Days 1 to 7 - Citrusdal, Clanwilliam and Springbok
Leaving Cape Town, we head north through the wine growing regions and pass through the towns of Citrusdel, Clan William and Springbok. We will select one of the many campsites along the way to overnight before heading for the Orange River.

We continue to head north and notice a dramatic change in the scenery as we leave behind the lush costal plains of the Cape. The next two nights will be spent on the edge of Orange River to enable you to participate in an optional full day canoe safari. The Orange River forms the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia and provides a stunning backdrop for a relaxing and scenic ride.

Today we cross into Namibia and have a short drive to Hobas campsite and the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world although reputed to be the most spectacular. 161km long, up to 27 kms wide and about 550m deep, the canyon was formed by the erosion of the Fish River. A road running near the eastern rim gives access to several viewing points with spectacular views across the rift. To appreciate the sheer size and beauty of the canyon, the scenic flight should not be missed!

A short drive from Fish River Canyon brings us to Duwisib Castle, commissioned by the eccentric Baron von Wolf for his American heiress bride, Jayta. Completed in 1909, the castle was furnished lavishly with antique furniture, works of art and firearms that dated back to the 18 & 19th centuries, most of which was brought by ox cart from the port of Luderitz.

Heading in land from Duwisib Castle we enter the Namib - Naukluft Park, considered to be one of the oldest deserts in the world, and a major tourist destination. Sesreim is a good place to experience the Namib and it's many moods. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300m high.

Days 8 to 14 - Swakopmund, Damaraland, The Cheetah Park, Kaokaland, Etosha
Leaving the serenity of the dunes, we head in a north, easterly direction and meet the Atlantic at Walvis Bay. Following the coast for some 65kms, we arrive at Namibias prime holiday resort - Swakopmund where we will enjoy 3 nights of rest and relaxation. Founded in 1892 during the German colonial rule, the distinct colonial character has been well preserved. Swakopmund has several excellent restaurants, bars, coffee shops as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian rural art.

Optional excursions include fishing trips, quadbiking, sandboarding, parachuting, desert flights, watersports, golf and 4WD hire.

Our departure from Swakopmund will see us follow the Atlantic Coast north to visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony. Of the 23 breeding colonies of Cape Fur Seals along the coast of South Africa and Namibia, Cape Cross is the largest. Seals are present through out the year and numbers fluctuate between 80 000 and 100 000 individuals, rising to around 200 000 during the breeding season. It was here that the Portuguese navigator, Diego Cao, erected a stone cross in 1846, becoming the first European to set foot on the coast of Namibia.

We enter the region known as Damaraland and overnight at Twyfelfontein (meaning doubtful fountain) where we have the opportunity to explore the rock paintings of the Bushmen. Resembling a large open - air art gallery, this treasure house of rock engravings is regarded as one of the richest collections on the African Continent.

A short drive from the rock paintings is The Cheetah Park, a private farm where you will learn about the conservation of the cheetah population in Namibia and have a chance to meet the resident cheetah's up at the house. A photo opportunity not to be missed! Leaving Damaraland, we travel to the very north western corner of Namibia – Kaokaland. This region is home to the indigenous Himba people, a tribe of semi nomadic pastoralists, many of whom still live and dress according to ancient traditions. The day spent in the village learning about the Himba culture will fascinate you, and the children will delight you!

Stopping briefly in Outjo to get supplies, then it is on to Etosha. Etosha is the major nature reserve of Namibia, covering over 20 000 square kilometres with a large variety of animal and bird species. The park is situated around the Etosha Pan, and has an extensive network of gravel roads that enable us to get to remote areas of the park. A feature of the park is the floodlit water holes at both Okakuejo and Namatoni. Evenings can be spent sitting on the specially constructed viewing benches watching the game as it comes in to drink. We are scheduled to spend two nights at Etosha at both Okakuejo and Namatoni.

DAYS 15 to 22 - Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls
Our campsite in Rundu provides an excellent opportunity to meet the local people and experience their culture. The people in the local village will cook for you, take you on a guided walk, dance for you and even show you how to make local beer!

Leaving Rundu, we head north into the region known as the Caprivi Strip to arrive at Ngepi campsite. A spectacular campsite set on the edge of the Okavango River complete with "open air" facilities and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn! It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta. The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland Delta in the World. Studded with exotic islands, the Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life as well as many other animals unique to Southern Africa.

Here you have the opportunity to take the optional 3 day / 2 night excursion into the Delta. We enter Botswana and hire mokoros, the local dug out canoes, which are poled by local guides through the winding waterways. As night falls, your guides will select a place to set up camp. A morning or afternoon walking safari in search of the Delta's larger wildlife gives you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the tranquillity of the Okavango Delta, while the opportunity to take a flight over the region puts into perspective the extent of this natural landform.

We spend our last night at Ngepi and rise early the next morning for our journey to Kasane.

Our journey to Kasane takes us across the very northern tip of Namibia, through the Caprivi Strip where we cross into Botswana for the second time at Ngoma Bridge Border. The short drive from Ngoma to Kasane is through the Chobe National Park where elephant are sighted regularly. Tonight we will set up camp in the grounds of Chobe Safari Lodge, rising early in the morning, we will depart on a game drive. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River.

Approximately 2 hours from Kasane is Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. 1700, metres wide and around 1700m wide and around a 100m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight of any African Safari. All year round, flights can be taken in either fixed wing aircraft, microlights, ultralights or helicopters. On the ground, the Falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points, or from the Zambian side. Each offers fantastic photographic opportunities.

White water rafting on the Zambezi is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats" where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks. Bungi jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zimbabwe and Zambia. There is also the option abseil in the Batoka Gorge, neither activities are for the feint hearted!

The other optional activities around Victoria Falls include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, horse riding, a visit to the crocodile ranch, golf at Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, elephant safaris, the Falls craft village and the sunset cruise.

Please note: Due to vehicle scheduling, there may be a truck and crew change here.

DAYS 23 to 28 - Lusaka, Lilongwe, Salima Bay
On leaving the Victoria Falls area, the landlocked country of Zambia is quickly crossed with an overnight stay near Lusaka, the capital. From Lusaka we cross the border into Malawi, where we visit the capital, Lilongwe, a small city distinctly divided into the old town and the new administrative centre. After an overnight stop at a local campsite, we proceed to Salima Bay for a couple of days of relaxation.

DAYS 29 to 35 - Lake Malawi, Livingstonia escarpment, Mikumi National Park
The newly democratic country of Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area being the beautiful Lake Malawi. The country's temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-waters all the year round. We travel the full length of western side of lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets. This is the time for rest and relaxation. Lake Malawi offers a variety of water sports from various beachside campsites. Alternatively, you can go wandering along quieter shorelines where you can see the fishermen sorting their daily catch. Traditional methods are still used in their fishing techniques and you can appreciate their boating skills by trying to paddle in a dugout canoe yourself.

Travelling from Lilongwe, we spend the next few days driving northwards along the Lake edge passing below the breathtaking Livingstonia escarpment, another reminder of David Livingstone's mark in the history of Southern Africa.

From Salima Bay in the south to the northern capital of Mzuzu, we overnight at some of the lakeside campsites that have been established in recent years. Between Nkhata Bay and Nkhotakota there are numerous beach stops where you can unwind and enjoy the tranquillity of this region.

Malawi is also renowned for it's skilful craftsmen, whose carvings depict the animals and tribes of this part of Africa. The distinctive mahogany chairs are a specialty of the carvers of Malawi and there are many hours of fun to be had haggling and bartering with the local merchants.

We depart Malawi via Karonga and enter Tanzania through the border post of Songwe. We continue our journey through the Tanzanian countryside and bushcamp for the night. The next morning we proceed to Dar es Salaam, passing through Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to humans and their vehicles.

On arrival in Dar es Salaam, we spend the night at a beach hotel/campsite that is situated to the north of the city, and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island", where we will spend approximately three nights on this legendary island. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands.

Please note: Our crew can organise accommodation for you whilst on Zanzibar, although from our experience our clients have felt the need to explore the island on their own and organise their own accommodation and food according to their budget.


DAYS 36 to 42 - Zanzibar, Moshi, Nairobi
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is still famous for it's spices, and tours around a Spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a trip to the nearby Prison Island with its giant tortoises and beautiful beaches to enjoy. Or perhaps you would enjoy the opportunity to hire a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of the island.

Zanzibar is a seafood lover's paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - giant lobsters being a popular speciality. Alternatively, joining the locals for dinner in the waterfront market is an experience not to be missed. The market stalls offer an unusual selection of fast food African style at a very reasonable cost.

Leaving Zanzibar we take the ferry back to mainland for an overnight in Dar es Salaam. There may be an opportunity to visit one of the craft markets offering an extensive range of exquisite ebony products (where prices depend on your bargaining skills) and where the goods are made on-site. It is possible to observe the carvers at work and understand the skill, which has gone into making even the simplest trinket.

From Dar es Salaam we travel through the countryside with its vast sisal plantations to Arusha. On the way we pass through Moshi, the base for Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting, we may catch a glimpse of this magical mountain. Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. We conduct these excursions in locally operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for safari use.

Depending on which option you choose, you will be away from the Arusha campsite for either one or two nights.

Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 metre walls and 20 kilometre width is a natural wonder, and offers a spectacular view from the rim. The true size of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself and the abundance of its animal inhabitants becomes apparent. It is home to nearly every species of African animal and offers a chance to view an incredible concentration of East African mammals, such as elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, lion, and plains game. Combine this with a gamedrive in the Serengeti and you will have a wonderful insight into two of Tanzania's finest gameparks.

After finishing the excursion, you will return to our campsite near Arusha for another one or two night’s stay, again depending on which option you have chosen.

On the final day of the trip we drive from Arusha to the border post at Namanga where we enter Kenya for the last few miles to Nairobi, arriving in the early afternoon.

On arrival in Nairobi, the truck will proceed to the Boulevard Hotel to allow passengers to disembark there, and will then drive to our campsite to finish the trip.

Please note: for your convenience, we can arrange all your transfers, flights, onward travel arrangements and accommodation before and after your tour.
The above tour is an example of what we have to offer. We have numerous options, prices and departure dates to suit your individual needs.