We leave our accommodation in Cape Town at 7 am on the first day of the trip. We recommend you arrive in Cape Town at least the day before the trip departs; If you're there with a few days to spare there's lots to see and do around the city.

Day 1
445 Km, 7 hours - Leaving Cape Town we follow the Garden Route . We cross the Outeniqua Mountains to Oudtshoorn.

Day 2
125 Km, 2 hours - At Oudtshoorn, here you can ride ostriches and visit the Cango Caves and continue on to Knysna Its SA’s favourite town; eat oysters and enjoy a sun set cruise on its beautiful blue lagoon.

Day 3 & 4
120 Km, 2 hours - followed by a day without driving Storms River; an adrenalin hot spot with; bungee jumping, river tubing, forest and canopy walks in Tsitsikamma Park.

Day 5
170 Km, 3 hours - plus afternoon game driving of ¾ hours Addo National Park – game drive to Africa’s “Big 7” – whales and sharks added to the “Big 5” of lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo & leopard.

Day 6
620 Km, 9 hours - Bloemfontein – the capital of the Free State set high on the grassy plains.

Day 7
450 Km, 7 hours - Next Johannesburg – “City of Gold”.. Good cinemas and restaurants.

Day 8
580 Km, 9 hours - Leaving Johannesburg we head to Botswana over the border into the Kalahari Desert where we camp the night. This day includes the border crossing.

Day 9
470 Km, 7 hours - Next day on to Maun, a dusty outpost community and the centre for the Okavango Delta on the edges of the Kalahari Desert. The Okavango is the world's largest inland delta. Here the Okavango River empties onto a swamp in the Kalahari Desert, and forms a park where thousands of animals live on the waterways and islands. The animals your most likely to see are; hippos, zebra, giraffe, elephant antelopes and crocodiles.

Day 10
0 Km, 0 hours - For the trip into the Delta pack; an overnight bag, food, cooking and camping equipment and you’re off. A short truck ride to the dugout canoes, called Mokoros and you punt out into the delta along reed lined waterways. The guides find an island for the night and set up camp. For those not going into the Delta; relax by the pool or visit town.

Day 11
0 Km, 0 hours - Up early and it’s off walking with the guide, a unique chance to see game on foot; elephants, herds of grazing zebra and pods of hippos.

Day 12
0 Km, 0 hours - Try learning how to pole your mokoro, or try to catch a catfish; the guides make it look so easy. A last swim in the clear water before heading back to the truck and campsite for a shower and cold drinks. Time permitting you could take a scenic flight over the Delta from Maun

Day 13
600 Km, 9 hours - An early start and a stunning drive through arid land. One turn to the left and the country becomes lush and forested as we approach Chobe River.

Day 14
95 Km, 2 hours - Today you can game drive in the morning before we take the ferry across the Zambezi River into Zambia and short drive to Livingstone town by the splendid Victoria Falls.

Day 15
0 Km, 0 hours - We spend the day at the Falls; white water rafting, Bungy jumping, gorge swings, booze cruises, fishing, good restaurants, curio markets to get you bartering.

Day 16
0 Km, 0 hours - Victoria Falls.

Day 17
Day 18 473 Km, 7 hours - We head north through sugar plantations to the capital Lusaka to shop and camp.

Day 18
590 Km, 9 hours - Along the Great East Road to Chipata, a full day’s drive.

Day 19
150 Km, 4 hours - South Luangwa National Park is well worth the visit. Recent trips have seen:- wild dogs, leopards, lions, and buffalo. We camp just beside the park and you can game drive into the park. Though the park is open all year during the rains; which are normally from Jan and Feb to March, the road in can be flooded and we can’t visit the park.

Day 20
150 Km, 4 hours - Game driving in South Luangwa Valley Park. Leaving the park we head back to Chipata.

Day 21
595 Km, 9 hours - We cross into Malawi with a stunning drive to Lake Malawi, past the lake shore to Kande Beach Resort.

Day 22-23
0 Km, 0 hours - Kande Beach Resort A full day on the beach to do as little or as much as you want. Loads of things to do - scuba diving, horse riding, canoeing, sailing, snorkelling. The lake is home to over 500 different types of colourful Cyclid fish.

Day 24
250 Km, 4 hours - A short drive up the lakeshore to Chitimba Beach, on the base of Livingstonia escarpment.

Day 25
590 Km, 9 hours - An early start in order to get to the border with Tanzania and head up to Iringa and the Farmhouse Campsite.

Day 26
560 Km, 9 hours - The highway takes us through Mikumi National Park, famous for its pygmy elephants, and buffalo beside the main road. The day ends at Dar es Salaam on a beach with the Indian Ocean lapping the shore.

Day 27
Ferry 40 Km, 2 hours - You can take the ferry to the Spice Island of Zanzibar. First stop in Stone Town or Zanzibar City, then make your way across the island to Nungwe village on the northern Beaches – a tropical island at its best.

Day 28
0 Km, 0 hours - Zanzibar Island.

Day 29
0 Km, 0 hours - Zanzibar Island. Day 30 Ferry 40 Km, 2 hours & 290 Km, 5 hours - Return by the early ferry to Dar es Salaam we then travel north towards Arusha and camp on route.

Day 31
370 Km, 6 hours - Skirting the base of snowy Mount Kilimanjaro to Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital.

Day 32
250 Km, 6 hours - You can take a side trip to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. The trip is camping for three days and two nights; either one or two of these nights will be inside the park in the parks amidst the animals.

If you choose not to visit the park you can wander the markets in Arusha town.

Day 33
200 Km, 6 hours - Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 34
175 Km, 4 hours - Return to Arusha late in the day to Snake Park Camp site.

Day 35
310 Km, 6 hours - From Arusha we head north across Masai country to Namanga; the border of Kenya, and across the plains to the leafy suburb of Karen on the outskirts of Nairobi.

Day 36
419 Km, 6 hours - Leaving Nairobi we stop at the Rift Valley scenic lookout its 8,000 feet high and overlooks Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha. We pass from the dramatic landscape of the Rift Valley to the highlands and spend our first night on the shore of Lake Victoria.

Day 37
Km, 3 hours - An early start, we cross the Ugandan border. The scenery changes to tropical rain forests and tea and sugar plantations. On route to Jinja or Kampala city, our overnights stop.

Day 38
422 Km, 6 hours - Stopping for photos as we cross the equator, we continue southwest to Kabale town; gateway to the Mountain Gorilla Reserves.

Day 39
90 Km, 3 hours - Climbing through lush terraced hills to Kisoro, there are panoramic views of the Ugandan hills on every turn. From the road we have outlooks over three countries - Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda; and the Virunga Mountains - Mountains of the Moon, the home of the rare Mountain Gorillas.

Day 40
0 Km, 0 hours - As the groups going to the gorillas are small it takes a couple of days for everyone to do the trek. Whilst others are searching for the great apes, you can take in the local markets; walk to the nearby mountain lakes or go to Magahinga National park for a day hike up a volcano or a guided nature trail. We see the gorillas in either ; Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo

Day 41

0 Km, 0 hours - Looking for the Mountain Gorillas.

Day 42
110 Km, 4 hours - We spend this evening camped on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi the deepest Crater Lake in Uganda. It is known, not only for its water birds, but also for its fresh water crayfish population. It’s a great place to relax, or for the more energetic you can canoe to one of the many islands dotting the lake, swim, or take in the scenery on mountain bikes.

Day 43
35 Km, 1 hours - We leave Lake Bunyonyi for Kabale town.

Day 44
512 Km, 7 hours - Jinja - Crossing the Owen Falls dam we arrive at Jinja on the shores of Lake Victoria. Our campsite for the next few days above Bujagali Falls is a welcome break from travelling; we have a lazy afternoon to put up our tents on the grassy terraces overlooking the Nile River.

Day 45
0 Km, 0 hours - Jinja - You can spend an action-filled day white water rafting down the Nile. As well as grade 5 rapids this river has a lot of bird and wildlife to view while drifting between the rapids. The rafting is rounded off with a sunset BBQ and drinks, then back to camp to re-live it on video. There are no shortages of other activities in Jinja; quad biking, bungee jump, fish on Lake Victoria, take a guided village walk or give up a day of your holiday to volunteer for the local community education project.

Day 46
0 Km, 0 hours - Jinja

Day 47
311 Km, 5 hours - Leaving Uganda, we head back into Kenya to Kericho town and its tea plantations.

Day 48
106 Km, 2 hours - We spend the next two nights near Lake Nakuru.

Day 49
National Park 80 Km, 4 hours - You can take the side trip for the day to Lake Nakuru, viewing game in a park famous for its soda lake surrounded by thousands, sometimes millions of pink flamingoes. The park is home to over 400 species of bird, and we should spot leopard or black and white rhino among the zebra, waterbuck, impala and giraffe.

Day 50
70 Km, 1 hours - We cross the floor of the Rift Valley to camp under the fever trees on the shore of Lake Naivasha, with hippos grazing on the shore in the evening.

Day 51
205 Km, 3 hours - We head south to Narok and on to Masai Mara

Day 52
National Park 100 Km, 4 hours - Masai Mara National Reserve, camping on the edge of the park. The sweeping plains evoke a picture of East Africa that most people hold in their minds and are rarely disappointed when confronted with the real thing. Great game viewing is assured all year round. The Mara offers us everything, amazing scenery and abundant wildlife including the big five.

Day 53
205 Km, 3 hours - Returning to Naivasha we camp beside the lake. Close by is Hell's Gate National Park where you can hire bikes to take you around the park and see the herds of zebra, buffalo and antelope. You can also wander in the predator free reserve amongst African game. There is spectacular scenery here; red cliffs, grassy plains and rock towers made of hardened lava and the remains of ancient volcanoes. Also on the lake is Elsamere; once the home of Joy Adamson and Elsa the lion of 'Born Free' fame. Elsamere is now the centre of the Born Free Foundation and you can find out more about their work, watch a video on Joy’s life and take afternoon tea in the gardens.

Day 54
0 Km, 0 hours - Lake Naivasha

Day 55
90 Km, 2 hours - We return to Nairobi for a chance to explore the city. In Nairobi town is the National Museum and markets. Close to the camp are; Karen Blixen's house, Langata Giraffe Centre or a day at the races or a round of golf.

Day 56
0 Km, 0 hours - We spend the day in Nairobi.

Accommodation - departing Cape Town

We depart from Ashanti Lodge; 11 Hof Street, Gardens, 8001, Cape Town, South Africa, Tel: (+27-21) 423 8721, http://www.ashanti.co.za If you would like to stay at the Ashanti Lodge, please book on line through the above link. A single room costs R 240, doubles R370.

Airport pick up in Cape Town to Ashanti Lodge

If you arrive at the airport or bus station between 8.30am and 4pm they offer a free pick-up service (subject to availability). It is not a "meet-and-greet" service but all you have to do is call them on 021 423 8721 when you arrive and they will send their driver out to collect you. If you are arriving outside of those hours, then let them know your flight details and they will arrange for the Backpacker Bus to collect you (costs vary).

Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater

The options for seeing these parks are either (1) an overnight trip to Ngorongoro Crater or (2) a two night trip to both Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater. The Serengeti can only be reached by twice passing through Ngorongoro Crater. To do this trip we arrange to hire 4x4 vehicles from Arusha to the parks and back. While in the region it is well worth seeing both parks; they are the best wildlife parks in the world. The side trip is a bit expensive, though most of the charges goes towards park entrance fees and therefore to park upkeep and anti poaching. The Tanzanian Park Authority continually changes or raises their entry fees with short notice so prices can increase.

Seeing the Gorillas and Gorilla permits

We see the gorillas in either; Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo. The gorilla permits are payable on the spot and can only be paid in US dollars cash. The cost of the permit is approx: $500 payable directly to the park authorities. There is also a small charge to get up to the gorilla viewing area. The price of the gorilla permits often changes without notice. Seeing the gorillas may involve you having to get extra visas on the borders, this changes with each trip and each different place or country we see them.

Visas

Please see the Visa page

Insurance

You must be insured against personal accident, medical expenses and repatriation expenses. We only carry passengers on the understanding that, in most African countries through which we travel no passenger or vehicle liability is available whatsoever. You should take out insurance when you pay your deposit for the tour or for flights so that you are insured against cancellation (for medical reasons, for example). We can organise insurance for you. Bring your policy with you. Be aware if you travel without insurance and you need to get home urgently due to ill health or family problems, you or those responsible for you could incur bills running into many thousands. We can supply you with insurance, please ask when booking.

Inoculations & Malaria

Inoculations - You have to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever and will need an International Vaccination Certificate to prove this when we cross some borders. It is also advisable to be vaccinated against Typhoid; Rabies; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Tetanus; Polio and Meningitis.

If possible start your vaccinations two months, but as late as two weeks before departure. Your GP can also inoculate but may take a while to get to get the vaccine in.

Malaria - The risk of contracting malaria in the areas we visit is high. You should be aware that malaria tablets offer only partial protection against malaria and that you should couple taking the tablets with mosquito bite avoidance. The malarial mosquitoes come out at night that is from the beginning of sunset onwards, so from this time you should cover up in long sleeves, jeans or track suit pants plus socks, as mosquitoes tend to bite around the feet and ankles. You must also use insect repellent containing Deet, bring some you will need it. The use of repellents and covering up can be as effective as the use of tablets, so by coupling both methods of protection together you should be malaria free. Whatever type of prophylactic you choose to use you should try a sample of it well before you go as adverse reactions can occur. This often happens with the Larium or Mephloquine type of drug. A can of fly spray is handy for clearing your tent of mosquitoes and bugs before you go to bed.

Medical Kits

We carry First Aid kits on board for emergency use only. However, the crew is not entitled to recommend or prescribe any medicine. We advise a health check with your GP and Dentist before you start your journey, and that you carry your own medical kit with you.

Video Cameras

In most campsites you can charge from the mains so bring a travel adaptor plug, as you'll come across virtually every type of socket ever invented plus a few others. Most countries run on 220 or 240 volt current. You should also bring at least one spare battery with you as you will not be able to purchase spares en-route.

Mobile Phones

Your own mobile phone will work abroad if you have roam facility enabled on a dual band phone. Coverage is generally good. Although convenient for outgoing calls at rates of around $2 per minute, incoming calls can cost up to $10 per minute to receive. In most campsites you can charge from the mains using a travel adaptor plug. You can charge off the truck if you have a 24 volt in-car charger though charging from the vehicle will reduce the life of your batteries.

Time Zones

Most countries are on the same time up to 3 hours ahead of GMT or UK time. East Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

Life on the road

There are times when we will have some long drives in order to cover big distances, but on most days that we travel, we only move for half the day. The African landscape and people you pass are never boring and most find it hard to put their head down and read whilst on the road, for fear of missing something. Most evenings we pull into camp and you and your tent partner will put up your tent, then either relax with a cool drink, or get involved in a local activity. Breakfast is usually cereal, toast, tea, and coffee, with the occasional cooked breakfast. Lunch, if we eat on the truck is cold.

Security in General

There is a lockable safe bolted onto the floor of the truck for your money belts, however, the Company takes no responsibility for such or for any passengers' belongings. It is very important to remember that if a loss of a passport or travellers cheques occurs it is not always possible for the expedition to wait for those involved. Therefore, when you are looking after your valuables off the truck e.g. changing money in the bank, it is essential to wear a money belt that fits under your shirt. Do not wear a bum bag around your waist, or a money belt that hangs from your neck. In certain problem areas known to us a passenger roster will be drawn up to guard the vehicle during the day. We advise you not to take any items of value that are not essential for your journey, e.g. jewellery.

Spending Money

£10 - £20 a day is a good start excluding side trips. Of course this varies from person to person depending on how much you drink, eat and how many souvenirs you buy. In most parts of Africa it is difficult to change travellers cheques and to use ATMs so we suggest for ease of exchange and better rates of exchange take your money as 50% travellers cheques and 50% cash. As travelling with cash is risky please ensure that you have adequate insurance to hedge against the risk of loss. Be aware that if your cash is lost it is very unlikely you will recover it.

In Zimbabwe you need $US cash to change at the banks and they can ask for proof of purchase. A credit card is handy for emergency spending only, but useless for day-to-day spending. Do not rely on credit cards/switch type cards until you get to Southern Africa as money machines are almost non-existent.

Side trips/optional excursions

Are paid for on the spot. Please see the separate page - Side Trips & Extras

Maps

It's good to have your own map to follow the trip as you go. In Africa use the Michelin 955 of Africa, central and south.

Washing

Most of the time you can wash every day and at camp sites you can do your laundry or often have it done for you quite cheaply.

E-mail

Can be collected approx every week or two, from £1-£5 to connect.

Phoning Home

It can be very expensive to call home from Africa, sometimes as high as £20 for 3 minutes. A lot of the campsites don't have telephones.

Camping

Tents are provided and all have sewn in floors and mosquito netting. You will need to bring with you a sleeping bag, sleep sheet, foam roll mat or airbed. Bring a mosquito net only if you want to sleep outside of your tent, these can be bought in Africa.

Discman & CD's

An amplifier is provided in the rear of the truck for you to plug your Discmans / I-Pods into. Although the amp is powered off the truck, your Discman isn't, so bring along extra batteries.

Photography

African authorities require that tourists do not take pictures of airports, railway stations or military installations. We are often in areas where locals are not used to being photographed and we ask you to show them every respect and courtesy. For SLR cameras we recommend a telephoto of around 120mm or an 80-200 zoom. High-speed film is usually necessary for photographing gorillas or game in early morning or late afternoon particularly if using a long lens. It is best to purchase all film prior to arrival in Africa.

Accommodation at the end of the trip - Nairobi

In Nairobi there are numerous cheap backpacker hostels so there is no need to pre book.

Suggested list of clothing and equipment

The less you take the less you have to pack, wash, lug home and you'll always pick up extras along the way. You'll be travelling in the heat and camping in the cool, so bring clothes for all climates, rough stuff is best. The best type of carrier is a rucksack (with an internal frame) or a kit bag.

• Sleeping bag & sleeping mat
• Medical kit - Bring your own simple kit
• Re-hydration sachets available from any chemist
• Insect repellent containing Deet e.g. Jungle Juice
• Sun cream
• Headache tablets
• Plasters
• Malaria tablets
• Toiletries - You can buy most basic toiletries easily in Africa
• Toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss
• Soap in a container & razors
• Towel & shampoo
• Tampons/condoms; enough for the trip
• Clothes
• Socks
• Shirts
• Jeans/long trousers
• Underwear
• Sweatshirt/jumper
• Shorts, T-shirts, swimsuit
• Skirt
• Sandals/flip flops/jandals/thongs
• Walking shoes
• Small day-pack or bag to carry your daily items
• Hat and sunglasses
• Camera (in a protective case), spare batteries and all the film you think necessary
• Money belt or pouch to hold your passport
• Vaccination book
• Travellers cheques
• Books, personal CD player and CD's
• Torch & spare batteries
• Water bottle at least 1.5 litres, any old water bottle is fine and these are available in most shops on the way

The easiest and best way to travel is as lightly as possible, taking just what is necessary. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much luggage.

Side trips / Optional extras