Gorillas To Cape Adventure

Day 1: Nairobi

Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. The trip begins with a group meeting at 10am. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If your flight arrives too late, we recommend that you consider arriving a day early and book a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your kitty, insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader. Nairobi - which takes its name from a Maasai phrase meaning 'place of cool waters' - has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants, while markets and shops have most things you could want or need, as well as various arts and crafts from the region. If you arrive early, you can head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum (author of Out of Africa) or Bomas of Kenya where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village. There will be time after the meeting to explore Nairobi before we meet back at the hotel and head off in the truck to our well equipped campsite in the suburb of Karen. Tonight there is the option of going out for a group meal. 

Day 2: Gilgil

We leave Nairobi early this morning and head north to the small town of Gilgil (approx 185 km). We will first make a stop at the Saida Children's Home project, where we will learn about the work that is being done to help support orphaned children in and around Naivasha and Gilgil. Saida Children's Home works to improve the lives of AIDS orphans and other disadvantaged children in Gilgil and the surrounding area. As part of our visit we make a direct donation to help fund the project. After lunch we then make our way to our second project visit at the Kariandusi School Trust project. Kariandusi School Trust was started with the aim of improving rural schools and the educational opportunities for disadvantaged rural children. We will visit one of the schools and get involved in small construction or learning projects, and meet the children and their families within the local community. We make direct payments for each visit which help to fund the project. Tonight we will camp close by to one of the schools we are involved with. 

Day 3: Kericho

This morning we continue our involvement at the Kariandusi School Trust Project before having lunch and heading on to Kericho (approx 150 km). Tonight we stay at a well equipped campsite with the opportunity of an optional tea plantation tour. 

Days 4-5: Jinja

Leaving Kenya behind, we cross the border into Uganda as we travel towards its adventure capital - Jinja (approx 360 km). Jinja is one of the highlights of any visit to Uganda. Located at the source of the Nile as it leaves Lake Victoria, this is a place for the adventurer, the adrenaline junkie and the eco-traveller who wants to do something really worthwhile in a beautiful area. We base ourselves for two nights at a well equipped campsite with stunning views of the White Nile. It is from here that we can organise optional activities such as white water rafting. 

Day 6:Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

We head approximately 220 km north of Kampala today to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, close to the town of Nakitoma. Tonight we will stay at the campsite within the Rhino Sanctuary. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was created to reintroduce rhinoceros to Uganda, which had been extinct since 1982. The sanctuary is currently home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda and their goal is to build a sustainable rhino population and relocate rhinos back to their original habitat. In addition to the rhino breeding program, Rhino Fund Uganda also runs community engagement and education programs in the surrounding villages. During our stay one of the trained rangers will introduce you to the sanctuary and provide you with information about the rhinos. Depending on where our rhinos happen to be when we arrive, we will drive to the closest location and then approach the rhinos on foot. You will then have the opportunity to observe the rhinos in their habitat at a very close, and very safe, distance. The tracking excursion lasts on average about 1-2 hours. 

Day 7: Kaniyo Pabidi Forest

Today we spend the morning at the sanctuary where there is the option to go rhino trekking and learn more about the program. After lunch we head to Kaniyo Pabidi in Budongo Forest for an afternoon of chimpanzee trekking. The Kaniyo Pabidi Forest covers an area of about 8 km within the heart of Kichumbanyobo gate of Murchison Falls National Park. Kaniyo Pabidi is an eco tourism site, which is part of the Budongo Forest Reserve. The terrain is flat, allowing for good on-foot travelling conditions for the average tourist and the campsite is located on the edge of the chimpanzees' home range, significantly diminishing the risk of a long trekking excursion before contact is made with the group. The site is managed by the Jane Goodall Institute, who ensure appropriate development of the site for eco tourism, while ensuring that the chimpanzee communities are not put at risk. All profits from the venture are returned back into the protection of Budongo Forest Reserve. Tonight we camp at an eco tourism campsite. 

Days 8-9: Murchison Falls National Park

If we could not all do the trek the day before, the rest will go this morning. Afterwards we'll cross to the north of the river for an afternoon game drive in the delta. Depending on timing tonight we will either bush camp in the delta or head to an established campsite at Paraa on the southern banks of the Nile, at the heart of the Murchison Falls National Park. Uganda's largest national park, Murchison Falls National Park is named for the dramatic waterfalls which result from the Nile exploding through a narrow gap in the escarpment and plunging 43 metres below. Wildlife populations are healthy, having largely recovered from the poaching of the 1980s, and elephants, buffalo, giraffes and antelopes are regularly seen, while lions are becoming increasingly common. The next day we head off for another game drive in the morning. After lunch we embark on a launch cruise on the Nile to Murchison Falls - the main attraction of this part of Uganda. After the cruise we meet back with the truck and head to the outskirts of the park to camp at the Murchison River Lodge. 

Day 10: Bush Camp

It is an early start today as we have a rather long drive ahead of us. We are aiming to get as close to Queen Elizabeth II National Park as possible. Along the way we will find somewhere to camp for the night. 

Day 11: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today we travel to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, beautifully set between the Great Rift Valley lakes of Edward and George, undertaking a game drive on our way to the camp. Queen Elizabeth National Park is beautifully set between the Great Rift Valley lakes of Edward and George. During our time in the park we hope to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Ugandan kobs and waterbucks. This afternoon we take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, well-known for its birds such as pelicans and eagles, as well as its healthy population of hippos. Tonight we camp. The campground is basic and has drop toilets and simple showers. 

Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi

Today we travel on to Lake Bunyonyi (approx 250 km). Located in the south-west of Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi - meaning 'place of many little birds' - is home to some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. If time allows, one of the best ways to admire the landscape is from on the lake itself by hiring a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro). They can be hard to master at first but great fun. 

Days 13-15: Kigali/Ruhengeri/Gorilla trek

Leaving Uganda behind, we cross the border, entering Rwanda, and travel toward Ruhengeri (approx 220 km), the gateway to the Volcanoes National Park. Along the way we will stop in at the capital, Kigali, where we will organise a visit to the very moving Genocide Memorial. Ruhengeri is our base for the next three nights, however if all the trekking permits are issued for the group to trek on the same day, we may use our third night to stay in Kigali, in which case the visit to the Genocide Memorial will take place then instead. We allow two days for gorilla visits as you are assigned a trekking group/time on your permit. The group may be split up into different trekking groups during the day, or even over two days, depending on the time of permit issue and group size. There is a maximum group size of eight on each gorilla visit. This region is one of the last remaining sanctuaries for the mountain gorilla. No more than eight per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals. Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill. We can usually get very close to the mountain gorillas, who are placid and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Your visit with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour. While you are waiting for, or have completed your gorilla visit, your leader will provide you with options and ideas on how you may wish to spend your time in the area around Ruhengeri. While in Ruhengeri we stay in dormitories at a local church mission. 

Day 16: Lake Mburo National Park

Today we travel to the border with Uganda where we will complete the border formalities. Please check before travelling whether you need a multi-entry visa. We will then head to Lake Mburo (approx 420 km). Tonight we will camp on the shores of the lake at a stunning location surrounded by wildlife. While tonight's campground is beautifully located, it is very basic, with drop toilets and basic showers. The flora of Lake Mburo National Park is acacia woodland, different to most other parks in East Africa, which means its fauna is also different to other reserves. It's the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope and has about 68 different species of mammals including zebras, impalas, buffalo, leopards, hyenas and jackals. There are five lakes within the park which are home to hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while the papyrus swamps provide cover for the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek. This small park is less well-known among tourists so it's much quieter than some of the more famous East African parks. 

Day 17: Jinja

Before breakfast today we have a two-hour guided walking safari through the Lake Mburo National Park, allowing us to see some of the animals and the spectacular birdlife. After breakfast we travel from Lake Mburo to Jinja, via Kampala, stopping at the equator. We camp tonight at a scenic riverside retreat with showers and flush toilets. 

Day 18: Eldoret

Today we leave Uganda behind as we head back over the border into Kenya, and to the cheese town of Eldoret. One of Kenya's fastest growing towns, Eldoret is home to some of Kenya's most famous runners due to its high altitude. We stay tonight at the Naiberi River campsite. It is created on a hilly tribal land which was once home to members of the ancient Sirikwa tribe. Preserved on the site are excavations with stone sides, commonly called Sirikwa holes, which are believed to have been roofed and occupied by the inhabitants of the time. The campsite is Indian owned so tonight we will feast on an included Indian banquet. 

Day 19: Nakuru National Park

After breakfast we make our way to Nakuru, approximately 200 km from Eldoret. Lake Nakuru National Park's small and compact area, based around a flamingo-filled lake, makes it a great location for spotting wildlife. Along with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru harbours many rhinos and will be the best chance to get a great picture of these magnificent beasts. Tonight we will stay at a beautiful campsite located on a dairy farm on the outskirts of Nakuru town. Depending on what time we arrive we may have the option of a farm visit. 

Day 20: Nairobi

We are up very early this morning as we head out in safari vehicles for an early morning game drive of Nakuru National Park. After lunch the truck will meet us again and we'll head back to our campsite in Nairobi, arriving early evening. 

Days 21-23: Nairobi/Masai Mara

This morning we will head off in our Land Cruisers to the Masai Mara for the next 2 nights. A huge area of woodlands and open plains backed by the striking Esoit Oloololo Escarpment, the Masai Mara is home to all of the Big Five. Keep an eye out for prides of lions, herds of elephants and, if you are lucky, a stealthy cheetah or leopard. In the rainy season this area is flooded by over a million wildebeest on their annual migration. The following morning we have an early breakfast before setting off in the Land Cruisers again for a full day of game driving. On our third day here we start with an early morning game drive after breakfast, before heading out of the Masai Mara and returning to Nairobi for the night. 

Day 24: Arusha

Back on the truck today and we have a full day's drive of approximately 300 km as we cross the Tanzanian border on our way to Arusha. Tonight we'll stay in a well equipped campsite on the outskirts of Arusha where we will prepare ourselves for heading into the Serengeti. Situated at the base of Mt Meru, Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania and there's plenty to see and do. There are lots of good bars and restaurants. Markets and shops have most things you could want or need alongside various arts and crafts from the region. 

Days 25-26: Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Crater

Today we are up very early, leaving our truck behind, putting our camping and personal gear into 6-person jeeps and heading out for our three day excursion. While here we stay at one of the camps within the National Park. The camp where we stay is very simple but is located right in the middle of the plains, surrounded by animals and the nocturnal noises. Your leader will outline the basic safety rules to be followed when camping in an unfenced location where wild animals are present. The wide, open plains of the Serengeti - green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, and home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators - are perhaps the quintessential image of Africa. Flat and rolling with long grasses and dotted with acacia trees, the plains get their name from the Maasai word Siringitu - 'the place where the land moves on forever'. The following morning we are up very early as we set off in our jeeps for an early morning game drive. There is also the option this morning of a hot air balloon flight, which must be pre-booked at the time of booking. For an unforgettable experience, you might like to do an optional sunrise balloon ride over the Serengeti. If you have pre-booked this activity (please see 'Important Notes'), you'll be picked up and driven to the launch site where you receive a safety briefing from your pilot and help inflate the balloon. You'll then float over the Serengeti as the sun comes up gaining an overview of the immensity of the Serengeti, seeing the abundance of wildlife in their early morning activity and sometimes descending to tree height for amazing wildlife photography opportunities. Upon landing, you'll be treated to a five-star bush breakfast before being returned to your accommodation. We exit the Serengeti around lunchtime and head back through the conservation area to our campsite on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Again our campsite is very basic. It can often be quite cold on the crater rim so it is recommended that you take warm clothes for this night. 

Day 27: Mto Wa Mbu

We are up with the sun this morning as we make an early descent into the world famous Ngorongoro Crater, where we will spend approximately 3 hours game driving in the crater. A huge, perfectly intact volcanic crater, Ngorongoro is home to some 30,000 animals including endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round and the photographic opportunities here are unrivalled. Departing the crater we will return to Mto Wa Mbu and participate in a community village project before finally heading back to camp for an evening relaxing at the campsite's bar, reliving our safari experience. A small village community, Mto Wa Mbu offers an excellent way to get a close-up look at life in an African town away from the main tourist trail. Responsible Travel Note - You will notice some Masai villages in the region of the Ngorongoro crater. While it is of course fascinating to visit different cultures, past experience has shown that these villages exist primarily as businesses. You will be charged an entry fee of USD20 and the Masai will try very hard to sell souvenirs to you. While many clients still enjoy the experience, others have found it artificial and uncomfortable. We would very much prefer that Intrepid clients choose to bypass this activity as we feel it negatively impacts the Masai culture and your perception of this culture. This is why we stop by Mto Wa Mbu on the way to the crater so that you may experience some culture in a more authentic environment. 

Day 28: Marangu

If we didn't get the chance yesterday, then after breakfast this morning we will participate in the local community village program before getting back on board our truck to head high onto the slopes of Kilimanjaro, and to the village of Marangu (approx 230 km). Our camping area is the grounds of a beautiful colonial hotel with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The small village of Marangu is located on the lower slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. The fertile fields are irrigated by streams that are fed by Mt Kilimanjaro's glaciers. 

Days 29-30: Dar es Salaam

Leaving the cool slopes of Kilimanjaro behind we have a long travel day today as we travel further south towards the coastal city of Dar es Salaam (approx 560 km). Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's old capital, means 'Haven of Peace'. Many of its buildings display Arabian influence and the port area is fascinating to visit with its ocean-going dhows and inshore ngalawas (out-rigger fishing canoes). Once in Dar es Salaam we set up camp on a balmy beach outside of the city. The camp is in the grounds of a hotel and has flush toilets and showers. Feel free to jump in the ocean and have a swim before dinner! The following day is free for optional activities, or you may simply like to relax on the beach. 

Days 31-33: Zanzibar

Catch the ferry over to Zanzibar and spend the first night in Stone Town. Filled with idyllic beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar's rich history involves everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast invokes images of what the island was like back in the days of Livingstone. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town. The best way to see this exotic port town is on foot, exploring the bazaars, shops, mosques, palaces, courtyards and myriad intricate alleyways. When the sun is setting, why not enjoy a sundowner from a bar overlooking the seafront before trying one of the island's local seafood curries at one of the town's many restaurants. The next day we take a spice tour and have a local lunch before heading to the northern beaches for optional activities or relaxation. Enjoy a tour of the inland plantations where Zanzibar's famous spices grow. First, discover the sights of old Stone Town, where you will hear a history of the slave market and delight in a local meal. Next, you will drive to the spice plantations where you'll receive a guided tour and the opportunity to touch, smell and taste various spices such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, as well as teas made with these spices. At the end of the day there will also be an opportunity to buy some of the locally grown spices. The third day is free for optional activities. 

Day 34: Dar es Salaam

Today we transfer back to the ferry (approx 90 minutes) and return to our campsite by the beach outside Dar Es Salaam. 

Day 35: Iringa

Heading for Malawi, we head through Mikumi National Park. The journey today is approximately 550 km. We stay at a campsite in the grounds of the Kisolanza Farm in Iringa tonight. Set into the slopes of a cliff overlooking the Little Ruaha River, Iringa was built by the Germans in the late 19th century as a fortified defence. One of the highlights is the markets, which attract vibrantly clad locals and nearby tribespeople. It is also a great place to try the legendary Dabaga chilli sauce. 

Days 36-38: Lake Malawi

Today we cross the border into Malawi and travel to our beautiful lakeside campsite at Chitimba (approx 510 km). Malawi is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many Malawian people. Fishermen, canoe and net makers, and fish traders all ply their trade on Lake Malawi. A common sight is of a fisherman in his bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day. The next day we drive along the shore of the lake to Kande Beach where we have the rest of the day, and the following day, free for optional activities. Make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians, easily some of the friendliest people in Africa. 

Day 39: Lilongwe

Today we head approximately 350 km to the capital, Lilongwe. If we make good time today then we will have the afternoon free to explore the town and its many markets and shops. Lilongwe is the political capital of Malawi with a population of just under a million people. Situated on the Lilongwe River, it's a great place to soak up some Malawian culture with lots of coffee shops, bars and restaurants. 

Days 40-41: South Luangwa National Park

Our journey today takes us approximately 250 km, across the border into Zambia and to the stunning South Luangwa National Park. We stay here for two nights in a boutique campsite bordering the national park. During our stay we take an early morning game drive and an evening game drive. South Luangwa National Park is probably the best park in Zambia to see hippos and crocodiles - the Luangwa River has vast numbers of them. The plains beside the river are populated with many kinds of buck, kudu, gazelle and also the red lechwe and Thornicroft giraffe which are unique to Zambia. The park is also renowned for its large elephant population, although you will notice that the elephants here are smaller in size than their counterparts in the plains of East or Southern Africa. While we are staying in South Luangwa National Park we may have the chance to organise an optional visit to Kawaza Village to experience rural life in Zambia. Kawaza is a social centre for many of the surrounding smaller villages and is situated about 10 km from the national park. As far back as 1997 it has been the centre of a community tourism project. The local villagers of Kawaza genuinely want to share their culture with visitors so that they see not only the wildlife but also the local life of the people who live in the area. Usually we will take part in or watch on of the village's two dancing groups. Normally the women's group will perform local dances and stories and discuss everyday life in rural Zambia. They are very keen for guests to join in, and they will cook a traditional Kunda midday meal for us. The Kunda, who live throughout the Luanda Valley, have been here for thousands of years. Like all traditional farming and hunting communities in this part of Africa, they have suffered over the past years with diminishing resources. At Kawaza the villagers are now benefiting directly from our visits, and have a stake in the local tourist infrastructure. Each year the village decides what to do with the money, whether it be school supplies, a water pump or local medicines. Please note that during the wet season (January to March) it may not be possible to visit this village. 

Day 42: Luangwa River

Today is a drive day of approximately 520 km as we head south towards the Lower Zambezi area. Tonight we stay at a campsite on the banks of the Luangwa River. 

Days 43-45: Lower Zambezi

Drive to the banks of the Lower Zambezi where we meet our guides for a briefing and confirmation of the following days' activities. The next two days we spend canoeing along the Lower Zambezi River. The Zambezi Valley has been known outside of Africa for thousands of years. Legends suggest that the kingdoms of Hiram, Solomon and Sheba were enriched with goods originating from the area. More recent history records some of the explorations of hunters, missionaries and slave traders along this part of the Zambezi River. Nowadays the Lower Zambezi has very different adventures in store - the prime pursuit being a canoe safari. All our gear is carried in the canoes and camps are erected on islands in the river along the way. Everyone gets involved in setting up camp and cooking. 

Day 46: Choma/Livingstone

After breakfast we have an early morning transfer by road or boat (depending on season) back to the truck and then drive on to either Choma or Livingstone depending on time. 

Days 47-49: Victoria Falls

Cross the border to Zimbabwe for an early start to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival in Victoria Falls we will arrange your optional activities, and either visit the falls, or arrange the visit for tomorrow. The Victoria Falls are an enormous curtain of water, about a mile wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 m and the falls are an impressive raging torrent. The spray from the falls can sometimes be seen from kilometres away. It's no wonder that the local name Mosi oa Tunya means the 'smoke that thunders'. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and it's possible to see little islets in the river below. Responsible Travel Note: During your visit to the Victoria Falls area you may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We recommend that Intrepid travellers bypass this activity as it is contrary to Intrepid's Responsible Travel guideline stating that we 'actively discourage the participation of Intrepid groups in activities which exploit animals - wild or domestic.' Professional wildlife conservation organisations, including Born Free and the World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA), advise that habituating lions to humans can shorten their life and may result in lion-human conflict issues. While there is some merit in the argument that the money that you pay for the activity goes towards lion research, we feel that the negative impacts on the lions' rehabilitation far outweigh this.

Day 50: Hwange National Park

After breakfast we head towards Hwange National Park (190 km, approx 3-4 hours), stopping en route to visit the Painted Dog Conservation Group for an insight into the plight of the African wild dog. In the afternoon we'll take a half day game drive in Hwange National Park, before camping in the park. Hwange National Park became the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a national park in 1929. Today, Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The elephants of Hwange are world famous and the park's elephant population is one of the largest in Africa. 

Days 51-52: Bulawayo/Matobo National Park

Up early we have a morning game drive within Hwange National Park before travelling 310 km to Bulawayo. Known locally as the 'City of Kings', Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second largest city and has a very interesting historical past. The next day we have a full day at Matobo National Park, including an incredible safari on foot to track rhinos. Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceros, Matobo National Park is the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place. 

Days 53-54: Makgadikgadi Pans

Leaving Zimbabwe behind, today we cross the border into Botswana, to the awesome Makgadikgadi Pans - one of the largest salt pans in the world. Once a lake some 30 metres (100 feet) deep, Makgadikgadi covered an immense area of 80,000 sq km (30,888 sq miles). Now, Lake Makgadikgadi has evaporated and turned into large salt pans. Only occasional rocky outcrops or isolated sand dunes interrupt the flat, endless white landscape. Our base at night is the intriguingly named Planet Baobab, which is home to the largest pool in the Kalahari, and has a funky bar and restaurant serving dishes from all across Africa. It is from here that we arrange the various optional activities onto the pans or to nearby communities. 

Day 55: Maun

Today we have a drive of approximately 550 km to Maun, our base for visiting the Okavango Delta. The fifth largest town in Botswana, Maun is known as the Gateway to the Delta. Although officially still a village, it has developed rapidly from a rural frontier town and its eclectic mix of modern buildings and native huts have spread along the Thamalakane River. It now has shopping centres, hotels and lodges, although it retains a rural atmosphere and local tribesmen continue to bring their cattle to Maun to sell. 

Days 56-57: Okavango Delta

Set off early for the Okavango Delta where we meet our transport for the next 2 days. The Delta is one of the world's most fascinating ecosystems and we explore it in mokoros, small dugout styled canoes, poled into the reed beds of the Delta. Formed by the Okavango River as it flows from the highlands of Angola down to a basin on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Okavango Delta is unlike anything else in the world. The river has no outlet from the desert and spreads out into thousands of small streams to form a wilderness that is totally unspoilt. The 16,000 sq km maze of wetlands is a wonderland of clear meandering waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. The delta is filled with a diversity of flora and fauna that includes hippos, crocodiles, elephants and the big cats. However, it's not for the game that we come as it can't always be found. The delta is about exploring one of the world's most fascinating ecosystems. 

Day 58: Maun

We continue our trip around the Delta before transferring back to Maun (60 km, approx 2-3 hrs) for a hote shower and a relaxing drink at the bar. 

Day 59: D'Kar

Today is a driving day of approximately 280 km heading south of Maun to the district of Ghanzi. We aim to camp at the Dqae Qare Game Reserve - a community based tourism project of the Bushmen from D'Kar village. The D'Kar community is governed by a trust which looks after the interests of various Bushmen communities in Botswana. Dqãe Qare Game Reserve is located in the Kalahari Desert and is a community project owned by the people of D'Kar. The aims of the project are to create employment, preserve the Ncoakhoe indigenous knowledge through tourism activities, and to generate income. 

Day 60: Windhoek

Today is a full day's drive (approx 600 km) to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. The old German colonial town of Windhoek has been blended into a modern city. The German architecture of the older buildings lends the town an historic atmosphere that's enhanced after a few glasses of traditional German beer. Good examples of this German architecture can be seen in a number of buildings but the best are the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), the Christuskirche (church), the gymnasium and the Genossenschaftshaus. 

Days 61-62: Etosha National Park

It is approximately a 520 km drive from Windhoek to Etosha National Park today. Etosha National Park is home to a wide range of Southern Africa's wildlife, including all the big carnivores and five rare or endangered species: black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. The wildlife is prolific and Etosha has every right to proclaim itself as one of the world's pre-eminent wildlife areas. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to usually allow for some sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores. We'll camp in the park at a well equipped campsite overlooking a floodlit waterhole visited by many different species throughout the day and night. We stay in the park for two nights, giving us plenty of opportunity for game drives. 

Day 63: Spitzkoppe

The drive today is approximately 500 km to Spitzkoppe. We bush camp here in the midst of this remote region, and should be able to witness the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises as the colours of the landscape take on remarkable oranges and reds. Spitzkoppe is known as the 'Matterhorn of Namibia'. The mountain is nearly 2000 metres high and although you should not attempt to climb to the top, there are some excellent hikes in the area. This is a great place to get away from it all and appreciate the stunning, harsh beauty of this sparsely populated country. 

Days 64-65: Swakopmund

From the desert we travel to Cape Cross, where we experience the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shores. We then continue on to the old German colonial town of Swakopmund where there are plenty of optional adventure activities on offer. Surrounded by the massive dune fields of the Namib Desert on three sides, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Swakopmund is an example of the extraordinary German culture that's found in all major settlements in Namibia. It's worth wandering around the town to admire the beauty of the Germanic architecture and take advantage of some excellent souvenir shopping. Swakopmund has become the adventure capital of the region. This is a place for the adrenaline junky as there are some excellent adventure activities that you could try. Some of the most popular include sandboarding, quad biking across the beautiful dunes and tandem skydiving over the desert. Other activities here include deep-sea fishing, horse riding in the dunes, aerobatic flights, bike riding, dolphin cruises, paintball, uranium mine tours, pleasure flights around Namibia or balloon flights along the Skeleton Coast. 

Day 66: Sesriem

A drive of approximately 350 km takes us from Swakopmund to Sesriem, our base for exploring the incredible Namib Desert. This desert region is famous for its vase dune fields, the most spectacular of which are found near Sesriem Canyon. The Namib Desert region is famous for its vase dune fields, the most spectacular of which are found near Sesriem Canyon. The canyon was formed when the Tsauchab River carved a gorge 30 m deep into the gravel deposits, about 15 million years ago. It is thought that this river once flowed to the Atlantic Ocean but its course was blocked by the encroaching sand dunes. Now the river flows out to the dune fields that stretch for hundreds of miles up the coast, and dries up in a clay pan at Sossusvlei. The dunes are stunning, with magnificent red/orange tones from the brightly coloured sands. They are in fact the highest in the world and are home to a plethora of animal life. The sight of the graceful oryx wandering along the base of these massive dunes is beautiful to see. 

Day 67: Bethanie

In the early morning we climb to the top of the dunes for a dramatic sunrise view across a vast sea of sand. In the afternoon we head to our river camp near the small town of Bethanie (approx 350 km). Here we camp at a riverside ecotourism campsite. 

Day 68: Fish River Canyon

The day begins by exploring Keetmanshoop's Giant's Playground. The curiously shaped magma formations of Giant's Playground have been gradually revealed by the erosion of the Earth's surface over millions of years. The formations are scattered and piled, often somewhat precariously, over thousands of square kilometres. There is a short trail which guides you past the most striking formations - an area covered in huge, black, basalt rocks all balancing precariously on top of each other. We then head south towards Fish River Canyon (approx 200 km). Upon arriving at Fish River we will make our way in the truck to the viewpoint over the canyon. At 500 metres deep and over 160 km long, Fish River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world, ranking close in size to Peru's Colca Canyon and the Grand Canyon in the USA. There are remarkable photographic opportunities here and we try to take in the sunset glows before heading on to our campsite. 

Day 69: Noordoewer

From Fish River Canyon it is approximately 240 km to Noordoewer. We pitch our tents by the scenic banks for the Gariep (Orange) River. This afternoon there is the option to go canoeing or rafting. Traditionally known as the Gariep River, the Orange River is the longest in South Africa (2200 km). Its source is high up in the Drakensberg mountain range in Lesotho and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay in South Africa. The Orange River is responsible for transporting diamonds and creating the deposits that can be found along the Namibian coast. 

Day 70: Citrusdal

Today we cross the border into South Africa and head approximately 500 km to Citrusdal. In the evening we will have the option for some wine tasting. Sitting between the Kou Bokkeveld and the Swatberg Mountains, Cistrusdal is home to some of the most amazing sites in South Africa. The town is famous for it's rock art as it was originally the home of the San and Khoi people who left it behind as a legacy. If you have time, Citrusdal is a very good place to hike. If you are feeling adventurous you can head for the Wolfberg Arch and Cracks and the Maltese Cross. For a more relaxing exploration, the Maalgat pool and the Standsaal caves are the best places to go. A walk through the winery is a must, as you can hike while finding out about the local wines. For the historical side of the city, visit the oldest orange tree in the country, which is something of a national monument. 

Day 71: Cape Town

Our safari comes to an end in charming Cape Town (330 km, approx 7 hrs). On arrival you'll be dropped at our finishing point hotel in central Cape Town. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but we are able to book you additional accommodation in Cape Town. Please ask at time of booking. Please don't book any international flights until after 10pm this evening. With its stunning coastline, dominating mountain and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africa's most appealing cities. With vineyards on its doorstep, adventure activities around every other corner and plenty of restaurants and cafes to while away the time, Cape Town is a very easy city to spend some extra time in. If you have extra time, Cape Town, with its internationally recognised beaches, is a great place to kick back and relax. If you'd rather get active, hop inside the revolving cable car and set off on one of hundreds of hiking trails that criss cross Table Mountain to its summit, stopping off the admire the views of Camps Bay below. If you've got energy left perhaps strap on a harness and abseil down. Other attractions worth a visit include the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Robben Island, and the Cape Point Nature Reserve.