Classic Africa

Day 1: Nairobi

Today is an arrival day and you may arrive at any time. The remainder of your day is free for you to enjoy at leisure.A pre-departure meeting takes place at 6pm at the hotel. You may choose to eat at the hotel restaurant this evening or venture out to one of the many fine restaurants that Nairobi has to offer (own expense).

Day 2: Arusha

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) Starting early this morning we traverse the 'wildlife corridor' between Nairobi and Arusha, also known as the 'Safari Capital' of Tanzania. This town buzzes with activity, and you can expect to see several safaris heading off - or returning after a week in the bush. On arrival we set up camp on the outskirts of town and enjoy our surrounds. Our campsite is located at Meserani Snake Park and Masai Museum. The Snake Park is home to a variety of snakes common to East Africa, from the black mamba to the African python, as well as monitor lizards, tortoises and crocodiles. The adjoining Masai Museum centres on the culture, customs and dress of the Masai tribes. The Meserani Project works closely with the local community, providing antidote treatment for snake bites and other basic health service, free of charge, to the local Masai communities.

Day 3: Mto Wa Mbu

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) This afternoon we take a leisurely drive to the colourful and vibrant market town of Mto Wa Mbu. There is a nearby Masai village that you may visit to learn more about the unique culture and traditions of this proud tribe. The town has a great curio market, as well as a fresh produce market which you can wander through. Alternatively you may choose to spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the campsite.

Day 4-5: Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park

(Driving time: approx 8 hours; game drive times variable: approx 8 hours) Taking a break from our overland vehicle, and bidding farewell to our driver and cook for the next three days, we transfer into 4WD vehicles for our expedition into Ngorongoro Conservation Area / Serengeti National Park. Departing Mto Wa Mbu, we stop on the top of the Rift Valley escarpment for an incredible view out over Lake Manyara before continuing westward to our next destination. At the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the crater, which is a volcanic caldera some 20 kilometres wide that contains an abundance of wildlife and bird life. Ngorongoro is often referred to as a microcosm of Africa, with forest and grasslands, as well as freshwater and soda lakes. We transfer into Land Rovers and head down to the crater floor, where we spend the morning exploring this outstanding wildlife sanctuary. The crater is home to several black rhinos and, with luck, we may have the opportunity to seeing some of these highly endangered animal. (National park regulations stipulate that vehicles are only allowed a maximum of six hours in Ngorongoro Crater.) After an exciting visit to the crater we continue the great plains of the Serengeti. These massive grasslands seem to stretch as far as the eye can see, and even beyond! Over a million wildebeest roam through the park, along with a multitude of antelope species and significant populations of lion and cheetah. We spend two days exploring the plains on game drives as well as checking out the rocky outcrops, or 'kopjes', which are a favourite resting spot for the predators. We spend two nights camping inside the park - perfectly situated for the opportunity to hear the night time serenade of the African savannah. Please note that the campsites in Serengeti National Park are national park campsites and have no shower facilities. These are the only public campsites available and the facilities are basic in the extreme. There are no fences surrounding the campsites and wildlife is free to roam at leisure. The toilets are pit toilets and are not cleaned regularly. You will need to purchase bottled water at your own expense for this part of the tour. However the opportunity to camp in the middle of the Serengeti Plains is a real highlight and an experience that you are unlikely to forget.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) We enjoy a final early morning game drive, before heading back to break down camp. We then traverse the southern part of Serengeti National Park, before heading back to our Arusha campsite where we are reunited with our overland vehicle, driver and cook.

Day 7: Pangani

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) From Arusha we then journey to Pangani, passing the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro on the way. Our camp is located near the village Mombo at the foot of the Usambara Mountains. From the camp-site we have a spectacular view of the mountains.

Day 8: Dar es Salaam

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) We then continue to Dar es Salaam, the former capital of Tanzania before the capital was officially moved to Dodoma in 1996. With over 2.5 million people, it is still the country's largest city and main administrative centre. We spend a night here - a chance to experience a large African city before catching the following morning's ferry to Zanzibar.

Day 9: Stone Town (Zanzibar)

(Ferry sailing: approx 1½ hours) We say goodbye to our overland vehicle for four days and catch the morning ferry for the 1½ hour crossing to the famous spice island of Zanzibar, where we spend our first night in the evocative and historic Stone Town. In Stone Town allow yourself time to wander through the many cobbled laneways, take in the architecture and appreciate the famous Zanzibar doors. The market is a sea of colour and noise and offers a great insight into the lives of the friendly local people. An optional Spice Tour starts with a brief tour of the historical sights in Stone Town, before visiting the Slave Museum, the ruins of the Sultan's Palace and then travelling inland to the famous spice plantations. Here you learn about the many spices and fruits grown on the island, as well as their medicinal and culinary uses. A traditional lunch caps of this great half-day tour. Another great option in Stone Town is getting out to Prison Island. A local motorised dhow is hired and you are taken to the nearby Prison Island, where you enjoy excellent views back to Stone Town. On the island you can swim and snorkel (which you cannot do in Stone Town itself), as well as observe the giant tortoises that inhabit this island. Stone Town also offers great shopping and eating opportunities. Craft markets sprawl out of doorways and down alleyways. Wooden products, paintings and soapstone carvings are just some of the wares on sale. There are many little restaurants that are worth a try and the Night Market offers a great (and cheap) dining experience - the Zanzibari pizzas are quite unique and the banana and chocolate pizza is a real treat. With satellite links and air-conditioned internet cafes that stay open late into the night, there is no reason for not catching up with news from home via email.

Day 10-12: Nungwi Beach (Zanzibar)

(Driving time: approx 1 hour) The next three days are spent on the idyllic north coast at the beachside village of Nungwi. This is located at the northern tip of the island and is a major place for construction of dhows (traditional Arabic sailing vessels). Here we also experience white sandy beaches and a warm tropical sea, making it a great place to chill out and relax. Our days in paradise are sure to prove a most welcome break in the midst of our long overland adventure.

Day 13: Dar es Salaam

(Driving time: approx 1 hour; ferry sailing: approx 1½ hours) We spend a final morning on the beach which allows us an opportunity to grab some last minute bargains, such as the colourful Zanzibari Katanga. Similar to a sarong, katangas can be used as a scarf, towel, wrap or blanket! In the afternoon we catch the ferry back to the mainland where we are reunited with our truck. The evening is spent at a seaside campsite.

Day 14: Baobab Valley - Iringa

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) Heading towards Malawi we stop at Baobab Valley, where we get to take photos of these unique trees which grow to more than 1000 years old! We spend our final night in Tanzania where we camp at an old farmhouse, a beautiful rustic campsite in the southern highlands. This campsite was voted as having the best showers in all of Africa! The area is fertile and hilly and is known for its vast tea estates and banana plantations.

Day 15-16: Chitimba - Chintheche (Lake Malawi)

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus on Day 15 and 5 hours on Day 16) We enter the landlocked country of Malawi, with its hilly landscapes, and the picturesque Lake Malawi dominating its eastern flank. Located on the edge of Lake Malawi is the chilled out town of Chitimba where we will spend our first night in this region. Our second night will be spent in Chintheche. Chintheche is situated in the northern half of Lake Malawi, about 40 kilometres south of Nkhata Bay. A windy road takes us there and on the way we can see rubber plantations and blue monkeys are often sighted on the side of the road. The town has a number of shops and there are many optional activities available here, including wind surfing, sailing, mountain biking and horse riding. We also have the option to visit a local village community and school during our time here to gain an insight into Malawian daily life.

Day 17-18: Senga Bay (Lake Malawi)

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) Previously known as Lake Nyasa, this lake is the southernmost part of the Great Rift Valley and is the third largest as well as the second deepest in Africa. It is also home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world. We stop for our first two nights in Senga Bay, a relaxing spot and a good place to partake in a range of optional watersports activities. There is also a large curio market here where we can test our bargaining skills (essential!) and buy some of the famous Malawi chairs and other wood carvings. A short walk out of town to Mpatsanjoka Dambo may enable us to see hippos as well as some of the numerous waterbirds.

Day 19: Chipata

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) We leave Malawi and cross into Zambia heading towards Chipata. There is a supermarket here and also a few places to change money. There is also an impressive mosque in town (entry is restricted to Muslims) and a collection of shops and markets. A popular buy is 'chitenje', which is a colourful traditional cloth found in this area.

Day 20-21: South Luangwa National Park

(Driving time: approx 4 hours; game drive times variable) Our next stop is one of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa - South Luangwa National Park. Covering an area of 9050 square kilometres, it is home to an amazing concentration of wildlife. Its terrain includes dry shrublands, mopane forests and oxbow lakes, but the main feature is the Luangwa River. As we enter the park we cross the Luangwa River and will be immediately astounded by the incredible numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Our two nights here are spent camping at the Flat Dogs campsite and we enjoy two game drives (one morning and one evening) in open 4WD vehicles in search of wildlife. If we are very, very lucky, we may even see leopard. This park is off-the-beaten-track, so we are some of the privileged few as not many travellers get to explore this hidden 'gem'. One day that will change!

Day 22-23: Chipata - Lusaka

(Driving time: approx 4 hours on Day 22 and 8 hours plus on Day 23) After our wildlife sojourn, we return to Chipata for an overnight stay before heading to the capital of Zambia - Lusaka. Lusaka actually replaced Livingstone as capital of the then-colony in 1935. It is a cosmopolitan city with a population of just over a million people. Always full of activity, you may wish to wander amongst the market place - a myriad of restaurants, fishmongers, fruit-sellers and craftsmen!

Day 24-26: Victoria Falls

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) We make our way from Lusaka into Zimbabwe and our campsite located right in the centre of town. From here it is only a short walk to the magnificent Victoria Falls. No trip to Africa is complete without a visit to Victoria Falls and nothing quite prepares you for the awesome power of this natural phenomenon. At its peak, it is estimated that 5 million cubic metres of water pass over the cataracts every minute! In addition to viewing the falls themselves, there is plenty of time to partake in some of the many optional activities in the Victoria Falls area. These include whitewater rafting (seasonal), and walking with lion cubs. Your tour leader will be on hand to assist you in arranging any optional activities.

Day 27-28: Chobe National Park

(Driving time: approx 2 hours not including time at border; game drive times variable) There is time for a short activity this morning prior to our departure from Victoria Falls just after lunch. We leave Zimbabwe, cross the border into Botswana and travel on to Kasane where we spend one night camping on the banks of the Chobe River. The following morning we meet with our local specialist guide, travelling in open 4WD vehicles through Chobe National Park. Known throughout the world as Africa's greatest elephant sanctuary, Chobe National Park is also home to a wide variety of other animals including Cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo and many different species of antelope. In the afternoon we enjoy a magical sunset boat trip on the Chobe River, watching elephants and other animals coming down to drink - a great way to end our day! Tonight we have the option to rest at a mobile camp located inside Chobe National Park. (own expense)

Day 29: Sepupa

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Leaving Kasane we transit through parts of Chobe National Park before exiting Botswana at the Ngoma Bridge border. We enter Namibia and head west along the 500 kilometre long Caprivi Strip before re-entering Botswana. At Sepupa we set up camp on the banks of the Okavango River and prepare for our upcoming Okavango Delta excursion.

Day 30-31: Okavango Delta

No visit to this corner of Africa is complete without exploring the irresistible wilderness of the Okavango Delta. Over the next two days we explore our surroundings on land and on the water. The real attraction here is the experience of travelling by mokoro (local dug-out canoe) and seeing how the people and animals share the wilderness, living as they have for hundreds of years. If we are lucky we may also have the bonus of seeing various antelopes and other animals in the area. We spend one night camping in the wild under the stars of the southern skies and experience the full majesty of the area, whilst the other night is spent on a houseboat on the waterways in the delta. A powerboat ride through the upper channels is a real highlight, as is the opportunity to take a walk though the village of the local Setswana people. This excursion explores the permanent water areas of the inner delta, also known as the panhandle section, which ensures an incredible experience year round regardless of rainfall and water levels in the Okavango Delta system. This excursion is operated through the Okavango Polers Trust, whose aim is to preserve and maintain the traditional lifestyle of the Batswana people who inhabit the delta region. This trust ensures that all members of the community are given the opportunity to become polers, which allows them to earn money through tourism. Poler and guides fees are set by the trust and additional income earned by the trust is used to assist various community projects in the area. For the two nights in the Okavango Delta you need to pack clothing and other personal items into a smaller overnight bag, as space is limited. There will be no access to showers and you will be away from the safari vehicle.

Day 32: Rundu

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) Leaving behind the beauty of the Okavango Delta we rejoin our vehicle and travel west to Rundu parallel to the Kavango River, on the way to our campsite at Rundu. Here we visit the local school and church. Whilst Gecko's donates money to the school you are welcome to bring donations of school equipment, such as pens and pencils etc to give to the school, which is then distributed to the children as required.

Day 33-35: Bushmanland - Etosha National Park

Driving time: approx 5½ hours on Day 33 not including time at border, and approx 5½ hours on Day 34; game drive times variable) In the morning we visit the Kavango tribe (time permitting) whose woodcarving is exceptional. We spend one night at a community campsite in Omatako Valley where we enjoy an evening of traditional dance & music with the San (Bushmen) people. There are also many optional activities here including guided walks, tracking skills and gathering bush foods & medicines. From here we head to Etosha National Park and arrive in time to set up camp, before heading to the floodlit waterhole for some night time game viewing. Two days in the park allow for plentiful game opportunities in this enormous wildlife arena. Etosha is the third largest wildlife sanctuary in the world and one of the most impressive national parks in Africa, especially in the dry season. The pan is a vast shallow depression 139 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide and a number of permanent springs are located along its southern edge. We spend our time exploring the park on morning and afternoon game drives, as we traverse the southern flank of the pan, observing zebra, oryx, elephant and rhino. We may also find time for a swim in the heat of the day. It is a magical place and, for many people, the highlight of the trip.

Day 36: Spitzkoppe

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Driving south from Etosha we travel through the beautiful area of Damaraland, taking in views of Namibia's tallest peak, Brandberg (2573 metres), before reaching our community campsite at Spitzkoppe. The 1728 metre high Spitzkoppe, a granite isleberg, is the remnant of an ancient volcano. Its distinctive shape has led to it being commonly referred to as The Matterhorn of Africa. One optional activity is a guided walk to Bushman's Paradise, but you are also free to spend time on your own exploring this beautiful area on foot. Spitzkoppe has long been of spiritual importance to the bushmen and an evening spent under a million stars will surely be one that etches itself into your memory.

Day 37-38: Cape Cross - Swakopmund

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) We head west to the Namibian coastline where we witness the largest seal colony in Africa, as a multitude of Cape fur seals bask in the sun on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It is literally quite an experience for all the senses, including that of smell! Cape Cross is also an important historic landmark, being the first place that European explorers set foot on Namibian soil. Our next two nights are spent on the coast at Swakopmund, a great spot to relax after all the wilderness we have encountered on our journey since Victoria Falls. We will stay in bungalows here, providing a welcome break from camping. There is a first-rate museum and aquarium to visit and there are also a number of optional activities, such as duneboarding, skydiving and quadbiking. Lunch is included on our drive to Swakopmund, but only breakfast is provided during our two-night stay in town. Some of the full-day activities include lunch, and there are many inexpensive cafes, restaurants and bars around town.

Day 39-40: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park

(Driving time: approx 6 hours on Day 39, and approx 3 hours on Day 40) Sossusvlei, in the heart of the Namib Desert, is probably the oldest desert on the face of this planet. The scenery in this harsh and primaeval area is spectacular to the extreme. We have a full day to explore the highest sand dunes in the world - some of which rise to an unbelievable 300 metres above the surrounding terrain. The effects of sunlight and the atmosphere combine to create a myriad of shades and hues on the sand dunes, so that the entire area seems to change complexion throughout the course of the day. Whilst in Namib-Naukluft National Park we watch the sunrise from the dunefields and then climb up one of these 'sand mountains' (hard work, but great fun) to watch the sunset. We also walk through this incredible landscape of dunes and shifting ridgelines and visit Sesriem Canyon. We have an option to walk from Sossusvlei to Deadvlei, accompanied by our local guide. This specialist guide will give us an incredible insight into the geography and wildlife of the region, as well explain the unique lifestyle of the indigenous bushmen.

Day 41: Fish River Canyon

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) We travel from Sesriem to Hobas, our base for for exploring Fish River Canyon. In a country of scenic superlatives, this canyon is perhaps the 'jewel in the crown'. Nearly 30 kilometres across and 160 kilometres in length, it is reportedly the second largest (and one of the least visited) canyon in the world. We walk along the rim and, in the late afternoon, watch the canyon walls change colour, as they are tinged with golden rays from the setting sun.

Day 42: Gariep (Orange) River

(Driving time: approx 2½ hours not including time at border) Today we cross the Gariep (Orange) River, which forms the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa. After clearing immigration and customs we set up camp on the South African side, by the banks of the river. We have the option to take a canoe trip on the river, which enables us to survey the harsh and arid surroundings.

Day 43: Cederberg Region

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) Today we travel south, winding our way across a rugged mountainous plateau to reach the Cederberg Region. Depending upon the season, we make our final campsite at either Clanwilliam or Citrusdal. The scenery on today's drive is one of open, arid plains, dotted with the strange quiver trees, all of which produces an impression of rugged beauty and isolation. As we reach further south, mountain ranges emerge providing a more fertile environment for growing citrus fruit. After settling into our campsite, we spend the remainder of the day taste-testing some of the region's best produce; wine!

Day 44-45: Cape Town

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) Our final drive takes us into the heart of Cape Town, set dramatically at the foot of Table Mountain, where we check into our lodge located in the heart of the city. Cape Town is an exciting cosmopolitan city and our hotel is located just a stone's throw from the restaurant and nightlife hub of Long Street. If you can spare the time, then its definitely worth extending your stay a few days to discover this vibrant city in depth. Our tour ends just after breakfast on our final morning.

Tour Grade: Moderate

A moderate level of fitness is required. These trips generally involve some physical activities and occasional long travelling days. Accommodation and travel conditions may be more basic.