Days
39
Price from
A momentous African adventure from Nairobi to Cape Town
From the vast grasslands of East Africa and the wildlife of Botswana to the desert landscapes and diverse cultures of Namibia and South Africa, this continent truly has it all. Spend 39 unforgettable days travelling from Nairobi to Cape Town, embarking on multiple 4WD safari game drives in the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, all filled with panoramic vistas and wondrous wildlife. Relax on the pristine shores of Zanzibar and soak up the natural wonders at Makgadikgadi Pans and Victoria Falls. Continue by overland vehicle to Okavango Delta and Chobe River, and in Namibia, see how vast herds of herbivores make Etosha National Park one of the continent’s premier game-viewing destinations. Wind up discovering Damara culture, scaling dunes and canyons before tasting the wines of South Africa. With local leaders on call each step of the way and a keen group of adventurers joining you, see the sweeping savannas and search for the Big Five on an epic safari through Africa's best.
- Code
- PFASC
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 1 review
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Explore some of Africa's premier regions for viewing wildlife – the Serengeti, Masai Mara, Etosha and Chobe – and venture through the spectacular World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater by 4WD.
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Visit the Maasai, known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery, and enjoy a fascinating talk, full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture.
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Riding a traditional mokoro along the Okavango Delta, taking in the thundering Victoria Falls and watching the sunset from your houseboat are some of the many ways you'll Africa’s beautiful waterscapes.
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As eerie as they are fascinating, the sand dunes of the Sossusvlei can be seen in all their blazing beauty from the top of Dune 45.
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Step inside Faldela's Purple House in the Bo-Kaap region of Cape Town for an authentic home-cooked dinner. Taste some of the traditional dishes such as 'Bredie', 'Chilli Bites' and 'Koesisters'.
Is this trip right for you?
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Purpose-built overland vehicles are used for the Southern Africa portion of this trip, while 4WD safari vehicles are used in East Africa. While these vehicles are not air-conditioned, all windows open to allow fresh air flow. Be prepared for some dust, heat and wind.
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This itinerary features some long travel days, which can be exacerbated by bumpy African roads. It is recommended that you pay close attention to the given approximations of driving hours.
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Overlanding is the perfect journey for those travellers with an open mind and the spirit for adventure. However it may be quite different to any style of travel you have experienced before. For more information, head to www.peregrineadventures.com/africa-overland
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As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
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You don't need to be a professional athlete to go on an overland safari, but you will need a good level of physical resilience and movement, especially for entering and exiting the vehicles. There's also a half-day canoe activity along the Orange River on this trip.
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Namibia summer (November–March) can be very hot and humid with maximum temperatures around 30-35°C and peaks of over 40°C in the desert. Botswana temperatures rise in the hot dry period of September and October before the rains hit and temperatures can get as high as 34-38°C. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
Gallery
Itinerary
Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya's capital. Meet your Peregrine representative and be driven to your hotel (approximately 45 minutes). There will be an important group meeting at 6 pm this evening. More details about this meeting can be found at the hotel reception. Spend free time today at your leisure.
Accommodation
- Panafric Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
- Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD55
- Nairobi - From Farm to Feast In Focus Urban Adventure - USD86
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Peregrine. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel.
Depart Nairobi for Elsamere after breakfast and head north, driving along the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley (approximately 4 hours of driving in total). Elsamere is the former home of the writer Joy Adamson, whose 1960 book 'Born Free' helped bring wildlife conservation into the mainstream. The house is a veritable museum that dedicated to the works of Joy and George Adamson, with many photos of Elsa, the lioness that started it all. You'll then embark on a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, the highest of all lakes in the Great Rift Valley and home to many a hippopotamus. Later, enjoy lunch with the lake as a serene backdrop. After lunch, continue to your Lake Nakuru lodge, arriving in the early evening.
Accommodation
- Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
- Lake Naivasha - Elsamere Conservation Centre
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
This morning you will visit Lake Nakuru National Park by 4WD. Mornings can be cold so it's important to bring warm clothes. You might see why this great soda lake has been described as the world's greatest ornithological spectacle; it amazingly turns into a sea of pink on occasion. Flooding in recent years has unfortunately caused a decline in birdlife. The park boasts substantial numbers of other species, including waterbuck, reedbuck and gazelle. Leopards are also to be found here, and the chances of sighting one is significant. Keep your eyes peeled too, for one of Africa's most endangered creatures, the elusive black rhinoceros (white rhinos are much easier to spot).
Accommodation
- Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lake Nakuru - Afternoon Game Drive (4x4)
- Lake Nakuru - Morning 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Today you will head southwest to the Masai Mara (approximately 6–7 hours), arguably one of the finest game reserves in Africa. Before you arrive, you'll first cross the Great Rift Valley, Africa's immense and spectacular great divide. Pass by the remote region of Loita Hills, home of the traditional Maasai people known for their vibrant red dress and elaborate jewellery. This is one of the key places where the Maasai people still practice their traditional way of life, with little influence from the western world. Make a stop at Tepesua Village, which is known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. You’ll be welcomed by Maasai Warriors by way of traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts and enjoy a fascinating talk, full of insights into this remarkable and ancient culture. Take a walk to the community village which was founded for widows who had lost their cows due to drought, and can never remarry. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the ‘Tepesua Widows Income Project’. Here the women are engaged in making handicrafts and sewing eco-friendly handbags, washable sanitary pads, and backpacks to sell to visiting travellers and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home, and their cattle enclosures. We then continue on your journey to ‘The Mara’. After checking into the park, take a short game drive on the way to camp. Set in what is considered Kenya's prime wildlife area, Mara Leisure Camp is located along the Talek River, on the northern boundary of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Facilities at the camp include a swimming pool, gift shop, bar and restaurant.
Accommodation
- Mara Leisure Tented Camp or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Explore more of the park by 4WD today with further game drives in the morning and afternoon. Witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabits the area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful, and you might even spot predators keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephants, giraffes and elands are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, a black-maned lion, leopard or cheetah might appear, with some luck. As dusk falls, a variety of animals might be visible in the vicinity of your camp also.
Accommodation
- Mara Leisure Tented Camp or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Masai Mara - 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Today is a free day. If you wish to continue your exploration of arguably one of the finest game reserves on the continent there are a number of optional activities that you can choose from including half-day or full-day game drives or walking safaris. A morning game drive involves waking at dawn for a light breakfast followed by an early morning game drive, setting off at sunrise and returning to the camp three to four hours later. An afternoon game drive departs around 4 pm and returns after sunset. On returning to the camp, freshen up before joining other guests around the campfire for a pre-dinner drink. An optional balloon ride over the Masai Mara at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. If you have pre-booked this activity you will be picked up from camp before dawn and driven to the launch site for a safety briefing with your pilot. You then glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you'll ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming herds. Upon landing you'll be treated to a bush breakfast before re-joining your group.
Accommodation
- Mara Leisure Tented Camp or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) - USD500
- Masai Mara - Half Day Game Drive - KES8000
- Masai Mara - Full Day Game Drive - KES16000
- Masai Mara National Reserve - Guided Walking Safari - USD30
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The balloon ride is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited.
Say goodbye to the Mara and head to Kisii (approximately 5 hours). Once arrived stop for lunch (at your own expense) and visit a local soapstone factory in Kisii. This town is home to the best soapstone carvers on the continent. Their products are quite popular around the world. It's a favourite stopover for travellers seeking a taste of the exquisite Kisii carvings.
Accommodation
- Kamel Park Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kisii - Soapstone factory visit and demonstration
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Cross into Tanzania before heading to the Serengeti National Park (approximately 8 hours, not including time spent at the border). These 'Endless Plains' span some 14,700 square kilometres, but their main claim to fame is 3 million or so animals. The game most likely to be seen in the Serengeti are the wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, lion, cheetah, warthog, hyena, hippo and ostrich. You'll take a game drive en route to your camp and watch the landscape change within the park from the vast treeless central plains to thick scrub and forest in the north. Linking these areas is the savannah, dotted with acacia trees and magnificent rock outcrops. Pull up in the park and enjoy a refreshing sundowner and some nibbles before carrying on to you camp. The next two nights are spent at a mobile tented camp, our feature stay on this trip. Meru-style tents are a great place to relax at the end of the day and have large beds, table, clothes rack, sink, 'bucket' showers and a toilet. The eco-friendly camp has a comfortable lounge area, and a cosy mess tent located in the centre of the camp where meals are served. The campfire is ready every evening for appetizers before dinner. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari camp experience with modern comforts.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Ang'ata Serengeti Tented Camp or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Serengeti - Game Drive (Overland Vehicle)
- Serengeti - Sundowner in the Park
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Enjoy a full day of game drives in the truck in the magnificent Serengeti. Pull up in the park and enjoy a refreshing sundowner and some nibbles before returning to camp. Perhaps the ultimate way to go game viewing is on a hot air balloon safari over the great plains of the Serengeti National Park. Hot-air ballooning in East Africa can be an unforgettable experience, an exceptional way to see this part of the world. We strongly recommend booking this extra activity prior to departure if you're interested. Tonight we have a private dinner under the stars within our permanent tented camp while listening to the sounds of the Serengeti.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Ang'ata Serengeti Tented Camp or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Serengeti - Game Drive (Overland Vehicle)
- Serengeti - Private Dinner
Optional Activities
- Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) - USD599
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The balloon ride is offered as a pre-booked service which will guarantee you a place. If you would rather wait and try to get a better price by booking this locally on the ground, you are welcome to, but keep in mind that this is a popular activity and places are limited.
After an early morning game drive, it's time to leave the park and travel through the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area to Karatu (approximately 5 hours). It's one of Africa's most beautiful nature reserves and the world's largest intact caldera. Upon arrival you will check into your accommodation, which is located on the lower slopes outside of the crater. This small and exclusive lodge faces the Oldeani Volcano and is located approximately 15 kilometres from the Ngorongoro Lolduare gate.
Accommodation
- Farm of Dreams Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Serengeti - Game Drive (Overland Vehicle)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
In the morning, climb aboard the 4WD for your descent to the crater floor. Hopefully you'll see some, or all, of the 'big five' creatures that rule here. Animals within the Ngorongoro Crater are less shy of people and safari vehicles, so it's easier to see them up close. Views from the rim of the crater are sensational. On the crater floor, grassland blends into swamps, lakes, rivers, woodlands and hills. The Masai are permitted to water their cattle at the permanent lake and can be seen leading their animals in and out of the crater. The most commonly seen animals are the lion, wildebeest, zebra, eland, bushbuck, cheetah, jackal, buffalo, Grant's gazelle, Thompson's gazelle and black rhinoceros. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please, perhaps with optional walking activities or a coffee tour.
Accommodation
- Farm of Dreams Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
Optional Activities
- Karatu - Bicycle tour - USD30
- Karatu - Village walk & coffee tour - USD25
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
After breakfast head to Arusha (approximately 4 hours) where some of the group may be leaving the trip, along with your tour leader from the East Africa sector. Once arrived, transfer to Arusha Airport for a flight to Zanzibar. You will be unescorted for the Zanzibar sector, but local representatives will be on hand to look after you. Just the name Zanzibar conjures up images of a remote island paradise where the water is transparent and the air is filled with the heady scent of spices. On arrival you will be transferred to the east coast of the island and your wonderful resort situated along beautiful white sands. Here you can run your hands through the perfectly fine white sands and enter the warm waters of the Indian Ocean – deep blue in colour, filled with marine life, and perfect for swimming and snorkelling. This is the perfect place to climb into a hammock with a drink and a book, watch a gorgeous sun set and then relax underneath a blanket of glowing stars.
Accommodation
- Breezes Beach Club or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
During your time on the coast you can enjoy swimming and relaxing on the beach, or there are a number of optional activities to take advantage of, from full or half-day deep sea fishing expeditions, sailing trips on a dhow, snorkelling, or a visit to Prison Island (named for its former use but now home to giant land tortoises). There is a fitness centre at the accommodation for those who want to exercise to work off all the excellent meals that are served in the restaurant. There’s also a swimming pool, water sports, restaurants, bars and shopping bazaar. It's the perfect place to unwind during your busy African journey.
Accommodation
- Breezes Beach Club or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Stone Town (approximately 1.5 hours). The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Explore Stone Town’s maze of narrow streets with whitewashed coral stone buildings, magnificently carved, brass-studded teak doors, quaint shops and bazaars that all reflect a unique blend of architectural traditions. The market and bazaars are fascinating and are ideal spots for topping up your spice collection at home or shopping for souvenirs. Zanzibar was also one of the headquarters for slave trading and the starting point for many of the famous explorers such as Speke, Livingstone, Burton and Grant. From here they ventured into the vast interior of east Africa. Perhaps learn more about the island’s history at the Old Fort, the Slave Markets, or at the House of Wonders (so-called because it was the first building on the island to have electricity and running water), which houses the Zanzibar National Museum of History and Culture. Alternatively you might like to join a highly recommended tour of the spice plantations, which can be easily arranged through our local representatives. On this tour you'll have the opportunity to see and taste a variety of spices (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, etc.), as well as tropical fruits. Your guide may also introduce you to some rare plant species, including the henna bush and lipstick tree. Perhaps end your time in Zanzibar enjoying a dawa cocktail as you watch dhows sail along the Zanzibar coastline.
Accommodation
- Tembo House Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Today will be largely a transport day heading to Johannesburg. You will be transferred from your Stone Town hotel to take a flight from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam. From here you will then take a flight south to Johannesburg – the largest city in South Africa. You will be unescorted during these flights. You can expect to arrive at your Johannesburg hotel by mid-afternoon. Your hotel is conveniently situated alongside OR Tambo International Airport. There are a number of facilities within the resort such as restaurants, entertainment and retail shops so you won’t need to venture out of the resort to have dinner. Tomorrow you'll be flying direct to Victoria Falls.
Accommodation
- Peermont Metcourt or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Zanzibar - Included Flight to Johannesburg via Dar es Salaam
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Our local representative in Zanzibar will provide your flight ticket from Stone Town to Dar es Salaam, while your sales consultant will provide your flight tickets from Dar es Salaam to Victoria Falls (via Johannesburg) prior to you leaving home.On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, please make your way to the shuttle terminus located in the Parkade building, between the domestic and international terminals. If you are unsure where to go please ask for directions at the information desk located within the Arrivals area. At the shuttle terminus, please wait for the black and gold 'Emperor's Palace' bus at the terminus. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes. Tell the driver you are staying at the Peermont Metcourt Hotel.
This morning, take the courtesy shuttle from your hotel back to the airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met by a Peregrine representative and transferred to your lodge (approximately 45 minutes). The afternoon will be free to spend at your leisure, before a 6pm welcome meeting where you will meet your new leader and travelling companions. Before the meeting, you may like to take a stroll around town or arrange an unforgettable helicopter flight over the Falls and the Zambezi Gorges.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer (shared)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change today. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.You may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all our travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.
This morning you will visit the magnificent Victoria Falls, named by Dr David Livingstone in honour of his English queen. One of the world's true natural wonders, Victoria Falls form the largest sheet of falling water in the world when in full flow. Once inside the park, your guide will take you through the falls area, stopping at different vantage points along the way to explain the history of the falls and their surrounds. After your tour, return to your lodge, where you can take a dip or relax on the deck overlooking a waterhole – look out for elephants passing by! Later in the afternoon, it's back to the Zambezi River for a 2-hour river cruise. The specially designed jet-propelled boats allow you to reach the shallow water among the islands directly above the Victoria Falls. Enjoy included drinks and snacks while meandering between the islands and getting a glimpse of the mist after it has rumbled over the edge of the falls. Keep an eye out for crocodiles bathing in sunshine on the banks, or even elephants submerging themselves in the river.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit
- Victoria Falls - Premium Zambezi River Cruise
Optional Activities
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins) - USD165
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins) - USD299
- Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61
- Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (half day) - USD130
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer. We have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in Optional Activities are recommended. It is against our policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.
This morning, visit Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of The Intrepid Foundation’s projects. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the trusts role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Afterwards, follow the Zambezi River to Botswana and make your way to Chobe National Park (100km; approximately 3 hours, not including border formalities). You will arrive at your lodge at around midday. There you can relax by the pool or take an optional afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park. This can be arranged locally with your leader. You will spend the next two nights in a lodge located just outside Chobe National Park.
Accommodation
- Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
Optional Activities
- Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive - BWP295
- Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise - AUD270
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
If you choose to do the optional game drive or river cruise this afternoon you will be charged an additional fee of 70 Pula to enter the national park.
Today, embark on a game drive in Chobe National Park. You might see elephants drinking at the water's edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impalas within the park. Then head back to the lodge for breakfast. In the afternoon, take a cruise along the picturesque Chobe River – an ideal location for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters as well as hippos, crocodiles and large families of elephants. You will be joined by other travellers on the boat cruise and is equipped with bathroom facilities and small bar to purchase drinks. Enjoy a drink as the sun goes down on the river – a truly special moment.
Accommodation
- Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
- Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Please note that Chobe National Park is often very cold in the morning. Extra layers of clothing are essential for the early morning game drive as you will be travelling in an open vehicle.
Heading south, you will continue your journey to the Makgadikgadi Pans for an afternoon excursion (410km; approximately 6 hours). Witness the immensity of this sprawling salt flat, one of the largest in the world. Later you will head to Gweta Lodge, located near the edge of the pans. In the afternoon, leave the lodge in an open game vehicle to and travel out to the Nxaisini pan. Here you’ll sit out in the wild enjoy sundowners and snacks while observing the amazing scenery. With the aid of trackers, you’ll spend some time in the company of the local meerkat colony. Be sure to look out for elephants that meander their way down to the watering hole to quench their thirst. Soak in this incredible place while the sun sets behind the old beautiful baobab. Back at the lodge, relax in the lounge area while you take in your surroundings and reflect on the day's adventure.
Accommodation
- Gweta Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat Pan Experience
- Makgadikgadi Pans - Sunset & Sundowner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Accommodation for this evening is in simple but comfortable rondavels equipped with ceiling fans, tea and coffee facilities, mosquito nets. These rooms have an outdoor enclosed shower and toilet.
After breakfast this morning, it's time to head to Maun, the gateway of the Okavango Delta (approximately 4 hours). For those interested, there is the opportunity to fly over the delta in a small plane for a bird's-eye view. This is a great way to appreciate the vast scale of this waterscape. Your leader can give you more information on this activity and how to reserve a place. Otherwise, the afternoon yours to spend as you please.
Accommodation
- Royal Tree Lodge or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Okavango Delta - Plane Scenic Flight - From USD75 - USD390
- Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - From USD150 - USD450
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The scenic flight prices are dependent on the number of passengers in the plane or helicopter. See your group leader for more details.
Venture to the Okavango Delta (350kms; approximately 6 hours) and board your speedboat. This will take you to your home for the next two nights – a houseboat in the Okavango Delta Panhandle. You will need to pack a small bag or backpack for this trip, as there won't be room for everyone's full luggage. The houseboat has twin-share cabins with bedding, towels and mosquito nets provided. There is also a dining area on the deck, tea and coffee-making facilities and a small collection of books and board games. As evening falls, head to the deck, where your captain will serve dinner. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and witness the breathtaking sunset. This is a unique and memorable way to experience the Delta – not really for what you do, but more for the absence of anything to do. The sounds of hippos breaching and grunting, cicadas trilling, and a million mosquitoes seduce you blissfully into the night.
Accommodation
- Okavango Houseboat (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Okavango Delta - Houseboat River Cruise
- Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Cabins on the Okavango Houseboat are smaller than a standard room, but it's unlikely you'll spend a great deal of time in them. We recommend packing a small bag with only what you’ll need for two nights on the houseboat. The rest of your luggage will remain with the truck. Bathroom facilities on the houseboat are shared.
This morning after breakfast, take a speedboat and 4WD to a nearby poling station. From here you will experience the myriad waterways in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) with a local guide. Your guide will also take you on a short nature walk around one of the many islands in the Delta. After a picnic lunch, return to the houseboat for some relaxation time. You might like to read a book or do some fishing. In the evening, enjoy a drink, pull up a chair and watch the day turn to night before your captain serves up dinner once again on the deck.
Accommodation
- Okavango Houseboat (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro tours & game walks
- Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Travel on to Ghanzi, the 'Capital of the Kalahari' (400km; approximately 7 hours). Your accommodation tonight is at a community project in Ghanzi and is a much more basic than what you will encounter throughout your journey. However, the concept and experience of the lodge is well worth it. The lodges support the local San and San D'Kar community through employment. The San people are renowned as the most skilful trackers on Earth and have an extraordinary knowledge of the Kalahari for both plants and animal tracking. If time permits you may choose to do the optional walk. Here you will be shown the wide variety of both edible and medicinal plants, while also tracking a variety of animals and learning about their habitats. Of course, you will also spend quality time with your guides to understand their very different world view. Later, a traditional meal will be served in the communal lounge and dining area. You will then experience the ancient dance rituals of the San around the campfire. This is a real cultural experience and a great way to get to know the locals. 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.
Accommodation
- Dqae Qare San Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Central Kalahari - San Cultural Experience
- Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
Optional Activities
- Central Kalahari - Bush Walk - BWP80
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
In the shorter days of winter, there may not be enough time to do the optional walk. In this case, your group leader will advise other arrangements.
Cross the border into Namibia and head to Windhoek (approximately 6 hours). On arrival, take a stroll around the town and visit some of its museums or perhaps take a township tour. Take in the German architecture evident in a number of buildings. The finest are the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), the Christuskirche (church), the gymnasium and the Genossenschaftshaus. Keep in mind that there will be another group meeting at 6 pm – a great opportunity to meet any new travellers who will accompany you through Namibia.
Accommodation
- Hotel Thule or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change today. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Travel to our lodge located just outside Etosha National Park (400 km; approximately 7–8 hours including stops). On arrival the afternoon will be free to relax at the Lodge. Maybe cool off in the pool, read a book, or enjoy a sundowner by the bar. Be sure to charge your camera's tonight. Tomorrow we will have a full day in the Park. This is one of the world's premier game-viewing destinations; spotting animals in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to allow for sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores.
Accommodation
- Toshari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Rise early and enjoy a full day of game viewing in the truck. Keep a close eye on the landscape for black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. The park is also home to some 340 bird species. Return to the lodge and reflect on the day's adventures with your fellow travellers over dinner.
Accommodation
- Toshari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drives
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Enjoy a morning Game Drive in the Park then venture off the beaten track as you head into the heart of Damaraland (220 km; approximately 5 hours). Home to Namibia's highest peak, ancient rock paintings and petrified forests, the harshly beautiful and sparsely populated Damaraland region is a land of spectacular contrasts. Depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to see the desert elephants that roam the area.
Accommodation
- Mopane Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drives
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Many of the roads we travel on today will be untarred and often corrogated. They are some of the worst on this itinerary so be prepared from some extra bumps.
Spend the morning visiting the surrounding sights such as Twyfelfontein Heritage Site and the Petrified Forest. Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engraving in southern Africa and is a fascinating insight into the past. The Petrified Forest looks back into nature’s history, where 280 million-year-old fossilised tree trunks lie. Continue on to the Living Museum of the Damara, which aims to reconstruct and preserve the 'lost culture’ of the Damara. Learn about this fascinating traditional culture that is, along with the Bushmen, the oldest nation in Namibia. Their original culture was a mixture of an archaic hunter-gatherer culture and herders of cattle, goats and sheep. Due to their loose social structures, the Damara struggle to defend themselves against colonisation – one of the reasons that the culture faced extinction. Return to the lodge around 2 pm, with the rest of the day free to relax by the pool, with a book or a nap.
Accommodation
- Mopane Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Bushman Paintings
- Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Heritage Site
- Damaraland - Petrified Forest
- Damaraland - Living Museum of the Damara
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
We will be accompanied by local guides at both the Petrified forest and the Twyfelfontein sites. The guided walks take between 30-60 mins and although not difficult there are some steep rocks and hills at the Twyfelfontein site. It can get hot at this time of day so be sure to have a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water with you.On instances where we use an alternative lodge to Mopane Lodge, the included activities scheduled for today may occur a day earlier to minimise driving time.
Travel on through the Namib Desert today (330 km; approximately 6 hours with stops) to reach the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Take in the beautiful, diverse and colourful landscapes that stream past along the way; mountains, sand dunes, ocean waves and, shipwrecks. Your destination is the beachside town of Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast. Upon arrival at Swakopmund, you will check into your hotel and have free time to enjoy this interesting township of German-Namibian atmosphere. The accommodation is within walking distance of the town, and you can enjoy a walk on the beach, or visit the open-air markets or local museum.
Accommodation
- Swakopmund Sands Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer. We have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in the Optional Activities are recommended. If you are unsure please check with your leader.Please note that it is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.
With free time today, you may wish to take an optional trip north to Cape Cross, a breeding site for Cape fur seals. There can be in excess of 100,000 seals there at any given time, making for quite the spectacle. Quite a smell too, if the wind happens to change direction. Wander the coastline and attempt to document these beautiful creatures in a photo or two, and visit the large cross that sits nearby, left there by Diego Cao (the first European to arrive on Namibian soil in 1485). There are also a number of optional activities available here (at extra cost) for those who are interested.
Accommodation
- Swakopmund Sands Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum - USD2
- Swakopmund - Horse riding - USD65
- Swakopmund - Seal and dolphin cruise - USD60
- Swakopmund - Fishing trip - USD120
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Depart your coastal retreat in Swakopmund and head south today towards Sesriem (300 km; approximately 6 hours). Walvis Bay is the hibernation area for thousands of migratory birds, most notably flamingos. If in season you may take quick detour to see these elegant birds. Continue on past moon valley; an eerie rocky granite valley, and the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop by the small settlement of Solitaire before arriving at your lodge. Scattered with abandoned trucks, cars, petrol pumps and cacti, it's the only place between Walvis Bay and Sossusvlei to feature a petrol station, post office, general dealer, and bakery! The local Apple Pie has earned itself quite a reputation too.
Accommodation
- A Little Sossus Lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Make an early-morning visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. This is a great opportunity for unsurpassed views of the surrounding area. Climbing to the top of Dune 45 will reward you with spectacular vistas of the surreal desert landscape. After breakfast, travel to Dead Vlei, a clay pan best known for the iconic postcard like images that many snap here. The pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, 'Big Daddy' or 'Crazy Dune' average about 350 metres in height. In the afternoon you will visit Sesriem Gorge, a tranquil natural corridor that you can walk through and explore. Return to the lodge for the evening.
Accommodation
- A Little Sossus Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sesriem - Sesriem Canyon
- Sesriem - Dune 45
- Sesriem - Sossusvlei Salt Pan
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
If you want to avoid a long walk in the sun you can opt to pay for a 4x4 transfer from the 2x2 car park out to the Dead Vlei entrance point. This will cost approximately NAD 130 per person.
Depart Sossusvlei early this morning and travel to Fish River Canyon (600 km; approximately 8-9 hours). Your accommodation for the next two nights is a gem hidden in this rugged environment. It's easy to see why the Canyon Lodge is a feature stay on this trip. A fusion of farmhouse flavour and natural splendour, walkways lead to 25 natural stone chalets nestled amongst granite boulders and perfectly landscaped gardens, making it really feel like an oasis in the middle of nowhere. After checking into the lodge you may like to cool off in the stunning pool, wrap up the day with a short excursion to our very own ‘local’ mountain, or simply have a drink and watch the sun go down.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Canyon Lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Rise early and witness the colourful sunrise from the edge of Fish River Canyon. At 500 metres deep and over 160 km long, this gaping chasm is one of the largest canyons in the world, ranking close in size to Peru's Colca Canyon and the Grand Canyon in the USA. You will stop at various lookouts, which offer spectacular views and photographic opportunities. Keep an eye out for some of the birds that inhabit this area, including plovers, wagtails, hammerkops and herons. If you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of a baboon or antelope. After capturing all the photos you like, make your way to the main viewpoint and sit down to enjoy picnic breakfast with an unforgettable view over the canyon. Return to the lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. There are a number of optional activities that you might like to join: take a guided drive to the Fish River Canyon and be inspired by new perspective; meander along the 4x4 Wildebeest Drive watching plains animals; or celebrate sunset from a hillock, overlooking the spectacular scenery.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Canyon Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Fish River Canyon - Sunrise and Picnic Breakfast
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Farewell Fish River Canyon and head on to Orange River, just a short 2.5-3 hour drive away (approximately 200 km). You should reach your destination on the banks of the river by lunchtime. The Orange River is the longest stream in South Africa, running from high up in the Drakensberg mountain range and down into the Atlantic Ocean. This stream is significant for its role in transporting diamonds, which in turn leaves the deposits that are found along the Namibian coastline. Set off this afternoon on a 3-kilometre canoe journey down the Orange River. The canoe trip will be done in two-person canoes with a local guide. It is a slow paced, easy trip, and you should be travelling simply down stream for most or all of the trip.
Accommodation
- Norotshama River Resort or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Orange River - Canoe trip
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Leaving Namibia behind, you will cross the border and travel into South Africa (approximately 7 hours). The approximately 450-kilometre drive will be south of the Orange River to a wine farm in Trawal. You will arrive in the late afternoon or early evening (depending on border crossing formalities). Highlanders is a working wine farm nestled among the farmland of the Olifants River area, sitting at the foot of the Cedarberg mountain range. The farm uses water from the oldest irrigation scheme in South Africa and delivers its grapes to Klawer Cellars, a local cooperative wine cellar. Dutch settlers planted the first vineyards in the area in the late 1600s. However, the vineyards only flourished after the canal was built from Clanwilliam Dam during World War II, and have since won prizes both locally and internationally. This evening you’ll enjoy a unique wine tasting, taking in seven of the regions finest wines with your experienced and knowledgeable host ‘Sparky’.
Accommodation
- Highlanders Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Trawal - Olifants Wine & Cheese Tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Accommodation for tonight is best available in the region. However, the bar and swimming pool offer breath-taking views of the wine farms and mountains, rooms are simple, clean and comfortable.
Continue on to the South African capital, Cape Town (300 km; approximately 5 hours). With its stunning coastline, dramatic surrounding mountains and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africa's most appealing cities and a great place to end the trip. The rest of the day until the evening is at your leisure. The infamous Robben Island (Nelson Mandela’s prison for 18 years), vineyards, the V&A Waterfront, adventure activities and plenty of good restaurants and cafes are all at your doorstep. If time permits, you can take the cable car up to Table Mountain. This evening you’ll enjoy a memorable dinner with the group in the Bo-Kapp region of Cape Town. Known for its brightly coloured houses and situated at the foot of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap is the spiritual home of the Cape’s Muslim community. Bo-Kaap has a fascinating history. Many of the residents are descendants of slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia and various African countries, who were imported to the Cape of Good Hope by the Dutch during the 16th and 17th centuries. The slaves were (often mistakenly) known as “Cape Malays”, and the term has stuck, with Bo-Kaap known today as the Cape Malay Quarter. Get an insight into this history when you step inside the ‘purple house’ of Faldela and her family. Learn how to make samosas, before sitting down to an authentic home-cooked dinner. Taste some of the traditional dishes such as ‘Bredie’, ‘Chilli Bites’ and ‘Koesisters’. Learn about why the houses are painted in bright colours and how the community supports each other from your story-telling host.
Accommodation
- The Commodore Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Class
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Dinner this evening is served with juice or cordial. This is a muslim home and is therefore alcohol free.
You journey through Namibia and South Africa comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for the final day and this trip finishes after breakfast. There’s plenty to see and do in Cape Town and extending your stay is recommended. Please speak to your booking agent about additional post tour accommodation.
Optional Activities
- Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike - ZAR720
- Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable - ZAR250
- Cape Town - Robben Island tour - ZAR260
- Cape Town - Harbour cruise - ZAR200
- Cape Town - False Bay by train and lunch Urban Adventure - USD59
- Cape Town - Salt River Street Art Urban Adventure - USD59
- Cape Town - Taste of Woodstock Urban Adventure - USD72
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
38 breakfasts, 26 lunches, 30 dinnersTransport
Custom-built overland vehicle, 4WD Safari vehicle, Houseboat, Mokoro, Boat, Plane, Private vehicleAccommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Lodge (14 nights), Feature Stay Lodge (4 nights), Permanent tented camp (5 nights), Feature Stay tented camp (2 nights), Beach resort (2 nights), Houseboat (2 nights), Cultural village (1 night)Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
- Lake Naivasha - Elsamere Conservation Centre
- Lake Nakuru - Afternoon Game Drive (4x4)
- Lake Nakuru - Morning 4x4 Game Drive
- Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit
- Masai Mara - 4x4 Game Drive
- Kisii - Soapstone factory visit and demonstration
- Serengeti - Game Drive (Overland Vehicle)
- Serengeti - Sundowner in the Park
- Serengeti - Private Dinner
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
- Zanzibar - Included Flight to Johannesburg via Dar es Salaam
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer (shared)
- Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit
- Victoria Falls - Premium Zambezi River Cruise
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
- Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
- Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise
- Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat Pan Experience
- Makgadikgadi Pans - Sunset & Sundowner
- Okavango Delta - Houseboat River Cruise
- Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro tours & game walks
- Central Kalahari - San Cultural Experience
- Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drives
- Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Bushman Paintings
- Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Heritage Site
- Damaraland - Petrified Forest
- Damaraland - Living Museum of the Damara
- Sesriem - Sesriem Canyon
- Sesriem - Dune 45
- Sesriem - Sossusvlei Salt Pan
- Fish River Canyon - Sunrise and Picnic Breakfast
- Orange River - Canoe trip
- Trawal - Olifants Wine & Cheese Tasting
- Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Class
Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 22 and 23 (houseboat) and Day 24 (Ghanzi lodge) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip travels on purpose-built overland vehicles. This means there are restrictions on the size and weight of your luggage. Please refer to the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for details.
4. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on. All your luggage must be soft-sided – no hard-sided check in or carry on luggage.
5. Cabins on the Okavango Houseboat are smaller than a standard room. We recommend packing a small bag with only what you’ll need for two nights on the houseboat. The rest of your luggage will remain with the truck. Bathroom facilities on the houseboat are shared.
6. The lodges used in Ghanzi support the local San D’Kar community, and are owned and run by the San people. This is a unique, cultural Kalahari experience and the standard of accommodation may be below what you would expect on a Peregrine trip – but the experience is well worth it.
7. You will be unescorted for the Zanzibar section of this trip, but our local representatives will be on hand to look after you.
Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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