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

CAPE TOWN to NAIROBI - This trip starts in Cape Town and travels north through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and finishes in Nairobi, Kenya.

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: R13490 + Local Payment: US$755

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 available.

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. (B,L,D)
The drive into the Okavango Delta takes us approximately 1-2 hours north to the Mokoro polers station. From there we get comfortable in 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.

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 make our way to Dar es Salaam. 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. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.

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: 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

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 for an overnight in Dar es Salaam. (D)

DAY 37: Dar es Salaam to Arusha
From Dar es Salaam we travel through vast sisal plantations to Arusha. On the way, we pass The Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving through the town of Moshi. Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions and weather permitting; we may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed! 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. (B,L,D)

DAYS 38 - 40: Arusha / Optional Ngorongoro Crater/Serengeti Excursion
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. (B,L,D) 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 41: Arusha to Namanga
After a leisurely morning start and the chance to explore the snake exhibits at our campsite in Arusha we will take some time in Arusha for our last Tanzanian stop. Explore the craft markets in town or stop at the bakery for a local coffee. Lunch will be just outside town as we head the last 120kms north to the Tanzania / Kenya border town of Namanga. After competing formalities we will camp at Namanga on the Kenyan side of the border. (B,L,D)

DAY 42: Namanga to Nairobi
This morning we travel the final 180kms north to the capital city, Nairobi, arriving in the morning. 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. (B)

Optional Excursions:
Canoeing on Orange River ½ day US$20
Sossusvlei Desert Walk US$35
Okavango Delta with Mokoro’s (3 days) US$150
Chobe National Park Game Drive US$40
Victoria Falls National Park US$20
Zambezi Sunset Dinner Cruise US$40
Zanzibar Accommodation US$15p/p
Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater option (3 day) US$380
Ngorongoro Crater option (1 day) US$200
(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.

Like to know more?
Enquire about this