Best of Africa Lodge Package 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 (57-Day itinerary)
Please download the dossier should you want more detailed information on the route and tour.

Note: This tour also runs South starting in Nairobi and finishing in Cape Town

Day 1: Cape Town - Cederberg
Our overland tour begins in Cape Town and our first stop is to take photos of Table Mountain. Travelling north we pass through the Cederberg Mountains, home to the famous “Rooibos Tea” - a popular herbal beverage. The evening is spent getting acquainted with your fellow travelers while enjoying a traditional South African dinner.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Traditional Dinner

Day 2: Gariep River (Orange River)
After breakfast we head for our next destination – the Orange River. 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. We set up camp on the banks of the river.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Orange River – Fish River Canyon - Namibia
The morning is at your leisure and one can choose to take a morning canoe trip or alternatively relax at camp, soak up the sun and swim in the river. After lunch, around midday we leave the Orange River and make our way to our overnight stop at Ais Ais, where we can enjoy the hot springs.

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

Day 4: Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground
An early start and we enjoy an early morning walk and sunrise along the edge of the Canyon – have your cameras ready. We make our way west where we visit the unusual Quiver Tree forest and Giants Playground - named after giant boulder formation.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Fish River Canyon and Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground

Day 5: Namib Naukluft National Park
Early start to a long travelling day as we head for the Namib Desert. The day is spent commuting through ever changing terrain. The evening is spent under the desert stars. The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world with the highest sand dunes and provides spectacular views.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Namib Desert - Sossusvlei
A very early start so we can enjoy sunrise over the desert. Those with energy can climb the famous Dune 45. 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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Sunrise hike up Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei

Day 7: Swakopmund
Before departing for Swakopmund,we enjoy an educational walk with a local expert. 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 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.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon, Guided desert Walk with local expert

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

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activities: Dolphin Cruise, Skydiving, Sand boarding, Quad Biking

Day 9: Spitzkoppe to Brandberg
We leave the Atlantic coastline and head for Spitzkoppe. The Spitzkoppe is known for its huge granite boulders and Bushmen paintings. The afternoon is spent exploring this moon like landscape or one can go boulder climbing before heading for our camp in the Brandberg region. We enjoy a walk to see some ancient rock art of the San people.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Guided walk around Spitzkoppe

Day 10: Brandberg - White Lady
Today we explore the Brandberg Region (Burning Mountain). We undertake a fairly strenuous walk to visit the White Lady rock painting - one of approximately 45 000 in the area. We have the chance to visit an educational centre to learn more about The Himba tribe and it's unusual traditions.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Brandberg White Lady hike
Optional Activity: Educational Centre showcasing the Himba tribe

Day 11 & 12: Etosha National Park
We enter Etosha National Park in the afternoon and 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. 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 x 2, lunch x 2, dinner x 2
Included Highlights: Game drives

Day 13: Windhoek
We leave Etosha National Park and head for Windhoek – the capital of Namibia. Arriving in Windhoek in the late afternoon, there is more than enough time to explore the city.

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 , we have an opportunity to connect with the local San tribe. In the evening we enjoy some traditional dancing under the stars.

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

Day 15 & 16: Okavango Delta
Today we make our way to the Okavango Delta - the world’s largest inland delta and home to a large range of wildlife and bird life. The delta attracts numerous animals during the dry season and the game viewing can be excellent.

On route we pass many local villages. Early morning we transfer deep into the Okavango Delta. Our transfer takes place on both boats and vehicles. After meeting our mokoro polers (traditional canoes) we pole through the channels and lagoons. A bush walk is conducted on one of the many islands. In the late afternoon we slowly head back to Maun. Note: activities may vary according to water levels.

An upgrade to a 2 night Okavango Excursion is available.

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

Day 17: Botswana - Nata region
Leaving Maun, we travel east to the town of Nata. We will pass the highly acclaimed Makgadikgadi Pans. There is an opportunity for those who would like to visit the pans in the afternoon. We camp at Nata.

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

Day 18: Chobe National Park
An early morning start as we make our way to Kasane - the gateway to the Chobe National Park. On arrival we set off on a open vehicle game drive. Chobe is best known for its huge herds of elephants and a high concentration of predators – notably lions. In the late afternoon we experience a relaxing 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 Highlights: 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. It is a short drive to the Zimbabwe border and then onto the mighty Victoria Falls. 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 breathtaking phenomenon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activities: Visit to Vic Falls, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee jumping, Helicopter flights, White Water Rafting

Day 20: Victoria Falls
With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suites your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls.

Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Visit to Vic Falls, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee jumping, Helicopter flights, White Water Rafting

Day 21: Victoria Falls – Lusaka
Our day begins with us crossing the Zambezi River and entering 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 & 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 & 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 amongst 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 & Dinner
Included Highlight: Textile visit

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 & Dinner
Included Highlight: Sunset Game Drive
Optional Activity: Morning game drive or Game walk

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 & Dinner

Days 26 and 27: Lake Malawi
Today we travel north along the lake to our next stop where we will spend the next two nights soaking up the splendour of Malawi. The swimming and snorkeling are amazing and one can spend hours in the warm water. For those with energy there is an opportunity to hike up the Nyika Plateaux to Livingstonia. 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 the village of Ngala.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Highlight: Malawi Village Tour
Optional Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling, Livingstonia Hike, Community Projects, Relax

Days 28: Lake Malawi to Mbeya Region
We depart this morning and continue north, crossing over into Tanzania, heading for the Utengule Coffee Lodge where we will overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 29: Iringa
Before heading on to our next overnight, we will make a stop at a local coffee plantation where we have the opportunity to see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and will be able to sample some of the beans. We spend the evening in Iringa – a popular stop over for overland tours.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & 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 & Dinner
Optional Activity: Mikumi National Park Game Drive

Day 31: Stone Town (Zanzibar)
We get up bright and early, take a ferry to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam and head for our hotel in Stone Town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Highlight: Zanzibar Excursion

Days 32 and 33: Stone Town to Nungwi
This morning we catch a boat to Prison Island, a place where previously slaves were detained. 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 & Dinner
Included Highlight: Prison Island Boat Trip/ Jozani Forest Half Day tour
Optional Activities: Fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, turtle sanctuary visit, village tours and more

Day 34: Zanzibar – Bagamoyo
We ferry across to Dar es Salaam, pack up and head to the town of Bagamoyo where we overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & 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 & Dinner

Day 36, 37 and 38: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
The next 3 nights will be spent in the Serengeti National Park. 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. The days are spent game viewing and enjoying the open savannas. 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on all days
Included Highlights: Full Day 4x4 Excursion to Ngorongoro Crater and Elephant Caves Hike
Optional Activities: Local brewery tour, Karatu Iraqw Market, Local Coffee Plantation Tour

Day 39: Serengeti – Arusha
Today we bid farewell to the Serengeti and head back to Arusha where we arrive in the early evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 40: Nairobi
Today we cross the border into Kenya and head to the bustling capital of Nairobi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 41: Nairobi – Kenya
Today we can enjoy Nairobi at our own leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional Activities: Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Park

Day 42: Masai Mara National Reserve
Today we leave Nairobi and make our way to the Masai Mara and it’s stunning landscape and scenery. Animals such as elephant, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. The visit is taken in safari type vehicles.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Highlight: Masai Mara Excursion

Day 43: Masai Mara National Park
Today we have the opportunity to see some truly spectacular game for some great photo opportunities. We spend a full day game viewing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Highlight: Masai Mara Excursion

Day 44: Lake Nakuru National Park
This morning we leave the Mara and make our way to Lake Nakuru National Park where we join our tour truck again and we take an afternoon game drive through the park. We can see flamingos, pelicans, black & white rhino, leopard, lion and lots of buck.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Highlight: Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drive

Days 45: Jinja
This morning we cross the border into Uganda and the Equator on our way to Jinja, the second biggest city of Uganda.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Highlight: Crossing the Equator

Day 46: Masindi – Murchison Falls National Park
Today we stop in Kampala and travel to Murchison Falls National Park. We settle into our accommodation in Masindi and we discuss the activities for the next day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional Activity: Ziwa Rhino Walk

Day 47: Masindi- Budongo Central Forest Reserve
Budongo Forest is the habitat to the most chimpanzees in Uganda and is the largest mahogany forest in East Africa. We meet our chimp guide who will take us on our exploration to search for chimps. We also experience an enjoyable boat cruise in the park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Included Highlight: Chimp Trekking Half day, Nile River Boat Cruise Half day

Day 48: Lake Kikoringo Region
Today we travel to the edge of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and we overnight on a hill overlooking Lake Kikorongo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Days 49: Gorillas (Lake Bunyoni)
Today we cross the Equator again and make our way down south to the stunning Lake Bunyoni. We get briefed on the Gorilla trekking excursion.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 50: Gorillas (Lake Bunyoni)
Today we may have the chance to do Gorilla trekking or go hiking or explore the area on a mountain bike.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional Activities: Pygmy Excursion, Gorilla Trekking, Rwanda Day Tour

Day 51: Gorillas (Lake Bunyoni)
Today we will experience Gorilla trekking or visit a Pygmy village if we didn't get a chance the previous day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional Activities: Pygmy Excursion, Gorilla Trekking, Rwanda Day Tour

Day 52: Lake Bunyoni - Kampala
This morning we make our way back to Kampala and cross the Equator again. This evening we are briefed on the following day’s activities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 53: Jinja
We travel a short distance from Kampala to Jinja where there are loads of fun activities on offer.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Optional Activities: Quad Biking, kayaking, rafting, horse riding

Day 54: Kenya - Eldoret
Today we return to Kenya and take a trip to Eldoret.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 55: Nairobi
Today we bid farewell and our tour comes to an end in Nairobi.

Meals: Breakfast