The Big Overlander - 47 days
FROM USD $2,995
Experience the contrasts and raw appeal of this majestic continent up close and personal. Visiting eight countries, spot wildlife in Africa's best game parks, trek for gorilla in Uganda, relax and unwind on Zanzibar and soak up the incredible sights!
Day 1: Nairobi
Saturday. Welcome to Kenya! We’ll be there to collect you at Nairobi Airport. Your first night will be spent at our pre expedition campsite. On day 1 there will be a pre departure meeting at 17:00. Overnight - Nairobi
Days 2 - 3: Masai Mara N.P.
Nairobi - Masai Mara. Heading west from Nairobi on day 2, we reach possibly Kenya’s most famous natural attraction - the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Kenyan section of the wildly beautiful Serengeti Plains teems with wildlife. The highlight of the Mara is no doubt the annual wildebeest migration, when literally millions of these beasts plus zebra and Thomson’s gazelle stray north from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania in search of lush grass on the savannah plains. Elephant, lion, cheetah, giraffe and a multitude of hooved herbivores also inhabit the reserve. A game drive through the Mara on day 3 gives us the chance to spot the Big Five. During our stay we can also opt to visit a local Masai tribe. Overnight - Masai Mara N.P. (B:1, L:2, D:2)
The Big Overlander - 47 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Days 4 - 5: Kisumu & Kampala
Masai Mara - Kisumu - Kampala (Uganda). Leaving the Masai Mara early on day 4, we head out of Masai Land and pass through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before descending the Rift Valley Plateau, on our way to Kisumu - Kenya’s harbour town on the banks of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, where we spend the night. The following morning, we cross the border into Uganda where we overnight it the capital city, Kampala. Overnight - Kisumu (1), Kampala (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Days 6 - 9: Lake Bunyoni & Gorilla Trekking
Kampala - Lake Bunyoni. From Kampala we drive to Lake Bunyoni, the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and home to a large and varied number of beautiful birds, which is the base from which the optional Gorilla trek takes place. Dependant on where trekking permits are available, we trek in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda.
We depart from our base in Bunyoni in small groups over 3-4 days, depending on the group size. We wind our way through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa en-route to the National Park. Dependant on where permits are available, we may spend a night in either Kisoro or in Rwanda. The following morning we trek with trained rangers in search of the mountain gorillas. Overnight - Lake Bunyoni (B:4, L:4, D:4)
We depart from our base in Bunyoni in small groups over 3-4 days, depending on the group size. We wind our way through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa en-route to the National Park. Dependant on where permits are available, we may spend a night in either Kisoro or in Rwanda. The following morning we trek with trained rangers in search of the mountain gorillas. Overnight - Lake Bunyoni (B:4, L:4, D:4)
Days 10 - 11: Kampala & Jinja
Lake Bunyoni - Kampala - Jinja. After marvelling at the experience of our gorilla encounters and enjoying the peaceful Lake Bunyoni, we begin our drive back to Kampala. We cross the Equator for the second time and stop for the classic “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity. We overnight in Kampala and have the opportunity to sample its night life!
On day 11 we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or heading to Jinja for a selection of adventure activities including white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or visiting a volunteer and community project. Overnight - Kampala (1), Jinja (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Days 12 - 13: Lake Nakuru
Jinja - Nakuru - Naivasha (Kenya). Departing early, we head back to Kenya and spend the night outside Nakuru at a lovely campsite on a local farm. Nakuru is Kenya’s 4th largest town and capital of the Rift Valley Province and lies adjacent to the small but wildlife rich Lake Nakuru National Park.
Lake Nakuru National Park is home to a veritable array of wildlife. The park supports a population of black rhino, lion, leopard, zebra, antelope and giraffe not to mention millions of pink flamingos. The lake itself is a shallow soda lake. The following morning we begin our exploration of the national park and after our game drive, we travel on to Lake Naivasha arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight - Nakuru (1), Naivasha (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Days 14 - 15: Lake Naivasha & Nairobi
Naivasha - Nairobi. Lake Naivasha, is home to a multitude of bird life, the most magnificent being the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry. At 1880 m, this is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. We spend the day enjoying optional excursions like Elsamere (former home to Joy & George Adamson of Born Free fame), a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park. The next morning we head back to Nairobi. Overnight - Naivasha (1), Nairobi (1) (B:2, L:1, D:1)
Days 16 - 19: Optional Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). Leaving Nairobi, we cross the border into Tanzania. Arusha is the starting point for the optional 3 day excursion to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next 3 days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is close by to explore.
The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino. Overnight - Arusha (4), OR optional Karatu & Serengeti (B:3, L:4, D:4)
The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino. Overnight - Arusha (4), OR optional Karatu & Serengeti (B:3, L:4, D:4)
Days 20 - 21: Pangani & Dar es Salaam
Arusha - Pangani - Dar es Salaam. We return to Arusha before continuing on towards Dar es Salaam. On the way we drive through the town of Moshi situated at the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain. We may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed! We spend the night in Pangani midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam before reaching our lovely seaside campsite in Dar es Salaam the following day. Overnight - Pangani (1), Dar es Salaam (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Days 22 - 24: Zanzibar
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar (optional). A ferry from Dar Es Salaam takes us to ‘Spice Island’, where we have the option to spend the next three nights.* Zanzibar is steeped in history and offers a wealth of experiences. Wander the streets of Stone Town, take an excursion around a spice plantation or simply laze on one of the pristine white sandy beaches, the choice is yours! Accommodation is not provided on Zanzibar, allowing you the freedom to choose where you spend your time on the island. Your trip leader can arrange accommodation for you locally should you wish.
* For those opting not to visit Zanzibar, the 3 days can be spent at leisure at the beach campsite or exploring Dar Es Salaam. Overnight - Dar es Salaam (3) OR optional Zanzibar (3) (B:1)
* For those opting not to visit Zanzibar, the 3 days can be spent at leisure at the beach campsite or exploring Dar Es Salaam. Overnight - Dar es Salaam (3) OR optional Zanzibar (3) (B:1)
Days 25 - 26: Iringa & Mikumi
Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam - Iringa. Leaving Zanzibar in the afternoon, we return to the mainland and another night in Dar es Salaam.
The next morning we head south and pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. We travel towards Iringa where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers! Overnight - Dar es Salaam (1), Iringa (1) (B:1, L:1, D:2)
Days 27 - 30: Lake Malawi
Iringa - Lake Malawi (Malawi). Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we travel into Malawi, a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 4 days. Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Overnight - Lake Malawi (B:4, L:4, D:4)
Days 31 - 32: Chipata & Lusaka
Lake Malawi - Chipata - Lusaka (Zambia). We head away from Lake Malawi, and stop off in the capital, Lilongwe, a small city distinctively divided into the old town and the new administrative centre, to stock up on supplies before crossing into Zambia where we spend the night in a beautiful little campsite. From Chipata, we head south-west via the Great East Road to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka. Overnight - Chipata (1), Lusaka (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Day 33: Livingstone
Lusaka - Livingstone. Heading further south, we journey to Livingstone. The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight we have the option of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi. Overnight - Livingstone (B, L, D)
Day 34: Chobe N. P.
Livingstone - Kasane (Botswana). Today we cross the border into Botswana and continue to the town of Kasane, on the banks of the Chobe River which forms a border between Zambia, Namibia and Botswana. After lunch, we take a boat cruise along the Chobe River and tonight we enjoy an exciting overnight experience in the wilds of the Chobe National park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. Overnight - Chobe N. P. (B, L, D)
Day 35: Victoria Falls
Chobe - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and heading back to Kasane. Crossing the border into Zimbabwe, a short drive takes us to the nearby Victoria Falls. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. We enjoy our last day in the adrenaline playground of Africa, where there are optional activities aplenty here including Zambezi white water rafting, bungy jumping from 111m and flights over the Falls in a variety of airborne machines! Overnight - Victoria Falls (B)
Days 36 - 37: Victoria Falls
The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of optional excursions. Optional excursions include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an incredible aerial view of the falls and white water rafting on the Zambezi is world class! Overnight - Victoria Falls (B:2)
Days 38 - 39: Kasane
Victoria Falls - Kasane (Botswana) - Maun. On day 38 we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. In the afternoon we take a boat cruise along the beautiful Chobe River.* Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the boat while we watch another glorious African sunset. *Please note, for tours departing from Jan 2014 onwards, the Chobe River Cruise will be an optional activity, book and pay locally.
On day 39 we cross the western end of the Chobe National Park area along the main route in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun. Maun is the starting point for travel into the Delta. Overnight - Kasane (1), Maun (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)
On day 39 we cross the western end of the Chobe National Park area along the main route in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun. Maun is the starting point for travel into the Delta. Overnight - Kasane (1), Maun (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Days 40 - 41: Optional Okavango Delta
Maun - Okavango Delta (optional). From Maun we have the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Okavango Delta Excursion. From Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station. The Delta region is studded with many local villages where many families live in a traditional way. Some of the villages are very remote and can only be reached by the traditional mode of transport – the Mokoro (dugout canoes maneuvered through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds). At the Mokoro station, we meet our ‘polers’ head out into the waterways. After a couple of hours along the waterways, our guides find us a place to camp, and later in the afternoon we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience The Delta wilderness.
Enjoy rest, relaxation and Delta experiences on day 42, when we have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming, game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling our own mokoro!
For those not opting to explore the Delta, you can stay at the campsite in Maun relaxing by the swimming pool or playing volleyball. Overnight - Maun OR optional Okavango Delta (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Enjoy rest, relaxation and Delta experiences on day 42, when we have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming, game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling our own mokoro!
For those not opting to explore the Delta, you can stay at the campsite in Maun relaxing by the swimming pool or playing volleyball. Overnight - Maun OR optional Okavango Delta (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Day 42: Maun
Okavango Delta - Maun. This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun. After our Mokoro ride and vehicle transfer, we arrive back in the afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional scenic flight over The Delta (dependent on weather conditions & availability). Overnight - Maun (B, L, D)
Day 43: Palapye
Maun - Palapye (Zimbabwe). Heading out early, we have a fairly long (450kms) drive today to the small town of Palapye, situated about halfway between Francistown and Gaborone (Botswana’s Capitol). This popular ‘stopover’ town for those en route to South Africa, is well known for the Morupule Colliery coal mines which supplies Morupule Power Station, Botswana’s principal domestic source of electricity.
Overnight - Palapye (B, L, D)
Day 44: Blyde River Canyon
Palapye - Blydepoort (South Africa). This morning we cross into South Africa and continue across to our camp overlooking the impressive Blyde River Canyon. Named for the Blyde River that runs through it, the canyon is 26km long, and averages 800m deep and forms the northern edge of the impressive Drakensberg Mountain Range. The main viewpoints along the canyon are the 3 Rondavels, named for the shape of the traditional huts or houses the indigenous people of the area used to live in; and Gods Window that affords a breathtaking view across the canyon and surrounding area. Overnight - Blydepoort (B, L, D)
Days 45 - 46: Kruger N.P.
Blydepoort - Hazyview. Heading through the breathtaking Panorama Route, we stop off at various viewpoints today including scenic God’s Window. We pass through the small town of Graskop, and head toward the Kruger National Park and our campsite on the border of the park. Situated just 10km from Kruger’s Phabeni Gate, the camp is home to Giraffe, Zebra and Hippo to name but a few.
The next day we visit the amazing Kruger National Park in search of some of the 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species that make this park their home. We travel in our truck along the main game viewing routes within the park and stop off at some of the camps along the way. For those who wish to upgrade to an open vehicle game drive, this can be arranged with the trip leader at an additional cost. Overnight - Hazyview (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Day 47: Johannesburg
Wednesday. Hazyview - Johannesburg. After breakfast, we begin our journey to Johannesburg, our final destination. On arrival in Johannesburg we unload the truck for the final time, exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! (B)
Travelling Northbound?
This itinerary also runs in reverse from Johannesburg to Nairobi. Please Note: This route offers the highlights of Zimbabwe instead of Botswana and the Delta. Please refer to the 'Northbound' tab above and Northbound Go Guide for full itinerary details.
Tour Details
- Starts in: Nairobi / Ends in: Johannesburg
- Departs: Saturdays - year round
- Local Payment: USD $1105
- Breakfast:41, Lunch: 37, Dinner: 38
- Hotel Rating: Camping expedition
- Tour Guide: Yes
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