DAYS 1 - 7, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Serengeti Plains
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s best-known game reserve with impressive scenery and wildlife. We enjoy an exciting safari here before crossing into Tanzania and stopping in ‘safari capital’ Arusha. Haggle for curios in the colourful local markets, handle African snakes and take an informative guided walk to a local Masai village. We switch to 4x4 vehicles for a 3-day safari in the Serengeti National Park, Olduvai Gorge and the Ngorongoro Crater. With superb game viewing and spectacular scenery, our first week on safari has taken in East Africa’s ‘Big Three’ game parks.
DAYS 8 - 15, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Malawi
From Arusha, travel in the shadow of Mt.Kilimanjaro to the balmy Indian Ocean coastal city of Dar es Salaam. From here we catch a ferry to exotic Zanzibar, renowned for its fragrant, lush tropical forests, rich history, and white, sandy beaches. Returning to ‘Dar’ on the mainland, drive southwest via Mikumi National Park and the Tanzanian Highlands towards the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, Malawi.
DAYS 16 - 25, Lake Malawi, Victoria Falls, Livingstone
The enormous Lake Malawi dominates the country and there is ample opportunity to enjoy its clear waters and pristine beaches, and to explore the lakeside culture of fishermen and traders. We continue through rural Zambia, via its capital Lusaka, to our riverside camp near Livingstone. Explore Victoria Falls and revel in this natural ‘adventure playground’ with adrenaline pumping optional activities such as white water rafting, bungy jumping, gorgeswinging and jetboating on offer!
DAYS 26 - 32, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta
Across in northern Botswana we reach Chobe National Park. The park is known for its large herds of elephant as well as lion and abundant birdlife. Take a game drive or river cruise in a choice of optional activities here. Leaving Chobe, we drive via Nata to Maun - gateway to the Okavango Delta. The Okavango is an enormous waterway system of channels, reeds, tall grasses and remote scenery, now set aside as wildlife reserve. We explore the delta on foot and by mokoro (dugout canoe) and wild camp for a unique wilderness experience.
DAYS 33 - 37, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund
From Maun we travel west, via Ghanzi where
we join a local guide for a bushman walk.
After arriving in Namibia and a brief stop
in Windhoek, we head to Etosha National
Park. Wildlife viewing is unique. Here, thanks to plentiful waterholes and desert terrain. From Etosha we enter beautiful Damaraland and camp among massive rock outcrops at Spitzkoppe, before checking out the thousands of seals at Cape Cross. Further south is the quirky seaside town of Swakopmund. Relax or choose an optional activity – quad-bike or sandboard down nearby dunes or skydive, or take a bird’s eye view of the Namibian coast!
one of Swakopmund's German-inspired bars or restaurants.
DAYS 38 - 43, Fish River Canyon, Cape Town
Southern Namibia is home to two of the most geologically scenic attractions in Africa: Namib Naukluft Park with its massive sand dunes, and the Fish River Canyon, a dramatic gash in the Earth’s surface. From here we cross into South Africa and camp on the banks of the Gariep (Orange) River before finishing our safari in Cape Town with a township tour.