Best Of Africa

56 DAYS - camping

COUNTRIES VISITED: SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA, ZIMBABWE, ZAMBIA, MALAWI, TANZANIA, KENYA, UGANDA

Day 1 South Africa – Cederberg Mountain Region
Leaving Cape Town we make our first stop at Table View to purchase any last minute items and take photos of Table Mountain from across Table Bay. We then travel to the Cederberg region and set up camp. Later, we take a guided walk to see San paintings and learn about the local flora and fauna. Tonight, your guide will give a full briefing on the tour.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River
An early start, then we head north via the distant town of Springbok and then to the Namibia border. We camp on the banks of the Gariep (previously named Orange) River that forms the border between South Africa and Namibia spend another night getting to know each other.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Namibia – Gariep (Orange) River - Fish River Canyon
This morning there’s the chance to see the beautiful river valley by canoe, or you can just chill out on the riverbank with a view across to Namibia. After lunch we cross the border and travel to the 2nd largest canyon in the world, The Fish River Canyon. After a walk along the edge of the canyon we watch the sunset and enjoy a fantastic photo opportunity. Optional Activities: Half Day Canoe Adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Namib-Naukluft National Park
Further north, the scenery transitions in to true desert. We arrive at the Namib-Nakluft National Park and set up camp, then enjoy a short hike into the Sesriem canyon. Tonight enjoy the star studded sky and enduring silence of the Namib desert.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Sossusvlei Dunes - Namib-Naukluft National Park
Wake before sunrise and travel the short distance to Dune 45. The sand dunes here are the largest in the world, and a hike to the top is one of the ‘must do’ travel experiences in Africa. After marvelling at the sunrise over the dunes, a hearty breakfast awaits before we join a local expert on a guided hike of the unique Sossusvlei desert ecosystem. Later we journey onto Solitaire, one of Namibia’s smallest towns for another night under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6/7 Swakopmund 
After crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, we travel onto Namibia’s Atlantic coast and the adventure capital, Swakopmund. Here you will be briefed on the many options available for the following day. The desert setting makes a sky dive in this region unforgettable and quadbiking much more exciting. Try some fresh seafood at a local restaurant tonight and join in with the town’s vibrant nightlife.
Optional Activities: Quadbiking, Sandboarding, Sky Diving, Dolphin Cruise, Scenic Flights, Fishing, Dinner out etc.
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x1, Dinner x1

Day 8 Spitzkoppe
Leaving the coast we head to Namibia’s ‘Matterhorn’. Spitzkoppe is a huge rocky outcrop where we set up camp in the wild, beneath the mountain. This afternoon there is an included walk to view San paintings. Many people choose to sleep outside tonight to take advantage of the wonderful blanket of stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Himba Tribes
After some early morning exploration we continue north and drive towards Kamanjab. The Himba are a pastoral people and predominantly breed cattle or goats, they are easily recognisable by their unique style of dress. We spend some time with the Himba people learning about their unique way of life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10/11 Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. The sparse grasslands allow great opportunities to see animals normally hidden in denser vegetation. We will go on various game drives, and spend our evenings at the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography. We stay at two of the campsites inside the park to maximise our time game viewing.
Optional Activities: Night or Dawn Drives with NWR
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Windhoek
After an early morning game drive we set off towards Windhoek in the centre of Namibia. On the way we stop at a popular craft market. On arrival in Windhoek there is a short city tour. Tonight a chance to try some game meat and the local nightlife at a restaurant or bar.
Optional Activities: Dinner out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 Botswana - Ghanzi
An early start, then we cross into Botswana and drive to Ghanzi. After setting up camp we meet with a local San community and experience some traditional Tribal Dancing.
Optional Activity: Guided Walk, Trance Dance (min 6 x clients advance booking), Game Drives (min 6 x clients)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14/15/16 Maun – Okavango Delta
Our journey takes us from Ghanzi towards Maun. We spend the night here (Maun) and prepare for our 2-night bush-camping experience. Your guides will provide you with a briefing about the next few days’ activities and the community run tourism operation. From here we will enter the Delta using local transport. If the water level allows we will take a mokoro ride (traditional canoe) as well as nature walks with the local people. This is a true wilderness area where both animals and people co-exist.
Optional Activity: Scenic flight over the Delta (time allowing).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 Gweta
We leave the Delta behind us and travel east to Gweta, which is located halfway between Maun and Nata, near the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. You can explore the bush around our campsite and view some of oldest Baobab trees in the area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18 Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is our next destination near Kasane. This afternoon we take an included sunset boat cruise, as the animals are best spotted from the Chobe River. Our campsite has a lively atmosphere where you can meet other travellers. The next morning there is the option to go on early game drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19 Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
On arrival in Victoria Falls we have time to plan the next day’s adventure activities before we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls National Park and experience the thundering of the mighty Zambezi. The popular optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks.
Optional Activities: Chobe morning game drive, Sunset Cruise Dinner out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 20/21 Victoria Falls
These 2 days are shared between relaxing and getting mundane things like laundry out of the way and taking part in some of the amazing adventure activities on offer here. The Zambezi White Water Rafting still boasts the most grade-5 white water to be commercially tackled and this is a serious must-do activity for most people. If braving the white water, or bungy, is not for you then the lion walk or elephant encounter are both amazing options, it’s a totally different experience to meet one of these creatures up close!
Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungy Jump, Elephant Excursion, Walking with Lions, Horse Riding, Micro-light, Flight of the Angels, Skydiving etc.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 22 Zambia - Lusaka
There is an early morning transfer from Victoria Falls, across the border and in to Zambia. We journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka where we see locals going about their daily business. You will notice the vegetation becoming sub-tropical and the roads a little rougher.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23 Chipata
Today is a long drive through lush country, crossing rivers enroute to Chipata, the gateway to the South Luangwa National Park. Zambia is truly African and an adjustment from the more western ways of Southern Africa. There are many rural villages and farming communities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24/25 South Luangwa National Park
Early in the morning we drive from Chipata to the border of the South Luangwa NP where we spend two nights at our campsite right on the bank of the Luangwa River. You can often see Hippo and other animals from the campsite bar. The park is known for its high concentration of leopards and hippos. The next day we visit the community run tribal textile project and a local village. Later this afternoon we enjoy a guided afternoon game drive. On occasion, in the rainy season it is impossible or inadvisable to attempt to reach South Luangwa NP, if this happens an alternative itinerary will be chosen. Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive and Game Walk in South Luangwa NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26/27 Malawi - Luwawa Forest
We depart from South Luangwa early and cross the border in to Malawi where we begin climbing in to the mountains that border the Malawian shores of Lake Malawi. In these higher areas there is a lot of commercial forestry and the cooler climate can be a very pleasant change from the more humid temperatures below. Luwawa Forest camp are winners of the 2008 'Community Development Work and Sustainable Tourism Award’. Take a hike to the viewpoint to see the Lake form above, or rent a Mountain Bike for some exciting riding.
Optional Activities – Mountian Biking, Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Canoeing Sailing…
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 28/29 Central Lake Malawi
The road down the mountain from Luwawa to the lake shore is scenic and quite exciting. We take a break from travelling with a couple of relaxing days at Kande Beach Village on Lake Malawi. There is lovely white sand and lots of water sport and leisure activities available. We will also visit a local village for some cultural interaction here.
Optional Activities: Scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, craft shopping, hiking and more.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 30/31 Northern Lake Malawi
Leaving Kande Beach we travel north to Chitimba, a small village by the lake with more white sandy beaches. Livingstonia Mission is at the top of the nearby mountains. You can hike up to the village, but be warned, this is not a relaxing stroll… there is a beautiful waterfall and interesting permaculture project on the way and it is possible to spend the night up there. Alternatively spend another 2 relaxing days on the beach.
Optional Activities: Hike to Livingstonia Mission, Abseiling, Water sports etc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 32 Tanzania – Iringa
Today we leave Malawi and enter Tanzania. We ascend out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, passing vast tea plantations in the highlands before arriving at our camp outside Iringa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 33 Dar Es Salaam
Today we transit through Mikumi National Park, the 4th largest National Park in Tanzania, to the historical port city of Dar es Salaam, gateway to Zanzibar. The city is one of the oldest settled cities in East Africa and, although not the capital, is the chief commercial centre of Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 34/35/36 Zanzibar
A local ferry will take us from Dar Es Salaam (where we leave the truck) to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. We spend the first night exploring the historical and unique architecture. There are also spice and seafood markets and the island is known for its endangered red colobus monkeys, adopted as the flagship species for conservation in Zanzibar. The following day we take a transfer to the northern part of the Island where we will spend 2 days relaxing on the beach.
Optional Activities: Lunch & Dinner, Swimming with Dolphins, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling.
Meals: Breakfast x3

Day 37 Dar Es Salaam
Today we leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry back to Dar Es Salaam and return to our truck and campsite. The evening can be spent reminiscing about our days on the island.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 38 Arusha
Today we take a long and scenic drive to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania and known for its authentic craft markets. On a clear day it’s possible to see Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. After arriving in Arusha, those who are going to explore the Serengeti National Park, prepare for their excursion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 39/40 Serengeti/Ngorongoro
Today we have the opportunity to go on a three-day trip into the Serengeti. This area has one of the most densely inhabited large animal populations in Africa. We game drive in the Serengeti NP and the amazing Ngorongoro Crater. In October and April the area is known for the circular migration of millions of herbivores travelling in pursuit of the seasonal rains. For those not going to the parks, take this chance to absorb some of the fascinating local culture.
Optional Activities: Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 41 Arusha
Today those that went in to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro will return to Arusha where there will be time sit together and share stories of the wonderful African animals seen in the park. The Serengeti is always an unforgettable experience and one that will be shared time and time again.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 42 Kenya – Nairobi
After crossing the border into Kenya we continue to travel towards Nairobi . Although our tour has ended for some passengers groups like to spend this evening at local restaurant. Optional Activities: Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 43 – Lake Naivasha
Leaving Nairobi we travel north to Lake Naivasha and a day spent at Hell’s Gate National Park. The interesting name comes from the huge red-coloured cliffs that form the entrance to the geothermal interior. This is the only National Park where you can go hiking and activities include game and bird watching. The park entry fees are included and one of the more popular optional activities is to go game viewing from a bicycle. An alternative way to spend your afternoon is to take high-tea at Elsamere, the former home of Joy Adams, best known for her autobiographical novel, Born Free.
Optional Activities: Cycle hire, High Tea at Elsamere
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 44 – Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is the Kenyan side of the Serengeti National Park (located in Tanzania). Today the tour will be entering this huge area of spectacular game viewing to photograph some of Africa’s most abundant wildlife. Famous for the annual migration of around 1.5 million wildebeest, the Masai Mara is also home to many other animals, including lions. In addition to what we hope will be a successful day’s game viewing, cultural interaction with Kenya’s native Masaai people will round off your experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 45 – Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru NP
This morning there’s more game viewing in the Masai Mara before we travel towards Lake Nakuru NP, a great place to spot flamingos. White Rhino also inhabit the transitional savanna area surrounding the lake, with great photo opportunities for the keen photographers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 46 – Uganda - Kampala
Leaving Lake Nakuru we drive to the Uganda border, then stop for a photo at the equator. Later we arrive in Uganda’s capital and largest city, Kampala.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 47 – Kampala Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Although officially this day is set aside for everyone to explore Kampala, most people use this day to take an optional day trip to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Ngamba Island. This non-profit eco-friendly project was set up in 1998 to care for orphaned chimpanzees. Ngamba Island is situated 23 km from Entebbe (near Kampala) on Lake Victoria and is only accessible by boat.
Optional Activities: Ngamba Chimpanzee Excursion, Kampala Markets, Dinner Out.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 48 – Lake Bunyoni
Lake Bunyoni is a small but attractive lake with steep sides and abundant birdlife. Ringed by mountains, the lake is best known for its dense Otter population and stunning scenery. We make use of this beautiful spot to relax and spend the night before the final drive to the Gorillas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 49/50/51– Gorillas
The Mountain Gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only around 650 left. Visiting the Gorillas is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining Gorillas rests in the community development work – as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach, the future of the Mountain Gorilla is assured.

As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where we actually visit them. The home of the Mountain Gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible we choose to make use of the NP in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits.

Should we not obtain permits to visit the Mountain Gorillas in either Bwindi or Mgahinga NP in Uganda then we will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC. Visas for all nationalities are available on the DRC and Rwandan borders.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Please note: Although there are 3-days allocated to Gorilla Trekking you will only spend one-day on the trek. The other days are there to provide a large enough window in which to obtain permits and to allow the entire group to trek if there are more than 6 of you on the tour.

Day 52 – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Many game species are to be found in this mainly wetland park including the (elsewhere elusive) giant forest hog, and the legendary tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector. The 1995 square kilometres of exceptional bio-diversity contain over 600 species of birds and nearly 100 mammals. Game is best viewed from the water and we recommend the optional sunset river cruise on the Kasinga channel.
Optional Activities: Kasinga Channel Sunset Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 53 - Kampala
The morning is spent on further game viewing and this afternoon we return to Kampala where we can dine out at one of the city’s many restaurants. The next day the tour will leave early for Jinja, home to some of the best White Water Rafting in the world. As we need to pre book this activity, our guides need to know on arrival at Kampala, if you wish to brave the Nile River.
Optional Activities: Meal out in Kampala
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 54 – Jinja
Jinja is Uganda’s second largest city and is famous as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins the 6695 kilometre journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean. If you do not want to go rafting, why not volunteer for the day at Soft Power Education, a UK registered charity that is doing a wonderful job educating Jinja’s youth.
Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Soft Power Education Project
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 55 – Kenya - Eldoret
Returning to Kenya we visit Eldoret, the country’s 5th largest city. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and the altitude at Eldoret is 2100 metres above sea level.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 56 – Nairobi
Returning to Nairobi, the largest city in the East Africa region, there’s an optional dinner at the city’s famous Carnivore Restaurant, where we can swap stories and exchange contact details.
Optional Activities: Meal out in Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

NB: The itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice in order to accommodate the best possible viewing of the Gorillas. The Permit price to visit the Gorillas can also change without notice.