You depart Cape Town heading north for the Cederberg mountain region, well known as one of the main Rooibos Tea growing areas in South Africa. These sandstone and shale mountains are also famous for their spectacular rock formations, and the area offers a variety of outdoor activities. On this first afternoon you spend some time getting to know your fellow travellers and learning about tour life.

You travel north through Namaqualand, towards the Gariep River. Namaqualand is big sky country and this vast semi-arid region comes alive in spring when millions of colourful wild flowers cover the countryside. The night is spent sitting around the campfire. The Gariep River forms the border of South Africa and Namibia and is used widely for agricultural irrigation in this arid area.

Choose between a relaxing morning on the riverbank or a half-day canoe adventure on the Orange River. Alternatively, spend your time swimming, watching birds and investigating the interesting geographical features that are unique to the Richtersveld area.

After lunch you travel north to the Fish River Canyon, the 2nd largest canyon in the world. The Fish River is the longest river in Namibia at 650 km in length, the Fish River Canyon is situated along the lower reaches of this seasonal river. The Fish River Canyon is 161 km in length and runs from Seeheim to Ai-Ais.

After marveling at the impressive natural beauty of the mighty Fish River Canyon, you continue on into the remote Namibian hinterland. You arrive at Sesriem Camp in the afternoon and have time to go for a walk in to the smaller Sesriem Canyon. Tonight is an excellent opportunity to sleep out under the stars, beside the fire, surrounded by the shifting dunes and desert silence.

Taking advantage of the cooler temperatures you depart at dawn and drive into the Namib-Naukluft National Park where you hike up Dune 45 to gain a different perspective of the desert. After this you have the option of going on a guided walk with a local expert or hiking into Sossusvlei with some of your travel companions, a beautiful region of huge ochre-coloured sand dunes.

A dramatic drive through the arid Namib-Naukluft, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, sees you arrive at Walvis Bay, where you make a stop to view the resident flamingo flock. Then it's on to the seaside resort town of Swakopmund. In the evening you have the option of enjoying a dinner at a local restaurant serving the catch of the day, or dining at the lodge (both at your own expense).

Today is totally open for you pursue your own interests. There are many exciting adventure activities to choose from in and around this resort town. You may prefer to do some shopping in Swakopmund or you can head for the beach to work on your tan.

It's time to leave all the trappings of modern life behind you and drive inland to the mysterious Spitzkoppe. The Spitzkoppe, a sacred site of the San people, consists of the core of an ancient volcano that had the outside layers eroded away. You have the chance to climb the boulders and rock formations and camp in the wild for the night. The stars in Namibia are so bright you may almost feel you can reach out and touch them.

After some early morning exploation you head north towards Kamanjab. Tomorrow you will meet the Himba people, semi-nomadic pastoralists who are easily recognisable by their unique style of dress. Their hair, clothes and jewellery all form an important part of their tradition and culture. Encountering a totally different way of life is a moving experience for many people.

An early rise sees you on your way to meet the local Himba people. After spending some time with them you head off to Etosha National Park, home to over 340 bird, 110 reptile and 100 mammal species including close to 3, 000 elephant and one of the biggest populations of black rhino in Africa.

You spend your days on game drives to the abundant waterholes which offer excellent opportunities for game photography. After your evening meal you can relax at one of the floodlit waterholes.

After an early morning game drive you set off for Rundu on the Kavango River. In the evening you can enjoy a sunset cruise on the Kavango River, the border separating Namibia and Angola. The next day you visit the local Ovambo villages and one of the schools in the area.

There is a number of different optional activities to take part in including horse riding. Alternatively, a relaxing day by the river is always a popular choice.

Today's journey takes you from Rundu, through the Muhembo border, towards Shakawe. If time allows you will go to Mahango National Park, situated right on the border, for a game drive.

If you decide to join the Delta Excursion you leave the truck behind and enter the Okavango using local transport, including mokoros (dugout canoes). Your guides will provide you with a briefing about the next few days' activities, the environment and the community run tourism operation. If you choose to remain behind, you will spend the next few days relaxing at camp.

The Okavango is the largest inland delta in the world. Its crystal clear waters and countless islands are home to an amazing variety of animals and the area is a birder's paradise. During your time in the delta you will go on a guided nature walk and mokoro (traditional dug out canoe) rides with the local people.

Leaving the Okavango Delta behind, you cross back into Namibia. You travel through the Caprivi National Park en route to your next 'home' alongside the Zambezi River. The Caprivi National Park is home to 450 animal species. Animals travel freely across the border with Botswana where the Chobe National Park lies. You spend the evening relaxing next to the mighty Zambezi, part of Africa's 4th largest river system, and the night camping under the stars.

You re-cross the border into Botswana and head towards Kasane, where you camp on the banks of the Chobe River. An enjoyable way to spend the afternoon is on an optional boat cruise in the renowned Chobe National Park. This is an excellent opportunity to view some of Africa's spectacular wildlife.

Arriving early at Victoria Falls you have enough time for lunch followed by a visit to the falls - one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. The popular optional sunset cruise on the Zambezi River includes dinner and drinks.

There is plenty to keep you occupied over the next 2 days. You can go white water rafting, a not-to-be-missed experience in this, the adrenaline capital of Africa. If that doesn't appeal, Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives including bungee jumping, elephant back safaris and tiger fishing - to name but a few.

Your new new guides and truck arrive on day 21 and the last evening here can be spent together as a group at a local restaurant, recounting your experiences and adventures thus far.

You leave for Zambia at 8am to collect those joining you there. You can spend the day enjoying the many exciting activities on offer in Livingstone or finalizing arrangements for the next stage of your trip.

You leave behind the excitement of Vic Falls and head along an interesting route towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka, a chaotic city with an African energy. You can spend you evening relaxing after your long drive and getting to know your new travelling companions.

You begin the next day with some shopping in Lusaka before heading northeast towards the Luangwa River where you spend the night. This is an interesting area full of friendly locals, and a walk along the river is a rewarding experience.

Early in the morning you drive from the Luangwa River to the South Luangwa National Park where you will spend 2 nights on the banks of the river. If you arrive in South Luangwa early enough then an optional excursion to the community textile factory is recommended.

The next day you can choose to explore the area on a morning or night game drive, or a game walk accompanied by a professional local guide. South Luangwa is home to many unique animals and the concentration of game around the river is among the most intense in Africa. Alternatively you can relax by the pool or spend some time with the local communities.

On occasion in the rainy season it is impossible or inadvisable to attempt to reach South Luangwa. If this happens then an alternative itinerary will be followed. Normally groups choose to spend the additional nights in Malawi or on Zanzibar.

You leave South Luangwa early and pass through the Zambia / Malawi border. Heading north you enter the highlands of Malawi and spend the night at Luwawa Forest, part of the largest man-made forest in Africa. There are some wonderful hikes in the area as well as other optional activities to enjoy.

You soon catch sight of Lake Malawi where you will spend the next couple of carefree days. The lake is nearly 600km long and well-known for its golden shores and stunning natural scenery.

If you feel energetic there are endless leisure and water sport activities to keep you busy. Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere and relax in one of the most scenic and memorable holiday destinations in Africa. Your evenings are spent beside the lake's tranquil waters enjoying the party atmosphere.

Lake Malawi used to be called Lake Nyasa and is the southernmost of the Great Rift Valley lakes. The lake is at an altitude of around 500 metres and has a tropical climate. You continue a short way further along the northern part of the lake, close to the Livingstonia Mountains.

Take a stroll through the nearby craft market and discover why Malawi is called the friendly heart of Africa. If you're feeling energetic and the weather is favourable you can hike to Livingstonia (7 to 8 hours) or the waterfall (5 hours).

Today you make the border crossing out of Malawi. Leaving the lake behind you, you gain an hour as you cross into the East African time zone. As you climb out of the Great Rift Valley you travel through some spectacular mountain passes and past vast tea plantations en route to your camp outside Iringa and your first night in Tanzania.

Your route takes you on a transit through Mikumi National Park to the historical port city of Dar es Salaam. You go down a pass and through an area called Baobab Valley, before reaching your destination.

A transfer by ferry takes you to Zanzibar. You will spend the next few days exploring this fascinating island with its renowned architecture, beautiful beaches and colourful history.

Note: The Zanzibar Excursion including the ferry, food and accommodation is at your own expense which can vary considerably depending on your preferred standard of accommodation and the activities you choose to participate in.

Zanzibar is an amazing island and there are many things that you can do here. It is a good idea to read a guide book before you go, as well as speak to your guide, so that you can get the most out of this excursion.

Zanzibar is not included as part of the organized tour as most people prefer to explore the island on their own, or with some of their new friends from the tour.

Today you leave magical Zanzibar, catch a late ferry (or flight) back to Dar es Salaam and return to your campsite. The evening can be spent reminiscing about your days on the Spice Island.

A long and scenic drive takes you to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. If there are clear skies en route you might see the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. After arriving in Arusha you prepare to explore the Serengeti National Park - one of the most abundant wildlife reserves in the world.

There are many options available for you to explore this incredible area, ranging from a one-day trip to the Ngorongoro crater, to a 3-day trip into the Serengeti. As this is for your own expense, you are able to match the activity to your budget.

If you decide not to go to the parks, you can take this opportunity to absorb some of the fascinating local culture. One of the guides will remain with those that decide to stay in Arusha.

You are reunited with your fellow travelling companions after your various game viewing activities. The last night in this beautiful country is spent swapping big game stories around the campfire.

After crossing the border into Kenya, with Kilimanjaro receding into the distance, you continue on towards Nairobi. Nairobi is a cosmopolitan African-European city with a population of between 3-4 million people. The number of churches, mosques, temples and gurdwaras within the city bear testimony to its multiculturalism.

Nairobi is not a prime tourist destination, but it does have several tourist attractions, the most well known being Nairobi National Park. There are also several museums including the National Museum of Kenya, which houses many artefacts including the full remains of a Homo erectus boy. Your evening can be spent dining at a unique open-air meat speciality restaurant.

You depart the colourful metropolis of Nairobi and travel north to Lake Naivasha where you spend the day at Hells Gate National Park, so named for the huge red-coloured cliffs that form the its entrance. Park entry fees are included in the tour.

This is the only National Park you can go hiking in, as well as game and bird watching or the popular option of game viewing on bicycles. You may prefer to take high-tea at Elsamere - the former home of Joy Adams, best known for her autobiographical novel Born Free.

Today you enter the 2 430 sq km Masai Mara to photograph some of Africa's most abundant wildlife. Best known for the annual migration of around 1.5 million wildebeest, the Masai Mara is also home to many other plains animals including lions. Exciting game viewing combined with cultural interaction with Kenya's native Masaai people round off your safari experience.

After some further game viewing in the Masai Mara you travel towards central Kenya and Lake Nakuru. Although the shallow soda lake is most famous for its large flocks of brilliant pink flamingos, the National Park is also home to a further 450 species of birds and over 50 species of mammals. White rhino inhabit the transitional savanna area surrounding the lake and if you are lucky you will get some great photographs.

Today you cross the border into Uganda, the 'Pearl of Africa', and also cross the equator. The night is spent in Uganda's bustling capital city, Kampala. Although it's a typical capital city with a compact, high-rise centre, Kampala retains a small town charm and is one of East Africa's most laid-back and friendly cities. The Nakasero fresh food market just off the city's main drag is one of the most colourful places in East Africa with piles of bananas, pineapples, tomatoes, mangoes and every fruit and vegetable you can think of.

You can either spend today exploring the city of Kampala, or take an optional day trip to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Ngamba Island. This non-profit, eco-friendly project was set up in 1998 to care for the orphaned chimpanzees that are the sad result of the illegal bush-meat trade. Ngamba Island is situated in Lake Victoria and is only accessible by boat.

Lake Bunyoni is a small but attractive lake with steep sides and abundant birdlife. Ringed by mountains, Lake Bunyoni is best known for its dense otter population and beautiful scenery. You relax and spend the night in this beautiful spot in anticipation of one of the highlights of your tour, tracking the mountain gorillas.

The Mountain Gorilla is extremely endangered with only around 650 remaining. Visiting the gorillas is a great way to support their future as the money spent on permits is used for their protection, an extremely important part of which is local community development work - changing people's attitudes so they start to protect rather than poach.

Whenever possible you will make use of the National Parks in Uganda, but should permits not be available for either Bwindi or Mgahinga then you will travel to Rwanda or DRC. Visas for all nationalities are available on the DRC and Rwandan borders.

Your trek through the forest is sure to be an unforgettable experience. At times the gorilla tracking can be demanding and the day long as you search for the elusive primates. This is quite possibly one of the most thrilling and evocative experiences that Africa has to offer, and certainly one that will remain an enduring memory from your travels.

Today you travel to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as the Ruwenzori National Park for many years until it returned to its colonial name. The Rwenzori Mountains, or 'Mountains of the Moon', rise majestically above Lakes Edward and George.

This 1 995 sq km park consists mainly of wetlands, and contains over 600 species of birds and nearly 100 mammals including the (elsewhere elusive) giant forest hog, and the legendary tree-climbing lions. Game is best viewed from the water and so a sunset river cruise on the Kasinga channel is recommended.

You spend the morning in the park and then in the afternoon return to Kampala. In the evening you have the opportunity to dine out at one of the city's many restaurants. Tomorrow you leave early for Jinja - home to some of the best white water rafting in the world. Should you wish to partake in this exciting activity, you need to pre book today in Kampala.

Jinja is Uganda's 2nd largest city and the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world. If you do not want to go rafting, there are many other exctiting activities on offer. You can also choose to volunteer for the day at Soft Power Education - a UK registered charity that is doing a wonderful job in the education of Jinja's youth.

The tour returns to Kenya today and travels to the town of Eldoret. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region with the altitude at Eldoret being 2,100 metres above sea level.

Today you make your way back to Nairobi for the end of your adventure. You may want to finish off your tour with a final dinner with your travelling companions in one of the excellent local restaurants. Once again 'Carnivore' is always a popular choice, where vegetarians are catered for, but not encouraged.