35-day Cape Town to Zanzibar Camping Tour by Acacia Africa

35 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 75 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Cape Town, South Africa

Ends

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Highlights

Cape Town Township Tour

Fish River Canyon

Sesriem Canyon

Sossusvlei Shuttle & Guided Walk

Dune 45

Spitzkoppe, Bushman Paintings

Etosha National Park, Game Drives

Kalahari Bushman Walk

Okavango Delta Wilderness Excursion, Mokoro/Walking Safari*

Chobe National Park, Fish Eagle (Sunset) Boat Cruise*

Chobe National Park, Open Vehicle Game Drive with Resident Guide*

Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls Visit

South Luangwa National Park, Open Vehicle Game Drive with Resident Guide*

Zanzibar, Return Ferry & Accommodation

Spitzkoppe, Bushman Paintings

Etosha National Park, Game Drives

Kalahari Bushman Walk

Okavango Delta Wilderness Excursion, Mokoro/Walking Safari*

Chobe National Park, Fish Eagle (Sunset) Boat Cruise*

Chobe National Park, Open Vehicle Game Drive with Resident Guide*

Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls Visit

South Luangwa National Park, Open Vehicle Game Drive with Resident Guide*

Zanzibar, Return Ferry & Accommodation

Itinerary

For those who dream of tracing Africa’s spine from south to east, the 35-day Cape Town to Zanzibar Camping tour is a remarkable journey. Starting in Cape Town and ending in Dar Es Salaam, this explorer trip covers Gariep River, Chitimba Beach, Zanzibar, and 21 more unforgettable destinations in South Africa and Tanzania. Accommodation, transport, and meals are all arranged, ensuring a smooth trip for families. The unique aspect is the seamless transition from Cape Town’s urban excitement to Zanzibar’s island allure, making it a truly diverse tour package.

day 1 - Cape Town, South Africa to Cederberg Region

Our journey begins in South Africas Mother City, Cape Town, one of the worlds most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities in the world. We start off visiting one of the townships on the Cape Flats to give us an insight into what life is like for a vast amount of the local population. Leaving the cape behind, we track north through various wine and citrus farming regions. This evening we have the option to sample some of South Africas famous wine at a tasting.

day 2 - Cederberg Region to Gariep Orange River, Namibia

The countryside turns semi-desert as we continue our journey northbound. However, during springtime we are lucky enough to see bright fields of colour with the spring flowers blooming. Our camp, situated on the banks of the Gariep Orange River Namibia side, affords us the opportunity to take a canoe out on the river or enjoy the scenic views from the bar area. Free from light pollution, the camp is an idyllic spot to star gaze and possibly witness a shooting star or two.

day 3 - Gariep Orange River to Fish River Canyon

Its only a relatively short journey today to the world famous Fish River Canyon.Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and the vistas it provides rival that of the Grand Canyon. Our night stop near the canyon allows us to explore some of the trails, shoot some amazing pictures or simply take in the breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder.

day 4 - Fish River Canyon to Sesriem Area

Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world and today we travel to the gateway to the Namib Naukluft National Park. The national park is home to both the worlds oldest desert, along with some of the highest sand dunes.

day 5 - Namib Naukluft National Park to Solitaire Area

We are up at dawn to enter Namib Naukluft National Park and trek up one of the towering dunes as the sun steadily rises, changing the colours of the sand as a sign of a new day. Trekking up the dunes can be tough, as some are over 300m tall, but the spectacular views are well worth the steep climb.We continue on a shuttle ride further into the park and take a nature walk to Dead Vlei for some great photo opportunities before travelling via the Sesriem Canyon and Namibias smallest town, Solitaire to our camp for the evening situated on a local farm.

day 6 - Solitaire Area to Swakopmund

Crossing into the tropics this morning, we head out to Namibias coast. Swakopmund is generally refreshingly cool thanks to the cold currents coming off the Atlantic Ocean and here we find a strong German influence having being founded as the main harbour for colonial German South West Africa. Adventure activities abound in Swakopmund and we enjoy two nights enjoying this vibey coastal town.

day 7 - Swakopmund

Quad biking, sand boarding, and sky diving are a few of the dare-devilish ways to discover the dunes. Our team in Swakop, as its locally known, will take us through the options and make sure we make the most of the time here. One thing that surely shouldnt be missed is the amazing cafe culture!

day 8 - Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe

Turning inland and away from the cooling breezes off the Atlantic Ocean, our adventure takes us into Damaraland and the peculiar rock formations and bushman paintings in this spectacular area. This is a very special spot, especially at sunrise and sunset where the rocks seem to change colour in the low rays of the strong African sun. Our camp for the night is a community-owned and run ensuring our visit benefits the local community.

day 9 - Spitzkoppe to Etosha National Park

Onward north, we get to enjoy our first game experience on this adventure tour. Etosha National Park is dominated by the central salt pan and seasonally managed waterholes which support a wide range of animal and bird species. We spend two nights in Etosha, usually camping at one of the floodlit waterholes, which offers a truly unique experience watching the wild animals coming to drink in the cool of the night.

day 10 - Etosha National Park

Today we enjoy the many sights that are on offer in the park. Game driving in the Acacia safari vehicle allows us to peer over the other vehicles in the park and get some amazing wildlife shots. Before returning to camp, we enjoy a sun-downer by one of the floodlit waterholes to round off the wild and wonderful day.

day 11 - Etosha National Park to Windhoek

Turning south our journey takes us to Namibias capital city, Windhoek. Like Swakopmund, there is a strong German influence and this is reflected in the architecture of the pleasant city. Why not take the opportunity to experience one of the local night spots

day 12 - Windhoek to Omaheke Region, near Gobabis

Travelling eastbound through the Kalahari region our journey takes via Gobabis towards the Botswana border. We spend the night at a campsite in this seemingly barren region of the Bushman. Here we have the opportunity to meet with these amazing people and learn more about the ancient tribal culture. It is also an eco-tourism venture that creates a sustainable environment to keep their culture alive.

day 13 - Omaheke Region, near Gobabis to Maun, Botswana

We continue onward and cross into Botswana. Our first night here is the town of Maun. Located on the banks of the Thamalakane River, Maun is a thriving tourist town and the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Depending on timing, there might be the opportunity this afternoon to take a scenic flight over the Delta itself.

day 14 - Maun to Okavango Delta

First off we are onto a 4x4 open vehicle transfer to meet our local guides who will be accompanying us in the mokoros dugout canoes in the Delta.The Okavango Delta is a river that never quite reaches the sea but spreads out into the sands of the Kalahari and forms a network of channels and islands. Here, we enjoy the afternoon in the wilderness hoping to spot some local wildlife.

day 15 - Okavango Delta to Maun

After spending a night in the wilds of the delta, we board our mokoros and head back to our camp in Maun. Again, this afternoon it is possible to arrange a flight over the UNESCO heritage site that is the delta or simply enjoy a relaxing day by the camp pool.

day 16 - Maun to Elephant Sands

Our journey continues today travelling between the famous Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans towards the small settlement of Nata. Iconic baobab trees dot the landscape en route to our camp, which is unfenced to allow animals to freely roam from one waterhole to another. Close wildlife encounters are expected during our stay!

day 17 - Elephant Sands to Kasane

Turning Northbound this morning we head for Kasane and the gateway to the Chobe National Park, home to elephant, buffalo, hippo and abundant birdlife. With the Chobe River forming the northern boundary, we take an afternoon fish eagle cruise along the river for some unique game viewing experiences.

day 18 - Kasane to Livingstone, Zambia

This morning we experience Chobe National Park on open 4x4 vehicle game drive with a specialised guide to get a different perspective of the park. Afterwards, we take a pontoon ferry across to Zambia and head to our camp just upstream from the world-renowned Victoria Falls.

day 19-20 - Livingstone

We have two free days in the adventure mecca that is Livingstone. We will visit the falls themselves and explore the labyrinth of paths around the twists and turns of the gorge.There are plenty of activities on offer in the area including flights over the falls, bungee jumps and white water rafting to name but a few.Our team at the camp will be able to assist in arranging activities to ensure that we make the most of the time available.

day 21 - Livingsone to Lusaka

Today we are back on the road continuing our adventure towards the warm Indian Ocean. Travelling through the lush Zambian countryside we pass through small villages and communities before arriving at the capital city, Lusaka, which is our destination for the night.

day 22 - Lusaka to Petauke

Driving through beautiful countryside and small villages, we cross the Luangwa River and reach our accommodation for the night, 5km from Petauke.

day 23 - Petauke to South Luangwa National Park

Onward through Zambia we leave the tar road behind, we journey to the renowned South Luangwa National Park. The seasonality of this park makes it a dynamic and interesting visit year-round. On arrival, we set up our camp and can either spend the rest of the day relaxing around the pool or possibly take an optional excursion into one of the villages or a walking safari in the park.

day 24 - South Luangwa National Park to Chipata

We meet our local ranger who will take us on a morning game drive in an open vehicle to spot some of the wildlife in this park.Amongst South Luangwas many herbivores, three stand out as being endemic to the area. The beautiful Thornicrofts giraffe, Cooksons wildebeest and the Crawshays zebra.Following our game drive we make our way to Chipata for the night.

day 25 - Chipata to Kande Beach Lake Malawi, Malawi

Today we journey across the Zambian border into Malawi. Travelling to the north of Malawis capital city Lilongwe, we are accompanied by the smiles and waves of the friendly local population in the Warm Heart of Africa, to our pleasant beach camp. Our camp rests on the shores of the lake which takes up the majority of the countrys area, Lake Malawi.

day 26 - Kande Beach Lake Malawi

Kande Beach on the central lake shore is an idyllic spot to kick back, chill out, and enjoy the cool, fresh water. There are a wide variety of different optional activities available, which include meandering through the local village, snorkelling or hiring a pedalo. The choice is yours.

day 27 - Kande Beach to Chitimba Lake Malawi

Tracking north along the sparkling waters of Lake Malawi, our journey takes us through the lush and ordered rubber plantations to the regional capital of Mzuzu. We briefly stop to stock up on supplies and explore the colourful and eclectic markets before heading back down towards the lake shore. Chitimba Beach will be our home for the next night, which sits beautifully at the foot of the Livingstone Plateau.

day 28 - Chitimba to Iringa, Tanzania

Crossing another border today we leave the sandy beaches of Lake Malawi and continue northwards into southern Tanzania. Climbing steadily up the route takes us through neat tea plantations clinging onto the hillsides and offering stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Our camp for the night is on an organic working farm in the Southern Highlands with a nice cosy bar, great for those chilly evenings.

day 29 - Iringa to Mikumi National Park Area

Today, we head further east to the Mikumi National Park area and set up camp at a locally run lodge just outside the park gates. This afternoon is yours at leisure. Relax by the pool and bar area or join an afternoon optional game drive inside the park itself. Tanzanias 4th largest National park, Mikumi offers a variety of animals to view including elephants, buffalo, Lion, leopard and over 400 species of birds.

day 30 - Mikumi National Park Area to Dar es Salaam

Travelling east, we make our way to the hot and humid bustling city of Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean coast. Our route takes us through Mikumi National Park and we may be lucky enough to see elephant and giraffe grazing along the side of the road. After working through the busy traffic we reach our camp for the night on a palm fringed Indian Ocean beach with the sounds of the waves lapping on the shore.

day 31 - Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Island, Stone Town

Packing what we need for the next few days, we take the fast ferry this morning across to Zanzibars port Stone Town. Here we spend our first night on the exotic Spice Island. Wander the alleyways and bazaars, grab some bargains or indulge in some fresh food at one of the markets.

day 32-34 - Zanzibar Island, Nungwi

Today we work our way up the island and possibly stop off for a historic slave and interesting spice tour along the way to learn about the varied history of this exotic paradise. We have three nights relaxing on the idyllic northern beaches with the opportunity to chill out to the tunes coming from a nearby beach bar or possibly explore the local area, either on foot or out to sea on a traditional dhow.

day 35 - Zanzibar Island, Nungwi to Dar es Salaam

Rounding off our time, both in Zanzibar and on safari, we have time to reflect on the kilometres travelled and the sights we have seen as we travel back to the mainland via the fast ferry from Stone Town. On arrival back in Dar es Salaam, the tour must come to an end.

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What's Included

Accommodation

27 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 2 nights dorm, 1 night tented camp, 3 nights tourist class hotel

Meals

34 Breakfasts, 24 Lunches, 24 Dinners

Transport

Fully Equipped Acacia Safari VehicleAll Road Tolls and Vehicle TaxesAll Ground Transportation

Guide

Services of Two Crew

Others

Camping And Cooking EquipmentSleeping Mattress

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Cape Town, South Africa to Cederberg Region

day 2 - Cederberg Region to Gariep Orange River, Namibia

day 3 - Gariep Orange River to Fish River Canyon

day 4 - Fish River Canyon to Sesriem Area

day 5 - Namib Naukluft National Park to Solitaire Area

day 6 - Solitaire Area to Swakopmund

day 7 - Swakopmund

day 8 - Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe

day 9 - Spitzkoppe to Etosha National Park

day 10 - Etosha National Park

day 11 - Etosha National Park to Windhoek

day 12 - Windhoek to Omaheke Region, near Gobabis

day 13 - Omaheke Region, near Gobabis to Maun, Botswana

day 14 - Maun to Okavango Delta

day 15 - Okavango Delta to Maun

day 16 - Maun to Elephant Sands

day 17 - Elephant Sands to Kasane

day 18 - Kasane to Livingstone, Zambia

day 19-20 - Livingstone

day 21 - Livingsone to Lusaka

day 22 - Lusaka to Petauke

day 23 - Petauke to South Luangwa National Park

day 24 - South Luangwa National Park to Chipata

day 25 - Chipata to Kande Beach Lake Malawi, Malawi

day 26 - Kande Beach Lake Malawi

day 27 - Kande Beach to Chitimba Lake Malawi

day 28 - Chitimba to Iringa, Tanzania

day 29 - Iringa to Mikumi National Park Area

day 30 - Mikumi National Park Area to Dar es Salaam

day 31 - Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Island, Stone Town

day 32-34 - Zanzibar Island, Nungwi

day 35 - Zanzibar Island, Nungwi to Dar es Salaam

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Itinerary

day 1 - Cape Town, South Africa to Cederberg Region

day 2 - Cederberg Region to Gariep Orange River, Namibia

day 3 - Gariep Orange River to Fish River Canyon

day 4 - Fish River Canyon to Sesriem Area