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	Includes: Fully equipped overland truck Experienced tour guide and driver. All cooking and camping equipment All meals as per the itinerary Game park fees and excursions as per the itinerary Included highlights: Orange River, Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Namib Naukluft, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Cheetah Park, Etosha National Park, Chobe National Park boat cruise, Lake Malawi, Zanzibar ferry, Dar es Salaam Default insurance Excludes: International flights Visas Gratuities and tips Curios Items of a personal nature All optional/additional activities Local Payment Sleeping bags 3-day Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater excursion 3-day Okavango Delta mokoro excursion Sleep out and game drive in Chobe National Park Sunset dinner cruise in Livingstone Accommodation and meals in Zanzibar   Notes: When you book this trip, you are entitled to receive both a free 3 Day Cape Town City Package the Thursday before your trip begins and a free 3 Day Masai Mara Safari the Sunday after your trip ends. The Local Payments are still applicable for each trip. This fantastic offer must be taken up when you book this trip. Ask your Africa Safari Expert for details. The local payment is to be paid in US$ directly to your tour leader on the first day of your trip. It covers game park fees, camping fees, fresh produce for meals and any other necessary essentials. The local payment varies depending on destinations and length of your tour. Malaria prophylactics are advised, as part of this tour takes place in malarial areas. Board Basis Descriptions :   B BB HB FB DBB LD D -   Breakfast -   Bed & Breakfast -   Half Board -   Full Board -   Dinner, Bed & Breakfast -   Lunch & Dinner -   Dinner

Southern Explorer North

Duration:		42 days
Starts:		Cape Town
Ends:		Nairobi
Rates from:
Dates:		Click here for Tour Dates
Countries Visited:		Tanzania
Transport:		Superior Truck
Safari cook:		Included

This epic overland adventure is all about spills, thrills, wildlife and amazing scenery, and takes you from Cape Town, through the Namibian desert and into northern Botswana.

Experience incredible wildlife viewing in Chobe and the Delta, encounter total adrenalin at mighty Victoria Falls, and chill out on Lake Kariba before heading to the shore of Lake Malawi.

Your trip takes you to the exotic island of Zanzibar, into the game-rich plains of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater and finally ends in the trendy African city of Nairobi.

Leaving Cape Town, you head north through the vineyards of the famous Cape Winelands and cross the Piketberg pass into the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal.

You set up camp in either the Citrusdal or Clanwilliam region, both towns shadowed by the beautiful Cederberg Mountain range.

From Ceres you travel north through the Namaqualand, a region well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring.

After stopping for supplies in the town of Springbok, you continue north to the Orange River, the natural border between South Africa and Namibia. Tonight you camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river.

In the morning you have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River. Enjoy the scenic and relaxing ride as you watch the banks of the river slide by and have the chance to do a bit of bird watching.

After lunch you cross into Namibia, and have a short drive to Hobas campsite and the Fish River Canyon.

161km long and up to 27km wide, the Fish River is the 2nd largest canyon in the world, although it is reputed to be the most spectacular. A road running near the eastern edge gives you access to several viewing points with magnificent views across the rift.

After a leisurely morning at the Fish River Canyon you head into the southern farming area of Namibia. We stop for supplies in the small, former missionary town of Bethanie.

From there you choose your camp for the night - no matter where you camp you'll be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of this remote area.

Heading north you enter the Namib Naukluft Park, considered to be one of the oldest deserts in the world, and a popular tourist destination. Sesreim is 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. Wonderful views of the desert can be enjoyed from the top of the dunes, some over 300m high.

An optional and strongly recommended excursion is exploring the area on foot with a specialised local guide. The guide will bring the amazing history, geology, flora, fauna and cultural legacy of the Bushman to life for you. At night you watch the sunset from the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience.

After watching the sun rise across this spectacular scenery you leave the serenity of the dunes and head in a north-easterly direction to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay.

Following the coast for some 35km, you arrive at Namibia's prime holiday resort, Swakopmund, where you can enjoy 3 nights of rest and relaxation. Accommodation is in dormitories. Upgrades are available.

The town of Swakopmund, founded in 1892 during German rule, still maintains its distinct colonial character. Swakopmund has several excellent restaurants, bars and coffee shops, as well as galleries to explore and many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian rural art.

There are fine beaches to walk along or you can visit the interesting museum or aquarium.

Optional excursions to get excited about include fishing trips, quad biking, sand boarding, sky diving, desert flights, water sports, golf and 4x4 hire.

From Swakopmund you follow the Atlantic Coast north to the Cape Cross Seal Colony. Of the 23 breeding colonies of Cape Fur Seals along the coast of South Africa and Namibia, Cape Cross is the largest.

You can see seals throughout the year, although numbers fluctuate from 80 000 to around 200 000 during the breeding season.

A short drive takes you to Spitzkoppe, the 1, 728m high rock formation which is one of Namibia's most recognized landmarks. You can go for walks in this stunning landscape, explore the bizarre rock formations or view the bushman paintings.

Today is a day's drive from the rock paintings to Cheetah Park, a private farm where you will learn about the conservation of the cheetah population in Namibia.

You also have the chance to meet the resident cheetahs living on the property - a photo opportunity not to be missed!

You stop briefly in Outjo to get supplies before continuing to the Etosha National Park, Namibia's premiere nature reserve, covering over 20, 000 square km with an impressive variety of animal and bird species.

After setting up camp in Okaukuejo rest camp, you head out for an afternoon game drive. The park is situated around Etosha Pan, and has an extensive network of gravel roads that enable you to get to remote areas.

A feature of this park is the floodlit waterholes at both Okakuejo and Namutoni. Your evenings can be spent sitting on the specially constructed viewing benches watching the game.

Another full day of game drives as you make your way across 150 km of the park from west to east.

Tonight you have another opportunity to spend at leisure around the fantastic floodlit waterholes, watching the game at Namutoni Camp, home to an historical fort and lookout tower.

Departing Etosha, you head in a north-easterly direction towards the lush Kavango region of the Caprivi Strip. You stock up on your supplies in Rundu before reaching your nearby 'home' for the night.

This fantastic campsite is located right on the banks of the Kavango River, complete with open air facilities and the occasional hippo grazing peacefully on the lawn.

The Okavango Delta is a huge expanse of water, which after travelling down from the Angolan highlands, spreads out to form the largest inland delta in the world.

Studded with exotic islands, the Okavango is renowned for its incredible variety of birdlife, as well as many other animals unique to southern Africa.

Here you have the opportunity to take the optional 3-day/2-night excursion into the delta. The trip to the Okavango Delta takes you approximately 1-2 hours north to the mokoro polers station. From there you hire mokoros, the local dug-out canoes, which are poled by local guides through the winding waterways.

Your knowledgeable guides select a place to set up camp for the night. An afternoon game walk allows you to experience more the delta wilderness and its diverse ecosystems.

Today you have the opportunity to partake in a number of delta activities including game walks, mokoro cruises, swimming and even a chance to try your hand at poling a dug-out yourself!

There is a final opportunity for a morning game walk before packing up camp and setting off back to Maun.

You arrive back in the early afternoon you have the chance to complete your picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional spectacular sunset flight over the delta region.

You travel east and then north through Botswana to the town of Kasane where you set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.

The river forms a border between Botswana and Namibia, as well as Botswana and Zambia. Listen out for the resident hippos!

Today you have an early start as you prepare for your morning game drive in the Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana's premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River.

After your game drive you return to camp for lunch. In the afternoon there is the opportunity for you to go on a river cruise (optional), or you can simply relax on the river banks and watch the beautiful Chobe sunset from your campsite.

You pack up camp and depart Botswana. After entering Zimbabwe, you head to the nearby Victoria Falls, where you set up camp in the municipal town campsite.

1,700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, the falls is sure to be one of the most memorable sights on your African safari. You have a couple of days to experience the sights and activities of the Adrenalin Capital of Africa.

Bungee jumping, white-water rafting, scenic flights and a host of other adventure activities are all on offer, while other optional activities include day trips into the Zambezi National Park, a visit to the Crocodile Ranch, parachuting and even an elephant safari.

The next 2 days are at yours at leisure to partake in many activities available or relax at the campsite's swimming pool. You may also have some new people joining you for the 2nd part of your tour.

This morning you will pack up camp and depart Victoria Falls. Exiting Zimbabwe, you cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River to enter into Zambia at the town of Livingstone.

Head to the western waters of Lake Kariba - one of the largest manmade lakes in the world and home to a wide variety of African game, birdlife and unique flora and fauna.

Here you have the option of a 2-night trip on a house boat. Alternatively, you can take part in the many activities at the campsite, such as fishing, canoeing, hiking, exploring the local village or just relaxing on the tranquil banks of Lake Kariba.

House Boat option 2-nights/2-days:

You board the house boats at approximately 1pm in time for lunch. You depart the harbour at around 2pm and sail out to the Maaze River for a beautiful sunset, Lake Kariba is famous for its spectacular sunsets. You overnight on the boat.

After everyone has reunited you bid goodbye to Lake Kariba, and head north through Southern Zambia to a campsite just outside the capital city of Lusaka.

The campsite is home to some local wildlife and has excellent facilities.

From Lusaka you cross the northeastern side of Zambia, heading to a beautiful little campsite just 10km before the Zambia/Malawi border.

Here you spend the night under the stars before heading into Malawi the following day.

In the morning you cross the border into Malawi, the 'Warm Heart of Africa'. Your first stop is the capital Lilongwe, a small city distinctively divided into the old town and the new administrative centre.

The country's temperate climate allows for swimming in these clear blue waters all year round. You spend the next 4 days travelling the full length of the western side of the lake, stopping at various bays and inlets.

This is the time for rest and relaxation. For the more energetic, Lake Malawi offers a variety of water sports from various beachside campsites. Alternatively you can wander along quieter shorelines where you can see the fishermen sorting their daily catch

Visit the nearby villages and schools and dine in the local village, haggle for a argain at the local markets, learn the game of bao...or simply relax on the pristine white beaches.

You depart Malawi via Karonga and enter Tanzania through the border post of Songwe. You continue your journey through the Tanzanian countryside with its Tukuyu tea and banana plantations.

At night you camp at the Old Farmhouse, a beautiful rustic campsite just before the charming town of Iringa. Try one of their signature Amarula Hot Chocolates, they're delicious!

The next morning you proceed to Dar es Salaam, passing through Mikumi National Park. En route it is possible to view a range of wildlife, the animals totally unaffected by the passing humans and their vehicles.

On arrival in Dar es Salaam, you set up camp for the nigh at a beach hotel/campsite to the north of the city. Spend your evening relaxing and preparing for your trip to Zanzibar the following day.

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes you to the legendary "Spice Island", your home for 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.

Please note: We can organize accommodation for you whilst on Zanzibar, although from our experience our clients usually feel the need to explore the island on their own. Therefore accommodation and food is for your own account whilst on Zanzibar.

Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for you to enjoy. The quiet streets of the historical 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 still famous for its spices, and tours around a spice plantation can be organized. Other options include a trip to the nearby Prison Island with its giant tortoises, and beautiful beaches.

Zanzibar is a seafood lover's paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - giant lobsters being a popular specialty. The market stalls also offer an unusual selection of fast food African style at a very reasonable price.

Leaving Zanzibar you take the ferry back to the mainland for an overnight stay in Dar es Salaam.

There may be an opportunity to visit one of the craft markets which offer an extensive range of exquisite ebony products (the price you pay depends on your bargaining skills), and where the goods are made on site.

It is possible to observe the carvers at work and understand the skill that has gone into making even the simplest trinket.

From Dar es Salaam you travel through vast sisal plantations to Arusha. On the way you pass the Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving to the town of Moshi, the base for Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions.

You may catch a glimpse of this magical mountain's snowy summit (weather permitting) which definitely calls for a photo stop! You spend the night in Arusha.

Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru, and is the starting point for the optional excursions to the Ngorongoro Crater and/or the Serengeti.

You are taken in locally operated Land Rovers, which are specially adapted for safari use. Depending on which option you choose, you will be away from the Arusha campsite for either one or 2 nights.

If you take up the 2-night/3-day option you will depart Arusha in the morning and drive through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu and up into the Ngorongoro Reserve for a glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater before descending down onto the plains of the Serengeti.

The abundance of game in this area is truly astounding. The afternoon will be spent game viewing before setting up camp in the midst of the national park, probably the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world.

After a full morning's game drive in the Serengeti, you return to pack up camp and head back towards the Ngorongoro Crater. En route you have the option of a visit to Olduvai Gorge, or a visit to a Masai village to learn a little more about the Masai people and their culture.

From here you travel up to rim of the crater and your campsite for the evening. We suggest you pack your winter woollies as it can get very cold during night.

For those taking the 1-night/2-day option, you are collected from Arusha in the afternoon and transferred to the town of Karatu for the evening. Tomorrow you join the rest of the group for your Ngorongoro game drive.

In the morning you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. With its 600m-high walls and 20km diameter, it is one of the natural wonders of the world.

The views from the rim are spectacular, but the true size of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself. There is an abundance of wildlife and some say the crater floor offers the finest game viewing in Africa.

It offers a chance to view an incredible concentration of East African wildlife. After spending the full morning in the crater you return to the campsite near Arusha for another night. Both optional excursions follow the same schedule today.

After a leisurely morning start and the chance to explore the snake exhibits at the campsite you can take your time wandering the streets of Arusha, the last Tanzanian stop.

Explore the craft markets in town or stop at the bakery for a local coffee. Lunch is enjoyed just outside town as you head the last 120kms north to the Tanzania/ Kenya border town of Namanga.

After competing formalities you camp at Namanga on the Kenyan side of the border.

This morning you travel the final 180km north to Kenya's capital city, Nairobi. On arrival in Nairobi, the truck will proceed to the Boulevard Hotel to allow you to disembark there, or you can continue to a campsite.

This brings your African adventure to an end.