This trip takes you from the calm tropical waters of Zanzibar to the wild Atlantic Ocean of Southern Africa.
An incredible trip for any budget, this trip takes you from the calm tropical waters of Zanzibar to the wild Atlantic Ocean of Southern Africa – the contrasts abound. Whether you want to discover the wildlife of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Etosha National Parks or explore the playgrounds of Victoria Falls and Swakopmund, this is a fantastic adventure tour that will leave memories that last forever.
Note: This is one of our Overland Adventures which are run on a participatory basis – you’ll be involved in the day to day running of the trip and have fun helping to cook for the group. Expect to sometimes get dusty and dishevelled and not to be able to have hot showers every night. Groups of up to 24 people are led by our crew of two.
Accommodation is predominantly camping, though there may be opportunities to upgrade this locally where rooms are available. Our Overland Adventures provide once in a life time experiences and whilst some safari activities may be included in the itinerary, or be available to book locally, this should not be considered a traditional safari holiday, though we consider that part of the fun!!
Highlights
Take a 4×4 safari through the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park for a chance to see the Big 5
Explore Zanzibar Island beaches and Stone Town's buzzing bazaar and aromatic spice market
Take a safari through Matobo National Park and search on foot for Black Rhino
View the spectacular Victoria Falls on foot, from the air, from a boat or upside down from a bungee rope
Take a mokoro trip into the Okavango Delta and camp out in the wilderness
Game drive by day and relax at floodlit water holes by night in Etosha National Park
Why you'll love this adventure
- Taking a mokoro trip into the Okavango Delta and camp out in the wilderness
- Enjoying many of the activities available in Namibia's adventure capital, Swakopmund
- Viewing the spectacular Victoria Falls on foot, from the air, from a boat or upside down from a bungee rope
Dates
This trip can be tailor made for your perfect travel dates. Please make a booking enquiry for more information.
Itinerary
This trip includes an action packed itinerary! Please make an enquiry and we'll send you the full itinerary for each day including meals, activities, travel and accommodation.
What's included
- Accommodation – approx. 90% camping & 10% simple hostels/hotels
- Giraffe Centre
- Return ferry to Zanzibar
- 4 nights accommodation on Zanzibar
- Lake Malawi village walk
- Private Game Ranch
- Overnight sleeper train from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (if available)
- Chobe National Park – entrance & river cruise
- Etosha National Park
- Cheetah Park
- Spitzkoppe Rock formations
- Cape Cross Seal Colony
- Sossusvlei Dunes
- Fish River Canyon
- Meals – approx. 60%
- All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
- Camping and Cooking equipment
- Services of Oasis Crew
Trip notes
Price
Who is this trip for?
- Suitable For Solo
- Suitable For Couples
- Suitable For Children
- Suitable For Groups
- Suitable For Students
- Suitable For Business
- Suitable For Wheelchairs
Additional notes
Itinerary
DAY 1: NAIROBI
Welcome to Nairobi, today you have the opportunity to get up close to Africa’s tallest mammal when we visit the Langata Giraffe Centre in Nairobi. You will also have free time to visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where Oasis sponsor Kamboyo, an orphaned elephant.
DAY 2-5: NAIROBI TO ARUSHA
We depart Nairobi early morning and immediately find ourselves in hot savannah grasslands with acacia trees providing the only shade. Various game, usually zebra and giraffe can be seen as we head south and cross into Tanzania – where we camp on the outskirts of Arusha town. Here you have the option to use a local African safari travel company to guide us through the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
You’ll head down into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. On the crater floor you will have the opportunity to view the abundant wildlife including Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, White Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Antelope, Crocodile and Pink Flamingos. From here you go into the Serengeti for a day where vast herds of wildebeest roam the plains.
For those who wish – there is an option to visit a local Maasai Village and learn about their culture and way of life.
DAY 6-13: ARUSHA TO DAR SALAAM
After leaving Arusha we pass a number of small towns and villages along the way and, if we are lucky, we may see the towering peak of Kilimanjaro.
We will stop off at Marangu where you have the opportunity to climb to Kilimanjaro base camp, or take a walk through the lush surroundings passing through coffee plantations, rivers, waterfalls, caves and visiting a local blacksmith. A days drive brings us to Dar Es Salaam where our truck is based for around 4 nights in a campsite on a beautiful Indian Ocean beach. From here we take the ferry out to Zanzibar for four full days, and venture into the narrow bustling streets of Stone Town and its famous spice markets, old slave forts and dungeons.
There is also time to relax on Zanzibar’s famous white beaches, scuba dive or snorkel and swim with dolphins.
DAY 14-19: DAR ES SALAAM TO LAKE MALAWI
After meeting the Zanzibar ferry we begin the journey through the interesting and mountainous hinterland of Tanzania. In the afternoon, after negotiating some appalling roads, we pass through the peaceful Mikumi National Park. African safari travel is synonymous with wildlife, and in this national park we usually see Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra and Antelope from the roadside.
Passing through lush mountainous landscape and plantations – we enter Malawi which is dominated by its huge fresh water lake. Camping in Malawi sums up the spirit of an Africa overland trip with Oasis. We spend 4 to 5 days at friendly laid back campsites where most people choose to relax on the sandy beaches or try their hand at scuba diving, snorkelling or windsurfing as we follow the lakeshore south.
If you are more inclined to just relax – then there is no better place than on the shores of Lake Malawi. This really is a warm friendly country – making it easy to wander off and meet up with your local hosts in one of the many villages or schools nearby.
You can view firsthand the talent of the local artisans and purchase some exquisite pieces of furniture and carvings out of ebony and mahogany.
DAY 20-22: LAKE MALAWI TO HARARE
From here we continue on to the capital Lilongwe in the south of the country where you can check out the local markets. Our African Overland trip leaves Lilongwe to cross into Mozambique and head for Zimbabwe.
We follow the infamous Tete Corridor which was well known in the days of Mozambique’s long running civil war as the Gun Run. Thankfully these days things are a lot different! We enter Zimbabwe and travel via the capital, Harare.
Arriving into Zimbabwe’s cosmopolitan city, you can enjoy many of the sights in and around the city centre, there are many markets throughout the city from craft markets to the hectic local Mbare market, stroll through the botanical gardens, or enjoy the nightlife in one of the many bars throughout the city.
DAY 23-27: HARARE TO GREAT ZIMBABWE
Leaving Harare we make our way to the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, where we visit Chimanimani, and where you have the opportunity to take a hike through the mountain wilderness area, or hiking to the nearby bridal veil falls, or simply enjoying the stunning surroundings from this sleepy village whilst strolling through the village market. Great Zimbabwe Ruins which was once the greatest medieval city in Sub Saharan Africa and where the name Zimbabwe is derived, literally meaning house of stone is where we stop next to view this ancient city.
DAY 28-30: GREAT ZIMBABWE TO BULAWAYO
We drive across Mashonaland to Gweru, here we visit a privately run horse and game ranch where you can go game viewing on horseback. Its our destination for the next few days. Next we enter Matabeleland and the town of Bulawayo.
DAY 31-32: BULAWAYO TO VICTORIA FALLS
You have the option of leaving the truck for a day to venture into Matobo National Park with a local safari company. You will have a unique chance to get out on foot to try and spot the elusive Black Rhino – amongst hordes of other game.
There is also the opportunity to visit Cecil Rhodes’ grave and Ancient Rock Paintings. We will then follow a journey that is steeped in history and say goodbye to our truck for the night as we board the overnight train from Bulawayo to the mighty Victoria Falls.
Expect basic conditions, but the views and experience of looking out the window and watching the world go by more than makes up for it. If you look carefully you might even spot some kudu or elephant! When you get there the mighty Victoria Falls await.
DAY 33-34: VICTORIA FALLS
For some, Mosi oa Tunya – The Smoke That Thunders, is the highlight of their African safari. From the main road, in the bush 20kms away, a cloud of mist and spray can be seen against the blue sky. As you get closer, a low rumble like thunder can be heard. When you arrive it is a surprise to discover the enormity of Victoria Falls.
One mile wide and hurling over 5 million cubic metres of water a minute into the Zambezi Gorge this sight is breathtaking at any time of year. The Gorge is the setting for one of the most adrenaline fuelled grade 5 white water rafting in the world. There is something here for everyone.
Why not take a day trip over the Victoria Falls bridge to view the falls from Zambia, take the Flight of Angels – a great way to get a birds eye view of the falls in a microlight or helicopter, enjoy a civilised afternoon tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel, join a Sunset Boat Cruise or a more sedate Canoe trip.
For those who want to make the most of the adrenaline activities, get your fix with the Gorge Swing, Abseil or ‘enjoy’ one of the highest commercial Bungee Jumps in the world.
DAY 35: VICTORIA FALLS
Our final day in Victoria Falls provides you with time for those last minute activities or shopping you may wish to do before we continue our African adventure.
DAY 36-39: VICTORIA FALLS TO MAUN
Our overland trip continues from Zimbabwe into Botswana, spending the night on the outskirts of the Chobe National Park – famous for its hordes of Elephants, as well as an abundance of other wildlife.
You will have a chance to spend the afternoon on the Chobe River – a less intrusive way to view game and wildlife – as well as the Namibian frontier across the river. We then head south into the Kalahari Basin – known for its dry, desolate and expansive freedom.
You will have an opportunity to leave the truck to venture into the Okavango Delta. Local poler guides will navigate the extensive waterways using canoes similar to their traditional Mokoro’s (dug out canoes). This is a great experience – and the best way to have a chance of seeing the elusive wildlife of this unique desert oasis.
You will have a number of opportunities to go on game walks with rangers – giving you the chance to see elephant, crocodile and hippo up close and personal. The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland waterways and its calming serenity will leave those who experience it feeling supremely relaxed.
There is also the opportunity to experience the heights of African adventure travel too: see the delta from the air during an hour-long flight.
DAY 40-44: MAUN TO BRANDBERG MOUNTAINS
Travelling west we enter Namibia and continue toward Etosha National Park – recognised as one of the worlds greatest wildlife viewing areas.
The semi desert is quite a contrast to the more fertile terrain we have been used to. The night sky ablaze with shooting stars and the warm glow of our campfire makes for unforgettable camping experiences.
Besides game drives we can also game watch by night at one of the floodlit water holes where we may well spot Rhino, Elephant and Giraffe among a host of other wildlife. From Etosha we visit a local Cheetah park and get up close to these amazing and endangered creatures, before continuing on to the Brandberg Mountains in Demaraland.
DAY 45-49: BRANDBERG TO SWAKOPMUND
We then travel to the stunning Spitzkoppe Rock formations. Known as the Matterhorn of Namibia – the Spitzkoppe is part of the Erongo Mt range and was formed over 100 million years ago after the collapse of a gigantic volcano. The scenery is striking from every angle – even more stunning as the granite massifs turn red at sunset.
Next stop is the world famous Cape Cross Seal Colony, where the sight of thousands of these mammals, as well as their accompanying pungent odour is remembered by all!
The cool Atlantic Ocean and the prominent Benguela current provide a perfect location for feeding and breeding for the Cape Fur Seal. For the next three days, our Africa overland trip will be based in Swakopmund – Namibia’s adventure gateway.
You can choose between a variety of activities and excursions here: spend a day deep sea fishingfor shark and other game fish or head out to the desert and try quad biking and dune sledding.
You can also go horse riding or get a birds eye view of the dramatic coastline – either by Sky diving from 10,000 feet or take a flight over the towering sand dunes in the area. In Swakopmund itself you can walk along miles of deserted beaches, visit the museum or relax in a cafe.
DAY 50-53: SWAKOPMUND TO FISH RIVER CANYON
A one day drive takes us to the Namib-Naukluft Park, a vast expanse of desert which contains some of the highest sand dunes in the world. At Sossusvlei we stop and explore this spectacular area and red dunes.
Continuing south we enter the semi-desert, and wide-open countryside of cattle ranching until we arrive at one of Africas most sensational natural features, Fish River Canyon. We stop here for a couple of hours to take in the awesome scenery.
DAY 54-55: FISH RIVER CANYON TO CAPE TOWN
A couple of hours drive away we enter South Africa and cross the Orange River – a rich source of diamonds. We travel south through the Cederburg Wilderness Area, an area of rugged valleys and peaks before getting to the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Our accommodation here will be in a backpackers hostel.
DAY 56: CAPE TOWN
Your trip will finish after breakfast. There is plenty to do in and around Cape Town, from climbing up Table Mountain to abseiling down it, diving with sharks (either in ocean cages – or at the Two Oceans Aquarium), a tour to Robben Island or head out on the town to one of the many hot spots that Cape Town has to offer.
Tour operator
When it comes to overland adventures that really do get off the beaten track these guys know their stuff. Since their early days in the late-90s with the first adventure truck fondly known as ‘Noxy’ they grew to be loved by intrepid travellers for their journeys and for taking the hassle out of complex logistics so you can spend your precious time getting out there and immersing yourself in the different cultures and regions along the route. Plus there's the added bonus of security and peace of mind that travelling as part of a group brings. Over 21 years they've provided travellers with a unique travelling experience, very different to that of a normal package holiday. No surprise why we love them then! They're small enough to offer a personalised service to their travellers and they offer full financial protection through a trust account and associated insurance provided by Trust My Travel.
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Nairobi To Cape Town (56 Days) Coast To Coast
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