Summary of this Overland Safari
This Budget African Safari begins in Nairobi, Kenya, and explores Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar Island and Malawi, before visiting Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, and ending in Cape Town, South Africa.
Highlights on this Budget Camping Safari in Africa include:
Famous Masai Mara Game Reserve, th Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru Park in Kenya
Tanzania's Legendary Serengeti Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar Island
Lake Malawi, Eastern Zambia, South Luangwa, Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Botswana's renowned Chobe National Park and bush camping in the Okavango Delta
Etosha National Park, Swakopmund and Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert of Namibia
Fish River Canyon, Orange River, Cederberg and Cape Town in South Africa
This Nairobi to Cape Town African Highlights Safari travels to top African Safari Destinations, game viewing in some of Africa's best game parks and relaxing on idyllic tropical beaches.
Itinerary for this Tour
DAY 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara - Kenya (L / D)
This Nairobi to Cape Town African Highlights Safari departs from bustling Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, travelling southwest to the world-famous Masai Mara Game Reserve.
We travel into Masai country where these habitual pastoralists can be seen in their red robes, tending their cattle on the roadside.
On the way to our overnight campsite we pass the town of Narok and hopefully spot some wildlife en route. Our safari camp overlooks the Meguarra hills and a meandering stream below that forms a natural border with the spectacular Masai Mara National Reserve.
The Mara Game Reserve is unfenced, so its wild animals are free to roam around in the surrounding wilderness areas, even entering our safari camp! The local ‘Askari’ keeps a look out for any unwelcome predators at camp, ensuring your safety.
DAY 2: Masai Mara Game Reserve – Kenya (B / L /D)
Today we venture into the Masai Mara Reserve on our morning game drive shortly after sunrise. We spend the day driving through nature as it was intended to be - huge plains, rolling hills and an abundance of game matched nowhere else on earth.
We keep an eye open for the Big 5 of Africa - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard. If travelling between July and October, we may get to witness the impressive herds of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle in their Annual Migration as they cross from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Following these herbivores are Africa’s predators that are often seen at a kill during this period.
The Masai Mara is well known as one of East Africa’s best game parks and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. Our Masai Mara game drive takes us through a section of the vast park in search of the wild animals, reptiles and birds inhabiting this wilderness area.
After our Mara game drive, we can visit one of the local Masai Manyatta’s – traditional hamlets where the Masai people still follow old customs. At the end of the day we unwind around the camp fire, admiring a beautiful African sun set over this wildlife haven.
DAY 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park (B / L / D)
On day three we drive northeast from Masai Mara towards the lovely Lake Nakuru National Park.
We overnight at a campsite run by a non-profit mission group that helps care for orphaned children. Here we visit the orphanage to meet the local children and see what the organisation is doing to help them. The orphanage provides orphaned children and teenagers with clothing, food, education and a home, giving them much needed support and care.
DAY 4: Lake Nakuru National Park (B / L / D)
Today we head into Lake Nakuru National Park to explore this compact game reserve, best known for its impressive flamingo flocks.
We spend the day looking for the frequently sighted black and white rhino. This wildlife-rich Kenyan Game Park was established as a sanctuary for the resident rhino species. We search for the more elusive leopard, seeing giraffe, buffalo, antelope species and sometimes hippos too. At Lake Nakuru we also get to see the sea of pink flamingos that fringe its shallow shores, along with a diversity of other birds.
This evening we return to our camp at the mission, near Lake Nakuru Park.
DAY 5: Kisii / Kericho Area - Kenya (B / L / D)
Rise and shine for breakfast before we journey to Kisii / Kericho via the scenic tea plantations of Kenya.
Cash crops such as tea and coffee thrive in this equatorial area and these towns serve as the main commercial hubs in the Gusii Highlands of Kenya. We stock up on supplies and get some rest, before travelling into Tanzania tomorrow.
DAY 6: Musoma – Tanzania (B / L / D)
We leave game-rich Kenya behind and drive south into Tanzania. After border formalities, our journey takes us through the scenic granite landscapes surrounding Africa’s biggest lake – Lake Victoria. We spend the night at a campsite located on the banks of Lake Victoria in the fishing town of Musoma.
DAY 7: Serengeti National Park - Tanzania (B / L / D)
We make a quick pit stop for supplies to see us through the next couple of days out in the untamed bush before making our way to the Serengeti National Park. We drive into Serengeti Park entering through the less travelled western corridor. Upon entering the game park we enjoy a game drive en-route to our safari campsite set in the centre of the Serengeti Reserve. And after lunch we experience more of the endless plains this Tanzanian game park is named after.
The Serengeti Park is famous for its enormous concentration of wild animals, especially the big cats of Africa. Like Masai Mara, Serengeti is also known for the spectacular annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelles.
The sheer abundance of plains game in this Tanzanian wildlife area is truly awe-inspiring.
Tonight we camp in the wild Tanzanian bush (no ablutions) surrounded by the sounds of Africa's bushveld, pierced only by the calls of the nocturnal wildlife. In the morning, we drive into the Serengeti bush on another game drive exploring the rugged landscape in search of the plentiful wildlife. With a bit ofluck, we may see some of the iconic ‘Big 5’ of Africa!
DAY 8: Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania (B / L / D)
We rise early to pack up our bush camp and continue our thrilling game drive through the Serengeti National Park.
Heading to the southern part of the vast game park we have the chance to look out over the endless plains Serengeti is renowned for. We drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area at lunch time and begin ascending the steep Crater's edge.
Tonight we camp (basic ablutions) on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater where temperatures are lower than in the warmer plains of Tanzania below - bring your winter woollies as it can get very chilly at night.
DAY 9: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha - Tanzania (B / L / D)
The Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 m high walls and 20 km wide floor is a real natural marvel.
The Crater’s rim offers spectacular views, but the true scale of the world's largest caldera is best appreciated from the floor of the crater itself.
The great abundance of wild African animals found within the crater becomes apparent as you drive along the crater floor. Nearly every species of African animal is represented in Ngorongoro where you get the chance to see an incredible concentration of East African mammals, such as elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, lion and plain’s game.
After a morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater we continue to our next Tanzanian campsite outside Arusha town, where we spend the evening recollecting our exhilarating wildlife experiences in East Africa.
DAY 10: Arusha to Pangani (B / L / D)
This morning we change to a different safari truck and drive to the town of Arusha, where we stock up on supplies before traveling further south towards Dar es Salaam, on the coast of Tanzania.
We travel through Moshi, a town at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain. Moshi serves as the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and we may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this magnificent mountain’s snowy summit from the town. The views of towering Kilimanjaro from Moshi offer fantastic photo opportunities!
Passing through vast sisal plantations flanked by the Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges we continue south on our safari adventure. Our lovely overnight campsite tucked between the mountains, lies halfway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
DAY 11: Pangani to Dar es Salaam - Tanzania (B / L / D)
On day 11 of our African Highlights Safari we hit the road again continuing through lush green landscapes dotted with palm tree as we make our way to Dar es Salaam on the warm East Coast of Africa.
The pace of our drive to the warm Indian Ocean slows as we enter the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, taking in the interesting sights and sounds of Dar’s vibrant outer suburbs as we go. Keep an eye out for the brightly coloured shop-fronts decorated with humorous ‘catch phrases’.
Arriving in coastal Dar es Salaam we head to our pleasant seaside campsite and have time to prepare for our trip to Zanzibar Island the following morning.
DAY 12: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar - Tanzania (B)
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us across to the "Spice Island” of Zanzibar, for the optional 3 night island excursion. Zanzibar has a colourful past, as one of the major departure points for most of the explorations into new territories of East Africa, in times gone by.
New passengers may join us on our Zanzibar Trip, as some travel companions might opt to end their tour of Africa back in Dar es Salaam.
Please Note:
The Zanzibar accommodation and meals costs are for your own account, as experience has shown that visitors prefer exploring the island unguided.
Zanzibar Island hosts a wide selection of restaurants offering a variety of tasty meals. The Trip Leader joins you and can help with arranging accommodation in Zanzibar.
For those not taking the optional trip to the island of Zanzibar, the next three days are spent relaxing at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam. There are various optional excursions available from the safari camp including diving, snorkelling and fishing trips along the coast of Tanzania. The driver and cook remain behind in Dar es Salaam during the Zanzibar Excursion.
DAYS 13 & 14: Zanzibar Island – Tanzania
Zanzibar Island has a great range of activities to offer visitors, from quiet sightseeing to exciting water activities.
Explore one of the spice plantations, an interesting experience on Zanzibar, which is famous for its exotic spices. The quaint streets of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar reveal traces of their Arabic history, from Medina-style shops to the impressive palaces that once belonged to powerful Sultans.
Other interesting activities on Zanzibar Island include a day trip to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, to see its giant tortoises. A full day of scuba diving in Nungwe is well worth it, as is the experience of fishing in a traditional saiing dhow.
There are a variety of restaurants in Stone Town offering a fantastic array of fresh seafood straight from the ocean, with crayfish being a popular speciality. You can mingle with the locals at the seafront market of Forodhani Gardens, where inexpensive yet delicious seafood is available.
DAY 15: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (D)
Departing from the tropical Zanzibar Island in the afternoon our exciting beach trip comes to a close. We return to the shores of Tanzania by the early evening feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
We spend the night catching up with fellow travellers at our safari camp in Dar es Salaam town.
DAY 16: Dar es Salaam to Iringa – Tanzania (B / L / D)
On the morning of day 16 we set off from coastal Dar es Salaam making our way further south.
En route we drive through the inland Mikumi National Park, home to a variety of wildlife. The wildlife in Mikumi is quite accustomed to the passing traffic, which makes sighting the animals easier as we drive through the game park.
We continue to Iringa, our next overnight stop on this Nairobi to Cape Town African Highlights Safari. The night is spent at a scenic and rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy hot showers!
DAYS 17 to 19: Iringa to Lake Malawi – Malawi (B / L / D)
We follow the winding road through the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations admiring this beautiful region of Tanzania as we travel.
Next, we cross into Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ via the Songwe border post.
Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area consisting of the beautiful, fresh-water Lake Malawi.
Over the next few days we travel the full length of the western side of Lake Malawi, stopping off at various bays and inlets. Days are spent relaxing on the unspoilt beaches, learning to play the game of bao from locals or bargain hunting at the markets.
The temperate climate of Malawi is suited to swimming all year round, so you can always take a dip in the clear blue waters. Explore the picturesque shores of Lake Malawi meeting local fishermen as they sort the fresh catch of the day. The fishermen still bring in their catch using traditional fishing techniques. The ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermens' boats twinkle out on the lake at night.
You can gain insight into the skill involved in handling one of the fishing boats by trying your hand at paddling a dug out canoe yourself. Excursions offered at the beachside campsites along Lake Malawi's shores include options such as water sports, horse riding and visits to the local school and village.
DAY 20: Lake Malawi to Chipata – Zambia (B / L / D)
Leaving lovely Lake Malawi and its friendly people behind, we drive to the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe. This small city has a distinct old town and a new administrative centre.
We replenish our supplies before travelling into neighbouring Zambia - the next stop on this African Budget Safari. We make our way to a beautiful little campsite just 10 km from the Malawi and Zambia border, where we stay overnight.
DAY 21: Chipata to South Luangwa Park – Zambia (B / L / D)
On day 21 we visit the untamed South Luangwa National Park of Zambia.
South Luangwa is Zambia's leading game park, known for its wildness and incredible beauty. Located along the Luangwa River this remote national park hosts about 60 animal species and 420 bird species. The game park is home to large elephant herds, as well as an abundance of buffalo, hippo, crocodile and various antelope species. The park is also home to good numbers of zebra, giraffe and leopard, among others.
The most southern of three national parks in the Luangwa Valley, Luangwa Park covers some 9050 km² of the most fertile part of Luangwa Valley. Here we are immersed in the wild bush, enjoying excellent game viewing.
Day 22: Luangwa National Park to Eastern Zambia (B / L / D)
Driving south from Luangwa National Park along the Great East Road we head towards Lusaka and our overnight campsite in Eastern Zambia.
Zambia prospered during the copper boom in the 60’s and established extensive infrastructure in its main mining and farming communities. After a subsequent decline in the copper industry, Zambia is once again starting to prosper, due to foreign investment and a resurgence in the mining industry.
Some of the local wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, vervet monkeys and monitor lizards can be seen at the safari campsite set along the Luangwa River.
DAY 23: Eastern Zambia to Livingstone – Zambia (B / L / D)
Continuing our journey south through Zambia, we pass through southern Zambian farming and agricultural towns en route to Livingstone.
Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Vic Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and around 100 m high. Seeing Vic Falls is a highlight of any African Safari!
We can witness this spectacular natural wonder from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia - a superb photographic opportunity. In the evening we can enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.
DAY 24: Livingstone to Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)
Saying goodbye to truly African Zambia we head into one of Africa's top Safari Countries, Botswana, at the Kazangula Ferry crossing.
Once in Botswana we drive to the northern town of Kasane, located on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe River, home to hippos and other wildlife, forms a natural border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.
After lunch we take a relaxing boat cruise on the Chobe River, the main source of water in Chobe National Park. Returning from our boat cruise we prepare for our overnight Chobe National Park trip.
Then we make our way into this top Botswana game reserve for our overnight experience in the African wilderness of Chobe National Park. Chobe Park is one of the premier game parks in Botswana, renowned for its large herds of migratory elephants.
In the afternoon we explore Chobe on a game drive en route to our safari camp inside the game park. On the game viewing drive rare Sable and Roan Antelope are often sighted, keep an eye out for their destinct backward slanting horns, or watch the numerous swooping Lilac Breasted Rollers!
We spend the evening musing over our wildlife encounters in Chobe Park and listening to the night sounds of nearby wildlife, interspersed by the silence of the African bush.
Getting up early after our night in the Botswana bush, we set off on a morning game drive in search of Chobe's wildlife. After our rewarding game drive we pack up camp and travel back to the town of Kasane.
DAY 25: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (Brunch)
Back at the Kasane camp we transfer to our safari truck and take the short drive to the Zimbabwe border. Border formalities behind us, we cover the last bit of ground to nearby Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Named after the famous World Heritage Site and Waterfall, the town of Victoria Falls is located along the Zambezi River, surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our safari campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of Victoria Falls town, within walking distance of the local restaurants, shops and booking agents for adventure activities.
A 20 minute walk takes you to the entry point for viewing the spectacular Vic Falls, falling between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by the explorer David Livingstone and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and about 100 m high. An awesome and memorable sight on any African Safari!
A short adventure activities brief is followed by an afternoon of leisure for you to unwind at the campsite’s swimming pool, view the mighty Victoria Falls, or explore the sights and attractions in Vic Falls town!
DAY 26 & 27: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (B)
The next two days of this unforgettable East to Southern Africa Camping Safari are spent at Vic Falls, giving you time to take advantage of the fantastic Optional Adventure Activities at Victoria Falls.
Optional Excursions include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted!
Flights over Vic Falls in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective of this magnificent World Heritage Site, all year round. White water rafting on the Zambezi River is world class. In addition to the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the towering cliffs and occasional wildlife on the Zambezi riverbanks.
DAY 28: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)
After breakfast we depart from Vic Falls crossing into Botswana and making our way to Kasane, on the banks of the Chobe River.
We prepare for our Chobe National Park Overnight Trip into the wilderness of Botswana, setting off after lunch.
Arriving in Chobe Park we spend the afternoon in search of African wildlife on a game drive to our bush camp inside this top Botswana Game Park.
We spend the evening listening to the night-time noises of the local wildlife in the surrounding bush. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their impressive backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s swooping by!
After our memorable night in the Chobe bush, we embark on a early morning game viewing drive in Chobe Park, before packing up the safari camp and driving back north to Kasane.
DAY 29: Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)
Back at the Kasane camp there is some free time to relax, followed by a relaxing boat cruise along Chobe River after lunch.
Listen out for the resident hippos enjoying the waters of Chobe River, the major water source in Chobe National Park. The Chobe River forms a natural border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia. Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large herds of elephant.
We can keep an eye out for the wildlife and wondeful birdlife while enjoying another spectacular sunset as only Africa can offer.
DAY 30: Chobe National Park to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)
Today we head in south-westerly direction to the the town on Maun, gateway to the southern part of the Okavango Delta.
Tonight we prepare for our 2 night optional excursion into the untamed Delta of Botswana. We suggest that you bring a smaller daypack on your trip to use on this short excursion.
Your safari leader will brief you on what is needed, and what to expect on your trip into the Delta. In the morning we will set off from Maun on our journey into the Okavango Delta.
DAY 31: Maun to the Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)
The Okavango Delta boasting remote islands, is famous for its incredibly rich variety of bird species and animals. This huge expanse of water is unique to Southern Africa being home to a plethora of bird life and animals and with its source in the Angolan highlands. The Delta runs down from the highlands spreading out over the plains.
Day 31 presents the chance to take a 3-Day and 2 Night drive and Mokoro trip into the Okavango Delta. This optional excursion entails a drive from Maun up north for a couple of hours reaching the Mokoro polers' station. The dug out Mokoros are traditional canoes that local guides "pole" navigate through the reeds and waterways. The guides locate a suitable camp spot and in the afternoon we set off on a game walk to get a close-up experience of the wilderness that is the Delta.
The alternative to the optional excursion exploring the Delta is to laze by the swimming pool at the Maun campsite or play a fun game of volleyball. The nearby crocodile farm also admits visitors from the campsite to witness the spectacle of feeding times.
DAY 32: The Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)
On day 32 of this Budget African Safari we will be taking it easy. This day of rest is for relaxing and exploring the Okavango Delta, before we continue on our exciting safari adventures.
You can take a game walk, go swimming (water levels allowing), enjoy a Mokoro cruise and even try your hand at poling a mokoro on the waters. Or just sit back and soak up the sounds of nature and take a nap at camp.
DAY 33: Okavango Delta to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)
Last chance to take a game walk in the unspoilt Delta bush before we head back to Maun. We reach Maun in the early afternoon in time for a fantastic optional scenic flight over the Delta at sunset.
DAY 34: Maun to Rundu – Namibia (B / L / D)
We follow the Kavango River and enter Namibia in the North. After a quick top up on supplies in Rundu we settle into our lovely campsite. This open-air camp is set on the banks of the Kavango River with the occasional hippo chomping on the lawns.
DAY 35: Rundu to Etosha National Park – Namibia (B / L / D)
From Rundu, we head southwest towards Etosha National Park. Etosha covers around 20 000 km², and is Namibia's premier game park.
The national park is set around the Etosha Pan teaming with a large variety of wild animals, insects and bird life. The extensive network of gravel roads enables visitors to access some of the most remote areas of the Etosha Park.
DAY 36: Etosha National Park – Namibia (B / L / D)
Witness one of Africa's greatest wonders, Etosha's herds of desert antelope, Springbok and Oryx, roaming the plains.
Crossing some 150 km of the Etosha Game Park, we see different types of vegetation as we drive, as well as the changing animal and bird life that these varying habitats support.
Enjoy a full day of game viewing and take in the African bush scenes, before we leave Etosha National Park via the Anderson gate. We make our way to our safari campsite just 10kms away from Etosha, arriving in time for a refreshing dip in the pool before dinner.
In the evening we relax and unwind at the camp, which has a very interesting bar.
DAY 37: Etosha National Park to Cheetah Park – Namibia (B / L / D)
Today we drive to the Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park where we meet the resident cheetahs and enjoy the wildlife photo opportunity of a lifetime. The Cheetah Park is a private farm for conserving the cheetah population of Namibia.
Namibia has a high population of wild, free roaming cheetahs even though cheetahs are endangered in Africa. A number of local farmers have offered a wildlife sanctuary for cheetahs that have been trapped, or injured in the area.
DAY 38: Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe – Namibia (B / L / D)
Next up on our safari itinerary is Spitzkoppe.
Leaving the Cheetah Park behind we find our way to the 'Matterhorn of Namibia'. The Matterhorn is an impressive granite structure about 1728 m high.
This rock formation is one of the most famous landmarks in Namibia, famed as an ancient San sacred site. We have the option of exploring the surrounding area and admiring the striking views or visiting the famous San rock paintings with a local guide.
The night is spent at our bush camp under the African skies, studded with stars.
DAY 39: Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund – Namibia (B)
Swakopmund, on the coast of Namibia, is our next safari stop, where we spend two nights unwinding and having some fun.
Swakopmund is Namibia's prime holiday resort offering a fine selection of coffee shops, bars and restaurants to keep visitors entertained. Swakopmund has some fine beaches for taking a pleasant stroll if you have had your fill of shopping and sightseeing. There is a lovely museum, an aquarium and various galleries to visit, as well as craft shops selling Namibian curios.
The town of Swakopmund has a distinct colonial flavour to it, speaking of its history of being founded in 1892 by the Germans. The Swakopmund accommodation consists of dormitories, but you can upgrade if there is room available.
DAY 40: Swakopmund – Namibia (B)
We spend the day chiling out or partaking in the large range of Optional Excursions on offer in and around Swakopmund.
At this stage there might be a change in fellow passangers with some leaving us and some joining us for the next leg of the African Camping Safari.
Optional activities or excursions include the following: sky diving, horse riding, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic flights over the desert, cruises with the dolphins, fishing trips, golf, and others. On arrival in Swakopmund an activity briefing will be held.
DAY 41 - 42: Swakopmund to Sesriem – Namibia (B / L / D)
Leaving Swakopmund, we head south towards the coastal town of Walvis Bay.
Continuing our journey, we enter the Namib Desert's Namib-Naukluft Park. Once in the Namib, one of the world's oldest deserts, we set up camp at Sesriem.
From here we can truly experience the many moods of the Namib Desert. Sossusvlei lies nearby amongst what are considered some of the highest sand dunes in the world. From the dune tops, some being over 300 m high, we soak up the magnificent views of the dramatic desert terrain.
One of our afternoons here is spent exploring the mesmerising desert area of Namibia and taking an optional walk with specialised guides of Sossus on Foot. The walking excursion is highly recommended for those interested in learning about the fascinating local geology, history, flora and fauna. This day of natural and cultural riches is rounded off with a beautiful sunset from Dune 45.
DAY 43: Sesriem to Fish River Canyon – Namibia (B / L / D)
After watching the sunrise over Sesriem we leave the tranquility of the Namib dunes and head south to the Fish River Canyon.
Namibia's Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. The outer sides of this canyon were formed by tectonic activity and the Fish River has over time eroded the landscape shaping the inner canyon. The Fish River Canyon measures 161 km in length, is 27 km across and approximately 550 m deep.
We follow the road that runs along the eastern rim of the canyon, meeting several vantage points from that offer spectacular views over the river and the surrounding bush.
DAY 44: Fish River Canyon to Orange River – South Africa (B / L / D)
We wake up early and keep heading in a southerly direction to the Orange River, a short drive away. The Gariep or Orange River is the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa.
We will set up camp at a great little campsite on the South African side of the border. If you feel up to it you can go on a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River. It's a relaxing and scenic paddle with some great birdlife.
DAY 45: Orange River to Cederberg – South Africa (B / L / D)
We leave early this morning and travel through an area known as the Richtersveld before reaching the pretty South African area of Namaqualand.
This Area is well known for its wonderful display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur September - October. Our campsite for the night is located between beautiful wine farms. We willl have the chance to do some wine tasting or explore the Cederberg Mountain range before retiring for our final night of camping under the African skies!
DAY 46: Cederberg to Cape Town – South Africa (B)
We say goodbye to the lovely Cederberg area and continue south to what has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town.
En route to Cape Town we travel through the fruit growing region of Citrusdal before crossing the Piketberg Pass and on to the Cape's famous wine growing regions. Our final destination is revealed as Table Mountain emerges, this iconic landmark dominates the city of Cape Town.
Tonight's accommodation is in dormitories at a well-loved Backpackers' Hostel in Cape Town.
DAY 47: Cape Town – South Africa
In the morning our Nairobi to Cape Town African Highlights Safari of a lifetime comes to an end in Cape Town!
Please Note:
This Budget African Safari starts in Nairobi, Kenya travelling south through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, before ending in Cape Town, South Africa.
The Budget Camping Safari departs from Nairobi in Kenya early on Tuesday morning. Should you wish to explore Nairobi, an earlier arrival is recommended. Accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris.
This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.
All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the safari trip.