Great African Expedition (Accommodated) - 58 days
Great African Expedition (Accommodated) - 58 days
Great African Expedition (Accommodated) - 58 days
58 Days Starting in Lake Nakuru, Kenya and ending in Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting: Lake Nakuru, Eldoret, Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Jinja, Nile River, Nairobi, Masai Mara, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Mikumi National Park, Iringa, 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:
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 journey through the heart of Africa, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of eight countries. From the chimpanzees and gorillas of Uganda's national parks to the iconic wildlife of Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti, this tour offers unparalleled safari experiences. Discover the vibrant cultures and stunning scenery of Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana, including the majestic Victoria Falls and the serene Okavango Delta. Relax on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar and explore the historic Stone Town. In Namibia, marvel at the towering dunes of the Namib Desert and the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park. Conclude your adventure in South Africa's captivating Cape Town, with optional wine tasting in the Cederberg region. This small group tour promises an unforgettable African adventure, blending thrilling wildlife encounters with cultural immersion and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lake Nakuru
Location: Lake Nakuru
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: Crossing The Equator
Location: Eldoret
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 camp 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: Into Uganda
Location: Kampala
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. Tonight we stay in the country's capital, Kampala.
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
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: Chimpanzee Trekking
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
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: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Location: Bwindi National Park
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: Return To Kampala
Location: Kampala
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: To The Nile
Location: Jinja
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: Free Time By The Nile
Location: Nile River
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: Return To Kenya
Location: Eldoret
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jinja - Eldoret (Kenya). Say goodbye to Jinja as we cross the border back into Kenya and return to Eldoret. Here we spend the night.
Day 14: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for your to spend at leisure, explore the city and the surrounding area or alternatively, book on to one of the optional tours available for the day.
Day 15: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for your to spend at leisure, explore the city and the surrounding area or alternatively, book on to one of the optional tours available for the day.
Day 16: Masai Mara
Location: Masai Mara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Masai Mara. We depart the Kenyan capital early 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.
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 17: Masai Mara
Location: Masai Mara
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: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From the Mara we trace our steps back across the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi. Here we spend the night.
Day 19: Arusha
Location: Arusha
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 accommodation for the night. There may also be time to visit a Maasai village.
Day 20: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
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: Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater (1), Arusha (1)
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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Bagamoyo. After a week of safari, 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 accommodation 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
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 stay by the beach before our trip to Zanzibar tomorrow.
Day 25-27: Zanzibar
Location: 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.
Day 28: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
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 stay 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: Overnight: 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 accommodation 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: The Southern Highlands
Location: Iringa
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.
Day 31-32: Lake Malawi
Location: 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
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
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 accommodation 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
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
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
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
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
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: Overnight: Okavango Delta (1), Maun (1)
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: Overnight: 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 accommodation 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 32 instead, depending on our arrival time.
Day 47: Windhoek
Location: Windhoek
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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
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 camp, or perhaps a different one, depending on your tour leader's decision.
Day 50: Spitzkoppe
Location: Spitzkoppe
Accommodation Name: Overnight: 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
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 52 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
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 camp in the Khomas region.
Day 54: Sossusvlei
Location: Sossusvlei
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
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
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 accommodation 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
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 accommodation, 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
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cederberg - Cape Town. Today we complete our eight-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
Simple Accommodation -
57 breakfasts, 46 lunches & 45 dinners
Enjoy 57 breakfasts, 46 lunches, and 45 dinners during the tour.
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49 nights simple twin share accommodation, 3 nights permanent tented camp, 3 nights camping in 2-person dome tents and 2 nights in dorm accommodation in Swakopmund
Stay in 49 nights of simple twin share accommodation, 3 nights in a permanent tented camp, 3 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, and 2 nights in dorm accommodation in Swakopmund.
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Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew
The tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.
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Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment.
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Lake Nakuru National Park game drive in specialized safari vehicles
Experience 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
Trek to see gorillas in Bwindi National Park with expert guides.
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Masai Mara excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide
Enjoy an excursion in the Masai Mara with game drives in a purpose-built safari vehicle and a resident guide.
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Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide
Explore the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with game drives in a purpose-built safari vehicle and a resident guide.
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Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide
Participate in a Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Non refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit: USD $995pp (or equivalent in your currency) - pay at time of booking in addition to the deposit
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Local Payment - A higher local payment of USD $2060 pp is required for bookings made prior to 15 Dec 2023. See trip notes for details.
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Airport transfers - can be booked on request
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
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Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes)
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Local payment - US$1415pp, paid on arrival in USD
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations on this tour, from the culturally designed Naiberi River Campsite and Resort with panoramic forest views, to the charming Bunyonyi Overland Resort cottages overlooking Lake Bunyonyi. Enjoy stays in permanent tents at Enchoro Wildlife Camp in the Masai Mara, and relax in simple chalets at Kipepeo Beach Village on the Tanzanian coast.
Age Policy
18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75.Â
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear. Enjoy specialized safari vehicles for game drives in Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. A ferry ride to Zanzibar and mokoro canoes in the Okavango Delta add unique transport experiences.
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 parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. You may also see chimpanzees and gorillas in Uganda, as well as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles in Chobe National Park. The tour also offers opportunities to see unique bird species and other animals like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
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What activities are available during the stay in Zanzibar?
While in Zanzibar, you have the option to unwind on the beach or participate in various activities such as a spice tour, snorkeling, scuba diving, or enjoying a relaxing massage. The itinerary includes time in Stone Town and the northern beaches, allowing for both cultural exploration and relaxation.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The tour offers a mix of accommodations including simple twin share rooms, permanent tented camps, camping in 2-person dome tents, and dorm accommodation in Swakopmund. Some accommodations feature ensuite bathrooms, while others have shared facilities. The accommodations are designed to provide comfort while allowing you to experience the natural surroundings.
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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. These activities provide insight into the traditional lifestyles and cultures of the local communities.
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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, specialized safari vehicles are used to enhance the wildlife viewing experience.
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Is there any free time during the tour for personal exploration?
Yes, the itinerary includes several days with free time for personal exploration. For example, you have free days in Jinja by the Nile, in Zanzibar, and in Swakopmund, allowing you to relax or participate in optional activities at your own pace.
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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.