Spirit of Africa

Day 1: Cape Town (South Africa)

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. If you have not been to Cape Town before, we would recommend that you arrive a few days before the tour starts and book a couple of nights pre-tour accommodation in order to enjoy the many attractions of this great city. Not-to-be-missed excursions include catching the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), taking the ferry across to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent part of his 27 year imprisonment, and a day trip down to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope peninsula.

Day 2: Cape Town Township Tour - Cederberg Region (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 4 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 framing; and music which gives students skills and qualifications to enable them to find work and set up small businesses. Another place we visit is a small 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. We enjoy lunch at bloubergstrand against the amazing backdrop of Table Mountain. This is where you can take the iconic mountain shot that all travellers to South Africa must have. We 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: Orange River (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 6 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 Orange (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 (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 3 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 (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 7 hours on Day 5, and approx 2 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 primeval 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 drive from Sossusvlei to Deadvlei, along the way we are given 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 (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 5 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. There is a first-rate museum and aquarium to visit and there are also a number of optional activities, such as duneboarding 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 9: Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 2 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 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 10: Twyfelfontein - Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) Today we head north into Damaraland, an incredibly picturesque region with open plains, grasslands, rocky outcrops and distant mountains. Along the way we skirt around the base of the Brandberg Massif (2573 metres) - the highest peak in Namibia. We may also see several free-roaming wild animals that are living outside of the national parks, including desert elephant, black rhinoceros, ostrich and springbok. At the rock amphitheatre of Twyfelfontein, we stop to view some of the hundreds of rock engravings and imagine what life must have been like here thousands of years ago. Some of these etchings actually date back to the early Stone Age and are now UNESCO World Heritage listed. Some 2000 figures are engraved here into the rocks and they have helped archaeologists to uncover more information about the traditions, rituals and beliefs of local tribes. It is a bit of a climb up the rocks to reach some of the best etchings, but well worth the effort. We then continue a short distance towards Kamanjab, where we stay at the Otjitotongwe Lodge and Cheetah Park. Many cheetahs are being persecuted in Namibia by farmers because they pose a threat to livestock, so this centre helps to protect them and provide them with a home. A drive in a truck around the large enclosed areas out the back enables us to meet several cheetahs. We may also get a very close-up encounter with lodge's tame cheetah near the house.

Day 11-12: Himba Village - Etosha National Park (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 6 hour on Day 11 and 5 hours on Day 12; game park drives variable) Leaving our cheetah friends we stop to visit the Himba people in their village. Descendants of Herero herders, they are semi-nomadic people and are unique in that they have rejected modern ways in favour of traditional beliefs and methods. The women have elaborately plaited hair and incredibly smooth skins, due to an ointment that they make purely from natural products. The struggle for the Himbas will be to retain their identity in the face of a modern world that is fast encroaching, bringing with it the inevitable changes. We then continue to Etosha National Park, 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 in our Gecko's truck on morning and afternoon game drives, as we traverse the southern flank of the pan, observing zebra, gemsbok, 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 13: Bangani (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) This morning we leave Etosha and head northeast into a region known as the Caprivi Strip - a thin slither of Namibia that divides Botswana from Angola. We camp for the night at a riverside lodge near the towns of Bagani and Divundu and on the banks of the Okavango River, which itself separates Namibia from Angola. The river is full of hippos and home to various water birds. Optional boat trips can be arranged at the lodge.

Day 14-16: Okavango Delta - Sepupa (Botswana)

(Driving time: approx 3 hours 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 three 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 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. Be sure to bring some cash along for souvenirs as there are some top-quality handicrafts available for sale here. On the third day we make our way back to Sepupa where we are reunited with our vehicle and set up camp on the banks of the Okavango River to the sounds of the hippos wallowing in the waters. For the two nights overnighting 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. It is also .

Day 17-18: Kasane - Chobe National Park (Botswana)

(Driving time: approx 7 hours not including time at border; game drive times variable) We cross back into Namibia and continue east along the Caprivi Strip before crossing back into Botswana, where we camp in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River. We then 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 for elephants and other animals as they come down to drink – a great way to end our day! We also have the option staying a night in a mobile camp located inside Chobe National Park (optional - at own expense).

Day 19-21: Livingstone (Zambia)

(Driving time: approx 3 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, bungy jumping, elephant riding safaris, and game drives. In addition there is also be 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 22-23: Lusaka - Chipata (Zambia)

(Driving times: approx 7 hours on Day 22 and 8 hours plus on Day 23) 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 24-25: South Luangwa National Park (Zambia)

(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 26: Lilongwe (Malawi)

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) After our wildlife sojourn we drive back to Chipata and continue to the border, where we cross into Malawi - a hilly country with the picturesque Lake Malawi dominating its eastern flank. Our first destination here is the capital, Lilongwe, for an overnight stay. This is again a chance to replenish our supplies, change money, perhaps send some postcards and enjoying a taste of African city life in our first night in a new country.

Day 27-29: Lake Malawi (Malawi)

(Driving times: 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. The lake is a relaxing spot to stop at and a good place to partake in a range of optional 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. In some places, we may also be able to see hippos as well as some of the numerous waterbirds. Our itinerary here is flexible and we may stop at more than one place along the lake, so please understand that the driving times mentioned may vary significantly.

Day 30: Iringa (Tanzania)

(Driving time: approx 8 hours plus) We leave Malawi and enter Tanzania - our first Swahili-speaking country - 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 31: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) We continue towards the coast and to Dar es Salaam, the former capital of Tanzania before it 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 at a lovely beachside camp just south of the city and welsome our first sighting of the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, before catching the following morning's ferry to Zanzibar.

Day 32: Stone Town - Zanzibar (Tanzania)

(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. 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.

Day 33-34: Nungwi - Zanzibar (Tanzania)

(Driving time: approx 1 hour) The next two 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 35: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

(Ferry sailing: approx 1½ hours) We catch the afternoon ferry back to the mainland, where we are reunited with our truck and have another day to experience city life. With its mix of African, Muslim and Indian influences, as well as busy markets and historic buildings, it is quite an interesting city to explore. This is also a great place to get our last taste of the coast before heading inland.

Day 36: Arusha (Tanzania)

(Driving time: approx 11 hours) From Dar es Salaam we travel past Mount Kilimanjaro which, on a clear day, may give us a splendid view of the snow-capped Uhuru peak. We cover a lot of ground today, through changing mountain and coastal scenery, as we make our way toward Arusha. 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. 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 37: School of St Jude - Mto Wa Mbu (Tanzania)

(Driving time: 2 hours) In the morning we visit a very special school in Arusha. The School of St Jude was founded in 2002 by Gemma, a young Australian woman, for orphans and very poor children of Arusha. The school was founded on Gemma's belief that not only was a good and accessible education a right for all children in the world but without it, Africa's rate of development would continue to lag behind the rest of the world. Under the banner of 'Fighting Poverty through Education' the school provides a totally free education to over 90% of the pupils, including supplying transport, uniform, stationery, snacks, water and a hot meal. The opportunity for sponsorship at St Jude is given to the brighest and most ambitious children of extremely poor families, after a series of tests designed to measure potential and poverty levels. Whilst on a guided tour of the school we are given more information on how it operates and the success that it has achieved. We have time to visit children in class, before joining them for morning tea. We may hear some singing and see some of the children displaying special skills. This is a morning that is certain to touch our souls and fill us full of optimism. Leaving Arusha, we travel to our campsite at Mto Wa Mbu.

Day 38: Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

(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 run by the national park administration and are the only public campsites available. You will need to purchase bottled water at your own expense for this part of the tour. The facilities are quite basic, but 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 39: Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

(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 40-41: 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. 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: Wildlife

Take your pick: hunt for tigers in northern India, listen to monkey chatter and birdsong in the jungles of Costa Rica and Peru or gawp at the Galapagos’ diversity. And of course, there's the big one: Africa. The names alone evoke images of wildlife: the Serengeti, Masai Mara, Kruger. And the reality’s even better. Africa’s got the lot, so go beyond the Big Five by hiking to close encounters with gorillas in Uganda’s forests, walking with lions at Zimbabwe’s Antelope Park, or canoeing past crocs on the Okavango Delta. From the Cape’s loveable penguins to Egypt’s loping camels, Africa’s animals await.