Cederberg Mountain Region, Namaqualand, Gariep River, Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei Dunes, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Himba Tribes, Etosha National Park, Northern Namibia, Okavango Delta, Caprivi National Park, Victoria falls, Livingstone, Luangwa Rive
The Cape to Malawi is the perfect version of the longer Cape to Kenya tour for those who want to spend either a lot or no time on Zanzibar. Covering six countries and unforgettable features like the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls and Lake Malawi, it will ensure that your African vacation is an epic adventure of a lifetime.
Contact Details
Contact Person: Diana Tel: 27 11 791 0519
Itinerary
Day 1 South Africa – Cederberg Mountain Region
Camp L,D
We depart Cape Town heading north for the Cederberg Mountain region. Cederberg is well known as one of the main Rooibos Tea growing areas in South Africa and is also home to beautiful wildflowers in October. On this first afternoon we spend some time learning about tour-life, the vehicle and equipment.
Day 2 Namaqualand – Gariep River
Camp B,L,D
We travel north through Namaqualand and head for the Gariep River. The Western Cape is soon left behind and we spend most of the afternoon traveling through the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The night is spent on the banks of the Gariep River around the campfire, getting to know one another. The Gariep River forms the border of South Africa and Namibia and is used widely for agricultural irrigation in this arid area.
Day 3 Namibia - Gariep River Fish River Canyon
Camp B,L,D
Choose between a relaxing morning on the riverbank or the half-day canoe adventure. After lunch we travel north to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world. The Fish River is the longest river in Namibia at 650 km in length, the Fish River Canyon is situated along the lower reaches of this seasonal river. The Fish River Canyon is 161 km in length and runs from Seeheim to Ai-Ais. Optional Activities: Orange River Half Day Canoe Adventure.
Day 4 Namib-Naukluft National Park
Camp B,L,D
From the canyon we continue on into the remote Namibian hinterland. We arrive at camp in the afternoon and have time to go for a walk in to the smaller Sesriem Canyon. This is an excellent night to sleep out under the stars, beside the fire.
Day 5 Sossusvlei Dunes Namib-Naukluft National Park
Camp B,L,D
Taking advantage of the cooler temperatures we depart at dawn and drive into the Namib-Naukluft National Park where we will hike up Dune 45 to gain a different perspective of the desert. After this you have the option to take a guided hike with fellow group members into Sossusvlei. Optional Activities: Guided walk with Local Expert.
Day 6/7 Swakopmund
Hostel B,L,D (Dinner on day 7 only)
A dramatic drive through the arid Namib-Naukluft, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn sees us arrive at Walvis Bay. We make a stop to view the flamingos before we head towards the seaside resort town of Swakopmund.
Day 7 is left free for each individual to pursue their own interests including many adventure activities.
Optional Activities: Quadbiking, Sandboarding, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights, Fishing etc.
Day 8 Spitzkoppe
Camp B,L,D
We leave all the trappings of modern life behind us and drive inland to the mysterious Spitzkoppe, a sacred site of the San people. We have the chance to climb the boulders and rock formations and will camp in the wild for the night. Optional Activities: Guided hike with locals to view San rock art.
Day 9 Himba Tribes
Camp B,L,D
After some early morning exploration we head inland again and drive north towards Kamanjab. Tomorrow we will meet the Himba. Encountering a totally different way of life is a moving experience for many people.
Day 10/11 Etosha National Park
Camp B,L,D
An early rise sees us on our way to meet the local Himba people. After spending some time with them we head off to Etosha National Park and some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. We spend our days visiting the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography.
Day 12/13 Northern Namibia
Camp B,L,D
After an early morning game drive we set off towards Rundu on the Kavango River. In the evening we can enjoy a sunset cruise. The next day we visit the local Ovambo villages. There are a number of different optional activities to take part in; alternatively a relaxing day by the river is always popular. Optional Activities: Kavango River Cruise, Traditional Dancing, Horse Riding.
Day 14/15/16 Botswana - Okavango Delta
Camp B,L,D
Another early day! Our journey takes us from Rundu, through the Muhembo border, towards Shakawe. If time allows we will go to Mahango National Park for a game drive, situated right on the border. Those of us who decide to join the Delta Excursion will leave the truck behind and make our way to the base camp. From here we will enter the Delta the following day by using local transport, including mokoros (dugout canoes). Your guides will provide you with a briefing about the next few day’s activities, the environment and the community run tourism operation. If you remain behind then you spend the next few days relaxing at camp. Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Excursion.
Day 17 Namibia - Caprivi National Park
Camp B,L,D
The Delta is left behind as we pass through the Caprivi National Park in Namibia, camping under the stars on the banks of the Zambezi River. The Caprivi National Park is home to 450 animal species. Animals travel freely across the border with Botswana where the Chobe National Park lies. We spend the night relaxing next to this mighty river.
18 Botswana - Chobe National Park
Camp B,L,D
We re-cross the border into Botswana and head towards Kasane, where we camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The afternoon can be spent Game viewing on an optional boat cruise, in the renowned Chobe NP. This is an excellent opportunity to view some of Africa’s spectacular wildlife. Optional Activities: Chobe Game Drive and/or Boat Cruise.
Day 19 Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
Hostel B,L
Arriving early at our final destination of Victoria Falls, we have time to plan the next day’s adventure activities and those who want to can visit the Falls. The popular optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks. Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls National Park.
Day 20/21 Victoria Falls
Hostel B
Most people will spend the day White Water Rafting, a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives. Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion, Dinner out.
Day 22 Zambia - Livingstone
Camp L, D
We spend the day enjoying the activities on offer in Livingstone, getting to know our equipment and one another before the trip leaves Livingstone the following morning. Optional Activities: Zambezi White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Elephant Back Safari, Zambezi sunset cruise, Vic Falls NP.
Day 23/24 Lusaka - Luangwa River
Camp B,L,D
Leaving behind the excitement of Vic Falls we depart on our expedition. The journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route. We begin the following day with some shopping in Lusaka before heading northeast towards the Luangwa River where we spend the night. This is an interesting area full of friendly locals and a walk along the river is a rewarding experience.
Day 25/26 South Luangwa National Park
Camp B,L,D
Early in the morning we drive from the Luangwa River to the South Luangwa National Park where we spend two nights on the banks of the river. The second day is put aside for activities. You can choose between a morning or night game drive and a guided game walk accompanied by a professional local guide. If the South Luangwa NP is not for you, then relax by the pool. On occasion, in the rainy season it is impossible or inadvisable to attempt to reach South Luangwa NP, if this happens then an alternative itinerary will be chosen. Optional Activities: Game Drive, Night Drive and Game Walk in South Luangwa NP.
Day 27 Malawi – Luwawa Forest
Camp B,L,D
Today we cross the Zambia-Malawi border after leaving South Luangwa National Park in the early morning. Heading north we enter the highlands of Malawi and spend the night at Luwawa Forest. There are some wonderful hikes in the area as well as other activities. Optional Activities: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking.
Day 28/29/30/31 Central Lake Malawi and Northern Malawi
Camp B,L,D
Lake Malawi used to be called Lake Nyasa and is the southernmost of the Great Rift Valley lakes. The lake is at an altitude of around 500 metres and has a tropical climate. We will spend the next couple of carefree days relaxing on the white sandy beaches. For the more adventurous there are endless leisure and water sport activities. Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere and relax in one of the most scenic and memorable holiday destinations in Africa! The evenings are spent beside the tranquil waters.
Optional Activities: Scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, craft shopping, hiking and more.
Day 32/33 Tanzania – Iringa - Dar es Salaam
Day 32 Camp B,L,D, Day 33 Tour ends. Own arrangements, B
Today we make the border crossing out of Malawi. Leaving the lake behind us, we head for our first night in Tanzania, as we ascend out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, we pass the vast tea plantations in the highlands to our camp outside Iringa. The next day we transit through Mikumi National Park to the historical port city of Dar es Salaam where your tour ends.