Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Safari

A 36 day African 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 drive up into Namibia where we visit the Fish River Canyon, Naukluft Park and the Namibian Desert in Sossusvlei. Then we explore the coastal town of Swakopmund and travel to Etosha National Park.

We drive 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.

Next this Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Safari takes us to Zanzibar, the "Spice Island", with its white sand beaches and rich African-Arabic fusion culture.

The wildlife, scenic and cultural exploration of this African Camping Safari ends back in Dar es Salaam. An affordable safari adventure of a lifetime!

DAY 1: Cape Town to Cederberg Area – South Africa (L / D)

Our African Budget Safari departs from Cape Town, driving around Table Bay, which offers panoramic views of Table Mountain and the lovely city in the distance.

Making our way north from Cape Town we travel through the wheat growing region, known as the ‘bread basket’ of South Africa. 

We driver over the Piketberg Pass, dipping into the fertile fruit growing valley of the Olifants River, named after the vast Elephant herds that used to roam in this lush area.

The lovely campsite for tonight offers views over the pretty vineyards in this hilly area. In the afternoon you can take a stroll on the local wine farms, enjoying the beautiful views of the Cederberg Mountain range. You also have the chance to taste some of the nectar of the gods later in the afternoon.

Tonight we camp under star-studded African skies – the perfect way to end our first relaxing day on safari in Southern Africa.

DAY 2: Cederberg Area to the Gariep River – South Africa (B / L / D)

Departing from the Cederberg Area we continue driving north into the Namaqualand region, best known for its gorgeous fields of Namaqua wildflowers that bloom in spring. 

Having passed through the open Namaqualand area we stop in the small town of Springbok, to stock up on supplies. Then we travel through the Richtersveld desert area and on to the Gariep River, forming a natural border between South Africa and Namibia.

We camp at a scenic campsite on the banks of the Gariep River, in South Africa. This is South Africa's longest river, formerly known as the Orange River, with its source in the Drakensberg Mountains of Lesotho.

DAY 3: Gariep River to Fish River Canyon – Namibia (B / L / D)

On the morning of day three of this Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Safari you have the option of taking a half-day canoe trip on the Gariep River. This is a relaxing canoe trip with some easy paddling and plenty of opportunities to enjoy bird watching from the water.

The optional canoe trip is followed by lunch, before we hit the road again. In the afternoon we cross into neighbouring Namibia on safari, heading to the nearby Fish River Canyon. 

This impressive Namibian Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world, at 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep. The Fish River Canyon was formed by a combination of tectonic activity and river erosion over time.  

We follow the road along the eastern edge of the canyon, admiring the breathtaking views over this dramatic gorge. 

DAY 4: Fish River Canyon to Sesriem (B / L / D)

Today we rise and shine early, driving further north into the ancient Namib-Naukluft desert of Namibia, one of the world's oldest deserts. 

Our next overnight camp is at Sesriem, a convenient base for exploring the surrounding Namib Desert. Sossusvlei is a short drive away, and here we experience the many moods of Namibia's desert.

At Sossusvlei we witness the striking sea of towering red sand dunes iconic of Namibia. The Sossusvlei Dunes are said to be the highest dunes in the world, with some reaching over 300m high.

From the dune tops we get to marvel at the endless views over the vast desert landscapes and at night the Namib desert skies reveal a blanket of bright stars like nothing else on earth!

DAY 5: Sesriem to Solitaire – Namibia (B / L / D)

Entering the Namib-Naukluft National Park we explore the dramatic desert terrain this morning. 

Starting with a striking sunrise from the top of Dune 45, we continue to the Sossusvlei Desert Region by shuttle bus. This drive takes us 5km's deeper into the Namib Desert to explore the Sossusvlei Dunes, with the option of taking a guided walk at an additional cost.

After exploring the shifting dunes and desert we leave the Namib-Naukluft Park, making our way to our next safari destination in Namibia, Solitaire. Treat yourself to a slice of apple crumble from the lone store in this small hamlet.

DAY 6: Solitaire to Swakopmund – Namibia (B)

We have breakfast this morning, before setting off north-west to Walvis Bay, on the cool Atlantic Coastline of Namibia.

En route to Walvis Bay we cross the Tropic of Capricorn, before following the west coast to Swakopmund. Namibia’s prime holiday resort, Swakopmund, is where we spend the next couple of nights.

This is a great place to relax and have some fun - exploring the coastal town and participating in optional adventure activities. Our Swakopmund accommodation is in dormitories, but you have the option of upgrading to private rooms through your safari guide (depending on availability).

DAYS 7 & 8: Swakopmund – Namibia (B)

Namibia’s prime holiday resort, Swakopmund is a great place to relax and have some fun - exploring the coastal town and participating in optional adventure activities.

Founded in 1892, Swakopmund still has a colonial German flavour today, especially visible in its architecture. Swakopmund has a variety of excellent coffee shops, restaurants and bars, as well as an array of arts and crafts stores where you can see Namibian curios. 

Walk along the fine beaches and promenade of Swakopmund, or visit the local museum, aquarium and art galleries. Alternatively you might like to get your adrenaline pumping with some of the exhilarating adventure activities available here.

Some of our fellow passengers may choose to end their African Safari in Swakopmund, while new passengers often join us for the remainder of our journey. Our Swakopmund accommodation is in dormitories, but you have the option of upgrading to private rooms through your safari guide (depending on availability).

Optional excursions include sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golfing, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund, the Adventure Capital of Namibia.

DAY 9: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe – Namibia (B / L / D)

Onwards to Spitzkoppe, the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’. 

Travelling further north and inland we head to the dramatic landscape of Spitzkoppe, a giant granite outcrop in an otherwise flat part of Namibia, scattered with rocky boulders.

The highest geological formation is about 1728 m high and is recognized as one of the most distinct natural landmarks in Namibia. Spitzkoppe is well known as a sacred site of the ancient San people, housing noteable rock paintings.

We camp in an area of Spitzkoppe run by the local community, offering knowledgeable guides for bush walks to the San Rock Art in the area (at an additional cost). There is time to explore the impressive terrain and visit the San rock art, or relax and admire the striking views. 

Our safari camp (no ablution facilities) is set in the remote bush under star-filled African skies.

DAY 10: Spitzkoppe to Cheetah Park – Namibia (B / L / D)

Today we drive further north to the Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park where we meet the resident cheetahs and enjoy excellent wildlife photo opportunities!

The Cheetah Park is a private farm for conserving the cheetah population of Namibia.

Namibia has a high population of wild, free roaming cheetahs even though cheetahs are endangered in Africa. A number of local farmers have created a wildlife sanctuary for cheetahs that have been trapped, or injured in the area.

DAY 11: Cheetah Park to the Etosha National Park (B / L / D)

On day 11 we pause in Outjo to stock up on supplies, before driving to Etosha National Park, Namibia's premier game park.

Etosha Park covers around 20 000 km² of northern Namibia, located around the Etosha Pan teeming with wildlife, insects and birds. The extensive network of gravel roads in Etosha enables visitors to access some of the most remote areas of this top game park.

In the cooler hours of the day, after lunch, we embark on a game drive in the southern area of Etosha Park. Keeping an eye out for the roaming Oryx and Springbok antelopes, endemic to desert National Parks!

Tonight we camp just outside the Etosha Park, only 10kms from Anderson Gate. Take a refreshing dip in the pool or enjoy a sun downer on the camp's deck before dinner, followed by a laid-back evening at the interesting bar.

DAY 12: Etosha National Park – Namibia (B / L / D)

Crossing some 150 km of the Etosha Game Park, we pass through different types of vegetation as we drive, as well as the changing animal and bird life that these varying habitats support.

Enjoy a full day of game viewing in Etosha Park, admiring the African bush scenes and the rich variety of nature's creatures.

Our overnight camp, Namutoni, is set inside the northern part of the game park. After dinner you can head down to one of the nearby floodlit waterholes of Etosha for more game viewing. Here you can observe the wild animals as they come to quench their thirst in the evenings.

DAY 13: Etosha National Park to Divundu – Namibia (B / L / D)

Leaving the unique Etosha Park today, we travel north-east to Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, heading to the fertile Kavango region near the northern border of Namibia. 

Stopping at the border town of Rundu to top up on supplieswe drive to our beautiful campsite located on the banks of the Kavango River. From the riverside deck at camp we watch as the sun sets over the Kavango, looking out for the occasional hippo grazing on the lush camp lawns!

DAY 14: Divundu to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)

We follow the course of the Kavango River south, before crossing into Botswana, one of Africa's best safari destinations!

Once in Botswana we head east along the Okavango River and on to the town of Maun, located on the southern edge of the watery Okavango Delta.

Maun is the gateway for trips into the Okavango Delta and serves as our base for exploring the untamed wetland system.

Tonight we prepare for our two night optional excursion into the wild Delta of Botswana. We suggest that you bring a smaller daypack on your trip to use on this short excursion.

Your safari leader will brief you on what is needed, and what to expect on your trip into the Delta. In the morning we will set off from Maun on our journey into this incredible wilderness area.

DAY 15: Maun to Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

The Okavango Delta is famous for its rich variety of bird species and wild 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 where it empties into the Kalahari Desert.          

Day 15 of this Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Safari offers the chance to take an optional 3-Day and 2 Night drive and Mokoro trip 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" through the reeds and winding waterways. The guides locate a suitable site for camping and in the afternoon we set off on a game walk to get up close to the wilderness that is the Okavango Delta.

The alternative to the optional excursion exploring the Delta is to take it easy at the campsite in Maun, lazing by the swimming pool or playing a fun game of volleyball. The nearby crocodile farm also admits visitors from the campsite to witness the spectacle of feeding times. The driver and cook stay in Maun during the Okavango Delta excursion.

DAY 16: Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

On day 16 of this Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Safari we will be based at the remote Delta camp. This day of rest is for relaxing and exploring the Okavango Delta, before we continue on our exciting safari adventures.

You can take a game walk, go swimming (water levels allowing), enjoy a Mokoro cruise and even try your hand at poling a mokoro on the waters. Or just sit back and soak up the sounds of unspoilt nature and take a nap at camp.

DAY 17: Okavango Delta to Maun (B / L / D)

Last chance to take a game walk in the Okavango Delta bush before we head back to Maun. We leave the Okavango by Mekoro and then transfer to a safari vehicle for the rest of the journey back to Maun.

Arriving in the early afternoon we have time for a fantastic optional scenic flight over the Delta at sunset.

DAY 18: Maun to Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)

We travel east and then north to the Botswana town of Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River, before taking a boat cruise.

The Chobe River is home to hippos and other wildlife and forms a natural border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be sighted from the boat while we watch another spectacular African sunset over the bush. Listen out for the hippos nearby!

DAY 19: Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)

Enjoy a sleep-in this morning or explore Kasane town, located on the banks of the Chobe River. 

After lunch we take a relaxing boat cruise on the Chobe River, the main source of water in Chobe National Park. Returning from our boat cruise we prepare for our overnight Chobe National Park trip.

Then we make our way into this top Botswana game reserve for our overnight experience in the African wilderness of Chobe National Park. Chobe Park is one of the premier game parks in Botswana, renowned for its large herds of migratory elephants. 

In the afternoon we explore Chobe on a game drive en route to our safari camp inside the game park. On the game viewing drive rare Sable and Roan Antelope are often sighted, keep an eye out for their destinct backward slanting horns, or watch the numerous swooping Lilac Breasted Rollers!

We spend the evening musing over our wildlife encounters in Chobe Park and listening to the night sounds of nearby wildlife, interspersed by the silence of the African bush.

Getting up early after our night in the Botswana bush, we set off on a morning game drive in search of Chobe's wildlife. After our rewarding game drive we pack up camp and travel back to the town of Kasane and on to Vic Falls.

DAY 20: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (Brunch)

Back at the Kasane camp we transfer to our safari truck and take the short drive to the Zimbabwe border. Border formalities behind us, we cover the last bit of ground to nearby Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Named after the famous World Heritage Site and Waterfall, the town of Victoria Falls is located along the Zambezi River, surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our safari campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of Victoria Falls town, within walking distance of the local restaurants, shops and booking agents for adventure activities.

A 20 minute walk takes you to the entry point for viewing the spectacular Vic Falls, falling between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by the explorer David Livingstone and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and about 100 m high. An awesome and memorable sight on any African Safari!

A short adventure activities brief is followed by an afternoon of leisure for you to unwind at the campsite’s swimming pool, view the mighty Victoria Falls, or explore the sights and delights of Vic Falls town!

DAY 21 & 22:  Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (B x 2)

For the next two days you are free to relax and explore the area as well as taking advantage of some of the fantastic Optional Adventure Activities at Victoria Falls.

Some of our fellow travellers may end their tour in Vic Falls and new passengers often join us for the next leg of our affordable African Safari.

Optional Excursions include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort.  Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! 

All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi River is world class. In addition to the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the towering cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

DAY 23: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)

After breakfast we depart from Vic Falls crossing into Botswana and making our way to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. 

Listen out for the resident hippos enjoying the waters of Chobe River, the major water source in Chobe National Park. The Chobe River forms a natural border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia.  Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large herds of elephant. 

For the adventurous safari goers, there is the option of taking another Chobe National Park Sleep-out – an overnight experience in the Chobe National Park.  After the boat cruise we return to Kasane and prepare for our Chobe National Park Overnight Trip into the wilds.

Arriving in Chobe Park we spend the afternoon in search of African wildlife on a game drive to our bush camp inside this top Botswana Game Park.

We spend the evening listening to the night-time noises of the local wildlife in the surrounding bush. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their impressive backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s swooping by!

After our night in the Botswana bush, we head out early on a game viewing drive in Chobe Park, before packing up the safari camp and heading back north to Kasane.

If you prefer there is the option of staying at the campsite in Kasane and taking an early morning game drive, instead of the overnight stay in Chobe Park.

DAY 24: Chobe National Park to Livingstone – Zambia (Brunch / D)

On our return to the camp in Kasane, we get back on our safari truck and continue to the Zambian town of Livingstone.

This afternoon we have the opportunity to view Victoria Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia or partake in a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River. More fantastic photo opportunities!

DAY 25: From Livingstone to Lusaka – Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we make an early start and head northwards, passing through villages and towns in southern Zambia en route to our next campsite.

The night is spent camping on the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia's capital city. 

Zambia prospered during the copper boom in the 60’s and was able to establish extensive infrastructure in its main mining and farming communities. Today Zambia is again starting to prosper, due to foreign investment and a resurgence in the mining industry. The rising prosperity can be seen in the cities of Zambia where foreign stores, banks and imported cars are increasing, but the villages and smaller towns are less cosmopolitan.

Some of the local wildlife such as the eland, Africa's largest antelope, share the safari campsite with us!

DAY 26: Lusaka to Chipata – Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Travelling on the old "East Road" we drive in a northeasterly direction from Lusaka, finding our way to a stunning campsite a mere 10 km from the border between Zambia and Malawi.

We follow what was once the route from Cape Town to Cairo that passes through Lusaka on its way to Malawi. While most of today is taken up by driving, we do cross the impressive Luangwa River Bridge which is closely guarded due to its close proximity to the Zimbabwean & Malawian borders.

We’ll also stop to stock up on some fresh produce and supplies from the local sellers along the way. We overnight at our lovely campsite, before heading into neighbouring Malawi.

DAYS 27 - 30: Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches – Malawi (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' and next our safari takes us to 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 Lake Malawi, 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 as they sort the fresh catch of the day. The fishermen still bring in their catch using traditional fishing techniques. The ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermens' boats twinkle out on the lake at night.

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: Lake Malawi to Iringa – Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We leave Lake Malawi utterly relaxed after four 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: Iringa to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After a good night's rest in Iringa we continue to the seaside town of Dar es Salaam. 

We pass through the Mikumi National Park of Tanzania seeing a wide range of wildlife from the roadside. The wild 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 the next stretch of our African journey. The next morning we embark on the trip to Zanzibar Island.

DAY 33: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Archipelago (Breakfast)

On day 33 of this Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Safari we travel to Zanzibar on our optional excursion.

From Dar es Salaam we take a ferry across to the "Spice Island," where we spend three nights.

Zanzibar has a colourful past once serving as one of the major departure points for most of the explorations into new territories of East Africa. New passengers may join us on our Zanzibar Trip, as some travel companions might opt to end their tour back in Dar es Salaam.

Please Note: 

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

For travellers choosing not to visit the island of Zanzibar, the next 3 days are spent at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam. There are various optional excursions available from the camp including diving, snorkelling and fishing trips. The driver and cook remain behind in Dar es Salaam during the Zanzibar Excursion.

DAYS 34 & 35: Zanzibar Island – Tanzania

Zanzibar Island has a great range of activities to offer visitors, from quiet sightseeing to exciting water activities.

Explore a spice plantation, an interesting experience on Zanzibar, which is famous for its spices. The quaint streets of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar reveal traces of their Arabic history, from Medina-style shops to the impressive palaces that once belonged to powerful Sultans.

Other interesting activities include a day trip to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, to see its giant tortoises. A full day of scuba diving in Nungwe is well worth it, as is the experience of fishing in a traditional saiing dhow.  

There are a variety of restaurants offering a fantastic array of fresh seafood straight from the ocean, with crayfish being a popular speciality. You can mingle with the locals at the seafront market of Forodhani Gardens, where inexpensive yet delicious seafood is available.

DAY 36: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (Dinner)

Departing from Zanzibar Island in the afternoon our relaxing beach trip comes to a close.

We return to Dar es Salaam on the shores of Tanzania by the early evening. Here we say goodbye to our friends and fellow travellers from the unforgettable Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Safari!

Please Note:

This Budget African Safari starts in Cape Town, South Africa and travels north through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi before ending in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

The Cape Town to Dar es Salaam Safari departs from Cape Town early on Sunday mornings. Should you wish to explore Dar es Salaam, an earlier arrival is recommended. Accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris. 

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the safari trip.