1) Dies this cater for vegetarians? 2) Are you able to inform me on the number of people that have booked so far for the dates I'm looking at and the age ranges? 3) In terms of medical requirements (if anything was to happen) are there doctors affiliated with the tour in the different countries?

We can cater for various diets. You would just need to note this on the booking form. Note that the range of foods available on the routes is likely not the same as you will be used to. Generally breakfasts are fruit, cereals, toast and eggs and dinners tend to be stews, soups, pastas and curries as well as jacket potatoes with accompanying rice, breads, salad which all can be arranged without meat. If there are any medical incidents in the tour we will get you to the closest medical facility as soon as possible. There is no affiliation with particular doctors. The distances we travel are vast and so it is more a case of getting the patient to the closest medical assistance available at that time. The 7th May 2023 Northern Trails has just one booking at the moment so it is not yet a confirmed departure.

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 trip 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.

From

US $5,137 per person

Northern Trails

73 days

•

From Cape Town to Nairobi

4.4

5 traveler reviews

View all
This trip was absolutely incredible! We ate incredible meals every night and the truck was really good and spacious.
Kayla, traveled in March
4.5
View all

From

US $5,137 per person

+ $1,100 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 - 3
Cape Town
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Robben Island boat transfer and guided tour
- Table Mountain cable car
- Table Mountain abseiling
- Two Oceans Aquarium
- Cape Point and Peninsula tour
- Paragliding
- Kiteboarding
- Shark cage diving
- Whale watching (July - December)
- Township tour
Landmarks
Table Mountain
Robben Island
Cape Point
Two Oceans Aquarium
Days 4 - 5
Cape Agulhas - Oudtshoorn
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cape Agulhas
- Cango Caves
- Ostrich Farm tour
Landmarks
Cape Agulhas
Cango Caves
Days 6 - 7
Garden Route - Storms River
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump
- Tsitsikamma Forest treetop canopy walk
- Tsitsikamma waterfall zip lining
- Black-water tubing
- Quad biking
- Flying fox
- Guided bridge walk
- Canopy tour
Landmarks
Bloukrans Bridge
Tsitsikamma Forest
Storms River
Days 8 - 10
Port Elizabeth - Addo - Hogsback
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Addo Elephant National Park
Optional Activities
- Addo Elephant Park night drives
- Addo National Park horse trails
- Bushwalks
- Abseiling
- Horse riding
- Village tour
Landmarks
Addo Elephant National Park
Days 11 - 12
Malealea, Lesotho
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Pony trek
- Village tour
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
Landmarks
Malealea
Days 13 - 14
Drakensberg Mountains
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Hiking
- Biking
- Abseiling
- Rock climbing
Landmarks
Drakensberg Mountains
Days 15 - 18
Johannesburg - Kruger National Park - Blyde River Canyon
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Kruger National Park
Optional Activities
- Soweto tour
- Apartheid Museum
Landmarks
Kruger National Park
Blyde River Canyon
Apartheid Museum
Days 19 - 23
Khama Rhino Reserve - Elephant Sands - Chobe National Park
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Khama Rhino Reserve
- Chobe National Park
Optional Activities
- Rhino trek
- Night game drives in Khama Reserve
- Game drive in Chobe National Park
Landmarks
Khama Rhino Reserve
Chobe National Park
Days 24 - 27
Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hwange National Park
- Painted Dog Conservation Centre
Optional Activities
- Second game drive in Hwange National Park
- Horse rides
- White water rafting
- Canoeing
- Flight of the Angels scenic flights
- Bungee jump
- Gorge swing
- Rap jump
- Flying fox
- Sunset cruise
Landmarks
Hwange National Park
Victoria Falls
Days 28 - 32
Lusaka - Chipata - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- South Luangwa National Park
Optional Activities
- Evening game drive in South Luangwa National Park
Landmarks
South Luangwa National Park
Days 33 - 35
Lake Malawi
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Lake Malawi beach camp
- Village visits
- Traditional meal
Optional Activities
- Water sports
- School visit
Landmarks
Lake Malawi
Days 36 - 38
Iringa - Baobab Valley - Mikumi National Park - Indian Ocean Coast, Tanzania
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Landmarks
Mikumi National Park
Baobab Valley
Days 39 - 43
Bagamoyo - Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Zanzibar Island beach stay (4 nights accommodation, return ferry, spice tour)
- Jozani Forest red colobus monkeys excursion
- Prison Island visit
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving
Landmarks
Zanzibar Island
Stone Town
Jozani Forest
Prison Island
Days 44 - 47
Arusha - Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti - Grumeti Reserve - Bunda, Tanzania
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti National Park
- Grumeti Reserve
Optional Activities
- Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti
- Hill walk
- Morning safari Serengeti in 4x4 vehicle (minimum 5 people) from US$175
Landmarks
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park
Grumeti Reserve
Days 48 - 50
Mwanza - Lake Victoria - Nyakhanazi
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Landmarks
Lake Victoria
Mwanza
Days 51 - 53
Kigali - Ruhengeri, Rwanda
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Genocide Memorial and Museum
Optional Activities
- Golden monkey trek
- Visit to Dian Fossey's grave
Landmarks
Genocide Memorial and Museum
Dian Fossey's grave
Days 54 - 56
Kisoro - Kalinzu Forest, Uganda
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Golden monkey trek
- Orphanage visit
- Batwa (Pygmy) village
- Coffee tour
- Lake Mutande
- Chimpanzee trek
Landmarks
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Kalinzu Forest
Virungas
Days 57 - 60
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kampala - Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel cruise
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Optional Activities
- Boat ride
Landmarks
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Days 61 - 63
Jinja - White Nile - Lake Bujagali, Uganda
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- White water rafting
- Village walks
- Bungee jumping
- Kayaking
- Boat trips
- Visit to local school
- Quad biking
- Horse riding
Landmarks
White Nile
Lake Bujagali
Days 64 - 66
Eldoret - Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Nakuru National Park
Landmarks
Nakuru National Park
Days 67 - 69
Lake Naivasha - Maasai Stay, Loita Hills, Kenya
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hippo cruise
- Maasai stay at Loita Hills
Optional Activities
- Elsamere afternoon tea
- Cycling in Hells Gate National Park
- Guided walk to Green Crater Lake
Landmarks
Lake Naivasha
Hells Gate National Park
Green Crater Lake
Days 70 - 73
Masai Mara - Nairobi, Kenya
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Masai Mara reserve
Optional Activities
- Maasai village visit
- Hot air balloon safari
- Night out at a Nairobi restaurant
- Giraffe Centre visit
Landmarks
Masai Mara National Reserve
Giraffe Centre

Landmarks
Table Mountain
Robben Island
Cape Point
Two Oceans Aquarium

Landmarks
Cape Agulhas
Cango Caves

Landmarks
Bloukrans Bridge
Tsitsikamma Forest
Storms River

Landmarks
Addo Elephant National Park

Landmarks
Malealea

Landmarks
Drakensberg Mountains

Landmarks
Kruger National Park
Blyde River Canyon
Apartheid Museum

Landmarks
Khama Rhino Reserve
Chobe National Park

Landmarks
Hwange National Park
Victoria Falls

Landmarks
South Luangwa National Park

Landmarks
Lake Malawi

Landmarks
Mikumi National Park
Baobab Valley

Landmarks
Zanzibar Island
Stone Town
Jozani Forest
Prison Island

Landmarks
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park
Grumeti Reserve

Landmarks
Lake Victoria
Mwanza

Landmarks
Genocide Memorial and Museum
Dian Fossey's grave

Landmarks
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Kalinzu Forest
Virungas

Landmarks
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Landmarks
White Nile
Lake Bujagali

Landmarks
Nakuru National Park

Landmarks
Lake Naivasha
Hells Gate National Park
Green Crater Lake

Landmarks
Masai Mara National Reserve
Giraffe Centre

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

4.4

Overall rating based on 5 Reviews

Transport
4.0
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
4.0
Food
4.8
Tour Operator
4.5

K
Kayla
March 5th, 2018
4.5
I did the Northern Trails tour from Cape Town to Nairobi. This trip was absolutely incredible! We had Steve and...
I did the Northern Trails tour from Cape Town to Nairobi. This trip was absolutely incredible! We had Steve and Manache for the first half of the tour and Peter and Dave for the second half. All four of them were amazing! I don’t know how Dave and Steve managed to drive those trucks all through Africa with the crazy road conditions and never once be in a bad mood. Peter and Manache were very organized which kept things running smooth and they were full of information. I don’t think there was a question asked that they didn’t know the answer to, which was fantastic. We ate incredible meals (I was not expecting to eat like this on an overland tour) every night. The truck was also really good and spacious and worked well for game drives, as we were up nice and high. Camping was also nice and there was always the option to upgrade if you really wanted a bed for the night. I thought the tour was very well organized with great inclusions. There were also great optional activities available in most of the places we visited. I would definitely recommend travelling with Absolute Africa, it was great value for money and I would for sure do another tour with them in the future. Thank you for the incredible trip it will not be forgotten! Show more
Traveled in January 2018
Reply from: Absolute Africa
Hi Kayla - thank you for leaving a review of your tour with us and we will let all of your crew know of your comments. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your trip so much and we would love to have you back on board in the future if you fancy returning to see Namibia!
Show more
Bojan
December 14th, 2014
3.5
View in English
Traveled in April 2014
N
Nikki
December 14th, 2014
4.0
Vailet Peters was an amaazing tour guide. She looked after everyone on the tour and made sure they felt confortable....
Show more
Traveled in April 2014
Reply from: Absolute Africa
Thanks for your kind words about Vailet, we're glad you enjoyed your trip!
Show more
T
Tom
December 14th, 2014
5.0
Our Absolute Africa tour was an incredible two months. Our guide Vailet was kind, accommodating, knowledgeable and,...
Our Absolute Africa tour was an incredible two months. Our guide Vailet was kind, accommodating, knowledgeable and, above all, fun. Everything about the tour was excellent: the food was better than anyone expected, the activities and itinerary were perfect, and over two months no one had a single thing to complain about. Highly recommended to anyone wanting to travel Africa and get value for money.Show more
Traveled in January 2014
Reply from: Absolute Africa
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, it's great to hear you enjoyed your Northern Trails trip!
Show more
C
Courtney
December 13th, 2014
5.0
Awesome tour! Would recommend to friends and would happily go back and do it again. V is a fantastic guide, she made...
Show more
Traveled in April 2014
Reply from: Absolute Africa
Great to hear you enjoyed the tour, thanks for taking time to review
Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

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Ends on 22 Apr, 2026

From Saturday
15 Aug, 2026
To Monday
26 Oct, 2026
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From:
US $5,137 per person
Local Payment
$1,100
From Monday
14 Sep, 2026
To Wednesday
25 Nov, 2026
English
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From:
US $5,137 per person
Local Payment
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From Friday
9 Oct, 2026
To Sunday
20 Dec, 2026
English
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From:
US $5,137 per person
Local Payment
$1,100
From Sunday
6 Dec, 2026
To Tuesday
16 Feb, 2027
English
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From:
US $5,137 per person
Local Payment
$1,100
From Friday
1 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
14 Mar, 2027
English
Filling Fast
From:
US $5,137 per person
Local Payment
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

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

M
Monique
Asked on October 23rd, 2022
1) Dies this cater for vegetarians? 2) Are you able to inform me on the number of people that have booked so far for the dates I'm looking at and the age ranges? 3) In terms of medical requirements (if anything was to happen) are there doctors affiliated with the tour in the different countries?
Group size
Meals
Travel Support
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written October 2022
  We can cater for various diets. You would just need to note this on the booking form. Note that the range of foods available on the routes is likely not the same as you will be used to. Generally breakfasts are fruit, cereals, toast and eggs and dinners tend to be stews, soups, pastas and curries as well as jacket potatoes with accompanying rice, breads, salad which all can be arranged without meat. If there are any medical incidents in the tour we will get you to the closest medical facility as soon as possible. There is no affiliation with particular doctors. The distances we travel are vast and so it is more a case of getting the patient to the closest medical assistance available at that time. The 7th May 2023 Northern Trails has just one booking at the moment so it is not yet a confirmed departure.
- M
  Monique
  Traveler•Written October 2022
  In terms of the distances travelling, is this all by road? Are you able to advise on an appointment time frame for the longest drive? What number of bookings and by when would you require this to have a confirmation on the departure? Would you be able to share the southbound tour that you were referring to below?
- Absolute AfricaOperator•Written October 2022
  The tour is done all by road, in an overland truck. The 77 day Absolute Safari is our full southbound route and main programme. This starts in Nairobi and finishes in Cape Town. We would probably know for sure by the start of the new year as to whether the May departure of the Northern Trails can run.
E
Ellen
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.
S
Shannon
Asked on February 15th, 2016
How much will this trip 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…
C
Clare
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.

From

US $5,137 per person

+ $1,100 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: 57065

Currencies
P
Pula
Botswana
Sh
Kenyan Shilling
Kenya
L
Loti
Lesotho
MK
Malawi Kwacha
Malawi
Fr
Rwanda Franc
Rwanda
R
Rand
South Africa
Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
Tanzania
Sh
Uganda Shilling
Uganda
$
US Dollar
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types D, M, G, J. As a traveler from England you will need an adaptor for types D, M, J. As a traveler from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types G, J.
Type D
Botswana and Lesotho
Type M
Botswana and Lesotho
Type G
Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Type J
Rwanda
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Botswana.Kenya.Lesotho.Malawi.Rwanda.South Africa.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Botswana.Kenya.Lesotho.Malawi.Rwanda.South Africa.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for Botswana.Kenya.Lesotho.Malawi.Rwanda.South Africa.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 3 months before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Botswana.Kenya.Lesotho.Malawi.Rwanda.South Africa.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Rabies - Recommended for Botswana.Kenya.Lesotho.Malawi.Rwanda.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 1 month before travel.
- Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Botswana Lesotho Malawi South Africa Uganda Zimbabwe Yellow fever - Recommended for , Kenya Yellow fever - Required for entrance into the country for and Rwanda. Ideally 10 days before travel.
- Cholera - Recommended for Kenya.Lesotho.Malawi.Rwanda.South Africa.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia.Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended for Kenya.Rwanda.Tanzania.Uganda.Zambia. Ideally 3 weeks 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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Northern Trails

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

Travel Insurance

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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Good to Know

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