Cape Town to Nairobi via Victoria Falls Lodge Tour

Below is the basic day to day brief,

The Full downloadable Itinerary is at the bottom of this window.

Please note - new tour duration for 2024 (42-Day itinerary)
Please download the dossier should you want more detailed information on the route and tour.

Day 1: Cape Town - Cederberg
Our overland tour begins in Cape Town and we stop to look at Table Mountain from Table Bay. Travelling north we pass through the spectacular Cederberg Mountains, home to the delicious Rooibos tea - a popular herbal beverage. Tonight we enjoy a traditional dinner.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Traditional Dinner

Day 2: Gariep River (Orange River)
After breakfast we head for our next destination – the Orange River. En route we pass through Namaqualand, which is famous for its spring flowers. The river was originally called the Gariep River (River of Hope) by the local indigenous people. The river is the longest in South Africa and forms a natural border between Namibia and South Africa. Our accommodation is on the banks of the river.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Spring flowers (seasonal July to September)

Day 3: Orange River – Ais Ais
The morning is at your leisure and you can choose to take a morning canoe trip or alternatively relax at camp, soak up the sun and swim in the river. After lunch we make our way to our overnight stop. We overnight at Ais-Ais where you have an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Ais - Ais Hot Springs
Optional Activity: Half day canoe trip

Day 4: Fish River Canyon to Giants Playground
An early start and drive to the rim of Fish River Canyon. We then turn west and head for Keetmanshoop. Our afternoon we spend meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground. We spend the night in a local guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon, visit to Quiver Tree forest and Giants Playground

Day 5: Namib Naukluft National Park
Today we venture deeper in to the Namib Desert. We travel through to dune fields that cover the awe-inspiring desert. Going from grasslands to stunning red dunes and changing terrains. Tonight we camp under the stars and fall asleep on the doorstep of the dune fields.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Namib Naukluft National Park – Sossusvlei
A very early start so we can enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the desert. Those with energy can climb the famous Dune 45 and enjoy a view across the immense sand dunes of the desert. The sunrise provides amazing contrasts of shadows across the dunes and is a photographer's dream. We head further into the desert to Sossusvlei. There is time to explore the Dead Vlei – with its ancient trees and amazing sand dunes. We partake in a hike with a local to learn how the Bushmen survive in this harsh desert terrain. After an exciting day we head back to camp.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Sesriem Canyon and sunrise hike up Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei

Day 7: Swakopmund
After breakfast we continue north to Swakopmund – the desert capital. En route we stop at the Tropic of Capricorn as well as Walvis Bay to see the resident flamingos. Swakopmund is a welcome break after the harshness of the desert. It is also the adventure capital of the desert and there are many optional activities to choose from.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Walvis Bay Lagoon, Tropic of Capricorn, Guided desert walk with local expert
Optional Activities: Sandboarding, Quad Biking, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights, Deep Sea Fishing

Day 8: Swakopmund
Today is spent at your leisure and pleasure. You can partake in one of the many desert activities on offer or you can take in the town, enjoy lunch and stock up on personal provisions for the remaining tour.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9: Spitzkoppe - Brandberg
We leave the coastline and head for the Spitzkoppe, which stands out prominently on the flat landscape. The Spitzkoppe is known for its huge granite boulders and large number of Bushmen paintings. The afternoon is spent exploring this moon like landscape taking in the ancient San rock art paintings with a local guide, or one can go boulder climbing. We spend the evening at Brandberg.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Visit and explore Spitzkoppe

Day 10: Brandberg White Lady
The highest mountains in Namibia, The Brandberg ( Burning Mountains) where we visit the celebrated White lady rock painting. The painting is estimated at over 2000 years old. We then travel to the area of Kamanjab. There is a chance to visit an educational centre to learn more about the fascinating culture and way of life of the Himba Tribe.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activity: Himba Tribe Visit
Included Highlight: Brandberg White Lady hike

Day 11 & 12: Etosha National Park
An early morning sees us making the short transfer to Etosha National Park where we set off on our first safari game drive. The next two days are spent exploring this magnificent game reserve. Etosha is known for its abundance of elephant and predators. The waterholes are frequented by many species of animals and one can expect to encounter huge herds of zebra, antelope and giraffes. Game viewing is generally very good as the sparse vegetation allows for excellent sightings of a wide range of animals. The campsites have flood lit waterholes and one can spend the night watching wildlife come drink. We also enjoy a visit to the huge salt pan after which Etosha is named.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days
Included Highlights: Game drives

Day 13: Windhoek
The day begins with a short game drive to Etosha National Park gates and we head for Windhoek – the capital of Namibia. We include a stop at a large and popular curio market where there is ample time to shop for some last minute gifts. Arriving in Windhoek in the late afternoon, there is more than enough time to explore the city with its German heritage.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Walk through Windhoek with your guide

Day 14: Ghanzi – Botswana
Today we leave Namibia and cross the border into Botswana. After we set up camp at Ghanzi - located in the Kalahari Desert- we have an opportunity to interact with the local San tribe. In the evening we enjoy some traditional dancing around the camp fire.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: San tribal dancing & San walk

Day 15 & 16: Okavango Delta
This morning we make our way to Maun – the gateway to the Okavango Delta. On route we pass many local villages. We set up camp on the shores of the delta. The Okavango Delta is Botswana’s most popular destination. It is the world’s largest inland delta and is home to a large range of wildlife and birdlife. There is an opportunity to do a scenic flight over the Delta.

After a relaxed start to the day, we board our vehicles and head deep into the Okavango Delta. The next couple of days are spent exploring this true wilderness area. We will spend time with locals poling through the waterways and channels of the delta, take nature walks and get to take in this unique ecosystem. Evenings are spent around the campfire enjoying the sounds of the African bush. Note: activities may vary according to water levels.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days
Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Excursion
Optional Activity: Okavango Delta Scenic flight

Day 17: Nata
After transferring back to Maun, we board our overland truck and head to Nata. En route we pass the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, many indigenous Baobab trees and may encounter wildlife in this huge protected area. We have the chance to do an afternoon guided game drive to the Nata Sanctuary.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activity: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Day 18: Chobe National Park
An early morning breakfast and we head for Kasane, a real frontier town on the banks of the Chobe River. On arrival we set off on an open vehicle game drive. Chobe is best known for its large herds of elephants and a high concentration of predators – notably lions. In the late afternoon we experience a safari boat cruise along the Chobe River. Hippos and crocodiles abound. One can also expect to see a variety of animals on the banks of the river, including elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and antelope. Have your cameras ready.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Chobe National Park safari boat cruise
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive

Day 19: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe
This morning we head for Victoria Falls – “The Smoke that Thunders”. The falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the expanse of falling water is absolutely spectacular. The spray from the waterfall creates a natural rain forest around the falls. In the afternoon we will visit the falls and take in this breath taking phenomenon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activities: Visit the Vic Falls, bungee Jumping, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting

Day 20: Victoria Falls
Today we have an opportunity to explore the Victoria Falls and surrounding area. Victoria Falls is well known as an adventure town and there is much to do. The Zambezi River offers some of the best white water rafting in the world. One can bungee jump, sky dive, take a scenic flight, browse the local craft markets or just take in the splendor of the Falls.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activities: Visit Vic falls, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting

Day 21: Victoria Falls – Lusaka
This morning we cross the Zambezi River and enter Zambia – providing us with an opportunity to view the Victoria Falls for the final time. After the excitement of the Falls, we spend the next 2 days travelling through rural Zambia. We spend the evening on the outskirts of Lusaka.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: View of Victoria falls from the Bridge

Day 22: Rural Zambia - Petauke
A fairly long day of travel waits as we travel east through rural Zambia. Along the way we will encounter colourful markets, traditional villages and subsistence farming.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 23: South Luangwa National Park
Our first stop of the day is Chipata, an important trading town. Chipata is a textile town and is famous for its colourful African fabrics which are popular among the local population. There is an opportunity to enjoy a quick tour of the workshops and dye houses. (March - December). We enjoy sunset overlooking the famous Luangwa River.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Textile project tour

Day 24: South Luangwa National Park
The day is spent exploring this famous National Park. In the morning we have an option to do either a morning safari or you can partake in a popular Big 5 walking safari. (the walking safari is seasonal). This afternoon we enjoy a game drive that extends into the evening, providing us with an opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activity: Morning game drive or Safari walk (seasonal),
Included Highlight: Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park

Day 25: Zambia to Lake Malawi
An early start as we head for Malawi – The Warm Heart of Africa. Malawi is famous for its incredible fresh water lake. The lake has more species of fresh water fish than any other lake, which many are found in fish tanks around the world. The Malawian people are known for their friendliness and openness, which all makes for an incredible country to spend time in. We spend the night on the shore of the lake.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 26, 27 and 28: Lake Malawi
Today we travel north along the lake to our next stop where we will spend the next three nights soaking up the splendour of Malawi. The swimming and snorkeling are amazing and one can spend hours in the warm water. Malawi provides the ideal setting to relax (chill out in one of hammocks) and to explore the local villages. The people are welcoming and one can browse the local markets. We take some time to visit a Malawi Village.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on all days
Included Highlight: Malawi Village Tour
Optional Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling, Livingstonia Hike, Community Projects, Relax

Day 29: Lake Malawi – Tanzania
After a relaxing time on the lake we say goodbye to Malawi, as we continue our journey north into Tanzania. We spend the evening in Iringa – a popular stop over for overland tours.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 30: Mikumi National Park
Leaving Iringa, we head to Mikumi National Park, which is part the famous Selous National Park – the largest in Africa. The afternoon provides an opportunity for a game drive and an opportunity to spot more animals.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activity: Mikumi National Park game drive

Day 31: Stone Town (Zanzibar)
We enjoy a ferry ride to Zanzibar Island and head for Stone town where our Hotel is based.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Zanzibar Excursion

Days 32 and 33: Stone Town to Nungwi
This morning we take a leisurely boat cruise to Prison Island, we head north to Nungwi, renowned for its pristine beaches. We will spend the next couple of days relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, diving and soaking up the sun. Nungwi offers incredible beaches, and one can enjoy the local bars, restaurants and other activities. The snorkeling trip is highly recommended as the coral and sea life are incredible. Alternatively you can explore the local fishing villages or take in the turtle sanctuary.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days
Included Highlights: Prison Island boat trip, Jozani Forest Half Day tour
Optional Activities: Fishing, Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Turtle Sanctuary Visit, Village Tours and more

Day 34: Bagamoyo
We say good bye to the island and make our way to Bagamoyo.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 35: Arusha
This morning we head north to the safari town of Arusha. En route we may get a glimpse of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Arusha is a bustling frontier town and is the gathering point for the Serengeti excursion.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 36: Karatu
This morning the guests who opted in for the Serengeti excursion will be picked up. The rest of the travellers will make their way to Karatu.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activities: Local Brewery Tour, Karatu Iraqw Market, Local Coffee Plantation tour

Day 37 & 38: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
The Serengeti National Park is famous for its high concentration of animals and for the largest mammal migration on earth, when tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra move for greener pastures. Our game drives are conducted in open top 4 x 4 vehicles through Ngorongoro Crater. Spectacular game viewing and open savannas give you the feeling of real Africa. Serengeti safaris are known for their excellent game viewing and one can expect to see a wide range of animals including the major predators. We spend a day descending into the Ngorongoro Crater where the animal viewing is excellent. The Serengeti safari is definitely one of the highlights of the tour. Note all camps in the Serengeti are controlled and maintained by the Tanzania National Parks Board. the next morning we take a hike to the Elephant Caves through untouched forests and wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days
Included Highlights: Full day 4x4 excursion to Ngorongoro Crater & Elephant Caves Hike

Day 39: Serengeti – Arusha
Today we bid farewell to the Serengeti and join the other passengers as we make our way to Arusha.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Day 40: Nairobi – Kenya
Today we cross the border into Kenya and head to the bustling capital of Nairobi where our tour comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch