African Budget Safaris | Cheap, Quality Southern & East Africa Tours

DAR ES SALAAM TO CAPE TOWN - This trip starts in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and finishes in Cape Town, South Africa.

Please note that this trip departs Dar Es Salaam on a Saturday, 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: Kipepeo Campsite, Plot 4, Mjimwema, Kigamboni
Check In Time: 8:45am

TOUR COST: R9990 + Local Payment: US$675

Itinerary:
DAY 01: 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: 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, but our trip leader accompany clients to the island and will be able to book accommodation and tours on the island

DAYS 02 & 03: 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 04: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
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. (D)

DAY 05: Dar es Salaam to Iringa
Leaving Dar es Salaam we head for Iringa, passing through Mikumi National Park. It is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to humans and their vehicles. Tonight we camp at the Old Farmhouse, a beautiful rustic campsite in rural Tanzania. Try one of the signature Amarula Hot chocolates! (B, L, D)

DAY 06 to 10: Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi)
Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ through the border post at Songwe. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the 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 white 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 11: Lake Malawi to Chipata (Zambia)
From Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia where we spend the night in a beautiful little campsite just 10 km after the Malawi/Zambia border. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Chipata to Lusaka
From Chipata, we head south to Lusaka to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife including Africa’s largest antelope – Eland. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Lusaka to Livingstone
An early morning start sees us head south to Livingstone. Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight we have the OPTION of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Livingstone to Victoria Falls
We leave Zambia and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering into Zimbabwe at the town of Victoria Falls. Here in Africa’s adventure capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite. The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe - a fantastic photo opportunity. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!. (B)

DAY 15 & 16: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The following 2 days are at your leisure allowing you to partake in the many activities available, or you can just relax around the pool at our campsite. (B)

DAYS 17: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park
This morning we depart Victoria Falls after breakfast and cross the border of Zimbabwe into Botswana. We set up camp for the night. The rest of the day is spent exploring the area and relaxing on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River. (B,L,D)

DAYS 18: 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)

DAYS 19: Chobe National Park to Maun
Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to Maun, our base camp before we start our Optional Excursion into the Okavango Delta. Today is a long day’s drive with lunch on the roadside. (B,L,D)

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.

DAY 20: Okavango Delta
Here you have the opportunity to take the optional 3 day / 2 night excursions into the Delta. With this excursion we travel 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 21: 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)

DAYS 22: Okavango Delta to Maun
There is 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 (US$55+ dependant upon numbers). (B,L,D)

DAYS 23: Maun to Rundu
Departing Maun we head in a south west direction along the Kavango River and enter Namibia in the Northern region. We stock up our supplies in Rundu before reaching our campsite for the night. 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 24: Rundu to Etosha (Namutoni)
Today we arrive at Etosha National Park in the late afternoon. 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 Namutoni and Okakuejo. Evenings can be spent sitting on the specially constructed viewing benches watching the game as it comes in to drink. (B,L,D)

DAY 25: Etosha (Okaukuejo)
Another full day of game driving as we make our way across 150kms of the park from east to west. Tonight you have another opportunity to spend at leisure around the fantastic floodlit waterholes. (B,L,D)

DAY 26: Etosha to Cheetah Park
A short drive take us 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 27: Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe
A days 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. A night camping under the stars is a must here! . (B,L,D)

DAY 28: Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund
We follow the Atlantic Coast south 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 arrive in Swakopmund later afternoon. (B,L)

DAYS 29 & 30: 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, water sports, golf and 4WD hire. Accommodation will be in dormitories. Upgrades are obtainable but depend on availability.
(B included both days)

DAY 31: Swakopmund to Sesreim
Leaving Swakopmund we head south and drive past Walvis Bay along the Atlantic Ocean on route to Sesreim. 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 32: Sesriem to Fish River Canyon
After watching the sunrise across this beautiful area we leave the serenity of the dunes and head south to the Fish River Canyon. At 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep, it’s the second largest canyon in the world. The outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity, while the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road follows the eastern rim, giving us access to several viewing points from where we can take in the spectacular vistas. (B,L,D)

DAY 33: Fish River Canyon to Orange River (South Africa)
his morning we continue south, where, after a short drive, we reach the Orange River - the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa. We camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river. This afternoon we have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River, affording us the opportunity of some bird watching or just a scenic and relaxing paddle.(B,L,D)

DAY 34: Orange River to Cederberg
An early morning start see us travel south through the Richtersveld before reaching the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring. We spend tonight in a picturesque campsite surrounded by local wine farms. We have the opportunity to sample some of the nectar of the gods or to explore the surrounding beautiful Cederberg Mountains.(B, L, D)

DAY 35: Cederberg to Cape Town
We leave the scenic Cederberg area and travel south towards Cape Town. We travel through the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal before crossing the Piketberg Pass to the Cape’s wine growing regions. Our first sighting of the Mother’s City Table Mountain across Table Bay means we’ve reached our final destination. Tonight’s accommodation is in dormitories in one of Cape Town’s best loved hostels.(B,L,)

Day 36: Cape Town
This morning your trip will end. Please note that if you wish to partake in the many activities offered in and around Cape Town we recommend that you spend a few extra days post your tour. Accommodation can be arranged though your travel agent or the African Budget Safaris office.

Optional Excursions:
Zanzibar Accommodation US$20p/p
Game Walk on Maaze Island US$10
Victoria Falls National Park US$20
Scenic Flight Okavango Delta US$70
Chobe National Park Game Drive US$35
Okavango Delta with Mokoro’s (3 days) US$150
Sossusvlei Desert Walk US$35
Canoeing on Orange River ½ day US$25
(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 without prior notice.

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