Absolute Africa Overland Safari

Day 1 : Cape Town

Arrive at any time.

Tonight, after a brief welcome meeting, attend an optional group dinner for your first night in Cape Town.

Get the most out of your time in Cape Town by pre-booking the South African Wine Tour and Tasting extra. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour as this activity has an early start time. Please note, due to the timings of this activity, there is a possibility you may miss the welcome meeting on day 1 of your tour - in this case, your CEO will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to make sure which visas you will need, if any.
Please also note that no visa can be obtained at the border to Namibia. 


If you book any optional activities on day 1 please contact your sales agent to see if booking a pre-night is necessary to participate in the activity.

Optional Activities - Day 1

Acommodation

CURIOCITY Green Point Cape Town

Day 2 : Cape Town/Cederberg

Hit the road in the Lando and view the stunning Western Cape scenery on the way to the G Adventures-supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre. Learn about the history and culture of the ancient San people. Arrive to the campsite in the afternoon and enjoy free time in the area.

The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre is closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Optional Activities - Day 2

Acommodation

Highlanders Campsite

Day 3 : Cederberg/Orange River

Travel north past large plantations of rooibos tea. Camp at the scenic Orange River and arrive at the site with enough time to enjoy a late afternoon swim in the river.

Optional Activities - Day 3

Acommodation

Fiddlers Creek Camping

Day 4 : Orange River/Fish River Canyon

Travel to Fish River Canyon today, the largest canyon in Africa. Hop out of the Lando to watch sunset over the canyon’s rim. Set up camp nearby and sit around the campfire.

Acommodation

Hobas Lodge Campsite

Day 5 : Fish River Canyon/Namib Desert

Sit back in the Lando and travel north along long, bumpy roads to the Namib Desert. Arrive and set up camp in the late afternoon, and admire the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei seeming to rise up towards the sky in the middle of nowhere.

Acommodation

Sossus Oasis Camp

Day 6 : Namib Desert

Begin the day at dawn and watch sunrise from atop the iconic Dune 45. Later, venture to the surreal Deadvlei for an optional excursion to this mesmerizing clay pan before slipping into the shadier areas of Sesriem Canyon to learn about its formation and ability to sustain wildlife with hidden pools.

Conclude your day with a scenic drive, if time allows, stopping at the quaint town of Solitaire, before settling in at the campsite. Here, you may opt for an evening activity: "Namib Desert Walk." This activity is an educational experience about bushmen's survival in the desert, the geology of sand dunes, and local wildlife, and ends with a beautiful desert sunset.

*Please note, while park fees for Dune 45 and Sesriem Canyon are included, the shuttle to Deadvlei is an additional cost.

Optional Activities - Day 6

Acommodation

Sossus On Foot Bushman's Desert Camp

Day 7 : Namib Desert/Swakopmund

Cross over the dry mountain passes and vast empty region of the Namib Desert en route to adrenaline capital; Swakopmund. The group will spend two nights here with plenty of time for the many optional activities in the area.

Acommodation

Amanpuri Backpackers

Day 8 : Swakopmund

Spend a free day in Swakopmund. Try activities like skydiving and sand boarding. For an even bigger adventure, hop on a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast.

You can pre-book your sky dive on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.

Meals are not included while we are in Swakopmund in order to give our travellers the freedom to try out the many restaurants and bars in town.

Optional Activities - Day 8

Acommodation

Amanpuri Backpackers

Day 9 : Swakopmund/Spitzkoppe

Jump in the Lando and travel toward the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe. Dubbed the Matterhorn of Namibia, this is the perfect place for epic outdoor adventures. Enjoy free time here upon arrival.

Explore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky—it's great for star-gazing!

Our basic bush camp will have long-drop toilets and no running water.

Acommodation

Spitzkoppe Rest Camp

Day 10 : Spitzkoppe/Etosha National Park

Soak in the strangeness of this unique landscape before moving on to Etosha National Park for some prime wildlife viewing. Enjoy a safari drive in the park on the way to your camp.

After sunset, watch animals at the watering holes near the camping area, which is safe, being well lit with flood lights. Free time at night allows for the option of a night safari in an open vehicle.

Optional Activities - Day 10

Acommodation

NWR Etosha NP Okaukeujo Restcamp

Day 11 : Etosha National Park

Embark on a full-day wildlife safari drive in Etosha National Park. Search for more than 100 different mammals that call this park home. During the dry season (May through October) the animals all gather around the waterfalls creating some of the densest wildlife viewing in the world.

Acommodation

NWR Etosha NP Okaukeujo Restcamp

Day 12 : Etosha National Park/Waterberg Plateau

Move on from Etosha today and travel further south to the Waterberg Plateau. Spend free time exploring the trails in this national park in search of more wildlife, or choose to relax at camp.

Acommodation

Waterberg Campsite

Day 13 : Waterberg Plateau/Windhoek

Travel south through the Namibian countryside to Windhoek. Lunch will be had along the way at the G Adventures-supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop. There will be free time in Windhoek upon arrival.

Please note that this is a combination tour. Some of group members may be departing the tour in Windhoek and some new group members may be joining. Enjoy an optional group dinner with both old and new travellers.

Acommodation

Urban Camp

Day 14 : Windhoek/D'kar

Cross the border from Namibia into Botswana and travel east into the heart of the Kalahari to D’kar. Catch a glimpse of how the local San Bushmen adapted to this difficult landscape on an optional bushman walk.

Later, enjoy the warm hospitality of the San Bushmen as the group will be staying at the G Adventures-supported Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp.

Optional Activities - Day 14

Day 15 : D'kar/Maun

Climb in the Lando and continue towards Maun. In the afternoon, there will be free time to unwind before setting up camp with the group.

After arrival in Maun, pick up supplies to prepare for the one night/two day excursion into the Okavango Delta. We recommend each person brings a 5 litre bottle of water to take into the Delta; this should be sufficient for both drinking water and cleaning purposes.

Acommodation

Sedia Riverside Lodge

Day 16 : Maun/Okavango Delta

Dive right into nature today for an overnight excursion in the Okavango Delta. Do some birdwatching and travel in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) to the basic bush camp. Set up camp and head out for a wildlife walk in the area. Gather around the campfire for a sundowner in the evening.

Please note that there is no shower and only a dig-out bush toilet, as our camp is very basic and in the wild – but it is all worth it due to the incredible landscape and wildlife!

Acommodation

Okavango Delta Camping

Day 17 : Okavango Delta/Gweta

Set out on a morning safari walk before returning to Maun via the mokoro. Then, get back inside the Lando and travel to the ancient baobab trees of Gweta. There will be free time upon arrival.

Acommodation

Planet Baobab

Day 18 : Gweta/Kasane

Venture north from Gweta to Kasane. There will be time for an optional river cruise through Chobe National Park before setting up camp under a sky full of stars.

Journey to the area of Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa. You can pre-book the Chobe River Sunset Cruise on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.

If you have pre-booked the Chobe River Sunset Cruise, you will be cruising this evening.

Optional Activities - Day 18

Acommodation

Thebe River Safari Lodge Campsite

Day 19 : Kasane/Victoria Falls

Choose to go on an early safari drive in the morning before travelling with the group from Botswana across the border to Zimbabwe. Sit down for a traditional lunch at the G Adventurers-supported Lusumpuko Women's Club. Continue on to the town Victoria Falls, a great base to see the falls, and take part in some exciting activities.

Opt to prebook the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and head out early into the park before crossing the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe at the Kazungula border post.

Your accommodation is in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT Livingstone (Zambia). Please make sure you have the necessary visa.

Note that this trip combines with other tours, and some tours will be finishing in Victoria Falls, while others will be continuing on.

Optional Activities - Day 19

Acommodation

Explorers Village Camping

Day 20 : Victoria Falls

Spend a free day in Victoria Falls. For the adventurous, there are activities like whitewater rafting or a scenic helicopter flight over the falls. The choice is yours!

Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities.

Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise.

Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.

Optional Activities - Day 20

Acommodation

Explorers Village Camping

Day 21 : Victoria Falls

Spend a full free day on your own exploring the Victoria Falls area. Opt to try activities in the area like whitewater rafting, a scenic helicopter flight over the falls, or bungee jumping with the thundering falls in sight.

Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise. You can pre-book on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.

Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.

Optional Activities - Day 21

Acommodation

Explorers Village Camping

Day 22 : Victoria Falls/Lusaka

Rise early and get on the road around 6am to cross the border from Zimbabwe into Zambia. Towards the end of the day, the group will arrive at a private farm about 29km (18 mi) outside of Zambia’s capital and enjoy free time to relax and marvel at the wildlife on the property.

This is an overnight stop in between two long driving days, so we will not have time to explore Lusaka.

Acommodation

Eureka Camping Park

Day 23 : Lusaka/South Luangwa

While today’s travel day might be long, there will be plenty of time to socialize on the Lando as the group is driven across the Zambian countryside to the campsite along the banks of the Luangwa River. There will be free time to enjoy your surroundings upon arrival.

Acommodation

Wildlife Camp

Day 24 : South Luangwa

Spend a free day doing as you please in South Luangwa National Park. Choose a walking safari (it’s seasonal), a night drive, or visit a nearby local village.

Optional Activities - Day 24

Acommodation

Wildlife Camp

Day 25 : South Luangwa/Chipata

Rise early and choose to head out on an optional morning safari drive. Bring your camera to try and photograph some of the resident wildlife. Stop for lunch and for a visit to the Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard, a G Adventures-supported craft workshop. Afterwards, continue travelling in the Lando to Chipata.

Optional Activities - Day 25

Acommodation

Mamarulas Camp

Day 26 : Chipata/Kande Beach

Cross the border into Malawi today and travel to Lake Malawi affectionately known as, “Lake of Stars”. Spend four nights relaxing on the shores and during the day take beach walks, leisurely swims, and snorkel in this beautiful paradise.

Please note that conservative dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered in public, but inside of camp boundaries, it is ok to wear beach clothes.

Acommodation

Kande Beach Resort

Day 27 : Kande Beach

Take advantage of a free day to explore Lake Malawi. In the evening the group will take part in a traditional dinner at a local home before camping under the stars.

Optional Activities - Day 27

Acommodation

Kande Beach Resort

Day 28 : Kande Beach/Chitimba

Soak in another free day along Lake Malawi. From oceans and mountains to lakes and vast skies, you’re seeing some of the best scenery in Africa. Travel north to Chitimba Beach and try to spot Tanzania from across the lake. Free time activities here include getting out on the lake or hiking along the shores in the picturesque landscape.

Acommodation

Chitimba Camp

Day 29 : Chitimba

During this final free day at Lake Malawi you can opt for activities further away like hiking to Livingstonia along the Nyika Plateau, or you can relax in the sand and listen to the lake lapping the shoreline.

Optional Activities - Day 29

Acommodation

Chitimba Camp

Day 30 : Chitimba/Iringa

Travel into Tanzania during the journey to Iringa. The Lando will climb out of the Great Rift Valley offering humbling views through some of the mountain passes and tea plantations in the highlands. Spend the ride journaling, reading, taking a nap, or chatting with other members of the group.

Acommodation

The Old Farm House - Kisolanza

Day 31 : Iringa/Dar es Salaam

Leave Iringa in the morning for Dar es Salaam. Cruise in the Lando through the Tanzanian countryside and watch as the blue waters of the Indian Ocean make their debut. The group will spend the night here before setting off to Zanzibar.

Acommodation

Mikadi Beach Camp

Day 32 : Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar Beach Resort

Catch a ferry and travel to the island beaches of Zanzibar.

Zanzibar is a Muslim society. Immodestly dressed women or men in shorts will get harassed and cause great offence in Stone Town. At the beach, customs are a little more relaxed, but our travellers are encouraged to be respectful of the island's culture and still cover up when walking around. Never try to take a photograph without asking permission.

Acommodation

Fun Beach Hotel

Day 33 : Zanzibar Beach Resort

Spend a full free day in Zanzibar’s alluring tropical setting. Choose from an array of optional activities in the area like snorkelling, sailing, or beach lounging.

Optional Activities - Day 33

Acommodation

Fun Beach Hotel

Day 34 : Stone Town

Travel back to Stone Town from the beach property on the other side of the island and set out on a guided tour of a local spice plantation before seeing the heart of Zanzibar for yourself.

Optional Activities - Day 34

Acommodation

Spice Palace Hotel

Day 35 : Stone Town/Bagamoyo

Take the ferry from Stone Town back to the mainland and drive north in the Lando to the coastal town of Bagamoyo. During a free evening walk the unpaved streets and get to know this recently named World Heritage Site.

If you have booked the Zanzibar Express, you will stay in Stone Town when the group heads for the ferry. You have a free day in Stone Town for shopping, relaxing or seeing the sights. (Ask your CEO if you want to book any tours) Tomorrow you fly to Arusha to meet the group. Included: transfers, flight, one night Stone Town (Spice Palace, or similar). Only breakfast included.

Optional Activities - Day 35

Acommodation

Firefly Bagamoyo Campsite

Day 36 : Bagamoyo/Arusha

Jump on the road in the Lando and cross varied landscapes all the way to Arusha. Keep an eye out for views of Mt Kilimanjaro on the way.

Arusha sits at the foot of rugged Mt Meru, Africa's fifth highest mountain.

Use the afternoon to prepare a small day-pack for the three-day excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Take something warm for the night on the crater rim and enough insect repellant, sunscreen, and water. Bedding is provided, but you can take your sleeping bag along to make sure you're warm enough at night.

Zanzibar Express; transfer this morning from your Stone Town hotel to the airport for the flight to Arusha. Arrive in Arusha and transfer to the camp to meet back up with the group. Only breakfast and dinner included.

Acommodation

Meserani Snake Park

Day 37 : Arusha/Serengeti National Park

Today begins your 3-day and 2-night excursion into Serengeti National Park and the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater.

Changing to specialized 4x4 7-seater safari vehicles, we are met by experienced safari driver/guides, who will ensure us wonderful wildlife encounters. Our safari vehicles each have sliding windows and a large pop-up roof, perfect for wildlife viewing. They are smaller than the Lando and will allow us to maneuver easily through the wildlife areas. As the vehicles are smaller than the Lando, our group will split up among several vehicles.

Acommodation

Seronera Campsite

Day 38 : Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro

Enjoy a morning safari in the Serengeti and watch the wildlife come to life. Break down camp before travelling to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa’s best wildlife viewing. Set up camp near the crater rim and enjoy your surroundings for the remainder of the day.

Please note: if you have pre-booked the Serengeti Balloon Safari, today's likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above! If you have not yet pre-booked, add it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.

Optional Activities - Day 38

Acommodation

Simba Campsite

Day 39 : Ngorongoro/Arusha

Venture down to the crater floor for a final wildlife experience in the area. In the late morning the group will travel back to Arusha and enjoy a free evening.

Acommodation

Meserani Snake Park

Day 40 : Arusha/Nairobi

Hop in the Lando and hit the road to Kenya's capital; Nairobi. Cross through the semi-arid lands of the Maasai people en route and marvel at the epic views of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance as you swap stories with your road trip buddies!

Please note that this is a combination tour, and some of your fellow group members may be finishing their tour on this evening.

Depart Arusha in the morning and travel overland to Nairobi. Please note that this is a combination tour, and some of your fellow group members may be finishing their tour on this evening.

Acommodation

The Heron Portico

Day 41 : Nairobi

Spend the day on your own in Nairobi, East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city and Kenya’s beating heart. From vibrant cultural life to excellent places to eat, plus buzzing nightlife there’s plenty to see and do during your time here.

Optional Activities - Day 41

Acommodation

The Heron Portico

Day 42 : Nairobi/Masai Mara

Travel through the Great Rift Valley on the way to the Maasai Mara Reserve. Embark on a late afternoon wildlife safari drive in one of Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations.

Acommodation

Kenia Campsite

Day 43 : Masai Mara

Board the safari vehicle and travel into the Maasai Mara Reserve for some wildlife spotting. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure at the camp.

Please note: if you have pre-booked the Maasai Mara Balloon Safari, today's likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above!

Optional Activities - Day 43

Acommodation

Kenia Campsite

Acommodation

Kenia Campsite

Day 44 : Masai Mara/Lake Nakuru National Park

Depart the camp on your 4x4 safari vehicle and meet up with the Lando at G Adventures-supported Ubuntu Cafe for a delicious lunch. Later, enjoy an afternoon wildlife drive through the area.

Acommodation

Nderit Campsite

Day 45 : Lake Nakuru National Park/Eldoret

See more wildlife life on a morning safari drive around Lake Nakuru. Then, continue onwards in the Lando to Eldoret.

Acommodation

Greenwoods Resort and Campsite

Day 46 : Eldoret/Kampala

Cross the border into Uganda and travel to Kampala, the country’s capital. The group will arrive there in the late afternoon.

Acommodation

Red Chilli Hideaway

Day 47 : Kampala/Lake Bunyonyi

Cross over the equator today in the Lando en route from Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi. The name Bunyonyi means ‘place of many little birds’ and the lake’s winding shores encircle 29 islands surrounded by steep terraced hillsides. Upon arrival enjoy free time to get to know your surroundings and opt to swim in the calm waters.

Acommodation

Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Day 48 : Gorilla Trek

Spend the day on a mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Hike deep into the jungle through volcano forests alongside a park ranger in search of these mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Please be ready for a challenge as the treks can vary in length and difficulty.

Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days.

Depending on the date of our permits, it's possible that the gorilla trek will take place on the second full day in Lake Bunyonyi.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four areas; Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija. Depending on permit availability your group could be tracking gorillas from different areas of the park, it is all still part of Bwindi.

Acommodation

Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Acommodation

Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Acommodation

Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Day 49 : Lake Bunyonyi

Explore Lake Bunyonyi with a full day of free time. There are many optional activities to choose from like, swimming, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, or taking a motorboat tour of the lake. In the evening, relax together with the whole group at the lodge.

Please keep in mind that some members of the group will do the gorilla trek on this day and have the free day in Lake Bunyonyi the day before.

Optional Activities - Day 49

Acommodation

Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Acommodation

Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Acommodation

Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Day 50 : Lake Bunyonyi/Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Drive through the Ugandan countryside on the journey to Kalinzu Forest Reserve, which is further north in the country. The reserve is adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park and offers a great variety of landscapes to view wildlife. Spend the afternoon at your leisure here.

Optional Activities - Day 50

Acommodation

Craters Campsite

Day 51 : Kalinzu Forest Reserve/Lake Mburo National Park

Rise early this morning for an included chimpanzee tracking excursion within the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger. Later, the group will visit a tea plantation before arriving at Lake Mburo. Then, you can choose to book an afternoon boat cruise, or get to know the local area on foot.

Optional Activities - Day 51

Acommodation

Leopard Rest Camp

Day 52 : Lake Mburo National Park/Jinja

Today the group will travel back across the equator to Uganda, which happens to be one of the few countries where it’s possible to cross over this boundary on land. Along the way, make a stop for lunch at the G Adventures-supported AidChild Equation Café & Gallery. Arrive to Jinja in the evening.

Acommodation

Nile River Explorers River Camp

Day 53 : Jinja

The entire day is free for you to explore Jinja on your own or with members of the group. There are plenty of outdoor and adventure activities to choose from like rafting and mountain biking.

Pre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page to include the Jinja River Rafting optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Optional Activities - Day 53

Acommodation

Nile River Explorers River Camp

Day 54 : Jinja/Eldoret

Catch up on some rest during this travel day between Uganda and Kenya. The group will arrive to the camp site near Eldoret in the evening and spend the night under the stars.

This is an overnight stop in between two long driving days.

Acommodation

Greenwoods Resort and Campsite

Day 55 : Eldoret/Nairobi

Enjoy the ride as the group travels in the Lando through the Kenyan countryside to Nairobi. The tour will end upon arrival.