Serengeti, Falls & Cape Town Overland: Sunsets & Safaris
40 days
from Nairobi to Cape Town
From
$ 5499
Duration40 days
Marvel at some of the world's highest sand dunes, float through the Okavango Delta, and meet the San Bushmen in the blazing Kalahari Desert on this epic overland adventure. Explore eight countries all in one 40-day trip, beginning in Kenya and moving down towards Africa's southernly tip. Our Landos (overland adventure vehicles) are an adventurous and inexpensive way to enjoy the region’s intriguing combination of wilderness and rural villages, while camping under Africa’s big sky will provide a unique perspective. Take the road less traveled and come away with jaw-dropping photographs and a deeper understanding of this incredible continent.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 40 daysService level: Camping
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Starts in: NairobiPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: Cape TownAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Arrive at any time.
Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to know which visas you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain a visa on arrival at the border.
Day 2: Nairobi/Arusha
Cross through the semi-arid lands of the Maasai people to Arusha.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Arusha/Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, begin the 3-day and 2-night excursion to Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, two of Africa’s premier wildlife areas.
Enjoy a wildlife safari drive en route to the camp site in the central Serengeti.
Changing to specialized 4x4 7-seater safari vehicles, meet experienced safari driver/guides, who will ensure wonderful wildlife encounters. The safari vehicles each have sliding windows and a large pop-up roof, perfect for viewing animals and scenery. They are smaller than the overland adventure vehicle (OAV) and will allow the group to maneuver easily through the wildlife areas. As the vehicles are smaller than the overland adventure vehicle (OAV), the group will split up among several vehicles.
End place: Serengeti National Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro
Start place: Serengeti National Park
Before leaving the Serengeti, enjoy one last morning safari drive to see the animal kingdom come to life in this incredible expanse of grassland savannah. Then return and break camp, and journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa's best wildlife viewing. The views from the Ngorongoro Crater rim are stunning, and there is an ever-present abundance of wildlife, due to the permanent water supply on the crater floor. Arrive at the campsite at the crater rim in the late afternoon.
Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in the Serengeti during the day, and finish the evening camping at the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Please note: if you have pre-booked the Serengeti Balloon Safari, today's likely the day for this activity! The CEO will give the final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above! If you have not yet pre-booked, add it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Please note that due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.
Please note that due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Ngorongoro/Arusha
Exit the crater late in the morning and travel back to Arusha.
Venture down to the crater floor, and take in a final safari experience viewing the high concentration of wildlife bound by the crater walls.
If you have booked the Zanzibar Express, you will part from the group in Arusha and be transferred to your Arusha hotel for the night. The following morning you will fly to Zanzibar. Included: transfers, flights, one night Arusha (Outpost Lodge, or similar) and one night Stone Town (Tausi Palace, or similar). Only breakfast included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Arusha/Bagamoyo
Leave Arusha early and be on the lookout for the majestic Mt Kilimanjaro, on the road towards Bagamoyo. This town, which was recently named a World Heritage Site, was one of the most important trading ports of the central east African coast in the late 19th century.
Hit the road, and enjoy the varied landscapes on the way to the Indian Ocean coast.
Zanzibar Express; transfer this morning from your Arusha hotel to the airport for the flight to Zanzibar. Arrive in Stone Town and spend the afternoon exploring on your own. Enjoy an extra night in Stone Town and meet back up with the group the following day. Only breakfast included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Bagamoyo/Nungwi
After arriving on Zanzibar, transfer to Nungwi Beach. Relax on the idyllic white-sand beaches, wander through the village of Nungwi or opt to go snorkelling or diving.
Drive to Dar es Salaam, then hop on a ferry to Zanzibar. Travel north to Nungwi Beach, and bliss out beachside on Zanzibar's northern coast.
Zanzibar is a Muslim society. Immodestly dressed women or men in shorts will get harassed and cause great offense in Stone Town. In Nungwi, customs are a little more relaxed, but travellers are encouraged to be respectful of the island's culture and cover up when walking around. Never try to take a photograph without asking permission.
Meals: B
Day 8: Nungwi
Take the day to enjoy paradise. Opt to go diving, snorkelling, take a sailing trip, or just sit back and relax.
Meals: B
Day 9: Nungwi/Stone Town
Explore Stone Town, the heart of the island. It has an intriguing maze of narrow, cobbled lanes hemmed in by Arabic buildings. The best way to see Stone Town is, literally, to get lost. One can spend hours just wandering the alleys and squares, drinking potent coffee from pavement vendors, or buying sweetmeats from scores of tiny cafes. Look out for tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautifully printed cloths (kangas and kikois worn by local people), little carved chests with copper inlays and spices – all beautiful presents or memories to take home.
Travel back to Stone Town for a final night on this enchanting island.
Meals: B
Day 10: Stone Town/Baobab Valley
Catch the ferry back to Dar Es Salaam and continuing travelling west to the campsite in the Baobab Valley on the banks of the Ruaha River. The camp is on the edge of the Udzwungwa Mountains National Park.
Ferry to Dar es Salaam then continue to Baobab Valley.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Baobab Valley/Iringa
Spend another day on the road, and journey south to Iringa. Visit a crafts centre that supports the local community.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Iringa/Chitimba
Chitimba Beach has beautiful views of mountains in the background and Tanzania across the lake.
Cross into Malawi and travel to beautiful Lake Malawi.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Chitimba/Kande Beach
Leave Chitimba in the morning and drive south along Lake Malawi to Kande Beach.
Travel to another beautiful beach area on Lake Malawi.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: Kande Beach
Enjoy a traditional dinner in a local home, and opt to explore by foot, go snorkelling, or take a village tour.
Dinner in a local home.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 15: Kande Beach/Chipata
Cross the border from Malawi to Zambia, then continue to the capital of the Eastern Province, Chipata. Previously known as Fort Jameson, Chipata is a popular refuelling station for overlanders heading to South Luangwa National Park.
Cross the border into Zambia.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 16: Chipata/South Luangwa
Stop for lunch, and a visit of the craft workshop, at the G Adventures-supported Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe. Opt for an afternoon, or night, wildlife safari drive in South Luangwa National Park.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 17: South Luangwa
Enjoy a free day to explore South Luangwa NP, a wildlife haven. Opt to go on a walking safari (seasonal), night drive, or visit a nearby local village.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 18: South Luangwa/Lusaka
Set off early and arrive late in the afternoon. The long journey across rough and bumpy roads takes us to a private farm 29km (18 mi) outside the capital of Zambia. Marvel at the zebras, buffaloes, and the bok that roam the property, or relax by the pool or at the camp’s bar.
Sit back and enjoy a day of driving, taking in the scenery.
This is an overnight stop in between driving days, so we will not have time to explore Lusaka.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 19: Lusaka/Victoria Falls
Continue travelling across Zambia, cross the border into Zimbabwe and finish at the lovely town of Victoria Falls.
Your accommodation is in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT Livingstone (Zambia). Please make sure you have the necessary visa.
Meals: B, L
Day 20: Victoria Falls
The town of Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and for the more adventurous, bungee jump with Victoria Falls in view.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Spend the day exploring your beautiful surroundings. Opt to visit Victoria Falls, go whitewater rafting, or take a helicopter flight over the falls.
Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise. You can pre-book on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.
Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.
Meals: B
Day 21: Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) to the awesome Victoria Falls, opt to raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, or bungee jump (with Victoria Falls in sight).
Opt to visit Victoria Falls, go whitewater rafting, or take a helicopter flight over the falls.
Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise.
Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.
Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.
Day 22: Victoria Falls/Kasane
You will stay over just outside of the park near the town of Kasane. This afternoon, take an optional wildlife safari drive in the park or an afternoon sunset boat cruise along the Chobe River - it's your best opportunity to view hippos, crocodiles, and many elephants wallowing in the water.
You can pre-book the Chobe River Sunset Cruise on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
You can pre-book the Chobe River Sunset Cruise on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
Cross the border from Zimbabwe into Botswana. Opt to take a wildlife viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River or a wildlife safari drive in an open safari vehicle in Chobe National Park.
Meals: B, L
Day 23: Kasane/Gweta
When the rain comes, it brings life to the pans, awakening the dormant fish and aquatic shrimps from the mud. The surrounding grasslands also teem with life and are home to many antelope, which attract a wide variety of predators.
Opt to do a morning safari drive before travelling south to Gweta. Camp under ancient baobab trees.
End place: Gweta
Meals: B, L, D
Day 24: Gweta/Maun
Start place: Gweta
Book the Okavango Delta Flight extra on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
Opt to catch a bird's-eye view of the delta on a scenic flight.
Please note: if you have pre-booked the Okavango Delta Flight, today is likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change.
End place: Maun
Meals: B, L
Day 25: Maun/Okavango Delta
Start place: Maun
After leaving some of our luggage in Maun, we begin our exciting excursion into the delta as we drive about 1-2 hrs (depending on which dock we go to) to the "dock". Here, we hop into a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, which will take us deep into the delta. After a couple hours in a mokoro, we arrive to our basic bush camp.
Enjoy a wildlife walk, a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) excursion, and birding.
Please note that there will be no shower tonight, as our camp is very basic in the wild - you will be compensated by the incredible landscape and wildlife!
Once we are in Maun, you can pick up any supplies and prepare for our excursion into the Okavango Delta. We recommend you buy a 5 litre bottle of water to take with you into the Delta; this should be sufficient to use for drinking and cleaning purposes.
Once we are in Maun, you can pick up any supplies and prepare for our excursion into the Okavango Delta. We recommend you buy a 5 litre bottle of water to take with you into the Delta; this should be sufficient to use for drinking and cleaning purposes.
End place: Delta de l'Okavango
Meals: B, L, D
Day 26: Maun/D'kar
Start place: Maun
We continue through the western part of Botswana, the heart of the Kalahari, to D'kar. Get a glimpse of how the San adapted to the Kalahari Desert. Learn fascinating wilderness survival skills by local Bushmen on an optional Bushman walk.
Spend the night at the G Adventures supported Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp, and meet the local San Bushmen. Optional walk to learn survival skills from the locals.
End place: Dekar
Meals: B, L, D
Day 27: D'kar/Windhoek
Start place: Dekar
Opt to explore the city centre of Windhoek after a long drive and a border crossing.
Meals: B, L
Day 28: Windhoek/Etosha National Park
Visit the G Adventures supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, just outside of Windhoek, to pick up a tasty packed lunch, then continue up to Etosha National Park. Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in the overland vehicle, then opt to take an open vehicle wildlife safari night drive.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 29: Etosha National Park
Start place: Etosha National Park
Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari drive in Etosha National Park.
End place: Etosha National Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 30: Etosha National Park/Damaraland
Start place: Etosha National Park
Morning wildlife safari drive in the overland vehicle. Travel to Damaraland through beautiful desert landscapes.
End place: Damaraland
Meals: B, L, D
Day 31: Damaraland/Spitzkoppe
Start place: Damaraland
Explore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky—it's great for star-gazing!
Visit the Damaraland Living Museum to learn more about the lost culture of the Damara people, then travel south and enjoy the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe.
Our basic bush camp will have long-drop toilets and no running water.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 32: Spitzkoppe/Swakopmund
We will spend two nights in Swakopmund, here you can explore this historical town or try some of the numerous activities available.
Travel through the coastal region to the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund.
End place: Swakopmund
Meals: B, L
Day 33: Swakopmund
Start place: Swakopmund
Fill free time with sandboarding, skydiving, or a living desert tour.
End place: Swakopmund
Day 34: Swakopmund/Namib Desert
Start place: Swakopmund
Arrive in the area in the afternoon where we will be camping on the edge of the Namib Desert. Opt to walk with a local expert who will explain the desert and its mysteries.
End place: Namib Desert
Meals: B, L, D
Day 35: Namib Desert
Start place: Namib Desert
We will leave early morning towards Sossuvlei campsite, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei form the gateway into the Namib Desert. Here you will really feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere.
The afternoon is spent exploring the natural wonders of this bizarre environment. Visit Sossusvlei - a clay pan, enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes, up to 300m (984 ft) high. Here, opt to take a guided walk in the sands dunes, or enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
The afternoon is spent exploring the natural wonders of this bizarre environment. Visit Sossusvlei - a clay pan, enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes, up to 300m (984 ft) high. Here, opt to take a guided walk in the sands dunes, or enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
Explore the Sesriem Canyon, a small canyon typical of the area. Then continue on to the Sossusvlei Dunes and climb up breathtaking Dune 45.
End place: Namib Desert
Meals: B, L, D
Day 36: Namib Desert/Fish River Canyon
Start place: Namib Desert
Journey to Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa, and arguably the second largest in the world. Spend some time here taking in the majestic beauty of the canyon, watch as a spectacular sunset slips over the canyon's rim.
Enjoy the sunset at Fish River Canyon.
End place: Visrivier Canyon
Meals: B, L, D
Day 37: Fish River Canyon/Orange River
Start place: Visrivier Canyon
Set up camp on the banks of Orange River for the night. After, enjoy a late afternoon of swimming, relaxing, or possibly even canoeing on the river.
Head to the border and cross into South Africa. Camp at the scenic Orange River and opt to go canoeing.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 38: Orange River/Cederberg
Head south through the Western Cape to the area of the Cederberg Mountains, where we spend the evening camping on a local farm. Explore the area, sip local wine, and sit back and enjoy the dramatic scenery.
Travel past large plantations of rooibos tea and view dramatic Western Cape scenery.
End place: Cederberg
Meals: B, L, D
Day 39: Cederberg/Cape Town
Start place: Cederberg
For our final travel day, journey to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.
Visit the G Adventures supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, before arriving in vibrant Cape Town. Enjoy beautiful views of Table Mountain, and opt for a final night out with the group.
Please note that we arrive in Cape Town in the early afternoon, you might not have time to participate in lengthy activities or see many sights. If you would like to see or do anything, we recommend booking an extra night or two before your return flight home.
End place: Cape Town
Meals: B, L
Day 40: Cape Town
Start place: Cape Town
We highly recommend booking an extra night in Cape Town to explore all that this area has to offer.
Depart at any time.
End place: Cape Town
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe, Mfuwe Your G for Good Moment: Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp, Dekar Your G for Good Moment: Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, Windhoek Your G for Good Moment: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, Swartwater Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Nungwi Your Local Living Moment: Kande Beach Local Dinner, Kande Beach Your Discover Moment: Victoria Falls
- Entrances and wildlife safari drives in Serengeti and Etosha national parks and Ngorongoro Crater
- Zanzibar excursion
- Spice plantation tour
- Okavango Delta overnight bush camping excursion
- Damaraland Living Museum visit
- Entrance to Sossusvlei Dunes, Fish River Canyon, and Spitzkoppe
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Lando (overland adventure vehicle), 4x4 safari vehicles, Minibuses, Ferry, Mokoro -
Accommodation
Simple hotels (4 nts), Participation camping (27 nts), Permanent tented camp (1 nt), Full-service camping (2 nts), Guesthouses (2 nts, multi-share), Basic bush camping (2 nts), Hostel (1 nt, multi-share)