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South Africa Independent Travel Ideas

Cape Town to Kenya

41 days

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This exciting holiday offers you a comprehensive experience of Southern and Eastern Africa’s best adventure attractions. Our unique itinerary has been carefully designed to maximize your experiences in the time you have exploring this incredible continent with us. From Cape Town to a glimpse of Mt Kilimanjaro, from giant sand dunes in ancient deserts to sun-kissed beaches on tropical Zanzibar, from thundering Victoria Falls to the serenity of the Chobe River, from the majesty of the Ngorongoro Crater to the vast Serengeti plains – this comprehensive tour will leave you with unforgettable memories. This Overland tour allows you to embrace the magic of Africa leaving you with an everlasting desire to discover more of this dynamic and diverse continent

Day 1. Cape Town – Western Cape, South Africa.
Your overland safari begins in cosmopolitan Cape Town, overlooked by Table Mountain and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, one of the world’s most picturesque cities. Before you leave the city you take a tour of the Cape Flats, one of Cape Town’s intriguing townships, visiting some of the local people and community projects in the area. The townships illustrate both South Africa’s tumultuous history and its hope for the future which makes for a fascinating visit. From here you head north through South Africa’s Western Cape and through the fruit growing regions of Citrusdal. Your campsite is located near the Olifants River overlooking the stunning Cederberg Mountains. After setting up camp there is an option to sample some of the local wines of the region, properly meet the rest of the group and enjoy our first night under the African sky.  Distance travelled: +/-260kms and approx driving day: Half day LD

Highlanders Camp

Day 2. Western Cape – Gariep (Orange) River.
Continuing north the landscape gradually turns drier and rockier as you head towards the Namibian border. You set up camp tonight on the South African side of the Gariep (Orange) River, a stunning backdrop. Your camp provides you with the necessary comforts like hot showers, flush toilets, grassy campsites and bar facilities. You will be briefed on an optional Orange River canoe safari for later this afternoon or the following morning. There is also the option to hike to the lookout above the campsite and the Orange River is safe for swimming! The camp by night is showered with stars of the Richtersveld – a truly peaceful and tranquil experience. Distance travelled: +/-400kms and approx driving day: Full day BLD

Umkulu camp

Day 3. Gariep (Orange) River – Fish River Canyon, Namibia.
This morning you take an option canoe safari on the river if not taken the previous night, or simply relax on the water’s edge before entering Namibia via Vooilsdrift Border post and to arrive at the awesome Fish River Canyon in the mid afternoon. One of the natural wonders of Africa the canyon is some 500m deep and over 160km long and often referred to as the second largest canyon in the world. There are plenty of opportunities for keen photographers this afternoon and as the sun starts to set which can be viewed from the canyons infamous sharp river bend known as ‘Hells Corner’. A great opportunity to find a quiet spot and marvel at the sheer beauty of the Fish River Canyon.  Distance travelled: +/-180kms and approx driving day: Half day BLD

Canyon Roadhouse

Day 4. Fish River Canyon – Sesriem.
After a night near the canyon you continue north until you reach Sesriem, the gateway to the Namib Naukluft National Park, containing the world’s oldest desert and highest sand dunes. The Namib-Naukluft National Park contains part of the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountain range. With an overall area of 49,768 km2 it’s larger that Switzerland and is the second largest game park in Africa and the fourth largest in the world. Here you set up camp for the evening under the starry Namibian sky. Distance travelled: +/-600kms and approx day drive: Full day BLD

Sesriem Camp

Day 5. Namib Naukluft National Park – Swakopmund.
This morning you enter the National Park to trek to the top of famous Dune 45 in time to watch the sun rise over the open desert. A spectacular sight but be warned, it’s an energy sapping climb to the top as some dunes are over 300m high! After a well deserved breakfast you continue deeper into the park for an option nature walk in Sossusvlei, amidst the giant sand dunes – a real glimpse of Namibia’s un-spoilt natural environment. Bring your camera – the shifting colours of the desert as the sun climbs throughout the mid/late morning offer some brilliant photographic opportunities. Departing from the dunes, you head for the Atlantic coast for two nights, crossing over the Tropic of Capricorn, and stopping for a photo opportunity en route.  Swakopmund makes for a refreshing change with cooler Atlantic sea air, a taste of civilization and a swathe of exciting adventure options to be enjoyed!

N.B: For the sake of practicality, meals in Swakopmund are restricted to breakfasts. This allows you to take on half day or full day activities (some of which include lunch) without having to be back for meal times. Swakopmund town offers a variety of bakery’s and cafes with a selection of reasonably priced meals (allow ZAR 50-100 per meal) Relax and enjoy these days at your own leisure. Distance travelled: +/-450kms and approx driving day: Full day BL

Amanpuri Dorm Bed (2 nights

Day 6. Swakopmund.
A small town redolent of Namibia’s colonial past but with modern adventure oriented attractions for the visitor Swakopmund is Namibia’s main seaside resort, sandwiched neatly between the desert and the ocean. A delightful coastal oasis.  Try some adventure desert based activities if you wish –quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving (weather permitting) and more! For those not adventure minded enjoy what the town has to offer, shopping, restaurants, museum, aquarium, art galleries – or else simply walk along the promenade admiring the ocean and indulge in the town’s café culture.  B

Day 7. Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe
Leaving the coast you turn inland to the beautiful Damaraland region and stop at Spitzkoppe to admire ancient bushman paintings still visible on peculiar rock formations. The rock formations peak at approx 1800m above sea level, and form a spectacular view. Take your time to explore the area and its delightful calmness. Keep an eye on the ever changing colour of the rock, especially during sunrise and sunset, when they acquire intense red shades. The most impressive rock painting is “Bushman Paradise”.

The Spitzkoppe Restcamp lies at the base of the mountain. It is owned and maintained by the local community and all proceeds from your visit go directly to the local community.  Distance travelled: +/-150kms and approx driving day: Half day BLD

Spitzkoppe Bush Camp

Day 8. Spitzkoppe to Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park
From Spitzkoppe you turn north again making our way to Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park, home to Save the Cheetah Project. Since 1994 the family which owns and runs the private reserve have been introducing visitors and locals alike to the plight of the Cheetah, hoping that close up encounters with them will help make a difference to attitudes and understanding of this threatens cat. You get up close to cheetahs that have been hand raised since birth, providing us with great encounters and photo opportunities. You then jump onto the back of an open bedded truck to go out into the reserve to see some of the more than twenty wild cheetahs that are protected here. This is a unique experience and one that won’t be forgotten. Back at camp enjoy a swim and a sundowner before dinner and bed.  Distance travelled: +/-350kms and approx driving day: Half day BLD

Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park

Day 9 – 10. Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park to Etosha National Park
You make your way north to Etosha National Park, a vast reserve of over 20,000 sq km surrounding a central salt depression or ‘pan.’ The pan is seasonally full of water but specially managed waterholes sustain some 114 mammal and 340 bird species. You spend two nights here, usually making camp near a floodlit waterhole.   Observers frequently see a range of night visitors including elephant, giraffe, zebra, even lion and hyena, making it one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in Namibia - a truly African experience and a highlight of any trip to Namibia. You have a short afternoon game drive upon arrival and a full day game drive the following day. Distance travelled: +/- 250kms on day 9 only and approx drive day: Full day including game drives BLD

Okaukuejo or Halai or Namatoni Camp(2 nights)

Day 11. Etosha to Windhoek
Heading south, you arrive in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, which is located in a basin between the Khomas Highland, Auas and Eros Mountains and is situated almost in the countries epicenter.

Windhoek (Windy-corner in English) is home to approximately two hundred thousand people, an extremely small capital by global standards. The city centre is characterized by a proliferation of German style buildings, a lasting reminder of Namibia's early colonial history and atmosphere. Take the opportunity to enjoy a night out at one of the local restaurants or visit the famous 'Joes Beer House' Distance travelled: +/-420km and approx driving day: Full day BL

Arebbusch Camp

Day 12. Windhoek to Ghanzi, Botswana
Leaving Windhoek you travel west into the Kalahari region and cross into Botswana. Your first stop is at the town of Ghanzi.  Here, in this midst of (seemingly) barren terrain you meet the San/Bushman and have a guided bush walk for a genuine cultural experience learning about this ancient people’s way of life.

You learn how they harness nature and manage the neweable resources around them to their maximum without damaging the fragile balance found in this ecosystem. Something we can all learn from. Your support of this ecotourism venture gives the San/Bushman a sustainable income and helps keep their culture alive.

Around the campfire at night, you can experience the ancient dance rituals of the San/Bushman. On special occasions this could be a healing or trance dance, which can continue all night, and is an intense spiritual experience for both participants and visitors alike.  Distance travelled: +/-480km and approx driving day: Full day BLD

Ghanzi Trailblazers

Day 13. Ghanzi to Maun
Maun is the fifth largest town in Botswana and is an eclectic mix of modern buildings and native dwellings.

Although officially still a village, Maun has developed rapidly from a rural frontier town to a community that has distributed along the wide banks of the Thamalakane River where red lechwe can still be seen grazing next to local donkeys, goats and cattle.

Since Maun's founding in 1915 it has had a reputation as a hard-living 'Wild West' town helping the local cattle ranching and hunting operations. Maun today though a thriving tourist town, infamous for its infestation of donkeys and to a lesser extent goats. These animals can be seen standing around town as they are used by local traders and farmers alike to transport their wares to sell on the curbside. Maun is the entrance to the Okavango Delta.  Distance travelled: +/-280kms and approx driving day: Half day BLD

Sitatunga Camp

Day 14. Okavango Delta
The Okavango is a natural wetland spreading over some 1,600,000ha of northern Botswana. The Okavango River rises in Angola (farther to the north) and flows south dividing repeatedly after crossing into Botswana to form an intricate floodplain of channels and which spreads out into a broad flat inland delta – the only one of its kind in the world. Here you explore amongst the giant lily pads, tall grasses and labyrinthine channels in search of hippo, crocodile and a variety of birds. You travel by mokoro (dugout canoe) to our island camp and explore the area on a walking safari. The Okavango is a very unspoilt area and camping out amidst the bush and the rivers listening to sounds of the African night is an unforgettable experience! BLD

Okavango Delta Bush Camp

Day 15. Okavango Delta - Maun
You make your way out of the Okavango Delta and return to Maun and Sitatunga Camp for an afternoon of leisure. There is an opportunity this afternoon to participate in an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta – a breathtaking option that enables you to experience an aerial view, which puts into perspective the vastness of the wilderness area you have visited.

If doing the flight keep a look out for hippos in the waterways and elephant and buffalo in the shade of the trees. Observe how the water channels meander their way through the Delta in ever changing dynamic path.

For those not choosing to fly over the Delta relax at our campsite bar, enjoy the swimming pool facilities or have a game of volleyball! BLD

Sitatunga Camp 

Day 16. Maun to Nata
From the Okavango Delta we make our way to Nata and travel the short distance north to our camp at Elephant Sands Lodge. The camping area is unfenced so wild animals frequently visit the lodge’s waterhole to drink with the surrounding area on the fringes of the dry and dusty Kalahari Desert. If we are lucky we might see elephant, buffalo, kudu, zebra and giraffe and possibly the odd lion and wild dog! We also gravitate to water with the swimming pool also a focal point! Relax and absorb nature’s bounty at its best, up close! Distance travelled: +/-350kms and approx driving day: Half day BLD

Elephant Sands

Day 17. Nata to Kasane
You make your way to the northern corner of Botswana to Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park. By size, it is the third largest park in the country and is the most diverse, home to elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and abundant birdlife, including the famous African fish eagle. You take a ‘Fish Eagle’ cruise on the Chobe River – a great opportunity to see hippo and perhaps elephant or buffalo coming to the river to bathe and drink.

The Chobe River is a major watering spot for large breeding herds of elephants, as well as families of giraffe, sable and Cape buffalo. The flood plains are the only place in Botswana where the puku antelope can be seen. Birding is also excellent here. When in flood spoonbills, ibis, various species of stork and other waterfowl flock to the area.  Distance travelled: +/- 300km and approx driving day: Half day BLD

Thebe River Lodge

Day 18. Kasane – Livingstone, Victoria Falls, Zambia
Moving on from Kasane you take the ferry across the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers into Zambia. Zambia, formerly known as Northern Rhodesia took its name from the Zambezi River at independence in 1964. The Zambezi River is the fourth longest in Africa (after the Nile, Congo and Niger) and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean. Home to one of the world’s largest waterfalls, you visit Victoria Falls and try to take in the immensity of one of nature’s Wonders of the World. At various times of year the spray from the Falls can be seen from up to 20 or 30 kilometres away, hence the local name ‘Mosi au Tunya’ – the ‘smoke that thunders’.

You set up camp at the Waterfront campsite on the banks of the Zambezi, just a few kilometres from the Victoria Falls and the small town of Livingstone. You will give a full briefing on the various optional activities available in the area (typically these include rafting, canoeing, bungee, abseiling, gorge swinging,  elephant and horse riding, scenic flights, river cruises), allowing you to plan your time accordingly. The campsite reception can advise on taxis and restaurants to eat out for the next four nights.

Note: For the sake of practicality, meals in the Livingstone/Victoria Falls area are restricted to breakfasts. This allows you to take on half day or full day activities (some of which include lunch) without having to be back with the group at mealtimes. The Waterfront camp restaurant overlooks the Zambezi River and offers a good selection of reasonably priced meals and snacks throughout the day (allow US$15 -$30 per meal). Relax and enjoy these few days at your own leisure. Alternatively, take a taxi into Livingstone to try local fare. Distance travelled +/-80kms and approx driving day: Half day B

Waterfront (4 nights)

Day 19-21. Livingstone, Victoria Falls
The next three days are yours to explore the Victoria Falls area to the full. Apart from the adventure activities already mentioned check out the markets and fascinating museum in nearby Livingstone, volunteer a day in some worthwhile local projects, go on a day trip to Victoria Falls Township in Zimbabwe or simply relax on the beautiful campsite deck and watch the Zambezi River flow quickly past on its way to Victoria Falls.

Your campsite is surrounded by the Mosi oa Tunya National Park so for those wanting more game drives these are available on your doorstep! Elephants crossing the Zambezi River from Zimbabwe can be seen as well as giraffe, buffalo, white rhino, eland, warthog, hippo as well as a variety of monkeys. Distance Travelled: +/- 0Km and approx driving day: None. B

Day 22. Livingstone – Kafue
Relaxed and revitalized from the wonderful stay in Livingstone, you head north-east to the Kafue River.  The amazing river runs 900km from its source, south of the border of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to where it merges its waters into the Zambezi River. Leaving your truck behind you take a scenic river cruise on the Kafue Queen to your campsite nestled on the edge of the river and gorge. After setting up camp, a local traditional dance and drumming group will perform around the open fire under the African starry night for a fun filled evening.   Distance Travelled: +/- 450Km and approx driving day: Full day BLD

Kafue Bush Camp

Day 23. Kafue - Lusaka
This morning you take a short cruise on the Kafue Queen arriving at a small quant village to take an insight into life in an isolated rural Zambian village. You will be met by a local committee who will provide all the information and history of the area. The rest of the tour is at leisure to take pictures and interact with the local community.

After your tour, you enjoy a hot breakfast and scenic cruise back to your truck for your onward journey to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. You camp just outside of Lusaka at a pretty campsite that has zebra’s ostrich’s, giraffe’s and antelope roaming freely around the outskirts of the main camping area. Distance Travelled: +/- 80Km and approx driving day: Short day BLD

Eureka Camp

Day 24. Lusaka - Chipata
You leave early and take the Great Eastern Road through lush countryside and small villages, crossing the Luangwa River to Chipata. Chipata formally named Fort Jamerson has a population of approx 98,000, and is the capital of the Eastern province of Zambia. This unique town has colorful fruit and vegetable markets and an unexpected amount of ornate mosques due to its large Indian community. If time allows, you will stop in Chipata before arriving to your campsite to overnight before crossing the border of Malawi. Distance Travelled: +/- 620Km and approx driving day: Full day BLD

Mama Rula Camp

Day 25. Chipata – Salima, Malawi
Leaving Zambia behind, you cross the border to Malawi stopping at Lilongwe, the capital before taking the eastern road to Lake Malawi.

Lake Malawi formally ‘Lake Nyasa’ covers almost a fifth of the country’s area and provides the source of livelihood for many of the Malawi people. Fishermen, fish traders, canoe and net makers all ply their trade, and a common sight is that of a fisherman in his Bwato, (dugout canoe made from hollowed out tree trunk) fishing on the lake at the break of day.  The lake also has the highest number of endemic fresh water fish species of any in the world.

You arrive at camp on the lake’s shore in the afternoon and have the rest of the day to swim and explore the beach and surrounding area.

Note: It is our intention to adhere to the campsites described a certain amount of flexibility is built into our time in Malawi. The crew may make alterations to the published itinerary. Please therefore treat the Malawi section of the itinerary between days 25-28 day as a guide line only. Distance Travelled: +/- 300Km and approx driving day: Full day BLD

Stepps Camp Site

Day 26-27. Salima – Kande Beach
After a relaxing morning you head to Kande Beach for a two night stay. Try some of the water sports typically available including diving and snorkeling, take a horse ride along the beach and surf or else simply relax and enjoy the warm fresh waters of Lake Malawi. There is the opportunity to meet the local people, generally known as amongst the friendliest in Africa to gain insight into their way of life.  Distance Travelled: +/- 320Km and approx driving day: Half day on day 26 only BLD

Kande Beach

Day 28. Kande Beach – Chitimba Beach
Taking a nice scenic drive through rubber plantations to Mzuzu – the capital of the northern region and the third largest town in Malawi, where we stop for a short while to grab supplies and check out the markets before arriving to Chitimba Beach. Tonight is your last night in Malawi before crossing the border to Tanzania. Enjoy time on the beach or shop at the large curio markets where you can test your bargaining skills and buy some of Malawi’s famous ornate and carved chairs. Distance Travelled: +/- 240Km and approx driving day: Half day BLD

Chitimba Beach

Day 29. Chitimba Beach – Iringa, Tanzania
Leaving Chitimba Beach, you travel the short distance north to cross the border into Tanzania. You steadily climb in altitude through Tanzania’s Southern Highlands all the way to Kisolanza Farm House. This farm is at an altitude of 1600m ensuring a pleasant fresh climate in one of the most scenic areas of Tanzania. Home to the Ghaui family for over 70 years, Kisolanza remains a working farm providing organic meat (beef, lamb and chicken) and vegetables to the surrounding markets as well as further afield in Dar es Salaam. This farm house is famous for their hot showers, chocolate brownies and hot chocolate that can be bought at their quaint candlelit bar. Distance Travelled: +/- 550Km and approx driving day: Full day BLD

Kisolanza Farm House

Day 30. Iringa – Dar es Salaam
You continue towards the Indian Ocean coast and the port city of Dar es Salaam (‘Haven of Peace’). This route runs through the Makumi National Park and you may, with luck, spot forest elephant or giraffe feeding near the side of the road. ‘Dar’ is Tanzania’s hub of commerce and industry – a hot, humid and bustling seaport city of high rises, colourful markets and Arab influenced architecture on the coast accessing one of the most important sea routes on earth (with an interesting history too). To a majority of travellers, this city is the port of call to the more exotic Zanzibar and the remaining of the Archipelago islands. You set up camp at your campsite on the beach just outside of the city centre, usually having time to browse curio markets - best known for ebony wood - and prepare for our trip to Zanzibar. Distance Travelled: +/- 500Km and approx driving day: Full day BLD

Mikadi Beach

Day 31-34. Zanzibar Island
Evocative and exotic Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy palm fringes beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys and lush tropical forests. You will find all of these here – and an intriguing history. Zanzibar was the base of the great 19th century explorers such as John Hanning Speke, Richard Burton and David Livingstone and once was a major trading centre of spices. Indeed the spice trade is centuries old: Zanzibaris have traded with the people of the Arabian peninsula for generations, plying the ocean in simple dhow sailboats relying on the annual trade winds for passage. The Arab influence is evident in the architecture and diverse street stall offerings of the capital, Stone Town Indeed the Arab influence can be seen right along the Eastern coast – the Swahili language itself is a result of the mixing of Arab and African languages and cultures over many centuries.

Zanzibar’s other history is not romantic. The island was also a staging post for slaves bought from the African interior being held before shipping to slave owners in the Middle East. You can still see the places where these men and woman were held – and even a short visit is enough to convey the appalling conditions they had to endure.

Your time on the island is not structured and your time is at leisure. Perhaps the best way to see Stone Town is on foot: explore the bazaars for old maritime trinkets, cloths, wooden carvings, visit mosques, palaces, courtyards and alleyways of the old town. Spices are grown in plantations nearby and you can take day tours to visit some and have your senses dazzled by the tastes and scents experienced. If it’s white sand, sparkling ocean and hot sun you prefer – head to the northern beaches and enjoy the Indian Ocean at its best. Try snorkeling and diving, indulge in some sumptuous seafood, or simply relax beneath a coconut palm with a cocktail and a good book.

Note: As you leave the truck on the mainland, basic tourist class accommodation and breakfasts on Zanzibar is included in the Local Payment but for the sake of flexibility other meals are left for your own account. Typically we spend one night in Stone Town and the next two nights in the north of the island at one of the beaches. Your tour leader will be available to assist if you if you have any questions or need activities arranged. Distance Travelled: Ferry crossing on day 31 B

1 night Stone Town, 3 nights Northern Beaches

Day 35. Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam
You have the morning to do any last minute shopping or enjoy one last swim before catching the ferry back to the African mainland and Dar es Salaam and onwards to your campsite on coast for the evening.  Distance Travelled: Ferry crossing BD

Mikadi Beach 

Day 36. Dar es Salaam – Pagani River
Departing early from Dar es Salaam, you head north to the Usambara and Pare Mountains in the Eastern Arc Mountain Range and camp near the Pagani River. The Pagani River basin is one of the most important rivers in the country sustaining the source of hydropower generation and smaller irrigation projects of vital importance to the economy. Distance Travelled: +/- 350Km and approx driving day: Full day BLD

Pagani River Camp

Day 37. Pagani River - Arusha
Today on your drive, if weather is clear you will gain a view of the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain (5895m).

You drive past the town of Moshi and eventually reach Arusha; a city situated exactly mid way between Cape Town and Cairo. This is Tanzania’s ‘safari capital’, a city of some 2 million people, a bustling melting pot of markets, vehicles and people – all nestling in the shadow of the brooding Mt Meru (4556m). With time to explore town you head out to your camp just outside the city at the edge of the Masai plains.

This afternoon you enjoy a walk to one of the local Masai villages, a local school and clinic, a small but highly interesting Masai museum, and the snake enclosure at the Mererani Snake Park.

It is from here that you prepare for your two night/three day excursion to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. This is an Optional Activity and Excursion which can be opted into a few days before the excursion is underway. Your tour leader will offer this to all on the tour and take payment for it as well. For those not wanting to take up this option there are other shorter activities to choose from while staying in Arusha. Distance Travelled: +/- 350Km and approx driving day: Full day BLD

Meserani Snake Park

Day 38-40.

Option One - Arusha – Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
Switching to smaller more ‘game park friendly’ vehicles you drive west across the rift Valley, passing through Mto Wa Mbo (‘mosquito creek’) and enter the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. We pass into the park and drive around the Crater rim and down onto the Serengeti plains. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry, this is home to an enormous variety of grazing animals, predators and birdlife. Flatter and larger than the Masai Mara the Serengeti is simply huge – indeed the name deprives from the Masai word Siringitu – ‘The place where the land moves on forever’. Game viewing here can be superb and camping out in the designated (but unfenced) campsite where the lion and hyena roam nearby is an unforgettable experience.

The following day you drive out of the plains for game driving and after lunch ascend the outer walk of the Ngorongoro Crater. You spend the night camping on the rim (you may need a jacket: it can be cold at night). At 326 square km in area, the Ngorongoro is Africa’s largest intact caldera and is a World Heritage Site. If the view from the rim (2400 metres above sea level) is spectacular, the site from the crater floor (some 600 metres below) is equally enjoyable. All the major mammals are present except giraffe (which cannot manage the steep slopes leading down to the crater floor) and you descend the steep access road for a morning of game driving. You drive back up another steep access road for lunch and your final view over the Ngorongoro before we retrace your steps to Arusha and your camp for the evening.  Distance Travelled: +/- 250Km each way on days 38 and 40 and approx driving day: Full days including game drives BLD

Serengeti Bush camp and Simba Camp

Option Two Arusha – Other Optional Activities and Excursions
There are a host of other Optional Activities and Excursions you can pursue not taking the 3 day/2night Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater option. Some of these include day trips to Lake Manyara National Park and Arusha National Park or simply catch a taxi into Arusha and mix with locals in the Central Market, check out Tanzanite at the Cultural Heritage Centre, shop for souvenirs, check your emails at internet cafes and more! One of your crew members will be on hand to help over the next three days with activities.

*Please budget US$20-$25 per day for meals & accommodation

Day 41. Arusha – Nairobi, Kenya
After a last night at camp, you make your way across the Masai Steppe to the Kenyan frontier. Completing formalities at Namanga border post, we drive the last stretch of road to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, where our tour ends.  Distance Travelled: +/- 270Km
Approx driving day: Full day BL

DEPARTURES:

2013: 02 Feb, 16 Feb, 02 Mar, 16 Mar, 30 Mar, 13 Apr, 27 Apr, 11 May, 25 May, 08 Jun, 22 Jun, 06 Jul, 20 Jul, 03 Aug, 17 Aug, 31 Aug, 14 Sep, 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 26 Oct, 09 Nov, 23 Nov, 07 Dec, 21 Dec

2014: 18 Jan, 01 Feb, 15 Feb, 01 Mar, 15 Mar, 29 Mar, 12 Apr, 26 Apr, 10 May, 24 May, 07 Jun, 21 Jun

TOUR STYLE:

Overland Tour - Travelling on an overland is great fun, but it can also be challenging! This is a participation tour and your help will be needed in setting up the camp each night and assisting (usually on a rota basis) with the various day to day campsite duties, such as shopping, cooking and keeping the truck and camp tidy. But don’t worry it’s not all hard work and it’s a great way to meet the local people and get to know your fellow travellers. Your contribution benefits the success of the tour - most people find the greater their involvement, the greater their enjoyment of the whole trip.

Africa is an adventure destination and travelling here is not always predictable so be prepared to “expect the unexpected’ in difficulties or delays which might come our way! You will need to remain flexible, understanding and good-humored. “African time” can be difficult and frustrating for those who are used to a very structured life, so this is something to keep in mind!

PRICE INCLUSIONS:

2 person dome tents, fully equipped safari vehicle, camping and cooking equipment, mattresses, service of 2 crew, all road and vehicle taxes, all ground transportation, meals as indicated and sightseeing as mentioned.

PRICE EXCLUSIONS:

Local Payment, activities and excursions (optional), visas, travel insurance, flight departure taxes, airport transfers, optional activities, tips, drinks, sleeping bag and items of personal nature.  NB: Dinner in Windhoek + lunches and dinners in Swakopmund, Livingstone, on Zanzibar and accommodation and meals if taking Option Two between days 38-40 are not included in the tour price or in the Local Payment.

LOCAL PAYMENT:

Every Overland tour has a Local Payment amount which must be paid to your tour leader in Africa at the beginning of the tour. This is separate and in addition to the Tour Price which is paid before travel.  Paid in the currency listed in the brochure or on the website (usually US dollars) that pays for food, park entries, activities and camping costs along the way with payment goes directly to the supplier.  Paid in the currency listed in the brochure or on the website (usually US dollars) directly to your Tour Leader in Africa at the beginning of the tour, the Local Payment of this tour covers the following; Food and Camping, Cape Town Township Tour, Sossusvlei, Dune 45, Cheetah Park Visit, Etosha National Park, Bushman Walk, Okavango Delta, Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Victoria Falls Visit, Kafue River Cruise, Zanzibar Ferry & Accommodation and Masai Village Walk   

ACCOMMODATION:

We use 2-person dome tents with fly sheets, sewn-in ground sheets, zip-up insect screens and foam mattresses. We mainly use campsites, which usually have reasonable wash and shower facilities, electricity points and sometimes even a small shop, bar or swimming pool.

TRANSPORT:

24-seater, self contained, custom-built safari truck with onboard tables, plug sockets, freezer, water tank, library, iPod jack, safety features and 70-litre individual lockers.

JOINING INFORMATION

This tour starts in Cape Town and the meeting point is at the Ashanti Lodge. The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on day 1 and at the in Nairobi on day 41 in the late afternoon at Hotel Boulevard.  The pre and post nights at these two lodges are not included. 

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