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54-Nights Absolute Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping - Classic from $10,699
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1688003
Absolute Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping
Sure, 55 days might sound like a lot of time, but this once-in-a-life time experience offers you the gift of time in some of the most epic landscapes in the world. See swaths of south and east Africa as you journey by Lando (overland adventure vehicle) across open savanna and by traditional canoe into the Okavango Delta. Track mountain gorillas deep in the Ugandan tropical rainforest and search for the “big five” on safari drive in the Serengeti and listen to the thundering Victoria Falls to get a real sense of how large Africa truly is. Enjoy wilderness camping to bring you even closer to the region’s landscapes and wildlife and try not to blink because a jam-packed adventure awaits.
Highlights
Search for the "big five" in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Stand before the largest sand dunes in the world and the powerful Victoria Falls, Travel on 4x4 safaris and by traditional canoe, Meet mountain gorillas in the Ugandan tropical rainforest, Discover the charm of Zanzibar’s island paradise
Accomodation
Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, flush toilets, showers (generally outdoors, some with simple reed enclosures), washing facilities and telephones available. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up by others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may have to walk a short distance.
They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travelers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors.
We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals.
Wild or Bush Camping
Your camping experience in the Okavango Delta (2 nights) is fondly called “bush camping”, as we camp wild on remote islands, away from civilization and its comforts, and completely surrounded by nature – an unbelievable experience some in fact feel is the highlight of the trip. Wild/bush camps have no facilities - these will be the most basic two nights of our trip, as there is no running water, no showers, nor toilets facilities - we will take our own water and all equipment. Wild camping can be very enjoyable, however please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. Toilets will be of the "dig and bury" variety, and we will provide "bucket in a tree" style showers (with canvas screen for privacy). Wild camping is the ultimate African bush experience as we camp right in among the wildlife, so there is a possibility of elephant and other wildlife coming very close to camp. Your safari guides will have your safety as a priority, so please ensure that you obey all their bush camping instructions.
Guesthouse/Lodge/Bugalows
2 nights in in Swakopmund, we stay in backpacker's (hostels) or small guest houses, which will give us a break from camping and to be better located than the campgrounds in the area. Here, the accommodation is based on several people sharing dormitory-style rooms, with possibly 6 to 8 people sharing a room. Although we will try, we cannot guarantee to be able to divide the group into different dormitories based on gender lines. As such, males and females may have to share the same sleeping quarters for these nights. The bathrooms and showers are private, but may also be shared between both males and females.
3 nights on Zanzibar Island we will stay in bungalows. Basic rooms, twin and multi sharing rooms with shared ablutions.
In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area.
The campsite in Serengeti National Park is extremely basic, with no electricity, simple bathing facilities (no showers), and squat toilets. While camping at the Ngorongoro Crater rim, there is very limited electricity, occasionally warm showers, and both seated and squat flushing toilets.
Despite the challenge that a few days “roughing it” may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the African stars, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime.s, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime.
In Zanzibar, we stay in standard, twin-share accommodation in Stone Town and on the beach. Please note that our Zanzibar Beach Resort location is subject to change due to availability.
Please note that due to the high demand for accommodation in the parks, sometimes we will arrange alternative accommodation outside of the park.
Please be note that where we use multi-share accommodations, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic/Standard Tr
54 nights from $10,699 per person
G Adventures: Absolute Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Day 11: Etosha National Park
Embark on a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choose to prebook a scenic helicopter ride through the Delta during your free time in Maun.
Day 16: Maun/Okavango Delta
Dive right into nature today for an overnight excursion in the Okavango Delta. Hop in a 4x4 and ride to your basic bush camp, then do some birdwatching in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe and head out for a wildlife walk in the area. Gather around the campfire for a sundowner in the evening.
Day 17: Okavango Delta/Nata
Set out on a morning safari walk before returning to Maun. Then, get back inside the Lando and travel to the ancient baobab trees of Nata. There will be free time upon arrival.
Day 18: Nata/Kasane
Venture north from Nata 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 29: Chitimba/Iringa
Today the group will head into Tanzania en route to Iringa. Gaze out the window as the Lando climbs out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, viewing tea plantations and highlands as you go.
Day 30: Iringa/Baobab Valley
Continue northeast in the Lando to the group campsite in the Baobab Valley along the banks of the Ruaha River.Set up camp and look to the skies as the light begins to fade and enjoy a spectacular sunset in the lush, fertile lands of Tanzania. Then search the sky for shooting stars and make some wishes before drifting off to sleep.
Day 31: Baobab Valley/Dar es Salaam
Wake in Baobab Valley before driving to Dar es Salaam. Watch as the Tanzanian countryside passes by and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean make their debut. The group will spend the night here before embarking for the island beaches of Zanzibar.
Day 32: Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar Beach Resort
Catch a ferry and travel to the island beaches of Zanzibar.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
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