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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Safari
The Absolute Safari
4.6 (48 traveler reviews)
"I had the best time on my 54 day safari with absolute. Travelling overland allowed us to see spectacular scenery every day."
Emily, traveled in October
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 $5,085
US$4,729per person
+$1,260 local payments
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Nairobi To Cape Town (76 Days) Grand Adventurer
4.6 (8 traveler reviews) award winner
"Oasis Overland is cost effective, fun, and provides a very unique experience."
Shahd, traveled in October
Duration
76 days
Destinations
Kenya Uganda Rwanda Tanzania Malawi Zimbabwe Zambia Botswana Namibia South Africa+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Oasis Overland
7% Off
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US$4,944per person
+$1,900 local payments
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Nairobi To Cape Town (56 Days) Coast To Coast
4.3 (5 traveler reviews)
"The trip is good value for the money, there are plenty of optional excursions so you can pick whatever you want."
Duration
56 days
Destinations
Kenya Tanzania Malawi Mozambique Zimbabwe Zambia Botswana Namibia South Africa+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Oasis Overland
7% Off
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US$3,807per person
+$1,290 local payments
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Serengeti, Falls & Cape Town Overland: Sunsets & Safaris
5.0 (12 traveler reviews)
"Exceptional - would do it again in a heartbeat. Brilliant staff, brilliant itinerary, and memories that will last a lifetime."
Dominic, 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$6,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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 $13,190
US$10,552per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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43-day Kenya to Cape Town (Camping)
4.8 (10 traveler reviews)
"Sammy is an excellent guide."
A, traveled in June
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
30% Off
From $8,515
US$5,961per person
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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
30% Off
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US$8,090per person
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Nairobi to Cape Town 43 Days Overlanding
Duration
43 days
Destinations
Kenya Tanzania Malawi Zambia Zimbabwe Botswana Namibia South Africa+1 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Travel Co.
30% Off
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US$7,390per person
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The Southern Safari
4.6 (8 traveler reviews)
"Highlights include rafting along the Zambezi river, Spitzkoppe and of course all the amazing animals we saw on safari."
Qin, traveled in September
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
7% Off
From $4,114
US$3,826per person
+$625 local payments
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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
20% Off
From $6,399
US$5,119per person
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Safari
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 ParkMasai MaraZanzibar+9 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Travel Co.
20% Off
From
US$10,790per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
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
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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
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