Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Safari

A 36 day journey from the shores of Cape Town, South Africa to the capital city of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam.

Heading North out of Cape Town we cross over to border into Namibia where we visit the Fish River Canyon, Naukluft NP, the Namibian Desert in Sossusvlei and the coastal town of Swakopmund.

Its then over the border to Botswana where we will stop off in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park before heading into Zimbabwe to the mighty Victoria Falls, the adventure capital of Southern Africa.

From Vic Falls its across Zambia to Lake Malawi home of Africa's friendliest people with there rich cultural life. Chilling out on the shores of Lake Malawi is a great way to unwind after been on the road for 26 days.

It's then off to Zanzibar, the "Spice Island" with its white sand beaches and rich African / Arab fusion.

The Safari ends back in Dar es Salaam. A trip of a lifetime!

DAY 1 - From Cape Town to Cederberg Wilderness Region, South Africa (Lunch / Dinner)

We travel north from Cape Town city through the scenic winelands of the Western Cape province.  From the Piketberg Pass we dip into the famous fruit growing valley of Citrusdal.  The first night is spent in a charming campsite set amongst sprawling wine farms. Explore the stunning Cederberg Mountains and spend a leisurely afternoon tasting some of the sweet nectar produced the region is known for.

DAY 2 - From the Cederberg Area to the Orange River, South Africa (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

From the Cederberg Wilderness area we keep travelling upland through the Namaqualand region, renowned for its abundant Namaqua wildflowers that burst into bloom every spring.  After stocking up on supplies in Springbok town, we journey through the desert area of the Richtersveld to the Orange River. Forming the natural border between South Africa and Namibia, we camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the Orange River.

DAY 3 - From the Orange River to the Fish River Canyon, Namibia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Embark on a half-day canoe trip on the peaceful Orange River, with plenty of bird watching opportunities or a chance to take in the scenery on at a relaxing pace.  On day three we cross into Namibia taking the short drive to reach the second largest canyon in the world, the Fish River Canyon. The outer sides of this canyon were formed by tectonic activity and the Fish River has over time eroded the landscape shaping the inner canyon. The Fish River Canyon measures 161 km in length, is 27 km across and approximately 550 m deep. We follow the road that runs along the eastern rim of the canyon, meeting several vantage points from that offer spectacular views over the river and the surrounding bush.

DAY 4 - From the Fish River Canyon to Helmeringhausen Area, Namibia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We spend a leisurely morning at the Fish River Canyon and then continue northwards through Namibia's farming region.  We stop in former missionary town, Bethanie, for fresh supplies to see us through on the next leg of our trip.  Our next stop is an overnight at Helmringhausen where gaze at the Milky Way in all its glory.

DAY 5 - From Helmeringhausen Area to Sesriem, Namibia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Keeping to our northbound course we venture into the Namib Desert's Namib-Naukluft Park. Once in the Namib, one of the world's oldest deserts, we set up camp at Sesriem. From here we can truly experience the many moods of the Namib Desert. Sossusvlei lies nearby amongst what are considered some of the highest sand dunes in the world. From the dune tops, some being over 300 m high, we soak up the magnificent views of the dramatic desert terrain.  The afternoon is spent exploring the mesmerising area and taking an optional walk with specialised guides of Sossus on Foot. The walking excursion is highly recommended for those interested in learning about the fascinating local geology, history, flora and fauna. This day of natural and cultural riches is rounded off with a beautiful sunset from Dune 45.

DAY 6 - From Sesriem to Swakopmund, Namibia (Brunch)

Day 6 starts off with a gorgeous sunrise over the stark desert landscape after which we set off for the Atlantic Ocean leaving the silent dunes behind. We move in a northwesterly direction reaching the coast at Walvis Bay and hugging the shoreline for some 35 km. Swakopmund is our next stop where we spend 3 nights unwinding and having some fun. The Swakopmund accommodation consists of dormitories, but you can upgrade if there is room available.

DAY 7 and DAY 8 - In Swakopmund (Breakfasts)

Swakopmund is Namibia's prime holiday resort offering a fine selection of coffee shops, bars and restaurants to keep visitors entertained. Swakopmund has some fine beaches for taking a pleasant stroll if you have had your fill of shopping and sightseeing.  There is a lovely museum, an aquarium and various galleries to visit, as well as craft shops selling Namibian curios. The town of Swakopmund has a distinct colonial flavour to it, speaking of its history of being founded in 1892 by the Germans.

OPTIONAL activities or excursions include the following: sky diving, horse riding, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic flights over the desert, cruises with the dolphins, fishing trips, golf, and others. On arrival in Swakopmund an activity briefing will be held.

DAY 9 - From Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe, Namibia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Next on the itinerary is Spitzkoppe. Leaving Swakopmund behind we find our way to the 'Matterhorn of Namibia'.  The Matterhorn is an impressive granite structure about 1728 m high. This rock formation is one of the most famous landmarks in Namibia famed as an ancient San sacred site.  We explore the surrounding area and get to view the famous San rock paintings. The night is spent under the African skies studded with stars in what is referred to as a bush camp.

DAY 10 - From the Spitzkoppe area to Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park, Namibia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we drive to the Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park where we meet the resident cheetahs and enjoy the photo opportunity of a lifetime. The Cheetah Park is a private farm for conserving the cheetah population of Namibia.

DAY 11 - From Cheetah Park to the Etosha National Park, Namibia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After a quick pit stop in Outjo, we make our way to Etosha National Park.  Etosha covers around 20 000 km2, and is Namibia's premier nature reserve.  The national park is set around the Etosha Pan teaming with a large variety of animal and bird life.  The extensive network of gravel roads enables visitors to access some of the most remote areas of the Etosha Park.  The rest of the day is allocated for exploring the park's southern area.

DAY 12 - Etosha National Park, Namibia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Witness one of Africa's greatest wonders, Etosha's large herds of desert antelope, Springbok and Oryx, roaming the plains. After crossing some 150 km of the nature park, game viewing and taking in the African bush scenes, we spend the evening at camp relaxing.

DAY 13 - From Etosha National Park to Rundu, Namibia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

From the expanse of Etosha, we travel northeast into the lush Kavango region in the north of Namibia.  After a quick top up on supplies in Rundu we settle into our lovely campsite. This open-air camp is set on the banks of the Kavango River with the occasional hippo chomping on the lawn on a visit.

DAY 14 - From Rundu to Maun, Botswana (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Next we cross into Botswana following the river eastwards, into the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta to our next destination, Maun.  Having left the Kavango River behind we prepare for our adventures in the Okavango Delta region.

DAY 15 - From Maun to the Okavango Delta, Botswana (OPTIONAL) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

The Okavango Delta boasting exotic islands is famous for its incredibly rich variety of bird species and animals. This huge expanse of water is unique to Southern Africa being home to a plethora of bird life and animals and with its source in the Angolan highlands. The Delta runs down from the highlands spreading out over the plains.            

Day 15 presents the chance to take a 3-Day and 2 Night drive and Mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta.  This optional excursion entails a drive from Maun up north for a couple of hours reaching the Mokoro polers' station. The dug out Mokoros are traditional canoes that local guides "pole" navigate through the reeds and waterways. The guides locate a suitable camp spot and in the afternoon we set off on a game walk to get a close-up experience of the wilderness that is the Delta.

The alternative to the optional excursion exploring the Delta is to laze by the swimming pool at the campsite or even playing a fun game of volleyball. The nearby crocodile farm also admits visitors from the campsite to witness the spectacle of feeding times.

DAY 16 - The Okavango Delta, Botswana (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

On day 16 we will be taking it easy. This day of rest is for relaxing before we continue on our exciting Delta adventures.  You can take a game walk, go swimming (water levels allowing), enjoy a Mokoro cruise and even try your hand at poling a moor on the waters.

DAY 17 - From the Okavango Delta to Maun, Botswana (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Last chance to take a game walk before we head back to Maun.  We reach Maun in the early afternoon in time for a fantastic optional scenic flight over The Delta at sunset.

DAY 18 - From Maun to Chobe National Park, Botswana (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We go east and then north to meet Kasane town where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Later in the afternoon we take a relaxing boat cruise along the Chobe River. From the boat we listen for the sounds of the hippo and watch for elephant, hippo and various bird species. We relax in the bush as another magnificent day comes to a close with the African sun setting before us. The Chobe River forms a natural border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.

DAY 19 - In Chobe National Park, Botswana (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

In the morning we have the option of taking an early game drive into Chobe National Park, when the animals start stirring. The Chobe Park is one of Botswana's premier game reserves, renowned for its large elephant herds.  After our game drive we return to camp for lunch and a pleasant afternoon of leisure.

There is the option of sleeping out in the Chobe National Park for those seeking adventure. This exciting option entails an overnight experience spent inside the Chobe National park. On the way to setting up camp in the bush you will get to spend the afternoon watching wildlife. The game-watching afternoon will be followed by a night of camping within the park. The evening will be spent in nature, surrounded by the noises and calls of local wildlife at night. We continue exploring in the morning rejoining the group before continuing onwards to our next destination.

DAY 20 - From Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Brunch)

From Botswana our trip takes us into Zimbabwe where a short drive brings us to the thundering Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls is called as Mosi-oa-Tunya locally, which means "the Smoke that Thunders". This is the capital of African adventure activities, a paradise for adrenalin junkies and adventure seekers. We set up camp in the central campsite of the town close to the buzz and excitement. Vic Falls is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it soon becomes apparent why this is so.  
We relax at the swimming pool of the campsite in the afternoon or venture out to explore the interesting sights and entertainment the town has to offer.

Victoria Falls, at 1700 m wide and about 100 m high, is the largest sheet of falling water in the world. This natural wonder makes for a breathtaking sight not to be missed on any memorable African Safari. Spectacular views of Vic Falls can be enjoyed from the Victoria Falls National Park, on the Zimbabwe side.

DAY 21 and DAY 22 - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Breakfast)

Victoria Falls is the setting for the next 2 exciting days spent either relaxing or making the most of all the adventure activities available. At Vic Falls, new passengers join the safari travel party as some of our companions head off.

OPTIONAL The excursions include day trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks; elephant back safaris and horseback safaris. Other optional outings include a visit to the crocodile ranch; boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort nearby.  Serious adventure seekers can bungee jump over the roaring waters from the Victoria Falls Bridge running between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Adrenalin seekers can also brave an abseil down the Batoka Gorge. Scenic flights in micro light and ultra light or fixed wing aircraft or helicopters provide an eagle view of this World Heritage Site year-round.  The Zambezi offers world-class white water rafting with a mix of Grade 5 rapids and the quiet stretches. The calm waters known as "floats" give you time to gaze at the surrounding cliffs and spot some wildlife on the banks of the Zambezi river.

DAY 23 - From Victoria Falls to Livingstone, Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Leaving Zimbabwe via the Victoria Falls Bridge crossing over the mighty Zambezi River, we enter Livingstone town in Zambia. Now we can view Vic Falls from the Zambian banks of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, seizing another superb photo opportunity. Day 23 gives us the chance to participate in some activities only possible from the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.  The nightfall brings with it the opportunity to enjoy a sunset cruise and dinner on the Zambezi River if you so choose.

DAY 24 - From Livingstone to Lusaka, Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

On the next day we make an early start and head northwards, passing through southern Zambia to our next campsite. The night is spent camping on the outskirts of Lusaka, the Zambian capital city. Some of the local wildlife such as the Eland, Africa's largest antelope, shares the campsite with us.

DAY 25 - From Lusaka to Chipata, Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We then move in a northeasterly direction finding our way to a stunning campsite a mere 10 km from the border between Zambia and Malawi.

DAYS 26 to 30 - From Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches, Malawi (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' and next we find out why. We stop in the administrative centre and capital of Malawi, Lilongwe. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area consisting of the beautiful, fresh-water Lake Malawi. Over the next few days we travel the full length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets. Days are spent relaxing on the unspoilt beaches, learning to play the game of bao from locals or bargain hunting at the markets. The temperate climate of Malawi is suited to swimming all year round, so you can always take a dip in the clear blue waters. Explore the picturesque shores of Lake Malawi meeting local fishermen they sort the fresh catch of the day. The fishermen still bring in the catch using traditional fishing techniques. You can gain insight into the skill involved in handling one of the fishing boats by trying your hand at paddling a dug out canoe yourself. Excursions offered at the beachside campsites along Lake Malawi's shores include options such as water sports, horse riding and visits to the local school and village.

DAY 31 - From Lake Malawi to Iringa, Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We leave lake Malawi utterly relaxed after 5 days and enter Tanzania via the border post at Songwe.  We take in the beauty of the Tukuyu banana and tea plantations of the area as we head for our next night's stop, Iringa. The rustic 'Farmhouse' campsite in Iringa is famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy showers, worth savouring.

DAY 32 - From Iringa to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After a good night's rest we continue to the seaside town of Dar es Salaam.  We pass through the Mikumi National Park seeing a wide range of wildlife from the roadside.  The animals appear impervious to passing traffic, which makes for fantastic game viewing. Upon our arrival in Dar es Salaam, we find our lovely campsite set at the seaside and busy ourselves with preparations for our next leg of the journey. The next morning we embark on the trip into Zanzibar.

DAY 33 - From Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Archipelago (Breakfast)

From Dar es Salaam we take a ferry ride to the "Spice Island," where we have the choice of spending 3 nights. Zanzibar has a rich history being one of the major starting points for the bulk of explorations undertaken to discover new territories in East Africa. New passengers may join us, as some travel companions might opt to leave once we return fro the Zanzibar excursion.

KINDLY NOTE:  The Zanzibar accommodation and meals costs go onto your own account, as experience has shown that visitors prefer exploring the island unguided. Zanzibar hosts a wide selection of restaurants offering a variety of tasty meals. The Trip Leader joins you and can help with arranging accommodation.

DAYS 34 and 35 - On Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar has a lot to offer visitors, from quiet sightseeing to pleasant activities. The quiet streets of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar have retained traces of their Arabic history, from Medina-style shops to the impressive palaces that once belonged to powerful Sultans.

An excursion on one of the spice plantation is an interesting experience in Zanzibar, famous for its spices.  Things to do include a trip to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, home to giant tortoises. A full days outing of scuba diving in Nungwe is well worth it as is the experience of fishing in a traditional dhow.  

The various restaurants offer a fantastic variety of the fresh seafood straight from the ocean, with crayfish being a popular speciality. You can mingle with the locals enjoying dinner at the seafront market of Forodhani Gardens, where inexpensive yet delicious seafood is available.

DAY 36 - From Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Dinner)

Leaving Zanzibar, we return to Tanzanian shores where your trip of a lifetime ends.