56-day Cape Town to Gorillas Camping

We start our adventure with a trip into Cape Towns townships to see and experience the life that so many of South Africas less privileged lead. From here its off onto the open road - up the West Coast to the small farming settlement of Trawal on the border of the Cederberg Mountain Range, where our camp faces out onto the majestic mountains. This afternoon there is an option to enjoy a wine tasting at the camp.

Continuing north, the landscape gradually turns drier and rockier as we head towards the Namibian border crossing at Vioolsdrift. We set up camp tonight on the Namibian side of the Gariep River, a stunning backdrop. Our camp provides you with the necessary comforts like hot showers, flush toilets, grassy campsites, swimming pool, bar facilities and the Gariep River is safe for swimming! You will be briefed on an optional Gariep River canoe safari for later this afternoon or the following morning. The camp by night is showered with stars of the Richtersveld - a truly peaceful and tranquil experience.

This morning we have the opportunity to get out onto the river in canoes and explore the Richtersveld area. Once back at camp, we pack up and head through the Mars-like landscape and on to the Fish River Canyon. At 165km long and up to 80km wide, this impressive Canyon appears suddenly in the surrounding desert landscape. Enjoy a walk along the canyon rim to the viewpoint with the quiet and solitude of the desert as your companion.

We awaken to the sounds of the desert morning and hit the road travelling further north to the Namib Naukluft region. Enjoy a walk down the daunting Tsaris Pass along the way. This evening we prepare for our day out in the dunes and desert landscapes tomorrow.

Heading out at sunrise, we enter the Namib Naukluft National Park at Sesriem and head to the famous Dune 45. After climbing the dune for a better vantage point of the surrounding dune-sea, we continue on to Sossusvlei, where we continue to the infamous Deadvlei with its gnarled trees and white pan base. After our dune adventures, we visit the Sesriem Canyon with its unusual rock layers before continuing on to our camp for the night.

Rising to the serenity of the desert, our journey takes us west, down the inland plateau, through the Kuiseb Canyon and onto the Atlantic Coastline. Here we see the towering dunes along the coast between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund where we settle in for the next two nights.

Today youll have free time to enjoy the towns museums, cafes, shops, maybe take a walk down the beach promenade, or enjoy any of the delicious German delicacies from a local bakery. For the adventurous at heart, there is a selection of desert excursions including quad biking or sand-boarding down the dune slopes, tandem sky diving over the desert, or a fishing trip. Enjoy a day out an about, getting the adrenaline pumping!

We bid our farewell to the quaint German town and head west to the unusual looking Spitzkoppe. These huge granite boulder-mountains appear on the horizon like sentinels watching over the surrounds - its no wonder the San-bushmen of the region held them to be sacred. This afternoon we head out to explore the caves, rocks and ancient San-art left by the ancestors to tell their stories to future generations. Tonight is an ideal opportunity to camp out under the stars.

Journeying north, we head to the famed Etosha National Park where we will spend the next two nights.On entering the park, we game drive in the Acacia vehicle to our camp. Each camp has a floodlit waterhole where visitors can quietly enjoy watching wildlife coming in to drink. At night, this offers the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife - including elephants, zebra and other antelope.

Today is dedicated to wildlife and we head out early in the hope to see animals while theyre most active and out and about. We may spend the night either in the same camp, or split to two camps depending on the season.Etosha is a desert National Park of over 20,000 sq. km with a large open pan as the focal point. We have the opportunity to see many antelope that are only found in dry areas, including the majestic oryx and the dainty springbok. A highlight is the elephants that take on a white appearance owing to the colour of the mud giving them the name Ghosts of Etosha.

Travelling back to civilisation, we head south through some of Namibias towns and on to the Capital city - Windhoek. Windhoek is the commercial and business hub and is home to a large part of the Namibian population. Tonight well have the opportunity to enjoy a dinner out on the town.

Heading east, we venture into the Kalahari Desert via Gobabis. Our camp is close to the Botswana border. It is here that we meet with a local San tribe - to see how they live and thrive in the Kalahari, using the knowledge passed down from their ancestors to survive in these harsh conditions.

Crossing the border, we travel further into Botswana to Maun - the gateway to the Okavango Delta. After stocking up on supplies for our Delta excursion, we have the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy a dip in the pool, a game of volleyball, or to relax and kick back with a cold drink in hand.

We pack our gear onto the 4x4 transfer and head out past Maun - into the wilderness whilst passing through the surrounding town settlements. From here we reach the waters edge and are introduced to our Mokoro polers, who will take us out onto the waterways and to our camp within the Delta. We spend the night at Elephant Camp, a semi-permanent camp with en-suite tents bush toilet and bucket shower. Once were settled in, we enjoy a nature walk before sundown to explore the surrounding area on foot.

Awakening to the sound of the African dawn, we head out on one last walk before packing up and gliding back along the waterways to the polers station. From here we take the 4x4 back through to our camp in Maun where the afternoon is at leisure to relax. There is also an option to enjoy a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta for those seeking an alternative view of the great waterways.

Botswana is blessed with a rich and diverse wildlife habitat and today we pass through the migratory path from the great Chobe National Park to the Central Kalahari. Well stop off to see the odd looking baobab locally known as upside down trees with their swollen trunks and scrawny branches. We spend the night outside the small town of Nata.

We make our way to the northern corner of Botswana to Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park. By size, it is the third largest park in the country and is the most diverse home to elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and abundant birdlife, including the famous African fish eagle. We take a Fish Eagle cruise on the Chobe River - a great opportunity to see hippo and perhaps elephant or buffalo coming to the river to bathe and drink. The Chobe River is a major watering spot for large breeding herds of elephants, as well as families of giraffe, sable and cape buffalo. The flood plains are the only place in Botswana where the puku antelope can be seen. Birding is also excellent here. When in flood spoonbills, ibis, various species of stork and other waterfowl flock to the area.

Rising early, we board our game viewing vehicle and head out into Chobe National Park. By size, it is the third largest park in the country and is the most diverse - home to elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and abundant bird-life. Keep an eye out for the rare sable- or roan antelope with their curved horns and majestic stance. After our mornings adventure, we cross into Zambia at the busy Kazangula Ferry and travel on to our camp for the night - on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.

Our days in Livingstone are free to explore the town and the many activities available around the Zambezi. We visit the Mosi oa Tunya National Park to view the Victoria Falls and have the option to enjoy white water rafting, village visits, biking, fishing, scenic flights and a wide range of adrenaline-activities.

Journeying north-east, we drive into the heart of Zambia and on to the Capital city Lusaka. Passing through the farming villages and rural settlements, it is easy to see that Zambia has not had a thriving economy, however this is in the process of turning around with much new economic growth in the last years.

Travelling along the Great East Road, linking Zambia with Malawi the other being the Great North Road which links Cape Town to Cairo on the old trade routes, we pass through several rural villages and cross the impressive Luangwa River bridge before reaching our accommodation situated 5km from Petauke.

We head further north and on to the South Luangwa National Park.The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River with its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa. There are over 60 different mammal species and well over 400 bird species inhabiting the area. Hippo, elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe and many other species flourish in the 20,000 sq. miles of Savannah woodland - watered by the 500 milelong river.On arrival we set up camp and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the many optional activities on offer.

In the morning, we embark on an open vehicle game drive with a local ranger along the rivers edge to see the abundance of animal and birdlife inhabiting the area. Following the game drive, we make our way to Chipata.

We cross the border into Malawi and head on to the picturesque lake-side camp at Kande. Covering almost a fifth of the country, Lake Malawi is a vital source of livelihood for many Malawians. Fishermen, fish traders, canoe and net makers all ply their trade and a common sight is that of a fisherman in his Bwato dugout canoe fishing on the lake either at the break of day, or with lanterns by night.

Today is at leisure to enjoy the chilled atmosphere of the lake and surrounds.For those looking to explore further, take a snorkel trip to discover the vast underwater tropical fresh-water fish species found in the lake or hire a pedalo.Alternatively, meet the local people on a village tour to gain insight into their way of life.

We take a scenic drive along the lakeside to the town of Mzuzu - where we stop off for supplies for the next few days. The town is a hive of activity and has a great marketplace to explore. With no lavish shopping malls in this part of the world, this is how local Malawians shop for any necessary items. In the afternoon we arrive to the northern lake and our camp at Chitimba Beach.

Bidding farewell to Malawi and its glittering lake, we cross the border into Tanzania and make our way to the small farming town of Iringa in the Tanzanian highlands. Home to a multi-generational farming family, the Farmhouse has become a popular stop-over on our way to Dar es Salaam. The altitude here makes for cool nights here - perfect to try the Amarula hot chocolate at the camps bar.

Our journey heads east towards the Mikumi National Park. Here you will be stunned by the landscape of endless grassy plains dotted with Baobab trees. This park is the fourth largest in the country and hosts an array of wildlife including 4 of the Big 5 - lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Should time allow, you can explore the park with an optional game drive in the afternoon, soak in the beauty of the campsites swimming pool, enjoy the restaurant/bar and then marvel at the night time stars around an open fireplace.

This morning we enter the park gates - eyes peeled for the resident wildlife along the roads edge - as we transit through the park.Nearing the coastal city of Dar es Salaam, the traffic and settlements increase making for a slower pace with ample opportunity to see how the local population lives with their colourful shop-fronts, chaotic modes of transport and multitudes of livestock all present on the roadside.

Departing our beach-side camp early, we head to the busy ferry-port and board our ferry to Zanzibar. While Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, they operate as if they were independent with border formalities and separate laws and regulations on the island. We arrive to Stone Town - the Capital of the Zanzibar islands - and after formalities, head on to our lodge for the night. Time on Zanzibar is free to enjoy the museums, shops, beaches and optional tour sat your leisure.

Enjoy free time on Zanzibar and transfer from Stone Town to the northern beaches. Relax on the sun kissed beaches of Nungwi in the northern part of the island - take an optional diving trip to the rich colourful reefs, or simply grab a snorkel and goggles to explore the marine life closer to shore.

Enjoy a last bit of shopping in Stone Town, we board the ferry and head back to our vehicle on the mainland.Tonight we spend our last night on the warm beach washed by the Indian Ocean.

Journeying north today, we pass through a number of smaller villages on our way to Kilimanjaro and our camp at its base, Marangu. Along the way and if weather conditions permit, we may catch a glimpse of the towering snow-peak at 5895m high. The tallest mountain in Africa, and tallest free-standing mountain in the world, attracts climbers from around the globe to see if they can make it to the roof of Africa.

We pass through the town of Moshi on our way to the safari capital, Arusha. The half-way point on the Cape to Cairo trade route, Arusha is home to a bustling tourist trade owing to its location en-route to Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Parks. This afternoon we enjoy a walk to one of the local Masai villages, a small but highly interesting Masai museum, a local school and clinic and the snake enclosure at the Meserani Snake Park.

Packing our gear onto our safari vehicles, the resident guides take us out onto our Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater safari. Our drive takes us first via the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and then across to the plains of the Serengeti where we spend the afternoon in search of the resident wildlife. Tonight we camp out in the wilderness with the sounds of the African night to lull us to sleep.

Waking early, we head out in the morning to seek out active predators and their prey. Once weve returned to camp and packed up, we head back across the plains and on to our camp on the rim of the Crater. With views down into the crater base, the camp has the ideal vantage point to see the massive walls of this giant caldera. Home to an abundance of wildlife, the crater offers a number of different habitats in its limited space - making for excellent game viewing.

Were up early again to take advantage of the cooler morning hours for our game drive.The Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to the uniqueness of this wildlife mecca. After our exploration we return to camp, and then head back to our Acacia vehicle at the camp outside Arusha. Tonight we regale fellow campers with our stories of the magnificent Serengeti Ngorongoro experience.

Today we cross into Kenya and travel onward to the bustling capital city - Nairobi. Known as the garden city, Nairobi is growing as a hub of commerce and industry in East Africa. We stay at our camp on the outskirts of the city and have some free time to explore the citys nightlife later!

Explore the city with its many sights and attractions - museums, cafes and shops, or head out to the elephant orphanage, or to the giraffe centre for a different wildlife experience. Alternatively enjoy some downtime at camp catching up on your travel journal, blogging and social media updates.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind, we travel via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint to see how this geographic phenomenon is visible on the Kenyan landscape. From here its on to Lake Nakuru National Park where we enjoy a game drive with a resident guide. The shallow soda lake attracts a huge variety of bird-life especially flamingos, which may gather in such numbers that when viewed from above they form a strikingly pink fringe around the lake-shore. However it is not simply a bird sanctuary, but is also home to buffalo, lion, rhino black and white, leopard, warthog, baboon, antelope, and a variety of smaller animals.

Travelling further through Kenya, we head to the border town of Eldoret - Kenyas 5th largest city. We camp outside of the town in a unique campsite. It is created on hilly forest 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 a bygone age.

Crossing the border into Uganda, theres much to see -busy boda-boda taxis, foot traffic, and even livestock passing by. Our drive to the Capital takes us through the lush countryside and farmlands with tropical fruit plantations and rice paddies along the way.

From Kampala, we travel west crossing the Equator again, through fertile green terraced hillsides, lush banana plantations, steep mountains, and tangled forests. From the Acacia vehicle we should see herds of Ankole cattle with their incredible long curving horns roaming the roads and paddocks. Arriving at our accommodation you will have the opportunity to relax and unwind, take a walk in the surrounding areas, and mingle with the local community.

This morning, we trek to see the chimpanzees. Unlike their larger cousins, the mountain gorilla, chimps live mostly in the trees and so our viewing consists mainly of peering high into the forest canopy. Predictably, the experience of seeing mans closest relative in the wild is a memorable one. Chimpanzee Trek permits are issued by the wildlife authority in small groups.

After our chimpanzee experience, we continue south to the volcanic mountains and the vast Lake Bunyonyi.Surrounded by the terraced farms on the slopes of the mountains, the Lake is one of the deepest in Africa and home to an abundance of bird-life.

We spend two days at the lake to enable those who are trekking the Mountain Gorillas the time to trek permit holders only. When not out trekking, there are ample activities at Lake Bunyonyi to enjoy such as visits to some of the lakes islands, visits to some of the local tribes and villages, a visit to the local orphanage, bird-watching and nature walks. Alternatively, just relax around camp, catch up on your travel diary, or enjoy a good book in tranquil surroundings.

After our trekking adventure and tranquil relaxation at the lake, we journey back up to Kampala. With a vibrant nightlife, tonight offers the perfect opportunity to get out for a night on the town enjoying the music, pubs and bars.

Nestled on the banks of the Nile, Jinja is just a short distance from Kampala and is our base for the next days activities. It was in 1862 that the British explorer John Hanning Speke recognised Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile - starting a still unsettled dispute about Africas and the worlds longest river. From his modest monument, the Nile begins its 4132 mile course through Uganda, Sudan, Egypt and eventually to the Mediterranean Sea.

We spend a couple of days on the banks of the Nile enjoying the various optional activities on offer. If youre looking for adrenaline, there is bungee jumping, kayaking, or white water rafting. Alternatively one could take a quad-bike trip to the villages, or volunteer a day with the local Soft Power community project. The murmur of the rushing waters and lush camp area makes for a perfect base to relax.

Retracing our steps across the border and back into Kenya, we spend our last night together at our camp at Eldoret.

Crossing the equator one final time, we head back up the Rift Valley escarpment and on to Nairobi where our adventure comes to an end. For those wishing to stay on in the city after the tour, we are able to book post-tour accommodation for you. Please enquire at the time of booking to ensure availability.