Serengeti, Falls & Cape Town Overland: Sunsets & Safaris

Arrive at anytime. Prepare for tomorrow’s early morning by checking out the hotel bar with your newest friends. Travelling can take a lot out of you so sit back, fill those food and drink needs, and spend a chill night becoming familiar with your group and CEO.

Hop in the Lando and hit the road in style as you cross through the semi-arid lands of the Maasai people en route to Arusha, Tanzania. Marvel at the epic views of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance and swap stories with your road trip buddies!

Well folks it’s time for the Africa you have all imagined, the experience that has been depicted over and over again in books, movies, and television. So grab those cameras, purchase a quirky bucket hat, and head out on a wildlife safari drive into one of the most famous national parks in Africa; the Serengeti. Get ready for abundant wildlife, vast golden plains dotted with thorny acacia trees, and hippo-filled rivers as you begin a 3-day and 2-night excursion into the park itself and the great Ngorongoro Crater.

Grab your buddies and jump aboard for one last morning safari in the Serengeti. As the sun rises higher in the sky watch the animal kingdom come to life in this grassland savannah before returning to break down camp. Then it’s on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa’s best wildlife viewing. Get ready for epic views from the crater rim and watch as animals meander around below drinking water from the permanent supply on the crater floor. You’ll be setting up camp in the late afternoon at a site near the crater rim and then you can spend the rest of the day enjoying one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on the planet.

It’s time to experience “Africa’s Garden of Eden” on a more personal level. Today, venture down to the crater floor where the group will embark on a final safari experience. Have those cameras charged and at the ready because, let’s face it if you are going to see any wildlife this would be the place (and we are so excited for you)! The animals are bound to this area by the crater walls and the enclosed nature of the crater meaning it’s own ecosystem has been created think; rich grasslands, swamps, acacia forests, and Lake Makat so get ready to see some magic. With full camera rolls and even more full hearts the group will exit the crater in the late morning and travel back to Arusha. Swap stories along the way, pick those favourite photos from earlier, or simply sit back and let yourself enjoy the passing scenery as you cruise along.

There’s no time to stop and rest in a place as majestic as this. Hit the road early and enjoy the varied landscapes en route to the Indian Ocean. Be on the lookout for the mighty Mt Kilimanjaro in the distance on the road towards Bagamoyo. This town was recently named a World Heritage Site and used to be one of the most important trading ports of the central east African coast in the late 19th century. Stroll through Bagamoyo’s narrow, unpaved streets on your own and feel as if you stepped back in time.

After the jam packed first few days of this trip where you are going next is going to be just what you needed. Wake in Bagamoyo before driving to Dar es Salaam, then hop on a ferry to the paradise of Zanzibar. Get ready for picturesque island beaches that will make you contemplate staying here and living off the grid. Few places on this planet are as entrancing and exotic as this Tanzanian archipelago so get ready to enjoy it, take loads of pictures, and relax in a place that has long lured backpackers and adventurers to it’s sandy shores.

Wake up in this island paradise and get ready to seize the day. You’ll be exploring one of the world’s great cultural crossroads… think Africa meets Arabia and add the Indian Ocean into the mix as the cherry on top. The day is yours to spend as you choose; grab some goggles and go snorkelling, hop aboard a sailing trip, or just lounge on the beach and relax. Zanzibar’s tropical setting, unique culture, and active beach-party scene make this place a very enjoyable East African Indian Ocean experience.

Your most difficult task today is going to be pulling yourself away from the beauty that surrounds you in Jambiani. But, if it makes you feel any better you still have one final night to spend on this enchanted island just in a more local spot. Travel back to Stone Town from the other side of the island and explore the heart of Zanzibar. Wander the winding historic unpaved alleyways of Stone Town passing by balconies and gigantic wooden carved doors along the way. Get lost and spend hours exploring the streets and squares, drinking potent coffee from pavement vendors and buying sweetmeats from tiny cafes. Keep an eye 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 memories to take home.

It’s time to kiss this underrated paradise good-bye and head further inland back towards the mountains. Start by catching the ferry back to Dar es Salaam and watch as the islands get smaller and smaller, then hop in the Lando again to continue west to the group campsite in the Baobab Valley along the banks of the Ruaha River. Set up camp and look to the skies as the light begins to fade and enjoy a spectacular sunset in the lush, fertile lands of Tanzania. Then search the sky for shooting stars and make some wishes before drifting off to sleep.

Pack up camp and spend another day together on the road. Use this time to journal, take a nap, or swap inside jokes with the rest of your group (because let’s face it you’re bound to have some by now). You will be journeying south to Iringa today, once there the group will visit a crafts centre that supports the local community. Buy a souvenir to take home and wander through town in search of cool overlooks.

Get ready to check another country off your travel lists as you pass from Tanzania into Malawi. The group will stop at Lake Malawi in Chitimba where the beach has gorgeous views of the mountains in the background and you can see Tanzania from just across the lake. Think clear shimmering waters with schools of colourful cichlid fish swarming in the depths in a place where nature is king and the people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet.

It’s off to another beautiful destination along Lake Malawi today. From oceans to mountains to lakes you’re getting to see some of the best scenery that Africa has to offer. The group will head to the picture-perfect enclaves of Kande Beach. Once here you can choose to get out onto the lake or you can hike along the shores and enjoy the scenery that surrounds you.

Imagine this; you wake to the sound of birdsong around you, the sun is shining, and the waters of Lake Malawi are calling your name begging to be set upon. Grab your camera and swim suit and head out for some fun. Wander the shore on foot, grab a snorkel and see what life under the water is all about, take a leisurely swim off the shore, or choose to experience a village walk at the nearby Tonga Village. Then the group will get to take part in a traditional dinner at a local home.

Another day another adventure! Today the group will cross the border from landlocked Malawi into Zambia. From there the Lando will take the group to the capital of the Eastern Province, Chipata. This town used to be called Fort Jameson and today is a popular refuelling station for overlanders heading to South Luangwa National Park.

Guess where you’re going today! South Luangwa National Park for some wildlife viewing. But first the group will stop for lunch and visit the Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe a G Adventures-supported craft workshop. Then you can choose to do an afternoon, or night, wildlife safari drive in the national park. Have those cameras ready to capture images of giraffes, elephants, and Cape Buffalo in this hidden gem of a place.

The day is yours to spend as you please in the wildlife haven of South Luangwa NP. Choose to go on a walking safari (just remember it’s seasonal), or a night drive, or visit a nearby local village. No matter what you decide to do remember to have fun and be in the moment life’s more fun that way in general and hey, so is travel. Get rid of those expectations and let this place dazzle you for what it is.

Rise and shine and begin today’s journey. We have a lot of ground to cover so be prepared to set off early and arrive late in the afternoon in your next destination. The long journey across rough and bumpy roads will take you to a private farm 29km (18 mi) outside the capital of Zambia and will have you feeling so accomplished because we all know now that driving on rough terrain is no picnic! Get out, stretch those legs and marvel together at the zebras, buffaloes, and the antelope that freely roam the property. The grab a cold drink at the camp’s bar (cheers!) or relax by the pool.

Buckle those seat belts and cross the border from Zambia into Zimbabwe; home of the epic Victoria falls. Get ready to feel the mist in the air as you enter the town of Victoria Falls and choose to get up close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world on an optional falls visit.

Get 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.

Get 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 as you take in the sound of tons of water thundering over the edge of the falls in the distance and make your day as relaxing or hair-raising as you like. For the adventurous we recommend going whitewater rafting, taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?), or taking the plunge (literally) while bungee jumping with Victoria Falls in sight. (Oh man... just thinking of that makes our heads spin and our palms sweat!) Not looking to turn your hair gray today? Either way the choice is yours, but remember you’re here now so why not escape those comfort zones?

Buckle those seat belts and as the mist from the falls leaves the air cross the border from Zimbabwe into Botswana. Waste no time and choose to take a wildlife viewing boat cruise along the fertile lands of the Chobe River. Then relax and unwind at camp with your group, telling stories, singing songs, and just enjoying one another's company in this serene country.

Rise early to the sounds of nature around you and opt for a wildlife safari drive in an open safari vehicle in Chobe National Park. Then, travel south with your group to Gweta. As you drive to your next destination have a look out the windows in the Lando at the surrounding grasslands. They are teeming with life and are home to many antelope. Keep your eyes focused as the world passes you by, and then reward yourself after this long journey with a group toast as you camp under the stars shining through the branches of ancient baobab trees.

Wake up to the image of the sun rising behind huge baobab trees and watch as the light turns the landscape varying shades of pinks, oranges, and reds. You can’t help but feel completely isolated from the rest of the world in the middle of nowhere... savour that moment. Then it’s time to hit the road to Maun where the adventures continue! Set up camp, unwind with your friends.

Today is going to be busy, but fun! Travel to the Delta to explore in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) to do some birdwatching on the way to our basic bush camp, then enjoy a sunset nature walk. The cool thing about being on foot is that you will get to learn about tracking animals and gain insight into their movement patters and behaviour more than if you were just in a vehicle. Set up camp, and simply unwind with a sundowner around the campfire. Cheers!

Kiss the shores of the Okavango Delta goodbye and hop into a mokoro with your friends on the way back to Maun. Search for wildlife in the reeds along the river as you make your way back towards civilization. Zoom through the western part of Botswana to Ghanzi; the heart of the Kalahari. Catch a glimpse of how the local San People adapted to the Kalahari Desert on an optional bushman walk. They will teach you about wilderness survival skills in a place that seems uninhabitable.

Stretch those legs, wave farewell to the San People, and hop in the Lando headed for Windhoek. Laugh, reflect, and listen to each other's stories as you cross the border into Namibia. Check another country off those travel lists and choose to grab a meal together in the evening.

Hit the road in style in the Lando as the group travels to the G Adventures-supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, just outside of Windhoek. There you will pick up your tasty packed lunch before continuing on to Waterberg Plateau. You’ll be itching to stretch those legs so hit the trails in this gorgeous national park searching for secret plunge pools and wildlife such as buffalo, and giraffe along the way. Or if you are looking to relax chill out by the pool of the group campsite.

“Lions and elephants, and springboks… oh my!” Get ready to spot some wildlife as your group enjoys a short safari drive in Etosha National Park in the Lando as your head towards camp. Don’t worry even if you have had a taste of African wildlife before visiting Namibia you are still likely to become mesmerized here. So have those cameras at the ready because you never know when you might need to snap a photo! Tonight, rest up for the day ahead, explore the campgrounds, write in your travel journal, or take a dip in the pool.

It’s time to adventure in 3… 2… 1! Today, your group will embark on a full-day wildlife safari drive in Etosha NP. It’s crazy the amount of animal species that occupy this smaller protected area (more than 100 different mammals call Etosha home). Try not to let your attention wander as you move further and further into the wild lands of Etosha. Play some eye-spy with your travel buddies and go crazy with those cameras because we can’t wait to see what you experience! The coolest thing about this national park is that because of its size and the large amount of animals within it’s almost as if the wildlife comes directly to you; especially during the dry season (May through October) when the animals all gather around the waterholes creating some of the densest wildlife viewing opportunities in the world.

We get it you may not want to leave Etosha and the paradise you found there, but there’s still some pretty amazing things to see on this trip so let’s keep moving. Today, you will travel south with your group to enjoy the rocky peaks of Spitzkoppe. What is Spitzkoppe you ask? Great question! It’s been dubbed the “Matterhorn” of Namibia, but basically if you are the type of person who loves epic climbing, hiking, camping, stargazing, sunrises, and sunsets then Spitzkoppe will have a very special place in your heart. Once the Lando comes to a stop the day is yours to explore as you will. This mountaineering paradise will have you breaking out of your comfort zones in no time. Scramble up rock faces to get that perfect view, take selfies under the natural rock arch, get some artsy photos as the sun sets, and after cooking up some grub around the campfire get ready to see the milky way light up the night sky.

Wake up and feel like you crash landed on Mars. Gaze in wonder at this wild landscape and let peace wash over you (trust us you’re going to need it) before the group travels through the coastal region of Namibia to the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the mighty Namib desert this coastal city has strong German heritage which is reflected in the architecture around town. The group will spend two nights in Swakopmund so fear not you have time for all of the things you may want to try.

The day is yours! Grab some friends or set off alone and conquer this outdoor lovers paradise. From skydiving to sandboarding there’s no shortage of activities to try. Flip a coin to see which will be your fate or even better try them all (we have our eyes set on the Skeleton Coast scenic flight)!

Bid farewell to lovely Swakopmund and zoom off in the Lando to the oldest desert in the world. Write, vlog, reflect, nap, and laugh together as the group travels further south to where you will be camping on the edge of the Namib Desert. Once there, set up camp, take in the vastness of your surroundings and choose to walk with a local expert who will tell you stories of the desert and its mysteries. Fall asleep under a blanket of stars and feel the eerie calm of this place.

Embrace the bizarreness of this environment by really taking the time to explore it. Wander through the stunning rock formations of the Sesriem Canyon and learn how it got its name. Visit the canyon early for mild temperatures and try to discover some of the pools of water that allow animals to survive in this harsh climate. Marvel at light bouncing off the canyon walls and let yourself feel small. After this taste of exploration you will probably want to continue so choose to embark on the Sossuvlei Desert Walk to visit a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes and conquer climbing up the breathtaking (literally) Dune 45. Return to your campsite and gather round for some dinner on the braai before falling asleep with the shadow of the mountains as your view in the distance.

While the group has a lot of ground to cover today don’t let that daunt you. You have been so on the go lately you won’t mind the rest of a long drive (besides, by now you probably have loads to talk about with everyone). The next stop is Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa, and arguably the second largest in the world. Hop off the Lando, do some stretches, take in the majestic beauty of the canyon, and together watch as the vibrant sunset slips over the canyon’s rim. Then it’s on to camp to enjoy each other's company on a night around the fire.

It’s time to cross another country off those travel lists as the group heads into South Africa! You will be camping at the scenic Orange River for the night where you can kick back, relax, reflect on how epic this trip has been, and enjoy a late afternoon swim in the river. If you are still in need of some activity choose to book a canoe excursion on the river. Other than that your job today is to enjoy yourself and have a relaxing time.

Yes, we know you could stay at the oasis of Orange River for much longer than one night, but this group has things to do and places to see so get a move on further south past large plantations of rooibos tea viewing the dramatic Western Cape scenery as you go. You’ll be stopping for the night amidst the Cederberg mountains, where you can enjoy wine tasting, relaxing by the pool, and a camp fire.

It’s the group's last travel day so have some fun! Watch as the Cederberg Mountains fade into the distance on the way to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Along the way you will be stopping at the G Adventures-supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre where you will learn about the history and culture of the ancient Sans people and be able to directly help this centre preserve that heritage. Then enjoy the beautiful views of Table Mountain as you arrive into vibrant Cape Town. And hey a little party never hurt anyone so why not choose to head out for a final night of good times with your G travel family?

Depart at any time. But why would you want to right? If you aren't ready to go home just yet that's totally fine, simply talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know more of South Africa or beyond!