Africa Encompassed Northbound

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe just in time to have lunch. Set up camp and enjoy some free time to relax, freshen up and plan out your next couple of days at Victoria Falls.

Spend the day soaking in the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls. There’s plenty to explore in and around town, whether you want to see the falls on foot, get out on the water, take to the skies or check out the local breweries, restaurants and cafes. Be sure to ask your leader for their tips and recommendations. Then, at 4 pm, you’ll meet the new travellers joining the group for the next part of your trip at a second welcome meeting. Afterwards, why not grab dinner together and get to know your new group?

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.

After breakfast, you’ll travel to Lower Zambezi National Park – located on the Zimbabwean border and famous for its spectacular Zambezi River valley and abundant wildlife, including fish eagles, buffalo, and elephants. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it’s the perfect chance to get stuck into a good book or catch up on your favourite podcasts. After crossing the border from Zimbabwe into Zambia, continue to your campsite in the wildlife-rich Chiawa area, surrounded by native bush with animals roaming freely through the camp.

Begin your wildlife adventure with a scenic boat cruise to Lower Zambezi National Park. As you glide past lush riverbanks, keep watch for wildlife before arriving at the park entrance. Then set off on a full-day safari through one of Zambia’s best wildlife viewing areas – set along a wide floodplain of the Zambezi River, dotted with acacias and towering trees, and framed by a dramatic slope to the north, covered in thick miombo woodland. Across the river you'll see Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park - the two parks forming one of Africa’s most amazing wilderness areas. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, leopards, lions, and birds before returning by boat back to camp.

This morning, travel to Lusaka.Your campsite on a private farm surrounded by the natural bushland, just outside of the city. When you arrive, set up camp, settle in, and spend some time exploring the camp, stretching your legs as you try to spot impala, giraffes, or even zebras wandering through!

Wake up early and begin your journey to Petauke – a town in the Eastern Province of Zambia. Along the way, watch the ever-changing scenery shift from open plains to rural villages and bustling roadside markets, offering a glimpse into daily Zambian life. Tonight, enjoy a well-earned rest at your camp, under the African night sky.

After breakfast, travel to a workshop in South Luangwa where local craftswomen transform snare wire, recovered from poaching traps, into jewellery inspired by the African bush. When you arrive, the women will show you around their purpose-built workshop, then try your hand at coiling or hammering the wire yourself! After, continue your journey through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park.

After breakfast, head out on a morning 4WD safari to try and spot iconic African wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, leopards, Thornicroft’s giraffes and lions with a local guide. Learn about the region’s diverse landscapes and animals. Spend the afternoon relaxing, or maybe head out on an optional evening safari to try to spot any animals that you may have missed this morning.

Head out on another morning 4WD safari for a second chance to spot South Luangwa’s remarkable wildlife. After, you’ll make tracks to your next camp near Chipata for the night.

Cross the border into Malawi and continue straight to your camp on the shores of Lake Malawi. The country 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 water. Your campsite sits right on the shore so you can relax on the beach after todays drive.

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.

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.

Today you'll cross the border into Tanzania and travel through its southern highlands as you make your way to Tukuyu. Enjoy a guided visit to a local tea farm, hosted by the farm owner. You’ll be taken through each step of tea cultivation – from planting and nurturing the bushes to harvesting the leaves. Learn about the seasonal rhythms of the farm, the processing stages that shape the final product, and the vital role tea farming plays in the local community and regional economy. Gain firsthand insight into daily life on a working tea farm and hear directly from a local producer about the industry and its challenges.

Today you'll head towards Iringa and set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse situated on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement. The area is filled with natural bush, which makes it a bird watchers paradise. If it's a clear night, make the most of this rural setting by stargazing before you retire for the night.

Today you’ll drive to Mikumi National Park. Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi is Tanzania’s fourth‑largest national park. On arrival, join an expert guide for a 4WD safari, where you’re likely to see buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and elephants.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic drive to Kipepo Beach, located on the white sandy beaches on the south coast of Dar es Salaam. Once you arrive, set up camp and take some time to unwind – maybe enjoy a 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 unwind and take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean.

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.

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.

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.

Say goodbye to Zanzibar’s northern beaches this morning as you travel back to Stone Town. Here you’ll meet new members of your group at an 11 am welcome meeting before taking the ferry back to Dar es Salaam. Say hello to your driver and cook before boarding your overland vehicle for the short drive to you camp in Bagamoyo, a lovely spot by the beach.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Wake at dawn and embark on a morning safari. 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 safari in time for dinner. You might also opt to take a balloon safari over the park this morning. If you have booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, take off and glide through the dawn sky, sometimes at tree height, getting some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you'll ascend higher, giving you an overview of the vastness of the plains. After landing, celebrate with a glass of champagne before tucking into a special bush breakfast.

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.

Set off early to cross the border into Kenya and make your way to the bustling metropolis of Nairobi. On arrival, settle into your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure before joining the welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet new members of your group.

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.

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. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite located just outside Eldoret.

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.

Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park today. On arrival, look out for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks on an overland vehicle game drive before making your way to camp. This evening 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.

This morning, enjoy a second leisurely overland vehicle game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park before the short drive to Kalinzu Forest National Park. 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. You'll have the option to trek to spot 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.

This morning, make your way to the southwest tip 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This morning, drive to the famous Maasai 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 Maasai 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.

This morning, you’ll venture into the Maasai 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. You also have the option to take a balloon safari over the Mara at sunrise. If you’ve 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.

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.