The Adventure travel | Group travel | Overland tours | Road trips programmes in Africa and Botswana and Kenya and Mozambique and Namibia and South Africa and Tanzania
From Price: 2,885.00EUR / GBP2,564.00
The big one, 56 days! Explore the best of Africa on an amazing adventure travelling overland by overland truck. Take in the highlights and indescribable beauty of 9 countries, jam packed with African culture, wildlife, adventure and excitement that only an African over landing adventure can provide.
Africa Overland Truck Explorer Africa Tour Essential Info
The big one! Explore the best of Africa on an amazing gap year adventure travelling overland by overland truck.
Africa is a beautiful continent, with so much raw culture on offer, and some unbelievable sites, any serious advernturer can not ignore its calling. Despite its strong appeal, distances can be huge, and travel overland can be challenging at the best of times. Often, where you want to go there are no roads, and getting there independantly could take months, or be virtually impossible.
The beauty of this overland truck adventure is that you can see it all and then some. We take care of the logistics of getting to the hard to reach places, curtesty of our overland aventure trucks: all terrain transcontinetal rovers that will allow you to enjoy Africa with out the hard long hours of independant travel. It is excellent value too, will all of your accommodation, food and transport taken care of, with many added extras into the itinerary, this will help you travel africa on a shoe string as well.
This once in a life time experience will start at the bottom of Africa taking in Cape Town, ne of South Africas most beautiful cities before embarking on an incredible overland truck adventure through Africa.
Expect to see the spectacular desolate beauty of the Namibian bush and dessert. Mix with the San bushmen in Botswana and visit Himba tribes. You will learn about the peoples and places of this amazing continent.Emerging from Botswanas Okavango delta, you will arrive at Victoria falls, one of the most impressive natural spectacles on Earth. If you dare you can brave the rapids, or have a go at bungee jumping vic falls, once the worlds highest bungee, and certainly and impressive challenge by any standards.
Travelling further north you will enjoy bathing in Lake Malawi and then onto East Africa and Tanzania. Blessed with a cool mix of cultures, Tanzania will deliver real excitement. Taking in Zanzibar, with some of the worlds best beaches, and then on to the amazing game parks, of the Serengeti and Ngorogoro in the North, under the shadow of Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain.
Pushing further into Kenya, you will be reaching your untlimate goal, to visit the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda, the perfect end to an unforgettable adventure.
Accommodation
This tour is fully accommodated and included a veriety of camping and hostels enroute. Expect some nights in tents in pure african wilderness, other is established backpackers and camping grounds.
Price and Dates
2885 plus local payment $1495 US dollars
Contact us for departure dates and availability
Included
Services of a tour leader
All transportation by private adventure vehicle
55 nights camping fees & equipment
Most Meals: B x 52, L x 52 D x 46
Excluded
Flights
Visas
Insurance
Gorilla Permit US $500-$600
THIS TRIP CONTAINS A LOCAL PAYMENT OF US$1495
(The amount this is subject to fluctuations) LP covers expenses including national park entrance fees, flights, and ensures a reliable amount of hard currency during the tour. Fee subject to changes, although these are very rare.
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The Tour Highlights
Orange River | NamibNaukluft NP | Okavango Delta Excursion | Fish river canyon | Sesriem Canyon | Spitzkoppe | Himba Tribes | Masai Village | Chobe NP | Victoria Falls NP | South Luanga NP | Lake Malawi | Zanzibar Excursion |Masai Mara NP |Lake Naivasha | Hells Gate NP | Lake Nakuru NP |Gorillas | Etosha NP
COUNTRIES VISITED: SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA, ZIMBABWE, ZAMBIA, MALAWI, TANZANIA , KENYA, UGANDA
Africa Overland Truck Adventurer Flexible itinerary
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 1 SOUTH AFRICA, CEDERBERG MOUNTAIN REGION
After a short stop to view Table Mountain we drive north to the Cederberg region. In the afternoon (weather permitting) we go on a guided walk to see Bushmen paintings and learn about the native fauna and flora.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 2 NAMAQUALAND ORANGE/GARIEP RIVER
Today we travel to the Gariep/Orange River. We spend the night under the stars and sit at the campfire getting to know each another.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 3 NAMIBIA, ORANGE/GARIEP RIVER - FISH RIVER CANYON
You can choose between a morning on the riverbank or the half day canoe on the river. After lunch we travel north to the Fish River Canyon. Optional Activities: Orange/Gariep River Half Day Canoe Adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 4 NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK
From the Fish River Canyon we continue into the remote hinterland. We arrive at camp in the afternoon and enjoy a short hike at Sesriem Canyon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 5 SOSSUSVLEI DUNES - NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK
We wake before dawn so we can hike up Dune 45 and watch the sunrise. After breakfast we join a local expert on a guided tour explaining the desert ecosystem.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 6 / 7 SWAKOPMUND
Today we cross the Tropic of Capricorn (where we stop for a photo) on our way to Namibias Atlantic coast. In Swakopmund you will be briefed on the optional activities available here. Day 7 is free for you to explore the town or try one of the many adventure activities. Optional Activities: Quadbiking, Sandboarding, Sky Diving, Dolphin Cruise, Scenic Flights, Fishing etc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner on day 7 only)
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 8 SPITZKOPPE
We leave all the trappings of modern life behind us and drive inland to the mysterious Spitzkoppe. Tonight we camp in the wild.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 9 HIMBA TRIBES
After some early morning exploration we continue inland and drive towards Kamanjab. The Himba are a pastoral people and predominantly breed cattle or goats, they are easily recognisable by their unique style of dress.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 10 / 11 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Etosha NP is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. We will go on various game drives, and spend our evenings at the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 12 WINDHOEK
After an early morning game drive we set off towards Windhoek in the centre of Namibia. On the way we stop at a popular craft market. In the afternoon we go on a short city tour.
Optional Activities: Dinner out at Joes Beer House.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 13 BOTSWANA, GHANZI
It is a scenic drive to the Buitepos border, where we cross into Botswana. Once at camp we will meet with a local Bushmen community and experience some traditional Tribal Dancing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 14 / 15 / 16 MAUN AND OKAVANGO DELTA
Another early day! Our journey takes us from Ghanzi towards Maun. We spend the night here and prepare for our two night bush-camping experience. Your guides will provide you with a briefing about the next few days activities and the community run tourism operation. From here we will enter the Delta using local transport. If the water level allows we will take a mokoro (traditional canoe) trip a well as a nature walk with the local people.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 17 GWETA
We leave the Delta behind us and travel east to Gweta, which is located halfway between Maun and Nata, near the Makgadikgadi Pans NP.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 18 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
When we arrive at Kasane we set up camp on the bank of the Chobe River. The afternoon is spent game viewing from a boat in the Chobe NP. This is an excellent opportunity to view Africas spectacular wildlife. You will have the chance to experience an early morning game drive the following day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 19 ZIMBABWE, VICTORIA FALLS
On arrival in Victoria Falls we have time to plan the next days adventure activities before we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls NP and experience the thundering of the mighty Zambezi. The popular optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks.
Optional Activities: Chobe morning game drive, Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 20 / 21 VICTORIA FALLS
Most people will spend the day White Water Rafting, a not -to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives. Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Elephant Excursion, Dinner out.
Meals: Breakfast
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 22 ZAMBIA, LUSAKA
Leaving behind the excitement of Victoria Falls we begin our expedition. The journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 23 CHIPATA
We begin today with some shopping in Lusaka before heading northeast towards Chipata. This is an interesting area full of friendly locals.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 24 / 25 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
Early in the morning we drive from Chipata to the border of the South Luangwa NP where we spend two nights on the riverbank. The next day we visit the community run tribal textile project and a local village. Later this afternoon we enjoy a guided sunset game drive in South Luangwa NP. On occasion, in the rainy season it is impossible or inadvisable to attempt to reach South Luangwa NP, if this happens an alternative itinerary will be chosen. Optional Activities: Guided Morning Game
Walk in South Luangwa NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 26 / 27 MALAWI , LUWAWA FOREST
Today we cross the Zambia-Malawi border after leaving South Luangwa NP in the early morning. Heading north we enter the highlands of Malawi and spend the night at Luwawa Forest. Optional Activities: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 28 / 29 / 30 / 31 LAKE MALAWI
We will spend the next couple of carefree days relaxing on the white sandy beaches. For the more adventurous there are endless leisure and water sport activities. Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere and relax in one of the most memorable holiday destinations. Optional Activities: Scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 32 TANZANIA, IRINGA
As we ascend out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, we pass the vast tea plantations in the highlands to our camp outside Iringa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 33 IRINGA TO DAR ES SALAAM
It is a long drive from Iringa to the historical port city of Dar es Salaam. We actually transit through Mukumi NP, but we do not have time to stop and explore.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 34 / 35 / 36 ZANZIBAR
A local ferry will take us from Dar es Salaam (where we leave the truck) to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. We spend the first night in Stone Town where you will have time to explore the markets and unique architecture. The following day we take a transfer to the northern part of the Island where we will spend 2 days relaxing on the beach. Optional Activities: Meals, Spice Tours, Dolphin Tours, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling.
Meals: Breakfast
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 37 ZANZIBAR- DAR ES SALAAM
Today you leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry (or flight) back to Dar es Salaam and return to the campsite.
Meals: Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 38 DAR ES SALAAM ARUSHA
Today we take a long and scenic drive to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. After arriving in Arusha, those who are going to explore the Serengeti National Park, prepare for their excursion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 39 / 40 SERENGETI / NGORONGORO
Today we have the opportunity to go on a three-day trip into the Serengeti. For those not going to the parks, take this time to relax and absorb some of the fascinating local culture. Optional Activities: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Excursion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 41 ARUSHA
Today we visit a local Masaai village. Tonight we enjoy a final meal around the truck and talking about the adventures we have had together.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 42 KENYA, NAIROBI
After crossing the border into Kenya we continue to travel towards Nairobi . Although our tour has ended for some passengers groups like to spend this evening at local restaurant. Optional Activities: Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 43 NAIROBI TO MARA
The Masai Mara National Reserve is the Kenyan side of the Serengeti National Park (located in Tanzania). Today the tour will be entering this huge area of spectacular game viewing to photograph some of Africas most abundant wildlife. Famous for the annual migration of around 1.5 million wildebeest, the Masai Mara is also home to many other plains animals, including lions. We will only arrive after lunch, but in time for an afternoon game drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 44 MARA TO NAIVASHA
In addition to what we hope will be a successful days game viewing, cultural interaction with Kenyas native Masaai people will round off your experience. After lunch we will leave the Mara to travel to Lake Naivasha.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 45 NAIVASHA (HELLS GATE NP) TO NAKURU NP
Today we will spend the morning at Hells Gate NP. The interesting name comes from the huge red-coloured cliffs that form the entrance to the geothermal interior. This is the only National Park where you can go hiking and activities include game and bird watching. The park entry fees are included and one of the more popular optional activities is to go game viewing from a bicycle. In the afternoon the tour will travel towards Lake Nakuru, the home of the greater and lesser flamingo. White Rhino inhabit the transitional savanna area surrounding the lake and if you are lucky you will get some great pictures. Optional Activities: Bicycle Hire
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 46 LAKE NAKURU TO ELDORET
We will spend a relaxed morning at Lake Nakuru before driving across the equator to Eldoret. When crossing the equator today there will be opportunity for photography. Eldoret is the 5th largest city in Kenya and is currently the fastest growing. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and the altitude at Eldoret is 2100 metres above sea level.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 47 ELDORET TO KAMPALA, UGANDA
Today we cross the border in to Uganda. Border crossings require patience as they can take much longer than one may expect. In the afternoon we will enter Ugandas capital city, Kampala. This evening we have the opportunity to dine out at one of the local restaurants. Optional Activities: Dinner Out
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 48 KAMPALA - CRESCENT ISLAND EXCURSION
Although officially this day is set aside for everyone to explore Kampala most people use this day to take an optional day trip to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Ngamba Island. This non-profit eco-friendly project was set up in 1998 to care for orphaned chimpanzees. Ngamba Island is situated 23 km from Entebbe (near Kampala) on Lake Victoria and is only accessible by boat.
The Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) manages the project and, as only one third of their operating costs are covered by visitors fees, all interested parties are encouraged to join Friends of the Sanctuary. Should the weather be unfavourable, or the lake too rough for this excursion, there are many other activities available in Kampala. Optional Activities: Ngamba Chimpanzee Excursion, Kampala Markets, Dinner Out.
Meals: Breakfast
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 49 / 50 / 51 KAMPALA TO GORILLAS
The Mountain Gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only 650 left. Visiting the Gorillas is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining Gorillas rests in the community development work as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach the future of the Mountain Gorillas is assured.
As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where we actually visit them. The home of the Mountain Gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible we choose to make use of the NP in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits. Please note that each permit is only valid for one day. It is normal that the group will be split and will trek on different days; it all depends on the availability of the permits.
Should we not obtain permits to visit the Mountain Gorillas in either Bwindi or Mgahinga NP in Uganda then we will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC. Visas for all nationalities are available on the DRC and Rwandan borders.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 52 / 53 GORILLAS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Today we will leave the Gorillas behind and visit some of Ugandas other wild animals at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Many game species are to be found in this mainly Wetland Park including the (elsewhere elusive) giant forest hog, and the legendary tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector. The 1995 square kilometers of exceptional bio-diversity contain over 600species of birds and nearly 100 mammals. Game is best viewed from the water and we recommend a sunset cruise on the Kasinga channel. Optional Activities: Kasinga Channel Sunset Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 54 / 55 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK NP TO JINJA
We depart early for the long drive to Jinja where we will spend the entire following day. Jinja is Ugandas second largest city and is famous as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins the 6695 kilometre journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean. If you do not want to go rafting, why not volunteer for the day at Soft Power Education, a UK registered charity that is doing a wonderful job with the education of Jinjas youth. Spending your day helping out will not only assist their projects, but will also afford you the opportunity to spend a day at grass-root level helping Africas youth. Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Soft Power Education Project
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 56 JINJA TO NAIROBI
It is a very long drive to Nairobi. The city of Nairobi was originally founded as a camp for the Mombassa-Uganda railway in 1899 and had since become the largest city in both Kenya and the East Africa region. As this is the last evening the group may choose to dine together at Nairobis famous Carnivore Restaurant, where vegetarians are catered for, but not encouraged Optional Activities: Meal out in Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
NB: The itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice in order to accommodate the best possible viewing of the Gorillas. The Permit price to visit the Gorillas can also change without notice.
