How long is the journey from Nairobi to Cape Town?

The overland journey spans 40 to 77 days depending on the tour operator and itinerary chosen. G Adventures runs a concentrated 40-day route while Absolute Africa offers an extended 77-day experience that includes gorilla trekking encounters. A TourRadar traveler shares: "I did the 75 day Nairobi to Cape Town trip with on average about 13 people. I'm so glad I did the entire route as it really gave you the chance to experience the diversity of Africa."

What are the major destinations covered between Nairobi and Cape Town?

The route winds through Africa's most notable landscapes. Travelers begin in the wildlife-rich Masai Mara and Serengeti then continue to the white beaches of Zanzibar. The journey proceeds to Lake Malawi's clear waters Victoria Falls' thundering cascades and Chobe National Park's elephant herds. Further highlights include mokoro rides in the Okavango Delta game viewing in Etosha National Park and the stark beauty of the Namib Desert. Accommodations range from Kipepeo Beach & Village in Dar es Salaam to Never@home hostel in Cape Town. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The scenery the animals the people along the way were fantastic - standouts included Zanzibar Victoria Falls Masai Mara Serengeti The Crater and Namibia."

What type of accommodation can I expect on these tours?

Accommodations center primarily around camping with 34-49 nights spent in two-person dome tents. Tours include 3-4 nights in permanent tented camps particularly in wildlife-rich areas like the Masai Mara and Okavango Delta. Urban stops feature hotel stays at properties like Kenya Comfort Hotel in Nairobi and Amaan Bungalows in Zanzibar. A TourRadar traveler noted: "All the campsites were better than my expectations they were clean had bars at most of them and occasionally even a pool."

What is the approximate cost for a Nairobi to Cape Town tour?

Tour prices range from $7745 to $14135 which translates to roughly $180-250 per day. The fee covers accommodations transport most meals park entries and guide services. Additional costs include the Adventure Pass (paid locally) optional activities and personal expenses. A TourRadar traveler advised: "It's recommended to carry around USD 200-300 in smaller denominations for additional expenses."

What meals are included in these tours?

Tour packages typically include 42-57 breakfasts 32-46 lunches and 31-45 dinners. Crew members prepare meals at campsites using local ingredients creating a mix of African and international dishes. Meals in urban areas like Zanzibar Livingstone and major cities are often independent allowing for local dining exploration. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The meals that these guys can cook up on a 2 burner campstove are amazing."

What is the best time to book a Nairobi to Cape Town tour?

While tours operate throughout the year June through October offers optimal weather conditions across all regions. Wildlife enthusiasts should consider July-October for East Africa's Great Migration while August-September presents South Africa's Namaqualand wildflower displays. A TourRadar traveler suggested: "The wildlife viewing was spectacular and weather perfect between July and October."

Nairobi to Cape Town Tours

Have you thought about spotting the wildlife on game drives in the Masai Mara, visiting Kampala and enjoying a barbecue in Arusha, or viewing Mount Kilimanjaro and staying on Zanzibar Island? Visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony and Cheetah Park, relax at Lake Kariba, and camp by the Orange River. Africa top to bottom is epic, and it’s an experience you can have.

10 best Nairobi to Cape Town tour packages

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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Overland Truck
The Absolute Safari
4.7 (46 traveler reviews)
"This tour has been going for 30 plus years I believe and the schedule is as good as it could possibly be."
James, traveled in August
Duration
77 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Rwanda Tanzania Malawi Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia South Africa+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Absolute Africa
7% Off
From $5,099
US$4,742per person
+$1,260 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Overland Truck
Nairobi To Cape Town (76 Days) Grand Adventurer
4.6 (8 traveler reviews) award winner
"Travelling on the truck meant we had access to places that aren't on the map and got to stop in the beautiful middle-of-nowhere spots."
Hannah, traveled in September
Duration
76 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Tanzania Rwanda Malawi Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia South Africa+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Oasis Overland
7% Off
From
US$4,951per person
+$1,850 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Overland Truck
Nairobi To Cape Town (56 Days) Coast To Coast
4.3 (5 traveler reviews)
"I enjoyed the majority of places we visited. Just bear in mind that doing an overland trip means everything is organised for you."
Narnie05, traveled in December
Duration
56 days
Destinations
Kenya Tanzania Malawi Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia South Africa+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Oasis Overland
7% Off
From
US$3,812per person
+$1,290 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Overland Truck
Serengeti, Falls & Cape Town Overland: Sunsets & Safaris
5.0 (12 traveler reviews)
"Always great itineraries in terms of what is included, so a good way to see a lot without the stress of organising yourself."
Lucy, traveled in August
Duration
40 days
Destinations
Kenya Tanzania Malawi Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia South Africa+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
7% Off
From
US$6,199per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
Africa Encompassed Southbound
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Splurge for having a cook on this trip the days are SOOOO long that we would roll in at 7 and get everything organized for a 9pm dinner."
Parker, traveled in January
Duration
63 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Rwanda Tanzania Malawi Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia South Africa+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $12,890
US$10,312per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
The Classic Safari
4.5 (3 traveler reviews)
"Amazing time in africa and vailet peters is the best tour guide ever - very informative, helpful, stressless."
Chrisse, traveled in October
Duration
62 days
Destinations
Kenya Tanzania Malawi Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia South Africa+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Absolute Africa
20% Off
From
US$4,589per person
+$900 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Overland Truck
43-day Kenya to Cape Town (Camping)
4.8 (10 traveler reviews)
"The tour was truly life changing for me and the professionalism and personalities of the tour leader and driver were a big part of this."
Duration
43 days
Destinations
Kenya Tanzania Malawi Zambia Botswana Namibia South Africa+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Acacia Adventure Holidays
25% Off
From $8,515
US$6,386per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Active
Kenya to Cape Town
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"I feel like I saw everything: from abundant wildlife to true African cultures. This really was the trip of a lifetime."
Duration
48 days
Destinations
Kenya Tanzania Malawi Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia South Africa+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $8,090
US$6,472per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
Great African Expedition (Accommodated) - 58 days
Duration
58 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Tanzania Malawi Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia South Africa+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Lake Nakuru National ParkNgorongoro National ParkSerengeti National ParkBwindi National ParkFish River Canyon ParkQueen Elizabeth National ParkMasai Mara National ReserveVictoria FallsChobe National ParkZanzibarOkavango+10 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% Off
From $15,370
US$13,065per person
+$1,415 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Overland Truck
Nairobi to Cape Town Overland Safari & Participation Camping
1.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
40 days
Destinations
Kenya Tanzania Malawi Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia South Africa+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $6,199
US$5,269per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
Nairobi To Cape Town 57 Days Overlanding
Duration
57 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Rwanda Tanzania Malawi Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia South Africa+3 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Lake Nakuru National ParkNgorongoro National ParkSerengeti National ParkEtosha National ParkFish River Canyon ParkMikumi National ParkVictoria FallsSouth Luangwa National ParkZanzibarMasai Mara+9 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Travel Co.
15% Off
From
US$10,790per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
43-day Kenya to Cape Town (Accommodated)
4.8 (10 traveler reviews)
"Saw the big five in copious numbers. Camped in some pretty unique environments."
Bill, traveled in August
Duration
43 days
Destinations
Kenya Tanzania Malawi Zambia Botswana Namibia South Africa+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Acacia Adventure Holidays
15% Off
From $11,525
US$9,796per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Overland Truck
The Southern Safari
4.6 (8 traveler reviews)
"She was very approachable and knowledgeable of all the places we stopped at. I value the effort put it by our leader."
Esther, traveled in November
Duration
54 days
Destinations
Kenya Tanzania Malawi Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia South Africa+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Absolute Africa
15% Off
From
US$4,120per person
+$625 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Overland Truck
58-day Gorillas to Cape Town (Accommodated)
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
Duration
58 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Tanzania Malawi Zambia Botswana Namibia South Africa+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Acacia Adventure Holidays
15% Off
From $14,915
US$12,678per person
+$995 upfront costs
+$1,415 local payments
Price based on Shared Room
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Nairobi to Cape Town Tours

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10 best Nairobi to Cape Town tour packages