Great African Expedition - 58 days
Great African Expedition - 58 days
Great African Expedition - 58 days
58 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting: Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret, Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Jinja, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Mikumi National Park, Mikumi, Lake Malawi, Chipata, Lusaka, Livingstone, Kasane, Chobe National Park, Maun, Okavango Delta, Gobabis, Windhoek, Etosha National Park, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, Namib Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, Orange River, Cederberg, Cape Town
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2733/GRAE
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-75
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Great African Expedition, a 58-day adventure through the heart of Africa, exploring eight diverse countries. From the wildlife-rich plains of Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti to the serene waters of Lake Malawi, this journey offers a unique blend of thrilling safaris and cultural encounters. Trek to see chimpanzees and gorillas in Uganda, cruise the Chobe River in Botswana, and marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls in Zambia. Relax on Zanzibar's pristine beaches and explore Namibia's dramatic landscapes, including the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and the vast expanse of Etosha National Park. Conclude your epic journey in South Africa's vibrant Cape Town, having experienced the continent's breathtaking beauty and rich heritage. This small group tour promises unforgettable memories, with comfortable camping and accommodations along the way.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Location: Lake Nakuru National Park
Accommodation Name: Lake Nakuru National Park
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Lake Nakuru National Park. We leave Nairobi this morning and descend into the Great Rift Valley, home to some of Africa's most dramatic scenery. We stop at a lookout point to enjoy the view before arriving in Lake Nakuru National Park. Although small by African standards, this Kenyan reserve is home to all manner of wildlife, including lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard, not to mention the great flocks of flamingos which gather at the famous soda lake itself. We enjoy an included game drive in specialized safari vehicles in order to spot some of this wildlife for ourselves.
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Day 2: Lake Nakuru
Location: Eldoret
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Nakuru National Park - Eldoret. Departing Nakuru this morning we journey to Eldoret, Kenya's fifth largest town and a region increasingly important to the country's economy. On our journey today we will cross the Equator, travelling from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. We will stop to enjoy some time and photo opportunities at the Equator itself. Arriving at our campsite on the outskirts of Eldoret, there is time for you to admire the nearby Sirikwa holes, primitive dwellings believed to have belonged to an ancient tribe.
Day 3: Eldoret
Location: Kampala
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Eldoret - Kampala (Uganda). Wave goodbye to Kenya for now as we cross into Uganda, a country once described by Sir Winston Churchill as the 'Pearl of Africa'. On our drive to Kampala you will see lush rolling hills, tribal villages and growing towns and cities. Our campsite tonight is in the country's capital, Kampala.
Day 4: Kampala
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kampala - Queen Elizabeth National Park. Departing Kampala, we cross the Equator again and pass through fertile green hills, tangled forests and rugged mountain ranges to the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Originally Named Kazinga National Park on its inception in 1952, the reserve was renamed in 1954 after a visit by the newly crowned British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Our first evening here is free for you to take a walk in the lush surroundings, who knows what wildlife you may spot! The reserve is home to elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, chimpanzee and much more. Encouragingly, reports from the Uganda Wildlife Authority suggest that wildlife populations in the reserve are increasing, thanks to effective protection. This is largely down to your tourism money!
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we are heading into Queen Elizabeth National Park, admiring the mountain views and stopping whenever we see something of interest. As well as the charismatic larger animals, the reserve is home to more than 500 bird species. Reaching Kyambura Gorge we head out on foot in search of chimpanzees. The rangers will have a good idea of where they are and the trek can vary in length from less than an hour to several. Chimps tend to stay in the treetops so you may have to crane your neck for a view of our closest relatives.
Please note: Chimpanzee Trek permits are issued by the wildlife authority in groups of up to 8 people per group. Depending on our group size, we may trek on the afternoon of day 4, morning or afternoon of day 5, or morning of day 6.
Day 6-8: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Name: Lake Bunyonyi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Lake Bunyonyi. On day 6 we drive to Lake Bunyonyi, dotted with scenic islands and surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills. Over the next three days everyone in the group will enjoy their mountain gorilla trek, but we will split into smaller groups in order to avoid disturbing the gorillas. On the days when you are not trekking, you are free to take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi's islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village or hire canoes to paddle on the lake.
On the day of your trek, we will hike for anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 or 7 hours into Bwindi National Park (or occasionally Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this will be made clear to you in advance), depending on the location of the gorillas. A decent level of fitness is required as we trek through the steamy jungle. Your guide will know the location of the nearest gorilla family.
Once we have located the gorillas, you will spend around an hour watching from a safe distance. Keep quiet, keep low to the ground and follow all the instructions of your guide - this is for your safety and for the welfare of the mountain gorillas. You are welcome to take photos, as long as there is no flash.
One of the world's most endangered creatures, mountain gorillas are heavily protected, with around 1,000 animals now living in the rainforests of central Africa. Numbers have increased remarkably due to effective protection in recent years - keep your eyes peeled for the giant silverback alpha male, and some of the adorable youngsters that represent the future of their species.
When it is time to leave the gorillas, we trek back to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can reflect on what is sure to be the highlight of your African adventure. The rest of your time here is at leisure, whilst the rest of our group completes their trek.
Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi
Location: Kampala
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Bunyonyi - Kampala. Leaving the mountain gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi behind, we return to Kampala, skirting around the northern edge of Lake Victoria. There is time this evening for you to head into the city and explore, meet the locals or try some of the local cuisine if you wish.
Day 10: Kampala
Location: Jinja
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kampala - Jinja. It's a short drive today as we make our way to Jinja, a city in southern Uganda on the banks of Lake Victoria, source of the River Nile. From here, the river flows for 5,584km, through 11 countries. It enters the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, having provided life to millions and millions of people and animals on its journey!
Our campsite is beside the Nile, and there are numerous optional activities you can enjoy. Quad biking, white water rafting, Nile cruises, fishing trips and mountain biking are some of the options. You also have the opportunity to visit a local school initiative. Lend a hand with some painting, plastering or other labour to help improve the local schools around Jinja.
Day 11-12: Jinja
Location: Jinja
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The next two days are completely free for you to unwind by the Nile. Enjoy some of the optional activities available, go for a long walk beside the river or simply relax at the campsite with a good book - the choice is yours!
Day 13: Jinja
Location: Eldoret
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jinja - Eldoret (Kenya). Say goodbye to Jinja as we cross the border back into Kenya and return to Eldoret, where we will camp for the evening.
Day 14: Eldoret
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Eldoret - Nairobi. We complete our drive south through Kenya, arriving back in Nairobi in the late afternoon. Please note that some group members may be finishing their tour in Nairobi today.
Day 15: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today offers you the freedom to explore both the city and its surrounding areas. Alternatively, the following optional excursions are available to book locally. Enjoy close encounters at the the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre, or discover the Karen Blixen Museum in the nearby town of Karen. Alternatively, you can opt for a day of relaxation and pure leisure, making the most of some well-deserved 'downtime'.
Day 16: Nairobi
Location: Masai Mara
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Masai Mara. We depart the Kenyan capital this morning and travel overland across the dramatic Great Rift Valley. Arriving at our camp on the edge of the Masai Mara Reserve, we will have time for an afternoon game drive in search of wildlife. In the Masai Mara we will use specialized safari vehicles instead of our overland truck, for a better game-viewing experience.
Day 17: Masai Mara
Location: Masai Mara
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we continue exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. Forming part of the Serengeti ecosystem and adjacent to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, the Masai Mara is perhaps Africa's most iconic wild place. Home to the Great Migration, it is possible to see millions of wildebeest, antelope, and zebra crossing the plains throughout the year, tracked all the way by the lions, leopards, and cheetahs which feed on them. Crocodiles wait for an easy meal as the herds cross the Mara River, and scavengers such as hyenas clear up the remains of any kills. With plenty of included game drives, you'll have a great chance at spotting many of these species, as well as elephants, buffalo, giraffe and more.
Day 18: Masai Mara
Location: Masai Mara
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Masai Mara - Nairobi. Departing the Mara we return to Nairobi for our last night in Kenya. We recommend heading into the city to enjoy a meal at the famed Carnivore restaurant!
Day 19: Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). Say goodbye to Kenya as we board our overland truck and cross into neighbouring Tanzania. Our destination is the country's safari capital of Arusha, located near the Serengeti and in the shadow of Mount Meru. We'll browse the local markets before arriving at our camp for the night. There may also be time to visit a Maasai village.
Day 20: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Serengeti National Park. Once again, we transfer to smaller, specialized safari vehicles for our excursion into the Serengeti National Park. Much larger than the Masai Mara, the Serengeti National Park is home to all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and is sure to yield incredible wildlife experiences. Driving around the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater (we'll be back here later in the tour!), we game drive to our unfenced bush campsite, for a night spent camping and listening to the sounds of the African wild.
Day 21-22: Ngorongoro Crater
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Ngorongoro Crater
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Day 21 sees us game-driving back out of the Serengeti and into the nearby Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This UNESCO-listed site is dominated by the Ngorongoro Crater, Africa's largest caldera. It is also home to some of the highest densities of wildlife on the entire continent. Descending to the crater floor, we'll enjoy incredible views of the surrounding walls, as well as searching for wildlife. We spend the night camping on the rim of the crater.
On day 22 we enjoy a final game drive in the crater, returning to the camp for lunch. It's then time to pack up as we return to Arusha.
Day 23: Bagamoyo
Location: Bagamoyo
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Bagamoyo. It's time for some downtime! We head first to the port city of Bagamoyo, which is located on the Indian Ocean coast. It's a long drive, but we will be afforded views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro if the weather is clear. Our campsite for the night is near the beach, and you are more than welcome to head out to explore.
Day 24: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. We continue our journey down the Tanzanian coast to Dar es Salaam, the country's most important port. It's a relatively short drive of just 2 - 3 hours, and there should be time for you to head into the city independently. There is a wealth of Arab architecture to admire, as well as a selection of vibrant markets, great beaches, and bars. Tonight we are camping on the beach before our trip to Zanzibar tomorrow.
Day 25-27: Zanzibar
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: Zanzibar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 25 we board the ferry to Zanzibar, a tropical, semi-autonomous island off the coast of the Tanzanian mainland. Our overland truck will remain in Dar es Salaam.
Our time in Zanzibar is not structured, and there is plenty of time for you to unwind on the beach with a good book or embark on optional excursions such as a spice tour, snorkelling, scuba diving or enjoying a relaxing massage. See the Trip Notes for details.
As a general rule, we will spend one day in the old part of Zanzibar City, known as Stone Town. Then we will head to the northern beaches for two further days of sun, sea and sand. In Zanzibar we will stay in standard hotels, instead of camping.
Day 28: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. There's time for a final swim this morning before we check out after breakfast and catch the ferry back to the mainland. We're camping by the coast again tonight, and you'll be able to head back into Dar if you choose.
Day 29: Mikumi
Location: Mikumi National Park
Accommodation Name: Mikumi National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dar es Salaam - Mikumi National Park. Climb aboard our overland truck once more as we make our way back inland, heading for the Malawian border. Today we are driving through Mikumi National Park, and will stop if we see any exotic wildlife, such as a forest elephant, or herd of giraffes. Our campsite tonight is on the edge of the reserve, and you can opt for an extra game drive if you haven't had your safari fill yet! We'll also enjoy drinks at the local bar before an evening around the campfire.
Day 30: Mikumi
Location: Mikumi
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mikumi National Park - Iringa. Today's drive takes us through the spectacular Southern Highlands of Tanzania. We'll be staying at a local family-run farm around 50km from Iringa. The farm has been managed by the Ghaui family for more than 70 years and produces organic crops and meat for the local community and Dar es Salaam. It's a well-known camping spot on the way to Malawi.
Day 31-32: Lake Malawi
Location: Lake Malawi
Accommodation Name: Chitimba Beach - Lake Malawi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iringa - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). Departing Tanzania, we cross into our third country, Malawi. Dominated by Lake Malawi, this body of water covers around 20% of the country and is crucial for the livelihoods of the Malawian people. It is here that we are heading. We spend the first two nights at Chitimba Beach, with free time to visit the local markets, play beach games or simply watch the local fishermen paddle their traditional Bwato canoes on the lake.
There is an optional 11km hike on day 32 to visit Manchewe Falls. You'll enjoy amazing views of this waterfall and a relaxing dip in a natural bath.
Day 33-34: Lake Malawi
Location: Lake Malawi
Accommodation Name: Kande Beach - Lake Malawi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi - Mzuzu - Kande Beach, Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi is too much of a highlight for us to only visit one location along its never-ending shore! Our next destination is Kande Beach, which we reach by driving around 240km through rubber plantations, stopping to reload our supplies in the town of Mzuzu.
The rest of today and all of day 34 are at leisure. Optional activities include horse riding, a visit to a Malawian village, and freshwater scuba diving. Lake Malawi is home to several fish species found nowhere else in the world!
Day 35: Chipata
Location: Chipata
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kande Beach, Lake Malawi - Chipata (Zambia). Today sees us heading toward the Zambian border. After the customs formalities, we head to our campsite in the border town of Chipata, the main landmark of which is a colourful welcome arch. There is also a large Indian community in Chipata, and a number of architecturally impressive mosques.
Day 36: Lusaka
Location: Lusaka
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chipata - Lusaka. It's an early start today as we have a long drive to the Zambian capital, Lusaka. The scenery en route is stunning though: we'll take the Great Eastern Road, passing through lush countryside and crossing the rushing Luangwa River. Our campsite is at a tranquil farm outside Lusaka, which is Southern Africa's fastest-growing city.
Day 37-40: Livingstone
Location: Livingstone
Accommodation Name: Livingstone
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Lusaka - Livingstone. On day 37 we drive south to Livingstone. Named after famed explorer David Livingstone, this is the Zambian base for exploring Victoria Falls, one of the African continent's finest natural wonders. There is an included visit to the falls, which are also known as Mosi oa Tunya - the ‘Smoke that Thunders’.
The next three days are kept completely free for you to do as little or as much as you like. Livingstone is an adrenalin junkie's paradise, with all manner of optional activities available. You could go bungee jumping, canoeing or rafting on the Zambezi River, take a scenic flight over the falls, or enjoy a fishing trip. Or you can sit by the pool and relax! See the Trip Notes for more details.
Please note: Some travellers may be finishing their tour in Livingstone, and others may be joining for the Southern African section of our journey.
Day 41: Kasane
Location: Kasane
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Livingstone - Chobe National Park (Botswana). Say goodbye to Zambia as we cross into Botswana today and make the short journey to Kasane, gateway to Chobe National Park. Botswana's premier game reserve is home to all of the Big Five as well as abundant bird life, including the rare African Fish Eagle. This afternoon we enjoy a cruise on the Chobe River, hoping to see elephants, hippos, and crocodiles on the river banks.
Day 42: Chobe National Park
Location: Chobe National Park
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chobe National Park - Nata. This morning we enjoy an open vehicle game drive in Chobe National Park, where we hope to spot not only elephants that are so prolific in the park, but also lion and different antelope species.
Bidding farewell to Chobe, we travel south into the Nata region of Botswana. We're likely to spot species such as buffalo as we drive through this sparsely populated region. Our campsite tonight is unfenced, meaning local wildlife is free to wander through camp - our groups often enjoy some of their best wildlife experiences here.
Day 43: Maun
Location: Maun
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nata - Maun. Today sees us travelling to Maun, our base for exploring the famed Okavango Delta. If time allows, there is the opportunity for you to take a scenic flight over the delta - if we haven't got time today then this opportunity will be offered on day 45 instead.
Day 44-45: Okavango Delta
Location: Okavango Delta
Accommodation Name: Okavango Delta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Maun - Okavango Delta - Maun. On day 44 we enjoy our overnight excursion in specialized safari vehicles into the Okavango Delta. The delta is a natural wetland spread out over more than 1.6 million hectares, home to an incredible diversity of life. Reaching the mokoro polers station, we transfer to these traditional canoes and paddle along the waterways of the delta to our campsite, which is located in the delta itself.
Day 45 sees us enjoying another mokoro ride back out of the delta before returning to Maun, where there is time for the optional scenic flight if we didn't have time for this on day 43.
Day 46: Gobabis
Location: Gobabis
Accommodation Name: Gobabis region
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Maun - Gobabis (Namibia). Boarding our overland truck, we travel to the Namibian border via Ghanzi, skirting the edge of the barren Kalahari Desert. Having crossed the border, we reach our campsite, and there is an included bush walk with the local San Bushmen, during which we can learn about the way of life for this ancient tribe and discover how they work with, rather than against nature - something we can all learn from! Please note this activity may take place on day 47 instead, depending on our arrival time.
Day 47: Windhoek
Location: Windhoek
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gobabis - Windhoek. Today we arrive in Namibia's charming capital. Windhoek is a tiny capital by global standards, with a population of just 470,000 people. It has lots of German architecture, a reminder of Namibia's early colonial past. Our camp is located on the edge of the city, and it is easy to head in to grab a bite to eat and have a wander around if you wish. We recommend a drink at Joe's Beerhouse, perhaps the most famous restaurant in Namibia. Please note that some group members may be starting their tour in Windhoek.
Day 48-49: Etosha National Park
Location: Etosha National Park
Accommodation Name: Etosha National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Windhoek - Etosha National Park. The next two days will be spent exploring Namibia's iconic Etosha National Park. This 20,000 square kilometre reserve is dominated by a salt pan, which floods seasonally but is also home to a select few watering holes all year round. Wildlife is easy to spot as the animals tend to gather around these scarce water sources.
We spend two nights in the park, and our itinerary is flexible depending on the conditions and the location of wildlife. We'll generally enjoy a short game drive on day 48 before spending our first night at a camp with a floodlit watering hole. Here you may be lucky enough to spot elephants, giraffe, hyenas and even lions.
Day 49 is spent on a full day's game drive across the park, stopping whenever we see anything of interest. We will either return to our first campsite, or perhaps a different one, depending on your tour leader's decision.
Day 50: Spitzkoppe
Location: Spitzkoppe
Accommodation Name: Spitzkoppe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Etosha National Park - Spitzkoppe. Leaving Etosha, we head into the Damaraland region and our destination - Spitzkoppe. At this mountain peak, you can see incredibly well-preserved bushmen paintings and spectacular rock formations reaching 1800 metres above sea level. As the sun moves across the sky, the rocks change colour, a sight that is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. We'll be staying at a campsite at the base of the mountain, so you can enjoy this sunset with a refreshing drink.
Day 51-52: Swakopmund
Location: Swakopmund
Accommodation Name: Swakopmund
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spitzkoppe - Swakopmund. On day 51 we drive to Swakopmund, a German colonial town located on Namibia's famous Skeleton Coast. We'll be staying in simple dormitory accommodation in Swakopmund, rather than camping.
The rest of day 51 and the following day are free for you to explore Swakopmund as you see fit. Wander around the town and indulge in the relaxed cafe culture and German colonial architecture. There are also lots of optional activities available including quad-biking, sand boarding, skydiving, and dolphin-watching cruises. See the Trip Notes for further details.
Day 53: Namib Naukluft National Park
Location: Namib Naukluft National Park
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swakopmund - Namib-Naukluft National Park. Heading south, we journey through Namib-Naukluft National Park, which protects large swathes of the Namib Desert. We'll stop for a photo at the Tropic of Capricorn before arriving at our desert campsite in the Khomas region.
Day 54: Sossusvlei
Location: Sossusvlei
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we head back into Namib-Naukluft National Park, arriving at the desert's most famous landmark - Dune 45. This towering sand dune is more than 300 metres high - you are welcome to try to climb the dune if you are up to it!
Journeying deeper into the park, we arrive at Deadvlei, a white clay pan surrounded by the rolling golden dunes and home to eerie petrified trees. You'll want to remember your camera as the area changes colour with the movement of the sun across the sky. En route to our camp for the night, we also make a stop at Sesriem Canyon.
Day 55: Fish River Canyon
Location: Fish River Canyon
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Namib-Naukluft National Park - Fish River Canyon. If you thought Sesriem Canyon was impressive, you're in for a treat today! It's a long drive south through desert scenery to reach Fish River Canyon, second only in size to the Grand Canyon in the USA. More than 500 metres deep and scarring the land for 160km, it's a jaw-dropping sight to behold. We'll stop at a couple of viewpoints and visit the canyon's famously sharp bend, known as 'Hell's Corner'.
Day 56: Orange River
Location: Orange River
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fish River Canyon - Orange River. Travelling south we reach the Orange River, also known as the Gariep. For much of its length, the Orange River marks the border between Namibia and South Africa. Our campsite is located on the Namibian side, and there is an optional canoe safari for those who want to see some of the surrounding scenery.
Day 57: Cederberg
Location: Cederberg
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Orange River - Cederberg (South Africa). Crossing the border this morning we enter the seventh and final country of our adventure: South Africa. Driving south through the Namaqualand region, we will be treated to the sight of beautiful wildflowers if travelling in spring (August - September). Arriving at our riverside campsite, there is optional wine tasting for those who wish to try some of the Cederberg region's fine wines.
Day 58: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cederberg - Cape Town. Today we complete our six-week journey to Cape Town, South Africa's 'Mother City', where our tour comes to an end.
Home to Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and some of the world's most spectacular scenery, we strongly recommend booking post-tour accommodation to further explore this iconic city. We can arrange this accommodation for you.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Camping -
57 breakfasts, 46 lunches & 45 dinners
Enjoy a variety of meals throughout the tour, including 57 breakfasts, 46 lunches, and 45 dinners.
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49 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 3 nights simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar, 3 nights permanent tented camp in the Masai Mara & Okavango Delta, 2 nights in dorm accommodation in Swakopmund
Experience diverse accommodations including camping, twin share rooms, and dorms.
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Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew
Travel with a professional crew to guide and assist you throughout the journey.
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Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment
Travel in a comfortable overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear.
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Lake Nakuru National Park game drive in specialized safari vehicles
Enjoy a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park using specialized safari vehicles.
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Queen Elizabeth National Park chimpanzee trekking with expert guides
Trek to see chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park with expert guides.
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Bwindi National Park gorilla trekking with expert guides
Experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park with knowledgeable guides.
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Masai Mara excursion in a purpose-built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide
Explore the Masai Mara with game drives in a specialized safari vehicle.
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Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion in a purpose-built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide
Discover the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with guided game drives.
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Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide
Participate in a guided walk through a Maasai village.
What's Not Included
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Non refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit: USD $935pp
The cost of the Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit is not included and is non-refundable.
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is at your discretion.
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Airport transfers - can be booked on request
Airport transfers are not included but can be arranged upon request.
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Sleeping bag - please bring your own
A sleeping bag is not provided; please bring your own.
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Optional activities
Optional activities are available at additional cost.
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Local payment - US$1415pp, paid on arrival in USD
A local payment of US$1415 per person is required upon arrival.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations on this tour, from culturally designed campsites like Naiberi River Campsite and Resort, to the serene Red Chilli Hideaway, and the picturesque Bunyonyi Overland Resort. Enjoy permanent tents at Enchoro Wildlife Camp and the rustic charm of Elephant Camp, with shared facilities and stunning natural surroundings.
Age Policy
18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, ensuring a comfortable journey across Africa. Enjoy specialized safari vehicles for game drives in national parks, and experience the unique mokoro canoes in the Okavango Delta. A ferry ride to Zanzibar adds a touch of adventure to your transport experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) in places like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. You may also see chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park, gorillas in Bwindi National Park, and a plethora of bird species. In Chobe National Park, you might spot elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, while the Okavango Delta is home to diverse wildlife including elephants and other iconic African animals.
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What activities are available on Lake Malawi?
At Lake Malawi, you can engage in various activities such as visiting local markets, playing beach games, or watching local fishermen. There is also an optional hike to Manchewe Falls, where you can enjoy the views and take a dip in a natural bath. Additionally, you can go horse riding, visit a Malawian village, or try freshwater scuba diving.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Accommodation during the tour includes 49 nights of camping in 2-person dome tents, 3 nights in simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar, 3 nights in permanent tented camps in the Masai Mara and Okavango Delta, and 2 nights in dorm accommodation in Swakopmund. Campsites often have shared facilities, and some offer additional amenities like pools, bars, and restaurants.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes cultural experiences such as a Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide and a bush walk with the San Bushmen in Namibia, where you can learn about their traditional way of life and how they interact with nature.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation during the tour is primarily in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment. For game drives and excursions in national parks like the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, specialized safari vehicles are used to enhance the wildlife viewing experience.
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What is the level of physical activity required for the gorilla trek?
The gorilla trek requires a decent level of fitness as it involves hiking through steamy jungle terrain. The trek can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 or 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Participants should be prepared for a physically demanding experience.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.