African Encounter | 37 Days Dar-es-Salaam to Cape Town

DAY 1: Dar Es Salaam (No Meals)

Tanzania’s natural environment and geographical features have made it one of the best tourist destinations in Africa. Being the biggest country in east Africa, Tanzania has heaps to offer her visitors, including 13 game reserves and national parks. Tanzania also forms part of the world’s largest animal’s movements, the great migration. Inland are the vast Serengeti National Park and the animal-packed Ngorongoro Conservation area, and thousands of people every year fulfil their lifetime achievement of climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in Africa. On the coast, Zanzibar is exotic, intriguing and steeped in the unique Swahili culture. Tonight we will be staying in Beach Bandas at Kipepeo Beach & Village (or similar).

DAY 2 & 3: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (Breakfast)

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands.

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is famous for its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the island. These two nights we stay in twin-share rooms at Amaan Bungalows (or similar).

PLEASE NOTE: Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own, and in accordance with their own budget. The Trip Leader joins you and will arrange your activities, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer. There are also a wide variety of optional excursions on offer.

DAYS 4: Zanzibar (Breakfast)

Today we travel back to the main town & tonight we stay in twin-share rooms at Swahili House (or similar).

DAY 5: Zanzibar to Mikumi (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

This morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south. We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. This is where we spend the night camping at Tan-Swiss Lodge (or similar).

DAY 6: Mikumi to Iringa (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

From Mikumi we travel towards Iringa where we spend the night camping in a beautiful rustic campsite called Old Farmhouse (or similar).

A variety of attractions can be found in this exquisite country such as, forest, mountains and many a rural village, but there is one major attraction – Lake Malawi. There are many small rustic resorts along this fresh water lake where you can kick back on the sand, and enjoy the perfect sunset over this lake. Malawi will offer you the perfect sub-tropical climate, allowing you ample time to soak up the sun and work on that tan. Lilongwe is the largest city in Malawi, as well as the capital city. Malawi plays host to just over 12 million people, with English and Chichewa being the main languages.

Lake Malawi

Most your time in Malawi will be spent enjoying the white beaches and warm waters of Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi is also known as “the lake of stars”, offering an abundance of water activities. With the staggering amount of 500 species of fish, this lake makes for an excellent spot for fresh water diving after meeting and greeting all the welcoming locals.

DAYS 7 - 9: Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (Breakfast)

Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ through the border post at Songwe.

Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 3 days.

Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dugout canoe yourself! At night, you’ll see the ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermen out on the lake. The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horseback rides and a visit to the local village and school. The first night we will spend in twin-share rooms at Chitimba Camp (or similar) and the second and third night in twin-share rooms at Kande Beach Lodge (or similar).

Optional activities vary; however, we do recommend that you do the village tour.

DAYS 10: Lake Malawi to Chipata (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

We travel from Lake Malawi over the border to the beautiful country of Zambia. We will spend our first night in Zambia in the small town of Petauke. We will camp at Mamarula’s (or similar).

DAY 11: Chipata to Luangwa National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

An early start takes us the South Luangwa National Park. This breath-taking park is situated on the Luangwa River in the Eastern part of Zambia, and it is the southernmost of three national parks in this region. South Luangwa was founded in 1938 as a game reserve, 1972 was the year it was declared as a national park, and today it covers over 9000 kilometres squared. Animals such as Giraffe, buffalo and Elephants can be found in abundance. The Luangwa river is home to many a hippo and croc. Tonight we camp at the Croc Valley campsite (or similar).

DAY 12: Luangwa National Park to Lusaka (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we depart this amazing National Park and make our way down south. As we drive, we pass through a few of the villages and towns of Zambia along the way. Prosperous during the copper boom in the 60’s, Zambia was able to build infrastructure at the main mining and farming communities. After the fall of the copper industry, the country was left virtually bankrupt and existing infrastructure was left to fall to ruin. Due to foreign investment and a rise in the mining industry, Zambia is today once again starting to prosper. Tonight we camp at Eureka Camping Park (or similar).

DAY 13: Lusaka to Livingstone (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Heading further south, we journey through the southern Zambian towns mostly supporting local agriculture and farming on our way to Livingstone. The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight, we have the option of enjoying an optional sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi. Tonight we camp at Victoria Falls Waterfront (or similar).

This landlocked country is situated in the southern part of Africa, between the mighty Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers. The word Zimbabwe is believed to have two meanings, 1) it is believed the word Zimbabwe is derived from dzimba-dza-mabwe, which means “large house of stone” in the Shona (Karanga Dialect) language. 2) It is also believed to be derived from the word dzimba-hwe which means venerated houses in the Zezuru dialect of Shona.

DAY 14: Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (Breakfast)

We leave Zambia and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Once we’ve completed the border formalities, we continue to the town of Victoria Falls. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our lodging is conveniently situated in the centre of town, and within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops. For the next two nights we will stay in twin-share rooms at Shearwater Lodge (or similar).

DAYS 15- 18: Victoria Falls (Breakfast)

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Vic Falls, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the next leg of our trek.

Optional Activities: Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

DAY 19: Victoria Falls to Kasane (Botswana) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

After breakfast, we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane. Today we have a bit of free time to relax at leisure. You can partake in the boat cruise on the Chobe River.

DAY 20: Kasane to Nata Region (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

We leave this beautiful part of Botswana behind us this morning. Our drive will take us through a very unpopulated landscape where the donkeys roam freely. From Botswana, we head to the lush campsite called Elephant Sands (or similar)

DAY 21: Kasane to Maun (Breakfast / Lunch)

Maun is the starting point for travel into the Delta and it is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta. Your trip leader will brief you fully on what is needed, and what to expect prior to your trip into the Delta. Tonight and tomorrow night we will stay in twin-share rooms at Sitatunga (or similar).

This sandy yet spectacular country gained its independence from South Africa in the year of 1990 and its largest city, also the capital city is Windhoek. This is a country of compelling beauty and wide horizons dominated by the brooding and desolate Namib Desert, which has the highest sand dunes in the world.

DAY 25: Windhoek to Etosha National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we make our way across the park, keeping a look out for the many different mammals, reptiles, birds and insects in the various regions. As the vegetation types change, so does the animal and bird life that relies on it, and so different sections of the Park offer a variety of different game options. After a full day of game viewing, we exit the park through Anderson gate and head to our camp just 10kms away; perhaps the chance for a quick dip in the pool before dinner, followed by a relaxing evening in this interesting bar. Tonight we camp at Namibian Wildlife Resorts Halali Camp (or similar).

DAY 26 & 27: Etosha National Park Area (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today’s drive takes us further south through the Namibian countryside to our campsite, located in the vicinity of Etosha National Park. Tonight and tomorrow night we will camp at Etosha Village (or similar).

DAY 28: Etosha National Park area to Brandberg (UIS) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we head down south to the area of the Brandberg. All depending on the time of arrival we will have the opportunity to explore the area. Tonight we camp at Brandberg Rest Camp (or similar).

DAY 29: Brandberg (UIS) to Swakopmund (Breakfast)

Today we head for Swakopmund, via Spitzkoppe. Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit. Alternatively, the lovely beach and promenade make for a great relaxing walk – though bathing in the ocean waters may be somewhat chilly! Tonight and tomorrow night we stay in twin-share rooms at Amanpuri Lodge (or similar).

DAY 30: Swakopmund (Breakfast)

The next day can be spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions.

Optional Activities: Skydiving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund.

DAYS 31 & 32: Swakopmund to Sesriem (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Leaving Swakopmund, we head south to the industrial Walvis Bay before turning inland and toward the desert. Continuing our journey, we enter the Namib-Naukluft Park in one of the oldest deserts in the world. We base ourselves at Sesriem, a great place to experience the Namib and its many moods. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300 m high. We spend the afternoon exploring this amazing area. Tonight and tomorrow night we camp at Oasis Camp (or similar).

DAY 33: Sesriem to Fish River Canyon (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Heading out early, we see the sunrise over this beautiful area and we leave the serenity of the dunes to head south to the Fish River Canyon. At 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep, it’s the second largest canyon in the world. The outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity, while the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road follows the eastern rim, giving us access to several viewing points from where we can take in the spectacular vistas. Tonight we camp at Canyon Roadhouse (or similar)

DAY 34: Fish River Canyon to Gariep River (South Africa) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we continue south, where, after a short drive, we reach the Gariep River - the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa. We camp at a beautiful campsite, Fiddler’s Creek (or similar) on the South African bank of the river. Tonight, there’s a chance for some fun at the awesome camp bar overlooking the river!

DAY 35: Orange River to Cederberg (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

An early morning start see us travel south through the Richtersveld and the mining town of Springbok, before reaching the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring. We spend tonight in a picturesque campsite, Highlanders (or similar) surrounded by local wine farms. Tonight, is our last night under the stars!

DAY 36 & 37: Cederberg to Cape Town (Breakfast)

We leave the scenic Cederberg area and travel south towards Cape Town. We travel through the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal before crossing the Piekenierskloof Pass to the Cape’s wine growing regions. Our first sighting of the Mother’s City Table Mountain across Table Bay means we’ve reached our final destination. Before heading to our final stop we take in a Cape Point Tour These two nights’ accommodation is in twin-share rooms at Never@Home (or similar).