Nairobi to Cape Town via Vic Falls Camping Safari

This amazing budget Nairobi to Cape Town via Vic Falls Camping Safari travels from Kenya through Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, before ending in South Africa.

Departing Nairobi we drive to Arusha, Tanzania, the gateway to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks, home of Africa's "Big 5".

Then we travel to the Island of Zanzibar with its white sand beaches and rich Arabic-African culture.

From Zanzibar we head South to the shores of Lake Malawi where we chill out for a few days.

Next we drive to Victoria Falls, the Adventure Capital of Southern Africa, and on to Botswana's Chobe National Park and the magnificant Okavango Delta.

After exploring Botswana's wildlife gems we head to Namibia's Etosha National Park and the Namibian Desert.

From here we continue our journey south to Cape Town, South Africa, where our awe-inspiring African Camping Safari comes to an end.

DAY 1: Nairobi to Arusha – Tanzania (L / D)

Departing from Nairobi this Nairobi to Cape Town via Vic Falls Safari travels south, crossing into Tanzania at Namanga border post.

We stay at a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha on the first night of our African adventure. Tomorrow we will be embarking on our memorable Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater Trip.

DAYS 2 - 4: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Trip – Tanzania (B / L/ D)

Arusha town is located at the foot of Mount Meru and serves as the gateway for excursions to Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara Park and the Serengeti Park. These game viewing excursions are run in locally operated 4WD safari vehicles that have been adapted for our African safari drives.

Explore the thriving town of Arusha in the morning if you like, while we stock up on supplies for our Tanzanian wildlife excursion. You can browse the vibrant craft markets, go shopping or perhaps catch up on the news back home at one of the small internet cafes. 

Heading back to our base camp, Meserani Snake Park, those that are participating in the optional Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park Trip can prepare for their departure this afternoon.

For those choosing not to visit the Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater various alternative activities are available. You can explore the nearby town of Arusha and visit the Masai Cultural Museum, Meserani reptile park, or the surrounding villages and craft markets over the next two days of this amazing Budget African Safari.

The Optional Ngorongoro & Serengeti Trip goes to Karatu via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) located next to Lake Manyara National Park. We journey up the Great Rift Valley Escarpment to Karatu, a higher lying village offering spectacular views over the surrounding hills.

Karatu has many well-established wheat farms adding to its picturesque scenery. We stay at pleasant campsite in Karatu overnight, departing early the following morning for the Ngorongoro Crater. Driving to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area we head deeper into the bush of the Ngorongoro Crater teeming with wildlife. This crater is a World Heritage Site boasting some of the best game viewing in Africa. Ngorongoro Crater game viewing opportunities include seeing the elusive Black Rhino.

We explore the Crater on a game drive before moving on down the crater rim and passing the 'Cradle of Mankind' en route to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the open African plains on the game drive through the southern and central areas of the Serengeti Park. Then we camp in the heart of the untamed bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness at night.

In the morning we take a thrilling game drive in Serengeti Park, admiring the surrounding landscape as we search for game in the area. With some luck we get to sight the famous 'Big Five' of Africa (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard) on our Serengeti game drive.

After the morning game drive, we retrace our steps crossing the vast plains and lush Ngorongoro Crater rim.

Back in Tanzania's Arusha we spend the evening recounting our thrilling tales of the wildlife encounters on the plains of Serengeti & Ngorongoro.

DAY 5: Arusha to Pangani – Tanzania (B / L / D)

The African Budget Safari takes us into Arusha this morning to stock up on supplies before driving south towards Dar es Salaam, on the coast of Tanzania.

We travel through Moshi, a town at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain.  Moshi serves as the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and we may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this magnificent mountain’s snowy summit from the town. The views of towering Kilimanjaro from Moshi offer fantastic photo opportunities! 

Passing through vast sisal plantations flanked by the Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges we continue south on our safari adventure. Our lovely overnight campsite tucked between the mountains, lies halfway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

DAY 6: Pangani to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (B / L / D)

Travelling via lush countryside landscapes with palm trees, we reach our next safari destination, Dar es Salaam.

The pace of our drive to the warm Indian Ocean slows as we enter the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, taking in the interesting sights and sounds of Dar’s vibrant outer suburbs as we go. Keep an eye out for the brightly coloured shop-fronts decorated with humorous ‘catch phrases’.

Arriving in Dar es Salaam on the east coast of Africa we head to our pleasant seaside campsite and have time to prepare for our trip to Zanzibar Island the following morning.

DAY 7: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Archipelago (B)

On day 7 of this Nairobi to Cape Town Camping Safari we travel to Zanzibar on our optional island excursion. From Dar es Salaam we take a ferry across to the "Spice Island" where we spend three nights.

Zanzibar has a colourful past, as one of the major departure points for most of the explorations into new territories of East Africa, in times gone by. New passengers may join us on our Zanzibar Trip, as some travel companions might opt to end their tour of Africa 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 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 those not taking the optional trip to the island of Zanzibar, the next three days are spent relaxing at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam. There are various optional excursions available from the safari camp including diving, snorkelling and fishing trips along the coast of Tanzania. The driver and cook remain behind in Dar es Salaam during the Zanzibar Excursion.

DAYS 8 & 9: Zanzibar Island

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

Explore one of the spice plantations, an interesting experience on Zanzibar, which is famous for its exotic 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 on Zanzibar Island 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 10: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (D)

Departing from the tropical Zanzibar Island in the afternoon our exciting beach trip comes to a close. We return to the shores of Tanzania by the early evening feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.

We spend the night catching up with fellow travellers at our safari camp in Dar es Salaam town.

DAY 11: Dar es Salaam to Iringa – Tanzania (B / L / D)

On the morning of day 11 we set off from coastal Dar es Salaam making our way further south. 

En route we drive through the inland Mikumi National Park, home to a variety of wildlife. The wildlife in Mikumi is quite accustomed to the passing traffic, which makes sighting the animals easier as we drive through the game park.

We continue to Iringa, our next overnight stop on this Nairobi to Cape Town via Vic Falls Camping Safari. The night is spent at a scenic and rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy hot showers!

DAYS 12 to 15: Iringa to Lake Malawi – Malawi (B / L / D)

We follow the winding road through the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations admiring this beautiful region of Tanzania as we travel.

Next, we cross into Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ via the Songwe border post.

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 16: Lake Malawi to Chipata – Zambia (B / L / D)

Leaving lovely Lake Malawi and its friendly people behind, we drive to the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe. This small city has a distinct old town and a new administrative centre.

We replenish our supplies before travelling into neighbouring Zambia - the next stop on this African Budget Safari. We make our way to a beautiful little campsite just 10 km from the Malawi and Zambia border, where we stay overnight.

DAY 17: Chipata to Lusaka – Zambia (B / L / D)

Driving south-west from Chipata along the Great East Road we head to our overnight campsite located on the fringes of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city.

On our drive we cross the impressive Luangwa River Bridge near the Zimbabwe-Malawi border and travel via some rural villages and towns in Zambia today.

Zambia prospered during the copper boom in the 60’s and established extensive infrastructure in its main mining and farming communities. After a subsequent decline in the copper industry, Zambia is once again starting to prosper, due to foreign investment and a resurgence in the mining industry. 

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

DAY 18: Lusaka to Livingstone – Zambia (B / L / D)

Continuing our journey south through Zambia, we pass through southern Zambian farming and agricultural towns en route to Livingstone.

Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.  

Vic Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and around 100 m high. Seeing Vic Falls is a highlight of any African Safari! 

We can witness this spectacular natural wonder from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia - a superb photographic opportunity. In the evening we can enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.

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

Saying goodbye to truly African Zambia we head into one of Africa's top Safari Countries, Botswana, at the Kazangula Ferry crossing.

Once in Botswana we drive to the northern town of Kasane, located on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe River, home to hippos and other wildlife, forms a natural border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.

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.

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)

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 stretch 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! 

Flights over Vic Falls in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective of this magnificent World Heritage Site, all year round. 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 Zambezi riverbanks.

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

This morning we enjoy breakfast before we make our way across the Botswana border to the town of Kasane where we set up camp along the banks of the Chobe River keeping an eye out for the resident hippos! Chobe National Park, one of Botswana's top National Parks, is home to high concentrations of African wildlife.
 
There is the option of sleeping out in the Chobe National Park again 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 inside Chobe.

The evening will be spent in nature, surrounded by the noises and calls of local wildlife at night. We continue exploring Chobe Park in the morning rejoining the group before continuing onwards to our next destination.

DAY 24: Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)

If you decided not to do the sleep out you have the option of an early morning game drive into Chobe National Park. This means getting up early where we will get to spot the large herds of Elephants in the park and other wildlife. The Game Drive will end back at the camp in time for lunch.

There is some free time at camp to put your feet up before we take a boat cruise in the late afternoon on the Chobe River.  We can keep an eye out for the wildlife and wondeful birdlife while enjoying another spectacular sunset as only Africa can offer.

DAY 25: Chobe National Park to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)

Today our African Budget Safari heads in south-westerly direction to the the town on Maun, gateway to the southern part of the Okavango Delta.

Tonight we prepare for our 2 night optional excursion into the untamed 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 the Okavango Delta.

DAY 26: From Maun to the Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

The Okavango Delta boasting remote 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 26 presents the chance to take a 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" 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 play a fun game of volleyball. The nearby crocodile farm also admits visitors from the campsite to witness the spectacle of feeding times.

DAY 27: The Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

On day 27 of this Budget African Safari we will be taking it easy. 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 nature and take a nap at camp.

DAY 28: Okavango Delta to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)

Last chance to take a game walk in the unspoilt Delta bush 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 29: Maun to Rundu – Namibia (B / L / D)

We follow the Kavango River out of Botswana, entering Namibia in the North.  After a quick top up on supplies in the Namibian town of 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 lawns.

DAY 30: Rundu to Etosha National Park – Namibia (B / L / D)

From Rundu, we head southwest towards Namibia's Etosha National Park. Etosha covers around 20 000 km2, and is Namibia's premier game park.

The national park is set around the Etosha Pan teaming with a large variety of wild animals, insects and bird life. The extensive network of gravel roads enables visitors to access some of the most remote areas of the Etosha Park.

DAY 31: Etosha National Park – Namibia (B / L / D)

Witness one of Africa's greatest wonders, Etosha's herds of desert antelope, Springbok and Oryx, roaming the plains.

Crossing some 150 km of the Etosha Game Park, we see 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 and take in the African bush scenes, before we leave Etosha National Park via the Anderson gate. We make our way to our safari campsite just 10kms away from Etosha, arriving in time for a refreshing dip in the pool before dinner. 

In the evening we relax and unwind at the camp, with its interesting bar.

DAY 32: Etosha National Park to Cheetah Park – Namibia (B / L / D)

Today we drive to the Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park where we meet the resident cheetahs and enjoy the wildlife photo opportunity of a lifetime. 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 offered a wildlife sanctuary for cheetahs that have been trapped, or injured in the area. 

DAY 33: Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe – Namibia (B / L / D)

Next up on our camping safari itinerary is Spitzkoppe.

Leaving the Cheetah Park 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 have the option of exploring the surrounding area and admiring the striking views or visiting the famous San rock paintings with a local guide. 

The night is spent at our bush camp under the African skies, studded with stars.

DAY 34: Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund – Namibia (B)

Swakopmund, on the coast of Namibia, is our next safari stop, where we spend 3 nights unwinding and having some fun.

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. The Swakopmund accommodation consists of dormitories, but you can upgrade if there is room available.

DAYS 35 & 36: Swakopmund – Namibia (B x 2)

We will spend the next two days of this Nairobi to Cape Town via Vic Falls Safari taking it easy, or partaking in the large range of Optional Excursions on offer in and around Swakopmund.

At this stage there might be a change in fellow passangers with some leaving us and some joining us for the next leg of the African Camping Safari.

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 37: Swakopmund to Sesriem – Namibia (B / L / D)

Leaving Swakopmund, we head south towards the coastal town of Walvis Bay. 

Continuing our journey, we enter the Namib Desert's Namib-Naukluft Park. Once in the Namib Desert, 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 desert area of Namibia 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 38: Sesriem to Fish River Canyon – Namibia (B / L / D)

After watching the sunrise over Sesriem desert area we leave the tranquility of the Namib dunes and head south to the Fish River Canyon. 

Namibia's Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. 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 Fish river Canyon, pausing at viewpoints points to admire the spectacular views over the river below and the surrounding bush.

DAY 39: Fish River Canyon to Orange River – South Africa (B / L / D)

We wake up early and keep heading south to the Orange River, a short drive away. The Gariep or Orange River is the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa.

We will set up camp at a great little campsite on the South African side of the border.

If you feel up to it you can go on a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River. It's a relaxing and scenic paddle along the quiet river with some great birdlife to be seen.

DAY 40: Orange River to Cederberg – South Africa (B / L / D)

We leave early this morning and travel through an area known as the Richtersveld before reaching the pretty South African area of Namaqualand.

This open area is well known for its wonderful display of Namaqua wildflowers that bloom from September to October.

Our campsite for the night is located between beautiful winefarms. We willl have the chance to do some wine tasting or explore the Cederberg Mountain range before retiring for our final night of camping under the African skies!

DAY 41: Cederberg to Cape Town – South Africa (B)

We say goodbye to the lovely Cederberg area and continue south to one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town. 

En route to Cape Town we travel through the fruit growing region of Citrusdal before crossing the Piketberg Pass and on to the Cape's famous wine growing regions. Our final destination is revealed as Table Mountain emerges in the distance - the iconic landmark of Cape Town.

Accommodation on the last night of this Nairobi to Cape Town via Vic Falls Safari is in dormitories, at a well-loved Backpackers' Hostel in Cape Town.

DAY 42: Cape Town – South Africa

In the morning our fabulously diverse Nairobi to Cape Town via Vic Falls Camping Safari comes to an end in Cape Town!

Please Note:

This Budget African Safari starts in Nairobi, Kenya and travels south through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia before ending in Cape Town, South Africa.

The Budget Camping Safari departs from Nairobi in Kenya early on Sunday morning. Should you wish to explore Nairobi, 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.