26 Days Moshi to Cape Town Truck Safari

Our journey South takes us to Mikumi, where we stop for the night. Mikumi National Park ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania and forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve.

We take early morning extensive game drive in the Mikumi National Park. And in the afternoon we continue to the southern highlands of Tanzania and 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 and our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi where we look forward to spending the next few days enjoying the attractions of the northern regions of the lake.

Second day offers a range of optional activities or simply a day at the beach, we will pay a visit to a local community this morning to meet the people of the lake. Hikers will find a selection of trips, including a rather strenuous outing to the mission village of Livingstonia, set high above the lake. Your guide will assist you to plan your activities for the coming days, or you can simply slow your clock to Africa time relaxing on the lake shore.

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 we Lake Malawi in the morning we enjoy an equally spectacular sunset over the Luangwa River this evening.

On the second day, you can take optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris in the park. This afternoon we will enjoy a Sunset Drive in the park.

Leaving the Luangwa Valley this morning we make a stop at Tribal Textiles. The Chipata area is a major producer of Cotton and this morning we get a taste of the creativity of the African culture. Those interested can enjoy a tour of their workshops (March to December) to see how these colourful fabrics are crafted. Our destination tonight is the small town of Petauke.

As an important link between Lusaka and 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, today landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries so many of us call home.

Crossing the Southern reaches of Zambia we make our way to the adventure town of Victoria Falls, this afternoon we get our first look at the mighty Victoria Falls. Crossing the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe we get a view of “Musi oa Tunya”, the Smoke that Thunders as the falls are known in the local language.

Next morning we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, which also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon, for the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops. Tonight we enjoy an optional dinner out, your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available.

After breakfast we cross into Botswana and we we make our way into the Okavango Delta. This unique and unusual ecosystem sees the annual flood waters of the Okavango River fan out into the sands of the Kalahari Basin.

Second day is reserved to enjoy the activities in the Delta, while the programme of activities is flexible to accommodate the seasonal changes, you will have the opportunity to enjoy amongst other activities traditional Mokoro rides and natures walks. The Okavango Delta is not only a natural wonder, but represents one of the last great wilderness areas in the world today.

Leaving the Delta behind us this morning we make our way to our overnight stop in the bustling town of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Reunited with our truck we enjoy an evening together at the campfire reflecting on our Delta experiences.

In the morning presents there will be opportunity for a Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta before we travel to Ghanzi in the central Kalahari. The Kalahari is home to the San people and our stay here will present us with the opportunity to learn more about these fascinating people. An optional walk with San guides this afternoon gives us the opportunity to learn about the strategies that allow the San to survive in this harsh environment. This evening we will get a first-hand experience of the San culture, well known for its rich traditions of song, dance and story-telling.

Today we are heading North for two exciting days of game viewing in the Etosha National Park. On our way today we will make a short stop at the craft markets in Okahandja before continuing to our rest camp in Etosha. While tomorrow will see us make an early start, those who would like to chance their luck can spend some time at the floodlit waterhole at the camp tonight.

Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. Today we have a full-day to explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park. Our truck offers us an elevated platform and we will spend some time at the many waterholes dotted throughout the park. Those who wish to partake in an optional night drive may do so tonight (subject to availability).

This morning we travel north towards Kamanjab where we will visit a project that introduces us to the Himba people of northern Namibia.

After our visit to the Himba we turn south and travel to the small town of Khorixas, we will finish our day with a visit to the Petrified Forest on the outskirts of the town. These fossilised forests remain as a natural monument to a time long ago when Namibia formed part of the Gondwana super-continent.

This morning we travel onwards to Spitzkoppe, here a local guide will join us for a walk around the base of this famed landmark. We will have the opportunity to view some San rock paintings before we continue to the seaside town of Swakopmund. Swakopmund is well known for its many adventure activities, coffee shops and rich German influence.

Today is a free day to enjoy adventure, explore Swakopmund or simply enjoy a great bake at a local coffee shop. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a little city and there is something to keep everyone busy.

Leaving behind the charms of Swakopmund we continue our journey to Southern Namibia and the Namib Desert. We make a short stop in Walvis Bay this morning before turning east towards the heart of the desert. Our afternoon will be spent with a local guide who will introduce us to the wonders of the desert environment. An early night is advisable as we tomorrow will see us up as the dawn breaks.

Rising with the first light we travel to Sesriem, the gateway to the Sossusvlei dune fields. We enter the park early and make a stop to climb the famous Dune 45. Having stretched our legs we continue deeper into the Dune fields and take a 4×4 transfer to the marvels of Sossusvlei. We take time to visit both Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, before bidding the dune field farewell. Our final stop before continuing to our camp is the interesting Sesriem Canyon, a remnant of much wetter times in this dry region.

Today we venture south to the Southern Naimibia on route to Ais-Ais. Well known for its hot springs, the resort and its hot pools are the perfect tonic to ease away the dust of the Namib, an evening swim under the Desert stars is not to be missed. Tomorrow will again be an early start as we aim to catch the morning light as it filters into the Fish River Canyon.

Today we head towards Hobas and the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world. The early hours of the morning offer great photographic opportunities as the morning light filters into the canyon. We will spend time exploring the rim of the canyon, before making for the Orange River and 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.

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 Cedarberg region. The Cedarberg is the home of Rooibos tea, which has become a popular beverage throughout the world. Tonight we enjoy a traditional South African meal and celebrate the many memories we have made.