36 DAY AFRICAN ENCOUNTER
CAPE TOWN TO DAR ES SALAAM - This trip starts in Cape Town
and travels north through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana,
Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and finishes in Dar Es
Salaam, Tanzania.
Please note that this trip departs Cape Town on a Sunday,
early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an
earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation
booked through the African Budget Safaris office.
Pre Departure Meeting: Held at departure
point at 5:00pm the day before your departure.
Departure Point: Ashanti Lodge & Travel Centre - 11 Hof Street, Gardens, Cape Town..
Check In Time: 8:45am
Departure Time: 9:30am
TOUR COST: R11790 + Local Payment: US$735
Itinerary:
DAY 1: Cape Town to Ceres Area
Leaving Cape Town, we head north through the wine growing
regions and cross the Piketberg pass into the rich fruit growing
area of Citrusdal. We will make camp tonight in the area of
Citrusdal or Clanwilliam, both towns being shadowed by the
beautiful Cederberg Mountain range. (L, D)
DAY 2: Ceres Area to Orange River
From the Ceres region we travel north through the region known
as Namaqualand. This region is well known for its prolific
display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring. After
stopping for supplies in Springbok we will continue onto the
Orange River, the natural land border between South Africa
and Namibia. Tonight we will camp at a beautiful campsite
on the South African bank of the river. (B, L, D)
DAY 3: Orange River to Fish River Canyon
This morning you have the option of a half-day canoe trip
on the beautiful Orange River. The canoe trip provides the
opportunity for some bird watching as well as a scenic and
relaxing ride. After lunch 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 outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity
whilst the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon.
A road running near the eastern rim gives access to several
viewing points with spectacular views across the rift. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: Fish River Canyon to Helmringhausen Area
After a leisurely morning at Fish River Canyon we head north
into the southern farming area of Namibia. We will stop for
supplies in the small, former missionary town of Bethanie.
From there we will choose our camp for the evening –
no matter where we camp here it will be a remote experience.
(B,L,D)
 DAY
5: Helmringhausen Area to Sesreim
Heading north 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. The
afternoon will be spent exploring this amazing area. An optional
and must do excursion is to walk in this area with the highly
specialised local guides of Sossus on Foot. The guide will
bring the amazing history, geology, flora, fauna and cultural
legacy of the Bushman to you. Tonight we will view the sunset
from the top of Dune 45 – a truly memorable experience.
(B,L,D)
DAY 6: Sesreim to Swakopmund
After watching the sunrise across this beautiful area we leave
the serenity of the dunes and head in a north, easterly direction
to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay. Following the coast
for some 35kms, we arrive at Namibia’s prime holiday
resort - Swakopmund where we will enjoy 3 nights of rest and
relaxation. (Brunch) Accommodation will be in dormitories.
Upgrades are obtainable but depend on availability.
DAYS 7 & 8: Swakopmund
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.
There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum,
aquarium and galleries to visit.
Optional excursions include fishing trips, quad biking, sand
boarding, skydiving, desert flights, watersports, golf and
4WD hire. (B included both days)
DAY 9: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe
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. A short drive takes us to Spizkoppe, the
1728m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised
landmarks. There is opportunity to explore the bushman paintings
and surrounding area. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Spitzkoppe to Cheetah Park
Today is a day’s drive from the rock paintings to 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! (B,L,D)
DAY 11: Cheetah Park to Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park
Stopping briefly in Outjo to get supplies, then it is on to
Etosha. We will game drive our way into Okaukuejo rest camp
before setting up camp and heading out for an afternoon game
drive. 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 Namutoni.
Evenings can be spent sitting on the specially constructed
viewing benches watching the game as it comes in to drink.
(B,L,D)
DAY 12: Etosha National Park – Okaukuejo to Namutoni
Another full day of game driving as we make our way the 150kms
across the park form west to east. After a full day of game
driving you will then have another opportunity to spend the
evening watching the game at Namutoni's floodlit waterhole.
(B,L,D)
DAY 13: Namutoni, Etosha National Park to Rundu
Departing Etosha, we head in a northeasterly direction towards
the lush Kavango region of northern Namibia. We will stop
at Rundu for supplies before reaching our nearby campsite.
This campsite is spectacular and located right on the banks
of the Kavango River complete with “open air”
facilities and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn. (B,L,D)
DAY 14: Rundu to Maun (Botswana)
Continuing along the Kavango River, we enter Botswana and
travel east along the course of the Okavango River to the
southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination
of Maun. It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango
Delta. (B,L,D)
DAY 15: Maun to Okavango Delta (Optional)
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 excursions into the Delta. This is the drive in Mokoro
excursion. (B,L,D)
This drive in trip to the Okavango Delta takes us approximately
1-2 hours north to the Mokoro polers station. From there we
hire mokoros, the local dug out canoes, which are poled by
local guides through the winding waterways. Your guides will
select a place to set up camp. An afternoon game walk will
allow you to experience the Delta wilderness.
DAY 16: Okavango Delta
A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today
you will have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities
including game walks, mokoro cruises, swimming and even a
chance to try your hand at poling your own mokoro! (B,L,D)
DAY 17: Okavango Delta to Maun
A final opportunity for a morning game walk before packing
up camp and setting off back to Maun. After arriving back
in the early afternoon you have the opportunity to complete
your picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset
scenic flight over the Delta region. (B,L,D)
DAY 18: Maun to Chobe National Park
We travel east and then north through Botswana to the town
of Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.
The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia
as well as Botswana and Zambia. Listen out for the resident
hippos! (B,L,D)
DAY 19: Chobe National Park
This morning you have the option to do an early-morning game
drive into Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s
premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant
around the Chobe River. After our game drive we return to
camp for lunch. Late afternoon we take a boat cruise along
the Chobe River. Elephant, hippo and many bird species can
be viewed from the boat while we watch the renowned Chobe
sunset. (B, L, D)
DAY 20: Vic Falls
We pack up camp and depart for our final destination, Victoria
Falls. Leaving Botswana we enter Zimbabwe and drive to the
nearby Victoria Falls where we set up camp in the municipal
town campsite. Afternoon at leisure to explore the many sights
and delights of this town! (Brunch)
The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular
natural wonders of the world. 1700 metres wide and around
a 100 metres 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,
micro lights, ultra lights 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.
DAY 21 & 22: Victoria Falls
The next 2 days are at your own leisure to partake in activities
or relax at the campsite swimming pool. We will also have
some new clients joining us for the second part of the tour.
(B on both days)
DAY 23 :Victoria Falls to Livingstone (Zambia)
We leave Zimbabwe and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering into Zambia at the town of Livingstone. We have the opportunity to view The Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Another fantastic photo opportunity. The day affords us the opportunity to participate in the activities available in Zambia we weren’t able to do on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls. Tonight we have the option of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.
(B, L, D)
DAY 24: Livingstone to Lusaka
An early morning start sees us head north through southern Zambia to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife including the largest antelope – Eland. (B,L,D)
DAY 25: Lusaka to Chipata
From Lusaka we head north east to a beautiful little campsite just 10 km before the Zambia/Malawi border. Here we spend the night before heading into Malawi (B,L,D)
DAYS 26 to 30: Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches (Malawi)
Leaving Zambia we cross into Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. We stop off in the capital, Lilongwe, a small city distinctively divided into the old town and the new administrative centre. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the full length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 5 days.
Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dug out canoe yourself! The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horse back rides and a visit to the local village and school(B,L,D)
DAY 31: Lake Malawi to Iringa, Tanzania
After a relaxing 5 days, we leave Malawi, entering Tanzania through the border post at Songwe. Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Iringa where we spend the night in the beautiful rustic ‘Farmhouse’ campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers! (B,L,D)
DAY 32: Iringa to Dar es Salaam
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. (B,L,D)
DAY 33: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island",
where we will spend 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. (B)
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. Therefore
accommodation and food is for client’s own account whilst
on Zanzibar.
DAY 34 & 35: Zanzibar
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 its 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.
DAY 36: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Leaving Zanzibar we take the ferry back to mainland of Dar
es Salaam to finish this safari.
Optional Excursions:
Canoeing on Orange River ½ day US$25
Sossusvlei Desert Walk US$35
Okavango Delta with Mokoro’s (3 days) US$150
Chobe National Park Game Drive US$35
Victoria Falls National Park US$20
Zambezi Sunset Dinner Cruise US$40
Zanzibar Accommodation US$20p/p
(Prices subject to change)
Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only
and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions,
weather, political situations, and group decisions. Due to
new tourism laws in some of the countries we operate in there
may be a truck and crew change during the trip. All prices
& Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.
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