46 day Northern Trek. Johannesburg to Nairobi

Day 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview, South Africa

Your African overland tour departs from Johannesburg and heads towards the Lowveld to the world renowned Kruger National Park, your base for the next 2 nights. Here you will be able to refresh in the swimming pool, or take a much needed hot shower before relaxing around the camp fire. Lunch and dinner is included.

Days 2 & 3: Hazyview to Graskop, South Africa

On day 2 you explore the wonder and beauty of the Kruger National Park, one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. Your day is spent a full game drives, searching for the famous Big Five and many other animal species that inhabit this wildlife sanctuary. Tonight you will have the option of participating in the night game drive, where you will be introduced to the nocturnal world of the Park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

On day 3, you leave the Lowveld, climbing the altitude of the charming town of Graskop. It is from here that you will explore the many wonders of Mpumalanga, known for having some of the best landscapes in South Africa. Stops include the striking Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. You set up camp on lush grass, with a chance to enjoy the sparkling swimming pool. For the night owls, why not sample Graskop's nightlife? Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 4: Graskop to Messina, South Africa

Today is a long but lovely drive up north toward Zimbabwe. This is your chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery, or catch up on some reading or sleep. You spend you last night in South Africa in Messina, an area said to be one of the hottest in Africa. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 5: Messina to Masivingo, Zimbabwe

Today your African overland tour leaves South Africa and enters Zimbabwe, a country steeped in culture, tradition and natural beauty. You make your way to the town of Masivingo, situated on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. You have time to explore this ancient wonderland before setting up camp for the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 6: Masivingo to Gweru, Zimbabwe

Today your journey continues to Gweru, situated in the Zimbabwe Midlands. You stop at the Antelope Park, where you can partake in a unique and memorable experience - Walking with Lions. In addition to Lion, other wildlife found in this Park includes Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest and 150 bird species. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 7: Gweru - Antelope Park, Zimbabwe

Your day is spent at leisure, participating in various activities, from walking with Lion and Elephant riding, to tranquil swimming and fishing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 8 & 9: Gweru to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe, offers a laid back, relaxing atmosphere for your African overland camping tour. Here you will find a number of interesting places to visit, including the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

On day 9, your African Overland tour travels to Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds of both Black and White Rhino. This area is also renowned for its impressive concentration of Leopard and Black Eagle. Explore the various caves and rock paintings of the area, evidence of the ancient San people. You will also spend some time on game drives through the park, gaining insight into its unique geography, ecology and history. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 10: Matobo National Park to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Today you head north, making your way to the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the most memorable and spectacular sights you will ever see. Victoria Falls boasts some exciting and exhilarating activities not for the faint hearted, including flights over the Falls, white water rafting down Batoka Gorge, and bungi jumping from the Zambezi Bridge.

Other optional activities include day trips to the Zambezi National Park, horse riding safaris, visits to the Crocodile Ranch, Snake Park, golf at Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, trips to the Falls Craft Village, as well as the romantic Sunset Cruise. Breakfast is included.

Days 11 & 12: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

You spend the next 2 days at leisure, participating in the many activities of the Victoria Falls, or just relaxing at the camp swimming pool. New clients will be joining you for the second part of the tour. Breakfast is included.

Days 13 & 14: Victoria Falls to Lake Kariba, Zambia

This morning you depart camp, cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, and enter into the town of Livingstone in Zambia. You head to Lake Kariba, your home for the next 2 nights. Lake Kariba prides itself on being one of the largest man made lakes in the world, and is home to diverse African game, bird life and unique flora and fauna.

You will have the option of taking a 2 night trip on a House Boat on Lake Kariba. For those not participating in the House Boat option, there are many activities available at camp, including fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking and exploring the local villages. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

House Boat Option 2 night/2 day:

You board the House Boat, enjoy lunch, and then sail out to the Maaze River for a spectacular sunset and overnight on the House Boats. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

The following day is yours to relax at the on board Jacuzzi and enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings. For the more active, fishing/game cruises and optional game walks on Maaze Island can be arranged. After lunch you head to the Maaze Island for a tour of the Crocodile Farm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 15 & 16: Lake Kariba to Lusaka to Chipata, Zambia

After everyone has been reunited, bid farewell to Lake Kariba and travel through Southern Zambia to your camp just before Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. Your campsite is home to some local wildlife and boasts wonderful facilities. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

On day 16, you travel from Lusaka to a lovely campsite just 10 kilometres before the Zambia/Malawi border. You spend the night under a canopy of stars before your journey to Malawi the following day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 17 - 20: Chipata to Lake Malawi, Malawi

Today you leave Zambia, crossing the border into Malawi, affectionately known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa'. The tour travels the full length of the western sides of the Lake over the next few days, stopping at various bays and inlets. For the adventurous at heart, Lake Malawi offers a variety of exciting water sports from various beachside camps. Guests can also stroll along the quiet shores, watching fisherman sort their daily catch.

Other activities include visits to the nearby schools and villages, haggling for bargains at the local market, learning the game of bao or simply relaxing on the golden beaches. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 21: Lake Malawi to Iringa, Tanzania

Bid farewell to Lake Malawi as you head for Tanzania via Karonga. Your journey through Tanzania includes traveling through the countryside, past the Tukuvu tea and banana plantations. You overnight at the Old Farmhouse, a charming little campsite in rural Tanzania. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 22: Iringa to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

The following morning you depart to Dar Es Salaam, passing through Mikumi National Park where you can view a range of wildlife from the roadside. Upon arrival in Dar Es Salaam you spend the evening at a beach hotel/campsite in the north of the city, preparing for your early morning departure for Zanzibar the following morning. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 23: Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar

Today a ferry will take you to the Spice Island of Zanzibar, where you will spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is an island steeped in history, and was one of the major starting points for East African explorers in their search of new land. Breakfast is included.

Please Note: Accommodation and food on the island is at the clients own account. A trip leader will accompany you to the island and will be able to book accommodation and island tours for you.

Days 24 & 25: Zanzibar

Experience history, culture and beauty on the island of Zanzibar. Visit the ancient streets of Stone Town, still rich with Arab influence, or tour the spice plantations. Other optional excursions include visiting the nearby Prison Island, or exploring the more remote parts of the island by motorbike.

For the seafood lover, Zanzibar boasts a multitude of exceptional restaurants serving the freshest and most delicious seafood. Alternatively, join the locals for dinner in the waterfront market or journey to the market stalls for a range of interesting and unusual African style fast foods at reasonable prices.

Days 26 & 27: Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam to Arusha, Tanzania

Today you leave Zanzibar by ferry, where you overnight in Dar Es Salaam. Dinner is included.

On day 27, you travel from Dar Es Salaam through the countryside to Arusha. En route you pass the Pare and Usambara Mountain range, before driving through the town of Moshi. Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and guests might be able to view this spectacular snowy summit, weather permitting. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 28: Arusha to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (optional)

The pleasant town of Arusha is situated at the base of Mount Meru, and is the starting point for your optional excursion to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. These excursions are operated locally from specially adapted, 4WD safari vehicles.

If you take the 2 night/3 day option, you leave Arusha in the morning, traveling to the Serengeti National Park via the Maasai town of Mtu Wa Mbu and up into the Ngorongoro Reserve. You descend into the Serengeti plains, home to a vast array of plains game and other wildlife. Your afternoon will be spent game viewing before you set up camp in the midst of the National Park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 29: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

This morning you will enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti, before you return to camp and head to the Ngorongoro Crater. En route you have the option of visiting the Olduvai Gorge (cradle of civilization) or a traditional Maasai village. From here you will travel up to the Ngorongoro Crater's edge, your campsite for the night. Pack in warm clothes as it can get very cold on the rim of the Crater at night.

For those guests taking the one night/2 day option, you will be fetched from Arusha in the afternoon and transferred to the town of Karatu for the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 30: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha, Tanzania

With its 600 metre walls and 20 kilometre width, the Ngorongoro Crater is indeed a natural wonder. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to nearly every African animal, and offers the opportunity to view large concentrations of East African wildlife, including Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Lion and plains game.

You spend a full morning in the Crater, returning to your campsite near Arusha to spend the night. Both of these optional activities will follow the same schedule today. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 31 & 32: Arusha to Namanga to Nairobi, Kenya

After a leisurely morning, you get the chance to explore the snake exhibits at the campsite in Arusha. Explore the craft markets in town, or stop at the bakery for some delicious local coffee. Lunch will be enjoyed outside of town, before traveling the last 120 kilometres north to the Tanzania/Kenya border town of Namanga, where you camp on the Kenya side. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

On day 32, you travel to the capital city of Nairobi in the morning. On arrival in Nairobi, your overland truck will continue to the Boulevard Hotel to allow passengers to disembark, and then continue to your campsite for your overnight. Breakfast is included.

Days 33 & 34: Nairobi to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya

Today you climb the escarpment to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Great African Rift Valley. You enter the Maasai land, where these traditional pastoralists can often be seen along the roadside. You spend the night at Acacia Camp, enjoying the most magnificent sunsets over the plains of the Masai Mara. Lunch and dinner is included.

On day 34 you enjoy game drives through the Masai Mara in search of the famous Big Five and other wildlife of the Reserve. The massive plains and rolling hills of the Masai Mara is home to an abundance of game, unrivalled anywhere on earth. These include Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra and Waterbuck to name a few.

Spend a magical evening around the campfire, watching the sunset, and listening to the nocturnal world of the Masai Mara come to life. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 35: Masai Mara to Nakuru, Kenya

Today you bid farewell to the majestic Masai Mara. Your African Overland tour passes through the largest town in Kenya, Nakuru, where you will spend the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 36: Nakuru to Kampala, Uganda

Today the African Overland tour crosses the border into Uganda, traveling via the town of Jinja before reaching the capital of Uganda, Kampala, where you will spend the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 37 & 38: Kampala to Kisoro, Uganda

You depart Kampala early in the morning, driving further west into the depths of Uganda and arriving at your base camp for the night, Kisoro. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Depending on where the Gorilla permits is available, and where the Gorillas are located, you will enjoy viewing in either the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo or at the Ruhengeri in Rwanda.

Please keep in mind that due to the nature of the Gorilla and their habits, viewing is not guaranteed.

You might have to trek for quiet some time, sometimes 5 hours through dense vegetation in order to reach the family designated to your visit. Because Gorillas are sensitive to human disease, people of poor health are not allowed to visit the Gorilla groups, nor are children under the age of 15 years.

Days 39 & 40: Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni, Uganda

A short drive through some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa takes you to Lake Bunyoni, the deepest Crater Lake in Africa. Lake Bunyoni is home to an impressive number of bird and fish species, as well as the playful otter. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

On day 40 of your African overland tour, you spend the whole day at leisure, enjoying the beauty of the Lake, You can choose to swim, visit the local village, or just sit and relax in your tranquil surroundings. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 41: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala, Uganda

Today the tour travels to Kampala for a night’s stay, and maybe a chance to sample the nightlife. You cross the Equator, with ample opportunities for photos. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 42: Kampala to Jinja, Uganda

Today you will have the option of white river rafting down the Nile River. You will be collected from Kampala and transferred where you can enjoy the ultimate white water rafting experience in Africa.

For the less adventurous, you have the option of taking a full day excursion to the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary before your departure to Jinja. Your night is spent right on the edge of the Nile River, home to an abundance of bird life. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 43 & 44: Jinja to Nakuru to Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Today is a full days driving back towards Kenya, crossing the border before lunch and stopping for supplies en route. You will spend the night in Nakuru with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

On day 44, travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its thousands of pink hued Flamingo inhabiting the waters edge. The Park has also been established as a haven for Black and White Rhino, as well as Buffalo, Giraffe, Waterbuck, various antelope, Leopard and the occasional Hippo. After entering the Park, you spend the rest of the day game viewing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 45: Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Today you move further east to Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes and is home to a multitude of bird life, including the majestic African Fish Eagle.

Your afternoon is spent at leisure, having opportunities to participate in optional activities like boat rides to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Hell's Gate National Park or Elsamere, the retirement home of Joy Adamson. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 46: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi, Kenya

You depart Lake Naivasha after breakfast, returning to Nairobi in the early afternoon. The truck stops at Boulevard Hotel for those staying there, and then continues to your campsite to finish this Overland trip. Breakfast is included.

Optional Excursions:

Free Trip:

Please that upon booking this trip; you are entitled to a free 3 day Masai Mara Safari. Local payment for this trip is still applicable. This offer must be taken up when booking your main trip. Please ask your consultant at Siyabona Africa Travel for more information.