Day 1: Nairobi
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you arrive early, perhaps head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.
Day 2: Mto wa Mbu
Depart early for Mto wa Mbu in your overland truck. The trip includes a border crossing from Kenya into Tanzania, so be sure to have your passport handy. While you're on the road, there will be a stop at an ATM and a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the coming days. Arrive in Mto wa Mbu and acquaint yourself with this delightful small village – it's a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail.
Day 3: 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 3 to 4 hours exploring this incredible, perfectly intact volcanic caldera. Watch for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round (some 30,000 animals live here) and the photo opportunities are unrivalled. Next, it's on to the wide-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.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
Awake at dawn and embark on a game drive. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then head 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 of a balloon ride over the park this morning – in place of some of today’s game drives. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, getting some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, indulge in a five-star bush breakfast, then be returned to camp.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park / 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 local dinner in town.
Day 6: Usambara Mountains
Prepare yourself for a long travel day heading for the Usambara Mountains. Stretch your legs during a brief supply stop in Arusha, then jump back in the vehicle and watch the ever-changing scenery, read your favourite book or get to really know your fellow travellers. Your base will be Lushoto – an old German colony and home to the Wasambaa people. This highland town sits at approximately 1400 metres and this evening you'll camp in the grounds of one of the oldest hotels in Africa.
Day 7: Usambara Mountains
Explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains today – a lovely unspoilt area of Tanzania. Unlike the coast and the north, very few tourists visit this part of the country, so it has a freshness that can be hard to find elsewhere. As beautiful as the surrounding mountains and rainforests are, however, the real jewels here are the local people and villages. You'll experience some hospitality on a visit to some of the small local communities. From your base, you will take a walk out 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 where you enjoy a prepared lunch.
Day 8: Dar es Salaam
Leaving the mountains behind, travel further south to the coastal town of Kipepeo Beach in Dar es Salaam. Your camp is by the beach, so make the most of it – perhaps take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in.
Day 9: Stone Town
Catch a ferry to Zanzibar, Africa’s famous ‘Spice Island.’ On arrival, enjoy some free time to discover Zanzibar City at your own pace. Lose yourself in the maze of cobblestone alleyways in Stone Town, admire the mix of Arabic, African and European architecture, or soak up the bustling atmosphere of Darajani Bazaar. This afternoon, you’ll have another welcome meeting at 2 pm to meet the new travellers joining you on the next leg of your adventure. After your meeting, perhaps head out together for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 10: 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.
Day 11: Zanzibar Northern Beaches
Ease into the day with the sound of gentle waves and soft ocean breezes. With a full day free to enjoy Zanzibar’s coastline, you might choose to take a refreshing swim, stretch out on the beach beneath the palms, or savour the flavours of the island with a seafood dinner by the water. However you spend it, today is all about slowing down and letting the rhythm of island life take over.
Day 12: Stone Town
Spend a final morning relaxing on the sandy northern beaches before returning to Stone Town for an afternoon and evening at leisure. Maybe ask you leader where to grab a urojo, a unique and delicious street treat made from potatoes and noodles stewed in a stock of tumeric, mango, flour and more. Or maybe grab a sugarcane juice and have a wander. You've got a long day of driving ahead tomorrow, so make the most of your free time while you can!
Day 13: Mikumi National Park
Embrace an early start this morning with a 7.30 am ferry to the mainland, then make tracks for Mikumi. Watch the Tanzanian landscape pass you by along the way, as this long drive is a great chance to soak up the scenery. Gaze out at vast plains dotted with baobab and tamarind trees and maybe catch a glimpse of some of the elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and leopards that call the park home. When you arrive at your camp, your leader will show you the ropes (literally) and help you set up and get comfortable for your night in the tent.
Day 14: Iringa
Wake up early this morning to head off on a 4WD game drive into Mikumi National Park with local expert guides. This less touristed park is home to impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas – you may even spot a predator! After, you'll drive to Iringa and set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse on the outskirts of the settlement. The area is filled with natural bush land and native birds. Make the most of this rural setting with some stargazing before you retire for the night.
Day 15: Chitimba
Enter Malawi this morning and travel to your campsite at Chitimba. Malawi, the ‘warm heart of Africa,’ is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many Malawian people. Fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers all ply their trade on Lake Malawi. A common sight is a fisherman in a bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day.
Day 16: Lake Malawi
Travel from Chitimba to Kande Beach today, on the shore of Lake Malawi. There will be a chance to stop at a shop or market for any supplies you might need along the way. Enjoy a relaxing getaway from the commercialism and crowds with a few days on the lake’s more peaceful beaches. Your campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore of Lake Malawi.
Day 17: Lake Malawi
Enjoy free time today to soak up your idyllic surroundings. As well as chilling out on the lake’s sandy shores, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians – easily some of the friendliest people in Africa! You can also hire canoes, bikes or pedalos (paddle boats) to enhance your time here.
Day 18: South Luangwa National Park
Journey through southern Malawi and enter Zambia today, continuing to South Luangwa National Park. There will be border crossing formalities on the way, and a chance to stock up on goods or visit an ATM at a local shop or market. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is some of the highest in Africa, so when you arrive, take in the beautiful scenery and the abundance of wildlife, watching out for colourful birds and herds of elephants.
Day 19: South Luangwa National Park
Rise early this morning, grab a light breakfast and get ready for a morning game drive in a 4WD with a local guide. Then, you'll head back to the camp for an early lunch (as this is the hottest part of the day). Rest in the shade or take an optional village walk if you'd like a snapshot of daily life in the local community. Return to the park for another game drive in the evening, looking out for the local wildlife as the sun sets.
Day 20: Petauke
After breakfast, you'll visit a workshop 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 your visit, you'll jump back in the vehicle and head further south to Petauke.
Day 21: Lusaka
This morning you'll be back on the road, heading for your next camp just south of Lusaka City. When you arrive, stretch your legs and take a stroll to discover the town on foot. Though it's fast developing, Lusaka retains a strong African feel, and the locals are usually up for a chat. Your local leader will also give you some insight into the area. Tonight, you're free to chill out under the stars at camp.
Day 22: Harare
Travel to Harare today. The first part of your journey takes you to the border with Zimbabwe. After crossing and going through border formalities, you'll continue to Harare. There will be a chance to explore the town when you arrive, as well as stock up on whatever you need at a market or local shop.
Day 23: Great Zimbabwe Ruins / Masvingo
This morning, it's onto Masvingo. This colonial settlement – the oldest in Zimbabwe – makes the perfect base for exploring the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. The ancient city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was first constructed in the 11th century and is believed to have been the seat of power for a monarch. Spend a few hours exploring this intriguing site before heading off to camp where your night is free to relax.
Day 24: Bulawayo
Travel to Bulawayo today. Known locally as the 'City of Kings', Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second largest city. There is some impeccable historical architecture to take in here, so feel free to walk around at your own pace when you arrive. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore town or ask your local leader for some optional activities. You might like to browse some local markets or chat with the locals. The Natural History Museum and National Art Gallery are also worth checking out.
Day 25: Bulawayo
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime today – tracking rhinos on foot with an expert guide! Matobo National Park, known for its black and white rhinos, is also home to other wildlife like klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. You'll learn all about these unique animals from your guide and gain insights into the local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark. Discover San paintings and the fascinating rock formations of the area, too. Matobo National Park is an important site of spiritual and cultural significance for the local people, and there are many places in the park where important ceremonies still take place.
Day 26: Victoria Falls
Depart Bulawayo this morning and make the drive towards Victoria Falls. Set up camp and enjoy some free time to relax, freshen up, and plan out your next couple of days in Victoria Falls. Be sure to ask your local leader for their tips and advice.
Day 27: Victoria Falls
Spend the day soaking in the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls until your next welcome meeting at 4 pm tonight. Maybe explore the magnificent Victoria Falls – a thundering curtain of water approximately 1.5 km wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise 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. After the meeting, why not grab dinner with your new group and get to know each other.
Day 28: Victoria Falls
Today is completely free for you to choose your own adventure! Perhaps take an optional helicopter flight for a breathtaking view of the falls from above, visit one of the local breweries for a taste of the region’s craft scene, or enjoy a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. However you spend the day, make sure to rest up and get ready for tomorrow’s journey across the border into Zambia.
Day 29: Chobe National Park
This morning is free for you to continue enjoying all that Victoria Falls has to offer. Afterwards, travel to Chobe National Park in Botswana 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 Trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Continue your journey to Botswana's first national park, which is famous for its high concentration of elephants, so keep an eye out! They can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River.
Day 30: Chobe National Park
Rise and shine for an early-morning game drive. Adventuring through the park, you will get the opportunity to get up close to the wildlife – with luck you will spot a variety of animals and any number of exotic birds. As well as the Chobe icon, the elephant, the river also attracts hippos and crocodiles – the latter like to sun themselves by the water's edge. Cheetahs also come down for a drink. The birdwatching is excellent here too – look out for eagles, kingfishers and marabou storks, among hundreds of other species. In the afternoon perhaps take an optional cruise down the Chobe River – one of the best ways to enjoy the park's animals.
Day 31: Bagani
Today you will enter Namibia, driving from Kasane to Ngoma Bridge, and on to your camp at Bagani. Enjoy the journey, watching the scenery change with towns, trees and skies rolling past you. Bagani is the homestead of the local Mbukushu kings. You will have the opportunity to stop at an ATM and a market or shop today.
Day 32: Okavango Delta
Cross the border into Botswana and travel south along the Okavango Panhandle to Sepopa. Leave the truck behind as you head deeper into the delta. A boat ride will take you to your mokoro team, where you’ll begin your exploration of the Okavango Delta. Each mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) is expertly poled through the waterways by a local guide. As you glide past reeds and lily pads, the peaceful atmosphere may be interrupted by the grunt of a hippo. On your first night, camp on a secluded island, far from the reach of civilization.
Day 33: Okavango Delta
Continue exploring the delta today by mokoro and enjoy a short guided nature walk. Later, return to Sepopa Camp, where you can relax with hot showers, a swimming pool, and a small bar. For a different perspective, you have the option to take a scenic flight over the delta for an unforgettable aerial view.
Day 34: Bagani
Cross the border back into Namibia and return to Bagani to camp for the night. Various boat trips and guided hikes are possible from Bagani, so if you're feeling active, get out and make the most of it. Those who are feeling bold might even be able to challenge the local kids to a soccer match – don't expect to win though! Retire to your camp in the evening and enjoy this welcome break from the road.
Day 35: Grootfontein
Drive to your camp situated 50 km outside of Grootfontein. The town of Grootfontein, part of the Otavi Triangle, tends to get very green in the warmer months but dries out markedly in the winter. If it's springtime, you'll likely see jacarandas in bloom.
Day 36: Grootfontein/San people
Embark on a 180-km (112-mile) round-trip to visit the San people. The oldest inhabitants of southern Africa, the San, have lived in this region for at least 20,000 years. Listen to their stories and songs and learn how those who still adhere to a traditional way of life emphasise the importance of living in harmony with the environment.
Day 37: Etosha National Park
Travel to Etosha National Park this morning. While Etosha National Park is home to a wide range of southern Africa's wildlife, including the big carnivores and five rare or endangered species: black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Game viewing in Etosha is relatively easy due to the man-made 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. Embark on an optional evening game drive here in the evening, then spend the night at Namutoni. Accommodation upgrades are on offer here.
Day 38: Etosha National Park
Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, which means significant numbers of elephants, antelope and other herbivores reside here. The park is also home to some 340 species of birds – keep an eye to the sky where you might spot a soaring eagle. Tonight, you will stay at the particularly spectacular Okaukuejo Camp. The camp overlooks a floodlit waterhole visited by many different species throughout the day and night. Upgrades are not available at this location tonight.
Day 39: Spitzkoppe
Travel to the mountain of Spitzkoppe today. The wild lands around this superb granite peak are some of Namibia's most stunning. The mountain itself is 700 million years old and 1987 m (6519 ft) high. Although you shouldn't try to climb to the top, the area is rich in plant life and with some bush paintings to be found. Be sure to look out for the sunset from your bush camp this evening – the landscape is known to take on dazzling hues of orange and red.
Day 40: Swakopmund
Continue to the town of Swakopmund. Be dazzled by the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shores of Cape Cross while you're travelling up the Atlantic Coast. You'll be able to stop along the way to access an ATM and market if you need some supplies.
Day 41: Swakopmund
Surrounded by the massive dune fields of the Namib Desert on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Swakopmund is an example of the German culture found in all major settlements in Namibia. With your free time, maybe wander the streets and explore at your own pace or ask your leader for recommendations on activities and dining options.
Day 42: Swakopmund
Today is another free day to enjoy this fun beachside town. 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 thrillseekers might like to take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer – this town is the adventure sports mecca of Namibia.
Day 43: Sesriem
Drive to Sesriem, your base for exploring the incredible Namib Desert region. The most famous part of the Namib Desert is its vast dune fields, the most spectacular of which are found near the Sesriem Canyon. This canyon was formed when the Tsauchab River carved a gorge 30 metres into the gravel deposits about 15 million years ago. Now, the river flows out to the dune fields that stretch for hundreds of miles up the coast and dries up in a clay pan at Sossusvlei. The dunes – the highest in the world – are stunning, with magnificent flaming tones created by the brightly coloured sands.
Day 44: Sossusvlei/Konkiep River
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 are simply incredible and provide a spectacular setting for your brunch. Afterwards you will jump in the back of a pickup truck for a trip to Sossusvlei, the incredible salt and clay pan just nearby. Enjoy some time to explore this incredible and mysterious desert oddity. Later, continue to your camp past the small town of Bethanie. Your camp has basic facilities, with showers, flush toilets, wi-fi and optional upgrades.
Day 45: Fish River Canyon
Check out the town of Bethanie before heading further south into the vast desert lands of Namibia towards Fish River Canyon. At 500 m deep and over 160 km long, Fish River Canyon is one of the very largest canyons in the world. During the dry season, the riverbed tends to dry out completely, leaving only a few puddles. In the wet season, after the summer rains, the river can turn into a spectacular raging torrent. At any time of year there are remarkable photographic opportunities here as you watch the colour of the granite rocks change as the sun goes down.
Day 46: Orange River
Departing Fish River Canyon, travel to Noordoewer in southern Namibia. Pitch your tent on the scenic banks of the Gariep (Orange) River, which stretches 2200 kilometres (1367 miles) – the longest river in Lesotho. The river’s source is high up in the Drakensberg mountain range, and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay in South Africa. The Orange River is responsible for transporting diamonds and creating the deposits that can be found along the Namibian coast.
Day 47: Western Cape
Depart your camp first thing in the morning and head to Klawer, a town named after the Afrikaans word for a wild clover blooming after rainfall. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, and if there's time, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of it. Perhaps take a delightful walk around the nearby mountains and farms before settling in for a relaxing evening.
Day 48: Cape Town
Head to Cape Town this morning, where your trip will come to an end. With its stunning coastline, modern cityscape, nearby mountains and a plethora of vineyards within reach, this is one of Africa's most exciting cities. There's no accommodation provided for tonight, but this can be arranged – please enquire at the time of booking this trip.
