Cape Town to Zanzibar - 41 Days

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With another free day in this beautiful seaside town, you might like to do some reading, relaxing and swimming. Alternatively, you can venture further afield – perhaps to the Okakambe Trails or the Camel Farm (both located in the same area, around 12 km east of town). A horse ride or camel ride is a great way to see the desert from a different perspective.

Travel to Spitzkoppe today. Experience the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shores of Cape Cross while travelling up the Atlantic Coast. Visit one of the most stunning areas of Namibia – the wild lands around the mountain of Spitzkoppe, also known as the Matterhorn of Namibia. Although you shouldn't try to climb to the top, there are some excellent hikes and guided walks throughout the area, which is rich in plant life. The Spitzkoppe is known for its stunning beauty and the thousands of ancient Bushmen rock art paintings that are still on view. Be sure to look out for the sunset from your bush camp this evening – the landscape is known to take on dazzling oranges and reds.

This morning, set off and travel to Etosha National Park, stopping at a market or shop and ATM if required. Etosha is among the world's best places to view wildlife. A wide range of southern Africa's animals roams freely here, including all the big carnivores and rare or endangered species, including black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Tonight, there’s an option to take an evening game drive (subject to availability) before spending the night at the Okaukuejo Camp. The camp overlooks a floodlit waterhole visited by many different species throughout the day and night.

Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the constructed 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 usually allow for some sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, which means significant numbers of elephants, antelope and other herbivores reside here. This evening you will spend the night at Namutoni Camp.

Leave Etosha behind and continue to your next camp, which is located 50 km outside Grootfontein. This will be your base for visiting the San people tomorrow. When you arrive at camp, stretch your legs, maybe go for a swim and kick back with your fellow travellers for a relaxed evening.

Embark on a 180-km round-trip to visit the San people today. You'll go out walking with some of the tribe, listening to their stories and songs. You'll soon discover that they communicate in a unique and fascinating Khoisan dialect, commonly known as a 'clicking' language. The San are the oldest ethnic group in Namibia, having inhabited southern Africa for an estimated 20,000 years. Around 30,000 of them live in Namibia, but only 2000 still follow a traditional way of life. The San have a deep understanding of nature and ecology, living in harmony with their environment.

Head to Bagani today, where you’ll set up camp for the night. Bagani is a small, friendly town with plenty of nice spots to relax and soak up the ambience as you catch the sunset over the Okavango River. You may even spot grunting hippos coming out of the waters to graze! This area is the homestead of the local Mbukushu kings and their kingdom.

Drive across the border into Botswana and head south along the Okavango Panhandle (the narrowest part of the delta) to Sepopa. Here, you'll leave your vehicle behind as you journey by boat into the delta to your bush camp on an island away from civilisation. Punting along past birds and lily pads, you'll hear hippos occasionally interrupting the peaceful atmosphere with their charming grunts.

After breakfast, head out for your mokoro experience. Each mokoro (small dugout canoe) takes two people and is poled along through the meandering waterways by a local tribesman. You’ll also take a short nature walk with your guide to discover the beautiful natural surroundings, gain some insight into the history of the local area and look out for different bird species and occasionally, even elephants. After your trip around the delta, return by boat to the relative civilisation of Sepopa Camp, featuring hot showers, a swimming pool and a small bar. Today, there is an option to take a scenic flight to have an aerial view of the Delta.

Leave the delta behind today and return to Bagani for the night. There will be time to take part in an optional boat trip when you arrive, or you can opt for a picturesque sunset cruise. Alternatively, relax and recharge at camp.

Setting off from Bagani this morning, you’ll drive to the incredible Chobe National Park. Catch a window seat if you can and watch the rolling landscape pass you by or play some road trip games with your newfound friends. Enter Botswana at the Goma border, which is also the gateway to the park. When you arrive, take an optional cruise down the Chobe River – one of the best ways to witness some of the park's many animals, like hippos, elephants and buffalo.

Enjoy an early-morning game drive this morning. Adventuring through the park, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to the wildlife and with luck, you’ll spot lions, buffalo and exotic birds. Botswana's first national park is famous for its high concentration of elephants, so keep an eye out for herds walking by, too. They can also often be seen swimming in the Chobe River! The river also attracts buffalo, hippos and crocodiles who like to sun themselves by the water's edge. In the afternoon, perhaps take an optional boat cruise to gain a different view of these amazing animals or take another optional afternoon game drive into the national park.

Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe just in time to have lunch. Set up camp and enjoy some free time to relax, freshen up and plan out your next couple of days at Victoria Falls.

Spend the day soaking in the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls. There’s plenty to explore in and around town, whether you want to see the falls on foot, get out on the water, take to the skies or check out the local breweries, restaurants and cafes. Be sure to ask your leader for their tips and recommendations. Then, at 4 pm, you’ll meet the new travellers joining the group for the next part of your trip at a second welcome meeting. Afterwards, why not grab dinner together and get to know your new group?

Today is a free day for you to choose your own adventure! Maybe spend the day exploring the magnificent Victoria Falls. This thundering curtain of water is 1.5 km (1 mi) wide, falling 108 m (354 ft) into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise an incredible 400 m (1312 ft), 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. Be sure to ask your local leader for their tips and advice on what to do in Victoria Falls.

This morning, visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, an Intrepid Foundation partner working to protect wildlife and support communities in the region. Learn about the Trust’s conservation work, including wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, anti-poaching initiatives and efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Afterwards, cross the border into Zambia and continue to Livingstone, your base for the next two nights. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Rise early this morning and head to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for a walking safari to get a different perspective on the landscape and its wildlife. After a safety briefing, set off with an experienced guide, who will share their knowledge of the plants, trees, birdlife and animals you encounter along the way. Keep an eye out for giraffes, zebra, buffalo, warthogs, elephants and more, plus the park’s protected white rhinos – a major highlight of the walk. Finish with some homemade cake and light refreshments by the riverside, then return to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax or choose from one of Livingstone’s optional activities – perhaps a sunset cruise to get a feel for the surrounding landscape at dusk.

This morning, travel to Lusaka. When you arrive, set up camp on a private farm just outside the city, surrounded by bushlands. Settle in, then spend some time exploring the camp, stretching your legs and trying to spot the local impalas, giraffes and zebras.

Wake up early this morning 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. It’s a long travel day, so a book, podcast, music or some fun car games will be your best friend. Tonight, enjoy a well-earned rest at your camp, under the African night sky.

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.

After breakfast, head out on a morning 4WD safari with a local guide to try and spot iconic African wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, leopards, Thornicroft’s giraffes and lions. After, 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.

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.

Cross the border into Malawi today and continue straight to your camp on the shores of Lake Malawi. The country is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many local people. Fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers all ply their trade on the water. Your campsite sits right on the shore, so you can relax on the beach after today’s drive.

Enjoy free time today to soak up your idyllic surroundings. As well as chilling out on the lake’s sandy shores, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians – easily some of the friendliest people in Africa! You can also hire canoes, bikes or pedalos (paddle boats) to enhance your time here.

Drive to your camp in Chitimba, which lies along the coast of Lake Malawi and has lovely beaches, friendly locals and a laidback atmosphere. When you arrive, perhaps take a stroll and acquaint yourself with this different part of the lake. Enjoy the scenery of banana palms, papaya trees and the Livingstonia and Nyika mountains looming nearby.

Today you'll cross the border into Tanzania and travel through its southern highlands as you make your way to Tukuyu. Along the way, enjoy a guided visit to a local tea farm, hosted by the farm owner. You’ll be taken through each step of tea cultivation – from planting and nurturing the bushes to harvesting the leaves. Learn about the seasonal rhythms of the farm, the processing stages that shape the final product, and the vital role tea farming plays in the local community and regional economy.

Today you'll head towards Iringa and set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse situated on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement. The area is filled with natural bush, which makes it a bird watchers' paradise. If it's a clear night, make the most of this rural setting by stargazing before you turn in for the night.

Head on to Mikumi National Park today. Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi is Tanzania’s fourth largest national park. When you arrive, join an expert guide for a 4WD safari, where you’re likely to see buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes and elephants.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic drive to Kipepo Beach, located on the white sandy beaches on the south coast of Dar es Salaam. When you get there, set up camp and take some time to unwind – maybe enjoy a stroll along the shore. Your camp for the night is set on the grounds of a hotel right next to the beach, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean.

Catch a ferry to Zanzibar, Africa’s famous ‘Spice Island.’ On arrival, enjoy some free time to discover Zanzibar City at your own pace. Lose yourself in the maze of cobblestone alleyways in Stone Town, admire the mix of Arabic, African and European architecture, or soak up the bustling atmosphere of Darajani Bazaar. This afternoon, you’ll have another welcome meeting at 2 pm to meet the new travellers joining you on the next leg of your adventure. After your meeting, perhaps head out together for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.

Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations, learning all about the history of this town's spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.

Ease into the day with the sound of gentle waves and soft ocean breezes. With a full day free to enjoy Zanzibar’s coastline, you might choose to take a refreshing swim, stretch out on the beach beneath the palms, or savour the flavours of the island with a seafood dinner by the water. However you spend it, today is all about slowing down and letting the rhythm of island life take over.

After checking out of your accommodation this morning, you will make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a centrally-located hotel around 11 am. With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn't mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to stay on in Zanzibar, either at the Northern Beaches beach resort or in Stone Town, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).