Intrepid Travel
DealGorillas to Vic Falls
Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe · 42 days · Moderate5.0(2)
fromCAD 8,904
Next: 20 JunThe adventure
Spanning nine countries, this journey is full of diverse cultures, abundant wildlife, spectacular landscapes, stunning beaches, and loads of adventure. Track the Big Five across open savannah, explore the Okavango Delta in a dugout mokoro canoe, encounter gorillas deep in the Ugandan wilderness – do it all on this ultimate 52-day adventure and get a real feel for how large Africa truly is. Travel aboard our rugged overland adventure vehicle (OAV) is well-paced and wilderness camping will bring you closer to the region’s wildlife. Encounter rare wildlife and real people on this unique and cost-effective journey through the stunning scenery of Southern and East Africa.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Uganda, Tanzania & 7 more countries
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalGet the most out of your time in Cape Town by pre-booking the South African Wine Tour and Tasting extra. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour as this activity has an early start time. Please note, due to the timings of this activity, there is a possibility you may miss the welcome meeting on day 1 of your tour - in this case, your CEO will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Get the most out of your time in Cape Town by pre-booking the South African Wine Tour and Tasting extra. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour as this activity has an early start time. Please note, due to the timings of this activity, there is a possibility you may miss the welcome meeting on day 1 of your tour - in this case, your CEO will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Day 2View dramatic Western Cape sceneryHead out of the city to begin your overland journey with a lunch stop by the coast. Arrive at our first campsite in the afternoon. Here, enjoy free time to sample and buy some local wine, kick a footy around with the local kids, or explore the area near the camp in this beautiful part of South Africa. If you prefer, just chill out at campsite’s swimming pool overlooking the vineyards.
Head out of the city to begin your overland journey with a lunch stop by the coast. Arrive at our first campsite in the afternoon. Here, enjoy free time to sample and buy some local wine, kick a footy around with the local kids, or explore the area near the camp in this beautiful part of South Africa. If you prefer, just chill out at campsite’s swimming pool overlooking the vineyards.
Day 3Travel past large plantations of rooibos tea
Travel past large plantations of rooibos tea. Opt to take a canoe trip on the scenic Orange River.
Day 4Cross the border into NamibiaWe will make our way to the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and, arguably, the second largest in the world. Watch as a spectacular sunset slips over the canyon's rim in the early evening. Permits are required to descend into the canyon; we will have access to the rim only, but the views are magnificent.
We will make our way to the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and, arguably, the second largest in the world. Watch as a spectacular sunset slips over the canyon's rim in the early evening. Permits are required to descend into the canyon; we will have access to the rim only, but the views are magnificent.
Day 5Explore the natural wonders of this bizarre desert environmentPassing the small and desolate towns of Bethanien and Helmeringhausen, continue north along long and bumpy roads, en route to the Namib Desert. Arrive in the area in the late afternoon, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei form the gateway into the Namib Desert. Here, you really feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere. We arrive in the early evening and set up our camp.
Passing the small and desolate towns of Bethanien and Helmeringhausen, continue north along long and bumpy roads, en route to the Namib Desert. Arrive in the area in the late afternoon, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei form the gateway into the Namib Desert. Here, you really feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere. We arrive in the early evening and set up our camp.
Day 6Explore the Sesriem CanyonIf you book the optional Sossusvlei Desert Walk you will have the chance to visit a clay pan surrounded by the world’s largest sand dunes and enclosing ancient dead trees. Opt to take a guided walk at the dunes, and enjoy some free time to explore them on your own. Arrive back at our campsite around lunch time and take down tents, pack up the Lando, and drive to the next desert campsite. Also don’t miss out on the other optional Namib Desert dunes bush walk to learn more about the desert, dunes, and the way of the bushmen.
If you book the optional Sossusvlei Desert Walk you will have the chance to visit a clay pan surrounded by the world’s largest sand dunes and enclosing ancient dead trees. Opt to take a guided walk at the dunes, and enjoy some free time to explore them on your own. Arrive back at our campsite around lunch time and take down tents, pack up the Lando, and drive to the next desert campsite. Also don’t miss out on the other optional Namib Desert dunes bush walk to learn more about the desert, dunes, and the way of the bushmen.
Day 7Cross the void region of the Namib Desert…Get a real feel for the Namib Desert as we spend hours crossing this empty region. Spend two nights in the area exploring this historical town or trying some of the numerous activities available, such as sand boarding or sky diving. Swakopmund has bizarre lunar landscapes, unforgettable sunsets, and prehistoric Welwitchia plants.
Get a real feel for the Namib Desert as we spend hours crossing this empty region. Spend two nights in the area exploring this historical town or trying some of the numerous activities available, such as sand boarding or sky diving. Swakopmund has bizarre lunar landscapes, unforgettable sunsets, and prehistoric Welwitchia plants.
Day 8Swakopmund is one of the adventure capitals of Africa
Swakopmund is one of the adventure capitals of Africa. Enjoy a free day to relax or get the adrenaline pumping. Choose from sky diving, or dune boarding, just to name a few options.
Day 9Travel north to the granite peaks of SpitzkoppeExplore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky—it's great for star-gazing!
Explore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky—it's great for star-gazing!
Day 10Visit the Damaraland Living Museum to learn more…Look out over beautiful desert landscapes as far as the eye can see. There are Himba, Herero, and Damara people along the way selling local arts, and we’ll be sure to make a few stops to find out more about their offerings. Pass into more stony desert landscapes, and arrive at camp by mid-afternoon.
Look out over beautiful desert landscapes as far as the eye can see. There are Himba, Herero, and Damara people along the way selling local arts, and we’ll be sure to make a few stops to find out more about their offerings. Pass into more stony desert landscapes, and arrive at camp by mid-afternoon.
Day 11Enter Etosha National Park and enjoy an afternoon…Upon arrival to the park in the afternoon, head out for a wildlife safari drive in the Lando to search for elephants, antelope, and lions around the watering holes. After sunset, watch animals at the watering holes near the camping area, which is safe, being well lit with flood lights. Free time at night allows for the option of a night safari in an open vehicle.
Upon arrival to the park in the afternoon, head out for a wildlife safari drive in the Lando to search for elephants, antelope, and lions around the watering holes. After sunset, watch animals at the watering holes near the camping area, which is safe, being well lit with flood lights. Free time at night allows for the option of a night safari in an open vehicle.
Day 12Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari drive in the Lando
Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari drive in the Lando. Opt to take an open vehicle safari drive in the afternoon/night.
Day 13Transfer to Windhoek and visit the G Adventures…
Transfer to Windhoek and visit the G Adventures supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop for an included lunch.
Day 14Visit the Kalahari DesertLeave in the morning and continue through the eastern part of Namibia and cross into Botswana, travelling into the heart of the Kalahari. Arrive at the campsite, approximately 10km (6 mi) outside Ghanzi, in the early evening, just in time for an optional 'Bushman Walk'. Around the campfire at night, experience the ancient dance rituals of the San/Bushmen.
Leave in the morning and continue through the eastern part of Namibia and cross into Botswana, travelling into the heart of the Kalahari. Arrive at the campsite, approximately 10km (6 mi) outside Ghanzi, in the early evening, just in time for an optional 'Bushman Walk'. Around the campfire at night, experience the ancient dance rituals of the San/Bushmen.
Day 15Opt to take a scenic flight over…Drive across Botswana and travel from the Kalahari towards Maun. Leave Ghanzi in the morning and arrive in Maun around lunch time. In the afternoon, opt to get a sneak peek of the Okavango Delta from above on an hour-long flight in a small plane. See a variety of wildlife and marvel at the vast delta basin. You can pre-book the Okavango Delta Flight extra on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent. Those not opting for the flight can kick back and relax at the campsite.
Drive across Botswana and travel from the Kalahari towards Maun. Leave Ghanzi in the morning and arrive in Maun around lunch time. In the afternoon, opt to get a sneak peek of the Okavango Delta from above on an hour-long flight in a small plane. See a variety of wildlife and marvel at the vast delta basin. You can pre-book the Okavango Delta Flight extra on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent. Those not opting for the flight can kick back and relax at the campsite.
Day 16Enjoy wildlife walks
Enjoy wildlife walks, a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) and birding on an overnight excursion into the Okavango Delta.
Day 17Camp under ancient baobab trees
Camp under ancient baobab trees.
Day 18Opt to embark on a wildlife-viewing boat cruise…Journey to the area of Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa. The best way to appreciate the area’s thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles and hippos, is with an optional sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. You can pre-book the Chobe River Sunset Cruise on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
Journey to the area of Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa. The best way to appreciate the area’s thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles and hippos, is with an optional sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. You can pre-book the Chobe River Sunset Cruise on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
Day 19Start your visit to Zimbabwe with traditional lunch…Victoria FallsOpt to prebook the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and head out early into the park before crossing the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe at the Kazungula border post. Continue on to the town Victoria Falls, a great base to see falls, and take part in some exciting activities.
Victoria FallsOpt to prebook the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and head out early into the park before crossing the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe at the Kazungula border post. Continue on to the town Victoria Falls, a great base to see falls, and take part in some exciting activities.
Day 20Opt to visit Victoria FallsVictoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and for the more adventurous, bungee jump with the Victoria Falls in view.
Victoria FallsVictoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and for the more adventurous, bungee jump with the Victoria Falls in view.
Day 21Get up close and personal with one…Victoria Falls
Victoria FallsGet up close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world on this free day in Victoria Falls. Feel the strength of the water splashing your skin on the observation deck, taking in the sound of tons of water thundering in over the edge of the falls in the distance, and make your day as relaxing or hair-raising as you like. Opt to try whitewater rafting. Maybe take a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?), or take the plunge (literally) while bungee jumping with Victoria Falls in sight.
Day 22Sit back and enjoy a day of driving, taking in the scenery
Sit back and enjoy a day of driving, taking in the scenery.
Day 23Continue travelling across the Zambian countryside
Continue travelling across the Zambian countryside, to our camp on the banks of the Luangwa River.
Day 24Enjoy a free day to explore South Luangwa NP
Enjoy a free day to explore South Luangwa NP, a wildlife haven. Opt to go on a walking safari (seasonal), night drive, or visit a nearby local village.
Day 25Opt for a morning walking safari (seasonal)
Opt for a morning walking safari (seasonal), or drive, before heading to the G Adventures-supported Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe, for lunch and a visit of the craft workshop.
Day 26Cross the border and travel to the "Lake of Stars," Lake Malawi
Cross the border and travel to the "Lake of Stars," Lake Malawi.
Day 27Relax on the shores of Lake Malawi
Relax on the shores of Lake Malawi, and enjoy a traditional dinner in a local home. Opt to explore by foot, go snorkelling, or take a village tour.
Day 28Set off and drive to the northern part of Lake MalawiLeave Kande Beach in the morning and drive north along Lake Malawi to Chitimba. Chitimba Beach has beautiful views of mountains in the background and Tanzania across the lake.
Leave Kande Beach in the morning and drive north along Lake Malawi to Chitimba. Chitimba Beach has beautiful views of mountains in the background and Tanzania across the lake.
Day 29Enjoy a final day at Lake Malawi
Enjoy a final day at Lake Malawi.
Day 30Cross the border into Tanzania and take…Begin the day by making the border crossing out of Malawi and into Tanzania. Climbing out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, view the vast tea plantations in the highlands along the way.
Begin the day by making the border crossing out of Malawi and into Tanzania. Climbing out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, view the vast tea plantations in the highlands along the way.
Day 31Watch the Tanzanian countryside pass by…Drive to Dar Es Salaam. The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century before becoming a port and trading centre.
Drive to Dar Es Salaam. The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century before becoming a port and trading centre.
Day 32Hop on a ferry to Zanzibar and transfer…
Hop on a ferry to Zanzibar and transfer to the picturesque island beaches.
Day 33Opt to go diving
Opt to go diving, snorkelling, take a sailing trip, or just sit back and relax.
Day 34Travel back to Stone Town for a final…Spend the remainder of the day exploring Stone Town, the heart of the island. It has an intriguing maze of narrow, cobbled lanes hemmed in by Arabic buildings. Look out for tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautifully printed cloths (kangas and kikois worn by local people), little carved chests with copper inlays, and spices – all beautiful presents or souvenirs to take home.
Spend the remainder of the day exploring Stone Town, the heart of the island. It has an intriguing maze of narrow, cobbled lanes hemmed in by Arabic buildings. Look out for tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautifully printed cloths (kangas and kikois worn by local people), little carved chests with copper inlays, and spices – all beautiful presents or souvenirs to take home.
Day 35Ferry back over to the mainland and settle…
Ferry back over to the mainland and settle in for a full day of driving.
Day 36Keep on the look out for views…KilimanjaroPass Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, and head towards Arusha. Consider yourself lucky if you are able to see the mountain as it is hidden behind a veil of cloud most of the time. Arusha sits at the foot of rugged Mt Meru, Africa's fifth highest mountain.
KilimanjaroPass Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, and head towards Arusha. Consider yourself lucky if you are able to see the mountain as it is hidden behind a veil of cloud most of the time. Arusha sits at the foot of rugged Mt Meru, Africa's fifth highest mountain.
Day 37Set off into the Serengeti and enjoy…After breakfast, we begin our 3-day and 2-night excursion to Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, two of Africa’s premier wildlife areas.
SerengetiAfter breakfast, we begin our 3-day and 2-night excursion to Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, two of Africa’s premier wildlife areas.
Day 38Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in the Serengeti…Before leaving the Serengeti, enjoy one last morning wildlife safari drive to see the animal kingdom come to life in this incredible expanse of grassland savannah. You will return and break camp and journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa's best wildlife viewing. The views from the Ngorongoro Crater rim are stunning, and there is an ever-present abundance of animals, due to the permanent water supply on the crater floor. You will arrive at your campsite at the crater rim in the late afternoon.
SerengetiBefore leaving the Serengeti, enjoy one last morning wildlife safari drive to see the animal kingdom come to life in this incredible expanse of grassland savannah. You will return and break camp and journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa's best wildlife viewing. The views from the Ngorongoro Crater rim are stunning, and there is an ever-present abundance of animals, due to the permanent water supply on the crater floor. You will arrive at your campsite at the crater rim in the late afternoon.
Day 39Venture down to the crater floor and take…
Venture down to the crater floor and take in a final safari experience, viewing the high concentration of wildlife bound by the crater walls.
Day 40Hop in the Lando and hit the road…Nairobi
NairobiHop in the Lando and hit the road to Kenya's capital; Nairobi. Cross through the semi-arid lands of the Maasai people en route and marvel at the epic views of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance as you swap stories with your road trip buddies! Please note that this is a combination tour, and some of your fellow group members may be finishing their tour on this evening.
Day 41Enjoy a free day in Nairobi to explore
NairobiEnjoy a free day in Nairobi to explore, or relax, before heading off to Uganda. Nairobi is East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city and Kenya’s beating heart. Experience the vibrant cultural life, fabulous places to eat, and exciting nightlife on your day in this concrete jungle.
Day 42Soak up the scenery as we drive across Kenya's Rift Valley
Soak up the scenery as we drive across Kenya's Rift Valley.
Day 43Cross the border into Uganda
Cross the border into Uganda, then camp outside of the country's capital.
Day 44Watch the Ugandan countryside pass by on the day's journey
Watch the Ugandan countryside pass by on the day's journey.
Day 45Get up early for an included chimpanzee tracking excursion
Get up early for an included chimpanzee tracking excursion, then visit a tea plantation before setting off for Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 46Enjoy a guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi…
Enjoy a guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 47Enjoy free time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Lake Bunyonyi
Enjoy free time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 48Return to Kampala with a stop…
Return to Kampala with a stop at the Equator for lunch at the G Adventures supported AidChild Equation Cafe & Gallery.
Day 49Explore Jinja, known for its outdoor and adventure activitiesPre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page to include the Jinja River Rafting optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Pre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page to include the Jinja River Rafting optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 50Spend another day exploring JinjaPre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page to include the Jinja River Rafting optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Pre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page to include the Jinja River Rafting optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 51Today is a bit of a travel day…
Today is a bit of a travel day but you won’t mind because you could use the rest. The group will be leaving Uganda and crossing over into Kenya and travel to Eldoret. Hang out together as a group and enjoy a nice evening camping under the stars.
Day 52After your adventurous experiences yesterday you’ll be glad…Nairobi
NairobiAfter your adventurous experiences yesterday you’ll be glad to have a more low key travel day to replenish your energy before the journey home. So sit back and enjoy the ride as the group transfers through to the Kenyan countryside to Nairobi. We’re thinking naps, story time, and then maybe a mini dance party in the Lando to get you through the day. (Toto’s Africa song anyone?) Tour ends on arrival in Nairobi. Not ready to leave Africa just yet? (Yeah, we don’t blame you) talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know Kenya or beyond!
Discover Uganda
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Operated by G Adventures
A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.
Book my trip →More Africa adventures
Intrepid Travel
DealZanzibar to Cape Town
Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe · 40 days · Easy4.9(29)
fromCAD 6,486
Next: 22 Jun
G Adventures
Save 15%Nairobi to Cape Town Overland Safari & Participation Camping
Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia · 40 days · Moderate
fromCAD 6,719
Next: 29 Jun