what kind of camping that you will offer for this tour? Did you include all entrance fee for all parks?

This tour is a group participatory camping tour. We provide three-man dome tents to sleep just 2 people, as well as high density sleeping mats. There are occasional nights in dorm accommodation at local lodges (2 nights in Uganda and 1 night in Tanzania). Park fees are included on this tour for the following parks and wildlife sanctuaries: The Masai Mara - 2 days, Nakuru National Park, Matopos incl. a rhino trek, Lake Naivasha, South Luangwa NP, The Giraffe Park, Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage. There are other optional safaris you can opt to do on this tour. This includes the 3 night/2 day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari which is currently priced from 645 USD per person payable out in Africa. There is also the chance to visit Victoria Falls National Park whilst we stay in town and entrance to the park and the rainforest Walk to see the Falls is 50 USD also payable out in Africa.

Are safaris included? What other extra charges would there be? What do you do instead if you choose not to do the optional extras that are costly?

If you choose not to do an overnight optional then you would stay back with the truck and driver at the campsite. You would have use of the tents and pay camping costs direct to the campsite, usually around 10 USD per person per night. Optional excursions range from 800 - 1,200 USD depending on individual preferences.

What does camp accommodation mean?

Camp accommodation means that we provide tents and sleeping mats and you sleep in tents for the majority of the tour. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag. On the Classic Component safari there are some optional excursions where you can sep in a bed such as on Zanzibar Island and the houseboats on Lake Kariba. You can also occasionally upgrade to a bed at certain campsites if you wish. This is on a first come first serve basis and cannot be prebooked. You pay direct to the campsite if you wish to upgrade.

When is the best time to view the migration?

The prime time to visit the Serengeti in Tanzania is usually regarded as being from late November through to March when the big herds of wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and zebra head on to the southern plains of the Serengeti. To get the best viewing on the other hand in Kenya's Masai Mara July through to September are usually regarded as the best months.

How much will this tour really cost me?

The costs to consider when travelling overland are: Safari price & Local payment, Optional excursions, Personal spending money, Visas. We are always very transparent about what a tour will cost and are happy to go through personal, tailored budgets to give you a very realistic idea of what you will spend on your tour - whether you are an adrenaline junkie, souvenir-shopaholic or travelling on a shoestring…

What is the local payment?

The local payment is a separate payment from the initial price you pay before you leave. If a local payment is required it will be shown with the trip price. This second payment is made in Africa at the start of your trip. It is payable in USD. The local payment provides us with the means for expenses that need to be paid in cash to local businesses en route to be arranged in the most cost effective manner possible, a saving we can then pass on to you. It also means we can operate in a way that directly supports local businesses and wildlife authorities as we travel. Local Payment will not be changed once you have booked your travel arrangements.

What is the recommended time of year to do this trip?

The best time of year to travel on this tour are the departures from June to September when conditions are dry in all the game parks on this itinerary, and so as it is dry your wildlife viewing is usually at its best. It's easier to spot the animals on the game drives as they come to the waterholes to drink.

From

US $3,328 per person

Classic Safari, the Component

39 days

•

From Nairobi to Victoria Falls

4.8

3 traveler reviews

View all
The meals were great and the guides did a wonderful job with helping sort everything out. For the money, I don't think this trip can be beat.
Jason, traveled in August
4.5
View all

From

US $3,328 per person

+ $620 Local Payment

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Operator: Absolute Africa
Overland Truck: Off-the-grid adventures with a rugged edge
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 28
Ages 18+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Days 1 - 4
Nakuru to Lake Naivasha
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park in small safari vehicles
- Lake Naivasha activities including hippo cruise
- Transfer to camp near Nakuru
Optional Activities
- Hells Gate National Park (U$55)
- Crater Lake Sanctuary (U$55)
- Elsamere for afternoon tea
Landmarks
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Naivasha
Crater Lake Sanctuary
Elsamere
Hell's Gate National Park
Days 5 - 9
Loita Hills to Masai Mara to Nairobi
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Loita Hills Maasai cultural experience including guided walk
- Guided morning and afternoon game drives in The Masai Mara in small safari vehicles (two days)
- Visit to Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi
- Visit to The Giraffe Park in Nairobi
Optional Activities
- Balloon safari in the Masai Mara (£480)
Landmarks
The Masai Mara National Reserve
Loita Hills
Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage
The Giraffe Park
The Rift Valley
Days 10 - 13
Arusha
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Evening celebratory barbecue)
Included Activities
- Transfer to camp on outskirts of Arusha
- Evening celebratory barbecue
Optional Activities
- 3 day/2 night safari with afternoon and morning guided game drives in Serengeti National Park in small safari vehicles (from U$645)
- Afternoon drive through Ngorongoro Conservation Area (3 day/2 night safari)
- Morning game drives in Ngorongoro Crater in small safari vehicles (3 day/2 night safari)
- Maasai village visit
- Balloon safari
Landmarks
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Crater
Days 14 - 20
Arusha to Zanzibar Island
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Seafood meal on reaching coast)
Included Activities
- Drive through Marangu at foot of Kilimanjaro
- Transfer to Indian Ocean coast
- Seafood meal on reaching coast
Optional Activities
- Guided walks at the foot of Kilimanjaro
- Zanzibar Island day visit with return to mainland on day 21 (including accommodation in beach cottages or Stone Town lodge, ferry bookings, transfers, and spice tours) (£295)
- Snorkelling on Zanzibar Island coral reefs (from U$15)
- Scuba diving on Zanzibar Island coral reefs (from U$65)
- Prison Island visit famous for giant tortoise population (from U$35)
- Jozani Forest guided excursion to see red colobus monkeys (from U$40)
Landmarks
Marangu
Mount Kilimanjaro
Zanzibar Island
Stone Town
Prison Island
Jozani Forest
Days 21 - 26
Dar es Salaam to Lake Malawi
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Drive from Dar es Salaam through Mikumi National Park
- Transfer to Lake Malawi beach camps
- Village visits
- Curio market visits
Optional Activities
- Water sports at Lake Malawi
- Horse riding in the Lake
- Village walk
- Wood carving lesson
Landmarks
Dar es Salaam
Mikumi National Park
Lake Malawi
Days 27 - 32
South Luangwa National Park to Lake Kariba
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided game drive in South Luangwa National Park in small safari vehicle
- Transfer through Lusaka
- Transfer through The Zambezi Valley
- Two days at Lake Kariba
Optional Activities
- Extra game drive in South Luangwa National Park
- Extra game walk in South Luangwa National Park
- Houseboat cruise on Lake Kariba visiting Matusadona with game cruise and fishing (U$170)
Landmarks
South Luangwa National Park
Lusaka
The Zambezi Valley
Lake Kariba
Matusadona
Days 33 - 36
Great Zimbabwe Ruins to Matopos National Park
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Great Zimbabwe Ruins
- Rhino trek at Matopos National Park
- Guided game drive in Matopos National Park in small safari vehicles
Optional Activities
- Extra game drives at Matopos National Park
- Visit to rock paintings and Cecil Rhodes' grave
- Ndebele Village visit
Landmarks
Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Matopos National Park
Cecil Rhodes' grave
Days 37 - 39
Victoria Falls
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Rainforest walk at Victoria Falls National Park (U$50)
- Bungee jump (U$168)
- Combo deal - half day adrenaline with gorge swings, zip line, flying fox (U$174)
- Gorge Swing - 1 jump (U$172)
- White water rafting on The Zambezi (U$140)
- Flying fox
- Zip line
- Canoe trips
- Sundowner cruise (U$55)
- 'Flight of the Angels' scenic flight (U$150)
- Horse rides
- Riverboard
Landmarks
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls National Park

Landmarks
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Naivasha
Crater Lake Sanctuary
Elsamere
Hell's Gate National Park

Landmarks
The Masai Mara National Reserve
Loita Hills
Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage
The Giraffe Park
The Rift Valley

Landmarks
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Crater

Landmarks
Marangu
Mount Kilimanjaro
Zanzibar Island
Stone Town
Prison Island
Jozani Forest

Landmarks
Dar es Salaam
Mikumi National Park
Lake Malawi

Landmarks
South Luangwa National Park
Lusaka
The Zambezi Valley
Lake Kariba
Matusadona

Landmarks
Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Matopos National Park
Cecil Rhodes' grave

Landmarks
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls National Park

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

Absolute Africa

4.5

(194 reviews)

Number of tours

Age Range

18 to 80 years old

Response time

11 hours

Response rate

93%

With over thirty years of experience running safaris from London to Cape Town...

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

4.8

Overall rating based on 3 Reviews

Itinerary
5.0
Transport
4.3
Guide
4.7
Accommodation
5.0
Food
5.0
Tour Operator
4.5

C
Camille
November 15th, 2024
5.0
Lovely Experience! I loved this style of travel! Bucket list moments every day! You are actively engaged in...
Lovely Experience! I loved this style of travel! Bucket list moments every day! You are actively engaged in cooking and working together as a team with your fellow travelers. This trip brought our group so close together, a couple even got engaged during their time with Absolute Africa! We had a issues with two fellow passengers disrespecting both the tour guides and our fellow travelers. They have previously left bad reviews for this company, and their statements are riddled with lies and over-exaggerations. Absolute Africa listened to us, provided them with a warning, and when the warning was not listened to, they were removed from the tour. As they left the bus, they childishly poured garlic and grape juice on the seats, cut electrical wires, and attempted to smash a window. These people were unsafe, not the tour. Please do not take their reviews of this company seriously. Absolute Africa and their guides have shown they listen to their clientele and take their safety well into accord. Happy Travels!Show more
Traveled in November 2024
Reply from: Absolute Africa
Thank you for leaving your comments, Camille. We are so glad to hear you had a good time on your tour and we wish you all the best with your future travels!
Show more
Lu
November 7th, 2015
5.0
We finished our safari almost 2 months ago and we are still missing every single people that we met there. We spent...
We finished our safari almost 2 months ago and we are still missing every single people that we met there. We spent 59 amazing days across Africa and these are some of the reasons why: 1- Absolute staff is great. Every single person that we had to deal with was really nice and helpful. Natasha with our visas, Troy, Kanyo and Joe as group leaders, and David and JB as drivers. 2- The route covers the best spots in East and Southern Africa. 3- The campsites are very comfortable and well located. 4- The way duties are organized (cooking, cleaning, washing) works very well and was actually one of the best things to share with other people. 5- Kanyo was our first tour leader and we've been with him to our first game drives, including Massai Mara. He was the best tour guide we could have had. He is very knowledgable about wildlife and African history and it was a pleasure to learn things from him. 6- Joe had good sense of humor since he wakes up till he goes to sleep. He was really patient and he has been able to deal with a group of 28 people from different countries and ages in a very successful way. 7- JB was much more than a truck driver. He is a real professional doing his job. Not only he is a very responsible driver, but he is the most proactive and helpful guy I've ever met. He knows a lot about African history and wildlife and he is also very good sharing it with the group.Show more
Traveled in June 2015
Reply from: Absolute Africa
Great to hear you enjoyed your trip Lu, us as crew and staff are always happy to hear people had the trip of a lifetime! Thank you very much for your feedback
Show more
Jason
August 9th, 2010
4.5
Great guides and drivers on the trip. Very few problems with anything (only one minor delay at one of eight border...
Great guides and drivers on the trip. Very few problems with anything (only one minor delay at one of eight border crossings!). The meals were great and the guides did a wonderful job with helping sort everything out. I ended up having a tent all to myself for the entire trip since it wasn't full, so that was a great little bonus. The mats were also very comfortable so I slept much better through the two months than I initially expected. Even with lions roaring half a km away! :D For the money, I don't think this trip can be beat. Game parks and activities are very expensive anyway and when you factor in the included transport, camping, and food, this trip can be just as cheap (if not cheaper) as doing it all on your own, with almost none of the hassle or sketchy situations that you would no doubt find yourself in by going solo. Definitely recommend going with Absolute Africa, but keep in mind this is a GROUP Overland trip. TIA is the driving philosophy behind traveling through Africa. Unrealistic expectations of having everything catered to your specifications will not work. Come prepared for that and this will be an experience of a lifetime. There are also some long days on the truck (Africa is enormous!) but Absolute provides its own mini library on each truck as well as a sound system that you can plug ipods into so the hours do pass easily enough. Plus you can look out your window at any given time and take in some amazing views. Amazing trip. Show more
Traveled in June 2010

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

A
Abigail
Asked on March 6th, 2024
what kind of camping that you will offer for this tour? Did you include all entrance fee for all parks?
Accommodation
Tour Details
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written March 2024
  This tour is a group participatory camping tour. We provide three-man dome tents to sleep just 2 people, as well as high density sleeping mats. There are occasional nights in dorm accommodation at local lodges (2 nights in Uganda and 1 night in Tanzania). Park fees are included on this tour for the following parks and wildlife sanctuaries: The Masai Mara - 2 days, Nakuru National Park, Matopos incl. a rhino trek, Lake Naivasha, South Luangwa NP, The Giraffe Park, Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage. There are other optional safaris you can opt to do on this tour. This includes the 3 night/2 day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Safari which is currently priced from 645 USD per person payable out in Africa. There is also the chance to visit Victoria Falls National Park whilst we stay in town and entrance to the park and the rainforest Walk to see the Falls is 50 USD also payable out in Africa.
H
Holly
Asked on January 23rd, 2024
Are safaris included? What other extra charges would there be? What do you do instead if you choose not to do the optional extras that are costly?
Price / Availability
Tour Details
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written January 2024
  If you choose not to do an overnight optional then you would stay back with the truck and driver at the campsite. You would have use of the tents and pay camping costs direct to the campsite, usually around 10 USD per person per night. Optional excursions range from 800 - 1,200 USD depending on individual preferences.
J
Joseph
Asked on July 26th, 2022
What does camp accommodation mean?
Accommodation
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written July 2022
  Camp accommodation means that we provide tents and sleeping mats and you sleep in tents for the majority of the tour. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag. On the Classic Component safari there are some optional excursions where you can sep in a bed such as on Zanzibar Island and the houseboats on Lake Kariba. You can also occasionally upgrade to a bed at certain campsites if you wish. This is on a first come first serve basis and cannot be prebooked. You pay direct to the campsite if you wish to upgrade.
A
Annie
Asked on February 19th, 2016
When is the best time to view the migration?
Other
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written February 2016
  The prime time to visit the Serengeti in Tanzania is usually regarded as being from late November through to March when the big herds of wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and zebra head on to the southern plains of the Serengeti.
  
  To get the best viewing on the other hand in Kenya's Masai Mara July through to September are usually regarded as the best months.
J
Joe
Asked on February 15th, 2016
How much will this tour really cost me?
Price / Availability
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written February 2016
  The costs to consider when travelling overland are:
  
  Safari price & Local payment,
  Optional excursions,
  Personal spending money,
  Visas.
  
  We are always very transparent about what a tour will cost and are happy to go through personal, tailored budgets to give you a very realistic idea of what you will spend on your tour - whether you are an adrenaline junkie, souvenir-shopaholic or travelling on a shoestring…
K
Katie
Asked on February 15th, 2016
What is the local payment?
Other
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written February 2016
  The local payment is a separate payment from the initial price you pay before you leave. If a local payment is required it will be shown with the trip price. This second payment is made in Africa at the start of your trip. It is payable in USD. The local payment provides us with the means for expenses that need to be paid in cash to local businesses en route to be arranged in the most cost effective manner possible, a saving we can then pass on to you. It also means we can operate in a way that directly supports local businesses and wildlife authorities as we travel. Local Payment will not be changed once you have booked your travel arrangements.
K
Kyle
Asked on April 7th, 2015
What is the recommended time of year to do this trip?
Age Range
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written April 2015
  The best time of year to travel on this tour are the departures from June to September when conditions are dry in all the game parks on this itinerary, and so as it is dry your wildlife viewing is usually at its best. It's easier to spot the animals on the game drives as they come to the waterholes to drink.

From

US $3,328 per person

+ $620 Local Payment

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 3606

Currencies
Sh
Kenyan Shilling
Kenya
MK
Malawi Kwacha
Malawi
Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
Tanzania
$
US Dollar
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.
Type G
Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Kenya.Malawi.Tanzania.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Kenya.Malawi.Tanzania.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Cholera - Recommended for Kenya.Malawi.Tanzania.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for Kenya.Malawi.Tanzania.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 3 months before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Kenya.Malawi.Tanzania.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Rabies - Recommended for Kenya.Malawi.Tanzania.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 1 month before travel.
- Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended for Kenya.Tanzania.Zambia. Ideally 3 weeks before travel.
- Yellow fever - Recommended for Kenya Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for and Malawi. and Zimbabwe. Ideally 10 days before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before June 17th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 17th, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Absolute Africa. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Absolute Africa will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Absolute Africa" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Absolute Africa. Please familiarize yourself with the Absolute Africa payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Classic Safari, the Component

Itinerary

Nakuru to Lake Naivasha

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Loita Hills to Masai Mara to Nairobi

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Arusha

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Arusha to Zanzibar Island

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Dar es Salaam to Lake Malawi

Included Activities

Optional Activities

South Luangwa National Park to Lake Kariba

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Great Zimbabwe Ruins to Matopos National Park

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Victoria Falls

Optional Activities

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What's Included

What's Not Included