 Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa
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58 days The Classic Safari
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Days 1 - 3: Nairobi, Kenya to Nakuru
On our first day we meet you in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, to spend time at the Safari Walk at Nairobi National Park before heading to Nakuru with sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley en route. We stop at the Rift Valley Lookout during the journey. We camp at Kembu, an up country farm set in the Mau Escarpment. Kembu is famous for its chameleon population. They also are involved with a community knitting project.
The next morning we stock up on supplies in bustling Nakuru town, before entering the National Park by lunchtime to head out our first afternoon game drive. Nakuru is famous for its flamingo population, both greater and lesser flamingos, and also boasts black and white rhino as well as lion, leopard, Rothschilds giraffe, waterbuck, impala and buffalo.
Day 4: Nakuru to Naivasha
We take a morning game drive before we leave Nakuru, and then move on to Lake Naivasha, Arriving in the afternoon by the freshwater lake, we can take afternoon tea on the grassy lawns at Elsamere with the resident troop of black and white colobus monkeys.
Optional excursions: Elsamere for afternoon tea, hippo cruise.
Day 5: Naivasha
Today we have the option of a days hike or cycle in Hells Gate National Park, to walkthrough the red cliffs of Njorowa Gorge Hells Gate amidst herds of plains game, such as buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomsons gazelle and baboon. Alternatively a guided walk to the Crater Lake Sanctuary can be arranged.
Optional excursions: Cycling in Hells Gate National Park, guided walk to Crater Lake Sanctuary, horse riding.
Day 6: Naivasha to Masai Mara
After our two nights by Lake Naivasha we head out on the bumpy and dusty road for the remote plateau of the Masai Mara, Kenyas premier game park. The Mara is perhaps best known for being part of the setting for the famous wildebeest migration; a mass movement of up to 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by 600,00 zebra and gazelle. The migration involves a journey covering 3,000 square kilometres, the equivalent to circumnavigating Britain and Ireland. The ever-vigilant predators, particularly lion and hyena, closely follow the herds.
Day 7: Masai Mara to Narok
This morning we have another morning game drive, or a balloon safari. We exit the park by lunchtime, paying a visit to a traditional Maasai village on the way to learn more about this cattle herding people who still practice their age-old lifestyle. We spend the night in the Maasai frontier town of Narok.
Optional excursions: Balloon safari.
Day 8: Narok to Nairobi
Today we head back to Nairobi, and enjoy more of what the city has to offer. We visit Sheldricks elephant orphanage as well as the Karen Giraffe Centre to hand feed the giraffe. Tonight we regularly enjoy a night out in one of Nairobis famous restaurants.
Optional: Dinner in a restaurant, Carnivores or similar.
Day 9: Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania
We head off on the long drive across the border into Tanzania and on to Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania.
Day 10: Arusha to Seronera, Serengeti National Park
Up early we depart for the vast savannah plains of the Serengeti. This 14,000 square kilometre park is home to a vast array of wildlife, from hyena, lion, leopard and cheetah to elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, antelope and many more. The Serengeti is the other setting for the spectacular wildebeest migration, the vast herds move seasonally between here and Kenyas Masai Mara. We spend the night camping in the middle of the park, with just the canvas of your tent between you and the vast plains that stretch out around us in all directions.
Day 11: Seronera, Serengeti National Park to Simba Camp, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Another early morning sees us take a morning game drive in the Serengeti. We pay a visit to a Maasai boma and Olduvai Gorge Museum when we head out of the park. We spend our evening in a camp on the rim above the Ngorongoro Crater, the worlds largest extinct volcano.
Optional excursions: Maasai boma, Olduvai Gorge Museum.
Day 12: Simba Camp, Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Arusha
This morning we descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, the bottom of a perfectly intact volcanic caldera. Here we have the chance to see more of Africas wildlife. This compact area is full of rhino, hippo, lion, elephant, hyena, buffalo, zebra, impala, ostrich, flamingo, and many, many more. After our morning game drives we head back to Arusha, stopping off in the village of Mto Wa Mbu, where Maasai display their ebony carvings, spears and beadworks. Back in Arusha we enjoy a group barbecue to celebrate our experiences in the big game parks.
Days 13 - 14: Arusha to Dar es Salaam
From Arusha we travel past Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, to Dar es Salaam, known as the home of peace on the Indian Ocean.
Days 15 - 18: Optional stay on Zanzibar Island.
You now have the opportunity to have a break from life on the truck during four days on the ancient spice island of Zanzibar. We spend time in the capital, Stone Town, and then take a spice tour to find out more of the trade that has dominated this islands history. Heading north we can visit the white sand beaches in the north; swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. You can also explore Jozani Forest and see the red colobus monkeys and Prison Island with its giant tortoise.
Further details as to arrangements for your optional stay in Zanzibar Island: We make the core arrangements well ahead of time, so we are assured our groups are comfortable in popular beach cottages to the north of the island and for a night in a Lodge in the traditional capital. Other excursions available include snorkelling excursions to Prison Island, as well as Mnemba Atoll, dolphin boat tips, a trek in Jozani forest and fishing. Scuba diving can also be arranged from the Dive Centre near our beach cottages.
Day 19: Zanzibar Island to Dar es Salaam
We leave Zanzibar Island today and transfer via ferry to the mainland and our campsite in Dar es Salaam for our final night on the Indian Ocean.
Day 20: Dar es Salaam to Iringa
Leaving Dar we travel through Mikumi National Park, where we often see elephant, giraffe, zebra and antelope from the roadside. We pass through Baobab Valley on our way to our overnight campsite at the Old Farmhouse in Iringa.
Day 21: Iringa to Lake Malawi
Moving on through the mountains of the southern Rift Valley we arrive in the warm heart of Africa, Malawi.
Days 22 - 24: Lake Malawi
We head south down the third largest lake in Africa. We stop off at a number of the popular bays and beaches, which provide great locations for the relaxed campsites where we stay. Malawi may not be the richest country in the world, but it is certainly one of the friendliest. We can enjoy village walks and school visits, and a meal with a local family can be organised, where you can get a better feel for life here.
We can fish, as well as try a variety of water sports, including snorkelling, windsurfing, water skiing and scuba diving. Try bartering with local craftsmen selling their beautiful carvings, including the traditional Malawi chairs.
Optionals excursions: Water sports, including snorkelling, windsurfing, water skiing and scuba diving, horse riding, village visits, including traditional meal and dancing, Livingstonia hike.
Days 25 - 27: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa, Zambia
We now travel via the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe, heading for South Luangwa National Park to camp for two nights, depending on the road conditions and season. Alternatively we head to Lusaka and schedule a stay in Hwange National Park, once we leave Lake Kariba.
Luangwa is a wildlife reserve of unspoilt natural beauty. Attracted by the Luangwa River with its ox bow lagoons the park has an abundant amount of game - up to 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species. We arrange game drives including night drives, with spotlights for the chance to see nocturnal wildlife particularly leopard and genet.
Optional excursion: Evening game drive in South Luangwa National Park (depending on season).
Days 28 - 29: South Luangwa to Lusaka
Travelling west we reach the Luangwa River bridge and then onwards to Lusaka the capital city of Zambia we can resume communication with the rest of the world and replenish supplies including for our houseboat stay.
Days 30 - 32: Lusaka to Lake Kariba
On reaching the banks of Lake Kariba we unload and board the houseboat for a welcome break from camping and truck life. Here we will unwind for a few nights but before jumping in for a swim keep youre eyes peeled for hippos and crocs! As you watch the wildlife drift by you may want to try your hand at tiger fishing. Take in the stunning sunsets from the houseboat or get a bit closer to the banks for a game cruise at dusk on the smaller safari boat. We book this optional well ahead of time to ensure availability as a houseboat cruise is an outing in much demand with the local community and tourists alike.
Optional excursion: Houseboat cruise on Lake Kariba.
Day 33: Lake Kariba to Livingstone
Back on the truck we head to the banks of the Zambezi River and the imposing Victoria Falls. The Zambezi forms a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Approaching via Zambia, Livingstone is our first port of call. Viewing the Falls for the first time is truly unforgettable and as you feel the mist from the raging waters it is easy to see why the locals refer to them as, Mosi-Oa-Tunya, the smoke that thunders. You can choose to view from the air, in a helicopter or micro-lite, or on foot from viewing platforms and bridges in the national park.
Days 34 - 36: Livingstone & Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Aside from enjoying the natural wonder of the Falls themselves there are numerous activities on offer here with something to suit everyone. Do plan your time well though to ensure you can fit it all in! For those keen to get closer to the surrounding wildlife you can go on a lion walk, elephant ride or horse ride. A canoeing game cruise is also on offer at sunset. Alternatively there are adrenaline activities aplenty with the famous bungee, gorge swing and high wire. The vibrant border towns, particularly in Zimbabwe, are famed for their craft markets and if time allows it is well worth taking the time to explore.
Optional excursions: Whitewater rafting, riverboard, jet boat, bungee jump, gorge swing and rap jump, Flight of the Angels, canoe trip, lion walks, elephant ride, horse riding, interactive drumming, a sundowner cruise.
Day 37: Livingstone/Victoria Falls to Kasane
Moving further into Southern Africa we cross into Botswana a country that is often referred to as one Africas biggest success stories in terms of good governance and commerce.
Botswana certainly has beautiful scenery too and the striking image of an acacia tree on the horizon is sure to stay with you. Soak up the atmosphere on a game cruise on The Chobe River as the colours of sunset break across the sky and elephant come down to drink and mess around in the river. To take full advantage of this park there is also time for an additional game drive to allow you access further into the park.
Optional excursion: Chobe National Park game drives and game cruise.
Day 38: Kasane to Maun, Botswana
We now travel to Maun, which will be the base for excursions into the Okavango Delta and Moremi. Our route is a scenic one taking us via the Makgadikgadi Pans.
Days 39 - 41: Okavango Delta
In a landlocked country the Delta is an imposing sight. On arrival in Maun there are a number of options available. At over 15, 000 sq km the true scale of this wilderness area can only be appreciated from the air. We also have the chance to visit the Delta on a possible two or three day safari in a mokoro, the traditional dugout canoe of the Delta boatmen. On a mokoro safari lie back as you are poled through the waterways between reeds and water lilies to reach designated islands where we will bush camp for the duration of the safari.
Evening and early morning game walks are on the agenda and possibly even the chance to learn how to steer a mokoro. Alternatively we can head into Moremi National Park for game drives in the eastern side of the Delta, Moremi offering superb game viewing across a range of different environments having expanses of wetland lagoons, woodland and savanna.
Optional excursions: Okavango Delta mokoro safari, flights over the Delta, game drives in Moremi Reserve.
Days 42 - 44: Maun to Etosha National Park, Namibia
Experiencing a dramatic shift in scenery, we enter Namibia and travel the Caprivi Strip. We stop to see the Hoba meteorite, the worlds largest meteorite, before driving into Etosha National Park to camp within Namibias most famous game park.
Optional excursion: Hoba meteorite.
Day 45: Etosha National Park
The local Owambo people call Etosha the place of dry water. The Pans blinding white surface covers an area the size of Switzerland and in summer violent squalls transform it into a vast shallow lake, providing a breeding ground for thousands of flamingos. A vast array of animals exist around the Pan, including elephant, lion, gemsbok, zebra, black rhino, giraffe, cheetah and leopard.
Game drives find us out early this morning, so we can make the most of our two night stay in Etosha. Optonal evening drives are also available, following the regular afternoon game drives. And to savour the last of the game parks in our itinerary at night we can take our hot chocolate and sit and wait by the floodlit water holes as a multitude of animal gradually arrive to drink.
Optional excursion: Evening game drive, Etosha National Park.
Day 46: Etosha National Park to Cheetah Sanctuary, Otjititongwe
Passing through Outjo we come to a Cheetah Park where we will camp tonight. On arrival we can interact with these beautiful but potentially ferocious cats and get some up close photographs that would be almost impossible to obtain in the wild.
Days 47 - 48: Otjititongwe to Swakopmund
Next we move on to Damaraland where we will meet with the local Himba people and learn more about their ways of life, means of survival and traditional beliefs. We will set up a bush camp and perhaps spend time with the Bushmen at their local bar in the evening.
Optional excurson: Bushman visit
If road conditions allow we will drive along a section of the Skeleton Coast famed for being the most sparsely populated stretch of coastline in Africa. This coast will eventually bring us to Cape Cross Seal Colony, a breeding colony of 200,000 Cape fur seals. We will have time to get up close to the seals and their pups before continuing on the Swakopmund where we will check into lodge accommodation.
Optional excursion: A guided walk incl. viewing of rock engravings.
Days 49 - 51: Swakopmund
Your tour leader will arrange for an activity presentation so you know what is on offer in the so called adrenaline capital of Namibia. The options are too numerous to list but some of the most popular include quad biking, sand boarding and skydiving. As well as these extreme sports you can also take in the views of the Namib desert by helicopter, take a township tour or sample the fresh seafood or head out open water fishing.
Optional excursions: Quad biking, sandboarding, skydiving, go-karting, open-sea fishing, township tours, horse riding, balloons and flights over the Desert.
Day 52: Swakopmund to Sesriem
The Namib Desert is an impressive and beautiful expanse but the environment is harsh and unforgiving. We will learn more about the plant and animal life who survive amongst the towering Sossusvlei dunes on a guided walk in the Namib Naukluft National.
Optional excursion: Guided walk on the Dunes.
Day 53: Sesreim to Fish River Canyon
On to Fish River Canyon, second only to The Grand Canyon in size. Take in the view, and schedule permitting, experience the sun setting over this vast crack in the Earths surface. There is also the possibility of taking a soak in Ai-Ais hot springs. Our final night in Namibia is spent in this eerie lunar like landscape.
Day 54: Fish River Canyon to Orange River, South Africa
Today we embark on our final border crossing as we enter South Africa. The banks of the Orange River are the site of our first camp in South Africa. The river marks the division of South Africa and Namibia. Gazing across from our campsite it almost seems you could swim between the two.
Optionals: Canoe the Orange River.
Days 55 - 57: Orange River to Stellenbosch
We travel via Citrus Dale to Stellenbosch. The university town of Stellenbosch has a slightly continental air and is set against the mountainous backdrop of South Africas wine lands. Taking a wine tour not only allows you to taste the regions produce but also to learn about the wine making process. The wine routes are exceptionally picturesque and offer great photographic opportunities.
Optionals: Wine tour.
Day 58: Stellenbosch to Cape Town
Our last drive is an easy one and takes us to the base of Table Mountain where Ashanti Lodge is located. After check in we will have some chill out time before our final evening together. Its time to celebrate our experiences in Africa at one of Cape Towns famous restaurants.
Cape Town is a buzzing city with an array of things to do so it is well worth leaving yourself a few days post safari to take it all in. The Travel Shop at Ashanti can assist you with all you wish to do from shark cage diving to a visit to Robben Island. Other possibilities if you are prepared to go a little further a-field include pony trekking in Lesotho, hikes in the Drakensberg Mountains and a safari in Kruger National Park
To continue your safari in South Africa with us then take a look at our Garden Route Add On safari. This will take you through to Johannesburg over the course of 16 day and includes the all the highlights along the way from the Cango Caves to the worlds highest bungee.
Please note safari itineraries are given as a guide only. A safari is a journey and true journeys in Africa unfold and are of an adventurous nature. The unexpected can arise, so do allow for this. Do note entry to some game parks, particularly South Luangwa, is seasonal. Feel free to give us a call about your safari plans. We look forward to your further enquiries.
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