Zanzibar to Cape Town - South  

  Duration36 Days

Please note: This itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice. A detailed, up-to-date dossier itinerary is available to download.

Day 1 – Zanzibar Beaches
After meeting your crew and fellow travellers, we complete the short journey to the ferry port and board our ferry for the two-hour trip to Zanzibar. Once in Zanzibar, we make our way to the eastern shores of the island where we will spend the next two nights at a beachfront resort. Relax on the beach, enjoy the infinity swimming pool, or rent a bicycle and explore the neighborhood. You will have the opportunity to leave your main luggage with the driver in the truck while you are on Zanzibar. If you wish to do so, please ensure you pack a smaller backpack before meeting the crew.

Day 2 – Zanzibar Beaches
Today is a free day to enjoy some of the attractions and activities on offer. Whatever you choose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Day 3 – Stone Town (Zanzibar)
This morning we transfer by road to Stone Town. Before we arrive in Stone Town, we will stop along the way to enjoy a guided walking spice tour, which passes through villages and spice plantations. You will be able to witness firsthand how spice farm workers climb the trees and seek out specific plants and will have the opportunity to purchase fresh spices directly from these farms. We continue to Stone Town, boasting a rich history. This busy port town was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes. We will enjoy a walking tour of Stone Town to discover the more well-known landmarks, including the birthplace of Freddy Mercury.

Day 4 – Dar es Salaam
We bid farewell to the island of Zanzibar and catch our ferry back to Dar es Salaam in the early afternoon, where we will overnight before continuing our journey.

Day 5 – Mikumi
Leaving the coast behind us, we travel inland and make our way to Mikumi, where we stop for the next two nights. Mikumi National Park ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania and forms part of a 75,000 square kilometer wilderness that centers on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve.

Day 6 – Mikumi
Today you will have the opportunity to book additional safaris in Mikumi National Park or embark on a variety of cultural tours.

Day 7 – Iringa
The town of Iringa sits on a cliff overlooking the Ruaha River Valley. The town center offers the visitor a view into the past with its German colonial buildings and a popular market. The Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery memorializes soldiers who died in local battles during WWI and WWII. Before reaching the town, we have a quick stop at the Baobab Valley, a mesmerizing landscape dotted with ancient, towering baobab trees that have stood the test of time. These iconic trees create a surreal and breathtaking scene, casting dramatic shadows against the African savannah, the perfect backdrop to stop for a group picture.

Day 8 – Mbeya Region
This afternoon we will make a stop at a local coffee plantation where we have the opportunity to see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and will be able to sample some of the beans.

Day 9 – Lake Malawi
Leaving Tanzania behind, we descend the Great Rift Valley and cross the border into Malawi. Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” the lakeside country is blessed with natural beauty. Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi, where we look forward to spending the night enjoying the attractions of the northern regions of the lake. Snorkeling in the crystal waters offers the chance to see firsthand the brilliantly colored tropical cichlids, tiny fish often found in colorful aquariums around the world.

Day 10 – Lake Malawi
This morning we board our truck and head further south of Lake Malawi. Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi. Stretching over 500 km along the western boundary of Malawi, the lake is home to more species of fish than any other lake. We spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder.

Day 11 – Lake Malawi
Today is another day of leisure, relaxing at the lake. Use the time to read a book, soak up the sun, or indulge in the many attractions that are on offer.

Day 12 – South Luangwa
This morning we enjoy a final sunrise on the shores of Lake Malawi before setting off for Zambia and the South Luangwa National Park. After crossing the border into Zambia, we make a short stop in Chipata before continuing to our camp on the banks of the Luangwa River. Having watched the sun rise over Lake Malawi in the morning, we enjoy an equally spectacular sunset over the Luangwa River this evening.

Day 13 – South Luangwa
South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination and we have a full day to explore the park in search of the variety of wildlife found in the park. This morning you can partake in an optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December), you can join one of the iconic walking safaris on offer in the park. This afternoon we will enjoy a Sunset Drive in the park, enjoying a sundowner on the way. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives us a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen in the day.

Day 14 – Petauke
Leaving the Luangwa Valley this morning, we make a stop at Mulberry Mongoose to view their local jewelry and curios. These accessories are handcrafted by local ladies from South Luangwa using organic materials originating from the African bush. The Chipata area is a major producer of cotton, and we get a taste of the creativity of the African culture. Our destination tonight is the small town of Petauke.

Day 15 – Lusaka
As an important link between Lusaka and neighboring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and we will cross the Luangwa River on our way to Lusaka. The route today is dotted with villages and subsistence farms, and the landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries many of us call home. We make a delightful stop at Luangwa Market, a bustling hub where local Zambian vendors showcase their wares. Among the treasures on display are masau and masaku, delectable fruits that are available year-round and renowned for their mouth-watering taste. In addition, other African curios catch our eye, from charming miniature hippos to intricately woven baskets and papyrus carpets, adding to the colorful tapestry of this vibrant marketplace.

Day 16 – Livingstone
Crossing the southern reaches of Zambia, we make our way to the adventure town of Livingstone, located right on Victoria Falls. This afternoon you can get your first look at the mighty Victoria Falls, or as the Zambian locals call it, “Musi oa Tunya,” the Smoke that Thunders as the falls are known in the local language. Your accommodation has been booked in Livingstone for tonight.

Day 17 – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia), today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls. As your tour continues from Victoria Falls, a transfer from Livingstone to Victoria Falls is included in your tour price. However, you can choose to spend the day in Livingstone and transfer to Victoria Falls in the late afternoon. You have the choice of booking a morning transfer (08:00) or afternoon transfer (16:00). Please indicate your preferred time with your booking agent and/or Nomad at the time of booking. You will meet with your crew for a briefing at 17:00 pm in the reception area of Shearwater Explorers Village.

Day 18 – Victoria Falls – Kasane – Chobe National Park
This morning you will have the opportunity to participate in the many optional activities on offer in the town of Victoria Falls. After lunch, we travel the short distance to the Botswana border, crossing into Botswana and will arrive at our accommodation in the late afternoon, to set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.

Day 19 – Kasane to Nata
We leave the banks of the Chobe River and head south into the Kalahari Desert. You’ll notice the ‘bushveld’ change as you get closer to Nata, our overnight stop close to Botswana’s famous salt pans. This afternoon, after our arrival in Nata, we enjoy a guided drive to the Nata pans, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingos in their thousands (birds dependent on seasonal migratory patterns).

Day 20 – Khwai Conservation Area
You will be separated from your Nomad truck for the next two nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need before we depart camp today. Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights. Today we make our way towards the Okavango Delta. Upon arrival in Maun, you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller 4×4 safari-type vehicles. Our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our afternoon mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta. (Please note: It is possible that the mokoro activity could take place the following morning, depending on the season).

Day 21 – Moremi Game Reserve
Today is a full day game drive as we spend most of our day on safari in the Moremi Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains. Expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4×4 vehicles. Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and savannah woodland, we hope to see as many species of fauna and flora as possible. This evening we arrive back at Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings while on safari.

Day 22 – Khwai to Maun
We will depart early this morning in our 4×4 vehicles and make our way back to Maun, where we will overnight before heading for our next adventure in Namibia.

Day 23 – Maun to Divundu
We start early this morning as we continue northwest and cross the border into Namibia, venturing towards the Kavango River for our overnight stop in Divundu. We will stay at our lodge and enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the beautiful Kavango River.

Day 24 – Divundu to Etosha
This morning we depart for the gates of Etosha National Park. With vast salt pans, savanna, and woodland, Etosha is one of Africa’s finest game parks. At 18,000 sq km, it is one of the biggest parks in Southern Africa. Etosha means “great white area,” which refers to the large dried pan in the middle of the park. We enter the park and travel to our overnight rest camp for the night.

Day 25 – Etosha National Park
We will head out of camp this morning to explore the surrounding plains in search of the many animal species that call Etosha home. After enjoying our lunch back at camp, you will have the afternoon at leisure.

Day 26 – Etosha National Park
Our third day in Etosha allows for a full day of exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park.

Day 27 – Etosha to Brandberg
This morning, we set off from Etosha National Park. After a final morning of exploration as we exit the park, we’ll leave the park and head towards Brandberg.

Day 28 – Brandberg to Swakopmund
Today we enjoy a nature walk with your Nomad guide to see the San rock art. The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. This morning we will make the ±2-hour return hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. We then depart and arrive in the beautiful coastal city of Swakopmund.

Day 29 – Swakopmund
While for many it is the adrenaline-fueled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German-inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land.

Day 30 – Swakopmund to Sesriem
Leaving behind the charms of Swakopmund, we continue our journey to Southern Namibia and the Namib Desert. While bidding a reluctant farewell to the ocean, we make a stop to commemorate our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn this morning before turning east towards the heart of the desert. This afternoon, we have the privilege of joining a local expert for an enlightening desert excursion. Our local guide will introduce us to the wonders of the desert environment – an amazing introduction to the Namib that is sure to get all your senses ready for the next few days. An early night is advisable as tomorrow will see us up as the dawn breaks, but tonight we spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that the next day holds more adventures among the red sand dunes.

Day 31 – Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park
Today we will rise early for our drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. We will enter the park just after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colors of the desert. Once satisfied, we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei. Here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Tonight we camp on the doorstep of the dune fields, we’ll empty the red sand from our shoes and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko.

Day 32 – Namib-Naukluft National Park Area
Today is put aside for you to relax and recharge while taking in the landscapes of the desert. Optional activities such as self-guided walks from camp are available.

Day 33 – Keetmanshoop
This morning we pack up and turn east and head for Keetmanshoop. Every overland journey has some long traveling days and today is one of those as we spend most of the day driving onto our next destination. Our exploration of the desert concludes this afternoon with a visit to the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playgrounds, named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other- creating rock formations and a series of mazes. Contrary to belief, the quiver tree is not really a tree, but a plant that can grow to between 200 – 300 years old.

Day 34 – Fish River Canyon – Orange River
The Fish River Canyon is the longest river in Namibia and the largest canyon in Africa. We will drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon and have an opportunity to stretch our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon before we head further south and make our way to the Orange River, our final stop in Namibia. Our last night in Namibia is spent on the banks of the Orange River and the best way to experience the Orange River is by canoe. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to partake in an optional canoe trip on the river.

Day 35 – Orange River – Cederberg
A final border crossing sees us enter South Africa this morning as we travel through the desert landscapes of Namaqualand on our way to the Cederberg region. If you are fortunate enough to be traveling in the spring months (July to September), you may encounter the wildflowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel. Tonight we enjoy a traditional meal and celebrate the many memories we have made.

Day 36 – Cederberg – Cape Town
The Cederberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. The Cederberg region is known for its mountain fynbos and spectacular views of the rugged Cedarberg Mountains. Nearing Cape Town, you will notice Table Mountain appear in the distance and we will stop to look at Table Mountain from across Table Bay. Your tour ends upon arrival in Cape Town city center.

​