APRIL SALE:  Book now and get  up to 60% off!

Ends on 1 May, 2024
4.8
31 reviews
The Absolute Safari - Absolute Africa

The Absolute Safari

77 days
4.8
(31)
From Nairobi to Cape Town
Tour Operator:
Absolute Africa
Max group size:
28
Age range:
18 to 80
Operated in:
English
Tour id:
276
From
US $4,955
+ $1,260 Local Payment
Save and compare this adventure
Pay over time with smaller, interest-free instalments. Learn More
Book once and share the cost with split payments. Learn More
Plan your adventure:
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Spot the wildlife on a game drives in the Masai Mara
  • Visit Kampala and enjoy a barbecue in Arusha
  • View Mount Kilimanjaro and stay on Zanzibar Island
  • Visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony and Cheetah Park
  • Relax at Lake Kariba and camp by the Orange River

Itinerary

Start in Nairobi and end in Cape Town! With the Safari tour The Absolute Safari, you have a 77 days tour package taking you through Nairobi, Kenya and 39 other destinations in Africa. The Absolute Safari includes accommodation, meals, transport and more.
Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1-9 KENYA
  2. Day 10-17 UGANDA
  3. Day 18-22 UGANDA - RWANDA
  4. Day 23-28 TANZANIA
  5. Day 29-35 TANZANIA
  6. Day 36-41 TANZANIA - MALAWI
  7. Day 42-47 ZAMBIA - ZIMBABWE
  8. Day 48-51 ZIMBABWE
  9. Day 52-54 ZIMBABWE
  10. Day 55-60 BOTSWANA
  11. Day 61-69 NAMIBIA
  12. Day 70-77 NAMIBIA - SOUTH AFRICA
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Optional Extras
  • Flights
  • Guide
  • Insurance
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Lodge

Accommodation details are subject to availability and may change

Customer Photos

Operated by Absolute Africa

4.5
(162)

With over thirty years of experience running safaris from London to Cape Town and living and working on the Continent, enjoy the thrills, laughs, smiles and challenges of Africa with us, knowing that our crew, staff and management are doing all possible to make your safari memorable. In 1979 we crossed the Sahara Desert in a London taxi from Britain to Kenya. The company has grown from there and now operates 10 overland trucks in East and Southern Africa. Our choice of vehicle has changed whilst we retain the core idea of enabling passengers to experience Africa at an affordable price.

Read more

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Explore your options

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.7
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.9
  • 4.5
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • A
    · November 6th, 2023
    What an absolute adventure 77 days from Kenya to South Africa! Safaris, lakes, lions, beaches, historical sites, village visits, camping, long drives with windows down, gorillas, family style cooking, washing dishes, early mornings, hippos, boat... Show more
    Absolute Africa commented on this review
    Hi Anthony, Thank you for taking the time out to write a review and we are so glad to hear you had an adventure of a lifetime! We have passed on your comments to all your crew. We totally agree with the need for flexibility above all else on any... Show more
    Trip date: July 2023
  • A
    · October 28th, 2023
    What an absolute adventure 77 days from Kenya to South Africa! Safaris, lakes, lions, beaches, historical sites, village visits, camping, long drives with windows down, gorillas, family style cooking, washing dishes, early mornings, hippos, boat... Show more
    Trip date: July 2023
  • The Absolute Safari reviewer 3
    · October 20th, 2023
    I spent over a year researching tour companies that specialized in Overland Africa. I originally booked with Intrepid but then Covid shut down the world and I had a chance to review my choice. In the end Absolute Africa (AA) won. The itinerary is the... Show more
    Absolute Africa commented on this review
    Hi Helene, Thank you for taking the time to write a detailed review of your Absolute Safari with us. We are glad to read that overall you had a great time on your tour making fantastic memories and that you found our trip to offer good value for money... Show more
    Trip date: September 2023
  • The Absolute Safari reviewer 4
    · October 16th, 2023
    Had a fantastic trip with Absolute Africa would definitely recommend the 77 day Absolute Safari it was such an incredible trip for such great value, food was delicious and activities were perfect too. Thank you for an incredible trip :-)
    The Absolute Safari customer review photo 1The Absolute Safari customer review photo 2The Absolute Safari customer review photo 3The Absolute Safari customer review photo 4The Absolute Safari customer review photo 5The Absolute Safari customer review photo 6
    Trip date: February 2023
  • JD
    · September 23rd, 2019
    Amazing! My husband and I just returned from the 73 day Absolute Safari. The tour was incredible! 1. The itinerary is fantastic. Each day is unique fascinating, and memorable. 2. The trip is very organized. The tour is very packed and diverse.... Show more
    Absolute Africa commented on this review
    Hi Julia, Thank you very much for your review. We are so happy to hear you had such a good experience and took away so much from your trip to Africa. We have now in fact extended the tour to 77 days, allowing us to visit Ziwa rhino sanctuary, stay by... Show more
    Trip date: June 2019
  • JA
    · September 10th, 2018
    Fantastic tour with lots of activities included. Very nice and helpful crew all the from Nairobi to Johannesburg. It´s definitely worth the money all the way through. Best recommends
    Absolute Africa commented on this review
    Thank you for taking the time to review your tour with us, Jonas, and we are glad to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed your adventure! Happy future travels :)
    Trip date: January 2018
  • The Absolute Safari reviewer 7
    · September 10th, 2017
    Well beyond expectations! Itinerary allowed us to cover so much - every day was a new adventure. The guide, Manache, and driver, Steve, were excellent and they always went far beyond the call of duty.
    Absolute Africa commented on this review
    Thank you for leaving your review here, Patsy. We are glad to hear we exceeded your expectations and will pass your kind comments to Manache and Steve.
    The Absolute Safari customer review photo 1The Absolute Safari customer review photo 2
    Trip date: June 2017
  • N
    · November 5th, 2016
    The whole trip was amazing! I did their longest tour the Absolute Safari from Kenya to Cape Town. You get really good value for money, better than any of the other overland trucks that we met along the way. The guides and drivers know so much and help... Show more
    Absolute Africa commented on this review
    Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your review, Naomi. We are happy that you had such a good trip with us and got the most out of your time in Africa :)
    Trip date: February 2016
  • E
    · September 13th, 2016
    I did the Absolute Safari from Nairobi to Cape Town with Absolute Africa. It was a very long trip but the whole time I knew I did not want to leave. Travelling with Absolute Africa becomes like a lifestyle- you camp, cook, wash and clean as a team. I... Show more
    Absolute Africa commented on this review
    Thank you for leaving your comments - we are happy to hear you have enjoyed your tour with Manache and have great memories of those special highlights!
    The Absolute Safari customer review photo 1
    Trip date: May 2016
  • The Absolute Safari reviewer 10
    · February 4th, 2016
    My partner and I have just finished an 8 month trip around the world ticking off 30 countries across Europe, Africa and Asia. Africa has always been a dream but we were a bit worried about spending such a long time with a tour company as we enjoy our... Show more
    Absolute Africa commented on this review
    Thank you for your great feedback Kylie! The Absolute Safari is our best trip and its fantastic to hear you had the trip of a lifetime! :)
    Trip date: October 2015

Dates & Availability

77 days
The Absolute Safari
From Nairobi to Cape Town
No credit card fees

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

Select a departure month
  • Upcoming departures
  • May 2024
  • June 2024
  • July 2024
  • August 2024
  • September 2024
  • October 2024
  • December 2024
  • January 2025
  • February 2025
Select The Travel Month
Upcoming departures
  • Friday
    24 May, 2024
    Thursday
    8 Aug, 2024
    English
    $4,955
    + $1,260
    Local Payment
  • Sunday
    23 Jun, 2024
    Saturday
    7 Sep, 2024
    English
    $5,166
    + $1,260
    Local Payment
  • Friday
    26 Jul, 2024
    Thursday
    10 Oct, 2024
    English
    Sold Out
    $5,166
    + $1,260
    Local Payment
    See Similar Tours For These Dates
  • Sunday
    25 Aug, 2024
    Saturday
    9 Nov, 2024
    English
    $5,166
    + $1,260
    Local Payment
    0% Interest Instalments
  • Friday
    20 Sep, 2024
    Thursday
    5 Dec, 2024
    English
    $5,166
    + $1,260
    Local Payment
    0% Interest Instalments
  • Monday
    14 Oct, 2024
    Sunday
    29 Dec, 2024
    English
    $5,166
    + $1,260
    Local Payment
    0% Interest Instalments
  • Wednesday
    4 Dec, 2024
    Tuesday
    18 Feb, 2025
    English
    $5,166
    + $1,260
    Local Payment
    0% Interest Instalments
  • Sunday
    19 Jan, 2025
    Saturday
    5 Apr, 2025
    English
    $4,955
    + $1,260
    Local Payment
    0% Interest Instalments
  • Monday
    24 Feb, 2025
    Sunday
    11 May, 2025
    English
    $4,955
    + $1,260
    Local Payment
    0% Interest Instalments

Frequently Asked Questions

    • When and where does the tour end?

      The Absolute Safari tour finishes at Ashanti Lodge at the foot of Table Mountain, Cape Town, where your final night’s accommodation in a dorm is included in the price. It is recommended by the tour operator to arrange return flights the day after your safari is scheduled to end, or you can choose to stick around and explore the amazing city of Cape Town a little longer.

    • Do you arrange airport transfers?

      Airport transfers are not included in this tour, however, they can be added at an additional cost. Please contact our customer support team to arrange this.

    • Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?

      Of course, we can! Once you have a confirmed booking on this tour, we can request additional accommodation for you with the tour operator.

    • Do you provide bottled water on this tour?

      You won't be provided with bottled water, but there are plenty of places where you are able to buy 5 litre bottles and then decant this into your own smaller water bottle.

    • Does this trip include lunch?

      The tour operator doesn't provide lunch, as they think it is a great opportunity for people to head out and try local meals or buy from the local markets and shops.

    • How many people are on each tour?

      This tour can take a maximum of 28 people, however, it is unlikely that the tour will be full for the duration of the trip.

    • What is the age range?

      This tour has a minimum age requirement of 18 years old, which means that children and young travellers under the age of 18 are not eligible to participate in this tour. There is no maximum age limit, however, just take note that the age range on the tours tends to be between mid-twenties through the late thirties. As long as all travellers are clear as to the style of travel, age shouldn't be a problem.

    • When and where does the tour start?

      On day one of the Absolute Safari tour, you will be picked up from either the Heron Hotel at 7.30 am, or Wildebeest Eco Camp at 8.15 am, depending on your location. As the first activities of the tour begin in the morning of day 1, it is recommended that you arrive a day or two before the tour start date to adjust to jetlag.

      After your pick-up, you will visit animal conservation projects in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. At The Giraffe Park, you will hand feed giraffes and there's also an option to visit Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage which introduces us to the work being done to protect Africa’s elephants and other species. Later on the first day of the tour, you will participate in the Departure Meeting and enjoy a fun first evening getting to know your fellow travellers.

    • Is there a hotel list available?

      On this tour, you will be camping for 59 nights and you will be staying 6 nights in dorm accommodation, including three nights in a lodge or similar in Swakopmund and the final night in Ashanti Lodge in Cape Town.
      For camping, the tour operator supplies large, durable three-person tents complete with groundsheet and separate waterproof fly sheet, which is ideal for Africa’s varied conditions. The tents also have mossie netting in-built at the doors and openings, and you will be staying two people only per tent. The tour operator also supplies high-density foam roll mats, however, some guests prefer to bring their own roll mat – typically a self-inflating mat – and particularly on a long trip such as the Absolute Safari. All cooking equipment is supplied including pots and pans, gas cookers, a cool box, lighting, fire-grate, cooking bench, chairs and shelter. The truck you will be travelling in also has a large fridge.

    • I'm a solo traveller, is there a single supplement?

      On this tour, you will be staying two people in a three-person tent, however, there is an occasional opportunity to upgrade to a dorm-style chalet or simple hut accommodation with a one-person bed if you think you might need a break from camping. The availability of single accommodation is very limited though.

    Got a question about this tour?

    Reach out to our travel experts.

    Good to Know

    • Currencies
      $
      US Dollar
      P
      Pula
      Botswana
      Sh
      Kenyan Shilling
      Kenya
      MK
      Malawi Kwacha
      Malawi
      $
      Namibia Dollar
      Namibia
      Fr
      Rwanda Franc
      Rwanda
      Sh
      Tanzanian Shilling
      Tanzania
      Sh
      Uganda Shilling
      Uganda
      R
      Rand
      South Africa
    • Plugs & Adapters

      As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types D, M, G, C, E, F, J. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types D, M, C, E, F, J. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types G, C, E, F, J.

      Type D
      Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia
      Type M
      Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia
      Type G
      Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia
      Type C
      Rwanda and Zambia
      Type E
      Rwanda and Zambia
      Type F
      Rwanda and Zambia
      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, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
      • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
      • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 3 months before travel.
      • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 months before travel.
      • Rabies - Recommended for Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and 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, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Yellow fever - Recommended for Kenya. Yellow fever - Required for entrance into the country for Rwanda. Ideally 10 days before travel.
      • Cholera - Recommended for Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
      • Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended for Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and 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 25th, 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 25th, 2024, 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
    • Accessibility
      Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, 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.