Spirit of Africa

Day 1: Cape Town

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. There is a pre-departure meeting tonight at 6.00pm.

Day 2: Cape Town Township Tour - Cederberg

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) This morning we depart the heart of Cape Town for a short drive to Langa Township. In 1923 the Urban Areas Act was passed forcing black Africans to live in set locations. Langa, the first planned township to be created in the Cape Town region, was radically different to others in that it was planned to allow for maximum visibility of its residents by authorities, thereby enabling better scrutiny and greater control. We tour the township on foot and visit a variety of community projects, including a pottery/metalwork initiative that gives students skills and qualifications to enable them to find work and set up small businesses. We also see a condom manufacturer who has set up free HIV testings and condoms and AIDS awareness programs, in an effort to tackle the HIV issue on a local level. Other places visited include a beading workshop, a small apartheid museum and migrant labourers' quarters, which house up to three families per room. All these give us incredible insights into modern black township living that so many of South Africa's people still endure on a daily basis. To complete this amazing experience we enjoy lunch in the township and also have the opportunity to purchase locally-made arts and crafts, where 10% of all proceeds are reinvested back in the community. Leaving the township we head north to the Cederberg Region to set up for our first night of camping. We camp at either Ceres or Clanwillian, depending on the season.

Day 3: Gariep (Orange) River

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) Travelling north, the landscape becomes more barren and rugged. After stopping for supplies at the mining town of Springbok we wind our way across a mountainous plateau to reach the Gariep River, which marks the border between Namibia and South Africa. Our campsite is situated on the banks of this river, on the South African side, where we enjoy great views across to Namibia.

Day 4: Fish River Canyon

(Driving time: approx 2½ hours not including time at border) This morning we have the option to take a canoe trip on the river and experience the harsh and arid scenery of the region. After lunch we cross the border into Namibia and travel to our campsite at 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 5-6: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park

(Driving time: approx 7 hours on Day 5 and approx 3 hours on Day 6) 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 dune fields 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 take a 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 7-8: Swakopmund

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Leaving behind the beauty of the dunes we journey through canyons as we continue our way through the Namib Desert. This desert stretches 100 kilometres inland along the 2000 kilometre long Namibian coastline and provides a unique buffer between the harsh Atlantic coastline and the arid interior. Our next two nights are spent on the coast at Swakopmund, a great spot to relax after all the wilderness we have encountered since Cape Town. Our bungalow accommodation in Swakopmund will provide 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 dune boarding and quad biking. 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 9: Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Driving north from Swakopmund we reach Cape Cross, 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! Leaving behind the coast and the Namib Desert we reach our community campsite at Spitzkoppe. The 1728 metre high granite Spitzkoppe is remnants 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 10-12: Etosha National Park - Bushmanland

(Driving time: approx 6 hours on Day 10 and 5½ hours on Day 12; game park drives variable) Leaving Spitzkoppe we travel past Namibia's largest mountain (Brandberg, measuring 2573 metres) on our way through a beautiful region known as Damaraland en route to Etosha National Park. 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. One night is spent in the Omatako Valley. Here we enjoy an evening of traditional dance and music with the San (Bushmen) people. There are also many optional activities here included guided walks, tracking skills and gathering bush foods & medicines.

Day 13: Rundu

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) This morning we leave Etosha and head north to Rundu, where we camp for a night. Here we visit the local school and church, as well as the woodcarvers of the Kavango tribe (time permitting). 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 14: Sepupa

(Driving time: approx 5 hours not including time at border) Leaving Rundu we head east parallel to the Kavango River, which forms a natural as well as political border between Namibia and Angola. After crossing into Botswana, we set up camp on the banks of the Okavango River and make preparations for our following day's delta excursion to the sounds of the hippos resting in the river.

Day 15-17: Okavango Delta - Katimo Mulilo

(Driving time: approx 5½ hours on Day 17 not including time at border) 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. On the third day we make our way back to Sepupa, cross back into Namibia and travel along part of the Caprivi Strip to reach Katimo Mulilo. 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 18: Chobe National Park - Kasane

(Driving time: approx 1½ hours not including time at border) This morning we continue east along the Caprivi Strip before crossing back into Botswana. From the border we transit through a large part of the Chobe National Park en route to Kasane - our base for the next two nights.

Day 19: Chobe National Park

(Game drive times variable) This morning we head into the park with our local leaders, travelling in open 4WD vehicles. 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 take a magical sunset boat trip along the Chobe River and watch elephant and other animals as they come 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 20-22: Livingstone (Zambia)

(Driving time: approx 1½ hours not including time at border) We exit Botswana and take a short ferry ride across to the Zambian border, where we complete immigration formalities. Upon arrival in Livingstone we set up camp at our site located on the banks of the Upper Zambezi River. Here your tour leader can assist you in arranging some of the many optional activities that are available in the area. There is much to choose from, including whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, elephant riding safaris and game drives. In addition there is also time to view the falls themselves and explore the craft markets, as well as the town of Livingstone. No trip to southern 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!

Day 23-24: Lusaka - Chipata

(Driving time: approx 1½ hours not including time at border) We leave Livingstone and travel to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia). 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. After our overnight stop here we continue to Chipata, a good place to stock up on our supplies before heading out into the wilderness. 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 wraparound similar to a sarong.

Day 25-26: 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 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 27: Chipata

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) After our wildlife sojourn, we return to Chipata for an overnight stay. This is again a chance to replenish our supplies, change money, perhaps send some postcards and enjoy our last night in Zambia before continuing our overland journey the next day to nearby Malawi.

Day 28-29: Senga Bay (Lake Malawi)

(Driving times: approx 5 hours on Day 28 and 5 hours on Day 29) We leave Zambia and cross into Malawi, a hilly country with the picturesque Lake Malawi dominating its eastern flank. 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 30-31: Chintheche - Chitimba (Lake Malawi)

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) 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. Located on the edge of Lake Malawi is the chilled out town of Chitimba where we will spend our second night in this reigon.

Day 32: Iringa

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) We leave Malawi and enter Tanzania before continuing to Iringa, 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 33: Baobab Valley - Dar es Salaam

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) On our way towards the coast we stop at Baobab Valley, where we get to take photos of these unique trees which grow to more than 1000 years old! 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 34: Stone Town (Zanzibar)

(Ferry sailing: approx 1½ hours) We say goodbye to our overland vehicle for four days and catch a 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 35-37: Nungwi (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 welcomed break in the midst of our long overland adventure.

Day 38-39: Dar es Salaam - Pangani

(Ferry sailing: approx 1½ hours; driving time: approx 8 hours) We catch the afternoon ferry back to the mainland, where we are reunited with our truck. We then journey north to Pangani. 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 40-41: Arusha - Mto Wa Mbu

(Driving time: approx 5 hours on Day 40 and 2 hours on Day 41) Arusha, also known as the Safari Capital of Tanzania, throbs with activity and you can expect to see several safaris heading off - or returning after a week in the bush. Here, we set up on the outskirts of the town. Our campsite is located at Meserani Snake Park & 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 around 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. This afternoon we take a leisurely drive to the colourful and vibrant market town of Mto Wa Mbu. The town has a great curio market, as well as a fresh produce market. Alternatively you may choose to spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the campsite.

Day 42: Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus; game drive times variable) Taking a break from our overland vehicle once more, 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 43: Serengeti National Park

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus - game drive times variable) Home to massive numbers of grazing animals and also various predators, Serengeti National Park provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. Today we will start around sunrise for a morning game drive and follow that up later on with an afternoon game drive, as the animals tend to be more active in the cooler hours of the day. We will usually return to camp during the hotter hours in the middle of the day, where we get to enjoy a hearty meal, relax and maybe take a siesta. Depending on wildlife movements and opportunities for sightings, our drive could sometimes be a continuous one that last all day and involves returning to camp in the late afternoon.

Day 44-45: Arusha - Nairobi

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus on both days) We enjoy a final early morning game drive in the southern part of Serengeti National Park before we break camp and then head back to our Arusha campsite where we are reunited with our overland vehicle, driver and cook. A last evening in Tanzania presents an opportunity to go check our some of the bars and pubs of Arusha. The Aussie-owned jazz bar called Stiggy's is a particular treat! Our final morning sees us traverse the 'wildlife corridor' between Arusha and Nairobi. At Namanga border post, we cross into our fourth and final country, Kenya. Our tour finishes upon arrival at our downtown hotel in Nairobi in the early evening. Flights out of Nairobi tonight should not be booked before 9.00pm. Transfers to Nairobi Airport and/or post-tour accommodation is available at an additional cost.

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.