Adventure Overland Safaris in Africa - Nairobi to Cape Town - 56 Days

- Multi-Country

• Other Cities in - Multi-Country: 
Locations in Africa

  Kenya

• Nairobi: 
Nairobi

Dates: 31 Jan; 14 Feb; 28 Feb; 14 Mar; 28 Mar; 11 Apr; 25 Apr; 09 May; 23 May; 06 Jun; 20 Jun; 04 Jul; 18 Jul; 01 Aug; 15 Aug; 29 Aug; 12 Sep; 26 Sep; 10 Oct; 24 Oct; 07 Nov; 21 Nov; 05 Dec; 19 Dec; 02 Jan; 16 Jan; 30 Jan

Description: What can you say about trips that give you all of this - All encompassing of what East and Southern Africa has to throw at you, the gorillas, the varying specie of game which comes from all the game parks you will travel through, the challenges you will experience. Soaking up the rays on idyllic beaches on Zanzibar or on the shores of lake Malawi. Interacting with people, tasting and feeling the flavor of Africa. This trip will let you taste the staple diets of our brothers in the northern countries, but also sample the pleasures of the world's finest wines grown in the Cape region of Southern Africa. From one world to another. Gorillas, game parks an island paradise, the base beauty of Africa, the sunsets over the African sky, the sheer terror of 111 meter free fall at Victoria Falls, skydiving in Namibia, mokoro trips through the Okavango Delta, climbing the highest sand dunes in the world. Challenging, fascinating, exciting, fun, all this and more!

* We offer discounts to ISIC card holders. Contact us for details.

Highlights: DAY 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara (L / D)
Leaving the hustle and bustle of Nairobi we climb the escarpment to our first stop, a viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Great Rift Valley. Descending into the Rift Valley, we enter Masai land where these habitual pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle from the side of the road. We pass through the town of Narok, before arriving at our campsite, Acacia Camp. Acacia Camp looks on to the Meguarra hills and the stream that meanders by on the bottom end forms a natural border to the Masai Mara National Reserve.

DAY 2: Masai Mara (B / L / D)
We spend the day driving through nature as it was intended to be - huge plains, rolling hills and an abundance of game matched no where else on earth.n Sitting around the camp fire, watching the sun set is the perfect way to finish a days game viewing in this Garden of Eden.

DAY 3: Masai Mara to Kisumu (B / L / D)
Leaving the Masai Mara early in the morning, we pass through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before descending the Rift Valley Plateau, on our way to Kisumu - Kenya's harbour town on the banks of Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria. We replenish our supplies and overnight here.

DAY 4: Kisumu to Kampala (Uganda) (B / L / D)
Today, we cross the border into Uganda where we overnight it the capital city, Kampala.

DAYS 5 - 8: Kampala to Lake Bunyoni (B / L / D)
After an early morning departure from Kampala we drive west into the depths of Uganda to our base at the tranquil Lake Bunyoni.

Lake Bunyoni, the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and home to a large and varied number of beautiful birds, is the base from which the optional Gorilla trek takes place.

DAY 9: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala (B / L / D)
After marvelling at the experience of our gorilla encounters and enjoying the peaceful Lake Bunyoni, we begin our drive back to Kampala.

DAY 10: Kampala to Jinja (B / L / D)
Today we have the option of adventure activities including white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or volunteering at a community project.

DAY 11: Jinja to Nakuru (Kenya) (B / L / D)
Today we head back to Kenya, stopping for lunch and supplies en route.

DAY 12: Nakuru & Lake Nakuru National Park (B / L / D)
This morning we head in to Nakuru Town to stock up on supplies before beginning our exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park

DAY 13: Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha (B / L / D)
Moving further east, we head to Lake Naivasha, home to a multitude of bird life, the most magnificent being the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry.

DAY 14: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi (B)
After breakfast, we head back to Nairobi. On arrival, we head to the Hotel Boulevard, where we deliver the passengers who'll be ending their trip here, before heading to our campsite for the night.

DAY 15: Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania) (L / D)
This morning we travel south crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga. Tonight we stay in a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha.

DAY 16 - 18: Arusha to Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)
Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. We conduct these excursions in locally operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for safari use.

For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next 2 days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is close by to explore.

The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa - including the elusive Black Rhino.

After our game drive in the Crater, we head to the Serengeti National Park. Tonight we camp in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

After our morning drive, we head back across the plains and the lush Crater rim to our truck at Arusha, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.

DAY 19: Arusha to Pangani (B / L / D)
After a morning spent exploring Arusha and its vibrant craft markets, we head south towards Dar es Salaam. We pass through vast sisal plantations surrounded by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching our lovely campsite nestled between these mountains, midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

DAY 20: Pangani to Dar es Salaam (B / L / D)
Today we continue on to Dar es Salaam. Travelling through lush scenery and palm trees, we near the warm Indian Ocean. On arrival in Dar es Salaam we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.

DAY 21: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (B)
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island, where we have the option to spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. New passengers may join us to replace those that'll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.

* For those not opting to visit the island of Zanzibar, the next 3 days are spent at leisure at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam.

DAYS 22 & 23: Zanzibar
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade.

DAY 24: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam (D)
Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland and another night in Dar es Salaam.

DAY 25: Dar es Salaam to Iringa (B / L / D)
This morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south. We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. We travel towards Iringa where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!

DAYS 26 to 30: Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (B / L / D)
Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Malawi entering the "Warm Heart of Africa" through the border post at Songwe. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi.   The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi's shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horse back rides and a visit to the local village and school.

DAY 31: Lake Malawi to Chipata (Zambia) (B / L / D)
From Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia where we spend the night in a beautiful little campsite just 10 km after the Malawi/Zambia border.

DAY 32: Chipata to Lusaka (B / L / D)
From Chipata, we head south to Lusaka to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia's capital city, Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife including Africa's largest antelope - Eland.

DAY 33: Lusaka to Livingstone (B / L / D)
An early morning start sees us head south to Livingstone. Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it's not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! Tonight we have the OPTION of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.

DAY 34: Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (B)
We leave Zambia and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering into Zimbabwe at the town of Victoria Falls. Here in Africa's adventure capital, we set up camp in the town's centrally located campsite. The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe - a fantastic photo opportunity. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite's swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAYS 35 & 36: Victoria Falls (B on both days)
The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Vic Falls, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the next leg of our trek.

OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and various adrenaline activities.

DAY 37: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (B / L / D)
After breakfast we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.   The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia. This National Park is one of Botswana's premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds.

For the adventurous spirits, there is the option for the Chobe National Park Sleep-out - an overnight experience in the Chobe National park.

DAY 38: Chobe National Park (B / L / D)
For those not on the Sleep-out, today offers the option of an early morning game drive in the Chobe National Park.   

DAY 39: Chobe National Park to Maun (B / L / D)
Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun. It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta.

DAY 40: Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)
The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world. Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals and is unique to Southern Africa.

Here we have the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Drive In/Mokoro Excursion into the Delta. From Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler's station. Mokoros are traditional dug out canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who pole them through the reeds. After our guides find us a place to camp, we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience The Delta wilderness.

For those who'd prefer not to explore The Delta, you can stay at the lovely campsite relaxing by the swimming pool or challenging each other to a game of volleyball. There is also a crocodile farm nearby that has its feeding times open to campsite visitors.

DAY 41: Okavango Delta (B / L / D)
A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today we have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming (dependant on area & water levels), game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling our own mokoro!

DAY 42: Okavango Delta to Maun (B / L / D)
This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun. We arrive back in the early afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over The Delta.

DAY 43: Maun to Rundu (Namibia) (B / L / D)
Following the Kavango River, we enter Northern Namibia. We stop at Rundu for supplies before heading to our spectacular campsite located on the banks of the Kavango River - complete with open air facilities and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn!

DAY 44: Rundu to Etosha National Park (B / L / D)
From Rundu, we head towards Etosha National Park. Covering 20 000 km2, Etosha is Namibia's premier nature reserve. Situated around the Etosha Pan with a wide variety of animal and bird life, the extensive network of gravel roads affords us the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park.

DAY 45: Etosha National Park (B / L / D)
Today we make our way 150 km across the park, keeping a look out for Etosha's large herds of desert antelope such as Springbok and the famed Oryx. After a full day of game viewing, we spend the evening relaxing at our camp.

DAY 46: Etosha National Park to Cheetah Park (B / L / D)
Today's drive is to the Cheetah Park - a private farm dedicated to conserving Namibia's cheetah population. We get to meet the resident cheetahs, a photo opportunity not to be missed!

DAY 47: Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe (B / L / D)
Our departure from the Cheetah Park takes us to the "Matterhorn of Namibia" - Spitzkoppe. The 1728 m high rock formation, one of Namibia's most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site. Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings. Tonight we bush camp under the African stars.

DAY 48: Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund (B / L)
Today we head for Swakopmund. Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit.

DAYS 49 & 50: Swakopmund (B on both days)
The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Swakop, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the final leg of our trek.

DAY 51: Swakopmund to Sesriem (B / L / D)
Leaving Swakopmund, we enter the Namib-Naukluft Park in one of the oldest deserts in the world. We base ourselves at Sesriem, a great place to experience the Namib and its many moods.

DAY 52: Sesriem to Fish River Canyon (B / L / D)
After watching the sunrise across this beautiful area we leave the serenity of the dunes and head south to the Fish River Canyon.

DAY 53: Fish River Canyon to Orange River (South Africa) (B / L / D)
This morning we continue south, where, after a short drive, we reach the Orange River - the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa.

DAY 54: Orange River to Cederberg (B / L / D)
An early morning start see us travel south through the Richtersveld before reaching the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring.

DAY 55: Cederberg to Cape Town (B / L)
We leave the scenic Cederberg area and travel south towards Cape Town.

DAY 56: Cape Town (B)
After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

Cost in US$: 2,510 + local payment of USD 1,130

- Fully equipped expedition truck/vehicle
- all cooking and camping equipment (except sleeping bag and mat)
- three meals a day as per itinerary
- all game park fees and excursions unless otherwise stated

Three crew members (Driver, Trip Leader and Safari Cook) are on trips operated by Africa Travel Co. Please ask us for optional excursions list so you can budget prior to your trip.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 28 max

Africa Travel Co's Mission Statement: Africa Travel Co. is one of the best established overland companies in Africa and is completely African based. We operate a fleet of specially built safari vehicles, in ten eastern and southern African countries, and each year sees us introduce new and innovative itineraries.

Year Founded: 1990