42 Day Kenya to Cape Town via Vic Falls Lodge Overland Tour
Operator: Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Kenya to Cape Town Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. This 42-day Overland Lodge Tour takes you through some of Africa’s most iconic destinations, from the plains of the Serengeti to the sand dunes of Namibia, ending in the vibrant city of Cape Town. Travel comfortably in lodges, explore diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and Africa’s richest wildlife regions on this epic journey through eastern and southern Africa.
Highlights of the Kenya to Cape Town Safari
- Witness the Big 5 in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
- Relax on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches
- Marvel at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
- Explore the Okavango Delta by boat
- Safari in Etosha and Mikumi National Parks
- Visit Swakopmund and the Namib Desert’s Sossusvlei dunes
- Conclude in the scenic Cape Town, South Africa
Responsible Travel Notice
Adventure In The Wild Safaris promotes responsible tourism. We discourage and do not support any wildlife interaction such as walking with lions or riding elephants. These activities can harm Africa’s wildlife and ecosystems.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Arusha – Tanzania
Start your Kenya to Cape Town Safari in Nairobi. After crossing into Tanzania, travel to Arusha, nestled at the base of Mount Meru. Overnight in a comfortable lodge, preparing for the Northern Safari Circuit.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2-3: Serengeti National Park (Seronera) – Tanzania
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Africa Rift Valley to Serengeti National Park. Enjoy game drives in 4×4 vehicles, searching for the Big 5 and other species like wildebeest, giraffe, and antelope. Stay in luxury tents in the Seronera region.
Included: Serengeti Game Drives
Optional: Hot Air Balloon Safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu – Tanzania
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to over 25,000 animals. After an incredible safari experience, overnight in Karatu.
Included: Full-Day 4×4 Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Karatu to Arusha
Return to Arusha via Mto wa Mbu village. Explore the local market and taste the famous red bananas.
Included: Mto wa Mbu Market Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Arusha to Bagamoyo
Travel towards Tanzania’s coast and overnight in Bagamoyo, a town rich in Swahili and colonial history.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7-8: Zanzibar Island Beach Resort
Catch a ferry to Zanzibar. Relax on white-sand beaches or enjoy optional activities like snorkeling, dhow sailing, or village tours.
Included: Ferry to Zanzibar
Optional: Scuba Diving, Jozani Forest Visit, Local Cooking Classes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 9: Stone Town, Zanzibar
Return to Stone Town for a Spice Tour and city walking tour. Explore narrow alleys and vibrant culture.
Included: Spice Tour, Stone Town Walking Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Take a ferry back to Dar es Salaam. Enjoy local street food or dine at a waterfront restaurant at sunset.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 11-12: Mikumi National Park
Head inland to Mikumi National Park. Relax by the lodge or book an optional safari game drive or cultural tour.
Optional: Mikumi Game Drive, Cultural Tours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Iringa
Travel into the Tanzanian Highlands. Stop at Baobab Valley before reaching your lodge overlooking the Ruaha River Valley.
Included: Baobab Valley Stop
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Mbeya Mountains
Explore a coffee plantation in the Southern Highlands. Learn the process from bean to brew before overnighting near Mbeya.
Included: Coffee Plantation Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Lake Malawi – Malawi
Continue the Kenya to Cape Town Safari into Malawi, arriving at the scenic shores of Lake Malawi. Relax at a lakeside lodge or participate in optional activities like kayaking, hiking, or local village tours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Kenya to Cape Town Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Explore the wonders of East and Southern Africa on this epic overland journey with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. From pristine beaches and lakes to untamed game parks and cultural encounters, this safari offers the ultimate adventure through Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia.
Day 16 & 17: Ngala Beach (Lake Malawi) – Malawi
We journey south along the stunning shores of Lake Malawi to Ngala Beach in the central region. Spend two relaxing nights at this peaceful lakeside haven. Whether you want to unwind at the lodge or dive into activities, there’s something for everyone. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters to see the vibrant endemic cichlids, kayak the lake, or hike through the nearby forest reserve to a beautiful waterfall. You can also visit local fishing villages or go birdwatching in this tranquil setting.
- Optional Activities: Snorkelling, Horse Riding, Kayaking, Paddle Skiing, Waterfall Hike
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 18 & 19: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
Watch the sunrise over Lake Malawi before crossing into Zambia. We stop briefly in Chipata before continuing to our luxury tented camp on the banks of the Luangwa River. South Luangwa National Park is known for its rich wildlife and exceptional walking safaris. On day 19, enjoy an included sunset game drive and keep an eye out for lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos. Optional morning game drives and walking safaris are also available, offering a closer look at the bush’s hidden wonders.
- Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive
- Optional Activities: Walking Safari, Morning Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 20: South Luangwa to Petauke – Zambia
Today, we travel west through Zambia, stopping at Mulberry Mongoose—a community-based project that crafts jewellery from local materials, including recycled poacher snares. Overnight at a lodge in Petauke.
- Included Activity: Visit to Mulberry Mongoose
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 21: Petauke to Lusaka – Zambia
Continue west to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, with a visit to the vibrant Luangwa Market along the way. Our overnight stay is in a peaceful safari camp on the outskirts of the city, where you might spot wildlife such as zebra and giraffe.
- Included Activity: Luangwa Market Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22: Lusaka to Livingstone (Victoria Falls) – Zambia
Arrive in Livingstone, home to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy optional activities such as white-water rafting, scenic flights, or sunset cruises. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, the ‘Smoke that Thunders,’ Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s top highlights.
- Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Park Entry, Rafting, Scenic Flight, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 23: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Spend the day at your leisure exploring either the Zambian or Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls. A transfer to your lodge in Victoria Falls Village (Zimbabwe) is included. Choose between a morning or afternoon transfer.
- Optional Activities: As listed on Day 22
- Meals: No Meals
Day 24: Victoria Falls to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana
After optional morning activities at Victoria Falls, we cross into Botswana and head to Kasane. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Chobe River—perfect for viewing elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and more.
- Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 25: Kasane to Nata (Makgadikgadi Pans) – Botswana
We journey into the vast Kalahari Desert to explore the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. An afternoon drive allows us to discover this unique landscape and its seasonal birdlife.
- Included Activity: Afternoon Pans Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 26: Nata to Maun & Khwai Conservation Area (Okavango Delta) – Botswana
We continue to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Optional scenic flights over the Delta are available. In the afternoon, transfer by 4×4 to our rustic mobile camp in Khwai Conservation Area. Enjoy a peaceful mokoro canoe trip and sunset over the Delta.
- Included Activity: Mokoro Trip
- Optional Activity: Scenic Flight
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 27: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana
Spend the day on an exciting game drive through Moremi Game Reserve. This region teems with wildlife and offers a stunning mix of ecosystems—ideal for spotting predators and herbivores alike.
- Included Activity: Full Day Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 28: Khwai to Maun – Botswana
After a relaxed morning, we journey back to Maun. The afternoon is free for an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Spend the evening unwinding at a riverside lodge.
- Optional Activity: Scenic Flight
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 29: Maun to Divundu – Namibia
Today, we enter Namibia and follow the Kavango River to Divundu. Later, enjoy a scenic boat cruise and spot hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife along the riverbanks as the sun sets.
- Included Activity: Evening Boat Cruise (timing may vary)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 30: Divundu to Etosha National Park – Namibia
We journey across rural Namibia towards Etosha National Park—one of the country’s premier wildlife destinations. Known as the ‘Great White Place,’ Etosha’s salt pans and waterholes attract a wide array of animals year-round. Game drives begin tomorrow as we continue our overland safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Kenya to Cape Town Safari – Days 31 to 42
Days 31 & 32: Etosha National Park – Namibia
Our unforgettable Kenya to Cape Town Safari continues with two full days exploring the iconic Etosha National Park in Namibia. Game drives through the arid bushlands and around vital waterholes offer a great chance to see elephants, lions, cheetahs, and giraffes, along with over 340 bird species. The open landscape and sparse vegetation make for ideal wildlife viewing from our overland truck.
- Included Activities: Etosha Game Drives in the overland truck
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 33: Etosha National Park to Brandberg – Namibia
After one final wildlife drive through Etosha, we journey to the striking Brandberg Mountains. These are Namibia’s highest peaks and home to ancient rock art, including the famous White Lady painting. We take a guided hike (approx. 2 hours) to view this 2,000-year-old artwork before overnighting at a nearby lodge.
- Included Activity: Brandberg Hike & Rock Art
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 34 & 35: Brandberg to Swakopmund – Namibia
We travel through desert landscapes to the Atlantic coast, stopping at the fascinating Lichen Fields and Wlotskasbaken before arriving in Swakopmund. Enjoy German colonial architecture, fresh sea air, and optional adventure activities like sandboarding, quad biking, or a dolphin cruise.
- Included Activities: Wlotskasbaken, Lichen Fields
- Optional Activities: Dolphin Cruise, Sky Diving, Sandboarding, Quad Biking, and more
- Meals: Day 34 – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Day 35 – Breakfast
Day 36: Swakopmund to Sesriem (Namib Desert) – Namibia
We journey into the vast Namib Desert, stopping to cross the Tropic of Capricorn for a photo opportunity. A guided walk introduces us to desert-adapted plants, animals, and San survival skills. Overnight at a desert lodge to prepare for tomorrow’s early morning dune exploration.
- Included Activities: Tropic of Capricorn, Guided Desert Walk
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 37: Sossusvlei Dunes (Namib-Naukluft National Park) – Namibia
We rise before sunrise to climb the famous Dune 45 and enjoy the incredible dawn views. Later, a 4×4 transfer takes us to the eerie landscapes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, known for their fossilized trees and towering dunes. Overnight near the dune fields.
- Included Activities: Climb Dune 45, 4×4 Transfer to Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 38: Namib Desert – Namibia
A free day to unwind and enjoy the desert scenery. Optional self-guided walks are available from the camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 39: Namib Desert to Keetmanshoop – Namibia
Today’s drive takes us to Keetmanshoop, with stops at two unique natural attractions: the Quiver Tree Forest and the Giants Playground. These surreal landscapes feature aloe trees and 180-million-year-old dolerite rock formations.
- Included Activities: Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 40: Keetmanshoop to Fish River Canyon & Orange River – Namibia
We visit the dramatic Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world, then continue to the Orange River on the Namibia-South Africa border. Optional canoeing is available in the afternoon, followed by a relaxing evening at our riverside lodge.
- Included Activities: Fish River Canyon Viewpoint
- Optional Activities: Half-day River Canoe Trip
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 41: Orange River to Citrusdal (Cederberg Mountains) – South Africa
Crossing into South Africa, we travel through the wildflower region of Namaqualand and into the scenic Cederberg Mountains. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional South African dinner in the Olifants River Valley.
- Included Highlight: Traditional Dinner
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 42: Citrusdal to Cape Town – South Africa
Our epic Kenya to Cape Town Safari concludes with a scenic drive into Cape Town. As we arrive in the Mother City, we pause to take in the classic Table Mountain view before ending the tour in the city center.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Important Safari Information
Adventure In The Wild Safaris recommends arriving in Nairobi a day early and departing from Cape Town a day after the safari ends to allow for travel flexibility. Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be arranged upon request.
This southbound Kenya to Cape Town via Vic Falls Safari is also available in reverse, starting in Cape Town and ending in Nairobi. Both lodge and camping versions of this overland safari are offered.
Wildebeest Great Migration
One of the highlights of East Africa, the Great Migration features millions of wildebeest and other herbivores moving between Serengeti and Masai Mara, closely followed by predators. The best viewing times are June–August in Tanzania and July–September in Kenya. Contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris for expert planning advice and updated migration details.