well as a variety of predators.

After our game drive we continue on to Nata.

3 images Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana

3 images Chobe National Park, Botswana

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

We cross the north-south migration route between the Makgadikgadi Pans and the southern Nxai Pans en-route to the gateway to the Okavango Delta at Maun.

Once a small frontier town, Maun has grown in size to accommodate the tourism trade that passes through here en-route to the delta. We stock up on provisions and head to our camp outside of the town - where we prepare for our night out in the wilderness tomorrow.

3 images Maun, Botswana

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

Grabbing our gear, we board the 4x4 transfer and head off into the wilderness this morning.

Travelling through the surrounding settlements you'll get to see how the locals live in an around Maun. As the settlements open to natural bushveld, we cross over into the wilds. Once we reach the water's edge at the poler's station, we'll meet our local guides and move our gear into the dug-out canoes. The polers then steer their mokoros out into the shallow water channels and on to our camp.

We enjoy an afternoon at leisure before heading out in the cooler hours for our nature walk and wilderness experience.

5 images Okavango Delta, Botswana

Day 30. Okavango Delta to Maun

Waking with the sun, we head out once more to see what the bush veld holds in store this morning. The Delta area is an open wilderness with free roaming wildlife.

Once we return to camp, we pack up and retrace our path down the watery channels to the poling station - where we once again meet our 4x4 transfer.

This afternoon we'll have some free time to enjoy the pool, volleyball court at camp, or take an optional scenic flight out over the delta to see the watery wilderness from above.

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

Today we head west to the border of Namibia. After formalities, we arrive to our campsite a short distance from the border. Here we meet the Kalahari Bushman and embark on a walk to learn about the local ways of survival in this arid region.

3 images Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia

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

Rising early, we drive through the countryside and head to Windhoek, the capital city, where we will spend the night at our camp on the outskirts of city. Enjoy a night out at a well-known local eatery - Joe's Beerhouse, for an unforgettable meal.

Day 33. Windhoek to Etosha National Park Highlights. Etosha National Park, Namibia.

Starting early, we make our way through northern Namibian towns and villages, on to the famed Etosha National Park. Upon entering the park, we game drive our way through and on to the fenced-camp within.

Game viewing before sunset, avid wildlife enthusiasts can spend the evening at the camp's waterhole observing the animals as they come to the water to drink throughout the evening. It is not uncommon to have elephant or even rhino spotted at the waterhole at night.

3 images Etosha National Park, Namibia

Day 34. Etosha National Park

Today is a dedicated game viewing day and we head out early to catch a glimpse of any predation action from the night before.

Etosha is a desert National Park set around a large flat 'salt' pan. You won't find animals like crocodiles, hippos or buffalo here as you would in Chobe or the Okavango Delta, however there are other equally majestic animals to be seen here - including elegant Oryx, quirky springbok and a number of other animals more common to drier areas.

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

Leaving the 'ghosts of Etosha' behind, we make our way south and on to the Spitzkoppe area - an unusual looking mountain feature set in the plains of central Namibia. A sacred place to the San tribes of old, there are a number of rock-art sites depicting the histories and journeys made by these ancient people thousands of years ago.

We spend the afternoon exploring the massive boulder-like mountain outcrops and have the opportunity to spend the night out under the stars.

3 images Spitzkoppe, Namibia

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

Leaving the sacred mountains, we head to the Atlantic coast and the seaside town of Swakopmund. Here you'll have the opportunity to go out and explore the surrounding desert landscapes on a variety of excursions.

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

Day 37. Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia.

Today is free to enjoy adventure activities like quad biking, sand-boarding down enormous dunes, tandem-skydiving over the desert for a birds-eye view for the adrenaline junkies.

For those wishing for some off-time, the town has many cafes and shops to explore, a lovely beach promenade to walk, and a number of museums and galleries, as well as many other places of interest to explore.

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

Day 38. Swakopmund to Sossus On Foot camp, Khomas Region Highlights. The Tropic of Capricorn.

Crossing the dune-belt back inland, we journey up the escarpment and through the Kuiseb Canyon rock formations, to our desert camp in the Khomas Region.

We'll also cross the tropic of Capricorn today - the southernmost point of direct sun for the southern hemisphere.

3 images The Tropic of Capricorn

Day 39. Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region to Sesriem Area Highlights. Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia. Sesriem Canyon, Namibia. Sossusvlei, Namibia.

Today we explore the desert. Heading into the Namib Naukluft National Park, we make our way to the famed and towering Dune 45 - where we'll have the opportunity to scale the dune for magnificent views of the surrounds.

From here it's on to a 4x4 shuttle into Sossusvlei to see the odd-looking dead-vlei and we finish off with a trip to Sesriem Canyon to see the various layers this part of the desert is composed of.

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.

Travelling further south through the arid desert, we make our way to the Fish River Canyon - one of the largest canyons in the world.

Take a walk along the canyon rim - soaking in the solitude of the area and see how the various rock layers change shades as the sun moves over them - a truly tranquil and peaceful place.

3 images Fish River Canyon, Namibia

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

Driving further on through the Mars-like landscapes, we make our way to the Orange River and our camp on the banks of the river where we'll have the opportunity to enjoy an optional canoe trip this afternoon to further explore the diverse landscapes and unusual scenery of the Richter's veld.

3 images Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia

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

We cross the border to South Africa and traverse the arid northern Cape on our way to the Cederberg area where our last night 'on the road' is spent.

Our camp is situated on the outskirts of the berg, with beautiful views onto the mountain range and amidst the growing wine farms of the region. This evening we'll have the opportunity to savour the flavours of the local wines.