Cape Town to Serengeti Safari Adventure – Overland Tour
Embark on an unforgettable Cape Town to Serengeti Safari Adventure with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. This immersive overland expedition takes you across Southern and East Africa in a custom safari truck, tailored for spirited travelers under 40. Discover iconic landscapes, wildlife, deserts, tropical islands, waterfalls, and diverse cultures on one epic journey from Cape Town to Nairobi.
Quick Itinerary Overview
Travel from the southern tip of Africa to the Serengeti Plains, crossing South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Kenya. Explore deserts, game parks, villages, vibrant cities, and scenic coastlines with a group of like-minded adventurers from around the globe.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town – South Africa
Start your Cape Town to Serengeti Safari Adventure in one of the world’s most beloved cities. Arrive early to explore the city and nearby Cape Winelands. Enjoy your first group dinner and nightlife in vibrant Long Street.
Day 2: Cape Town to Cederberg – South Africa
Travel north to the scenic Cederberg mountains. En route, visit the !Khwa ttu San Cultural Centre to learn about the San people’s heritage. Optional wine tasting in the vineyards caps the day.
- Included: San Cultural Centre Visit
- Optional: Wine Tasting
Day 3: Cederberg to Orange River – South Africa
Drive through Namaqualand to the peaceful Orange River. Relax by the river or choose an optional canoe trip in the afternoon.
- Optional: Canoe Trip
Day 4: Orange River to Fish River Canyon – Namibia
Cross into Namibia and visit Fish River Canyon for a spectacular sunset. It’s the second-largest canyon in the world.
- Included: Fish River Canyon Sunset
Day 5: Fish River Canyon to Namib Desert – Namibia
Travel deeper into the ancient Namib Desert. Set up camp in this remote and majestic landscape.
Day 6: Namib Desert – Namibia
Explore Sesriem Canyon, climb Dune 45, and walk among the surreal pans of Sossusvlei. Discover ancient survival techniques with a San guide or explore on your own.
- Included: Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45, Sossusvlei Visit
- Optional: Sossusvlei Guided Walk, Desert Nature Walk
Day 7: Namib Desert to Swakopmund – Namibia
Travel through the desert to Swakopmund on the Atlantic Coast, known for adventure activities and German colonial architecture.
Day 8: Swakopmund – Namibia
Choose from exciting activities like sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving, or dolphin cruises. Take a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast or explore the town’s culture.
- Optional: Sandboarding, Skydiving, Scenic Flight, Dolphin Cruise
Day 9: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe – Namibia
Head inland to Spitzkoppe, where granite peaks dominate the landscape. Enjoy stargazing at this tranquil wilderness camp.
Day 10: Spitzkoppe to Etosha National Park – Namibia
Visit craft markets along the way before entering Etosha National Park. Enjoy your first game drive and an optional night drive.
- Included: Afternoon Game Drive
- Optional: Night Game Drive
Day 11: Etosha National Park – Namibia
Spend the day wildlife viewing in Etosha. Expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, and rare antelope. Optional sunset game drive available.
- Included: Full-day Game Drive
- Optional: Sunset Game Drive
Day 12: Etosha to Waterberg Plateau – Namibia
Travel to the Waterberg Plateau. Enjoy optional hikes or relax at camp surrounded by the plateau’s lush scenery.
Day 13: Waterberg to Windhoek – Namibia
Arrive in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. Stop at Penduka, a women’s craft project, and enjoy your final evening in Namibia.
Day 14: Windhoek to D’kar – Botswana
Cross into Botswana and enter the Kalahari Desert. Meet San Bushmen and enjoy a traditional dance performance around the campfire.
- Included: San Dance Performance
- Optional: San Bushman Walk
Day 15: D’kar to Maun – Botswana
Days 15–30: Okavango Delta to Tanzania with Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Day 15: Maun – Botswana
Today we say goodbye to Namibia and cross into Botswana, heading toward Maun – the gateway to the renowned Okavango Delta. In the afternoon, you have the option to take a scenic flight over this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a perfect opportunity to view elephants, hippos, and other wildlife from above as they roam the winding waterways and floodplains. Alternatively, you may choose to relax at camp.
Optional Activity: Scenic Flight over Okavango Delta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16: Maun to Okavango Delta – Botswana
Today begins our incredible journey into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Leaving most of our luggage behind in Maun, we transfer by 4×4 and then travel by traditional mokoro (dug-out canoe), gliding through the serene channels guided by locals. After arriving at our remote bush camp, we enjoy lunch and set up before embarking on a guided bushwalk to encounter the Delta’s unique flora and fauna.
In the evening, relax with a sundowner, followed by a traditional meal and cultural performance around the campfire.
Included Activity: Mokoro Ride & Bushwalk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Okavango Delta to Gweta – Botswana
Wake up to the natural soundtrack of the Delta and enjoy a sunrise walk through this unspoiled wilderness. We then return to Maun via mokoro and 4×4, followed by a drive to Gweta. Tonight’s camp is set beneath ancient baobab trees – perfect for stargazing and relaxation after a wild night in the bush.
Included Activities: Sunrise Bush Walk, Gweta Baobab Experience
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Gweta to Kasane & Chobe – Botswana
Travel northeast to Kasane, gateway to Chobe National Park. This afternoon, you may opt for a river cruise or a game drive. The Chobe River cruise is highly recommended for viewing large herds of elephants and other wildlife gathering at the water’s edge.
Optional Activities: Chobe River Cruise or Chobe Game Drive
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 19: Kasane to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
This morning, take an optional game drive in Chobe National Park before we travel to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious traditional lunch prepared by local women at the Lusumpuko Women’s Club. The afternoon is free to explore the adventure capital of Africa. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, or join thrilling activities like bungee jumping, river rafting, or a sunset Zambezi cruise.
Included Activity: Traditional Zimbabwean Lunch
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Visit, Zambezi Cruise, Helicopter Flight
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Days 20–21: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Spend two full days in Victoria Falls enjoying the region’s wide range of adrenaline-packed and cultural experiences. Go gorge swinging, zip-lining, or white-water rafting. You can also explore local villages or simply relax by the river.
Optional Activities: Whitewater Rafting, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flight, Sunset Cruise, Village Tour
Day 22: Victoria Falls to Lusaka – Zambia
Today we cross into Zambia and travel to a game farm near Lusaka, the capital. This private reserve is home to antelopes, zebras, and buffalo. Relax by the pool or enjoy the natural surroundings in the late afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 23: Lusaka to Chipata – Zambia
Continue through Zambia’s Eastern Province to a campsite near Chipata, experiencing more of rural Africa along the way.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 24: Chipata to Mfuwe & South Luangwa – Zambia
Arrive in Mfuwe near South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa’s best safari destinations. You may choose to go on an optional game drive or walking safari, or visit a nearby village to learn about Zambian culture.
Optional Activities: South Luangwa Game Drive, Bush Walk, Village Visit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 25: South Luangwa & Chipata – Zambia
Enjoy a full day exploring South Luangwa, renowned for its wildlife diversity and dramatic landscapes. After a morning game activity, we visit Tribal Textiles – a local initiative supporting conservation and community development. After lunch at Courtyard Café, we head back to Chipata for our final night in Zambia.
Included Activities: Tribal Textiles Visit, Lunch at Courtyard Café
Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive, Walking Safari
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 26: Chipata to Kande Beach – Malawi
We enter Malawi and make our way to the shores of Lake Malawi, one of Africa’s most beautiful and unspoiled freshwater lakes. Settle in for a relaxing few days at the beach.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 27: Kande Beach – Malawi
Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or canoeing in the clear waters of Lake Malawi. You’ll also enjoy a traditional dinner at a local village near Kande Beach – a highlight for cultural immersion.
Included Activity: Local Dinner
Optional Activities: Snorkeling, Canoeing, Village Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 28: Kande Beach to Chitimba – Malawi
Travel north to Chitimba Beach, where you can relax on the sand, swim, or explore the scenic surroundings at your leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 29: Chitimba – Malawi
Enjoy your final day at Lake Malawi with optional activities such as hiking to Livingstonia or visiting Manchewe Falls. Engage with local communities or unwind before our next border crossing.
Optional Activities: Hike to Livingstonia, Visit Manchewe Falls, Village Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 30: Chitimba to Iringa – Tanzania
We leave Malawi and enter Tanzania, journeying into the highlands past tea plantations and rolling hills to the town of Iringa. This marks our entrance into our sixth country on this epic adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
40-Day Cape to Serengeti Safari Adventure with Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Embark on the ultimate African journey from Cape Town to Serengeti with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. This 40-day overland expedition offers a captivating blend of diverse landscapes, cultural richness, tropical island retreats, and thrilling wildlife encounters, including the iconic Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 31: Iringa to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
We journey across rural Tanzania to reach the bustling coastal city of Dar es Salaam. Here, we prepare for our journey to the Zanzibar Archipelago after a full day of travel across this scenic region.
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 32: Dar es Salaam to Nungwi – Zanzibar
Take a ferry across to Zanzibar Island and transfer to Nungwi, a charming beach village. Relax on white sands and take in the tropical island vibes that define Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 33: Nungwi – Zanzibar
Spend a free day enjoying the warm waters and white beaches. Optional activities include snorkeling, diving, dhow sailing, island hopping, cultural village tours, or simply relaxing in paradise.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 34: Nungwi to Stone Town – Zanzibar
We head south to historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in culture and architecture. Explore the vibrant markets, spice stalls, and colonial structures before your final island night.
Optional Activity: Stone Town Guided Walking Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 35: Stone Town to Bagamoyo – Tanzania
Catch the ferry back to mainland Tanzania and drive north to the historic town of Bagamoyo, once a major trading port. Discover the unique charm of this World Heritage Site.
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 36: Bagamoyo to Arusha – Tanzania
Travel north through rural Tanzania to Arusha, gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit. Prepare for the upcoming wildlife safaris by packing a smaller bag for the bush adventure.
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 37: Arusha to Serengeti National Park – Tanzania
Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle into the legendary Serengeti National Park. This afternoon, we begin our wildlife safari across the iconic plains, known for the Great Migration and exceptional game viewing.
Included Activity: Afternoon Game Drive in Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 38: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania
Enjoy a morning game drive or opt for a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti. In the afternoon, we travel to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, where we camp under the stars.
Included Activity: Serengeti Game Drive
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 39: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha – Tanzania
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a thrilling wildlife safari. Spot the Big Five in one of the most biodiverse areas in Africa before returning to Arusha in the afternoon.
Included Activity: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 40: Arusha to Nairobi – Kenya
Travel from Arusha to Nairobi, marking the end of our unforgettable Cape to Serengeti Safari Adventure with Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
Safari Notes:
- Age restriction: 12–39 years old
- Group Size: Up to 22 people
- Transport: Overland trucks, 4×4 vehicles, ferries, walking
- Accommodation: Mix of camping, guesthouses, hostels, and tented camps
The Wildebeest Great Migration
The Great Migration is seasonal and unpredictable. It involves over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. Contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris to plan your safari around this spectacular wildlife event.
Optional Excursions & Add-ons
This safari offers exciting optional activities across multiple countries, including hot air balloon safaris, snorkeling, game drives, scenic flights, cultural tours, and more. Reach out to Adventure In The Wild Safaris for up-to-date pricing and recommendations based on your preferences.
Destinations with Add-on Activities:
- South Africa: Cape Town city tours, shark diving, Robben Island
- Namibia: Quad biking, sandboarding, Sossusvlei scenic flights
- Botswana: Okavango Delta flights, Chobe boat cruises
- Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls helicopter flights, Livingstone Island
- Malawi: Snorkeling, diving, Livingstonia hikes
- Tanzania: Zanzibar spice tours, dolphin trips
- Kenya: Nairobi Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum
Child Policy
This tour welcomes children aged 12 and above. All travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Book your Cape to Serengeti Safari Adventure today with Adventure In The Wild Safaris and experience Africa’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife up close!