36-Day Cape Town to Zanzibar Overland Camping Safari

Embark on a life-changing journey from the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa, to the stunning beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania, on this 36-day overland camping safari. This epic adventure will take you through some of Africa’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife regions. Whether you’re traversing the deserts of Namibia or cruising the Okavango Delta, this safari promises a true taste of the wild. Experience the natural wonders, rich culture, and unspoiled wilderness that make this trip one of the most unforgettable Adventure In The Wild Safaris you’ll ever take.

Quick Itinerary Overview

Starting in Cape Town, you’ll journey through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and finally Zanzibar. From the magnificent Fish River Canyon to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, this safari showcases the best of Southern and East Africa’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultures.

Itinerary for This Tour

Day 1: Cape Town to Cederberg Region – South Africa

Your Adventure In The Wild Safaris begins in Cape Town, where we’ll take a last look at the iconic Table Mountain before heading north through farmlands. The dramatic landscapes of the Cederberg Mountains await, with its unique sandstone cliffs and ancient rock art. We camp at the base of the mountains, surrounded by the beauty of this region.

• Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Citrusdal to Namaqualand & Orange River – Namibia

As we cross into Namibia, our path takes us through Namaqualand, a region famous for its spring wildflowers. After crossing the border, we camp beside the Orange River, a serene spot to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Orange River to Fish River Canyon & Keetmanshoop – Namibia

Start your day with an optional canoe trip on the Orange River, followed by a visit to the dramatic Fish River Canyon. One of the largest canyons in the world, this site offers stunning panoramic views. We then head to Keetmanshoop for the night.

• Included Activity: Fish River Canyon
• Optional Activity: Orange River Canoe Trip
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Keetmanshoop to Namib Desert – Namibia

Explore the Quiver Tree Forest and the Giants Playground, then head into the heart of the Namib Desert. Experience the vast, red dunes of one of the oldest deserts in the world, where we camp on the edge of Namib National Park.

• Included Activities: Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Keetmanshoop to Namib Desert – Namibia

We continue our journey deeper into the Namib Desert, with the day spent travelling through the desert’s stark landscapes. We will camp under the stars at the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Sossusvlei Dunes (Namib-Naukluft National Park) – Namibia

Rise early to climb the famous Dune 45 and take in the sunrise over the dunes. Then, enjoy a 4×4 safari into the Sossusvlei dunes and Deadvlei pan, a surreal landscape of ancient, skeletal trees.

• Included Activities: Climb Dune 45, Sossusvlei & Deadvlei Visit
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 & 8: Namib Desert to Swakopmund – Namibia

On our way to Swakopmund, we stop to mark the Tropic of Capricorn. Swakopmund, known for its German colonial architecture, is the adventure capital of Namibia. Choose from activities like sandboarding, skydiving, or a dolphin cruise.

• Included Activities: Tropic of Capricorn Stop, Guided Desert Walk
• Optional Activities: Sandboarding, Quad Biking, Skydiving, Dolphin Cruise
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Day 7), Breakfast (Day 8)

Day 9: Swakopmund to Brandberg – Namibia

We continue our journey north to Brandberg, home to ancient rock art, including the famous White Lady. Explore the Tsisab Riverbed on a guided hike before heading to a nearby lodge for the night.

• Included Activities: Wlotskabaken Stop, Lichen Fields Visit, Brandberg Hike
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Brandberg to Etosha National Park – Namibia

Today, we head to Etosha National Park for a game drive, where we’ll look for wildlife around the famous salt pan. Our campsite offers excellent views of the park’s floodlit waterholes.

• Included Activity: Afternoon Game Drive
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 & 12: Etosha National Park – Namibia

Enjoy two full days of game drives in Etosha National Park, spotting lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, and more. The park’s unique vegetation and wildlife make it a top safari destination.

• Included Activities: Morning & Evening Game Drives
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Etosha to Divundu – Namibia

Leaving Etosha, we drive towards the Kavango River and camp on its banks near the town of Divundu, the gateway to the Okavango Delta.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Divundu to Maun – Botswana

Start the day with a boat cruise along the Kavango River before heading to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Optional scenic flights over the Delta provide spectacular aerial views of this wildlife haven.

• Included Activities: Morning Boat Cruise
• Optional Activities: Scenic Okavango Delta Flight
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Days 15–27: Cape Town to Zanzibar Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris

Day 15: Maun to Khwai Conservation Area (Okavango Delta) – Botswana

Early risers can opt for a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta before we switch to 4×4 safari vehicles and journey into the Khwai Conservation Area in the eastern Okavango Delta. Due to limited space, guests will need to pack an overnight bag for this two-night excursion. Our tented camp overlooks the Khwai floodplains, a wildlife-rich region offering stunning views.

After settling in, enjoy a mokoro (traditional canoe) trip with local guides who will paddle you through tranquil, reed-lined channels. You’ll explore lush lagoons and stop for a nature walk on one of the islands. This peaceful excursion ends as the sun sets over the delta, painting the landscape in golden hues.

• Included Activity: Okavango Delta Sunset Mokoro Trip
• Optional Activity: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight, Tips for Polers
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta) – Botswana

Today, your Cape Town to Zanzibar Safari focuses on a full-day 4×4 game drive in the famous Moremi Game Reserve. Established in 1963 by local communities, Moremi is rich in wildlife and birdlife. You’ll explore diverse habitats, including papyrus swamps and open plains, in search of the Big 5, cheetahs, giraffes, African wild dogs, and unique antelope species like the red lechwe.

• Included Activity: Full-Day Game Drive
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Khwai to Maun & Nata (Makgadikgadi Pans) – Botswana

We return to Maun and continue to the Makgadikgadi Pans region. Our camp is near Nata Pan, a seasonal haven for flamingos and pelicans. This afternoon, embark on a scenic drive across the pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world and remnants of an ancient lake.

• Included Activity: Afternoon Pans Drive
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18: Nata to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana

Today, we travel from the desert to the lush banks of the Chobe River. After lunch at our riverside campsite, we enjoy a Chobe River cruise offering exceptional wildlife viewing. Watch elephants and other animals visit the riverbanks at sunset—an unforgettable highlight of your Cape Town to Zanzibar Safari.

• Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19: Kasane to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Cross into Zimbabwe to witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Known as “The Smoke that Thunders,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest waterfall curtain. Spend your free time exploring the falls, visiting viewpoints, enjoying high tea, or trying thrilling optional activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or a scenic helicopter flight.

• Optional Activities: Victoria Falls National Park Entry, Bungee Jumping, Helicopter & Microlight Flights, Sunset Cruise, and more
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 20: Livingstone (Victoria Falls) – Zambia

Transfer to a lodge near Livingstone on the Zambia side of Victoria Falls. You may relax at the lodge or continue exploring. Optional activities include water adventures, cultural experiences, and scenic flights over the falls.

• Optional Activities: Victoria Falls National Park Entry, Gorge Swing, Boat Cruise, Boma Dinner, and more
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 21: Livingstone to Lusaka – Zambia

We journey through rural Zambia toward Lusaka, staying just outside the capital at a peaceful bush camp. Look out for local wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22: Chirundu to Petauke – Zambia

Today’s drive takes us across the Great East Road, past villages and through scenic landscapes. We pause at the vibrant Luangwa Market before continuing to Petauke for an overnight stay at a cozy campsite.

• Included Activity: Luangwa Market Stop
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Days 23–24: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

We visit Mulberry Mongoose, a social enterprise producing jewelry from poacher snares. Our tented camp on the Luangwa River offers incredible wildlife viewing. On Day 24, enjoy a guided walking safari (seasonal) or morning game drive followed by a sunset game drive, giving you the chance to see South Luangwa’s rich wildlife including leopards, lions, wild dogs, and more.

• Included Activities: Mulberry Mongoose Visit, Sunset Game Drive
• Optional Activities: Morning Walking Safari or Game Drive
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Days 25–26: Ngala Beach (Lake Malawi) – Malawi

Cross into Malawi and unwind on the white-sand shores of Lake Malawi at Ngala Beach. Relax or enjoy optional activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, hiking to Dwanbazi Waterfall, or birdwatching. The lake’s clear waters and abundant cichlid fish make it a prime destination for water-based activities.

• Optional Activities: Kayaking, Snorkeling, Waterfall Hike, Fishing, and more
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Day 27: Ngala to Chitimba (Northern Lake Malawi) – Malawi

Our Cape Town to Zanzibar Safari continues north along the scenic shores of Lake Malawi. We head toward Chitimba, where we will spend the night near the lake. The journey offers sweeping views and chances to interact with local communities.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner