42 Day Cape Town to Nairobi Overland Tour
Itinerary
DAY 1: South Africa - Cedeberg Mountain Region
We depart Cape Town heading north into the Cederberg Mountain region. Cederberg is well known as one of the main Rooibos Tea growing areas in South Africa and is also home to beautiful wildflowers in October. On this first afternoon we spend some time learning about tour-life, the vehicle and equipment, and we set of on a guided walk through the surrounding mountain to see Bushmen paintings and learn about the local fauna and wildlife.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: Namaqualand - Gariep/Orange River
Today we leave the Western Cape and travel north through Namaqualand, headed for the Gariep/Orange River. The group spends the night under the stars on the banks of the river around the campfire, getting to know one another. The Gariep/Orange River forms a natural border between South Africa and Namibia and is widely used for agricultural irrigation in this arid area.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: Namibia - Fish River Canyon
You can choose between a relaxing morning on the riverbank or the half-day canoe adventure on the river. After lunch we break camp and travel north to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world. The Fish River is the longest river in Namibia at 650km in length; the canyon, situated along the lower reaches of this seasonal river, is 161 km in length and runs from Seeheim to Ai-Ais. In the afternoon we take a walk along the rim of the canyon and arrive at the main viewing point for sunset.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Orange/Gariep River Half Day Canoe Adventure.
DAY 4: Namib-Naukluft National Park
From the Fish River Canyon we continue on into the remote Namibian hinterland. We arrive at camp in the afternoon and have time to go for a walk down into the smaller Sesriem Canyon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Sossusvlei Dunes, Namib-Naukluft National Park
An early start as we take advantage of the cooler temperatures of dawn and drive into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, where we will hike up Dune 45 for sun rise, and gain a different perspective of the desert. After this you have breakfast, and then set off into the desert with a local expert, for a guided tour, to learn about all kinds of life in the sands.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 6 & 7: Swakopmund
A dramatic drive through the arid Namib-Naukluft, crossing mountain passes and the Tropic of Capricorn sees us arrive at Walvis Bay. We stop to view the flamingos, before we head towards the seaside resort town of Swakopmund. The next day is left free for each individual to pursue their own interests including many adventure activities.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (only dinner on day 7)
Optional Activities: Quad biking, Sand boarding, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights, Fishing etc.
DAY 8: Spitzkoppe
We leave all the trappings of modern life behind us and drive inland to the mysterious Spitzkoppe, a sacred site of the San people, where we have the chance to climb the boulders, rock formations and experience a guided hike in the area to view the sacred San rock art. Tonight we camp in the wild.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: Himba Tribes
After some early morning exploration we head inland again and drive north towards Kamanjab, which is well known for its Himba tribes. The Himba are a pastoral people and predominantly breed cattle or goats. The Himba traditionally lead a nomadic life and are easily recognizable by their unique style of dress. Encountering a totally different way of living is very mind opening and a moving experience for many people.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 10 & 11: Etosha National Park
An early rise sees us on our way to Etosha National Park and some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. We will go on various game drives, and spend our evenings visiting the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12: Windhoek
After an early morning game drive we set off towards Windhoek in the center of Namibia. En-route we stop at a popular craft market. Windhoek is the capital of Namibia, and is located in a basin between the Khomas Highland, Auas and Eros Mountains. Whether due to pure luck or a brilliant stroke of Germanic planning, Windhoek is situated in almost the exact centre of Namibia. In the afternoon we'll take you on a short tour of the city.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Dinner out at Joe's Beer House
DAY 13: Botswana - Ghanzi
An early morning as we start off east towards the Buitepos border, were we then cross over into Botswana. Once at camp we'll get to meet with a local Bushmen community and see some traditional Tribal Dancing.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 14 to 16: Okavango Delta
Another early day! Our journey takes us from Ghanzi towards Maun. We spend the night here in this gateway to the Okavango Delta preparing for our two night bush camping experience. Your guides will provide you with a briefing about the next few days' activities, the environment and the community run tourism operation. From here in the morning we start our Delta Excursion; we leave the truck behind and make our way by 4x4 to the Polers station. From here we will enter the Delta using local transport, mokoros (dugout canoes).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 17: Gweta
After our 4x4 transfer out, we leave the Delta behind us and travel east to Gweta, which is located halfway between Maun and Nata, right next to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park area was once a super lake almost 30 meters (100 feet) deep, over an area of 80,000 sq. km. When the climate changed 10,000 years ago Lake Makgadikgadi was well on the way to drying up. As the water evaporated, huge glistening salt-encrusted pans were left.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 18: Chobe National Park
Leaving Gweta we head towards Kasane, where we camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The afternoon is spent game viewing on a boat cruise, into the renowned Chobe National Park. This is an excellent opportunity to view some of Africa's spectacular wildlife. You also have the chance to experience an early morning game drive the next day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 19: Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
Arriving early in Zimbabwe, we have time to plan the next day's adventure activities before we head off to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls and experience the thundering sound of the mighty Zambezi. The popular optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Chobe morning game drive, Zambezi Sunset Cruise
DAY 20: Victoria Falls
Most people will spend the day White Water Rafting, a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion, Dinner out.
DAY 21: Zambia - Livingstone
We cross over the border bridge into Zambia and spend another day enjoying the activities on offer in Livingstone.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Zambezi White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Elephant Back Safari, Zambezi sunset cruise.
DAYS 22 & 23: Lusaka & Chipata
Leaving behind the excitement of Vic Falls we depart on our expedition. The journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route. We begin the following day with some shopping in Lusaka before heading northeast towards Chipata where we spend the night. This is an interesting area full of friendly locals.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 24 & 25: South Luangwa National Park
Early in the morning we drive from Chipata to the South Luangwa National Park where we spend two nights on the banks of the river. The second day is put aside for included activities such as a tribal textile project tour and village visit. Park fees are included with a guided sunset game drive. On occasion, in the rainy season it is impossible or inadvisable to attempt to reach South Luangwa NP, if this happens then an alternative itinerary will be chosen.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Guided Game Walk in South Luangwa National Park
DAY 26 & 27: Malawi - Luwawa Forest
Today we cross the Zambia-Malawi border after leaving South Luangwa National Park in the early morning. Heading north we enter the highlands of Malawi and spend the night at Luwawa Forest. There are some wonderful hikes in the area, which your guides will lead, as well as other great activities.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking.
DAYS 28 to 31: Central Lake Malawi and Northern Malawi
Lake Malawi used to be called Lake Nyasa and is the southernmost of the Great Rift Valley lakes. The lake is at an altitude of around 500 metres and has a tropical climate. We will spend the next couple of carefree days relaxing on the white sandy beaches. For the more adventurous there are endless leisure and water sport activities. Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere and relax in one of the most scenic and memorable holiday destinations in Africa! The evenings are spent beside (close to) the tranquil waters.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, craft shopping, hiking and more.
DAYS 32 & 33: Tanzania - Iringa - Dar es Salaam
Today we make the border crossing out of Malawi. Leaving the lake behind us, we head for our first night in Tanzania. As we ascend out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, we pass the vast tea plantations in the highlands to our camp outside Iringa. The next day we transit through Mikumi National Park to the historical port city of Dar es Salaam.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 34 to 36: Zanzibar
On this optional activity a transfer by ferry takes us to Zanzibar where we will spend the next few days exploring this fascinating island with its renowned architecture, beautiful beaches, colourful people and history. The excursion is at your own expense and costs can be adjusted depending on your preferred level of accommodation and activities. If you prefer not to go to Zanzibar, one of the guides will stay behind with you.
Meals included: Own arrangements
Optional Activities: Zanzibar Excursion: Ferry, Food, Accommodation, Spice Tours, Dolphin Tours, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling.
DAYS 37 & 38: Zanzibar / Dar es Salaam - Arusha
Today we leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry (or flight) back to Dar es Salaam and return to our campsite. The evening can be spent reminiscing about our days on the island. The next day we take a long and scenic drive to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. If the weather is favourable and skies are clear we might see Mt Kilimanjaro. After arriving in Arusha, those who are going to explore the Serengeti National Park, prepare for their excursion.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (only dinner on day 37)
DAYS 39 & 40: Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater
There are many options available, ranging from a one-day trip to the Ngorongoro crater, to a three-day trip into the Serengeti. As this is for your own expense, we give you every opportunity to match the activity to your budget. For those not going to the parks, take this opportunity to absorb some of the fascinating local culture. One of the guides will remain with those that decide to stay in Arusha.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Excursion.
DAY 41: Arusha
Today we have the privilege of visiting a local Masai village. Getting together again after our various game viewing activities in the game parks, we spend our last night in this beautiful country exchanging 'big game' stories around the campfire.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 42: Kenya - Nairobi
After crossing the border into Kenya we continue to travel towards Nairobi and the end of our journey. Although our tour has ended some groups like to spend this evening at a local restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant
