Itinerary

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 1 SOUTH AFRICA, CEDERBERG MOUNTAIN REGION:

After a short stop to view Table Mountain we drive north to the Cederberg region. In the afternoon (weather permitting) we go on a guided walk to see Bushmen paintings and learn about the native fauna and flora. Meals: Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 2 NAMAQUALAND & ORANGE/GARIEP RIVER

Today we travel to the Gariep/Orange River. We spend the night under the stars and sit at the campfire getting to know each another. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 3 NAMIBIA, ORANGE/GARIEP RIVER - FISH RIVER CANYON

You can choose between a morning on the riverbank or the half day canoe on the river. After lunch we travel north to the Fish River Canyon. Optional Activities: Orange/Gariep River Half Day Canoe Adventure. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 4 NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK

From the Fish River Canyon we continue into the remote hinterland. We arrive at camp in the afternoon and enjoy a short hike at Sesriem Canyon. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 5 SOSSUSVLEI DUNES - NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK

We wake before dawn so we can hike up Dune 45 and watch the sunrise. After breakfast we join a local expert on a guided tour explaining the desert ecosystem. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 6 / 7 SWAKOPMUND

Today we cross the Tropic of Capricorn (where we stop for a photo) on our way to Namibia�s Atlantic coast. In Swakopmund you will be briefed on the optional activities available here. Day 7 is free for you to explore the town or try one of the many adventure activities. Optional Activities: Quadbiking, Sandboarding, Sky Diving, Dolphin Cruise, Scenic Flights, Fishing etc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner on day 7 only)

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 8 SPITZKOPPE

We leave all the trappings of modern life behind us and drive inland to the mysterious Spitzkoppe. Tonight we camp in the wild. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 9 HIMBA TRIBES After some early morning exploration we continue inland and drive towards Kamanjab. The Himba are a pastoral people and predominantly breed cattle or goats, they are easily recognisable by their unique style of dress. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 10 / 11 ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Etosha NP is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. We will go on various game drives, and spend our evenings at the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 12 WINDHOEK

After an early morning game drive we set off towards Windhoek in the centre of Namibia. On the way we stop at a popular craft market. In the afternoon we go on a short city tour. Optional Activities: Dinner out at Joe�s Beer House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 13 BOTSWANA, GHANZI It is a scenic drive to the Buitepos border, where we cross into Botswana. Once at camp we will meet with a local Bushmen community and experience some traditional Tribal Dancing. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 14 / 15 / 16 MAUN AND OKAVANGO DELTA

Another early day! Our journey takes us from Ghanzi towards Maun. We spend the night here and prepare for our two night bush-camping experience. Your guides will provide you with a briefing about the next few days activities and the community run tourism operation. From here we will enter the Delta using local transport. If the water level allows we will take a mokoro (traditional canoe) trip a well as a nature walk with the local people. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 17 GWETA

We leave the Delta behind us and travel east to Gweta, which is located halfway between Maun and Nata, near the Makgadikgadi Pans NP. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 18 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

When we arrive at Kasane we set up camp on the bank of the Chobe River. The afternoon is spent game viewing from a boat in the Chobe NP. This is an excellent opportunity to view Africa�s spectacular wildlife. You will have the chance to experience an early morning game drive the following day. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 19 ZIMBABWE, VICTORIA FALLS

On arrival in Victoria Falls we have time to plan the next day�s adventure activities before we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls NP and experience the thundering of the mighty Zambezi. The popular optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks. Optional Activities: Chobe morning game drive, Zambezi Sunset Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 20 / 21 VICTORIA FALLS Most people will spend the day White Water Rafting, a not -to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives. Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Elephant Excursion, Dinner out. Meals: Breakfast

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 22 ZAMBIA, LUSAKA

Leaving behind the excitement of Victoria Falls we begin our expedition. The journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 23 CHIPATA We begin today with some shopping in Lusaka before heading northeast towards Chipata. This is an interesting area full of friendly locals. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 24 / 25 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

Early in the morning we drive from Chipata to the border of the South Luangwa NP where we spend two nights on the riverbank. The next day we visit the community run tribal textile project and a local village. Later this afternoon we enjoy a guided sunset game drive in South Luangwa NP. On occasion, in the rainy season it is impossible or inadvisable to attempt to reach South Luangwa NP, if this happens an alternative itinerary will be chosen. Optional Activities: Guided Morning Game Walk in South Luangwa NP Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 26 / 27 MALAWI , LUWAWA FOREST

Today we cross the Zambia-Malawi border after leaving South Luangwa NP in the early morning. Heading north we enter the highlands of Malawi and spend the night at Luwawa Forest. Optional Activities: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 28 / 29 / 30 / 31 LAKE MALAWI

We will spend the next couple of carefree days relaxing on the white sandy beaches. For the more adventurous there are endless leisure and water sport activities. Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere and relax in one of the most memorable holiday destinations. Optional Activities: Scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 32 TANZANIA, IRINGA As we ascend out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, we pass the vast tea plantations in the highlands to our camp outside Iringa. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 33 IRINGA TO DAR ES SALAAM

It is a long drive from Iringa to the historical port city of Dar es Salaam. We actually transit through Mukumi NP, but we do not have time to stop and explore. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 34 / 35 / 36 ZANZIBAR

A local ferry will take us from Dar es Salaam (where we leave the truck) to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. We spend the first night in Stone Town where you will have time to explore the markets and unique architecture. The following day we take a transfer to the northern part of the Island where we will spend 2 days relaxing on the beach. Optional Activities: Meals, Spice Tours, Dolphin Tours, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling. Meals: Breakfast

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 37 ZANZIBAR- DAR ES SALAAM

Today you leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry (or flight) back to Dar es Salaam and return to the campsite. Meals: Dinner AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 38 DAR ES SALAAM � ARUSHA Today we take a long and scenic drive to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. After arriving in Arusha, those who are going to explore the Serengeti National Park, prepare for their excursion. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 39 / 40 SERENGETI / NGORONGORO

Today we have the opportunity to go on a three-day trip into the Serengeti. For those not going to the parks, take this time to relax and absorb some of the fascinating local culture. Optional Activities: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Excursion. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 41 ARUSHA

Today we visit a local Masaai village. Tonight we enjoy a final meal around the truck and talking about the adventures we have had together. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 42 KENYA, NAIROBI

After crossing the border into Kenya we continue to travel towards Nairobi . Although our tour has ended for some passengers groups like to spend this evening at local restaurant. Optional Activities: Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 43

NAIROBI TO MARA The Masai Mara National Reserve is the Kenyan side of the Serengeti National Park (located in Tanzania). Today the tour will be entering this huge area of spectacular game viewing to photograph some of Africas most abundant wildlife. Famous for the annual migration of around 1.5 million wildebeest, the Masai Mara is also home to many other plains animals, including lions. We will only arrive after lunch, but in time for an afternoon game drive. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 44 MARA TO NAIVASHA In addition to what we hope will be a successful day game viewing, cultural interaction with Kenya�s native Masaai people will round off your experience. After lunch we will leave the Mara to travel to Lake Naivasha. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 45 NAIVASHA (HELLS GATE NP) TO NAKURU NP

Today we will spend the morning at Hell�s Gate NP. The interesting name comes from the huge red-coloured cliffs that form the entrance to the geothermal interior. This is the only National Park where you can go hiking and activities include game and bird watching. The park entry fees are included and one of the more popular optional activities is to go game viewing from a bicycle. In the afternoon the tour will travel towards Lake Nakuru, the home of the greater and lesser flamingo. White Rhino inhabit the transitional savanna area surrounding the lake and if you are lucky you will get some great pictures. Optional Activities: Bicycle Hire Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 46 LAKE NAKURU TO ELDORET

We will spend a relaxed morning at Lake Nakuru before driving across the equator to Eldoret. When crossing the equator today there will be opportunity for photography. Eldoret is the 5th largest city in Kenya and is currently the fastest growing. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region and the altitude at Eldoret is 2100 metres above sea level. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 47 ELDORET TO KAMPALA, UGANDA

Today we cross the border in to Uganda. Border crossings require patience as they can take much longer than one may expect. In the afternoon we will enter Uganda�s capital city, Kampala. This evening we have the opportunity to dine out at one of the local restaurants. Optional Activities: Dinner Out Meals: Breakfast, Lunch AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 48 KAMPALA - CRESCENT ISLAND EXCURSION Although officially this day is set aside for everyone to explore Kampala most people use this day to take an optional day trip to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Ngamba Island. This non-profit eco-friendly project was set up in 1998 to care for orphaned chimpanzees. Ngamba Island is situated 23 km from Entebbe (near Kampala) on Lake Victoria and is only accessible by boat. The Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) manages the project and, as only one third of their operating costs are covered by visitors� fees, all interested parties are encouraged to join Friends of the Sanctuary.

Should the weather be unfavourable, or the lake too rough for this excursion, there are many other activities available in Kampala. Optional Activities: Ngamba Chimpanzee Excursion, Kampala Markets, Dinner Out. Meals: Breakfast

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 49 / 50 / 51 KAMPALA TO GORILLAS

The Mountain Gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only 650 left. Visiting the Gorilla�s is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining Gorilla�s rests in the community development work � as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach the future of the Mountain Gorilla�s is assured. As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where we actually visit them. The home of the Mountain Gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible we choose to make use of the NP in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of permits. Please note that each permit is only valid for one day. It is normal that the group will be split and will trek on different days; it all depends on the availability of the permits. Should we not obtain permits to visit the Mountain Gorillas in either Bwindi or Mgahinga NP in Uganda then we will inform all passengers beforehand that the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC. Visas for all nationalities are available on the DRC and Rwandan borders. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 52 / 53 GORILLAS TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Today we will leave the Gorillas behind and visit some of Ugandas other wild animals at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Many game species are to be found in this mainly Wetland Park including the (elsewhere elusive) giant forest hog, and the legendary tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector. The 1995 square kilometers of exceptional bio-diversity contain over 600species of birds and nearly 100 mammals. Game is best viewed from the water and we recommend a sunset cruise on the Kasinga channel. Optional Activities: Kasinga Channel Sunset Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 54 / 55 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK NP TO JINJA

We depart early for the long drive to Jinja where we will spend the entire following day. Jinja is Ugandas second largest city and is famous as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins the 6695 kilometre journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean. If you do not want to go rafting, why not volunteer for the day at Soft Power Education, a UK registered charity that is doing a wonderful job with the education of Jinjais youth. Spending your day helping out will not only assist their projects, but will also afford you the opportunity to spend a day at grass-root level helping Africas youth. Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Soft Power Education Project Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AFRICA OVERLAND TRUCK TOUR DAY 56 JINJA TO NAIROBI

It is a very long drive to Nairobi. The city of Nairobi was originally founded as a camp for the Mombassa-Uganda railway in 1899 and had since become the largest city in both Kenya and the East Africa region. As this is the last evening the group may choose to dine together at Nairobiïs famous Carnivore Restaurant, where vegetarians are catered for, but not encouraged.

Optional Activities: Meal out in Nairobi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch NB: The itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice in order to accommodate the best possible viewing of the Gorillas. The Permit price to visit the Gorillas can also change without notice.

Everyday a new adventure.

The groups is lead by 2 tour leaders, who have lots of experience in leading adventure tours in Africa, as a group you will have plenty of lexibility in what you want to see and do. No two days are the same on this adventure.

Tribes!

The highlight for many people visiting Africa is in interaction with the local culture. Visiting the tribes native to different regions on this trip is going to provide you awith a real insite into daily life of real African Tribes. There is a huge diversity of people on the African Continent, with different tribes adapting to their harsh environments over centuaries of eveloutions and through passing on the tribal traditions - some example of which you will encounter on your journey. Himba Tribes Because of the harsh desert climate in the region where they live (Namibia in the Dessert) and their seclusion from outside influences, the Himba have managed to maintain much of their traditional lifestyle. You will stop off at one of their villages and really get to know them! San Bushmen The Bushmen native to Namibia and Botswana, have adapted to life in probably one of the dryest places on earth. Originally hunter gatherers they are one of the most diverse races in Africa and facinatingly someo ftheir dialects are made up of clicking sounds instead of words!Maasai The Maasai (also Masai) are probably the most well know of all African Tribes, you will meet them on your trip  in Kenya and northern Tanzania. Their distinctive customs and dress give them away, from hanging objects from their earlobes to make them stretch to bouncing up and down in a traditional Maasai dance. The Maasai usually are dressed in bright red robes and despite being Nomadic by nature can mostly be found in residence near the many game parks of East Africa.

Wildlife

Wildlife encounters are big in the priority list for people visiting Africa, and on this trip you will certainly not be disappointed. You will be taken to some of the most spectacular game parks and head out on Safari  in the following places: Namib-Naukluft National Park (NP) Okavango Delta National Park Chobe National Park Victoria Falls National Park South-Luanga National Park Maasai Mara National Park Hells Gate National Park Lake Nakuru National Park Etosha National Park Gorillas in the Mist. This trip also includes an optional trip to see the mountain gorillas in Uganda (or Zambia depending on availability of permits. Mountain gorillas in the wild are high on the endangered list due to hunting by man and the loss of their natural habitat. It is a genuinely sad story, but efforts to protect them are well underway, and visiting them does help contribute to their protection, not to mention seeing a silver back in the wild is a hell of an experience. It is not cheap though, with a gorilla permit costing $500 each (these are not included in the cost of the trip but paid for at time of booking to ensure you get them).

The Most Amazing Places on Earth?

Ok so that may be a bold claim, but with Victoria Falls, The Great Rift Valley, The Okavango Delta, Spitzekoppe, Zanzibar and the national parks including the Serentgetti and Ngorogoro Crater this is an Itinerary packed with once in a lifetime destinations. Having said that there is more to this trip than just the destinations, it is the journey itself that really makes it special. With maximum group sizes of 24 and often much smaller, you will make some lifetime friends through the many experiences you have.

Check out our blog for more information on some of the locations taken in on this trip.

Chill Time on Zanzibar Included!

A  visit to east Africa is not complete with out a trip to Zanzibar. Located off Tanzania it is a beach lovers paradise. Amazing snorkling, white sandy beaches and the most amazing turquoise sea mixes in with old colonial architecture and laid back vibes this is the ultimate relaxation point along the way when your bum has had enough of Africas somewhat dodgy roads. Do not forget to sample some of the local see food and enjoy an nice cold Safari Lager while swing in in a hammock under a palm tree.

Plenty of Action and Adventure to be had enroute too.