AFRICA ENCOMPASSED NORTHBOUND By Intrepid

Your Itinerary

1. Day 1 Cape Town

   Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. With its stunning coastline, modern cityscape and nearby mountains, Cape Town is one of Africa's most exciting cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore Cape Town, maybe with a walk in Newlands Forest or by jumping on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. You could also head down to the waterfront to see Cape Town Stadium up close. After the meeting, ask your leader where the best dinner spots are and consider heading out for a welcome dinner with your group.

   Accommodation

   Hotel

   Optional Activities

   • Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike
   • Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable
   • Cape Town - Robben Island tour
   • Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day
   • Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day
   • Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day
   • Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day
   • Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day
   • Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day
   • Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day
   • Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day
   • Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day
   • Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day
   • Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day
2. Day 2 Western Cape

   Leaving Cape Town behind, travel up the Western Cape today. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sprawling scenery. Tonight, you’ll stay on a working farm with your group. This is a great chance to gain an insight into everyday life in this remote part of South Africa. The surrounding countryside is perfectly explored on foot, so if there’s time, maybe take a walk around the nearby mountains and farms before settling in for the evening.

   Accommodation

   Camping (with facilities)

   Optional Activities

   • Klawer - Winery visit & tasting
3. Day 3 Orange River

   Journey to the Orange River – the beautiful natural border between South Africa and Namibia. On the way, you'll pass through Namaqualand, which is renowned for its wildflowers that spring up from late July to mid-September. Traditionally known as the Gariep River, the Orange River is the longest in South Africa (2200 km). Its source is high up in the Drakensberg Mountain Range in Lesotho, and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay in South Africa.

   Accommodation

   Camping (with facilities)

4. Day 4 Fish River Canyon

   This morning, there’s an optional canoe adventure on the Orange River. Floating leisurely down the stream is a great way to discover the beauty of this region. After, head further west into the desert lands of Namibia towards Fish River Canyon. At 500 m deep and over 160 km long, Fish River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world. At any time of year there are remarkable photo opportunities here as you watch the colour of the granite rocks change as the sun goes down.

   Accommodation

   Camping (with facilities)

   Activities Included

   • Fish River Canyon - Canyon entrance

   Optional Activities

   • Orange River - Canoe trip
5. Day 5 Sesriem

   Be ready for a long travel day as you drive toward the fabled dunes of Namibia. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at a market or shop to stock up on supplies before tomorrow's bush camp. When you arrive, stretch your legs and take in the exciting desert scenes. You’ll be situated in the most famous part of the Namib Desert, among the vast dune fields – the most spectacular of which are found near the Sesriem Canyon. Get an early night in preparation for your dawn hike tomorrow.

   Accommodation

   Camping (with facilities)

6. Day 6 Sossusvlei

   Wake up before dawn and scramble to the top of the dunes for a dramatic sunrise view across a vast sea of sand. The colour changes as the sun creeps up above the horizon and the views are nothing short of incredible, providing a spectacular setting for your brunch. The dunes themselves are some of the highest in the world and home to much animal life. After, jump in the back of a pickup truck for a trip to Sossusvlei – the incredible salt and clay pan nearby. You'll have time to explore this mysterious desert oddity at your own pace. In the afternoon, drive to your bush camp in the heart of the Namib Desert.

   Accommodation

   Camping (with facilities)

   Activities Included

   • Sossusvlei - 4x4 Tour
   • Sesriem - Sand dunes visit
7. Day 7 Swakopmund

   Continue to Swakopmund today. Surrounded by the massive dune fields of the Namib Desert on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Swakopmund is an ideal place for outdoor activities. The township has an interesting German–Namibian atmosphere, which makes it a pleasant place to simply walk around and explore. You could also visit the Swakopmund Museum today – the largest privately run Museum in Namibia housing exhibitions on zoology, geology and technology.

   Accommodation

   Chalet

8. Day 8 Swakopmund

   With a free day today, it's worth checking out the Germanic architecture of the area and maybe taking the opportunity to do some souvenir shopping. If you're after a dose of history and culture, you can stop in at the lighthouse and visit the Swakopmund Museum. Active types and thrill-seekers might like to take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer – this town is the adventure-sports capital of Namibia.

   Accommodation

   Chalet

   Optional Activities

   • Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum
   • Swakopmund - Sea kayaking
   • Swakopmund - Seal and dolphin cruise
   • Swakopmund - Horse riding
   • Swakopmund – Living Desert Tour
   • Swakopmund – Township Tour
9. Day 9 Swakopmund

   With another free day in this beautiful seaside town, you might like to do some reading, relaxing and swimming. Alternatively, you can venture further afield – perhaps to the Okakambe Trails or the Camel Farm (both located in the same area, around 12 km east of town). A horse ride or camel ride is a great way to see the desert from a different perspective.

   Accommodation

   Chalet

   Optional Activities

   • Swakopmund - Horse riding
   • Swakopmund - Seal and dolphin cruise
   • Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum
   • Swakopmund - Sea kayaking
10. Day 10 Spitzkoppe

    Travel to Spitzkoppe today. Experience the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shores of Cape Cross while travelling up the Atlantic Coast. Visit one of the most stunning areas of Namibia – the wild lands around the mountain of Spitzkoppe, also known as the Matterhorn of Namibia. Although you shouldn't try to climb to the top, there are some excellent hikes and guided walks throughout the area, which is rich in plant life. The Spitzkoppe is known for its stunning beauty and the thousands of ancient Bushmen rock art paintings that are still on view. Be sure to look out for the sunset from your bush camp this evening – the landscape is known to take on dazzling oranges and reds.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with basic facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Cape Cross Nature Reserve - Cape Cross seal colony

    Optional Activities

    • Spitzkoppe - San People rock painting guided walk
11. Day 11 Etosha National Park

    This morning, set off and travel to Etosha National Park, stopping at a market or shop and ATM if required. Etosha is among the world's best places to view wildlife. A wide range of southern Africa's animals roams freely here, including all the big carnivores and rare or endangered species, including black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Tonight, there’s an option to take an evening game drive (subject to availability) before spending the night at the Okaukuejo Camp. The camp overlooks a floodlit waterhole visited by many different species throughout the day and night.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Optional Activities

    • Etosha National Park - Evening Game Drive
12. Day 12 Etosha National Park

    Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the constructed waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to usually allow for some sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, which means significant numbers of elephants, antelope and other herbivores reside here. This evening you will spend the night at Namutoni Camp.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
13. Day 13 Grootfontein/San People

    Leave Etosha behind and continue to your next camp, which is located 50 km outside Grootfontein. This will be your base for visiting the San people tomorrow. When you arrive at camp, stretch your legs, maybe go for a swim and kick back with your fellow travellers for a relaxed evening.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

14. Day 14 Grootfontein

    Embark on a 180-km round-trip to visit the San people today. You'll go out walking with some of the tribe, listening to their stories and songs. You'll soon discover that they communicate in a unique and fascinating Khoisan dialect, commonly known as a 'clicking' language. The San are the oldest ethnic group in Namibia, having inhabited southern Africa for an estimated 20,000 years. Around 30,000 of them live in Namibia, but only 2000 still follow a traditional way of life. The San have a deep understanding of nature and ecology, living in harmony with their environment.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Grootfontein - San Bushman cultural experience
15. Day 15 Bagani

    Head to Bagani today, where you’ll set up camp for the night. Bagani is a small, friendly town with plenty of nice spots to relax and soak up the ambience as you catch the sunset over the Okavango River. You may even spot grunting hippos coming out of the waters to graze! This area is the homestead of the local Mbukushu kings and their kingdom.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Optional Activities

    • Bagani - Sunset Cruise
16. Day 16 Okavango Delta

    Drive across the border into Botswana and head south along the Okavango Panhandle (the narrowest part of the delta) to Sepopa. Here, you'll leave your vehicle behind as you journey by boat into the delta to your bush camp on an island away from civilisation. Punting along past birds and lily pads, you'll hear hippos occasionally interrupting the peaceful atmosphere with their charming grunts.

    Accommodation

    Camping (without facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
    • Okavango Delta - Boat Safari
17. Day 17 Okavango Delta

    After breakfast, head out for your mokoro experience. Each mokoro (small dugout canoe) takes two people and is poled along through the meandering waterways by a local tribesman. You’ll also take a short nature walk with your guide to discover the beautiful natural surroundings, gain some insight into the history of the local area and look out for different bird species and occasionally, even elephants. After your trip around the delta, return by boat to the relative civilisation of Sepopa Camp, featuring hot showers, a swimming pool and a small bar. Today, there is an option to take a scenic flight to have an aerial view of the Delta.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Okavango Delta - Nature Walk
    • Okavango Delta - Mokoro Safari
    • Okavango Delta - Nature walk
18. Day 18 Bagani

    Leave the delta behind today and return to Bagani for the night. There will be time to take part in an optional boat trip when you arrive, or you can opt for a picturesque sunset cruise. Alternatively, relax and recharge at camp.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Optional Activities

    • Bagani - Sunset Cruise
19. Day 19 Chobe National Park

    Setting off from Bagani this morning, you’ll drive to the incredible Chobe National Park. Catch a window seat if you can and watch the rolling landscape pass you by or play some road trip games with your newfound friends. Enter Botswana at the Goma border, which is also the gateway to the park. When you arrive, take an optional cruise down the Chobe River – one of the best ways to witness some of the park's many animals, like hippos, elephants and buffalo.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

20. Day 20 Chobe National Park

    Enjoy an early-morning game drive this morning. Adventuring through the park, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to the wildlife and with luck, you’ll spot lions, buffalo and exotic birds. Botswana's first national park is famous for its high concentration of elephants, so keep an eye out for herds walking by, too. They can also often be seen swimming in the Chobe River! The river also attracts buffalo, hippos and crocodiles who like to sun themselves by the water's edge. In the afternoon, perhaps take an optional boat cruise to gain a different view of these amazing animals or take another optional afternoon game drive into the national park.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Chobe National Park - Dawn 4WD Safari

    Optional Activities

    • Chobe National Park - Boat Cruise
    • Chobe National Park - 4WD Safari
21. Day 21 Victoria Falls

    Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi. Though a visit to Victoria Falls' is optional, it is highly recommended. The staggering curtain of water is about 1.6 km and cascades 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise to an incredible 400 m and the falls become an impressive raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by mist and you can see little islets in the river below. Gather your travel crew together tonight for dinner, celebrating the southern Africa adventure and memories you’ve shared.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Optional Activities

    • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance
22. Day 22 Victoria Falls

    Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and travel group. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Your campground is centrally located in the town of Victoria Falls. After the meeting, your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer, and you can consider booking experiences for tomorrow.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Optional Activities

    • Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day)
    • Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees)
    • Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees)
    • Victoria Falls - Rafting & river boarding (half day)
    • Victoria Falls - Village & township tour
    • Victoria Falls - Canoe trail wine route
23. Day 23 Victoria Falls

    Use your free day today to visit the magnificent Victoria Falls. This thundering curtain of water is 1.5 km wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 m and the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and you can see little islets in the river below. Be sure to ask your local leader for their tips and advice on what to do in Victoria Falls.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Optional Activities

    • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance
24. Day 24 Bulawayo

    Depart Victoria Falls and travel to Bulawayo via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of The Intrepid Foundation’s projects. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the trusts role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. After, arrive in Bulawayo – known locally as the 'City of Kings', Zimbabwe's second-largest city has an interesting history and some impeccable colonial architecture.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
25. Day 25 Bulawayo

    Wake up early and get ready to track rhinos in Matobo National Park. Home to a significant population of black and white rhinoceros that can be tracked on foot. As your expert guide takes you through the park, look out for other game like leopards, warthogs, and springhares. You'll also learn about the local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, and discover San paintings and the fascinating rock formations. The Matopos area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking, Park Visit & San Rock Paintings

    Optional Activities

    • Bulawayo - Railway Museum
    • Balawayo - Natural History Museum
26. Day 26 Masvingo

    Drive to Masvingo today. This settlement – the oldest in Zimbabwe – makes for the perfect base from which to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The ruined city, now a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, was first constructed in the 11th century. It's thought to be the former royal palace of the Zimbabwean monarch. Spend a few hours exploring this intriguing site before heading off to camp for the evening.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Masvingo - Great Zimbabwe Ruins guided visit
27. Day 27 Harare

    Travel to Harare today. You'll arrive at your destination in time for lunch. You only have an hour or two to explore Zimbabwe's capital city, so if you're feeling active and up for a stroll, get out and make the most of it. Perhaps head to the National Gallery, the museum, the botanical gardens or simply wander the city centre and visit the colourful markets.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Optional Activities

    • Harare - National Archives
    • Harare - National Botanical Gardens
    • Harare - National Gallery
28. Day 28 Lusaka

    Today, you'll cross into Zambia and drive to your campsite just outside Lusaka, Zambia's capital. Your journey begins with a nice scenic drive to the border. At some point during the day there will be an opportunity to stop at an ATM and stock up on any supplies you might need at a shop or market.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

29. Day 29 Petauke

    Spend some time checking out Lusaka before a long day of travel today. You'll see that it's a modern city but still retains a traditional African feel. After, travel on to Petauke, where you'll spend the night.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

30. Day 30 South Luangwa National Park

    After breakfast, travel to a workshop in South Luangwa where local craftswomen take snare wire recovered from poaching traps and transform it into jewellery inspired by the African bush. The women will show you around their purpose-built workshop and give you a chance to try coiling or hammering the wire yourself. For each sale made, a donation is given to anti snare patrols dedicated to the conservation of the region. After, make your way through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is among the highest in Africa. Many elephants, buffaloes, leopards, Thornicroft’s giraffes and lions are known to roam here. There are also some 400 species of birds inhabiting the area. A great way to experience South Luangwa and its beautiful scenery is to take an optional river trip – ask your group leader for more details.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • South Luangwa - Anti-Poaching Jewelery Project
31. Day 31 South Luangwa National Park

    Rise early with a light breakfast and get ready for an exhilarating morning game drive in a 4WD with a local guide, then head back to the camp for an early lunch. During the hottest part of the day between safaris, you can either rest in the shade or take an optional village walk to get a glimpse of daily life in the local community. Return to the park for another game drive in the evening.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Afternoon Game Drive
    • South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Dawn Game Drive

    Optional Activities

    • South Luangwa National Park - Game Walk
32. Day 32 Lake Malawi

    Cross the border into Malawi and continue straight to your camp on the shores of Lake Malawi. Malawi is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many local people. Fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers all ply their trade on the lake. A common sight is that of a fisherman in a bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day. Your campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore, so take some time to rest and relax.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

33. Day 33 Lake Malawi

    This morning you can take an optional walk in the nearby village, an opportunity to meet some local Malawians-easily some of the friendliest people in Africa. Enjoy a free afternoon chilling out on the lake’s sandy shores, time to soak up your idyllic surroundings you can take a dip in the lake or try out cycling to the hilly villages. Perhaps cool off with an optional snorkelling trip with a local guide. Lake Malawi's high alkalinity has resulted in an abundance of brightly coloured fish and relatively low levels of plants. What you end up with is a tropical ocean-like snorkelling experience within a landlocked freshwater lake.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Optional Activities

    • Lake Malawi - Guided village walks
    • Lake Malawi - Bike Hire
    • Lake Malawi - Snorkelling
34. Day 34 Chitimba

    Drive to your camp in Chitimba, which lies along the coast of Lake Malawi and has lovely beaches, friendly locals and a laidback atmosphere. When you arrive, perhaps take a stroll and acquaint yourself with this different part of the lake. Enjoy the scenery of banana palms, papaya trees and the Livingstonia and Nyika mountains looming nearby.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

35. Day 35 Iringa

    Today is a long travel day into Tanzania and its southern highlands. Sit back, relax and watch as the countryside passes by. When you arrive, you'll set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse situated on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement. The area is filled with natural bush land which can make it a bird watchers paradise. Make the most of this rural setting by doing some stargazing before you retire for the night.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

36. Day 36 Mikumi National Park

    Today you'll drive to the edge of Mikumi National Park. Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi is Tanzania's fourth largest national park. In the afternoon we head off on 4WD Game Drive with a local expert guide.This less touristed park is home to impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas – and maybe even a predator or two if you're lucky!

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Mikumi National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
37. Day 37 Dar es Salaam

    Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to Kipepo Beach, located just south of Dar es Salaam. Once you arrive, take some time to unwind – perhaps enjoy a peaceful stroll along the shore. Your camp for the night is set on the grounds of a hotel right next to the beach, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and take a dip in the inviting waters of the ocean.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

38. Day 38 Stone Town

    Catch a ferry to Africa's 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar. Filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has had a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in centuries ago. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town, and the best way to see this is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. When the sun is setting, why not grab a drink from a bar overlooking the seafront. A seafood curry at a local restaurant is also a great choice. You'll spend the night in Stone Town at a basic inn.

    Accommodation

    Hotel

    Optional Activities

    • Stone Town Tour - Dharajani Market, Joseph's Cathederal, Palace Museum, Forodhani Food Market
    • Zanzibar - Prison Island Tour
    • Stone Town - Handicraft & Music Urban Adventure
39. Day 39 Zanzibar Northern Beaches

    Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations, learning all about the history of this town's spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.

    Accommodation

    Bungalow

    Optional Activities

    • Zanzibar - Spice tour
40. Day 40 Zanzibar Northern Beaches

    Enjoy free time in this beautiful archipelago today. There are many ways you can spend your day – perhaps talk to your leader for any recommendations they might have. Snorkelling in search of exotic fish is an excellent option, or you could take a traditional dhow boat on the water. You might also like to feast on a sumptuous lunch of grilled local seafood, or just relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book. It's totally up to you!

    Accommodation

    Bungalow

    Optional Activities

    • Zanzibar - Snorkelling
    • Zanzibar - Dhow Trip
41. Day 41 Stone Town / Bagamoyo

    Jambo! Welcome to Zanzibar. Your African adventure begins in Stone Town, Zanzibar’s Old Town. Meet your tour leader and travel group at an 11 am welcome meeting at your hotel. After, catch the ferry to Dar es Salaam. Then board your overland vehicle (and meet your driver and cook) and take the short drive to your camp at Bagamoyo, a lovely spot by the beach.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

42. Day 42 Usambara Mountains

    Travel into the remote Usambara Mountains (approximately 7 hours). This unspoilt area of Tanzania attracts very few tourists, making it the perfect place to soak in your surroundings. The forests stretch across the mountains and are ideal for easy hikes and guided walks. You base is the old German colony of Lushoto, where you’ll stay on the grounds of one of the earliest hotels in Africa.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

43. Day 43 Usambara Mountains

    Today, explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains and experience this area’s gentle hospitality on a visit to some of its small communities. From your base, hike to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint. It's best to pack some water and snacks in a day pack for this trip. On your way back, visit a local cultural project based at Irente farm and enjoy a locally prepared lunch.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Irente - Lushoto hike
    • Irente - Local lunch
44. Day 44 Arusha

    Today, journey from the scenic Usambara Mountains to Arusha. While there are no planned activities, enjoy the drive through Tanzania's picturesque landscapes as you make your way to the bustling gateway to the northern safari circuit. Upon arrival at your campsite on the outskirts of town, unwind and settle in for a restful evening and prepare for the adventures ahead.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

45. Day 45 Karatu

    After breakfast this morning, head to Karatu, the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater. Here, you'll hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves and the Endoro waterfalls along the way. Rich with calcium, the Elephant Caves got their name as elephants would come here and break off pieces of rock, eating the dust to receive important minerals. Today's trek, accompanied by an expert local guide and armed ranger, is the perfect way to stretch your legs after a few days of overland travel. You'll hike through Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area here and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot beautiful birdlife as you walk. After, head to Karatu village for a tour of the local coffee farm. Here, you'll see the innovative farming practices from the locals and learn about the farming activities that sustain the coffee, bean, maize, banana, soya and pea crops. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner with a local Tanzanian family in their home, who will cook you a few different dishes to try. Learn about the local culture with educational stories from a locally trained guide. What a night!

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek
    • Karatu - Home-Cooked Dinner
    • Karatu - Coffee Farm Tour
46. Day 46 Ngorongoro Crater / Serengeti National Park

    Get up early, put your camping and personal gear into a six-person jeep and head out for an excursion into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a safari in the crater, spending between 3 and 4 hours exploring this perfectly intact volcanic crater. Watch for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. Next, move on to the open plains of the Serengeti. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, this is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa – the home of thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators. Your campsite is within the Serengeti itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with basic facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
    • Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
47. Day 47 Serengeti National Park

    Wake at dawn and embark on a game drive. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then go back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. After spending the middle of the day relaxing, just like the animals do, head out again as the day begins to cool. You'll return from this second game drive in time for dinner. There's also the option today of a balloon ride over the park (in place of a portion of the morning game drive). If you have pre-booked this activity you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, you will glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, which provides amazing photo opportunities. After landing, you'll be treated to a five-star bush breakfast, then be returned to your camp.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with basic facilities)

    Optional Activities

    • Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price)
48. Day 48 Mto wa Mbu

    Rise with the sun and enjoy another game drive as you leave the Serengeti in your dust. Jump back into your overland vehicle and head for Mto wa Mbu.
    
    After setting up camp, we'll take a guided stroll through the farming areas, local homes and farmlands, getting to know the local community and their way of life. Later, we'll enjoy a scrumptious locally prepared dinner in town.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
49. Day 49 Nairobi

    Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Nairobi. If you arrive early, why not head out and soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants, as well as markets and shops packed with arts and crafts from the region. After the meeting tonight, maybe join your new travel companions for a welcome dinner and get to know each other.

    Accommodation

    Hotel

    Optional Activities

    • Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure
50. Day 50 Lake Nakuru National Park

    Take in the spectacular views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha and Elementaita on the drive north-west to Lake Nakuru National Park – situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. You’ll arrive in time for a short evening game drive along the shore of the lake. Lake Nakuru National Park is a small and compact area based around a lake that makes a great location for spotting wildlife. Along with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru is home to many rhinos and will therefore be the best chance to get a snap of these magnificent beasts.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Lake Nakuru - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
51. Day 51 Eldoret

    Rise early, have some breakfast, break up camp and head out on an overland game drive as you leave the park. Eat lunch at the gate before driving northwest to Eldoret – one of Kenya's fastest-growing cities. Due to its high altitude, the town is an ideal training ground for middle and long-distance athletes and is home to some of Kenya's most famous runners. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite located just outside Eldoret.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Lake Nakuru - Morning Overland Vehicle Game Drive
52. Day 52 Kampala

    Today, you’ll leave Kenya behind and cross the border into landlocked Uganda, travelling on to its capital city, Kampala. With a population of over 45 million, Uganda is a country of great cultural diversity and is one of the five countries that make up the East African Community. As today is a long travel day, take a break from setting up camp with a stay at a hotel tonight. After your long drive, sit down for a dinner prepared by the hotel before settling in for a good night’s rest.

    Accommodation

    Hotel

53. Day 53 Kalinzu Forest

    Travel to Kalinzu Forest National Park today. Some of its inhabitants include chimpanzees, black and white colobuses, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, both blue and red duikers, bushbucks, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, buffalo and elephants. When you arrive, settle into your camp and perhaps stretch your legs and explore your surroundings with the rest of the group.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

54. Day 54 Queen Elizabeth National Park

    This morning, you have the option to take an excursion to see the chimpanzees of Kalinzu Forest. More closely related to humans than any other living creature, the chimpanzees are a delight to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. You can also choose to soak in the sounds of the forest from the comfort of your tent. Later, take the short drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Once camp is set up, there's an option to take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel – well-known for pelicans, eagles and other birdlife, as well as a healthy population of hippos.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Optional Activities

    • Kalinzu Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking
    • Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kazinga Channel boat cruise
55. Day 55 Kisoro

    Today, drive out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park on your way to the southwest tip of Uganda. On this short game drive, cross your fingers and look out for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. Arrive at the corner of Uganda, where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You’ll spend the night in Kisoro at a camp on the shore of Lake Mutanda, with views of the Virunga Mountain range. Tonight, relax and soak up the views, go for a swim off the small dock or go hunting for a glimpse of local weaver bird nests and African clawless otters.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Queen Elizabeth National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
56. Day 56 Gorilla Trek

    Joined by a local ranger and gorilla trackers, you’ll climb through the rugged mountain terrain of Bwindi (translating to ‘dark’) Impenetrable National Park for the rare and exciting opportunity to encounter the gorilla families that live here. No more than eight people per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. The terrain here can be quite strenuous, but the sheer thrill of coming across a group of gorillas dominated by a great male silverback more than outweighs the difficulty. Watch them eat, sleep, groom and play as the giant silverback surveys the scene and the smaller ones laze in the trees or play and be struck by the similarities between gorillas and humans.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
57. Day 57 Gorilla Trek

    If you didn’t get to complete your gorilla visit yesterday, you’ll head out today. With your free day, your leader will provide you with options and ideas on how you can spend your time in the area around Kisoro. You can head out on more rainforest hikes to see monkeys, take some nature walks, or perhaps take a day excursion over the border to Rwanda to visit the genocide memorial, art museum and Nyamirambo women’s center. However, please ensure you have a Rwanda or East Africa visa.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Optional Activities

    • Kisoro - Golden Monkey Trekking
    • Kisoro - Rwanda Day Excursion - From
    • Kisoro - Batwa Village Visit
    • Kisoro - Coffee Farm Tour
58. Day 58 Mbarara

    This morning, you’ll turn back towards the capital of Kampala and embark on a bit of a travel day. You’ll break up the journey at the pit-stop town of Mbarara for the night. There’s not much to do around Mbarara, so tonight’s a great opportunity to recharge, get stuck into a book or relax at the camp.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

59. Day 59 Jinja

    Today you'll continue your journey inland, travelling towards Jinja. The Jinja region is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda – a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile that’s also the adventure capital of the country. Tonight, you’ll camp at a scenic riverside site and enjoy a good night’s rest ready for tomorrow's adventures.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

60. Day 60 Jinja

    Located at the source of the Nile as it leaves Lake Victoria, Jinja is a place for the adventurer, the adrenaline junkie and the eco-traveller. Enjoy a full free day here to explore at your own pace, with a bunch of optional activities to choose. Maybe get active with some whitewater rafting or float along the river on a kayak. You can also opt for a boat cruise to the source of the Nile, to enjoy the river from a new perspective.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Optional Activities

    • Jinja - River Nile whitewater rafting (full day)
    • Jinja - Nile Boat Cruise
    • Jinja - Source of River Nile tour
61. Day 61 Kericho

    Farewell Uganda and begin the journey back to Kenya and Nairobi, stopping overnight at the town of Kericho – one of Kenya’s most popular towns due to its tranquil surroundings, blanketed by thick tea plantations and evergreens. Sitting at the edge of the South-Western Mau National Reserve and is known for its vast tea estates. When you arrive, visit a tea plantation and learn about the tea farming process from the locals themselves.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Kericho - Tea plantation visit
62. Day 62 Masai Mara National Reserve

    This morning, drive to the famous Masai Mara National Park. Stop in Loita Hills on the way, home of the traditional Maasai people, and visit Tepesua Village. You’ll be welcomed by Maasai warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts and listen to a talk full of insights into the remarkable ancient culture. The Tepesua Community was formed with the aim of promoting education, empowering women (including widows and vulnerable women in the community) as well as promoting community development. There are multiple projects that aim to educate boys and girls and support women’s development and empowerment, focusing especially on the village mamaas (widows). Learn how the community creates job opportunities for the youths in the village and meet the women who make eco-friendly handbags and backpacks to sell to visiting travellers and locals. Travel on to the Masai Mara – with sparse open plains, dramatic skies and the world's most iconic animals living within its boundaries, this is the quintessential African experience. Explore this diverse environment and view a multitude of wildlife on an early evening 4WD game drive with expert local driver guides.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Masai Mara National Reserve - 4x4 Game Drive
    • Loita Hills - Maasai Village Visit
63. Day 63 Masai Mara National Reserve

    This morning, maybe take an optional balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise. If you’ve pre-booked this activity, you’ll be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing from your pilot. You’ll then glide through the skies, sometimes at tree height, for some amazing photo opportunities. After landing, you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before meeting up with the rest of the group. Today you’ll venture into the Masai Mara National Reserve with expert local driver guides for a day-long 4WD safari. You'll explore this diverse environment and most likely see a multitude of wildlife.

    Accommodation

    Camping (with facilities)

    Activities Included

    • Masai Mara National Reserve - Full Day 4WD Safari

    Optional Activities

    • Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price)
64. Day 64 Nairobi

    Return to the bustling metropolis of Nairobi today. When you arrive, you'll be dropped off at your finishing point hotel, where your trip ends. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.