Adventure trip from Cape Town to Nairobi

A unique African journey begins. As we leave Cape Town, we make a last stop to glance back at Table Mountain from the other side of Table Bay. No road trip here is complete without a stop at a traditional "Padstal". These small stands run by local farmers along the roads of South Africa offer a variety of homemade treats and baked goods. The Cederberg region not only features spectacular mountains and orange farms but is also the home of the Rooibos shrub. This herbal drink has long established an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to traditional tea. Dinner at our overnight spot gives us the opportunity to get to know each other and enjoy South African hospitality.

Namaqualand gives us our first glimpse of the desert landscapes that will accompany us in the coming days. We continue our experiential journey north and after a quick stop for provisions in Springbok, we proceed to our camp by the banks of the Orange River. If you're lucky enough to travel in the spring months (July to September), you might encounter the wildflowers that have made this region famous. Regardless of the season, the strange desert landscapes provide a unique backdrop for today's stage of the journey.

Although the Orange River is named after the Dutch royal house (during colonial times), it has recently also been referred to by its original name Gariep, which simply means "river" in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Its journey begins in the mountains of Lesotho, the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and provides a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is to get on the water, and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe tour on the river. After lunch, we leave the Orange River and head inland to our overnight accommodation. In Ais Ais you have the chance to take a dip in the mineral and sulfur-rich hot springs.

With its source in the eastern parts of the Naukluft Mountains, the Fish River is the longest river in Namibia and the Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa, also the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. We drive to the edge of the Fish River Canyon and have the opportunity for a short walk along the canyon rim to stretch our legs. Then we turn west and travel to Keetmanshoop. Our afternoon will be spent hiking through the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground - named for the massive dolerite rock formations that appear to have been stacked by giants, creating a true labyrinth.

Every overland journey has some long driving days, and today is one of those as we travel deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination for today’s adventure is the dune fields that cover the western outskirts of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands give us a glimpse of the expanse of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes in the west, the slowly changing landscapes represent the many faces of this desert land. Tonight we camp before the dune fields and fall asleep listening to the unique call of the shy barking geckos.

Today we rise early for our trip to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. We enter the park shortly after sunrise and drive to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up the dune provides us with the perfect vantage point to admire the changing colors of the desert at dawn. After exploring this famous dune, we descend and enjoy a hearty breakfast before taking a 4x4 transfer to Sossusvlei, where we have time to walk and visit the clay pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Our desert exploration ends with a visit to the Sesriem Canyon. Tonight we shake the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent starry sky of the desert, knowing we have a whole day to marvel at the wonders of this country.

On our last day in the desert, we have the exclusive opportunity to take part in an informative desert excursion with a local expert (this activity may take place the day before). As we slowly say goodbye to the Namib, we make a stop at the Tropic of Capricorn. After experiencing the wonders of the Namib Desert, we turn toward the sunset and head to our next destination, the lively coastal town of Swakopmund. Upon our arrival in Swakopmund, we have the option to book various activities. This evening, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

While many will be drawn to adrenaline-pumping adventures, Swakopmund offers everything and more. Take today to explore the town at your own pace as there is a variety of attractions for every taste. The famous cafes and bakeries are not to be missed, offering a wide selection of delicious German treats. Swakopmund provides all the amenities of a small town and is the perfect base for the trip through Namibia's northern regions.

Our adventure-filled African journey continues with a trip north, where the hot desert sands meet the cold waves of the Atlantic Ocean. We make a stop at the seaside resort of Wlotzkasbaken for a photo opportunity before heading to the lichen fields to observe them and receive an explanation from our guide about the lichen colonies. Next, we visit the renowned seal colony at Cape Cross, known to be the largest in the world, home to over 200,000 Cape fur seals. Cape Cross marks the spot where the first European explorer landed on the Namibian coast in 1486 and was erected in honor of the king of Portugal at the time by the explorer Diego Cao.

With its massive salt pans, savannas, and forests, Etosha is one of Africa's best wildlife parks. Spanning 18,000 square kilometers, it is one of the largest parks in southern Africa. Etosha means "great white area", referring to the large dry pan in the center of the park. The first safari experience of this incredible African journey from south to east awaits. We spend the afternoon exploring the park in an overland truck.

Our second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue our exploration of the park and intensify the safari experiences. No day on safari is ever the same, and the excitement before each special encounter is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of the Etosha pan in search of the rich wildlife that inhabits the park. The Big Five are also found here.

This morning is yours to relax at camp, perhaps by the pool. After a tasty lunch, we board our truck and enjoy an afternoon safari while traveling to our next overnight camp.

We leave the white sands of Etosha and make our way to the Kavango River for our overnight stop in Divundu, a small town in the Caprivi Strip.

Before we depart for Maun, we enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the beautiful Kavango River with its magnificent scenery. Then we cross the border into Botswana and head toward the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. We overnight in Maun before kicking off for our next safari adventure, the Okavango Delta.

For the next 2 nights, we will be separated from our overland truck, so it is important that you pack your personal items you'll need before we leave Maun. Please pack lightly and only take the essentials for the next two nights. Today, we make our way to the Okavango Delta. Early risers have the option to take an optional scenic flight over the delta (subject to availability and weather). After your optional flight and breakfast in the morning, you will be picked up from Maun and transported in smaller safari vehicles to the Khwai Conservation Area. Our guide will prepare us for our mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta in the afternoon. (Please note: It is possible that the mokoro activity may take place on a different day depending on the season). Mokoro are traditional dugout canoes in the delta. The Khwai Conservation Area is a privately managed nature reserve by a community. Sustainable tourism is highly regarded here.

Today is dedicated to a full-day safari experience in the Moremi Game Reserve. We spend the majority of the day on safari in the Moremi Game Reserve seeking out the species that roam its plains (the Big Five can also be found here). We navigate some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4x4 vehicles. With habitats ranging from wetlands and open water to grasslands and savanna forests, we hope to see as many species of fauna and flora as possible. In the evening, we return to Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings from the safari.

Today's drive from Khwai to Nata takes us through the impressive Botswana salt pans. You will leave camp early and hop on for an open 4x4 safari drive before continuing on in the overland truck to Maun. The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Keep your eyes peeled, as there’s always a chance to encounter wildlife on the way to your overnight destination in Nata.

In the morning, we take a guided drive to the Nata Pans, which serve as a breeding ground for a variety of water birds, including thousands of pelicans and flamingos (birds depending on seasonal migration patterns). During the rainy season, the salt pans transform into a breathtaking lagoon landscape. We then travel from the shimmering Kalahari sands and Nata to Kasane, arriving in time for lunch and this afternoon set out to explore Chobe National Park from the river. A leisurely boat ride offers us an up-close encounter with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoon, as the wildlife park is known for its large elephant population.

With memories of our first safari experiences from the safari trip firmly in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. These spectacular waterfalls are among the largest in the world and were discovered by British explorer David Livingstone before 1900. He named them after the queen at that time, Queen Victoria. Today you will have the opportunity to leisurely view the spectacular Victoria Falls, known locally as "Mosi-oa Tunya" (the smoke that thunders). While much of the day is dedicated to observing the mighty Zambezi as it plunges into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those seeking a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveler, there are also craft markets and cafes.

With the many activities available in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia), today is the perfect day for the adventure that best suits your style. Whether it’s white-water rafting on the mighty Zambezi or a flight over the falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions at Victoria Falls. Since your tour continues from Livingstone tomorrow, your accommodation for tonight is booked in Livingstone. However, you can spend the day in Victoria Falls and transfer to Livingstone in the late afternoon. The transfer from Victoria Falls to Livingstone is included in your tour. You have the option to book a morning transfer (08:00 am) or an afternoon transfer (04:00 pm). Please specify your preferred time when booking.

Our unique experience continues. We set off early from the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls to get one last look at the mighty falls before embarking on a long day of travel. We get our first impressions of East Africa through the windows of our truck: traditional African markets, vibrant villages, and fascinating landscapes.

This morning we drive through the bustling Zambian capital, Lusaka, before continuing east to Petauke, our destination for the night. As an important connection between Lusaka and neighboring Malawi, the Great East Road winds its way through rural Zambia, crossing the mighty Luangwa River. Littered with villages and subsistence farms, the landscapes today starkly contrast with the developed countries so many of us call home. We stop at the charming Luangwa market, a vibrant hub where local Zambian traders showcase their goods. Among the cultural treasures on display are Masau and Masaku, tropical fruits available year-round known for their delicious taste. Additionally, other African curiosities catch our eye, from charming miniature hippos to intricately woven baskets and papyrus rugs defining the colorful picture of this vibrant marketplace.

We look forward to the tranquility of South Luangwa, and this morning we make our way to the banks of the Luangwa River. We make a stop at Mulberry Mongoose to view their local jewelry and curiosities. These accessories are crafted by local women from South Luangwa using organic materials sourced from the African bush. The Chipata area is a key cotton producer, and we get a glimpse of the creativity of African culture. One of the most stunning sunsets is certainly one on the banks of the Luangwa River, so grab a cold drink and watch the day slowly fade away.

The South Luangwa National Park is a safari destination par excellence, and we have a full day to explore the park in search of the diversity of wildlife found there. This morning you can partake in an optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December) one of the legendary walks offered in the park. In the afternoon, we take a sunset drive through the park, including a stop for a sundowner. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night allows us to spot the elusive nocturnal species rarely seen during the day. This marks the end of a day full of safari adventures.

This morning we board our truck and head towards Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our destination for tonight is the shores of the magnificent Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system. As one of the ten largest lakes in the world, the lake stretches over 500 km along Malawi's western border and is home to more fish species than any other lake. We will spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder.

Today is all about the lake, and this day is reserved for you to relax by the lake. Take the time to read a book, enjoy the sun, or indulge in the many attractions offered. If you like, an optional hike with a local guide can be made to the nearby Dwanbazi Waterfall. Just a short 30-minute drive from Nglala Beach Hotel, the waterfall offers stunning panoramic views from the top. Depending on the weather, we may even get a chance to swim in the clear waters surrounded by the lush vegetation and natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Today we are back on the road all day, and our African journey across the continent continues northward, where we will overnight again on the shores of Lake Malawi. Our guide will take us on a village walk through a nearby village in the afternoon, providing yet another insight into the cultural treasures of the region. After the walk, you can watch the sunset over the lake from the beach.

We set off in the morning and continue our journey northward toward the Utengule Coffee Lodge, where we will spend the night.

Before we head to Iringa, we make a stop at a local coffee plantation, where we have the opportunity to see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and sample some of the beans. Then we cross over the Great African Rift and head into Tanzania.

After the relatively quiet and idyllic days gone by, we reach the entrance to Mikumi National Park this morning. Here, another safari experience awaits on our unforgettable safari journey. We make a brief stop at the Baobab Valley, Tanzania. A fascinating landscape dotted with ancient towering baobab trees that have stood the test of time. These iconic trees create a surreal and breathtaking scene, casting dramatic shadows over the African savanna—the perfect backdrop for a group photo. Then we reach Mikumi, considered the fourth largest park in Tanzania but part of an expansive 75,000 square kilometer wilderness area surrounding Selous, the largest game reserve in Africa. Today you have the option to book a game drive in Mikumi National Park.

Today you have the opportunity to book additional safaris in Mikumi National Park or join various cultural tours through nearby villages.

We overnight in Tanzania's main economic center, Dar es Salaam, from where we will depart early the next morning to catch our ferry to the island of Zanzibar.

Early to rise for the crossing to Zanzibar. Upon our arrival at the ferry port, we make our way to our hotel in Stone Town.

With a rich history, this bustling East African port was once a prominent trading point on both the slave and spice trade routes. Our morning begins with a tour of Stone Town to discover its best-known sights, including the birthplace of Freddy Mercury. After our city tour, we drive to our base for the next 2 nights. However, before our arrival, we make a stop for a guided spice tour that takes us through villages and spice plantations. You have the chance to experience firsthand how workers climb the spice trees and the opportunity to buy fresh spices directly from the producers.

Today is a free day to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities offered. Water sports are the focus today. Whatever you choose to do today, you have plenty of opportunities to create some island memories. Explore the many attractions or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

We bid farewell to the island and board our return ferry. After arriving at the port of Dar es Salaam, we re-board our truck and return to Bagamoyo, where we spend the night.

This morning we drive north and travel through northern regions of Tanzania. Our destination tonight is the vibrant city of Arusha. The northern part of Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro, and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Although it's just a short distance to Karatu, we will spend the majority of the day on the road to get closer to the Ngorongoro Crater. Before we arrive in Karatu, we visit the Mto wa Mbu Market, which is located in the small town of Mto wa Mbu. Known for growing rice and their characteristic red bananas, the town is situated on the main road that leads directly to Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. This evening, our guide will brief us on our upcoming 2-day excursion.

We rise early and are picked up from our camp and transported to the Ngorongoro Crater in 4x4 safari vehicles. We spend the morning exploring the crater floor and searching for animals that roam the plains. In the afternoon, we arrive at our camp in the Seronera region in the heart of Serengeti National Park. The camp is surrounded by spectacular views and ample wildlife, and tonight, as we enjoy a cold drink, we will experience the sights and sounds of nature right outside our Meru tent.

This morning we rise early to enjoy a full day of safari in Serengeti National Park. Famous for its rich wildlife, we will spend the majority of our day searching for animals that inhabit this area.

We leave Serengeti National Park with incredible memories and make our way back to Arusha, where we will spend the night reflecting on our experiences in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

This morning we cross the border into Kenya and head to Nairobi, where our journey ends with our arrival.