Expeditions

Overland Expeditions

Southern Africa - Nairobi to Cape Town

Highlights

This journey is the very essence of Africa, with all its frustrations (“This is Africa!”), natural wonders, wildlife and tribes. Amidst the emptiness of the Skeleton Coast, the thunder of Victoria Falls, the roar from the Serengeti, the scent of Zanzibar spices or playing football on the shores of Lake Malawi, African roads will be as unpredictable, inspiring and challenging as African life itself

Route Map

View Southern Africa in a larger map

Is it for me?

Number of Days/Duration	35 days (5 weeks)
Approx total miles	5,500
Accommodation	100% Hotel Bed & Breakfast
Meals Included	All Breakfasts and 5 Group Evening Meals
Culture Shock Rating	Moderate
Riding Difficulty	Moderate

Riding Conditions

Riders must be confident road riders with advanced riding skills, with experience of riding over 400 miles in one day and have undertaken training or have practical experience riding a large capacity motorcycle on gravel & dirt roads. In some areas, roads can also be sandy. Watch out for many hazards on the roads – wildlife, people and the other road users will randomly meander or dart when you are least expecting it.

You must have some experience of riding overseas before tackling this trip. This trip is suitable for an experienced rider and pillion.

What's Included?

Pre-expedition training included:

Advanced road training
FBOS first aid course
Preparatory and final briefing meetings

Detailed Itinerary

Week 1 – Nairobi to Tanzania

After collecting the bikes, from Nairobi, we’re off to the world famous Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park. We then ride to the coast via the slopes of Kilimanjaro, towards the coastal city of Dar es Salaam. From here it’s a local ferry to Zanzibar to explore the UNESCO Stone Town and night stopover on this famous spice island. Heading west across Tanzania’s rolling and hilly countryside, through Mikumi National Park and onto Mbeya.

Week 2 - Malawi & Zambia

Entering Malawi, our route runs alongside Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, with overnight stops on its shores so you can enjoy the beach life or water activities. There’s also time en route to visit the Nkhotakota Game Reserve. Then we travel west into Zambia, to the Zambezi and Lusaka. We ride to the historic colonial town of Livingstone, with time to visit (and get drenched by!) Victoria Falls.

Weeks 3 & 4 Botswana & Namibia

We cross the border to Kasane in Botswana. Kasane is the base for exploring the Chobe National Park and taking a river cruise to spot wildlife. We then enter Nambia and ride through the narrow Caprivi Strip to Bagani and onto Grootfontein “Big Spring” and see the Hoba Meteorite. See Windhoek, the capital and famous for its traditional German architecture, then head out to the Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast. From here it’s dirt roads to the Sesreim Canyon for the night before heading onto a great lodge on the edge of the Kalahari for a day’s relaxation. Heading south, we detour to Keetmanshoop's eerie Quiver Tree Forest in the Giant's Playground, before reaching Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. Soak in the hot springs at Ai-Aus and wash away the road dirt!

Week 5 - South Africa

Finally South Africa! We’re heading south via Springbok in the heart of Namaqualand. Then a fabulous ride through the Cederburg Wildness area and onto a great wine lodge in Robertson. From here we are perfectly placed to ride to the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas. You made it! It’s a final ride to Cape Town, which nestles below the iconic Table Mountain. We celebrate the end of our Cape to Cape journey on the V&A Waterfront, maybe with a drop (or two) of South African wine!

Dates & Prices

	2012	2013
Start Date	16 September 2012	7 June 2013
End Date	20 October 2012	11 July 2013
Rider Price	£7,495	£8,495
Pillion Price	£3,995	£4,995
Specific Prices	Single Supplement - £4,000	Single Supplement - £4,400
Availability	Available to book now	Available to book now
	Book Now	Book Now

Useful Information

Country/Region Information

Check out country information on the websites below.

Weather Information

It will be warm! The trip is timed to enjoy the best (not the hottest) times for the local climates

Visas Information

UK Citizens will need to obtain visas in advance for Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia. No other visas are required in advance. For citizens of other countries, the requirements may be different. Please check the requirements for your nationality.

Travel Health Information

You must consult your GP or a travel clinic for specialist advice on the recommended vaccinations and health protective measures for each country we travel through. We are not medical practioners and we cannot give advice in this area. Below are some website that you may wish to consult prior to seeking out specialist advice.

Foreign Exchange Information

Our base currency for this trip is the the US Dollar and the South African Rand. The Rand is linked to a number of other currencies you will need. Dollars and Rand are readily exchangeable in most of the African countries that we travel through.