| Itinerary: Days 1 - 19: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
South Africa is the first country you will encounter on this journey. It's a civilized introduction to the vast and untamed continent that is Africa. The cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, with its spectacular Table Mountain, the refined winelands of the Cape and the meeting place of two oceans, offers a superb starting point for an incredible trip. Arrive a few days early for a taste of some of the treasures this country holds.
The ever-changing landscapes will form one of your lasting impressions of Namibia. In this scenically dramatic country you canoe on the Gariep River, view the Fish River Canyon, climb some of highest sand dunes in the world and drive along the rugged Skeleton Coast. In these landscapes, full of contrasts of light and shade, there is a feeling of tranquillity and an awe-inspiring sense of space. There is much to discover, from a ghost town shrouded in desert sand to the abundant game in Etosha.
Botswana offers amazing and diverse safari experiences, which brings you closer to Africa's wildlife.
You venture through the waterways of the Okavango Delta in dug out canoes and continue to Chobe, where great game herds gather. When you think of Zimbabwe, you envisage Victoria Falls - one of the natural wonders of the world. Follow in the footsteps of explorers who saw this incredible sight nearly one and a half centuries before you. Today the pursuits are slightly different, with an amazing range of adventure options on offer.
2 Night Stopover in Camp Site.
Days 21 - 41: Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya
Your journey continues through Zambia, you are now off the beaten track. The unspoilt nature of this country is perhaps its greatest asset, relatively free of tourists and rich in scenery and wildlife. Malawi is known as "the Warm Heart of Africa", which you soon discover in the friendly welcome you receive. Passing the many small villages, you travel the length of the western side of Lake Malawi, stopping off at various bays and inlets, enjoying the stress free pace Malawi offers. The country is also renowned for its skilled wood carvers.
On the Tanzanian coast lies Dar es Salaam and the Spice Island of Zanzibar, with the enchanting mix of African and Arab cultures. Tanzania hosts amazing attractions: the Serengeti, famous for its migrations, the Ngorongoro Crater, home to nearly every species of African animal and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
When you hear the Swahili greeting Jambo, and see the Maasai, adorned with their beadwork and metal jewellery, you know you are in Kenya.
2 Night Stopover in Camp Site.
In between the three safaris, we use Vic Falls Campsite 2 nights and Karen Camp, Nairobi 3 nights. Meals and accommodation are for your own account during these free days
Days 44 - 79: Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt
The Kenya you experience is relatively unspoilt, far from the popular tourists routes. Mount Kenya offers one of the most impressive landscapes of East Africa. The Trans East African Highway, a gravel road, takes you through the Kaisut Desert, accompanied by armed guards of Marsabit. This green mountain oasis in the middle of the desert wilderness has beautiful crater lakes.
Moyale marks your entry into Ethiopia, a country with a unique combination of historical, cultural and stunning natural attractions, eight of which are declared World Heritage Sites. Despite the television images that portray Ethiopia as a country ravaged by famine and drought, much of the 'Roof of Africa' is fertile and well watered, with awe-inspiring scenery. It's a relatively unexplored land, with many highlights. Marvel at the Lakes and island monasteries. Prepare to be amazed by the castle city of Gondar and the breathtaking scenery of Simien Mountains.
Sudan is as flat as Ethiopia is mountainous, the people are friendly and their hospitality is genuine. Combining this with some amazing desert scenes makes Sudan a country really worth visiting, contrary to most negative travel reports. Bush camping as we follow the Nile is a memorable experience. The Nubian Desert is endless and very beautiful. Leaving the Over coach behind, we cross Lake Nasser by boat to Aswan and continue our journey with local transport. Egypt echoes with fabled names from the ancient culture that produced the pyramids, the Sphinx, Abu Simbel and countless other wonders.
A tour in Egypt is a bit like travelling through a huge open-air museum. We complete the final stage of our journey to Cairo by train. There is so much to see in and around Cairo that we recommend you allow yourself some extra time.
This is the kind of tour where lifetime memories and friends are made.
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