Africa Discovered
Cape Town to Nairobi
Fully Guided Self Drive 4x4 Africa Adventure
8 weeks, 7 countries
Cape Town to Nairobi - fully guided 4x4 self drive Africa adventure is designed for those who want to experience the best of Southern and East Africa. Exploring popular highlights from the wine region of South Africa to the desert of Namibia and tropics of Malawi; from mingling with local people, to the most famous game parks on offer this is The Adventure for the independent explorer. The Cape Town to Nairobi - fully guided 4x4 self drive Africa adventure is an exclusive tour with only 1 departure per year with limited numbers.
Countries visited: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya.
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ITINERARY
Week 1:
Cape Town is the starting point for our 8 week fully guided 4x4 Africa adventure. We spend a couple of days exploring this vibrant and multicultural city nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. A day excursion into the wine region of Stellenbosch for a bit of wine tasting at various wineries is a must. We leave Cape Town for the Western Cape and the border to Namibia.
A total change of scenery awaits us from the lush green of the Cape to the desert and stunning rock formations of Namibia. Our first stop in Namibia is Ai Ais, a very popular weekend getaway with South Africans and after 10 minutes in the soothing hot springs you will understand why.
Fish River Canyon measures 160kms in length and reaches up to 27km wide and 550m deep. Sitting at the top of the Canyon feels like you are sitting on the edge of the earth. From here we continue overland to Sesriem National Park providing us the chance to climb Dune 45, the largest sand dune in the World.
Week 2:
Enroute to Luderitz is the diamond ghost town of Kohlmanskop. Once a bustling diamond mining town until the slump in diamond prices after WW1 and richer deposits discovered further south left Kohlmanskop a mere reminder of what life was like pre WW1. Luderitz an old Bavarian style German colonial town is a true step back in time. The icy shores of the South Atlantic Ocean are home to seals, penguins, flamingos and assorted marine life.
We take some time to warm up in Swakopmund, the desert adventure capital of Southern Africa, there are many activities to be had including quad biking, sky diving and deep sea fishing. For those looking for a more relaxed time there are plenty of excellent restaurants serving famous Namibian seafood and traditional German food and beer.
Week 3:
As we continue overland north on our Cape Town to Nairobi - fully guided 4x4 self drive Africa adventure we stop at the world's biggest meteorite and Etosha national park for our first proper game drive.
Etosha is Namibia's draw card. A vast game park situated in classic African savannah surroundings. The well located watering holes often mean we do not have to travel far to see wild life. The well equipped campsites situated near a flood lit watering hole is a pleasant surprise and a perfect setting to break open a few bottles of South African finest wines and enjoy a platter of cheeses, olives, and fresh fruit as we watch the animals come in to drink.
Week 4:
We continue through the Caprivi Strip and Northern Namibia to the Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southern Africa. An amazing 15,000 sq km water maze of lagoons, estuaries, streams and islands form this incredible haven for birds and African animals alike. The best way to explore the Delta is by Mokoro - local dug-out canoes, we spend a few hours exploring the waterways of the Okavango River and game driving through the park.
We make our way to Botswana the Chobe National Park before we take the Kazangula ferry to Zambia. Chobe National Park is home to Botswana's most varied wildlife. An abundance of wildlife exists along the rivers edge and it is here we can take a leisurely cruise up the Chobe River.
Long before we reach Livingstone we can see the mist coming from the famous Victoria Falls. The mist becomes more pronounced as we arrive in the centre of Livingstone, Zambia. The Zambezi River with its Victoria Falls is a natural border line separating Zambia from Zimbabwe; the Falls leaves many speechless with her sheer size and power; 1 mile long and pumps an incredible 4.5 million cubic meters of water every second into the Zambezi Gorge.
Livingstone is the perfect base to enjoy the many activities on offer including a sunset cruise down the Zambezi; white water raft; abseil and gorge swing in the Zambezi Gorge, bungee jump 111m with Victoria Falls providing the perfect backdrop; take an afternoon stroll with Rhinos; or photograph the Falls from great heights in a micro light, helicopter or light aircraft - the options are endless.
Week 5:
Heading north overland on our Cape Town to Nairobi - fully guided 4x4 self drive Africa adventure into the heart of Zambia we visit South Luangwa national park, one of the best kept secrets of African game parks. Not many travelers know about this outstanding park hidden in the Luangwa valley.
Overlanding on some particularly bad roads we arrive at our "home" on the banks of the Luangwa River - a natural fence separating the campsite from South Luangwa National Park. It is not unusual for Elephants to wander into camp at breakfast time to check-out the breakfast menu; be warned Kellogg's Cornflakes are one of their favorite foods and they are not shy in helping themselves! The campsite has several platforms high in the tress - a perfect spot to lay out your mattress under a mosquito net and listen to the wild African sounds.
South Luangwa National Park is famous for leopard, lion, giraffe, hippos, crocodiles, hyena and aardvark. It is one of the few parks where night game drives as well as walking safaris are possible. A spectacular park situated in a spectacular part of Africa.
We cross the border into the very relaxed country of Malawi. We follow the lake shore and enjoy the laid back atmosphere of this beautiful country. Time and weather permitting we will divert off the main road to the little unknown park of Vwaza. Surrounded by Elephants and hippos it truly is a remarkable park in the heart of Malawi
Week 6:
It takes us two days to drive to the coast and Dar es Salaam or "Haven of Peace" in Kiswahili. It is here where we leave the 4x4 vehicles and catch a ferry to the spice island of Zanzibar with its ancient Arab architecture, tropical beaches and crystal clear waters.
The ferry arrives in Stone Town - a classic Arabic old city, with narrow cobble stoned streets, sweet smell of spices floats through the air, and the local mosque hums in the background. At sun-down the plaza changes form and as the sun disappears over the Indian Ocean, the Plaza comes alive with the smell of barbecuing fresh seafood, colorfully dressed women mix dough in preparation to make Zanzibar pizzas and the men stand around talking politics. For the true Zanzibar experience a visit and a meal in the plaza is an absolute must. A visit to Zanzibar would not be complete without taking one of the many spice tours on offer and a couple of days relaxing on the tropical beaches and swimming in crystal clear waters. For those wanting to partake in aquatic activities Zanzibar will not disappoint - snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, sailing and windsurfing are all on offer.
We spend a few days to relax and enjoy.
Week 7:
Back on the mainland we overland north for the snow caps of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the town of Arusha.
After visiting a Masai village and the cultural centre we enter the world famous Serengeti national park. Crossing the entire Serengeti from east to west will take us two days with many opportunities to spot plenty of game. The Serengeti is the most famous game park in all of Africa, and after spending some time there you will know why.
We take our time overlanding in the wild savannah plains amongst the African Big 5 wildlife in the most famous game park in Africa. Our days are spent game driving and photographing wildlife like: lion, leopard, wildebeest, rhino, warthog, cheetah, gazelle, zebra, giraffe, elephants, buffalo, hartebeest, reedbuck plus many more. If we are lucky we may also spot the African Little 5. As the sun goes down we make camp amongst the wildlife, eat a hearty meal and fall asleep listening to the sounds of Africa. Your reservation awaits you at the 1000000 star Hotel (the breath taking African skies).
No Cape Town to Nairobi - fully guided self drive 4x4 Africa adventure would be complete without the thrill of driving through the most famous game park in Africa.
Back on tar sealed roads we follow the shores of Lake Victoria as we enter Kenya and our final country on the Cape Town to Nairobi - fully guided 4x4 self drive Africa adventure.
Week 8:
We visit Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its white rhino population and millions of pink flamingos gracefully perched in the shallows of Lake Nakuru. We can drive right to the Lake's edge; but be warned many 4x4s have been bogged doing just this!
A visit to the village of Njoro and time to visit a local knitting project run by a local farm is a great opportunity to buy some unique last minute gifts and souvenirs.
A short distance from Nakuru is Lake Naivasha and "Elsamere" - the home of Born Free. Indulge in high tea, watch a video about Joy Adamson's life and visit a little museum dedicated to Joy and George. Before departing for Nairobi we take a final walking safari through Green Crater.
We climb back up to the top of the Rift Valley before descending to 1800m and Nairobi, the end point of our Cape Town to Nairobi - Fully Guided 4x4 self drive Africa adventure.
We celebrate with a night out at Carnivores Restaurant feasting on a fine selection of meats and drinking Tusker, Kenya's most popular beer while reminiscing about our adventures travelling overland from Cape Town to Nairobi.
INCLUDED
- 4x4 overland vehicle (max 2 people per vehicle)
- Fuel, Road tolls, spare parts, international vehicle paperwork, ferries
- Camping equipment (tent, camp bed, director camping chair)
- Kitchen and cooking equipment
- Guide/lead vehicle
- 2 experienced expedition crew (mechanic and tour leader/cook)
- Meals while camping
- Accommodation - 10% hotels/hostels 90% camping
- Maps and local information
- Return ferry to Zanzibar
- Spice Tour, Zanzibar
- Wine tour Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Entrance fees
- Fish River Canyon, Namibia
- Kolmanskop Diamond Ghost Town, Namibia
- Sesriem National Park, Namibia
- Etosha National Park, Namibia
- Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Boat trip Chobe River, Botswana
- Game drive Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Victoria Falls National Park, Zambia
- South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
- Vwaza NP, Malawi
- Mikumi National Park, Tanzania
- Masai village, Tanzania
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- Nakuru National Park, Kenya
- Kenana Knitting Project, Kenya
- Walking safari, Green Crater Lake, Kenya
- High Tea Elsamere, Naivasha, Kenya
EXCLUDED
- International driving permit
- Meals while in hotels, lunches while in same campsite for more than 1 day
- Visas
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Personal comprehensive travel insurance
- Personal spending money
- Minor or adventure activities en-route (white water rafting, walking with lions, ballooning Serengeti etc); drinks and snacks, meals while staying in hostels/hotels
This expedition is also available as a tag-along in your own vehicle - email Debs for more information info@africaexpeditionsupport.com
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