Overview
African Encounter Camping Adventure
African Encounter Camping Adventure: Beginning our safari at the foot of Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain, we travel through Namibia’s dramatic desert and desolate coastline before journeying inland to the tranquil lagoons and waterways of the Okavango Delta, and wildlife rich Chobe National Park. From there we take in the sight of the magnificent Victoria Falls, the picturesque Lake Malawi and end the trip with some relaxing days on Zanzibar’s dazzling beaches. This is a perfect combination of diverse scenery, rewarding wildlife viewing and time at leisure on the beach. Departures are guaranteed with 2-4 people.
Departure Point: Ashanti Lodge & Travel Centre, Cape Town
Check-In: 07:30AM Departs: 08:00AM
Trip Type: Camping
Pre-Departure Meeting: Held at the Departure point at 17h00 on Day 1 of the tour
Countries visited: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:
- Fish River Canyon
- Namib Nauklift National Park
- Transfer to Sossusvlei
- Swakopmund
- Spitzkoppe (day trip)
- Etosha National Park
- Okavango Delta Excursion
- Chobe Overnight Excursion
- Victoria Falls Entry
- South Luangwa National Park
- Lake Malawi
- Dar Es Salaam
- Zanzibar Ferry
- Zanzibar Excursion, Spice Tour & Sunset Dhow Cruise
- Serengeti Excursion.
EXCLUDED:
- Flights, Airport departure taxes
- Departure transfer
- Visas
- Meals, water & drinks unless otherwise stated
- Travel insurance
- Laundry
- Personal items
- Sleeping bag, pillow, tips & bottled water.
Have 3 or more friends join you for 10 days or longer and get 10% discount off the tour price. Excludes Local Payment. Book 6 months in advance and enjoy the Early Bird Savings!(less 10%)
NOTE prices are subject to change.
***2021 & 2022 Prices are per person sharing. Prices excludes single supplement. Price also excludes any additional meals and activities not set out in the itinerary
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Detailed Itinerary
With nine different provinces, 11 official languages and 3 capital cities, South Africa will most definitely make you stop in you tracks and go – WOW
Meals:
No meals (own account)
DAY 2: Cape Town to Cederberg Area
Cape Town to Cederberg Area
We head around Table Bay and continue north through the wheat growing ‘bread basket’ of South Africa. We cross the Piekenierskloof Pass into the rich fruit growing area along the Olifants River, named for the vast Elephant herds that used to roam in this fertile valley.
DAY 3: Cederberg Area to the Gariep River
Cederberg Area to the Gariep River
From the Cederberg, we travel further north through the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring. After stopping for supplies in the small mining town of Springbok, we continue on through the desert area of the Richtersveld to the Gariep River, the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia, where we camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river.
NAMIBIA
This sandy yet spectacular country gained its independence from South Africa in the year of 1990 and its largest city, also the capital city is Windhoek. This is a country of compelling beauty and wide horizons dominated by the brooding and desolate Namib Desert, which has the highest sand dunes in the world.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Gariep River to Fish River Canyon (Namibia)
Gariep River to Fish River Canyon
Today we cross into Namibia where, after a short drive, we reach the Fish River Canyon. At 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep, it’s the second largest canyon in the world. The outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity, while the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road follows the eastern rim, giving us access to several viewing points from where we enjoy the spectacular vistas.
Fish River Canyon
Located in the South of Namibia, the Fish River Canyon claims the title of the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest in the world. Being approximately 160km long, 27km wide and just over 550m deep only allows for the brave and fit to take on the hikes and walks it has to offer.
Hightlights:
Included Activity: A visit to the Fish River Canyon
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Fish River Canyon to Sesriem
Fish River Canyon to Sesriem
An early start today, heading north we enter the area of the Namib-Naukluft desert, one of the oldest in the world. We base ourselves at Sesriem, a good place to experience the Namib and its many moods. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300 m high. Make sure you look up at the stars tonight; the desert puts on a show like nowhere else in the world!
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park where we spend the morning exploring this amazing area. We take some time to climb to the top of Dune 45 – a truly memorable experience. Following our once in a lifetime experience you will take the desert shuttles a further 5kms into the desert where you can take a walk to Sossusvlei and explore the surrounding area.
Hightlights:
Included Activities: Namib Naukluft National Park, Climbing Dune 45 & A Visit to Sossusvlei
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Sesriem to Swakopmund
Sesriem to Swakopmund
After breakfast, we head off in a north-westerly direction to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay. Our drive takes us across the Tropic of Capricorn the imaginary line that shows the southernmost point of direct sun, and signals the southern hemispheres mid-summers day. From Walvis Bay, we follow the coast for some 35 km to arrive at Namibia’s prime holiday resort – Swakopmund where we enjoy 2 nights of rest, relaxation and a little bit of adrenalin for those that are keen! Accommodation will be in dormitories for the next 2 nights, upgrades into private rooms are possible, but depend on availability and can be booked with your trip leader.
Accommodation:
Swakopmund holiday resort, dormitories
Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit. Alternatively, the lovely beach and promenade make for a great relaxing walk – though bathing in the ocean waters may be somewhat chilly! Some of our fellow passengers may leave us in Swakopmund, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the rest of our trip.
Accommodation:
Swakopmund holiday resort, dormitories
Optional Extras:
Optional Activities: Sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund
DAY 9: Swakopmund to Brandberg (UIS)
Swakopmund to Brandberg
Our departure from Swakopmund takes through the “Matterhorn of Namibia” – Spitzkoppe. The 1728m high rock formation, one of Namibia?s most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site. Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings or simply enjoy the magnificent views. After our visit to Spitzkoppe we head off to our next destination – Brandberg.
Hightlights:
Included Activity: Visiting Spitzkoppe (Day trip)
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: Brandberg (UIS) to Etosha National Park Area
Brandberg to Etosha National Park Area
Today’s drive takes us further north through the Namibian countryside to our campsite, located in the vicinity of the National Park.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11: Etosha National Park Area
We head to the area of Etosha National Park. Covering 22 700 km2, Etosha is Namibia’s premier nature and wildlife reserve. Situated around the Etosha Pan with a large variety of animal and bird life, the extensive network of gravel roads affords us the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park. After lunch, and once it has cooled off a bit, we spend the remainder of the day exploring the park’s southern area. Keep an eye out for the striking Oryx and Springbok as these are endemic to desert National Parks! Tonight’s camp is situated just outside the parks boundaries, only 10kms from Anderson Gate. Perhaps a quick dip in the pool or a sun downer on the deck before dinner, followed by a relaxing evening in this interesting bar.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Optional Activity: Game Drive
DAY 12: Etosha National Park
Today we make our way across the park, keeping a look out for the many different mammals, reptiles, birds and insects in the various regions. As the vegetation types change, so does the animal and bird life that relies on it, and so different sections of the Park offer a variety of different game options. After a full day of game viewing, we spend the evening relaxing at our camp in the north of the park, Namutoni. After dinner why not head to the waterhole where you can sit and observe the animals may come to drink in the evenings.
Hightlights:
Included Activity: Game Drive in the Overland Truck
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Optional Activities: Night Drive
DAY 13: Etosha National Park to Windhoek
Etosha National Park to Windhoek
After our breakfast, we head out of the park while doing a game drive. Today’s drive will take us through small rural towns and scenic landscapes. Nestled between the hills, Windhoek is a rather small capital city but has many places of historical interest. This afternoon is spent at your leisure with time to visit the local museum or haggling at the street side markets. There are also many shops for those in need of a bit of retail therapy.
Optional Extras:
Optional Dinner at Joes Beer house
DAY 14: Windhoek to Ghanzi (Botswana)
Windhoek to Ghanzi
This morning we depart early as we prepare to leave Namibia behind us as we enter into the beautiful Botswana. Ghanzi is a town in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. Optional activities include a number of activities to interact with the San / Bushman, and to discover how they survived in the Kalahari.
BOTSWANA
The size of this successful country can be compared to countries such as Kenya or France, and fairly smaller than Texas. Botswana is a landlocked country with borders such as South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe which can all be crossed overland. For such a small country, it boasts an array of spectacular game viewing opportunities such as, hundreds of elephants splashing in the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta and its maze of lagoons.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Optional Activity: San / Bushman experience
DAY 15: Ghanzi to Maun (Botswana)
Ghanzi to Maun
Maun is the starting point for travel into the Delta and it is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta. Tonight, we prepare our provisions and packs for our overnight night excursion. We suggest bringing along a smaller daypack on your trip as this can be used to pack the supplies needed for this short excursion. Your trip leader will brief you fully on what is needed, and what to expect prior to your trip to the Delta.
OKAVANGO DELTA
The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world. Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals and is unique to Southern Africa.
All you have to do is sit back, relax and have your camera as you get guided through the dozens of mazes. The Okavango Delta is a bird lover’s paradise enjoyed by all, best explored by foot and mokoro. With over 400 species of birds, 70 species of fish and an abundance of wildlife, your experience in the delta will leave you wanting to explore the whole of Africa.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 16: Maun to Okavango Delta
Maun to Okavango Delta
Here we have the opportunity to take the included overnight excursion into the Delta. After an early rise, we pack our expedition vehicle and from Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station. The Delta region is studded with many local villages where many families live in a traditional way. Some of the villages are very remote and can only be reached by the traditional mode of transport – the Mokoro. Mokoros are dugout canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds. At the Mokoro station, we meet our ‘Polers’ and pack our supplies before heading out into the waterways. After a couple of hours along the waterways, we arrive at our mobile tented camp situated in the heart of the Okavango.
On arrival, you will meet the local staff who will be your host during your stay. A brief introduction to the camp will show you your dome tent with twin beds and a bush en-suite bathroom – long drop toilet and a bucket shower. Relax in the tent with a cold drink or take a paddle in the Delta in a canoe. The activities at the camp include Mokoro trails and guided walking.
Hightlights:
Included Activity: Overnight Delta excursion
Accommodation:
Dome tent with twin beds and a bush en-suite bathroom
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 17: Okavango Delta to Maun
Okavango Delta to Maun
After our Mokoro ride and vehicle transfer, we arrive back around lunch time and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional scenic flight over The Delta (dependent on weather conditions & availability).
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Optional scenic flight over The Delta
DAY 18: Maun to Nata Region
Maun to Nata Region
We leave this beautiful part of Botswana behind us this morning as we depart to the lush campsite called Elephant Sands. The drive will take you through a very unpopulated landscape where the donkeys roam freely. Once we have arrived at our campsite you will have the option of partaking in a game drive or a bushwalk. Your crew will provide you with more information.
Accommodation:
Elephant Sands Campsite
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Optional Activity: Game Drive / Bush Walk
DAY 19: Nata Region to Chobe National Park
Nata Region to Chobe National Park
We travel north to the town of Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia and is the main water source to the Chobe National Park. Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the campsite while we watch another glorious African sunset. Listen out for the resident hippos!
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 20: Chobe National Park
This morning we have a chance to sleep in or explore the town of Kasane. When we are packed and prepared, we leave for our Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile excursion an overnight experience in the wilds of the Chobe National park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their majestic backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s that swoop by! After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and heading back to Kasane, and Victoria Falls.
Hightlights:
Included Activities: Chobe National Park, Chobe Overnight Mobile Excursion
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 21: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls
Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls
Once returning to camp, we get back on our truck and continue to the border of Zimbabwe. Once we’ve completed border formalities, we have a short drive to the nearby Victoria Falls. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of town, and within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops. A short walk down the main road takes you to the entry point to view the falls, which are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by David Livingstone on his explorations, and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world’s largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! After our adventure activities briefing (see price guide at the end of this document for options), the afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!
Hightlights:
Included Activity: Entrance to Victoria Falls
DAYS 22 & 23: Victoria Falls
The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Vic Falls, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the next leg of our trek.
ZIMBABWE
This landlocked country is situated in the southern part of Africa, between the mighty Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers. The word Zimbabwe is believed to have two meanings, 1) it is believed the word Zimbabwe is derived from dzimba-dza-mabwe, which means “large house of stone” in the Shona (Karanga Dialect) language. 2) It is also believed to be derived from the word dzimba-hwe which means venerated houses in the Zezuru dialect of Shona.
Victoria Falls
With so many exiting areas to explore within this beautiful country along with its enjoyable weather it makes it difficult to decide where to begin. The adventure activities in the town of Victoria falls along with the Victoria Falls itself are an absolute must. Hwange National Park offers spectacular game viewing, while the Great Zimbabwe Ruins offers you a chapter out of Zimbabwe’s history.
Meals:
DAYS 22 & 23: Breakfast
Optional Extras:
Optional Activities: Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
DAY 24: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park, Botswana
Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park
We head out from Victoria Falls to the border crossing to Botswana. Once we’ve completed the border formalities, we continue to the town of Kasane, situated on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia and is the main water source to the Chobe National Park. After lunch, we have time at leisure to relax.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 25: Chobe National Park to Livingstone (Zambia)
Chobe National Park to Livingstone
Once returning to the camp at Kasane, we get back on our truck and continue to the town of Livingstone. This afternoon we have the opportunity to view The Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia or partake in an optional sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River. Another fantastic photo opportunity!
ZAMBIA
Prosperous during the copper boom in the 60’s, Zambia was able to build infrastructure at the main mining and farming communities. After the fall of the copper industry, the country was left virtually bankrupt and existing infrastructure was left to fall to ruin. Due to foreign investment and a rise in the mining industry, Zambia is today once again starting to prosper. The difference is evident in the cities with the availability of foreign stores, banks and imported cars, while the villages and smaller towns are still to catch up.
Optional Extras:
Optional Activity: Zambezi Sunset Boat cruise
DAY 26: Livingstone to Lusaka
Livingstone to Lusaka
An early morning start sees us head north through southern Zambia. As we drive, we pass through a few of the villages and towns of Zambia along the way. Our campsite is home to some local wildlife including the largest antelope – Eland.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 27 & 28: Lusaka to South Luangwa National Park
Lusaka to South Luangwa National Park
This breath-taking park is situated on the Luangwa River in the Eastern part of Zambia, and it is the southernmost of three national parks in this region. South Luangwa was founded in 1938 as a game reserve, 1972 was the year it was declared as a national park, and today it covers over 9000 kilometres squared. Animals such as Giraffe, buffalo and Elephants can be found in abundance. The Luangwa river is home to many a hippo and croc.
Hightlights:
Included Activity: Game Drive in overland Truck
Meals:
DAY 27 & 28: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 29 - 31: Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches (Malawi)
Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches
Leaving Zambia, we cross into Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We camp first at the central Lake, and then in the northern area over the next 3 days.
Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dugout canoe yourself! At night, you’ll see the ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermen out on the lake. The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horseback rides and a visit to the local village and school.
Meals:
DAYS 29 - 31: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horseback rides and a visit to the local village and school
DAY 32: Lake Malawi to Iringa (Tanzania)
Lake Malawi to Iringa
After a relaxing 3 days, we leave Malawi, entering Tanzania through the border post at Songwe. Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Iringa where we spend the night in the beautiful rustic ‘Farmhouse’ campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!
Accommodation:
‘Farmhouse’ campsite
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 33: Iringa to Dar es Salaam
Iringa to Dar es Salaam
This morning we head off early and make our way to Dar es Salaam. We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. Today’s drive time is extended due to the heavier amount of traffic heading in to the city, but the sights and sounds of Dar’s vibrant outer suburbs are sure to keep you entertained. Look out for the colourful shop-fronts with their sometimes humorous ‘catch phrases’. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 34: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the “Spice Island,” where we spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.
PLEASE NOTE: Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own, and in accordance with their own budget. The Trip Leader joins you and will arrange your activities, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants. There are also a wide variety of optional excursions on offer.
PLEASE NOTE: New legislation prohibits the taking of photographs during the Zanzibar ferry ride. Spot fines can be issued, if legislation is not obeyed.
Hightlights:
Included Activity: Spice Tour & Dhow Excursion & Zanzibar Excursion
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is famous for its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the island. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean – crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.
Meals:
DAYS 35 & 36: No meals (own account)
DAY 37: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Leaving Zanzibar in the afternoon, we return to the mainland arriving back to camp in the late afternoon, or early evening. On arrival, where we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!