For more trips through Africa also see   
African Safaris and Overland Adventures    African Wildlife Adventure Safaris    African Budget Truck Adventures    Trans Africa Expeditions

53 Day Grand Africa

(Trip Code:  NJ53)

Nairobi to Johannesburg

Check Trip Availability

This trip begins in Nairobi, Kenya and travels through Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana, ending in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This trip departs from Nairobi early on Sunday morning.  Should you wish to explore Nairobi, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation booked.

Pre Departure Meeting:            Held at the Departure Point at 17h00 the day before your departure.

Departure Point:                       Hotel Boulevard, Harry Thuku Road, Nairobi.

Check-In Time:                        08h45

Departure Time:                       09h30

Please Note:

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.

Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.

DAY 1:  Nairobi to Nanyuki (L / D)

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Nairobi we head north, crossing the equator, before reaching the market town of Nanyuki.  Founded in 1907 by English settlers, Nanyuki is home to the main base of Kenya’s Air Force.  It’s popular amongst tourists because of its proximity to impressive Mount Kenya, Kenya’s highest peak at 5199 m.  It’s also home to the Mount Kenya Safari Club, now a hotel, but in the 60’s an exclusive club whose members included Winston Churchill, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

DAY 2:  Nanyuki to Samburu National Reserve (B / L / D)

Leaving this old frontier town, we head north-west through the Kikuyu area around Mt Kenya to the Samburu National Reserve.  We’ll encounter the Masai’s distant relatives, the semi-nomadic proud Samburu, tending their cattle along the way.  The Samburu National Reserve is a relatively small reserve at just 104 km².  It is a remote, hence unspoilt, reserve and attracts a wide range of animals because of the Ewaso Ng’iro River (brown water) that runs through it.

DAY 3:  Samburu National Reserve (B / L / D)

The Samburu National Reserve is made up of a mixture of scrub, desert and open Savannah plains interspersed with small rugged hills.  It is home to most of the Big 5 (except the rhino, which has been decimated by poachers).  What makes this reserve unique is its populations of Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe and Somali Ostrich and we’ll spend the day searching for these unique animals.

DAY 4:  Samburu National Reserve to Nakuru (B / L / D)

Leaving the unique Samburu National Reserve, we head west towards the Great Rift Valley and the 4^th largest town in Kenya and the capital of the Rift Valley Province, Nakuru.  We overnight here before entering Lake Nakuru National Park tomorrow.

DAY 5:  Lake Nakuru National Park (B / L / D)

Today we head into Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for the thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that flock to this soda lake’s edge.  The numbers vary depending on the water level, and when it’s low, the lake almost turns pink.  A truly spectacular sight!  The park was established as a sanctuary for black and white rhino, which are often seen.  We spend the day searching for these pre-historic looking beasts as well as the elusive leopard, encountering buffalo, giraffe, various antelope and the occasional hippo along the way. 

DAY 06: Nakuru to Kampala (B / L /D)

Today, we cross the border into Uganda and travel via the lakeside town of Jinja (the Source of the Nile) before reaching Kampala, Uganda's capital, for an overnight stay. Uganda is a small country of striking physical beauty. Its landscapes vary from the fertile green areas around the northern shores of Lake Victoria to the snow-covered Ruwenzori Mountains in the west and the semi-desert parts of the north facing the border of Sudan.

DAYS 07 & 08: Kampala to Kisoro (B / L /D)

After an early morning departure from Kampala we drive west into the depths of Uganda to our base in Kisoro. 

Kisoro 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. The prices of trekking permits fluctuate and may change without prior notice – currently they are priced between US$375 and US$500 depending on where we trek. There is a local transport fee of US$25 to US$45 per person. For trekking in the DRC or Rwanda, we will also have to purchase an additional visa to enter either country, as well as renewing our Ugandan visa upon re-entry. Please budget accordingly.

Trekking Procedures: The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), of which there are still only about 700 remaining, are one of our closest living relatives.  A visit to these gentle giants in their natural environment is a unique and wonderful experience - one you’ll never forget.  The park rangers monitor the gorillas on a daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are.  However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting cannot be guaranteed.  In the unlikely event of these creatures managing to completely elude us, the authorities usually allow us a second opportunity to trek them.  However, this is purely at their discretion and subject to the availability of permits, and they will not confirm this in writing.  Africa Travel Co is a major supplier of gorilla trekkers to each park and as such have a high success rate of procuring gorilla permits and then of actually seeing these beautiful animals.  As the gorillas share much of our DNA, anyone with even the slightest cold or transferable illness will not be permitted to trek.  Trekking is also only open to people over 16 years old. We depart from our camp in the early morning and after border formalities are transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences.  Your rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and on to a gorilla family.  Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and it can be quite strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.  To ensure the gorillas do not get too used to the presence of humans and because they share many of our genes (and therefore able to catch our diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour.  You will have plenty of time to watch their activity and to take photographs.  The rangers will be able to provide you with a background to the family you are visiting.  Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point.

You needn’t feel like you’re exploiting these animals.  The ever-growing number of tourists trekking them each day play a vital role in their survival.  For years they have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold as ashtrays and lampshades!  In addition, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing the babies for sale to zoos, where they have never lived long.  100% of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares and on promoting these wonderful animals.

DAY 09: Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni (B / L /D)

A short drive through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa brings us to Lake Bunyoni. Lake Bunyoni is the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and is home to a large number of bird and fish species as well as otters.

DAY 10 & 11: Lake Bunyoni (B / L /D)

The next two days are spent at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyoni.  There are the options to swim, canoe, hike, visit the local villages or just sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds.  Well deserved rest days!

DAY 12: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala (B / L /D)

After enjoying the peaceful surrounds of Lake Bunyoni we drive to Kampala for the next two nights stay, and perhaps the chance to sample the nightlife.  Today we will cross the equator for the second time and there will be ample opportunity for photos at the Equator crossing.

DAY 13: Kampala (B / L /D)

Today is spent at leisure in Uganda’s capital and can be spent exploring the local markets and museums, or taking a trip to the nearby Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary. The political instability that haunted Uganda over a period of years has had the positive effect of leaving the country free of the over-commercialism so common in other parts of Africa. The current administration under President Museveni has devoted considerable effort and funds to regain Uganda's former glory as one of Africa's most prosperous and, from a tourist’s point of view, one of the most appealing and interesting countries to visit.

DAY 14 & 15: Kampala to Jinja (B / L /D)

After a short drive to the Lakeside town of Jinja, you have the option over the next day and a half to raft the Nile, visit the local community project or take part in a quad bike trip along the riverbank. Our overnight camp is right on the edge of the Nile River where there is an abundance of resident bird life & some truly amazing photo opportunities from right outside your tent!

DAY 16: Jinja to Nakuru (B / L /D)

Today will be a full day driving back to Kenya with an overnight at a campsite in Nakuru.

DAY 17: Nakuru to Lake Naivasha (B / L /D)

This morning we have the option to take a game drive in the Lake Nakuru National Park or head into Nakuru town. In the afternoon, we drive to Lake Naivasha where we make camp in peaceful surroundings beside the lake.

DAY 18: Lake Naivasha (B / L /D)

Moving south-east, we head to Lake Naivasha, 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.  Time permitting; we spend the afternoon 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.

DAY 19: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara (B / L /D)

We depart from Lake Naivasha and enter Masai land where these habitual pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle from the side of the road.  We pass through the town of Narok, before arriving at our campsite, Acacia Camp. Acacia Camp looks on to the Meguarra hills and the stream that meanders by on the bottom end forms a natural border to the Masai Mara National Reserve.

DAY 20: Masai Mara Game Reserve (B / L /D)

We spend the day driving through nature as it was intended to be - huge plains, rolling hills and an abundance of game matched nowhere else on earth.  We keep an eye open for the Big 5 - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard.  If travelling between July and October, we may get to witness the impressive herds of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle in their Annual Migration.  Sitting around the camp fire, watching the sun set is the perfect way to finish a day’s game viewing in this “Garden of Eden.”

DAY 21: Masai Mara to Nairobi (B)

After breakfast, we leave the Masai Mara and return to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon. On arrival we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

DAY 22:  Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania) (L / D)

This morning we collect the passengers who’ll be joining us on the next leg of our trek.  We travel south crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga.  Tonight we stay in a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading out on our Optional Excursions to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

DAY 23 - 25:  Arusha to Serengeti National Park (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)

Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.  We conduct these excursions in locally operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for safari use. 

For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next 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.

After our game drive in the Crater, we head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we camp in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’!

After our morning drive, we head back across the plains and the lush Crater rim to our truck at Arusha, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.

DAY 26:  Arusha to Pangani (B / L / D)

After a morning spent exploring Arusha and its vibrant craft markets, we head south towards Dar es Salaam.  On the way we drive through the town of Moshi.  Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting; we may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed!  We pass through vast sisal plantations surrounded by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching our lovely campsite nestled between these mountains, midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

DAY 27:  Pangani to Dar es Salaam (B / L / D)

Today we continue on to Dar es Salaam.  Travelling through lush scenery and palm trees, we near the warm Indian Ocean.  On arrival in Dar es Salaam we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning. 

DAY 28:  Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (B)

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we have the option to spend the next 3 nights.  Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands.  New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.

PLEASE NOTE:  Accommodation and Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own.  The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.

*For those not opting to visit the island of Zanzibar, the next 3 days are spent at leisure at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam. 

DAYS 29 & 30:  Zanzibar

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor.  Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade.  The island is famous for its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience.  Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow.  Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the island.  Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise.  Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - crayfish being a popular speciality.  Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.

DAY 31:  Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam (D)

Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland and another night in Dar es Salaam. 

DAY 32:  Dar es Salaam to Iringa (B / L / D)

This morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south.  We 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!

DAYS 33 to 37:  Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (B / L / D)

Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ through the border post at Songwe. 

Malawi is 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 5 days.

Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine white beaches.  Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round.  Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch.  Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dug out canoe yourself!  The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horse back rides and a visit to the local village and school.

DAY 38:  Lake Malawi to Chipata (Zambia) (B / L / D)

From Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia where we spend the night in a beautiful little campsite just 10 km after the Malawi/Zambia border.

DAY 39:  Chipata to Lusaka (B / L / D)

From Chipata, we head south to Lusaka to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka.  The campsite is home to some local wildlife including Africa’s largest antelope – Eland.

DAY 40:  Lusaka to Livingstone (B / L / D)

An early morning start sees us head south to Livingstone.  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.

DAY 41:  Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (B)

We leave Zambia and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering into Zimbabwe at the town of Victoria Falls.  Here in Africa’s adventure capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite.  The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe - a fantastic photo opportunity.  The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAYS 42 & 43:  Victoria Falls (B on both days)

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions.  Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Vic Falls, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the next leg of our trek.

OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, 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 aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site.  White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class.  Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

DAY 44:  Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (B / L / D)

After breakfast we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.  The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia.  Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned its large elephant herds. The late afternoon sees us take a boat cruise along the Chobe River.  Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the boat while we watch another glorious African sunset.

DAY 45:  Chobe National Park to Maun (B / L / D)

Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun.  It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta.

DAY 46:  Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)

The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world.  Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals unique to Southern Africa.

Here we have the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Drive In/Mokoro Excursion into The Delta.  From Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station.  Mokoros are traditional dug out canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds.  After our guides find us a place to camp, we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience The Delta wilderness.

For those who’d prefer not to explore The Delta, you can stay at the lovely campsite relaxing by the swimming pool or challenging each other to a game of volleyball.

DAY 47:  Okavango Delta (B / L / D)

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await.  Today 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!

DAY 48:  Okavango Delta to Maun (B / L / D)

This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun.  We arrive back in the early afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over The Delta.

DAY 49:  Maun to Francistown (B / L / D)

An early start sees us head for a late afternoon arrival in Francistown.  Francistown grew out of the gold mining boom in the late 1800s.  Today it is a shopping mecca, and it is here we stock up on our supplies for the next few days.

DAY 50:  Francistown to Polokwane (South Africa) (B / L / D)

This morning we cross into South Africa.  We cross the Limpopo Province to reach its capital, Polokwane.  This town, situated in the middle of a rich agricultural area, is an ideal stop on our way to the Kruger National Park.

DAY 51:  Polokwane to Hazyview (L / D)

Leaving Polokwane we head towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park.  We return to our camp, just 8 km the Kruger’s Numbi Gate.  Another afternoon is spent lazing around the inviting swimming pool, before enjoying a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our game drive tomorrow.

DAY 52:  Hazyview (B / L / D)

Today we re-visit the amazing Kruger National Park in search of some of the 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species that eluded us on our first visit.

DAY 53:  Hazyview to Johannesburg (B)

After a delicious breakfast, we begin our journey to our final destination, Egoli, the place of gold.  On arrival in Johannesburg we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip. 

Please Note     - these prices are approximate and are subject to change

- where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.

*Although traveller’s cheques are accepted for the Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursion, they are subject to a surcharge of at least 5%.

**Please note that all accommodation & activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash (GBP & ZAR also accepted at a lower rate).

FREE TRIP

When you book this trip, you are entitled to receive both a FREE 3 Day Masai Mara Safari the Thursday before your trip begins.  The Local Payment is still applicable for the trip.  This fantastic offer must be taken up at the same time you book this trip.  Ask your agent or the Africa Travel Co office for more details.  Conditions apply.

The staff and management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy your trip with us.

“Safari Njema”

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.