Strap yourself in for an epic adventure! Taking in the best of Southern and Eastern Africa in 42 days. A myriad of wonders await you from South Africa to the deserts and deltas of Namibia and Botswana, meeting tribes, see natural wonders like Victoria falls and lake Malawi. Beach time on Zanzibar and the best game parks Africa has to offer. Pure Xtreme adventure!

 

Cape Town to Nairobi Overland Truck Experience

42 Day Africa Overlanding Cape Town to Nairobi 8 African Countries!

Countries Visited

  • South Africa
  • Namibia
  • Botswana
  • Zimbabwe
  • Malawi
  • Tanzania
  • Kenya

Highlights

Photos

Full Details

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

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

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

 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

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

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: Quad biking, Sandboarding, Sky Diving, Dolphin Cruise, Scenic Flights, Fishing etc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner on day 7 only)

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

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

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

DAY 13 BOTSWANA – GHANZI

After an early start, we cross into Botswana and drive to Ghanzi. After setting up camp we meet with a local Bushman (San) community and experience some traditional tribal dancing. Optional activity: Bushman walk. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

DAY 17 NATA

We leave the Delta behind us and travel east towards the town of Nata. The shady tree canopy surrounding the campsite is a hive of activity, with a bird feeding area and active water feature providing the bird watcher with the opportunity of viewing a variety of species from the comfort of the pool deck. The Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, Yellow Hornbill, Pied and Arrowmarked Babblers, Glossy Starling, Meyers Parrot and Paradise Whydah are just some of the species you may encounter during your stay at the lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

DAY 19 ZIMBABWE, VICTORIA FALLS

On arrival in Victoria Falls we have time to plan the next day is 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

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 such as a walk with lions or a bungee jump from the bridge that joins Zimbabwe with Zambia. Optional Activities: Full day white water rafting, Flight over the falls, Full day low/high water river boarding, sunset cruise, bungee jump (solo), morning/afternoon lion or elephant encounter. Meals: Breakfast

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

DAY 23 CHIPATA

Today is a long drive through lush country, crossing rivers en-route to Chipata, the gateway to the South Luangwa NP. Zambia is truly African and an adjustment from the more Western ways of Southern Africa. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

DAY 26 LILIWONGWE

Today we depart the South Luangwa National Park and head towards the bustling city of Lilongwe. En route, we will stop at a local market to experience the culture and way of live of the Malawian people. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 27/28 KANDE BEACH

This morning we have the opportunity to participate in a 2 hour city tour, before we take a scenic drive to Kande beach. We will spend the next 2 days enjoying the many optional activities available, such as horse riding and different water sports. We will go on a guided village walk in order to meet the local people and learn more about Malawian life. Optional Activities: Lilongwe city tour, Scuba diving, snorkeling etc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY  29  LAKE MALAWI – CHITIMBA

We travel further north and spend our last day in Malawi at Chitimba beach. Set on a golden sandy beach amongst banana palms and papaya trees, our accommodation for the night is surrounded by the famous Livingstonia and Nyika mountains. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 30 TANZANIA – IRINGA

Today we leave Malawi and enter Tanzania. We ascend out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, passing vast tea plantations in the highlands before arriving at our camp outside Iringa. This evening our dinner is in a local Masai restaurant where we enjoy a traditional Tanzanian evening. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 31 MIKUMI

We leave Iringa today and head north to the Mikumi National Park. Mikumi is home to lion, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo and elephant. Here we have the opportunity to enjoy an optional afternoon game drive through the park. Optional Activity: Afternoon game drive in Mikumi NP. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 32 DAR ES SALAAM

Our journey today brings us out of the cool highland region to the humid Indian ocean coastal city of Dar es Salaam. Meaning ‘house of peace’ in Arabic, Dar es Salaam is the economic and trade capital of Tanzania, but inland Dodoma remains the official capital city. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 DAY 33 / 34 / 35 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

Day 36 Lushoto

Today we leave Zanzibar and catch a ferry back to Dar es Salaam and return to our truck. We continue on to Lushoto, the major town and district centre, albeit small, in the Usambara Mountains, halfway between the coast and the parks. The popular pot plant Saintpaulia has its only wild occurrences in Tanzania, and particularly in the Usambara Mountains. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 37 Arusha

The city of Arusha is surrounded by some of Africa’s most famous landscapes and national parks. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, the city is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro and The Arusha National Park. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 38/39/40 Serengeti and Ngorongoro Excursion

These 4 days are set aside for the 3-night camping excursion into the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. This area has one of the most densely inhabited large animal populations in Africa. On the first day from Arusha to Ngorongoro, there will be time for visiting the Oldupai gorge and museum.

The Serengeti excursion is in open topped 4×4 safari vehicles in order to tackle the challenging side roads in the parks. For those not going to the parks, take this chance to absorb some of the fascinating local culture. Optional Activities for those not doing the Serengeti Excursion: Various Serengeti & Ngorongoro Excursion packages, Lake Manyara game drives, day hiking & village tours and many more various day trips. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 41 Arusha

Today the group meets up again and we have the chance to exchange stories of the various adventures that we participated in over the past few days. In the afternoon we visit the local Masai Mara Museum and Snake Park in Arusha. Optional Activity: camel ride to local Masaai village. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 42 Kenya – Nairobi

After crossing the border into Kenya we continue to travel towards Nairobi and the end of our journey. Usually we end the tour with a group meal out at one of Nairobi’s excellent restaurants.  Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

 

TOUR ENDS

We will drop you off at The Meridian Court Hotel www.meridianhotelkenya.com. Should you wish to extend your tour for another night, kindly pre book this accommodation through your travel agent or Xtreme Gap Year .

Accommodation

On our camping tours you will be staying in two-man dome tents. We supply a mattress and you supply your own sleeping bag. The accommodated tours stay in traditional huts, permanent tented camps and hostel-style rooms.

Food and Meals

Included are three hearty meals a day, (unless otherwise specified). Vegetarians are easily catered for and they’re always impressed by our varied menu. Our guides can produce miracles on a camp-stove. Special dietary requirements can be catered for, but only by special request. In East Africa it is more difficult to cater to certain requirements.

Trip Frequently Asked Questions

Ages
The Africa Overland Truck Tours are open to all ages and nationalities.
Health
All people who join an adventure tour need to be in good health. Medical facilities are not always available. If you have a specific medical condition it is compulsory for you to advise us before departure.
Malaria
Malaria is a real concern in many areas of Africa, especially during the rainy season. Our advice is simple, prevent getting bitten by using an insect repellent and use an effective prophylactic. Speak to your doctor before selecting your Malaria medication.
Vaccinations
Please ensure you have the relevant vaccinations. Proof of inoculation is required on certain tours. The best is to contact your GP.
Currency, money and banking
This is covered comprehensively in the pre-departure dossier. South African Rand and Credit Cards work in Southern Africa. In East Africa (incl. Zimbabwe and Zambia) USD cash is best
Age
Passengers under the age of 18 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Passengers over the age of 65 require a medical clearance certificate from their doctor stating they are fit enough to travel.
What to bring?
A sense of fun and a flexible attitude! A full checklist of essential items is included in the pre-departure info document.
What leave home?
Your watch, cellphone, laptop, work, stress, concept of time, pre-conceptions about anything and any attitude that is not pure adventure.
Changes to routes/schedules
Although we will do our best at all times to ensure that the tour remains on schedule we want to make it very clear that this is not always possible. There is always something unexpected on a tour, sometimes the truck gets stuck in mud, or sand, sometimes it rains… Anything can happen, but nothing that a good sense of humour cannot overcome.
Do I need to have a travel insurance?
Yes! Make sure your insurance covers being airlifted in case of serious illness/injury as good hospital facilities are often a long way from where our tours travel. Free credit card insurance is often insufficient, so a separate policy is recommended. As travel insurance is compulsory, you will be asked for the policy number before being allowed to board our vehicle.
How many people are on the tour?
The average number of passengers on a tour is 18. On the camping tours there is a maximum of 24 and minimum of 4. On the Accommodated tour the minimum is 4 and the maximum is 18. The maximum number on Gorillas, Serengeti and Masai Mara tours is 18. Single Supplements are limited to 4 per tour on all tours.
Do I have to help with the camp chores?
Of course not, but you will not make many friends! On our tours our guides do most of the work. On a camping tour your participation in camp chores is limited: taking turns to assist with washing-up duties, putting up and taking down your tent and loading your bags. On some of our accommodated tours we include a camp assistant.
Who is responsible for my visas?
You are responsible for your own visas. Please check the itinerary of your tour carefully and if you need a multiple entry visa be sure to get one. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after your departure date from Africa and you must have at least 3-4 blank pages available. Some countries will not allow you to enter without 2 blank pages in your passport
Is there a single accommodation option?
All of our tours are priced on twin share accommodation. The single supplement is not compulsory on our camping tours but if you want your own tent you need to pay the single supplement. If you are booking one of our accommodated tours alone you have to pay the single supplement. There are a maximum of 4 single supplements available on all tours.
Terms and conditions
All travellers will be required to sign our indemnity form on departure. Any person refusing to do so will not be allowed on the tour.

Price

Shared Camping

Duration
42 Days (No Activity Pack) 1799 42 Days (With Activity Pack) 2299

 

Included

  • All transport by Adventure Vehicle
  • All Accommodation (Camping and hostels
  • All Camping Equipment
  • Support 24/7 with 2 driver guides per vehicle
  • Detailed predeparture packs covering all essential need to know details
  • Support information covering Visas
  • All activities as per itinerary (not including activity pack activities).
  • Services of a tour guide
  • Most meals
  • Side Trips as per Itinerary

Excluded

  • Flights
  • Pre and post accommodation
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance

Dates

This trip departs approximately twice a month and dates vary, please contact us for start dates.

Trip Highlights

The trip highlights details all the places and activities that are included on the tour. You can see more on these activities by pressing the red button below. Trip highlights are included in the base tour and these differ from activity pack upgrades listed on the right which are the essential optional extras in our opinion.

  • Sossusvlei Dunes
  • Okavango Delta
  • Victoria Falls
  • Zanzibar Island
  • Serengeti National Park

Activity Pack Upgrade Includes

The activity pack is a bolt on pack including what we consider to be the must to do activities on the trip. You do not have to purchase this at the time of booking, and all activities can be purchased locally as well.

  • Cederberg guided walk
  • Guided desert walk with local expert
  • Himba Tribe visit
  • 3 day Delta drive in
  • Chobe NP boat cruise
  • Victoria Falls National Park entrance
  • South Luangwa NP sunset game drive
  • Textile village visit South Luangwa
  • Village tour Malawi
  • Zanzibar Excursion
  • Masai Museum

*Please note the Serengeti Experience is an Optional Activity on this tour and is NOT included in the Activity Package.

 
“We had a nice group of travellers, made some new friends. Special thanks to the crew: Godfree for his wonderful meals, Chris for his help, and Thabani, our guide. Hope too see you again on a other trip somewhere in Africa.!  See more reviews here.”
Marte B
” I just wanted to let you know that we had an outstanding time!! more reviews here.”
Chavi
” The places we visited, the camp sites, the food, but most of all the people on this trip made it an unforgettable adventure!! See more reviews here.”
Eduard