Nairobi to Cape Town Overland Safari

Day 1 : Nairobi

Arrive at any time.

Tonight after a brief welcome meeting, choose to get to know your group members with an optional group dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to know which visas you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain a visa on arrival at the border.

Optional Activities - Day 1

Acommodation

The Heron Portico

Day 2 : Nairobi/Arusha

Climb aboard the Lando and travel across the semi-arid lands of the Maasai people to Arusha, Tanzania and take in the views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Acommodation

Meserani Snake Park

Day 3 : Arusha/Serengeti National Park

Travel into the wild lands of the Serengeti on a safari drive. Ride past vast golden plains dotted with thorny acacia trees and animals galore. It’s here that the group will begin a 3-day, 2-night excursion into the park and Ngorongoro Crater.

Changing to specialized 4x4 7-seater safari vehicles, meet experienced safari driver/guides, who will ensure wonderful wildlife encounters. The safari vehicles each have sliding windows and a large pop-up roof, perfect for viewing animals and scenery. They are smaller than the overland adventure vehicle (OAV) and will allow the group to maneuver easily through the wildlife areas. As the vehicles are smaller than the overland adventure vehicle (OAV), the group will split up among several vehicles.

Acommodation

Seronera Campsite

Day 4 : Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro

Enjoy a final morning safari in the Serengeti while the sun rises and the animals come to life in this grassy savannah. Break down camp and travel onwards to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for wildlife viewing. Set up camp in the late afternoon at a site near the crater rim and spend the rest of the day soaking in your surroundings.

Please note: if you have pre-booked the Serengeti Balloon Safari, today's likely the day for this activity! The CEO will give the final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above! If you have not yet pre-booked, add it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.

Optional Activities - Day 4

Acommodation

Simba Campsite

Day 5 : Ngorongoro/Arusha

Today the group will venture down to the crater floor for a final safari in Ngorongoro. Search for animals amid the grasslands, swamps, acacia forests, and Lake Makat. Exit the crater in the late morning to begin the journey back to Arusha, and enjoy the scenery as you cruise along in the Lando.

If you have booked the Zanzibar Express, you will part from the group in Arusha and be transferred to your Arusha hotel for the night. The following morning you will fly to Zanzibar. Included: transfers, flights, one night Arusha (Outpost Lodge, or similar) and one night Stone Town (Tausi Palace, or similar). Only breakfast included.

Optional Activities - Day 5

Acommodation

Meserani Snake Park

Day 6 : Arusha/Bagamoyo

Begin the drive early and take in the varied landscapes along the way to the Indian Ocean. Today’s final stop will be in the town of Bagamoyo, recently named a World Heritage Site, it was once a very important trading port on the central coast of East Africa in the late 19th century. Upon arrival, you will have free time to wander around the narrow, unpaved streets on your own.

Zanzibar Express; transfer this morning from your Arusha hotel to the airport for the flight to Zanzibar. Arrive in Stone Town and spend the afternoon exploring on your own. Enjoy an extra night in Stone Town and meet back up with the group the following day. Only breakfast included.

Acommodation

Firefly Bagamoyo Campsite

Day 7 : Bagamoyo/Zanzibar Beach Resort

Start the morning in Bagamoyo and then drive to Dar es Salaam to catch the ferry to Zanzibar. Few places are as entrancing and exotic as this Tanzanian archipelago. The group will spend a few days relaxing on its sandy shores.

Zanzibar is a Muslim society. Immodestly dressed women or men in shorts will get harassed and cause great offence in Stone Town. At the beach, customs are a little more relaxed, but travellers are encouraged to be respectful of the island's culture and cover up when walking around. Never try to take a photograph without asking permission.

Acommodation

Fun Beach Hotel

Day 8 : Zanzibar Beach Resort

Spend a full free day exploring the cultural crossroads of Zanzibar. Choices for optional activities in the area include, snorkelling, a sailing trip, or plenty of beach time to sit in the sun.

Optional Activities - Day 8

Acommodation

Fun Beach Hotel

Day 9 : Stone Town

Travel back to Stone Town today from our beach resort on the other side of the island. Visit a spice plantation on the way and then spend time wandering the historic alleyways of the oldest part of Zanzibar.

Optional Activities - Day 9

Acommodation

Spice Palace Hotel

Day 10 : Stone Town/Baobab Valley

Leave paradise behind and travel further inland and back towards the mountains. Catch the ferry to Dar es Salaam and climb into the Lando again. Finish the day at the group campsite in the Baobab Valley under a sky of stars.

Acommodation

Tan-Swiss Lodge Campsite

Day 11 : Baobab Valley/Iringa

After packing up camp the group will spend the majority of the day on the road in the Lando travelling to Iringa. Upon arrival enjoy a visit to a crafts centre that supports the local community.

Acommodation

The Old Farm House - Kisolanza

Day 12 : Iringa/Chitimba

Cross the border and pass from Tanzania into Malawi. Finish the journey at Lake Malawi in Chitimba with gorgeous views of the mountains from the lake’s beach and view Tanzania from just across the water.

Acommodation

Chitimba Camp

Day 13 : Chitimba/Kande Beach

Head to the picture-perfect Kande Beach today where you will have free time to get out on the lake, or hike along its shores.

Acommodation

Kande Beach Resort

Day 14 : Kande Beach

Take advantage of another day to enjoy this idyllic lakeside location. Wander the shore on foot, choose to snorkel and see the resident underwater life. Or take a leisurely swim before an optional village walk to nearby Tonga Village. Sit down for a traditional dinner at a local home.

Optional Activities - Day 14

Acommodation

Kande Beach Resort

Day 15 : Kande Beach/Chipata

Cross the border into Zambia today and travel in the Lando to Chipata, the capital of the Eastern Province.

Acommodation

Mamarulas Camp

Day 16 : Chipata/South Luangwa

Hit the road to South Luangwa National Park for some wildlife viewing. Along the way the group will have lunch and visit the Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Café, a G Adventures—supported craft workshop. Then, there will be free time to choose an afternoon or night wildlife safari in the park.

Please note that the South Luangwa Wildlife Safari Drive is an optional activity that is not included and will be an additional cost on tour should you choose to partake.

Optional Activities - Day 16

Acommodation

Wildlife Camp

Day 17 : South Luangwa

Spend a full free day in the wildlife haven of South Luangwa National Park. Choose between a walking safari, a night drive, or a local village visit.

Please note that the South Luangwa Wildlife Safari Drive and the South Luangwa Walking Safari are optional activities that are not included and will be an additional cost on tour should you choose to partake.

Optional Activities - Day 17

Acommodation

Wildlife Camp

Day 18 : South Luangwa/Lusaka

Spend the day travelling across rough and bumpy roads to a private farm 29km (18 mi) outside the capital of Zambia. Marvel at the wildlife that wanders the property and opt to grab a cold drink at the camp’s bar, or relax by the pool.

This is an overnight stop in between driving days, so we will not have time to explore Lusaka.

Acommodation

Eureka Camping Park

Day 19 : Lusaka/Victoria Falls

Cross another border today between Zambia and Zimbabwe; home of the thundering Victoria Falls. Upon arrival choose to get close to one of the largest waterfalls in the world on an optional visit.

Your accommodation is in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT Livingstone (Zambia). Please make sure you have the necessary visa.

Optional Activities - Day 19

Acommodation

Explorers Village Camping

Day 20 : Victoria Falls

Spend a full free day on your own exploring the Victoria Falls area. Opt to try activities in the area like whitewater rafting, a scenic helicopter flight over the falls, or bungee jumping with the thundering falls in sight.

Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise. You can pre-book on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.

Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.

Optional Activities - Day 20

Acommodation

Explorers Village Camping

Day 21 : Victoria Falls

Spend a full free day getting to know Victoria Falls, home of one of the largest waterfalls in the world. For the more adventurous, we recommend white water rafting, a scenic helicopter flight over the falls, or bungee jumping. The choice is yours and there are plenty of options to choose from.

Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close to the awesome Victoria Falls, opt to raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, or bungee jump (with Victoria Falls in sight).

Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise.

Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.

Optional Activities - Day 21

Acommodation

Explorers Village Camping

Day 22 : Victoria Falls/Kasane

Travel across the border from Zimbabwe into Botswana. Opt to take a wildlife boat cruise along the fertile lands of the Chobe River. Spend time relaxing at camp with the group in a serene setting.

You will stay over just outside of the park near the town of Kasane. This afternoon, take an optional afternoon sunset boat cruise along the Chobe River - it's your best opportunity to view hippos, crocodiles, and many elephants wallowing in the water.

You can pre-book the Chobe River Sunset Cruise on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.

Optional Activities - Day 22

Acommodation

Thebe River Safari Lodge Campsite

Day 23 : Kasane/Gweta

Wake up early today and opt for a wildlife safari drive in an open safari vehicle in Chobe National Park. Afterwards, travel south to Gweta and reward yourself after the long journey with a group toast before camping under the stars and branches of ancient baobab trees.

Opt to prebook the Chobe wildlife safari drive in the park in the morning of this day.

Optional Activities - Day 23

Acommodation

Planet Baobab

Day 24 : Gweta/Maun

Watch a beautiful sunrise this morning from your camp under the huge baobab trees. Hit the road in the Lando to Maun where the group will set up camp in a serene setting.

Acommodation

Sedia Riverside Lodge

Day 25 : Maun/Okavango Delta

Travel from Maun into the Delta to explore the landscape from a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Do some birdwatching on the way to the basic bush camp where the group will set out on a sunset nature walk. Set up camp and unwind around the campfire.

Please note that there will be no shower tonight, as our camp is very basic in the wild - you will be compensated by the incredible landscape and wildlife!

Once we are in Maun, you can pick up any supplies and prepare for our excursion into the Okavango Delta. We recommend you buy a 5 litre bottle of water to take with you into the Delta; this should be sufficient to use for drinking and cleaning purposes.

Acommodation

Okavango Delta Camping

Day 26 : Maun/D'kar

Travel back through the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro and disembark in Maun. Then, travel through the western part of Botswana to D'kar; the heart of the Kalahari. Set off on an optional bushman walk and see how the local San People adapted to life in the desert.

Later, enjoy the warm hospitality of the San Bushmen as the group will be staying at the G Adventures-supported Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp.

Optional Activities - Day 26

Day 27 : Ghanzi/Windhoek

Stretch those legs, wave farewell to the San People, and hop in the Lando headed for Windhoek. Laugh, reflect, and listen to each other's stories as you cross the border into Namibia. Check another country off those travel lists and choose to grab a meal together in the evening.

Acommodation

Urban Camp

Day 28 : Windhoek/Waterberg Plateau

Climb aboard the Lando (overland adventure vehicle) and travel to the G Adventures-supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, located outside of Windhoek. Grab a tasty packed lunch here before heading to the Waterberg Plateau. Spend free time at the campsite simply enjoying the wild surroundings.

Acommodation

Waterberg Campsite

Day 29 : Waterberg Plateau/Etosha National Park

Enjoy a short group safari drive in Etosha National Park in the Lando en route to today’s camping spot. The remainder of the day includes free time to relax at camp and rest up for the next day’s adventure.

Optional Activities - Day 29

Acommodation

NWR Etosha NP Okaukeujo Restcamp

Day 30 : Etosha National Park

Embark on a full-day wildlife safari drive through Etosha National Park. Search for some of the animal species that call this place home. Because of the park’s size and large concentrations of animals within it almost feels like they come directly to you! Especially during the dry season (May through October).

Acommodation

NWR Etosha NP Okaukeujo Restcamp

Day 31 : Etosha National Park/Spitzkoppe

Today, travel south with the group to the rocky peaks of Spitzkoppe—the “Matterhorn” of Namibia. Upon arrival, spend free time exploring the area around camp. Hike up some of the nearby rocks and watch the sunset before gazing at a night sky full of stars.

Explore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky—it's great for star-gazing!

Our basic bush camp will have long-drop toilets and no running water.

Acommodation

Spitzkoppe Rest Camp

Day 32 : Spitzkoppe/Swakopmund

Take in the wild landscape of Spitzkoppe before travelling to the coastal region of Namibia and the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund. Spend two nights here and enjoy plenty of time for daring optional activities in the area.

Acommodation

Amanpuri Backpackers

Day 33 : Swakopmund

Spend a full free day exploring on your own. From skydiving to sandboarding, there will be no problem finding activities to try.

You can pre-book your sky dive on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.

Optional Activities - Day 33

Acommodation

Amanpuri Backpackers

Day 34 : Swakopmund/Namib Desert

Drive in the Lando to the oldest desert in the world and camp on the very edge. Upon arrival to camp there will be free time where you can choose to walk with a local expert to hear stories about the Namib Desert. Later, fall asleep under the stars.

Acommodation

Sossus On Foot Bushman's Desert Camp

Day 35 : Namib Desert

Explore the stunning rock formations of the Sesriem Canyon. Then choose to go further on the Sossuvlei Desert walk to visit a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes. Return to the campsite and enjoy dinner on the braai before a peaceful night's sleep in the desert.

Optional Activities - Day 35

Acommodation

Sossus Oasis Camp

Day 36 : Namib Desert/Fish River Canyon

Spend the day driving to the largest canyon in Africa known as Fish River Canyon. Along the way there will be opportunities to step outside of the Lando and stretch. The group will watch sunset over the canyon’s rim before sitting around a fire at camp.

Acommodation

Hobas Lodge Campsite

Day 37 : Fish River Canyon/Orange River

The group will cross another border today on the journey into South Africa. Tonight, camp at the scenic Orange River. There will be free time to enjoy some of the activities in the area like a canoe excursion on the river.

Optional Activities - Day 37

Acommodation

Fiddlers Creek Camping

Day 38 : Orange River/Cederberg

Board the Lando and drive further south past large plantations of rooibos tea as the group heads into the Cederberg Mountains. Camp here for the night where the options for your free time could be a wine tasting, a swim in the pool, or sitting around a campfire.

Optional Activities - Day 38

Acommodation

Highlanders Campsite

Day 39 : Cederberg/Cape Town

Travel to Cape Town today and stop along the way at the G Adventures-supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre where you will learn about the history and culture of the ancient San people. Tonight there will be free time in Cape Town to explore at your own pace.

Please note that we arrive in Cape Town in the early afternoon, you might not have time to participate in lengthy activities or see many sights. If you would like to see or do anything, we recommend booking an extra night or two before your return flight home.

Acommodation

CURIOCITY Green Point Cape Town

Day 40 : Cape Town

Depart at any time.

If you aren't ready to go home just yet, talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know more of South Africa or beyond.

We highly recommend booking an extra night in Cape Town to explore all that this area has to offer.

If you book any optional activities on the final day of your itinerary please contact your sales agent to see if booking a post-night is necessary to participate in the activity.

Optional Activities - Day 40