Cape Town to Uganda Gorilla Tour: 56 Days (Accommodated)

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

We start our tour in Cape Town making our way to one of the cities townships in the Cape Flats. We get to meet some of the local people, see how they live and visit a community project in this area.

We then travel north through to the Cederberg Area crossing the Piekenierskloof Pass into the fertile citrus valley beyond. This evening we have the opportunity to sample some wines from this area.

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.

Travelling further north, we pass into the dry Karoo region and see the landscape flatten out offering wide views over the countryside.

We head through the frontier town of Springbok before crossing the border into Namibia and our camp based on the banks of the Orange River.

Relax in the afternoon and explore the unique and picturesque surroundings, take a dip in the river or the crystal clear pool. When night unfolds be sure to view the showering stars of the Richtersveld.

3 images Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia

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

This morning there is an option to get onto the water and enjoy a canoe trip on the river. The trip is relaxing and a great way to view the surrounding Richtersveld scenery and local birdlife.

After our relaxing morning, we make our way to Fish River Canyon. One of Africa's natural wonders the canyon is 160km long and around 500m deep, making it the second largest canyon in the world.

3 images Fish River Canyon, Namibia

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

Today we travel further into Namibia and on to the Sesriem Area which is the gateway to the Namib Naukluft National Park. The National Park has an area bigger than Switzerland and contains the worlds oldest desert and highest sand dunes.

3 images Namib Naukluft Park, Namibia

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

We enter the park today and trek to the top of Dune 45, giving us an incredible view over the surrounding desert dune-scape. We then continue to the Sossuvlei where we join a transfer to 'Dead Vlei' embarking on a nature walk before visiting Sesriem Canyon.

Our accommodation for the night is under canvas at a desert camp, 40 km from Solitaire.

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.

Heading back to the coastline we first cross the Tropic of Capricorn - the imaginary line that shows the southernmost point of the sun's direct light. We also pass through the interesting Kuiseb Pass with it's strange rock formations and then head to the flat coastal plateau.

Driving along the coast we see the stark contrast of the cooler ocean and the towering sand dunes to the side. We reach Swakopmund where we spend the next two days with a variety optional activities to enjoy.

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

3 images The Tropic of Capricorn

Day 7. Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia.

Today is a free day for you to explore this coastal town or enjoy the optional activities available, including skydiving, quad biking, sandboarding, township visit and more.

Swakopmund still retains much of its German cultural influences including architecture and quaint coffee shops and cafes.

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

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

Bidding farewell to the Atlantic, we travel inland to the Damaraland region and the stark Spitzkoppe rock formations.

Once we've set up our camp for our night under canvas, we explore Spitzkoppe with its peculiar rock formations and ancient bushman paintings.

The Spitzkoppe is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the softer light and shadows make for breathtaking views of the massive granite boulders here.

3 images Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Day 9. Spitzkoppe to Etosha National Park

Making our way further north we travel to Etosha National Park. Home to 114 mammals and 340 bird species, and a number of reptiles, the park is dominated by the large salt pan.

We game drive into the park and head to the fenced camp within where we settle for the night. The camps are closed off during night hours and offer a waterhole for us to observe the comings and goings of wildlife during the night hours.

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

We have a full day game driving in Etosha today looking to spot the wildlife that can be found here. Etosha covers an area of around 20,000 sq. km and has a number of waterholes that we will visit today. Springbok and the majestic Oryx are on our list of unusual antelope to spot today, as well as elephant, lion and the many other mammals.

Birds are also memorable with the odd looking Yellow-billed Hornbill, Kori Bustard and Secretary bird making for some interesting viewing.

Tonight we have further opportunity to see the animals as they come to the waterhole at the camp.

3 images Etosha National Park, Namibia

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

Today we travel back to civilisation and on to Namibia's capital Windhoek where we spend the evening. A small capital city compared to global standards with a population approximately two hundred thousand people.

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

We depart Windhoek and head east via Gobabis to our accommodation for the evening set in the Kalahari region. After settling in we enjoy a guided nature walk with the San/Bushman who share their insights into their environment and lifestyle with us.

3 images Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia

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

Another country to add to our list! We cross into Botswana and skirt the central Kalahari Desert arriving at the fifth largest town, Maun. After stocking up on supplies, we prepare for our overnight excursion in the Okavango Delta. A natural treasure-trove, this inland Delta is home to a mass of wildlife and birdlife.

Our camp is situated a short drive outside of town with a refreshing pool and welcome social area to relax at.

3 images Maun, Botswana

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

We board the open 4x4 vehicle that will take us through the soft desert-like sand and on to the mokoro poler's station. The drive is fairly slow going as we cross through into the wilderness area and offers an interesting view of the local fauna.

At the water's edge we reach the polers station where we meet our local Tswana polers who will navigate the tall grasses and giant lily pads for us to get to our tented accommodation on the delta this afternoon.

Our camp is located in an open wilderness area with rustic facilities. The hotter day-time hours are spent at leisure and we head out on a nature walk towards the late afternoon to experience the open bushveld. Tonight is spent in camp chatting with our guides and polers and enjoying a night around the campfire.

5 images Okavango Delta, Botswana

Day 15. Okavango Delta to Maun

After our night in the wilderness we wake to the sounds of the wild. We have a leisurely mokoro ride out of the Delta and back to the polers station to collect our 4x4 transfer to Maun.

This afternoon there is an opportunity to enjoy a scenic flight over the Delta which offers magnificent views and a great perspective on this watery wilderness.

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

Heading further east we pass through the corridor between the Nxai and Makgadikgadi Pans as we head to our camp just north of Nata. Elephant Sands has no fences allowing wildlife to roam freely and providing us with the opportunity to see the wildlife up close. It's not uncommon to have elephant meander down to the waterhole in the afternoon - a magnificent sight from their terrace a pool area.

3 images Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana

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

Travelling north we head to Kasane nestled in the northern corner of Botswana. This area is where four countries - Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe - meet. Here we visit Chobe National Park and this afternoon enjoy a Fish Eagle Cruise along the Chobe River spotting the wildlife on the banks. There is also an abundance of birdlife and the Chobe Riverfront is well respected as one of the best bird watching spots in southern Africa.

3 images Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana

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

Waking early we board an open game driving vehicle this morning and go out on a game drive in Chobe National Park. We hope to spot predators like lion or leopard, and the more rare Sable or Roan antelope along with seeing wildlife roam free in this woodland habitat.

Leaving Kasane we make the short ferry crossing into Zambia and onto the town of Livingstone on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. We visit the Mosi oa Tunya National Park to view the falls themselves before heading to our camp.

3 images Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana

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

Day 19-20. Livingstone Highlights. Livingstone Activities, Zambia.

The next two days are free days for you to enjoy the optional activities available here, including bungee jumping, gorge swing, river cruise, game walk, white water rafting and more.

Our accommodation is based on the banks of the Zambezi with a lovely viewing deck out onto the river. Free time can be enjoyed poolside or simply relaxing, watching the river flow by. Alternatively, join onto one of the many exciting activities offered here.

3 images Livingstone Activities, Zambia

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

We venture further into Zambia to Southern Africa's fastest growing city and Zambia's capital, Lusaka.

The Zambian countryside is interspersed with small rural villages that are home to up to 74 different sub-cultures that make up the Zambian people. There are also large sugar cane farms which we will see on our drive today and tomorrow.

Day 22. Lusaka to Petauke

We travel along the Great East Road, linking Zambia with Malawi (the Great North Road links Cape Town to Cairo on the old trade routes), we pass through rural villages and cross the Luangwa River bridge before reaching our accommodation situated 5km from Petauke.

Day 23. Petauke to South Luangwa National Park

We head to the wilderness today and on to Zambia's famed South Luangwa National Park. Home to one of the largest leopard populations of any African reserve, the park is also home to a number of elephants that often make their way through the local camps. The park is 20,000 sq. miles in area and has the 500 mile-long Luangwa River flowing through it.

This afternoon you have some free time to choose from some of the local excursions like game walks or night game drives. Alternatively, relax at the camp and watch the local wildlife roam freely.

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

In the morning we enjoy an open vehicle game drive, with an expert local ranger, along the river’s edge to see the abundance of animal and birdlife inhabiting the area. With 400 different bird species and 60 different animal species living in the park there is plenty of wildlife to look out for.

Following our game drive we drive to Chipata.

3 images South Luangwa National Park

Day 25. Chipata to Kande Beach, Malawi Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi.

We depart Zambia today and cross the border into Malawi. Our first stop is the capital city Lilongwe where we stop for supplies before heading to the Lake.

Our first point on Lake Malawi is the small settlement at Kande Beach where we spend the next two nights.

3 images Lake Malawi, Malawi

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

Lake Malawi is often referred to as the calendar lake, owing to its length at 365 miles and breadth at up to 52 miles wide. Home to fresh-water tropical fish species, it is a sought after dive destination for avid snorkelers owing to the fact that some 99% of species are found only here.

Today is yours free to enjoy the optional activities available - snorkelling or hiring a pedalo. Alternatively you can relax on the beach or explore the local area.

3 images Kande Beach Activities, Malawi

Day 27. Kande Beach to Chitimba Beach Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi. Accommodation. Chitimba Camp, Lake Malawi.

We travel further along the lakeside today via the town of Mzuzu - a bustling hub to the surrounding farms and industry in the region. From here, we head to Chitimba Beach where we spend the next two nights.

3 images Lake Malawi, Malawi

8 images Chitimba Camp, Lake Malawi

Day 28. Chitimba Beach to Iringa, Tanzania

We travel the short distance today to the border crossing into Tanzania passing the local rice paddies and farms as we go.

After border formalities are complete, we make our way through Tanzania's Southern Highlands to our accommodation at Kisolanza Farm House.

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

On this day we descend the Southern Highlands in anticipation of the change of scenery to that of the Mikumi National Park, the 4th largest park in Tanzania. Known for its landscape of baobabs, black hardwood trees and grassy plains, as well as hosting 4 of the Big 5. Upon reaching the accommodation you may have time for an afternoon optional game drive or simply relax at the lodges swimming pool, marvel the beauty of the area from the comfort of the lodges restaurant/bar.

3 images Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

Day 30. Mikumi National Park Area to Dar es Salaam Highlights. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.

Our journey takes us east once more as we make our way towards the Indian Ocean coast and the city of Dar es Salaam. Along the way, we pass through the Mikumi National Park. We may, with luck spot the array of wildlife inhabiting the area.

As we near the bustling port city, we'll see more settlements with local businesses crowding the roadside. Our accommodation is located to the south of the harbour on a lovely stretch of beach.

3 images Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

3 images Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

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

From the port of Dar es Salaam, we board the fast ferry to Zanzibar and cross the channel to the island. Arriving around lunch time, we have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore Zanzibar's capital, Stone Town.

You can explore Stone Town on foot allowing you to make your way through the courtyards and alleyways to visit its palaces and mosques.

3 images Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

3 images Zanzibar, Tanzania

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

We transfer to the northern beaches of the island where we have the next three days free to enjoy this tropical paradise. There is an opportunity along the way to enjoy a local spice tour to learn about the spice trade, and sample some delicious local fruits.

Activities include scuba diving, snorkelling and boat trips.

3 images Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania

3 images Zanzibar, Tanzania

Day 35. Zanzibar to Bagamoyo Highlights. Bagamoyo, Tanzania.

This morning go for one last swim or do some last minute shopping before we catch the ferry back to the African mainland and on to Bagamoyo where we spend the evening at our beach accommodation.

3 images Bagamoyo, Tanzania

Day 36. Bagamoyo to Marangu Highlights. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

We leave Bagamoyo this morning and make our way to Marangu, a town at the base of the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. We may be lucky enough on a clear day to see this snow capped mountain, Africa's highest.

3 images Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Day 37. Marangu to Arusha Highlights. Maasai Culture Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania. Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania.

This morning we head into Arusha, a city exactly mid way between Cape Town and Cairo. After stopping off in the town we head to our camp a short way from the city.

In the afternoon we take a walk to a local Maasai village to learn about their way of life, and see how this tribe has retained its culture. In the evening, we prepare for our two night excursion to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.

3 images Maasai Culture Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania

3 images Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania

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

This morning we board smaller game drive vehicles and meet our local guides before travelling across the Great Rift Valley and entering the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. Our journey takes us around the craters rim and down onto the adjacent Serengeti National Park.

We game drive as we travel across the plains stopping off to view wildlife along the way. We hope to spot the predators, elephant and antelope as they traverse this vast area.

Our camp is situated in the open wilderness and is unfenced with very basic facilities. We enjoy the sounds of the wilderness tonight sleeping under canvas in the wild.

3 images Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Day 39. Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

Waking with the dawn, we head out with the sun's first rays to see which night-time activities have occurred around our camp area.

After breakfast, we game drive out of the savanna plain and ascend the craters outer wall in the afternoon. We spend tonight camping on the craters rim in the cool weather at high altitude.

Day 40. Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha Highlights. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.

Another early wake up as we have a quick breakfast and then descend onto the Crater floor. At 600 meters from rim to base, we slowly wind down the dirt-track as we see the tiny specks of wildlife transform into herds of buffalo, zebra and other animals.

We spend the morning exploring the relatively small area within the crater that is home to an abundance of wildlife.

After lunch we make our way back to our camp near Arusha.

3 images Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Day 41. Arusha to Nairobi, Kenya

We depart Tanzania today and cross the Namanga border into Kenya. We drive to Kenya's capital Nairobi where we will spend the next two nights.

Day 42. Nairobi Highlights. Nairobi.

Today you have the day free to explore this capital city, visit its markets, shops, cafes and restaurants. Alternatively visit Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre.

3 images Nairobi

Day 43. Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park Highlights. Lake Nakuru, Kenya.

We leave Nairobi and descend into the Great Rift Valley as we drive to the Lake Nakuru National Park.

This afternoon we meet our local guide and board the safari vehicle for a game drive around Lake Nakuru National Park. With one of the highest concentrations of leopard, and both black and white rhino - your game drive is sure to offer a thrill!

3 images Lake Nakuru, Kenya

Day 44. Lake Nakuru to Eldoret Highlights. Equator.

Leaving Nakuru we climb at altitude crossing from the Southern to Northern Hemisphere over the Equator to Kenya's fifth largest town Eldoret.

Surrounded by rich wheat and corn farms, the region is also a large textile producer.

3 images Equator

Day 45. Eldoret to Kampala, Uganda Highlights. Kampala, Uganda.

Today we cross the busy border into Uganda. From here we travel through the lush countryside dotted with farms and villages and on to the capital city - Kampala.

Kampala is Uganda's national and commercial capital and combines a local African flair with commercial sky-scrapers in the city center. Our accommodation is set on the outskirts of the city.

3 images Kampala, Uganda

Day 46. Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park Highlights. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.

Travelling west today and crossing the Equator again we make our way towards the Queen Elizabeth National Park are. We stay just outside the park where you can explore the surrounding areas and meet the local community.

3 images Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Day 47. Queen Elizabeth National Park Highlights. Chimpanzee Trek, Kyambura Gorge, Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.

Today we head out onto our adventure in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Climbing on board our local transfer, we make our way to the Kyambura Gorge where we trek for the chimpanzees. We may be fortunate enough to spot other wildlife as the park is home to over 500 bird species and 100 mammal species.

3 images Chimpanzee Trek, Kyambura Gorge, Uganda

3 images Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Day 48. Queen Elizabeth National Park to Lake Bunyonyi Highlights. Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda.

Leaving the national park we make our way to the Lake Bunyonyi where we set up for the next few days for our gorilla trekking. The lake is 27km long and 7km wide with 29 islands that can all be reached by local boat.

We trek to seek out the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park over the next few days.

3 images Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

Day 49-50. Lake Bunyonyi Highlights. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda.

Due to safety regulations, only small groups of visitors are allowed to trek at one time, and only one group may visit per gorilla family per day. This is to ensure the gorilla's natural way of life is not disturbed and they are kept safe from too much human exposure (they are highly susceptible to human diseases).

When not trekking, we have free time to explore the surrounding countryside including the many small islands dotted around the lake, the nearby orphanage and hikes up into the surrounding hillside.

Alternatively, sit back and relax at the lovely camp.

3 images Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

3 images Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

Day 51. Lake Bunyoni to Kampala Highlights. Equator.

We leave Lake Bunyonyi today crossing the Equator again and making our way to Kampala where we spend the evening.

3 images Equator

Day 52. Kampala to Jinja

We travel the short distance to the town of Jinja situated on the banks of Lake Victoria and the Nile. A tranquil and relaxing place - our camp is our base from which we can enjoy a number of optional activities over then next few days.

Day 53-54. Jinja Highlights. Jinja, Uganda.

Over the next two days relax on the banks of the river, explore surrounding areas or take on the optional activities - Bungee jumping, quad biking, white water rafting, community school project, Nile cruise, kayak and more.