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The Great African Trek
Price: From ZAR 16983 per person
- Start: Kenya
- End: Cape Town
- Type: Camping
- Comfort: Standard
- Vehicle: Overland Truck
- Duration: 56 days
DAYS 1-2: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya- DAY 3: Kisumu, Lake Victoria, Kenya
- DAY 4: Kampala, Uganda
- DAYS 5-8: Lake Bunyoni, Uganda
- DAY 9: Kampala, Uganda
- DAY 10: Jinja, Uganda
- DAY 11: Nakuru, Kenya
- DAY 12: Lake Nakuru, Kenya
- DAY 13: Lake Naivasha, Kenya
- DAY 14: Nairobi, Kenya
- DAY 15: Arusha, Tanzania
- DAYS 16-17: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- DAY 19: Pangani, Usambara Moutains, Tanzania
- DAY 20: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- DAYS 21-23: Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- DAY 24: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- DAY 25: Iringa, Tanzania
- DAYS 26-30: Lake Malawi, Malawi
- DAY 31: Chipata, Zambia
- DAY 32: Lusaka, Zambia
- DAY 33: Livingstone, Zambia
- DAY 34-36: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- DAYS 37-38: Chobe National Park, Botswana
- DAY 39: Maun, Botswana
- DAYS 40-41: 40-41: Okavango Delta, Botswana
- DAY 42: Maun, Botswana
- DAY 43: Kavango River, Namibia
- DAYS 44-45: Etosha National Park, Namibia
- DAY 46: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- DAY 47: Chobe National Park, Botswana
- DAYS 48-50: Lake Nakuru, Kenya
- DAY 51: Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei, Namibia
- DAY 52: Fish River Canyon, Namibia
- DAY 53: Orange River, South Africa
- DAY 54: Cederberg, South Africa
- DAY 55-56: Cape Town, South Africa
- Highlights:Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Day 1: Lunch, Dinner
- Meals Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Kisumu, Lake Victoria, Kenya
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Kampala, Uganda
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Lake Bunyoni, Uganda
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Kampala, Uganda
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Jinja, Uganda
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Nakuru, Lake Nakuru, Kenya
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals per day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Lake Naivasha, Kenya
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Nairobi, Kenya
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast
- Highlights: Arusha, Tanzania
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Pangani, Usambara Moutains, Tanzania
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Day 21: Breakfast
- Meals Day 22-23: None
- Highlights: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Dinner
- Highlights: Iringa, Tanzania
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Lake Malawi, Malawi
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Chipata, Zambia
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Lusaka, Zambia
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Livingstone, Zambia
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast
- Highlights: Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Maun, Botswana
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Maun, Botswana
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Kavango River, Namibia
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Etosha National Park
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Lake Nakuru, Kenya
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Day 48: Breakfast, Lunch
- Meals Day 49-50: Breakfast
- Highlights: Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei, Namibia
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Fish River Canyon, Namibia
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights:Orange River, South Africa
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Cederberg, South Africa
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Highlights: Cape Town, South Africa
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Day 55: Breakfast
- Meals Day 56: None
- SEASONAL DATES: TOUR PRICE: LOCAL PAYMENT
- 01 January 2012 - 29 December 2013 ZAR 16983 USD 1270
- Departure Month: Start Date: End Date:
- December 02 December 2012 26 January 2013 December 16 December 2012 09 February 2013 December 30 December 2012 23 February 2013 January 13 January 2013 09 March 2013 January 27 January 2013 23 March 2013 February 10 February 2013 06 April 2013 February 24 February 2013 20 April 2013 March 10 March 2013 04 May 2013 March 24 March 2013 18 May 2013 April 07 April 2013 01 June 2013 April 21 April 2013 15 June 2013 May 05 May 2013 29 June 2013 May 19 May 2013 13 July 2013 June 02 June 2013 27 July 2013 June 16 June 2013 10 August 2013 June 30 June 2013 24 August 2013 July 14 July 2013 07 September 2013 July 28 July 2013 21 September 2013 August 11 August 2013 05 October 2013 August 25 August 2013 19 October 2013 September 08 September 2013 02 November 2013 September 22 September 2013 16 November 2013 October 06 October 2013 30 November 2013 October 20 October 2013 14 December 2013 November 03 November 2013 28 December 2013 November 17 November 2013 11 January 2014 December 01 December 2013 25 January 2014 December 15 December 2013 08 February 2014 December 29 December 2013 22 February 2014
The Great African Trek
Experience nine diverse countries as you travel through southern and East Africa on this ultimate 56-day overland trek.
Fast Facts
Tour Summary
55 Nights
Meals: 50 breakfasts 45 lunches 45 dinners
Days 1-2:Game Viewing in the Masai Mara
Climbing over the Rift Valley Escarpment, leave the craziness of Nairobi behind and head into valley towards the Masai Mara. Along the way, stop at a viewpoint on the escarpment for some stunning photos. Once at the Acacia Camp, set up your tent and relax for the evening looking at the Meguarra Hills.
Explore the Masai Mara Game Reserve the next day as you drive around over the rolling hills, and through the huge plains searching for the Big 5. During July and October, you may even be able to witness the Annual Migration as a million wildebeest and zebra travel up from the Serengeti.
After a full day of driving, return to the campsite and watch as the sun sets over the hills as you sit by the fire.
Day 3: Relaxing on the Shores of Lake Victoria
Travelling through the stunning tea plantations of Kericho, descend to the shores of Lake Victoria, and the harbour town of Kisumu. Situated on Africa’s largest lake, Kisumu is Kenya’s 3rd largest town. Tonight you may have the time to wander along the water and explore the town.
Day 4: Crossing into Uganda
After breakfast and a short drive to the border, cross into Uganda and continue, via the town of Jinja, to the capital city, Kampala. The night will be yours to enjoy and explore this exciting East African city.
Days 5-8: Following in Diane Fossey’s Footsteps
This morning will be an early departure as it can be a long drive to your base for the next four days, Lake Bunyoni. This tranquil location is a great place for you to set up camp and relax while you await your opportunity to optionally trek with the mountain gorillas.
While most permits will be purchased for Uganda and the Bwindi National Park, it is possible due to availability issues, that permits for Rwanda or the DRC may need to be purchased. You will be only trekking once with the gorillas, but several days have been set aside to ensure your entire group can trek. There are a limited number of permits per day.
On the days that you are not trekking, there are plenty of optional activities available. Visit a local village or church, go bird watching in the hills surrounding the lake, travel into Kabale and explore the local market, or simply stay around the lake and swim or canoe.
Day 9: Crossing the Equator in Uganda
Today you begin your return to the capital, Kampala, for the night. Stop along the way at the Equator for a photo of you standing in both the northern and southern hemisphere. Once in Kampala, head out into the city and experience its nightlife.
Day 10: Rafting Down the White Nile
Following breakfast visit the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary to learn a bit more of these fascinating creatures, or head straight to Jinja for some adventure activities such as quad biking or white water rafting at the source of the White Nile. Spend the afternoon wandering the area viewing the wide variety of birds.
Days 11-12: Searching for Black Rhinos
Today drive to the border and cross back into Kenya. After stopping for lunch and some more supplies, continue onto Nakuru, Kenya’s 4th largest town and your base for the next two nights.
The next day make your way to the famous Lake Nakuru National Park for a day of game viewing and flamingo watching. Thousands of flamingos flock to the soda lake situated in the middle of this national park some times turn the shoreline almost pink. Spend the rest of the day exploring the park for black and white rhino, the mysterious leopard, and possibly the tree climbing lion.
Day 13: Ending Your Tour in Dar es Salaam
Continuing east towards Nairobi, drive to Lake Naivasha for the night. The area is home to a wide variety of bird life, including the magnificent African Fish Eagle. At an elevation of 1880m, Naivasha is the highest Rift Valley lake. If time permits, why not take a boat ride out to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a explore the nearby Hell’s Gate National Park on a bike.
Day 14: Dining Out in Nairobi
Your journey, this morning, takes you back to the vibrant capital of Kenya, Nairobi. Arriving in the early afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to explore the city, and have a delicious meal at one of Nairobi’s excellent restaurants.
Day 15: Traveling to Arusha
Driving south, cross into Tanzania at the Namanga border crossing as you make your way towards Arusha. This evening you will stay a lovely campsite in Meserani – a small village just outside of Arusha.
Days 16-17: Exploring the Ngorongoro Crater
Begin your 2-night optional safari excursion with a drive, via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu, to the highland village of Karatu atop of the Rift Valley Escarpment. Spend the night at a lovely campsite overlooking wheat fields and the surrounding mountains.
The next morning drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation area to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater. Descending into this wildlife-rich caldera, begin your game drive in one of the best game viewing parks in Africa.
Leaving the Crater, continue through the conservation area and arrive at the famous Serengeti National Park. Entering the park, embark on a game drive as you explore this magnificent place. You’ll set up camp in the central part of the park in the middle of the bush, so that night listen to the sounds of the wilderness.
Day 18: Searching for the Big 5 in the Serengeti
This morning continue your search for Africa’s Big 5 as you head out on a morning game drive. In the early afternoon, after lunch, make your way back to Arusha through the Conservation area and down the Rift Valley Escarpment. Tonight, share adventures with your fellow travel companions who decided not to do the excursion.
Day 19: Getting a Look of the Mighty Kilimanjaro
Take the morning to explore Arusha and some of its craft markets before starting your journey towards Dar es Salaam. Along the way, if the weather is good, you may get a stunning view of the impressive Mount Kilimanjaro and its snow covered peak. Continue through the Usambara Mountains to your beautiful campsite in Pangani.
Day 20: Getting a Look of the Mighty Kilimanjaro
From Pangani complete your journey to Dar es Salaam as you drive through lush scenery and palm trees to the warm Indian Ocean. Once in Dar es Salaam, set up camp on the beaches of the Indian Ocean and relax this evening as you prepare for your excursion to Zanzibar.
Days 21-23: Soaking Up the African Sun
Take the ferry, today, from Dar es Salaam to the exotic island paradise of Zanzibar for a 3-night optional excursion. Steeped in history, Zanzibar is a major destination for beach lovers, and history buffs. The itinerary is yours to design and at your own expense. Spend all your time in Stone Town, in Nungwi, or a mix of both locales.
Once a major starting point of explorers to the new lands, today, Stone Town still maintains that history and influence. Wander the quaint, narrow streets that are lined with Medina-like shops, and visit the cafes and restaurants which have moved into former Sultan’s palaces. Optional day trips can easily be organised from Stone Town, too. Spend the afternoon viewing the tortoises at Prison Island, driving to Jozani Forest to catch a glimpse of the monkeys, or head out for a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow.
No visit, though, would be complete with out some time on one of the stunning white sandy beaches around the island. Spend the day soaking up the African sun on the beach and exploring the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Relax in the evening with a sundowner as you watch the sunset over ocean.
Day 24: Taking the Ferry from Zanzibar
Meeting on the dock in Stone Town, re-join your fellow travelers who were on the island with you, and take the ferry back to the mainland returning to your beachside campsite in Dar es Salaam. Once at the campsite, join up with the travelers who decided not to go to Zanzibar.
Day 25: Driving through the Mikumi National Park
Leaving the coast behind head inland into the highland region of southern Tanzania. While passing through the Mikumi National Park, keep your eyes open for wildlife that roam along the roadside. Spend the night at a beautiful simple campsite near the town of Iringa.
Days 26-30: Learning about Bao on Lake Malawi
Travel through the picturesque Tukuyu tea and banana plantations as you make your way to the ‘warm heart of Africa’ and Lake Malawi. Spend the next five days traveling along the western shore of this large fresh-water lake stopping at various campsites along the way.
Experience the game of bao as you play with the locals, visit the local craft markets, or simple enjoy the many optional activities available such as horse back riding, kayaking or diving. Thanks to its temperate climate and incredible marine life, Lake Malawi is famous for its spectacular diving and snorkeling.
Day 31: Learning about Bao on Lake Malawi
After driving to the border between Malawi and Zambia, it’s a very short drive, only 10 km, to your campsite for the night in the town of Chipata. If time permits, head into Chipata and explore this truly Africa town.
Day 32: Staying the Night in Lusaka
Today is a bit of a long travel day as you head south through Zambia to its capital, Lusaka. Your campsite is on the outskirts of the city, and has some of its own wildlife, including the eland – Africa’s largest antelope.
Day 33: Viewing Victoria Falls from Livingstone
Wake up early, today, as you have another long travel day to the southern end of the country and the town of Livingstone. Once in town, explore the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and view the mighty Victoria Falls from the Zambian side.
The Falls are a natural wonder of the world, and at 1700m across, and 100m high, its not hard to understand why. Take the opportunity in the evening to partake in an optional sunset cruise on the Zambezi.
Days 34-36: Flying Over Victoria Falls
Travelling over the Zambezi River, enter Zimbabwe and the adventure capital, Victoria Falls. Your campsite is centrally located giving you easy access to all the optional activities available. In the first afternoon, visit the Victoria Falls National Park, and view the impressive Falls from the Zimbabwe side for a contrasting perspective.
Over the next two days, relax at the campsite or participate in any of the adventure activities. The most popular is the white water rafting on the Zambezi, but you can also abseil down Batoka Gorge, fly over the Falls on a scenic flight, bungee jump off Victoria Falls Bridge, or take a walk with some lions at a rehabilitation centre.
Days 37-38: Sleeping Out in Chobe National Park
Cross into Botswana, after a short drive from Victoria Falls, and continue to Kasane – a small town on the Chobe River. Spend the rest of the morning relaxing until lunch. After lunch, explore Chobe National Park on an optional overnight excursion. Spend the next 24 hours searching the park for wildlife such as the large herds of elephants.
For those choosing not to do the overnight excursion, spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the town of Kasane. The next morning you have the option exploring the park on a morning game drive for elephants, lions, buffalos, and giraffes.
In the late afternoon on the second day, after you’ve returned from your overnight excursion, embark on a cruise of the Chobe River. Keep an eye out for hippos that wade in the shallow waters near the shore, and enjoy the spectacular sunset as sun drops over the river.
Day 39: Arriving in Maun
This morning is a long driving day as you travel south before turning west and driving through the central part of Botswana to the town of Maun – the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Spend the night relaxing as you prepare for your optional 2-night excursion to the world’s largest inland delta.
Days 40-41: Riding a Mokoro in the Delta
Departing Maun, travel north for a few of hours in a 4x4 truck to a mokoro station on the water’s edge. At the station, transfer to these traditional dugout canoes, and let your guide glide you through the waterways to your campsite. Head out and explore this unique ecosystem on an afternoon game walk.
The next day, continue your exploration of the Delta searching for wildlife, such as zebras and elephants, on either foot or by mokoro. Return to camp in the late afternoon and enjoy a fire as you listen to the sounds of the wild around you.
Day 42: Taking a Scenic Flight Over the Delta
After a final walk, say goodbye to the Delta as you return to Maun. Arriving in the early afternoon, why not complete the Delta journey with an optional scenic flight over the stunning place you just spend 2 nights.
Day 43: Watching Hippos on the Kavango River
Driving up the western side of the Delta, follow the Kavango River and enter Namibia. Stopping in Rundu for supplies, continue along the river to the stunning campsite on banks of the Kavango River. Keep your eyes open for the occasional hippo that’ll graze on the property.
Days 44-45: Sitting at a Water Hole in the Etosha National Park
This morning travel south to Etosha National Park, one of Namibia’s premier game parks. Situated around the Etosha Pan, the park has a wide variety of animal and bird life to enjoy. Spend the evening at your camp’s water hole observing the animals that come for a drink.
Spend the next day driving across the park on a full day’s game drive searching for elephants, lions, and giraffes. Etosha is one of the best parks for game viewing as the sparse vegetation makes spotting the wildlife much easier than in most parks. Return to the camp for an evening of sitting by the water hole.
Day 46: Meeting Some Cheetahs
After a departing game drive as you exit Etosha, travel to the Cheetah Park for the night. Originally a private farm, the property is now dedicated to conserving Namibia’s cheetah population. Take the opportunity in the afternoon to visit with these residential big cats.
Day 47: Admiring the Rock Art of Spitzkoppe
Continuing your travels to the west takes you to the Spitzkoppe monolith – one of Namibia’s highest and most recognised landmarks. The monolith is also known to be a sacred site of the San people. Explore the mountain and the surrounding area for rock paintings and engravings. Tonight you get to bush camp under the stars.
Days 48-50: Quad Biking in Swakopmund
This morning travel to the German colonial town of Swakopmund. Spend the afternoon exploring this quaint and beautiful town by checking out its many shops and excellent cafes.
Swakopmund is Namibia’s playground and over the next two days you can find out why that is as you partake in any of the optional activities. Go quad biking among the dunes, sand boarding down the dunes, skydiving which is stunning with the ocean in one direction and the desert in the other, or fly up the coast on a scenic flight.
Day 51: Watching the Sunset from Dune 45
Leaving Swakopmund, travel along the Atlantic Coast to Walvis Bay, where you turn east and head inland through the moon-like valley of Kuiseb until the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Entering the park, stay at the campsite in Sesriem.
After setting up camp, drive to the Sossusvlei and explore the massive sand dunes and the area. Some of these dunes are over 300m in height. Watch the sunset from the top of the well-known Dune 45.
Day 52: Looking in on the Fish River Canyon
Following the sunrise over the Naukluft Mountains, say goodbye to the tranquility of the area and travel south to the famous Fish River Canyon. Wander the rim of the Canyon, marveling at the spectacular views of the second largest canyon in the world.
Day 53: Floating Along the Orange River
Continuing south, reach the Orange River – a natural border between Namibia and South Africa. Crossing into South Africa, reach your campsite on the banks of the river. Spend the afternoon on a half-day canoe excursion as you float along the stunning Orange River.
Day 54: Sipping Wine in the Cederberg Mountains
Starting early travel through the Namaqualand region - an area well known for its abundant display of wildflowers in the spring. Spend the night at a lovely campsite in the Cederberg Mountains among the local wine farms. Take the time in the afternoon to tour one of these farms and taste their product.
After setting up camp, drive to the Sossusvlei and explore the massive sand dunes and the area. Some of these dunes are over 300m in height. Watch the sunset from the top of the well-known Dune 45.
Days 55-56: Arriving at the Mother City
Departing from the Cederberg area, and passing through the fruit producing region of Citrusdal, begin the journey to your final destination, Cape Town. You’ll know your close as you catch glimpses of Table Mountain in the distance. The rest of the day will be yours to explore the Mother City. The next day your tour officially ends.
Pricing is meant as a guide only. All prices are subject to availability, change/increase without notice and seasonabilty. Most of the overland tours are priced on a per person basis, but options and rates vary from supplier to supplier. Please note that many overland tours charge a local payment rate, which is paid directly to your trip leader upon the day of departure - this is an addition to the trip price. We have included the local payment rates for your benefit only. Contact us via Enquiry Form for an accurate, market-best rate.
Rates & Dates
Tour Departures Dates
