Johannesburg to Nairobi Overland Tours
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Price
£3575
+ Local Payment US$930
(local payment explained)
What's Included
• Masai Mara• Kruger NP
• Ngorongoro Crater
• The Serengeti National Park
• South Luangwa NP
• Hwange National Park
• Chobe Game Cruise
• Lake Nakuru
• Grumeti Reserve
• Khama rhino reserve
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Mburo boat cruise
• Ziwa rhino sanctuary
• Lake Naivasha hippo cruise
• Maasai village with bushwalk
• Breakfast and dinner whilst travelling with the truck
• Some pre-prepared barbecues
• Camping whilst with the truck
• Fully equipped expedition truck incl - fridge, gas, tents, sleep mats travelling from Johannesburg to Nairobi
• Services of Absolute Crew
• Ongoing advice
• Transport from Johannesburg to Nairobi
• All road tolls & taxes are paid
Countries Visited
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.
Johannesburg to Nairobi Safari Overview
Beginning in the 'City of gold' Johannesburg, visiting Kruger NP and then traveling across into beautiful Botswana, cruising the Chobe river, game drives in Hwange National Park, with a visit to the Painted Dog conservation Centre. Chill out in Victoria falls or get your blood pumping with some extreme sports. Game drives in the famous Ngorongoro Crater and The Serengeti. You have the option to head over the to paradise island of Zanzibar. Trekking with the mountain gorillas is often a highlight for many. Traveling through Uganda and Rwanda, you can also trek chimpanzees and will visit Lake Mburo NP, Jinja and then to Kenya to visit the famous Masai Mara.
Johannesburg to Nairobi Safari Add-ons
Itinerary
Days 1 - 3
SOUTH AFRICA
Johannesburg, Kruger National park for game drives in our large overland vehicle with elevated big windows for all round viewing with the assistance of your trained tour guide, Blyde River canyon
Optionals: Arrive the day prior for a Soweto tour, Apartheid Museum
Days 4 - 8
SOUTH AFRICA - BOTSWANA
Khama rhino reserve, Elephant Sands camp, Chobe National Park game cruise.
Optionals:Rhino trek, night game drives in Khama reserve, game drive in Chobe National Park.
Days 9 - 12
ZIMBABWE
Guided game drives in Hwange National Park in smaller safari vehicles, visit to Painted Dog Conservation Centre, Victoria Falls
Optionals: 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 and many other activities based around Victoria Falls.
Days 13 - 16
ZAMBIA
Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, Chipata, South Luangwa National Park for a guided game drive in smaller safari vehicles
Optional: Evening game drive in South Luangwa National Park
Days 17 - 20
MALAWI
Lake Malawi beach camp, village visits including for a traditional meal and curio markets.
Optionals:Water sports, school visit.
Day 21 - 23
TANZANIA
The mountains of the southern Rift Valley, camping over at The Farmhouse at Iringa, Baobab Valley, Mikumi National Park, Dar es Salaam or Bagamoyo on the Indian Ocean coast.
Days 24 - 27
TANZANIA
Zanzibar Island
4 nights are allocated for the optional beach stay on Zanzibar Island. For the Zanzibar stay we can reserve accommodation for 3 nights in popular affordable beach accommodation on one of Zanzibar's best beaches, as well as a night within ancient Stone Town. All other requirements including the ferry bookings, a spice tour and transfers can also be arranged.
Optional: Free time for the option to visit Zanzibar Island from day 24, returning to the town of Bagamoyo on day 28.
Other options to budget for include snorkelling and scuba diving on Zanzibar sweeping coral reefs, to Prison Island famous for its giant tortoise population and to Jozani Forest to see the red colobus monkeys. All accommodation and transfers including a spice tour on Zanzibar Island can be arranged ahead of time.
Day 28 - 32
TANZANIA
Arusha, guided game drives in smaller safari vehicles in Ngorongoro Crater - a perfectly intact valcanic caldera to spot the 'Big 5' and many more, Maasai village, game drives in the Serengeti in our large overland truck with big elevated windows for all round viewing and the assistance of our trained tour leader. Camp in the centre of the Serengeti, transit game drive through the Grumeti reserve, Bunda, Lake Victoria.
Optionals: ballooning in Serengeti, hill walk
Day 33 - 35
TANZANIA
Mwanza, Nyakhanzi village stop over.
Days 36 - 38
RWANDA
Rusomo Falls, Kigali, Genocide Memorial and Museum, Ruhengeri.
Optionals: Golden monkey trek, visit to Dian Fossey's grave
Days 39 - 41
UGANDA
Kisoro and the Virungas, Kalinzu Forest
Optionals: Mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda), golden monkey trek, orphanage and preschool visit, Batwa (Pygmy) village, coffee tour, lake Mutande
Day 42 - 45
UGANDA
Lake Mburo NP, boat ride and guided game drive in smaller safari vehicles, Kampala, Ziwa rhino sanctuary
Optionals: chimpanzee trek
Days 46 - 48
UGANDA
Jinja and the While Nile and Lake Bujagali
Optionals: White water rafting, village walks, bungee-jumping, kayaking, boat trips, visit a local school, quad biking, horse riding.
Day 49 - 51
KENYA
Eldoret, Nakuru, Guided game drives in Nakuru National Park in smaller safari vehicles
Days 52 - 54
KENYA
Lake Naivasha, Hippo cruise, Maasai village stay at Loita Hills with a guided bushwalk
Optionals: Elsamere for afternoon tea, cycling in Hells Gate National Park, guided walk to Green Crater Lake.
Days 55 - 58
KENYA
The Masai Mara for two days, afternoon and morning guided game drives in smaller safari vehicles, Nairobi, Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage, The Giraffe Park
Optionals: Balloon safari, contribution to a night out at a Nairobi restaurant
Please note safari itineraries are given as a guide only. A safari is a journey and true journeys in Africa unfold and are of an adventurous nature. The unexpected can arise, so do allow for this.
Feel free to give us a call about your safari plans. We look forward to your further enquiries.
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Budgeting Summary
Johannesburg to Nairobi Budget
The costs to consider when travelling overland are:
- Safari price £3575 and local payment $930 USD
- Optional excursions
- Personal spending money
- Visas
What's included
Your safari price and local payment covers:
OVER SEVEN GAME PARKS & OTHER HIGHLIGHTS including:
* Kruger National Park for game drives
* Chobe National Park for a game cruise
* The Masai Mara for game drives
* Serengeti National Park for game drives
* Ngorongoro Crater for game drives
* Hwange National Park for game drives
* South Luangwa National Park for game drives
* Nakuru National Park for game drives
* Lake Mburo National Park for game drives
* Lake Mburo National Park boat trip
* The Grumeti game reserve
* Maasai village visit incl. bush walk
* Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
* Kigali - Genocide Memorial
* Bujagali and The White Nile
* The Grumeti Reserve
* Lake Victoria
* Lake Naivasha hippo cruise
* Bujagali and the White Nile
* Entry to the Giraffe Park
* Entry to Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage
* Khama Rhino Sanctuary
* Free time in Kigali, Jinja and Lake Naivasha
CAMPING, BREAKFAST & DINNER WHILST TRAVELLING ON THE TRUCK
- 49 Breakfasts and 48 dinners whilst travelling on the truck, including some local meals & pre-prepared barbecues and a contribution to the final group meal.
- 51 nights camping and 3 nights dorm accommodation
- A fully equipped and deiselled expedition truck/vehicle travelling from Johannesburg to Nairobi including all camping and cooking gear, a fridge, gas cooker, tents, sleep mats
- The services of a driver and safari leader
- The ongoing advice and back up from The Absolute team
- All road tolls and taxes are paid
Optional excursions
A recommended typical budget for your optional excursions that you might pay for once in Africa would be: US$400 - US$1450
Some clients spend more, some less. The above is a typical estimate selecting from the following main choices during this tour. Do re-check your budget looking at what might tempt you. A friendly reminder as well that the below list provides an approximate guide only for the most popular excursions currently available for this tour. Excursions are operated by local operators and authorities and their pricing is out of our control (July 24)
| PAID BEFORE DEPARTURE | |
| Zanzibar including return ferry, 4 nights B&B shared accommodation, transfers from Stone Town to the beach and return, and a Spice Tour | £295 |
| Mountain gorilla trekking permit, (not including transfers), from | £705 |
| PAID IN AFRICA | |
| Chobe National Park - game drive | US$50 |
| Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls (15 minutes) | US$150 |
| Victoria Falls National Park - Entrance and Rainforest Walk to see Victoria Falls | US$50 |
| Combo deal, half day adrenaline (gorge swings, zip line, flying fox) | US$158 |
| Bungee jump at Victoria Falls | US$160 |
| Gorge swing - (1 jump) | US$103 |
| White water rafting The Zambezi | US$120 |
| Sunset cruise on the Zambezi | US$55 |
| Scuba diving (single dive) off Kendwa | US$65 |
| Jozani Forest, half day excursion to see the red colobus monkeys incl entry and transfers, from | US$40 |
| Snorkelling (3 hours) off Kendwa | US$15 |
| Sunset cruise, Zanzibar, from | US$30 |
| Prison Island with the aldabra tortoises | US$25 |
| Morning safari Serengeti in 4x4 vehicle ( min 5 people) , from | US$170 |
| Lake Mutande incl. canoeing | US$25 |
| Chimpanzee trek | US$130 |
| White water rafting The White Nile | US$140 |
| Sunset cruise, The White Nile | US$45 |
| Quad biking, Jinja (1 hour) | US$55 |
| Hells Gate National Park (half day) incl entry, bike hire, guide and transfers | US$55 |
| ALSO TO CONSIDER DURING YOUR TOUR | |
| Balloon safari in the Serengeti | £480 |
| Balloon safari in the Masai Mara | £450 |
Spending Money
You will need spending money to cover drinks, lunch and souvenirs and different small incidental costs whilst on tour such as cheap excursions costing under U$20
Other costs to note are those times we dont cover meals or accommodation on the tour, as well as tipping, extra transfers and upgrades.
Be aware during the trip tour there are busy times where we dont cover meals and/or accommodation as during these sections most people are away from camp doing their own thing on different excursions. It is then impractical to cover meals or accommodation.
The times to note on the tour when the truck parks up for a few days at specific activity locations Victoria Falls, Zanzibar and Jinja - so please ensure you have enough money to cover meals during these times. And note as well spending money is needed to cover camping on the off-chance you chose to stay back on the overnight excursions. The overnight excursion on this tour is the Zanzibar Island break (x4 nights).
Tipping is customary in Africa, so budget for gratuities if you wish for guides or drivers who provide good service such as on game drives or guided tours. Again it is at your discretion, but your tour leader and driver will appreciate a tip to acknowledge their hard work during your tour.
For some excursions extra transport is needed to get to the start point, and lastly some campsites en route also have simple huts or chalets on site. If you feel like a break from camping and youd like an upgrade at some point it is well worth having a little bit of money budgeted accordingly.
The recommended spending money for Flight of the Flamingos is: US$1150 - US$1385
Visa
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 to 9 months after your trip finishes. Ensure also that you have enough pages in your passport for each country you visit. As a guide then, for the Flight of the Flamingoes you will want to have a minimum of 10 blank pages (sides).For this tour for most passport holders including British, Australian, Irish, South African, German, French, Dutch, Canadian and American, visas for Zimbabwe and Tanzania can be arranged in Africa en route.
For those passport holders that require a visa for Rwanda, you can purchase the East Africa Tourist visa at the border and this will give you entry to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.
For those passport holders that do not require a visa for Rwanda, you will need to apply for a Ugandan visa in advance and this can be done online. Irish nationals do not require a visa for Uganda.
If you do not have an East Africa Tourist visa, you will need to apply for an ETA to Kenya in advance online. This is instead of the former tourist visa.
If your passport is not detailed please don't hesitate to contact us for further details of your requirements.
Visas are not usually required for Malawi, Zambia, Botswana or South Africa for most passport holders.
Below is an estimation of current entry requirements and the associated cost. If your passport is not detailed please do not hesitate to contact the office if you would like further details of your visa requirements.
Be aware that entry requirements can change without prior notice. This information is given as a guide only. We recommended you also check your personal current visa requirements with the relevant embassies well in advance before you travel.
Budget for all visas US$80 - US$260 depending on nationality.
| VISA CHART | Kenya | Rwanda | Uganda | Tanzania | Malawi | Zambia | Zimbabwe | Botswana | Namibia | South Africa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PASSPORT | ||||||||||
| Australian | $30 | - | $50 | $50 | - | - | $30 | - | - | - |
| New Zealand | $30 | - | $50 | $50 | - | - | $30 | - | - | - |
| South Africa | $30 | - | $50 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Canadian | $30 | - | $50 | $50 | - | - | $75 | - | - | - |
| American | - | $100 | - | $100 | - | - | $30 | - | - | - |
| British | $30 | - | $50 | $50 | - | - | $55 | - | - | - |
| German | - | $100 | - | $50 | - | - | $30 | - | - | - |
| Dutch | - | $100 | - | $50 | - | - | $30 | - | - | - |
| Irish | $30 | $30 | - | $100 | - | - | $55 | - | - | - |
Other exciting ADD-ONs
We recommend
Pre and post safari please click here.
Remember you then need to budget for flights, insurance, vaccination costs and any equipment you might need such as a sleeping bag.
Any queries? Call our office on +44 (0) 208 742 0226, email us at absaf@absoluteafrica.com or skype us on skypeabsoluteafrica
Back to topDates
Johannesburg to Nairobi
| Start Johannesburg | Finish Nairobi | Price | Local Payment | Departure details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 22 Jul 2025 | Wed 17 Sep 2025 | £3575 | US$930 | 4+ Seats available | Book Now |
| Thu 21 Aug 2025 | Fri 17 Oct 2025 | £3575 | US$930 | 4+ Seats available | Book Now |
| Sat 20 Sep 2025 | Sun 16 Nov 2025 | £3575 | US$930 | 4+ Seats available | Book Now |
| Sun 26 Oct 2025 | Mon 22 Dec 2025 | £3575 | US$930 | 4+ Seats available | Book Now |
| Sun 21 Dec 2025 | Mon 16 Feb 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 4+ Seats available
New Years in Victoria Falls |
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| Fri 16 Jan 2026 | Sat 14 Mar 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 4+ Seats available | Book Now |
| Tue 26 May 2026 | Wed 22 Jul 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available | Book Now |
| Mon 20 Jul 2026 | Tue 15 Sep 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available | Book Now |
| Sun 30 Aug 2026 | Mon 26 Oct 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available | Book Now |
| Tue 29 Sep 2026 | Wed 25 Nov 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available | Book Now |
| Sat 24 Oct 2026 | Sun 20 Dec 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available | Book Now |
| Mon 21 Dec 2026 | Tue 16 Feb 2027 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available
New Years in Victoria Falls |
Book Now |
| Sat 16 Jan 2027 | Sun 14 Mar 2027 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available | Book Now |
Before You Go
Johannesburg to Nairobi
Click on the link below to download the predeparture dossier for this overland trip "Flight of the Flamingos" - to Nairobi.
Flight of the Flamingos - pre departure packThis information has been developed over 30 years of experience overlanding in Africa.
It includes all you might need to know to prepare for this trip and more. We know many people love to plan their trip in detail and we hope you will find lots of "stuff" in here to help!
We also send out personal updates about 6 weeks before departure to all participants heading out on each departure date. This includes final confirmations of pre safari transfers and accommodation and other details relating to your specific travel arrangements so you can check all is as you need.
We recommend once booked on a Johannesburg to Nairobi trip that you periodically check back here as this information is regularly updated. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on the news area of this site.
And if you are not excited enough about heading to Africa already, check out our facebook page, listen out for our tweets and keep up to date with our blog to stay up to date with all that is happening on the road on the trucks.
Overlanding in Africa is a very different destination from your usual package holiday! You may find some information in this dossier different from what you expected. Whatever your question don't hesitate to ask. We are here to help so feel free to get back to us.
We are more than happy to advise as to what is the best plan for your particular Africa travel needs.
Give us a call, or skype or email. We look forward to planning your trip to Africa with you.
Book your Johannesburg to Nairobi Safari
| Start Johannesburg | Finish Nairobi | Price | Local Payment | Departure details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book Now | Tue 22 Jul 2025 | Wed 17 Sep 2025 | £3575 | US$930 | 4+ Seats available |
| Book Now | Thu 21 Aug 2025 | Fri 17 Oct 2025 | £3575 | US$930 | 4+ Seats available |
| Book Now | Sat 20 Sep 2025 | Sun 16 Nov 2025 | £3575 | US$930 | 4+ Seats available |
| Book Now | Sun 26 Oct 2025 | Mon 22 Dec 2025 | £3575 | US$930 | 4+ Seats available |
| Book Now | Sun 21 Dec 2025 | Mon 16 Feb 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 4+ Seats available
New Years in Victoria Falls |
| Book Now | Fri 16 Jan 2026 | Sat 14 Mar 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 4+ Seats available |
| Book Now | Tue 26 May 2026 | Wed 22 Jul 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available |
| Book Now | Mon 20 Jul 2026 | Tue 15 Sep 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available |
| Book Now | Sun 30 Aug 2026 | Mon 26 Oct 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available |
| Book Now | Tue 29 Sep 2026 | Wed 25 Nov 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available |
| Book Now | Sat 24 Oct 2026 | Sun 20 Dec 2026 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available |
| Book Now | Mon 21 Dec 2026 | Tue 16 Feb 2027 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available
New Years in Victoria Falls |
| Book Now | Sat 16 Jan 2027 | Sun 14 Mar 2027 | £3575 | US$930 | 8+ Seats available |