42 DAY SOUTHERN EXPLORER
NAIROBI TO CAPE TOWN - This trip starts in Nairobi and travels
south through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana
and Namibia finishing in Cape Town,  South
Africa
Please note that this trip departs Nairobi 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: Nairobi, Boulevard Hotel,
Harry Thuku Road.
Check In Time: 8:45am
Departure Time: 9:30am
TOUR COST: R13490 + Local Payment: US$755
Itinerary:
DAY 01: Nairobi to Arusha
This morning we collect the passengers who’ll be joining us on the next leg of our trek. We travel south crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga. Tonight we stay in a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading out on our Optional Excursions to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.(L, D)
DAY 2-4: Arusha to Serengeti National Park (OPTIONAL)
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
For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next 2 days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is close by to explore.
The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino. Those on the 1 night option will transfer back to Meserani after the game drive.
After our game drive in the Crater, we head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we camp in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’!
After our morning drive, we head back across the plains and the lush Crater rim to our truck at Arusha, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience. (B, L, D)
DAY 05 Arusha to Pangani
We leave Arusha and head towards the warm Indian Ocean. Travelling
through the town of Moshi we cross the southern slopes of
the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro. There is also
an opportunity to view the snowy summit, weather dependant.
This calls for a photo stop! Continuing south we pass the
Usambara Mountains where we encounter vast sisal plantations
on our way to Dar es Salaam. (B, L, D)
DAY 06: Pangani to Dar es Salaam
Today is another long days drive through beautiful lush scenery
and palm trees. We sent up camp for the night. 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 07: 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 08 & 09: 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 10: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Leaving Zanzibar we take the ferry back to mainland for an
overnight in Dar es Salaam.(D)
DAY 11: Dar es Salaam to Iringa
This morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south. We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. We travel towards Iringa where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers! (B, L, D)
DAYS 12 to 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
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 21 & 22: 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 23: 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 24: 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 25: 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 26: 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 27: 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 28: 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 29: 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 30: 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 larg e
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 31: 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 32: 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 33: 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 34: 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 35 & 36: 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 37: 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 38: 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 39: Fish River Canyon to Orange River (South Africa)
This 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 40: 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 41: 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 42: 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 through the African Budget Safaris office.
Optional Excursions:
Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater option (3 day) US$380
Ngorongoro Crater option (1 day) US$200
Zanzibar Accommodation US$20p/p
Zambezi Sunset Dinner Cruise US$ 40
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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