36-Day Cape Town to Zanzibar Lodge Safari
Embark on an unforgettable Cape Town to Zanzibar Lodge Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. This epic 5-week journey travels from the southern tip of Africa all the way to the spice island of Zanzibar. Along the way, experience diverse landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters, and rich cultures across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.
Quick Itinerary Overview
Start your African adventure in Cape Town and travel through the Cederberg Mountains, Namaqualand, and across the Orange River into Namibia. Explore Fish River Canyon, the ancient Namib Desert, and Swakopmund’s coastal charms. Journey to Etosha National Park for wildlife sightings before entering Botswana to discover the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and the Makgadikgadi Pans.
Continue your lodge safari with game viewing on the Chobe River, a visit to Victoria Falls, and wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Relax on the shores of Lake Malawi before heading into Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley and Southern Highlands. Conclude your journey on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar, exploring historic Stone Town.
Responsible Travel
Adventure In The Wild Safaris does not support wildlife interaction tourism, such as walking with lions or riding elephants. We believe in ethical travel that respects Africa’s wild animals in their natural environment.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town to Cederberg – South Africa
Depart from Cape Town, with a scenic drive through farmland and mountains to the Cederberg region. Enjoy traditional meals and overnight at a comfortable lodge in Citrusdal.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Cederberg to Orange River – Namibia
Travel through Namaqualand, famous for wildflower blooms in spring, and cross the border into Namibia. Overnight by the Orange River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Orange River to Fish River Canyon – Namibia
Optional canoe trip on the Orange River, then journey inland to the impressive Fish River Canyon. Overnight in Keetmanshoop.
Included: Fish River Canyon
Optional: Orange River Canoe Trip
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Keetmanshoop to Namib Desert – Namibia
Visit the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground, then head west through desert landscapes to a lodge at the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Included: Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Namib Desert – Namibia
A rest day to soak in the desert scenery. Optional nature walks available.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Sossusvlei & Deadvlei – Namibia
Climb Dune 45 for a sunrise view, then take a 4×4 excursion to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, marveling at ancient desert landscapes.
Included: Dune 45 climb, Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 7–8: Namib Desert to Swakopmund – Namibia
Guided desert walk before heading to Swakopmund. Enjoy adventure activities like sandboarding, quad biking, or a dolphin cruise. Two nights in a seaside hotel with a restaurant dinner included.
Included: Tropic of Capricorn, Desert Walk, Dinner Out
Optional: Adventure activities
Meals: B, L, D (Day 7); B (Day 8)
Day 9: Swakopmund to Brandberg – Namibia
Visit Wlotskasbaken and Lichen Fields en route to Brandberg. Take a guided hike to view ancient rock art, including the White Lady.
Included: Lichen Fields, Rock Art Hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Brandberg to Etosha National Park – Namibia
Arrive in Etosha National Park and embark on your first afternoon game drive. Overnight at a rest camp with a floodlit waterhole.
Included: Afternoon Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 11–12: Etosha National Park – Namibia
Explore Etosha’s vast salt pans and waterholes on morning and afternoon game drives. Spot lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and a variety of birds. Relax between drives at camp or the waterhole.
Included: Game Drives
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 13: Etosha to Divundu – Namibia
Final Etosha game drive, then drive northeast to Divundu. Overnight at a lodge by the Kavango River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Divundu to Maun – Botswana
Morning boat cruise on the Kavango River. Cross into Botswana and arrive in Maun. Optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta available.
Included: Boat Cruise
Optional: Scenic Flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Okavango Delta to Khwai River Conservation Area – Botswana
Early risers have the option to enjoy a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta before our journey continues. We are transferred by 4×4 safari vehicles to the Khwai River Conservation Area in the eastern Okavango Delta. Please note that smaller overnight bags are required for this two-night stay.
Enjoy a luxury tented camp experience in the Khwai River floodplains with sweeping views of the wildlife-rich plains. In the afternoon, we visit a local mokoro station and glide through reed-lined channels on a traditional mokoro boat. Watch wildlife from the water and enjoy a peaceful island walk with local guides.
- Included Activity: Okavango Delta Sunset Mokoro Trip
- Optional Activity: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight, Tips for Delta Polers
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana
Spend a full day exploring the spectacular Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Named after Chief Moremi of the BaTawana tribe, this reserve was one of the first in Africa created by local people to protect their land.
Traveling in 4×4 safari vehicles, we traverse palm-lined islands, open savannahs, and wetland habitats in search of the Big 5, as well as giraffes, cheetahs, antelope, wild dogs, and an array of birdlife.
- Included Activity: Full-day Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Khwai to Maun & Nata (Makgadikgadi Pans) – Botswana
We leave the Okavango Delta and drive back to Maun, where we rejoin our overland vehicle. Then we head east to the surreal salt flats of the Makgadikgadi Pans near Nata. These vast pans are remnants of a prehistoric lake and attract birdlife such as pelicans and flamingos during the wet season.
- Included Activity: Afternoon Pans Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Nata to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana
Our Cape Town to Zanzibar Safari continues north to the lush landscapes around Kasane, gateway to Chobe National Park. After lunch at our riverside campsite, we enjoy a boat cruise on the Chobe River. Spot herds of elephants and other wildlife drawn to the water’s edge.
- Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Kasane to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
We cross into Zimbabwe and travel to Victoria Falls, one of the most iconic highlights of the Cape Town to Zanzibar Safari. Known as “The Smoke That Thunders”, Victoria Falls is the largest curtain of falling water in the world. Explore the surrounding national park, visit viewpoints, or enjoy a range of thrilling activities.
- Optional Activities: Park Entry, White Water Rafting, Scenic Flights, Sunset Cruise, Boma Dinner
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 20: Victoria Falls to Livingstone – Zambia
Transfer to Livingstone, Zambia, for a relaxed overnight stay. Choose a morning or afternoon transfer depending on your plans. The day is yours to enjoy optional activities or simply unwind at the lodge.
- Optional Activities: As Above
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 21: Livingstone to Lusaka – Zambia
We depart early for Lusaka, traveling through rural Zambia. Our overnight camp just outside Lusaka offers a tranquil bush experience with possible wildlife sightings.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22: Lusaka to Petauke – Zambia
Travel east along the Great East Road, stopping at Luangwa Market to experience local Zambian culture. We overnight at a comfortable lodge in the town of Petauke.
- Included Activity: Luangwa Market Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 23–24: Petauke to South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
We head to South Luangwa National Park, stopping en route at Mulberry Mongoose to learn about local women crafting jewelry from snare wire and organic materials. Spend two nights in a luxury tented camp by the Luangwa River, a prime spot to see hippos, birds, and other wildlife.
Enjoy a sunset game drive and, in the dry season, take part in a morning walking safari, pioneered in this region. South Luangwa is home to a high population of leopards, lions, and other predators.
- Included Activities: Mulberry Mongoose Visit, Sunset Game Drive
- Optional Activities: Morning Game Walk or Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 25–26: South Luangwa to Ngala Beach (Lake Malawi) – Malawi
We travel to Malawi, known as the “Warm Heart of Africa”. Our beachside camp at Ngala offers direct access to the beautiful Lake Malawi. Spend your time swimming, relaxing, or enjoying optional water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and boat rides.
- Optional Activities: Snorkeling, Kayaking, Waterfall Hike, Horse Riding, Bird Watching
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 27: Ngala to Chitimba – Malawi
We continue north along the shores of Lake Malawi. Stop at a traditional fishing village where a local guide will walk you through daily village life. We overnight near Chitimba with time to relax by the lake.
- Included Activity: Malawi Village Tour
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 28: Lake Malawi to Mbeya Mountains – Tanzania
Today, we bid farewell to Lake Malawi and travel north into Tanzania, continuing our unforgettable Cape Town to Zanzibar Safari. Our scenic route takes us through the Mbeya Mountain Range in Southern Tanzania, a region renowned for its high-quality coffee production. Tanzania’s Southern Highlands offer a serene, misty setting that is perfect for unwinding.
Tonight, we stay in a charming bungalow nestled within a coffee plantation, surrounded by lush hills and the calming aroma of freshly grown beans – a perfect spot to connect with the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 29: Mbeya to Iringa – Tanzania’s Southern Highlands
Our Cape Town to Zanzibar Safari continues with a visit to a local coffee plantation. You’ll witness how Tanzania’s famous beans are grown and harvested, and you’ll get to sample the region’s delicious brews.
Afterwards, we ascend the dramatic escarpments of the Great Rift Valley, traveling through scenic mountain passes and verdant tea plantations. Our overnight campsite is just outside the town of Iringa, overlooking the lush Little Ruaha River valley.
Included Activity: Coffee Plantation Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 30 & 31: Iringa to Mikumi National Park – Tanzania
We continue east toward Mikumi National Park, one of Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations on this Cape Town to Zanzibar Safari. On the way, we stop in Baobab Valley, famous for its towering ancient baobabs and panoramic photo opportunities.
Our lodge near Mikumi offers access to an expansive 75,000 km² wilderness that includes the adjacent Selous Game Reserve. Known for its big cat sightings and large herds of herbivores, Mikumi is home to elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, and even rare rhinos. Relax by the pool or book optional game drives and cultural tours.
Optional Activities: Game Drives in Mikumi National Park, Cultural Tours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 32: Mikumi to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
Our journey continues eastward through the scenic Uluguru Mountains, descending to the Indian Ocean and into the bustling port city of Dar es Salaam. Here we stay in a comfortable city hotel before our Zanzibar adventure begins.
Though Dodoma is the official capital, Dar es Salaam remains the cultural and commercial heartbeat of Tanzania. Explore lively markets, try delicious local cuisine, and soak in the vibrant nightlife.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 33: Dar es Salaam to Stone Town, Zanzibar – Tanzania
This morning, we board the ferry for a two-hour ride to Zanzibar’s iconic Stone Town. Once a hub of the spice and slave trades, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a captivating blend of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences.
After checking into our hotel, spend the day exploring Stone Town’s winding alleys, markets, and historical architecture. Enjoy street food at Forodhani Gardens and dine on fresh seafood infused with local spices.
Included Activity: Zanzibar Island Ferry
Meals: Breakfast
Day 34 & 35: Stone Town to Zanzibar Beaches – Tanzania
We start Day 34 with a guided walking tour of Stone Town, including a visit to the birthplace of Freddie Mercury. Then, we travel to Nungwi Beach, stopping en route for a spice tour. Learn how spices like cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla are grown, and purchase fresh produce directly from farmers.
Our beachfront resort in Nungwi offers two days of relaxation and adventure. Lounge on white sand beaches, swim in turquoise waters, or choose from a variety of optional activities like snorkeling, diving, dhow sailing, Swahili cooking classes, or visiting a turtle sanctuary.
Included Activities: Stone Town Walking Tour, Zanzibar Spice Tour
Optional Activities: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Dhow Trips, Fishing, Village Tours, Turtle Sanctuary, and More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 36: Zanzibar Beaches to Stone Town – Tanzania
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the tranquil beaches of Zanzibar and transfer back to Stone Town. Here, our Cape Town to Zanzibar Safari concludes. You can either end your tour in Nungwi or return with the group to the ferry port in Stone Town.
Meals: Breakfast
Overland Tour Notes
We recommend arriving in Cape Town one day before the tour begins and departing Stone Town one day after the safari ends to allow for any schedule changes. Ask Adventure In The Wild Safaris to arrange pre- and post-tour accommodation.
This Cape Town to Zanzibar Safari is also available in reverse as the Zanzibar to Cape Town Overland Tour – Southbound. Choose between lodge accommodation or a camping option, depending on your preferred travel style.