The whole nine yards, with all the highlights between! Travel from East Africa's famed safari parks like Bwindi, Maasai Mara, Nakuru and Serengeti, to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Head into Africa's rift valley at Lake Malawi and stand in the spray of the thundering Victoria Falls. Traverse the myriad of waterways in Botswana's Okavango Delta and sprint down the rust-coloured dunes of the Namib Desert. Finishing in iconic Cape Town - there's so much adventure on this tour that's not to be missed!
This tour includes Gorilla and Chimp Trekking. This is paid at the time of booking - please see supplements for pricing.
Day 1. Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park Highlights. Great Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru, Kenya. Accommodation. Punda Millias.
Today our adventure begins! Boarding our custom-built vehicle, we head via the rift valley escarpment viewpoint looking out into the massive geographical phenomenon to Lake Nakuru National Park.Day 2. Lake Nakuru to Eldoret Accommodation. Naiberi Camp.
Leaving Nakuru we travel northwest climbing at altitude to the rural town of Eldoret. We cross the Equator today going from the Southern to Northern Hemisphere. Eldoret is the fifth largest town in Kenya and surrounding by lush tea plantations that are abundant in this part of Kenya.Day 3. Eldoret to Kampala, Uganda Highlights. Kampala, Uganda. Accommodation. Red Chilli Hideaway, Kampala.
Leaving Kenya, our journey takes us into Uganda today. After crossing the busy border we drive along with views of the local villages and people carrying on with their daily routines.Day 4. Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park Accommodation. Simba Camp, Uganda.
Today we continue on to the western side of Uganda and the pretty Albertine valley with its hills. This part of Uganda offers vast tracts of natural vegetation and is home to a number of conservation areas.Day 5. Queen Elizabeth National Park Highlights. Chimpanzee Trek, Kyambura Gorge, Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Accommodation. Simba Camp, Uganda.
With over 500 species of bird, and 100 mammals, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda's finest with a high diversity of plant and animal life. We make our way to the Kyambura Gorge that is home to the forests where chimpanzee reside in their natural habitat. Most troops consist of 30-80 individuals and are mainly seen in the tree canopy. Chimpanzee are fantastic climbers and set up their nests high in trees where they rest during midday, and later sleep in at night. They build new nests in just minutes through simply bending branches, interweaving them to create a platform as well as lining the ends with twigs.Day 6. Queen Elizabeth National Park to Lake Bunyonyi Highlights. Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda. Accommodation. Lake Bunyonyi Camp.
We bid farewell to this part of Uganda and make our way south to the Virunga Mountain Ranges, and the dense jungle that is home to the last of the free mountain gorillas.Day 7-8. Lake Bunyoni - Gorilla Trek Highlights. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Mountain gorillas. Accommodation. Lake Bunyonyi Camp.
Trekking the endangered mountain gorilla is a rare opportunity which we enjoy over the next couple of days. We generally trek in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, but may from time to time trek in neighbouring Rwanda. Each permit allows for one visit of up to one hour of viewing gorillas, however the trek to catch up to them in the forest may take anything from 2-6 hours depending on each individual group's location.Day 9. Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala Highlights. Equator. Accommodation. Red Chilli Hideaway, Kampala.
Heading north we travel back to the bustling capital city Kampala crossing the equator back to the northern hemisphere again.Day 10. Kampala to Jinja Highlights. Jinja, Uganda. Accommodation. Nile River Explorer.
Just a short drive from Kampala is the source of the White Nile, flowing from the massive Lake Victoria. We head to the banks of the Nile on the outskirts of the town of Jinja, where we stop off for the next few days in order to explore the surrounds.Day 11-12. Jinja Highlights. Jinja, Uganda. Accommodation. Nile River Explorer.
The next two days a free for you to enjoy your time in Jinja. Relax on the banks of the river or take the option to try river rafting - an exciting day out for those enjoying the thrill of ‘whitewater’. There is also the opportunity to make some difference to local children at a local school project: ‘Softpower’ is a locally run volunteer program aimed at building and improving schools in the Jinja area to which your contribution of a few hours is always most welcome. Other activities include mountain biking, quad biking, village walks and even bungee jumping!Day 13. Jinja to Eldoret, Kenya Accommodation. Naiberi Camp.
Bidding our farewell's to the lovely Ugandan people, we cross back over to Kenya today and make our way back to our camp at Eldoret.Day 14. Eldoret to Nairobi Accommodation. Wildebeest Eco Camp, Nairobi.
Tracing our way back across Kenya, our drive takes us back to the bustling city Nairobi. Arriving in the late afternoon, we have time to settle in before heading out to explore the city tonight.Day 15. Nairobi Accommodation. Wildebeest Eco Camp, Nairobi.
Explore Nairobi's highlights. Visit the many cafes, bars and restaurants along with the National Museum of Kenya, Nairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre. Alternatively, the Nairobi National Park is nearby too!Day 16. Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve Accommodation. Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Masai Mara.
This morning we meet our local guides who will take us into the Maasai Mara National Reserve on safari!Day 17. Maasai Mara National Reserve Highlights. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Accommodation. Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Masai Mara.
The Maasai Mara is world famous as one of the best wildlife reserves in Africa and today we head out to see what this is all about.Day 18. Maasai Mara National Reserve to Nairobi Accommodation. Wildebeest Eco Camp, Nairobi.
We depart the Mara today travelling back across the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi where we overnight.Day 19. Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania Highlights. Maasai Culture Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania. Accommodation. Meserani Snake Park.
This morning we may welcome some new travellers, before we head south out of Nairobi and on to the border of Tanzania.Day 20. Arusha to Serengeti National Park Highlights. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Accommodation. Serengeti Camp.
This morning we prepare for our excursion into the famed Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. We transfer our gear into the smaller 4x4 vehicles and meet our local guides who take us on this memorable trip.Day 21. Ngorongoro Crater Accommodation. Simba Camp, Ngorongoro Crater.
Rising with the African dawn, we are out early enough to catch a glimpse of the predators that may still be roaming the plains.Day 22. Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha Highlights. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. Accommodation. Meserani Snake Park.
Starting early today we descend the steep road onto the Crater floor for a morning of game driving. Most of the large mammals can be found here apart from giraffe who cannot manage the steep slope to the floor. The morning is spent zig-zagging the dirt tracks in search of the herds, predators and other exciting animals to be seen here. It's easy to see why the Ngorongoro Crater was declared a World Heritage Site with the spectacular wildlife viewing and scenic panoramas we experience today.Day 23. Arusha to Bagamoyo Highlights. Bagamoyo, Tanzania. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Accommodation. Firefly Camp.
We bid farewell to safari country and make our way across the base of the mighty Kilimanjaro this morning. With the cool morning air, the peak is most often shrouded as we drive past but with some luck we may glimpse it from further afield as we head south today.Day 24. Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam Highlights. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Accommodation. Kipepeo Beach Village, Dar es Salaam.
Waking to the sound of the ocean and the cool sea breeze, we head further along the coastline to the bustling port city of Dar es Salaam (which translated to English, means Haven of Peace).Day 25. Dar es Salaam to Stone Town, Zanzibar Highlights. Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Zanzibar, Tanzania. Accommodation. All Seasons Hotel, Zanzibar.
Heading out early to catch our ferry, we make our way across the channel to the seaport at Zanzibar. A bustling and busy experience, followed by a check in through customs (Zanzibari's consider themselves to be independent of Tanzania) and we're off to our accommodation in Stone Town.Day 26-27. Zanzibar - Northern Beaches Highlights. Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania. Accommodation. Sunset Bungalows Kendwa.
This morning there is an option to explore one of the local spice plantations as we make our way north out of the city. Learn about the many different flavours and uses of the spice trade, taste delicious fruit and enjoy a few hours out in the plantation.Day 28. Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam Accommodation. Kipepeo Beach Village, Dar es Salaam.
This morning we can go for one last swim in the ocean or do some last minute shopping before we head back to the African mainland and our camp at Dar es Salaam for the evening.Day 29. Dar es Salaam to Mikumi Highlights. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. Accommodation. Tanswiss, Mikumi.
Heading west we drive inland again and on through the towns and villages outside of bustling Dar es Salaam. We drive through a section of the Mikumi National Park where we may be lucky enough to spot the wildlife here, to our accommodation just outside the park. Time permitting, there is an option to enjoy an additional game drive in the Mikumi National Park this evening.Day 30. Mikumi to Iringa Accommodation. Iringa Farmhouse.
Leaving Mikumi we travel through the baobab valley and on to the small town of Iringa and our accommodation at the Kisolanza Farm. This working farm has been home to the same family for over 70 years.Day 31. Iringa to Chitimba Beach, Malawi Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi. Accommodation. Chitimba Camp, Lake Malawi.
Our journey takes us further west through farming country and on to the frontier town of Mbeya before we head south and cross the border into the Warm Heart of Africa - Malawi.Day 32. Chitimba Beach Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi. Livingstonia Day Hike, Malawi. Accommodation. Chitimba Camp, Lake Malawi.
Enjoy a day at leisure either on the beach, out at the local wood working market learning to play a game of bao, or if you're keen to stretch your legs and see some spectacular views - head out on the 11km hike to Manchewe Falls.Day 33. Chitimba Beach to Kande Beach Accommodation. Kande Beach, Malawi.
We further explore Malawi today as we drive through the town of Mzuzu, the rubber tree plantations and local market before heading to the central lake and our base at Kande Beach.Day 34. Kande Beach Highlights. Kande Beach Activities, Malawi. Lake Malawi, Malawi. Accommodation. Kande Beach, Malawi.
Today is a free day to try out the snorkelling or diving available here. You can horse ride along the beach, go on a guided village walk or simply relax on the beach.Day 35. Kande Beach to Chipata, Zambia Accommodation. Mamarula Camp.
We travel via Malawi's capital city Lilongwe today, where we stop off for supplies before heading to the border and entering Zambia.Day 36. Chipata to Lusaka Highlights. Lusaka, Zambia. Accommodation. Eureka Camp, Lusaka.
Today is spent in transit to Zambia's capital city Lusaka. Founded at the meeting point of the Great North and Great East roads - the old trading routes used by colonial explorers; the city today is a hive of activity and is Southern Africa's largest growing city with a current population of around 1.7m.Day 37. Lusaka to Livingstone Highlights. Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Zambia. Accommodation. The Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone.
Leaving Zambia's capital we travel to Livingstone and our accommodation on the banks of the Zambezi River. This afternoon we go to see the mighty falls themselves. At high water from March-May, the thundering water is so intense a curtain of spray can be seen from many kilometers away.Day 38-40. Livingstone Highlights. Livingstone Activities, Zambia. Accommodation. The Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone.
The next three days are free days allowing you enjoy some of the optional activities available in Livingstone.Day 41. Livingstone to Kasane, Botswana Highlights. Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana. Accommodation. Thebe River Lodge.
We welcome some new travellers to the group in Livingstone and today we take the short drive across to neighboring Botswana. Once we've crossed the pontoon ferry, we head to the town of Kasane and get settled for the afternoon.Day 42. Kasane to Nata Highlights. Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana. Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana. Accommodation. Elephant Sands, Nata.
Rising early, we board our open safari vehicle for a game drive in the Chobe National Park looking out for the many elephant as well as lion, buffalo, antelope and more living in the park. After our exciting morning activity, we venture south to Nata.Day 43. Nata to Maun Highlights. Maun, Botswana. Accommodation. Delta Rain Sitatunga Camp, Maun.
Heading west we pass through the central game corridor on our way to Maun - the gateway town to the Okavango Delta. Maun is a rapidly developing town even though it's still referred to as a village.Day 44. Okavango Delta Highlights. Okavango Delta, Botswana. Accommodation. Elephant Bush Camp, Okavango Delta.
Grabbing our gear, we board the 4x4 transfer that will take us across the sandy outer conservation area and to the poler station where we meet our local guides.Day 45. Okavango Delta to Maun Accommodation. Delta Rain Sitatunga Camp, Maun.
Waking to the rustling and chatter of the birds in the trees and bushes, we rise early for a short walk to see what activity has occurred around camp overnight.Day 46. Maun to Omeheke Region, Namibia Highlights. Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia. Accommodation. Zelda's Guestfarm, Omaheke Region.
Continuing west we cross the border into Namibia. Our accommodation is a short drive after. Here, in the seemingly dry area of the Kalahari Desert, we meet the San/Bushman who will take us on a guided bush walk and give us a cultural insight into their lives.Day 47. Omaheke Region to Windhoek Highlights. Windhoek, Namibia. Accommodation. Urban Camp, Windhoek.
We're off to the capital city - Windhoek.Day 48. Windhoek to Etosha National Park Accommodation. Etosha National Park, Namibia.
Undoubtedly one of Namibia's premier highlights is the Etosha National Park, situated in the north of the country.Day 49. Etosha National Park Highlights. Etosha National Park, Namibia. Accommodation. Etosha National Park, Namibia.
We have a full days game driving today around this 20,000 sq km park. Dominated by the central Etosha Pan - this wilderness is truly different to any of the other National Parks on this journey. Look out for the 340 bird species and 114 mammals as we make our way through the different areas.Day 50. Etosha National Park to Spitzkoppe Highlights. Spitzkoppe, Namibia. Accommodation. Spitzkoppe Community Camp.
We game drive out of Etosha National Park this morning travelling south to the Damaraland region. As we journey further south, the terrain changes remarkably and this afternoon we arrive to the gigantic boulder-like Spitzkoppe. We explore Spitzkoppe famous for its ancient bushman paintings and peculiar rock formations with a local guide.Day 51. Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia. Accommodation. Amanpuri Lodge, Swakopmund.
Sunrise over the amber rocks is truly memorable - we recommend rising early, finding a good vantage point and relishing the experience!Day 52. Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia. Accommodation. Amanpuri Lodge, Swakopmund.
Enjoy a free day to explore the surrounding dunes by quad bike or glide down the steep slopes on a sand board. For those seeking a unique perspective, there's tandem sky diving offering an adrenaline rush and the best views by far!Day 53. Swakopmund to Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region Highlights. The Tropic of Capricorn. Accommodation. Sossus Oasis Overland Camp.
After a day of adrenaline fun, it's time to head back to nature. We travel into the vast Namib Naukluft region stopping off at the tropic of Capricorn before we arrive at our desert camp and on a local farm. It's here we sleep under canvas and enjoy the stillness of the desert night.Day 54. Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region to Sesriem Area Highlights. Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia. Sesriem Canyon, Namibia. Sossusvlei, Namibia. Accommodation. Little Sossus Lodge, Namib Naukluft .
Waking early, we pack up and head into the Namib Naukluft National Park. Our first stop is Dune 45 - at 170m high, the views from the top offer spectacular panoramas of the surrounding scenery.Day 55. Sesriem Area to Fish River Canyon Highlights. Fish River Canyon, Namibia. Tsaris Pass, Namibia. Accommodation. Canon Roadhouse, Fish River Canyon.
We continue on our drive through the arid terrain crossing the Tsaris Pass enroute to our accommodation near the Fish River Canyon.Day 56. Fish River Canyon to Orange River Highlights. Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia. Accommodation. Felix Unite.
Leaving Fish River Canyon we continue our journey to the Gariep (Orange) River.Day 57. Orange River to Cederberg Highlights. Cape Winelands, South Africa. Cederberg, South Africa. Accommodation. Highlanders Camp, Cederberg.
Crossing to South Africa, we journey through the Northern Cape's unique surroundings and on to the Cederberg. From vast flat plains, the mountains rise as we near them and the southern tip of Africa.Day 58. Cederberg to Cape Town Highlights. Cape Town, South Africa.
Our last journey takes us over the Picketberg Pass, through the farming communities of the Western Cape and on to South Africa's first city - Cape Town.Conveniently located on Nairobi's Harry Thuku Road and set in manicured gardens, this hotel offers a peaceful oasis in the centre of town. Walking distance to shops and craft markets. Rooms – single, twin, double en suite rooms with balcony and satellite TV. Facilities – restaurant, bar, swimming pool, internet, laundry. Transfers are available from the Airport by pre-arrangement
* Suggested pre and post tour accommodation can be booked together with your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Situated at the foot of Table Mountain and in walking distances to the city centre, Ashanti Lodge Backpackers in Gardens is your gateway to Cape Town. This gorgeous Victorian Mansion offers backpacker dormitories to single, double and twin rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Chill next to the stunning pool, join the party in the legendary Kumasi Café/Bar with its cool cocktails, tasty food and fabulous mountain views or go explore the city's highlights close by.
* Suggested pre and post tour accommodation can be booked together with your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Additional Info
Meals
57 Breakfasts, 45 Lunches, 45 Dinners
Accommodation
53 nights twin share accommodation, 1 night pre-erected en suite tented camp (Delta); 4 night bush camping at Khomas Region/Spitzkoppe/Serengeti/Ngorongoro (equipment supplied).
Every adventure tour has an Adventure Pass which is paid to your tour leader in Africa at the beginning of the tour (or pre-paid by arrangement prior to your tour). This is separate and in addition to the Tour Price, and covers selected park entries, activities and excursions along the way where payment goes directly to the supplier to ensure local suppliers benefit directly from the income.
* This pass is a compulsory add-on for this tour.