Cape Town to Zanzibar

The adventure

Travel from the southern tip of South Africa to Tanzania’s Spice Island on this epic 41-day overland adventure through Africa. Starting in Cape Town, you’ll journey through remote deserts, rolling savannas, and lush mountain ranges, and feel the spray of the mighty Victoria Falls. Visit five national parks, spot elephants, lions, and hippos on safari, and visit a jewellery workshop where snares once set by poachers are transformed into beautiful pieces. Unwind on beaches during your free time, sample local flavours, and glide through the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro. This journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and rich cultures that make Africa so unforgettable.

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

South Africa

Day 1Cape TownSawubona! 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.

Cape Town

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.

Your journey through

Botswana

Showing Days 2-8

19-day itinerary

Day 2Western CapeLeaving 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.

Western Cape

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.

Day 3Orange RiverJourney 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.

Orange River

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.

Day 4Fish River CanyonThis 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.

Fish River Canyon

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.

Day 5SesriemBe 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.

Sesriem

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.

Day 6SossusvleiWake 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.

Sossusvlei

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.

Day 7SwakopmundContinue 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.

Swakopmund

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.

Day 8SwakopmundWith 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.

Swakopmund

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.

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Your journey through

Zimbabwe

Day 21Victoria FallsTravel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi. Though a visit to Victoria Falls' is optional, it is highly recommended. The staggering curtain of water is about 1.6 km and cascades 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise to an incredible 400 m and the falls become an impressive raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by mist and you can see little islets in the river below. Gather your travel crew together tonight for dinner, celebrating the southern Africa adventure and memories you’ve shared.

Victoria Falls

Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi. Though a visit to Victoria Falls' is optional, it is highly recommended. The staggering curtain of water is about 1.6 km and cascades 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise to an incredible 400 m and the falls become an impressive raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by mist and you can see little islets in the river below. Gather your travel crew together tonight for dinner, celebrating the southern Africa adventure and memories you’ve shared.

Day 22Victoria FallsSpend the day soaking in the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls until your next welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon. Maybe explore the magnificent Victoria Falls – a thundering curtain of water approximately 1.5 km wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise an incredible 400 m, and the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray, and you can see little islets in the river below. After the meeting, why not grab dinner with your new group and get to know each other.

Victoria Falls

Spend the day soaking in the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls until your next welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon. Maybe explore the magnificent Victoria Falls – a thundering curtain of water approximately 1.5 km wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise an incredible 400 m, and the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray, and you can see little islets in the river below. After the meeting, why not grab dinner with your new group and get to know each other.

Day 23Victoria FallsToday 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.

Victoria Falls

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.

Your journey through

Botswana

Showing Days 24-30

18-day itinerary

Day 24Lower Zambezi National ParkAfter 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.

Lower Zambezi National Park

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.

Day 25Lower Zambezi National ParkBegin 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.

Lower Zambezi National Park

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.

Day 26LusakaThis 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!

Lusaka

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!

Day 27PetaukeWake 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.

Petauke

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.

Day 28South Luangwa National ParkAfter 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.

South Luangwa National Park

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.

Day 29South Luangwa National ParkAfter 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.

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.

Day 30ChipataHead 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.

Chipata

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.

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