* This tour also runs in the opposite direction: Cape to Nairobi (North)
COUNTRIES VISITED: KENYA, TANZANIA, MALAWI, ZAMBIA, ZIMBABWE, BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA, SOUTH AFRICA.
Day 1 Nairobi - Arusha
Today we depart the bustling capital of Kenya and cross the border into Tanzania. On our way to Arusha, catch a glimpse of Mt Kilimanjaro. This afternoon we make our preparations for the optional excursion to the Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2/3 Serengeti Ngorongoro Crater
Today we have the opportunity to go on a three-day trip into the Serengeti. This area has one of the most densely inhabited large animal populations in Africa. We game drive in the Serengeti NP and the amazing Ngorongoro Crater. In October and April the area is known for the circular migration of millions of herbivores travelling in pursuit of the seasonal rains. For those not going to the parks, take this chance to absorb some of the fascinating local culture.
Optional Activities: Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Arusha
Today those that went in to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro will return to Arusha where there will be time sit together and share stories of the wonderful African animals seen in the park. The Serengeti is always an unforgettable experience and one that will be shared time and time again.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Dar es Salaam
Today we take the long drive to the historical port city of Dar es Salaam, gateway to Zanzibar. The city is one of the oldest settled cities in East Africa and, although not the capital, is the chief commercial centre of Tanzania. After arriving in Dar Es Salaam, there will be some time to pack light bags for the trip to Zanzibar, the rest of the luggage will remain on the mainland with the truck.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6/7/8 Zanzibar
A local ferry will take us from Dar Es Salaam (where we leave the truck) to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. We spend the first night exploring the historical and unique architecture. There are also spice and seafood markets and the island is known for its endangered red colobus monkeys, adopted as the flagship species for conservation in Zanzibar. The following day we take a transfer to the northern part of the Island where we will spend 2 days relaxing on the beach.
Optional Activities: Lunch & Dinner, Swimming with Dolphins, Scuba Diving, Snorkellin, Spice Tours.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Dar es Salaam
Today we leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry back to Dar es Salaam.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Iringa
It is a long drive from historical port city of Dar es Salaam to Iringa. We travel through Mukumi NP, the 4th largest National Park in Tanzania. Iringa is a pleasant town located at 1550m above sea level and can get rather chilly between June and August.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 11/12 Malawi - Northern Lake Malawi
It is another long drive from Iringa to the northern beaches of Lake Malawi and Chitimba, a small village by the lake with white sandy beaches. Livingstonia Mission is at the top of the nearby mountains. You can hike up to the village, but be warned, this is not a relaxing stroll… there is a beautiful waterfall and interesting permaculture project on the way and it is possible to spend the night up there. Alternatively spend 2 relaxing days on the beach and enjoy the water sports on offer.
Optional Activities: Hike to Livingstonia Mission, Abseiling, Water sports etc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13/14 Central Lake Malawi
Next there is another couple of relaxing days at Kande Beach Village further south on Lake Malawi. There is lovely white sand and lots of water sport and leisure activities available. We will also visit a local village for some cultural interaction here.
Optional Activities: Scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, craft shopping, hiking and more.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15/16 Luwawa Forest
Today we leave the restful beaches of the lakeshore and we enter the highlands of Malawi and spend two nights at Luwawa Forest. Luwawa Forest camp are winners of the 2008 'Community Development Work and Sustainable Tourism Award’. Take a hike to the viewpoint to see the Lake form above, or rent a Mountain Bike for some exciting riding.
Optional Activities: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17/18 Zambia - South Luangwa National Park
Early in the morning we drive to the South Luangwa NP where we spend two nights at our campsite right on the bank of the Luangwa River. You can often see Hippo and other animals from the campsite bar. The park is known for its high concentration of leopards and hippos. The next day we visit the community run tribal textile project and a local village. Later this afternoon we enjoy a guided afternoon game drive. On occasion, in the rainy season it is impossible or inadvisable to attempt to reach South Luangwa NP, if this happens an alternative itinerary will be chosen.
Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive and Game Walk in South Luangwa NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19 Chipata
We leave South Luangwa NP today and have a relatively short drive through to Chipata where we will relax in the afternoon.
Zambia is truly African and an adjustment from the more western ways of Southern Africa. There are many rural villages and farming communities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20 Lusaka
The journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route. On week days there may be the opportunity to visit one of the interesting local markets of the Zambian capital city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21 Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
We drive from Lusaka, across the Zimbabwean border and into Victoria Falls. On arrival in Victoria Falls we have time to plan the next day’s adventure activities before we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls National Park and experience the thundering of the mighty Zambezi. The popular optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks.
Optional Activities: Chobe morning game drive, Sunset Cruise Dinner out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 22/23 Victoria Falls
These 2 days are shared between relaxing and getting mundane things like laundry out of the way and taking part in some of the amazing adventure activities on offer here. The Zambezi White Water Rafting still boasts the most grade-5 white water to be commercially tackled and this is a serious must-do activity for most people. If braving the white water, or bungy, is not for you then the lion walk or elephant encounter are both amazing options, it’s a totally different experience to meet one of these creatures up close!
Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungy Jump, Elephant Excursion, Walking with Lions, Horse Riding, Micro-light, Flight of the Angels, Skydiving etc.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 24 Botswana – Kasane and Chobe NP
After breakfast we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls National Park and experience the thundering of the mighty Zambezi. The entrance is included in your local payment. We allow approximately 2 hours here so you can visit all the view points and photo opportunities. When we arrive at Kasane we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The afternoon can be spent game viewing if you choose the optional game drive. In the late afternoon there is a scenic boat cruise in Chobe National Park. This is an excellent opportunity to view Africa’s spectacular wildlife.
Optional Activities: Chobe NP game drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 25 Maun
An early start and our journey takes us towards Maun. We spend the night here (Maun) and prepare for our 2-night bush-camping experience. Your guides will brief you on the next two days’ activities and the community run tourism operation.
Optional Activities: Scenic Flight over Okavango Delta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 26 Okavango Delta
After breakfast we board our local truck transport for the 2-hour trip into the Okavango Delta, where we meet the local community members. In the afternoon there is a nature walk with a local guide, which is a great opportunity to view wildlife on foot. Tonight is spent swapping stories around the campfire and enjoying serenity of the Delta.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 27 Okavango Delta
There is normally an early morning nature walk with your local guides, splitting up into small groups so there is a better chance of seeing the wildlife. This is followed by breakfast and a relaxed day around the camp site. Often there is the chance to swim in the clear water. In the afternoon we take another nature walk or perhaps a mokoro trip along the river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 28 Maun
Another early morning walk before breakfast, then it’s time to board our mokoro canoe for the trip back to the truck (depending on the water levels). Then we say goodbye to our local guides and arrive in Maun in time for a late lunch.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 29 Ghanzi
Another early start and we drive to Ghanzi. Once at camp we will meet with a local Bushmen community and experience some traditional Tribal Dancing.
Optional Activity: Guided Walk, Trance Dance (must be booked in advance min 6), Game Drives (min 6)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 30 Namibia - Windhoek
Today is a long driving day to the Namibian border and onto Windhoek in the centre of Namibia arriving in the early evening. Tonight is free to explore the local nightlife and excellent restaurants.
Optional Activities: Dinner out at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 31/32 Etosha National Park
Leaving the city sights behind, we travel north into Namibia’s barren northern area. We enter Etosha National Park and game drive through to the Okaukejo campsite. On the 2nd day, more breathtaking game viewing and a night at the Halali camp. Etosha National Park is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. We will go on various game drives, and spend our evenings at the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography.
Optional Activities: Night or Dawn Drives with NWR
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 33 Himba Tribes
Leaving Etosha we drive towards Kamanjab. The Himba are a pastoral people and predominantly breed cattle or goats, they are easily recognisable by their unique style of dress. Today you have the chance to visit the Himba camp and see how these interesting people live. The facilities at our camp site are minimal, so its best to treat this as bush camping, however there are basic showers and toilets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 34 Spitzkoppe
From culture to creation we travel to the mysterious Spitzkoppe, known as Namibia’s Matterhorn. Gaze at the stars tonight as we camp in the wild.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 35 Swakopmund
Today we travel to Namibia’s Atlantic coast and Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital. You will be briefed on the optional activities available here. At night there is an optional dinner at a local restaurant where you can indulge in fresh seafood, or some of the other local dishes.
Optional Activities: Quadbiking, Sandboarding, Sky Diving, Dolphin Cruise, Scenic Flights, Fishing, Dinner out etc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 36 Swakopmund
Your chance to experience the adrenalin filled atmosphere that Swakopmund offers. Most activities include a pick up and drop off service to/from your hostel. You can also take time to go to the internet and wander through the shopping streets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 37 Namib-Nakluft NP
After the adventure and adrenaline rush of Swakopmund, we drive south into the mysterious Namib Desert.
We arrive at camp in the afternoon and enjoy a short hike at Sesriem Canyon. Tonight we enjoy dinner around the campfire.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 38 Sossusvlei Dunes
We wake before dawn for one of the highlights of the trip, hiking up Dune 45 to watch the sun rise. After breakfast we join a local expert on a guided tour explaining the desert ecosystem, then after lunch we drive to our next campsite further south.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 39 Fish River Canyon
Today we travel south to the Fish River Canyon where we hike along the edge of the canyon and see the amazing sunset. (It is possible that you may see the sunrise at the canyon next morning instead due to the road conditions or time of year you are travelling)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 40 South Africa - Gariep Orange River
We leave early on our last day in Namibia travelling south to the border with South Africa at the Gariep Orange River. In the afternoon there is an optional canoeing activity on the River or you can just chill out at the campsite and go for a swim.
Optional Activities: GariepOrange River canoeing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 41 Citrusdal
Today is a long drive through the Northern Cape to the fruit producing area in the Cederberg mountains of South Africa. After setting up camp (weather permitting) we go on a guided walk to see Bushmen paintings and learn about the native fauna and flora.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 42 Cape Town
Our final day on tour, we head to the mother city, Cape Town. Travelling along the coast road we stop at Table View for a magnificent view of Table Mountain from the other side of the bay. As this is the last day of the tour the group will normally spend one last night out together enjoying dinner at one the Mother Cities’ wonderful restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
* This tour also runs in the opposite direction: Cape to Nairobi (North)












Recent comments regarding this tour from travellers:
"I was really looking forward to this tour and it met all my expectations. It was even better than I hoped it would be." - Elly (2009)
"I did the Township Tour and I liked it a lot. Maybe it would be possible to offer more options like this." - Agnes (2009)
"As I speak both german and english, I can confirm that Veronika's translations were accurate and well presented. She did a very good job of summarizing and presenting Quinton's explanations." - Randall (2009)
"Thanks to Ray and Simba who made me feel very comfortable on the Journey." - Ben (2009)
"Regardless of the cancellation of our other tour, which was solved very impressive/quickly by Claire, the alternative (this tour) turned out well above expectations. Thanks for a great experience!" - Fieke (2009)
“Confusion about the local payment and no info of fuel costs.” - Sofie (2009)
“I had a blast and I'm sure that I'll visit Africa again. I love what I have seen!" - Maud (2009)
”I had a great time but there are some things to work with: Waterproof tents. Our tents were not waterproof. Even though the rain cover didn’t touch the inner tent, water was dripping into the tents. That’s not good enough.” - Carolina (2009)
“Was impressed on a daily basis by the friendliness, punctuality and patience (with us) of the 3 tour guides.” - Michelle (2009)
“It would be nice if you inform your clients before the departure about the fact that there are different tour-routes in one truck. All people think they're doing the same tour but the group splits.” - Sarah (2009)
“It was a wonderful tour. The guides were okay, but with 24 persons the truck was overloaded.” - Stephen (2009)
“It was a good route but sometimes it was hard to put our tents down and up everyday.” - Judith (2009)
“Overall was very good. We had a great time and saw a lot of beautiful + wonderful things. The food during the trip was amazing. The guides were so helpful and knowledgeable about the stops and local customs and so on. Thank you for a great trip!” - Jennifer (2009)
“Stay more than one night at some places and divide the age of the people attending!” - Nadine (2009)
“It takes time to get used to the truck but it was not bad. I would do another tour in a heartbeat!” - Dana (2009)
“I was so impressed with everything on the tour. Bjorn went above and beyond in every way. Every detail he knew and informed us about. I even had fun in the truck while driving! I never thought time would fly by that fast!” - Jessie (2009)
“I am 59 years old and I had the most amazing time. Noel and Pule were extremely patient and took good care of all of us.” - Barbara (2009)
“Disappointed by canoe guide on the Orange River – no instruction and no safety info. Everything else was great.” - Paige (2009)
“This tour far exeeded my expectations in every way. In terms of value for money, without question the best tour I've ever taken. Much of the credit for this to Novel and Pule. Their proffessionalism, people skills and good sense of humour were fundamental to making this tour such a succes.” - Peter (2009)
“The food has been incredible!” - Laura (2009)