Great African Expedition Northbound (Accommodated) - 56 days

Great African Expedition Northbound (Accommodated) - 56 days

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56 Days From

$11365

$10229

Great African Expedition Northbound (Accommodated) - 56 days

56 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Nairobi, Kenya

Visiting: Cape Town, Orange River, Fish River Canyon, Namib Naukluft National Park, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Etosha National Park, Windhoek, Gobabis, Maun, Okavango Delta, Nata, Chobe National Park, Livingstone, Lusaka, Petauke, South Luangwa National Park, Lake Malawi, Iringa, Mikumi, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Bagamoyo, Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret, Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Jinja, Nile, Nile River

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 18

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-75

Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

Activities:

Canoeing-Kayaking, Walking

From: $11365 $10229 Operator discount: -$1137

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the Great African Expedition Northbound, a 56-day adventure through the heart of Africa, visiting eight diverse countries. Starting in Cape Town, South Africa, this journey takes you through the stunning landscapes of Namibia, including the Fish River Canyon and the Namib Desert. Experience the wildlife of Botswana's Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, and marvel at Zambia's Victoria Falls. Relax on the shores of Lake Malawi and explore the vibrant cultures of Tanzania and Zanzibar. Witness the majestic Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and trek to see chimpanzees and gorillas in Uganda's national parks. This small group safari tour offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural encounters, and unforgettable wildlife experiences, all while traveling in a comfortable overland truck with expert guides. Enjoy a mix of accommodations, from simple lodgings to camping under the African sky, as you create memories to last a lifetime.

Highlights

  • South Africa - Set off from Cape Town and enjoy optional wine tasting in the Cederberg region.

  • Namibia - Take in Fish River Canyon, climb Dune 45 in the Namib Desert, game drive in Etosha National Park and explore Windhoek.

  • Botswana - Enjoy an overnight excursion into the Okavango Delta, cruise the Chobe River and head on safari in Chobe National Park.

  • Zambia - See mighty Victoria Falls, search for wildlife in South Luangwa National Park and stop in the border town of Chipata.

  • Malawi - Explore several different points along the shore of Lake Malawi, relax on beautiful sandy beaches, swim in the clear blue waters, visit local villages and enjoy optional activities.

  • Zanzibar - Spend four nights on tropical Zanzibar Island, exploring historic Stone Town and soaking up some sun on the northern beaches.

  • Tanzania - Visit the coastal cities of Dar es Salaam and Bagamoyo, and discover the wildlife of Mikumi National Park, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Uganda - Trek to see chimpanzees and gorillas in Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi National Parks. Admire Lake Bunyonyi and relax by the River Nile in Jinja.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Cape Town

Abd Abo naser

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Cape Town - Cederberg. Our African adventure begins today with a tour of the Cape Flats, to the east of the city. Visiting a local township, we'll meet local people and discover some of the community projects in the area. Then it's time to climb aboard our overland truck as we head north, through the Western Cape and the fruit-growing region of Citrusdal. Our first night is spent by the Olifants River in the Cederberg area, and you will have the opportunity to taste some of the region's famous wines.





Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Cape Town the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.

Day 2: Orange River

Wayne Sutton

Location: Orange River

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cederberg - Orange River (Namibia). Continuing north, we pass through drier, rockier territory until we reach the Namibian border, crossing at Vioolsdrift. Tonight we stay beside the Gariep (AKA Orange) River, which marks the border between South Africa and Namibia for much of its length. The river is safe for swimming, and you can also enjoy an optional canoe trip on this important waterway either today or on day 3. The dark skies in this isolated area are also great for stargazing.

Day 3: Fish River Canyon

Location: Fish River Canyon

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Orange River - Fish River Canyon. There is time for the optional canoe safari this morning, if we didn't have time yesterday. Then we drive north to Fish River Canyon, second only in size to the Grand Canyon in the USA. More than 500 metres deep and scarring the land for 160km, it's a jaw-dropping sight to behold. We'll stop at a couple of viewpoints and visit the canyon's famously sharp bend, known as 'Hell's Corner'.

Day 4: Namib Naukluft National Park

Location: Namib Naukluft National Park

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fish River Canyon - Namib-Naukluft National Park. We have a long drive today as we journey to the edge of Namib-Naukluft National Park, which protects great swathes of the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountains. We'll settle on the edge of the park, ready to explore tomorrow.

Day 5: Namib Naukluft National Park

Location: Namib Naukluft National Park

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Solitaire

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Namib-Naukluft National Park - Solitaire. It's time to explore the Namib Desert! Our first stop is mighty Dune 45, one of the tallest sand dunes in the region. It's a dazzling sight, and the reward for climbing to the top is incredible views over the surrounding area. Then it's on to Deadvlei, a barren salt pan with petrified trees, completely surrounded by rolling sand dunes.





Our last stop is Sesriem Canyon, which isn't as impressive as Fish River Canyon, but it is worth a visit nonetheless. Tonight's accommodation is in the tiny desert settlement of Solitaire.

Day 6-7: Swakopmund

Olivier Armani

Location: Swakopmund

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Swakopmund (2)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Solitaire - Swakopmund. On day 6 we drive to Swakopmund, a German colonial town located on Namibia's famous Skeleton Coast. The rest of day 6 and the following day are free for you to explore Swakopmund as you see fit. Wander around the town and indulge in the relaxed cafe culture and German colonial architecture. There are also lots of optional activities available including quad-biking, sand boarding, skydiving, and dolphin-watching cruises. See the Trip Notes for further details.

Day 8: Spitzkoppe

Location: Spitzkoppe

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Swakopmund - Spitzkoppe. Leaving coastal Swakopmund, we head into the Damaraland region and our destination - Spitzkoppe. At this mountain peak, you can see incredibly well-preserved bushmen paintings and spectacular rock formations reaching 1800 metres above sea level. As the sun moves across the sky, the rocks change colour, a sight that is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. We'll be staying at a campsite at the base of the mountain, so you can enjoy this sunset with a refreshing drink.

Day 9-10: Etosha National Park

Nrupesh Soni

Location: Etosha National Park

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Etosha National Park (2)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spitzkoppe - Etosha National Park. The next two days will be spent exploring Namibia's iconic Etosha National Park. This 20,000 square kilometre reserve is dominated by a salt pan, which floods seasonally but is also home to a select few watering holes all year round. Wildlife is easy to spot as the animals tend to gather around these scarce water sources.





We spend two nights in the park, and our itinerary is flexible depending on the conditions and the location of wildlife. We'll generally enjoy a short game drive on day 9 before spending our first night at an accommodation with a floodlit watering hole. Here you may be lucky enough to spot elephants, giraffe, hyenas and even lions.





Day 10 is spent on a full day's game drive across the park, stopping whenever we see anything of interest. We will either return to our first accommodation, or perhaps a different one, depending on your tour leader's decision.

Day 11: Windhoek

Location: Windhoek

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Etosha National Park - Windhoek. Today we arrive in Namibia's charming capital. Windhoek is a tiny capital by global standards, with a population of just 470,000 people. It has lots of German architecture, a reminder of Namibia's early colonial past. Our accommodation is located on the edge of the city, and it is easy to head in to grab a bite to eat and have a wander around if you wish. We recommend a drink at Joe's Beerhouse, perhaps the most famous restaurant in Namibia.

Day 12: Gobabis

Gabriele T

Location: Gobabis

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Gobabis region

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Windhoek - Gobabis. Say goodbye to Windhoek as we travel east to the city of Gobabis, near the Botswanan border. Today we meet some of the local San Bushmen. The San culture is one of the oldest surviving cultures in Southern Africa and we'll enjoy a bush walk and learn more about the way of life which has endured for centuries. The San people work with nature and manage their resources responsibly, something we could all learn from.

Day 13: Maun

Aarush Dhand

Location: Maun

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gobabis - Maun (Botswana). Today sees us travelling to Maun in Botswana, our base for exploring the famed Okavango Delta. If time allows, there is the opportunity for you to take a scenic flight over the delta - if we haven't got time today then this opportunity will be offered on day 15 instead.

Day 14-15: Okavango Delta

kashweka lemmy

Location: Okavango Delta

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Maun - Okavango Delta - Maun. On day 14 we enjoy our overnight excursion in specialized safari vehicles into the Okavango Delta. The delta is a natural wetland spread out over more than 1.6 million hectares, home to an incredible diversity of life. Reaching the mokoro polers station, we transfer to these traditional canoes and paddle along the waterways of the delta to our campsite, which is located in the delta itself.





Day 15 sees us enjoying another mokoro ride back out of the delta before returning to Maun, where there is time for the optional scenic flight if we didn't have time for this on day 13. Horse riding is also offered, or you can simply relax by the pool at our accommodation.

Day 16: Nata Region

Location: Nata

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Maun - Nata region. Today's drive takes us through a wildlife corridor between the desolate Nxai and Magkadigkadi pans. We'll stop en route to admire some of the region's towering baobab trees and arrive at our unfenced camp in the afternoon. If you're lucky, you could see all sorts of wildlife, including elephants and antelope, come right up to camp.

Day 17: Chobe National Park

Location: Chobe National Park

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nata Region - Kasane. We make the journey to Kasane in Botswana's north. Kasane is the gateway to Chobe National Park and we'll enjoy a cruise on the Chobe River today. Chobe is home to huge herds of elephants, which we may be able to see down at the water's edge. Other species to look out for include hippo, crocodiles, buffalo and the rare African fish eagle.

Day 18: Chobe National Park

Location: Chobe National Park

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kasane - Chobe National Park - Livingstone (Zambia). This morning we transfer to specialized safari vehicles for a game drive in Chobe National Park, which is home to all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), although rhinos are very rare here.





It's then time to say goodbye to Botswana as we board a ferry in our overland truck to cross the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers into Zambia. Our destination is the town of Livingstone, Zambia's base for exploring Victoria Falls.





Known as ‘Mosi oa Tunya’, the ‘Smoke that Thunders’, Victoria Falls is the world's largest falling sheet of water and there's an included visit Mosi oa Tunya National Park to view the spectacular falls.

Day 19-20: Livingstone

Trend news Channel

Location: Livingstone

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast

The next two days are completely free for you to explore Livingstone and join some of the optional activities available. Abseiling, bungee jumping, scenic flights over Victoria Falls, rafting on the Zambezi River and fishing trips are just some of the options - see the Trip Notes for details.





You could also pop over the border into Zimbabwe, or simply relax by the pool and enjoy a good book before we head into East Africa. Some members of the group may finish their tour in Livingstone, and others may join for the next section of the tour.

Day 21: Lusaka

Location: Lusaka

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Livingstone - Lusaka. After a relaxing break in Livingstone, we get back on the road today, crossing Zambia to reach Lusaka, the country's rapidly growing capital city. The city is something of a hub in southern Africa, with four main highways running in all directions to nearby cities including Harare in Zimbabwe, Lilongwe in Malawi, and Ndola, another large city in Zambia. Our accommodation is located away from the metropolis, on a rural farm just outside Lusaka.

Day 22: The Great East Road

Location: Petauke

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Petauke

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lusaka - Petauke. Leaving early this morning, we take the Great East Road, linking Zambia with neighbouring Malawi. We drive through lush countryside and small villages, crossing the Luangwa River before reaching our accommodation situated 5km from Petauke.



Day 23: South Luangwa National Park

Location: South Luangwa National Park

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Petauke - South Luangwa National Park. We make our way to South Luangwa National Park today. This is Zambia's premier wildlife destination, home to elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and more than 400 bird species. Upon arrival there is free time to embark on optional game walks or game drives.

Day 24: South Luangwa Np Game Drive

Location: South Luangwa National Park

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

South Luangwa National Park - Chipata. This morning we embark on an open vehicle game drive in South Luangwa National Park, with a local ranger. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species inhabiting the area. Following the game drive, we make our way to Chipata.

Day 25-26: Lake Malawi

Randolfo Santos

Location: Lake Malawi

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Kande Beach - Lake Malawi (2)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

South Luangwa National Park - Kande Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). Leaving Zambia behind, we cross into Malawi and head to the shore of Lake Malawi, which covers more than one-fifth of the entire country. Our campsite is right on the shore of the lake, and you'll have time to go for a swim or relax at the camp. Day 26 is free to partake in optional activities. You could hire a traditional bwato canoe, go horse riding around the lake, or visit a nearby village to meet the friendly Malawian villagers.

Day 27: Lake Malawi

Mukesh Chavda

Location: Lake Malawi

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Chitimba Beach - Lake Malawi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kande Beach - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi. This morning we take a scenic drive through rubber plantations to the town of Mzuzu, where we pick up some supplies and visit the market before travelling on to our beach-side camp at Chitimba Beach. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Relax by the beach, play volleyball or browse the local craft markets.

Day 28: Iringa

Location: Iringa

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi - Iringa (Tanzania). Today we have a long but scenic drive as we cross into Tanzania. Climbing through the Southern Highlands, we arrive at Kisolanza Farmhouse, a family-run working farm in a spectacular location. The farm has been managed by the Ghaui family for more than 70 years and produces organic crops and meat for the local community and Dar es Salaam.

Day 29: Mikumi

Location: Mikumi

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Mikumi National Park area

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Iringa - Mikumi National Park area. Heading east, we travel to Mikumi National Park, the fifth-largest reserve in Tanzania. Our accommodation is located on the very edge of the park, and we'll enjoy an evening around the campfire. If time permits you can book an optional game drive to see some of the resident wildlife, including lion, buffalo, elephant, hippo and crocodile.

Day 30: Mikumi

Location: Dar es Salaam

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mikumi National Park area - Dar es Salaam. Our journey to the Indian Ocean coast city of Dar es Salaam takes us through the heart of Mikumi National Park. We will probably see some wildlife on this drive, and will stop if we see anything of note, such as forest elephants or giraffe feeding at the roadside.





Arriving at our accommodation on the beach outside Dar es Salaam, there is time to browse the local markets or head into town to explore.

Day 31-34: Zanzibar

Location: Zanzibar

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Zanzibar (4)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 31, we take the ferry to Zanzibar, leaving our overland truck on the mainland. Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys, and lush tropical forests.





Our time on Zanzibar is not too structured. There is plenty of free time to explore historic Stone Town and relax on the island's pristine beaches. There's also plenty of optional activities on offer including a visit a spice plantation, snorkelling safaris, scuba diving and yacht trips. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.





In Zanzibar, we stay in simple hotels, with breakfast included. We typically spend day 31 in Stone Town and days 32 - 34 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.

Day 35: Bagamoyo

DANIEL KELELA

Location: Bagamoyo

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Zanzibar - Bagamoyo. We have the morning to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy one last swim before catching the ferry back to the African mainland, Dar es Salaam and onwards to Bagamoyo for the evening. The quaint town of Bagamoyo was founded at the end of the 18th century and was one of the most significant trading ports along the East African coast. Our camp for the evening is situated close by to the palm fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean

Day 36: Mount Kilimanjaro

Location: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Marangu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bagamoyo - Marangu. Departing early from Bagamoyo, we head north past the Usambara and Pare Mountains in the Eastern Arc Mountain Range to Marangu, nestled at the base of the famed Kilimanjaro. If the weather is clear you will be able to enjoy magnificent views of the mountain from our camp and the surrounding area.

Day 37: Arusha

Location: Arusha

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Marangu - Arusha. This morning we drive past the town of Moshi to Arusha, Tanzania's safari capital and our base for exploring the Serengeti and famed Ngorongoro Crater. With time to explore the town we head out to our accommodation just outside the city at the edge of the Masai plains. This afternoon we enjoy a walk to one of the local Maasai villages. Here we visit a local school and clinic, browse the small Maasai museum and see the crocodiles, pythons, and other species at the Meserani Snake Park. There is optional camel riding available too.

Day 38: Serengeti National Park

Laszlo Szabo

Location: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arusha - Serengeti National Park. Today we embark on our excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Leaving our overland truck behind we transfer to designated safari vehicles. Entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we drive around the rim of the crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, one of the last great wildernesses in the world.





Millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope migrate across these plains throughout the year, followed by the predators, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Look out for the Big Five and see abundant wildlife as we game drive to our unfenced campsite for the evening. With lions and hyena roaming nearby, listen to the sounds of the bush and enjoy a night in the wild!

Day 39-40: Ngorongoro Crater

Location: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater (1), Arusha (1)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 39, we can search for any species we have not managed to spot so far. We travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater, camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife areas.





On day 40 we drive down into the crater itself, following the steep road into the reserve. On our early morning game drive, you will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes who cannot manage the steep climb down the crater rim!





Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha.

Day 41-42: Nairobi

Location: Nairobi

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Arusha - Nairobi (Kenya). The morning of day 41 cross over to the Masai Steppe to the Kenyan Frontier. We arrive in Nairobi, Kenya's capital and to our campsite for the evening. The next day is free for you to explore the city and the surrounding area at leisure, there are multiple optional excursion available on day 42, book and payable locally.

Day 43: Lake Nakuru

Location: Lake Nakuru National Park

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nairobi - Lake Nakuru National Park. We leave Nairobi this morning and descend into the Great Rift Valley, home to some of Africa's most dramatic scenery. We stop at a lookout point to enjoy the view before arriving in Lake Nakuru National Park. Although small by African standards, this Kenyan reserve is home to all manner of wildlife, including lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard, not to mention the great flocks of flamingos which gather at the famous soda lake itself. We enjoy an included game drive in specialized safari vehicles in order to spot some of this wildlife for ourselves.

Day 44: Eldoret

Location: Eldoret

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lake Nakuru National Park - Eldoret. Departing Nakuru this morning we journey to Eldoret, Kenya's fifth largest town and a region increasingly important to the country's economy. On our journey today we will cross the Equator, travelling from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. We will stop to enjoy some time and photo opportunities at the Equator itself. Arriving at our camp on the outskirts of Eldoret, there is time for you to admire the nearby Sirikwa holes, primitive dwellings believed to have belonged to an ancient tribe.

Day 45: Kampala

Location: Kampala

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Eldoret - Kampala (Uganda). Wave goodbye to Kenya for now as we cross into Uganda, a country once described by Sir Winston Churchill as the 'Pearl of Africa'. On our drive to Kampala you will see lush rolling hills, tribal villages and growing towns and cities. Tonight we stay in the country's capital, Kampala.

Day 46: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kampala - Queen Elizabeth National Park. Departing Kampala, we cross the Equator again and pass through fertile green hills, tangled forests and rugged mountain ranges to the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Originally Named Kazinga National Park on its inception in 1952, the reserve was renamed in 1954 after a visit by the newly crowned British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

Our first evening here is free for you to take a walk in the lush surroundings, who knows what wildlife you may spot! The reserve is home to elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, chimpanzee and much more. Encouragingly, reports from the Uganda Wildlife Authority suggest that wildlife populations in the reserve are increasing, thanks to effective protection. This is largely down to your tourism money!

Day 47: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we are heading into Queen Elizabeth National Park, admiring the mountain views and stopping whenever we see something of interest. As well as the charismatic larger animals, the reserve is home to more than 500 bird species. Reaching Kyambura Gorge we head out on foot in search of chimpanzees. The rangers will have a good idea of where they are and the trek can vary in length from less than an hour to several. Chimps tend to stay in the treetops so you may have to crane your neck for a view of our closest relatives.





Please note: Chimpanzee Trek permits are issued by the wildlife authority in groups of up to 8 people per group. Depending on our group size, we may trek on the afternoon of day 46, morning of day 47 and afternoon of day 47 or morning of day 48.



Day 48-50: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Location: Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Lake Bunyonyi. On day 48 we drive to Lake Bunyonyi, dotted with scenic islands and surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills. Over the next three days everyone in the group will enjoy their mountain gorilla trek, but we will split into smaller groups in order to avoid disturbing the gorillas. On the days when you are not trekking, you are free to take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi's islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village or hire canoes to paddle on the lake.





On the day of your trek, we will hike for anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 or 7 hours into Bwindi National Park (or occasionally Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this will be made clear to you in advance), depending on the location of the gorillas. A decent level of fitness is required as we trek through the steamy jungle. Your guide will know the location of the nearest gorilla family.





Once we have located the gorillas, you will spend around an hour watching from a safe distance. Keep quiet, keep low to the ground and follow all the instructions of your guide - this is for your safety and for the welfare of the mountain gorillas. You are welcome to take photos, as long as there is no flash.





One of the world's most endangered creatures, mountain gorillas are heavily protected, with around 1,000 animals now living in the rainforests of central Africa. Numbers have increased remarkably due to effective protection in recent years - keep your eyes peeled for the giant silverback alpha male, and some of the adorable youngsters that represent the future of their species.





When it is time to leave the gorillas, we trek back to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can reflect on what is sure to be the highlight of your African adventure. The rest of your time here is at leisure, whilst the rest of our group completes their trek.

Day 51: Kampala

Location: Kampala

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lake Bunyonyi - Kampala. Leaving the mountain gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi behind, we return to Kampala, skirting around the northern edge of Lake Victoria. There is time this evening for you to head into the city and explore, meet the locals or try some of the local cuisine if you wish.

Day 52: Jinja

Location: Jinja

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kampala - Jinja. It's a short drive today as we make our way to Jinja, a city in southern Uganda on the banks of Lake Victoria, source of the River Nile. From here, the river flows for 5,584km, through 11 countries. It enters the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, having provided life to millions and millions of people and animals on its journey!





Our campsite is beside the Nile, and there are numerous optional activities you can enjoy. Quad biking, white water rafting, Nile cruises, fishing trips and mountain biking are some of the options. You also have the opportunity to visit a local school initiative. Lend a hand with some painting, plastering or other labour to help improve the local schools around Jinja.

Day 53-54: Free Time By The Nile

Location: Nile

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The next two days are completely free for you to unwind by the Nile. Enjoy some of the optional activities available, go for a long walk beside the river or simply relax at the campsite with a good book - the choice is yours!

Day 55: Eldoret

Location: Eldoret

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Jinja - Eldoret (Kenya). Say goodbye to Jinja as we cross the border back into Kenya and return to Eldoret. Our final evening is spent around the campfire, sharing our favourite memories from our adventure, and exchanging contact details with the rest of the group!

Day 56:

Location: Nairobi

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast

Eldoret - Nairobi. We complete our drive south through Kenya, arriving back in Nairobi in the late afternoon. Here our tour arrangements come to an end.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 55 breakfasts, 45 lunches, and 43 dinners.

  • Accommodation

    The tour provides 49 nights of simple twin share accommodation, 2 nights dorm accommodation in Swakopmund, 1 night in a permanent tented camp in the Okavango Delta, and 3 nights camping in 2-man dome tents.

  • Tour Crew

    The tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.

  • Transportation

    Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment.

  • Cape Town Township Tour

    A tour of the Cape Town Township is included.

  • Sesriem & Fish River Canyon Visit

    Visits to Sesriem and Fish River Canyon are included.

  • Sossusvlei Shuttle, Guided Walk and Dune 45 Excursion

    A shuttle to Sossusvlei, a guided walk, and an excursion to Dune 45 are included.

  • Spitzkoppe Excursion

    An excursion to see Bushmen paintings at Spitzkoppe is included.

  • Etosha National Park Game Drives

    Game drives in Etosha National Park are included.

  • Kalahari Bushman Walk

    A walk with the Kalahari Bushmen is included.

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What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

  • Non refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit: USD $995pp (or equivalent in your currency) - pay at time of booking in addition to the deposit

  • Airport transfers - can be booked on request

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

  • Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes)

  • Local payment - US$1500pp, paid on arrival in USD

Age Policy

18 and over. From departures starting in Jan 2026, the minimum age will be changing to 16 if accompanied an adult or legal guardian. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75. 

Mode of Transport

Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, ensuring a comfortable journey through Africa's stunning landscapes. Enjoy excursions in specialized safari vehicles for game drives and mokoro canoes for exploring the Okavango Delta.

Accommodation

Enjoy a mix of simple twin share accommodation, dorms in Swakopmund, a permanent tented camp in the Okavango Delta, and camping in 2-man dome tents. Experience the diverse landscapes of Africa while staying in comfortable and authentic settings.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 49 nights of simple twin share accommodation, 2 nights in dorm accommodation in Swakopmund, 1 night in a permanent tented camp in the Okavango Delta, and 3 nights camping in 2-man dome tents. A sleeping mattress is provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 55 breakfasts, 45 lunches, and 43 dinners.

  • Are there any special permits required for activities during the tour?

    Yes, there are non-refundable permits required for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, which cost USD $935 per person and must be paid at the time of booking in addition to the deposit.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment.

  • Is there a pre-departure meeting for the tour?

    Yes, there is a pre-departure meeting held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1, so it is advised to arrive in Cape Town the day before the tour.

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    The tour is for individuals aged 18 and over. Anyone over 65 must complete a Tour Suitability Form, and the maximum age is 75.

  • What activities are included in the Okavango Delta excursion?

    The Okavango Delta excursion includes a mokoro ride and a walking safari.

  • What wildlife can be expected to be seen during the tour?

    The tour offers opportunities to see a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species across different national parks such as Etosha, Chobe, South Luangwa, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Prices last published on 25-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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