Great African Expedition Northbound - 56 days
Great African Expedition Northbound - 56 days
Great African Expedition Northbound - 56 days
56 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Eldoret, Kenya
Visiting: Cape Town, Orange River, Fish River Canyon, Namib Naukluft National Park, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Etosha National Park, Windhoek, Gobabis, Maun, Okavango Delta, Nata, Chobe National Park, Livingstone, Lusaka, Petauke, South Luangwa National Park, Lake Malawi, Iringa, Mikumi National Park, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Bagamoyo, Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret, Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Jinja
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 Northbound, a 56-day adventure through the heart of Africa, exploring eight diverse countries. Starting in Cape Town, South Africa, this journey takes you through the stunning landscapes of Namibia, including the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park. Experience the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta in Botswana and the majestic Victoria Falls in Zambia. Relax on the shores of Lake Malawi and the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar. Discover Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and trek to see gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi National Park. Conclude your epic journey in Eldoret, Kenya, after an unforgettable exploration of Africa's natural wonders and vibrant cultures. This small group safari tour offers a unique blend of camping and simple accommodations, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Cape Town - Cederberg. Our African adventure begins today with a tour of the Cape Flats, to the east of the city. Visiting a local township, we'll meet local people and discover some of the community projects in the area. Then it's time to climb aboard our overland truck as we head north, through the Western Cape and the fruit-growing region of Citrusdal. Our first night is spent camping by the Olifants River in the Cederberg area, and you will have the opportunity to taste some of the region's famous wines.
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 Cape Town 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: Orange River
Location: Orange River
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cederberg - Orange River (Namibia). Continuing north, we pass through drier, rockier territory until we reach the Namibian border, crossing at Vioolsdrift. Tonight's campsite is beside the Gariep (AKA Orange) River, which marks the border between South Africa and Namibia for much of its length. The river is safe for swimming, and you can also enjoy an optional canoe trip on this important waterway either today or on day 3. The dark skies in this isolated area are also great for stargazing.
Day 3: Fish River Canyon
Location: Fish River Canyon
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Orange River - Fish River Canyon. There is time for the optional canoe safari this morning, if we didn't have time yesterday. Then we drive north to 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 4: Namib Naukluft National Park
Location: Namib Naukluft National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fish River Canyon - Namib-Naukluft National Park. We have a long drive today as we journey to the edge of Namib-Naukluft National Park, which protects great swathes of the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountains. We'll camp on the edge of the park, ready to explore tomorrow.
Day 5: Namib Naukluft National Park
Location: Namib Naukluft National Park
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Solitaire
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Namib-Naukluft National Park - Solitaire. It's time to explore the Namib Desert! Our first stop is mighty Dune 45, one of the tallest sand dunes in the region. It's a dazzling sight, and the reward for climbing to the top is incredible views over the surrounding area. Then it's on to Deadvlei, a barren salt pan with petrified trees, completely surrounded by rolling sand dunes.
Our last stop is Sesriem Canyon, which isn't as impressive as Fish River Canyon, but it is worth a visit nonetheless. Tonight's campsite is in the tiny desert settlement of Solitaire.
Day 6-7: Swakopmund
Location: Swakopmund
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Swakopmund (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Solitaire - Swakopmund. On day 6 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 6 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 8: Spitzkoppe
Location: Spitzkoppe
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Spitzkoppe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swakopmund - Spitzkoppe. Leaving coastal Swakopmund, 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.
Please note that some travellers may be joining the tour in Swakopmund.
Day 9-10: Etosha National Park
Location: Etosha National Park
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Etosha National Park (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spitzkoppe - 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 9 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 10 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 11: Windhoek
Location: Windhoek
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Etosha National Park - 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 12: Gobabis
Location: Gobabis
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Gobabis region
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Windhoek - Gobabis. Say goodbye to Windhoek as we travel east to the city of Gobabis, near the Botswanan border. Today we meet some of the local San Bushmen. The San culture is one of the oldest surviving cultures in Southern Africa and we'll enjoy a bush walk and learn more about the way of life which has endured for centuries. The San people work with nature and manage their resources responsibly, something we could all learn from.
Day 13: Maun
Location: Maun
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gobabis - Maun (Botswana). Today sees us travelling to Maun in Botswana, 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 15 instead.
Day 14-15: Okavango Delta
Location: Okavango Delta
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Maun - Okavango Delta - Maun. On day 14 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 15 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 13. Horse riding is also offered, or you can simply relax by the pool at our campsite.
Day 16: Nata Region
Location: Nata
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Maun - Nata region. Today's drive takes us through a wildlife corridor between the desolate Nxai and Magkadigkadi pans. We'll stop en route to admire some of the region's towering baobab trees and arrive at our unfenced campsite in the afternoon. If you're lucky, you could see all sorts of wildlife, including elephants and antelope, come right up to camp.
Day 17: Chobe National Park
Location: Chobe National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nata Region - Kasane. We make the journey to Kasane in Botswana's north. Kasane is the gateway to Chobe National Park and we'll enjoy a cruise on the Chobe River today. Chobe is home to huge herds of elephants, which we may be able to see down at the water's edge. Other species to look out for include hippo, crocodiles, buffalo and the rare African fish eagle.
Day 18: Chobe National Park
Location: Chobe National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kasane - Chobe National Park - Livingstone (Zambia). This morning we transfer to specialized safari vehicles for a game drive in Chobe National Park, which is home to all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), although rhinos are very rare here.
It's then time to say goodbye to Botswana as we board a ferry in our overland truck to cross the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers into Zambia. Our destination is the town of Livingstone, Zambia's base for exploring Victoria Falls.
Known as ‘Mosi oa Tunya’, the ‘Smoke that Thunders’, Victoria Falls is the world's largest falling sheet of water. There's an included visit to the waterfall today, and we set up camp at a campsite on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Day 19-20: Livingstone
Location: Livingstone
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
The next two days are completely free for you to explore Livingstone and join some of the optional activities available. Abseiling, bungee jumping, scenic flights over Victoria Falls, rafting on the Zambezi River and fishing trips are just some of the options - see the Trip Notes for details.
You could also pop over the border into Zimbabwe, or simply relax by the pool and enjoy a good book before we head into East Africa. Some members of the group may finish their tour in Livingstone, and others may join for the next section of the tour.
Day 21: Lusaka
Location: Lusaka
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Livingstone - Lusaka. After a relaxing break in Livingstone, we get back on the road today, crossing Zambia to reach Lusaka, the country's rapidly growing capital city. The city is something of a hub in southern Africa, with four main highways running in all directions to nearby cities including Harare in Zimbabwe, Lilongwe in Malawi, and Ndola, another large city in Zambia. Our campsite is located away from the metropolis, on a rural farm just outside Lusaka.
Day 22: The Great East Road
Location: Petauke
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Petauke
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lusaka - Petauke. Leaving early this morning, we take the Great East Road, linking Zambia with neighbouring Malawi. We drive through lush countryside and small villages, crossing the Luangwa River before reaching our accommodation situated 5km from Petauke.
Day 23: South Luangwa National Park
Location: South Luangwa National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Petauke - South Luangwa National Park. We make our way to South Luangwa National Park today. This is Zambia's premier wildlife destination, home to elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and more than 400 bird species. After setting up camp, there is free time to embark on optional game walks or game drives.
Day 24: South Luangwa Np Game Drive
Location: South Luangwa National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
South Luangwa National Park - Chipata. This morning we embark on an open vehicle game drive in South Luangwa National Park, with a local ranger. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species inhabiting the area. Following the game drive, we make our way to Chipata.
Day 25-26: Lake Malawi
Location: Lake Malawi
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Kande Beach - Lake Malawi (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
South Luangwa National Park - Kande Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). Leaving Zambia behind, we cross into Malawi and head to the shore of Lake Malawi, which covers more than one-fifth of the entire country. Our campsite is right on the shore of the lake, and you'll have time to go for a swim or relax at the camp. Day 26 is free to partake in optional activities. You could hire a traditional bwato canoe, go horse riding around the lake, or visit a nearby village to meet the friendly Malawian villagers.
Day 27: Lake Malawi
Location: Lake Malawi
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Chitimba Beach - Lake Malawi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kande Beach - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi. This morning we take a scenic drive through rubber plantations to the town of Mzuzu, where we pick up some supplies and visit the market before travelling on to our beach-side camp at Chitimba Beach. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Relax by the beach, play volleyball or browse the local craft markets.
Day 28: Iringa
Location: Iringa
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi - Iringa (Tanzania). Today we have a long but scenic drive as we cross into Tanzania. Climbing through the Southern Highlands, we arrive at Kisolanza Farmhouse, a family-run working farm in a spectacular location. 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 29: Mikumi
Location: Mikumi National Park
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Mikumi National Park area
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iringa - Mikumi National Park area. Heading east, we travel to Mikumi National Park, the fifth-largest reserve in Tanzania. Our campsite is located on the very edge of the park, and we'll enjoy an evening around the campfire. If time permits you can book an optional game drive to see some of the resident wildlife, including lion, buffalo, elephant, hippo and crocodile.
Day 30: Mikumi
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mikumi National Park area - Dar es Salaam. Our journey to the Indian Ocean coast city of Dar es Salaam takes us through the heart of Mikumi National Park. We will probably see some wildlife on this drive, and will stop if we see anything of note, such as forest elephants or giraffe feeding at the roadside.
Arriving at our campsite on the beach outside Dar es Salaam, there is time to browse the local markets or head into town to explore.
Day 31-34: Zanzibar
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Zanzibar (4)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 31, we take the ferry to Zanzibar, leaving our overland truck on the mainland. Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys, and lush tropical forests.
Our time on Zanzibar is not too structured. There is plenty of free time to explore historic Stone Town and relax on the island's pristine beaches. There's also plenty of optional activities on offer including a visit a spice plantation, snorkelling safaris, scuba diving and yacht trips. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.
In Zanzibar, we stay in simple hotels, with breakfast included. We typically spend day 31 in Stone Town and days 32 - 34 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Day 35: Bagamoyo
Location: Bagamoyo
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Zanzibar - Bagamoyo. We have the morning to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy one last swim before catching the ferry back to the African mainland, Dar es Salaam and onwards to Bagamoyo for the evening. The quaint town of Bagamoyo was founded at the end of the 18th century and was one of the most significant trading ports along the East African coast. Our camp for the evening is situated close by to the palm fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean
Day 36: Mount Kilimanjaro
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Marangu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bagamoyo - Marangu. Departing early from Bagamoyo, we head north past the Usambara and Pare Mountains in the Eastern Arc Mountain Range to Marangu, nestled at the base of the famed Kilimanjaro. If the weather is clear you will be able to enjoy magnificent views of the mountain from our campsite and the surrounding area.
Day 37: Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Marangu - Arusha. This morning we drive past the town of Moshi to Arusha, Tanzania's safari capital and our base for exploring the Serengeti and famed Ngorongoro Crater. With time to explore the town we head out to our camp just outside the city at the edge of the Masai plains. This afternoon we enjoy a walk to one of the local Maasai villages. Here we visit a local school and clinic, browse the small Maasai museum and see the crocodiles, pythons, and other species at the Meserani Snake Park. There is optional camel riding available too.
Day 38: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Serengeti National Park. Today we embark on our excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Leaving our overland truck behind we transfer to designated safari vehicles. Entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we drive around the rim of the crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, one of the last great wildernesses in the world.
Millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope migrate across these plains throughout the year, followed by the predators, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Look out for the Big Five and see abundant wildlife as we game drive to our unfenced campsite for the evening. With lions and hyena roaming nearby, listen to the sounds of the bush and enjoy a night in the wild!
Day 39-40: Ngorongoro Crater
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater (1), Arusha (1)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 39, we can search for any species we have not managed to spot so far. We travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater, camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife areas.
On day 40 we drive down into the crater itself, following the steep road into the reserve. On our early morning game drive, you will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes who cannot manage the steep climb down the crater rim!
Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha.
Day 41: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Arusha - Nairobi (Kenya). After a last night in Tanzania, we make our way across the Masai Steppe to the Kenyan frontier. Completing formalities at Namanga border post, we drive the last stretch of road to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and to our camp for the evening.
Day 42: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: camp
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 43: Nairobi
Location: Lake Nakuru National Park
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Lake Nakuru National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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.
Day 44: Lake Nakuru
Location: Eldoret
Accommodation Name: camp
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 45: Eldoret
Location: Kampala
Accommodation Name: camp
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 46: Kampala
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
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 47: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
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 46, morning or afternoon of day 47, or morning of day 48.
Day 48-50: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi (3)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Lake Bunyonyi. On day 48 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 48 or 49 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 51: Lake Bunyonyi
Location: Kampala
Accommodation Name: camp
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 52: Kampala
Location: Jinja
Accommodation Name: camp
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 53-54: Jinja
Location: Jinja
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Jinja (2)
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 55: Jinja
Location: Eldoret
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jinja - Eldoret (Kenya). Say goodbye to Jinja as we cross the border back into Kenya and return to Eldoret. Our final evening is spent around the campfire, sharing our favourite memories from the last two weeks, and exchanging contact details with the rest of the group!
Day 56: Eldoret
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
Eldoret - Nairobi. We complete our drive south through Kenya, arriving back in Nairobi in the late afternoon. Here our tour arrangements come to an end.
What's Included
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Meals
Enjoy 55 breakfasts, 45 lunches, and 43 dinners during the tour.
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Accommodation
Stay for 48 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 2 nights in dorm accommodation in Swakopmund, 1 night in a permanent tented camp in the Okavango Delta, and 4 nights in simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar.
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Guided Tour
The tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.
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Transportation
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment.
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Cape Town Township Tour
Participate in a guided tour of the Cape Town Township.
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Sesriem & Fish River Canyon Visit
Visit Sesriem and Fish River Canyon as part of the tour.
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Sossusvlei Shuttle, Guided Walk and Dune 45 Excursion
Experience a shuttle, guided walk, and excursion to Dune 45 in Sossusvlei.
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Spitzkoppe Excursion
Enjoy an excursion to Spitzkoppe to see Bushmen paintings.
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Etosha National Park Game Drives
Participate in game drives in Etosha National Park.
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Kalahari Bushman Walk
Take part in a guided walk with the Kalahari Bushmen.
What's Not Included
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Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit
The non-refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit costs USD $935 per person and must be paid at the time of booking in addition to the deposit.
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included but can be booked on request.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is not provided; please bring your own.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities are not included and prices are listed in the Trip Notes.
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Local Payment
A local payment of US$1500 per person is required, to be paid on arrival in USD.
Age Policy
18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75.Â
Mode of Transport
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey across diverse African landscapes, with specialized safari vehicles for game drives in select national parks.
Accommodation
Experience a mix of camping in 2-person dome tents, dorm accommodation in Swakopmund, a permanent tented camp in the Okavango Delta, and simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar, offering a blend of adventure and comfort throughout the journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will experience a variety of accommodations including 48 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 2 nights in dorm accommodation in Swakopmund, 1 night in a permanent tented camp in the Okavango Delta, and 4 nights in simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 55 breakfasts, 45 lunches, and 43 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment.
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Is there a guide accompanying the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.
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What activities are included in the Okavango Delta excursion?
The Okavango Delta excursion includes a mokoro ride and a walking safari.
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What wildlife experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes game drives in Etosha National Park, Chobe National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Nakuru National Park. It also includes chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park and gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The tour is for individuals aged 18 and over. Anyone over 65 must complete a Tour Suitability Form, and the maximum age is 75.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs include a non-refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit of USD $935 per person, international flights and visas, airport transfers, tipping, a sleeping bag, optional activities, and a local payment of US$1500 per person paid on arrival.
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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.