CAPE TOWN to CAIRO (23 weeks) Nile Trans

Overview

Nile Trans

Countries Visited: Botswana, Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Somaliland, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

The words 'Cairo to Cape Town' conjure up images of African expeditions from days of old. Even today there are a multitude of challenges that this vast continent can throw at you. Desert, river, & mountain crossings are inter-twined with stunning National Parks & some of the best adrenaline fuelled activities & playgrounds in the world. This is a trip that will linger in your memory long after completion.

Note: This is our new itinerary operating on this route starting from 2025. We now include Eswatini, the Caprivi strip in Namibia, more time in Mozambique, and time in Zambia, Burundi, Somaliland and Djibouti. We will finalise closer to the time whether we can travel through parts of northern Ethiopia or through Sudan. Subject to the final security situation in these areas we may overfly from Djibouti or Addis Ababa to Cairo to finish the Egyptian section of the trip using local transport and hotels instead of the truck. We ran our 2023 and 2024 departures this way in Egypt and it worked well.

Route Map

CAPE TOWN to CAIRO (23 weeks) Nile Trans

Click map to enlarge

Highlights

Visit Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point in Africa, the point where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet
Take a tour through the vast halls, and towering limestone formations of Cango Caves
Learn about the world's largest bird - Ostrich
Travel along the Garden Route and enjoy the vibrant coastal towns
Hike through the dramatic coastal scenery, reefs, rivers and lush forest Tsitsikamma National Park

Game drives in search of the Big 5 in Addo Elephant National Park
Hippo cruise in Saint Lucia
Hikes and mountains in Lesotho & Eswatini
Beaches and boat trips in Mozambique
Great Zimbabwe ruins
Mokoro trip in the Okavango Delta and boat cruise on the Chobe river
Discover the enormity of Victoria Falls
Lesser visited National Parks in Zambia
Experience scuba diving, horse riding, school visits, village meals and local craft markets on Lake Malawi
Zanzibar Island, explore the coastal trading town of Stone Town or relax on the beautiful beaches
Traditional Burundi Drummers
Gorilla Trekking
Safaris through some of East Africa's most famous National Parks, the Serengeti and Masai Mara
Visit the magnificent monasteries and rock-hewn churches located around Ethiopia
Beaches and seafood in Somaliland
Salt lakes and rock formations at Lac Assal & Lac Abbe in Djibouti
Danakil Depression and Erta Ale Volcano
Hiking in the Simien Mountains
Meroe Pyramids and camping 'under the stars' in the vast Nubian Desert in Sudan
Discover the rich history and fascinating culture throughout Egypt

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Includes

Accommodation - approx. 97% camping & 3% simple hostel/hotels
Stony Point Penguin Colony
Cape Agulhas
Cango Calcite Caves
Ostrich farm
Addo Elephant National Park - Game drive
Royal Natal National Park
Chobe National Park boat trip
Overnight sleeper train Vic. Falls to Bulawayo (if available)
Lake Malawi village walk
Mikumi National Park
Return ferry to Zanzibar
4 nights accommodation on Zanzibar
Marangu village walk
Lake Nakuru National Park and game drive
Entry into Meroe Pyramids
Lake Nasser Ferry
Overnight felucca sailboat trip
Pyramids & Sphinx day tour
Meals - approx. 60%
All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
All road tolls and ferry crossings
Camping and Cooking equipment
Services of Oasis Crew

Excludes

Visas
Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
Gorilla Trek and Serengeti Safari add-ons
International flights
Potential overflight from Djibouti/Addis Ababa to Cairo
Airport Taxes & Transfers
Travel Insurance
Meals - approx. 40%
Sleeping bag & camping mat
Drinks
Tips

Trip Itinerary

View full itinerary

We depart from Cape Town taking a leisurely drive along the coastal road to the quaint coastal town of Betty's Bay in the Overberg and visit Stony Point Nature Reserve, home to a unique colony of African (Jackass) penguins. The Penguin Colony is one of only three mainland-based colonies in South Africa and for this reason it is treasured.

We overnight in Hermanus/Gansbaai and the next day there are a number of marine options- Whale watching, Shark Cave Diving and Dyer Island Nature Reserve. From here we will head for the most southern tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas - which is the dividing line between the warm Indian Ocean and the cooler Atlantic Ocean. The seas around Cape Agulhas are very treacherous and have caused numerous shipwrecks. To help reduce fatalities the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse was built in 1848 and is the 2nd oldest working lighthouse in South Africa. From August to December Southern Right and Humpback Whales may be spotted along the coast - as they feed in the nutrient rich waters off the southern coast.

From Cape Agulhas we pass through the Outeniqua Mountains to the Little Karoo - we will visit an Ostrich farm to learn more about the worlds largest bird. The Ostrich has been around for 8 million years and a feather was actually discovered in King Tutankhamun's tomb in Egypt. 97% of the world's population of Ostriches lives in the Karoo.

We will also explore Cango Calcite Caves recognised as one of the world's finest network of Calcite caves. The bizarre formations of Stalagmites and Stalactites represent over a million years of slow formation.

We spend two days winding our way along South Africa's famous Garden Route where there is a wealth of things to see and do. We travel through the popular resort of Knysna, located on a tranquil lagoon that is protected from the sea by two enormous cliffs known as 'the heads'. We visit the Tsitsikamma Forest, where you will be able to hike along the coast and view the crashing waves at the mouth of the scenic Storms River, and maybe spot dolphins and whales in the ocean. Optional excursions in this region include mountain biking, black water tubing, and the mother of all bungee jumps at Bloakrans Bridge - the highest jump in the world at 216 metres.

From the Garden Route we head inland to Addo Elephant National Park which has recently been extended to include part of the coast and is now home to the BIG 7 - lion, rhino, elephant, leopard, buffalo, whale and shark! On our game drive we hope to spot some of the many elephant that the park is famous for, which are the most southerly population in Africa.

Heading north we make our way towards the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.

Lesotho, often referred to as 'the kingdom in the sky'. This little country is completely surrounded by South Africa and is covered by mountains from 1000m to 3000m high. The scenery here is tremendous and the mountain air crisp and fresh. Here we will see Lesotho's horsemen dressed in their blankets and gumboots trotting around the hillsides. We spend a couple of nights at Malealea Lodge, Lesotho's most famous countryside retreat tucked up high in the mountains. Here there are isolated waterfalls, cool rock pools ideal for swimming, and peaceful hikes in the surrounding hills. This is also a great place to try pony trekking - one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery is atop a sure footed Lesotho pony.

We drive through the lowlands of Lesotho and visit Thabo Bosiu or Mt. Moorosi with a local guide (time & weather permitting). This mountain stronghold was the home of Chief Moshoeshoe, the founder of the Basotho nation. We continue through Lesotho's tiny capital Maseru, and re-enter South Africa.

Royal Natal National Park on the edge of the Drakensburg Mountains has an impressive natural Amphitheatre of massive rock walls. The Tugela River plunges spectacularly over the edge of the Amphitheatre wall, dropping around 800m through a series of five falls. There are over 130km of walking trails around the park-many of which are easy, half day strolls, through beautiful countryside of grassland dotted with patches of yellowwood forest and proteas set against the stunning backdrop of the Amphitheatre.

Heading east now, we reach the coast and the small town of St Lucia, famous for having the largest estuary in South Africa, plus the country’s highest concentration of hippos and crocodiles. Indeed the hippos can sometimes be seen walking through the streets at night. Boat trips to see the hippos and more wildlife are available, as well as safaris into the nearby iSamangaliso wetlands and Hluhluwe/iMfolozi National Park. Next we head north for the tiny country of Eswatini

While in Eswatini we visit the Miliwane Wildlife Sanctuary from where you can take walking, horseback or mountain bike safaris amongst the abundant wildlife. Another hike is available at Sibehe Rock, one of southern Africa’s most impressive geological features.

From Eswatini we head into the southern extent of the iconic Kruger National Park to search for the Big 5 in one of the world’s best wildlife areas. We will also drive part of the Panorama Route before crossing into Mozambique.

Our first stop is then in the lively capital Maputo, which is home to Portuguese colonial architecture, a fortress , cathedral and art museum all worth visiting. In the evenings we can take advantage of Maputo’s reputation as one of the best places to go out in southern Africa, visiting some of the salsa bars, sidewalk cafes and nightclubs.

Leaving Maputo we head up the coast to the port towns of Xai-Xai which sits by the banks of the Limpopo River. There are good beaches with a coral reef just off shore providing protected swimming and snorkelling waters. The popular town of Vilankulos is next and we spend a few days here relaxing and taking advantage of the activities on offer. These include local dhow cruises, and snorkelling and diving safaris into the Bazaruto National Park. This can be a good place to see manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and hump back whales in season. It is also one of the few sites where the rare Dugong lives.

Zimbabwe is our next destination, and Gonarezhou National Park, named ‘The Place of Elephants’. As well as over 11,000 elephants, the park hosts a wide range of other wildlife that can be seen on safari.

We make our way through the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, and visit Chimanimani National Park where you have the opportunity to take a hike through the mountain wilderness area, or hike to the nearby bridal veil falls, or simply enjoying the stunning surroundings from this sleepy village whilst strolling through the village market. We may also have time to visit Vumba Botanic Gardens.

Another stop is at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, once the greatest medieval city in Sub Saharan Africa and where the name Zimbabwe is derived, literally meaning house of stone. We then travel across Mashonaland to Bulawayo where you have the option for a day to venture into Matobo National Park with a local safari company. You will have a unique chance to get out on foot to try and spot the elusive Black Rhino - amongst other game. There is also the opportunity to visit Cecil Rhodes' grave and Ancient Rock Paintings.

We leave Zimbabwe and cross into Botswana, first passing the town of Nata with its bird sanctuary and then driving past the Nxai Pan National Park and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. These salt pans are the largest in the world, and an eerie and awe inspiring sight.

We’ll continue on the Trans-Kalahari highway towards Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Here you will have an opportunity to leave the truck to venture into the Okavango Delta. Local poler guides will navigate the extensive waterways using canoes similar to their traditional Mokoro's (dug out canoes). This is a great experience - and the best way to have a chance of seeing the elusive wildlife of this unique desert oasis. You will have a number of opportunities to go on game walks with rangers - giving you the chance to see elephant, crocodile and hippo up close and personal. The Okavango Delta is one of the world's largest inland waterways and its calming serenity will leave those who experience it feeling supremely relaxed. There is also the opportunity to experience the heights of African adventure travel too: see the delta from the air during an hour-long flight.

From Maun we head north and cross into Namibia and explore the Caprivi Strip. This is a narrow strip of land between Botswana and Angola & Zambia, comprising the head of the Okavango Delta where more boat trips and safaris are available. Heading east we re-enter Botswana and spend the night on the outskirts of the Chobe National Park - famous for its hordes of Elephants, as well as an abundance of other wildlife. You will have a chance to spend the afternoon on the Chobe River - a less intrusive way to view game and wildlife - as well as the Namibian frontier across the river. Crossing into Zambia - we stop for several days at Livingstone, right next to one of the adventure playgrounds of the world - Victoria Falls.

There is something here for everyone in Victoria Falls; A day trip over the Victoria Falls bridge to view the falls from Zimbabwe, Flight of Angels - a great way to get a birds eye view of the falls in a light aircraft or helicopter, Sunset Boat Cruises or a more sedate Canoe trip, to the adrenaline packed Gorge Swing, Abseil or a chance to experience one of the highest commercial Bungee Jumps in the world.

After your adrenaline has been spent, we will head north through Zambia to Lake Kariba which is the largest artificial lake in the world, and also has the biggest man-made dam on the planet too, 226km long and up to 40km wide! At Siavonga there is the option to spend the night on a houseboat on the lake, watching over crocodiles and hippos and perhaps doing some fishing.

Further north we stop at South Luangwa National Park which has one of biggest concentrations of wildlife in all of Africa, especially around the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons. The park is well known for its walking safaris, and one of the few places you can get up close with such a wide range of wildlife in Africa on foot.

We leave Zambia now and cross into Malawi.

Our first stop in Malawi is the capital Lilongwe in the south of the country where we stop for the night. This will give you the opportunity to post gifts home or check out the local markets.

Passing through lush mountainous landscape and plantations we are soon following the coast of Lake Malawi - the country’s most dominant natural feature. Camping in Malawi sums up the spirit of an Africa overland trip with Oasis. We spend several days at friendly laid back campsites where most people choose to relax on the sandy beaches or try their hand at scuba diving , snorkelling or windsurfing as we follow the lakeshore north. If you are more inclined to just relax - then there is no better place than on the shores of Lake Malawi. This really is a warm friendly country - making it easy to wander off and meet up with your local hosts in one of the many villages or schools nearby. You can view first hand the talent of the local artisans and purchase some exquisite pieces of furniture and carvings out of ebony and mahogany.

The next country on our journey is Tanzania, and after a day and half drive we pass through the peaceful Mikumi National Park. African safari travel is synonymous with wildlife, and in this national park we usually see Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra and Antelope from the roadside. From here we continue travelling through the interesting and mountainous hinterland of Tanzania.

Our route north then brings us to Dar Es Salaam where our truck is based in a campsite on a beautiful Indian Ocean beach. From here you will take the ferry out to Zanzibar Island for four nights and venture into the narrow bustling streets of Stone Town and its famous spice markets, old slave forts and dungeons. There is also time to relax on Zanzibar's famous white beaches, scuba dive or snorkel and swim with dolphins- before returning to Dar Es Salaam.

After leaving Dar Es Salaam we pass a number of small towns and villages along the way and, if we are lucky, we may see the towering peak of Kilimanjaro. We will stop off at Marangu where you have the opportunity to climb to Kilimanjaro base camp or take a walk through the lush surroundings passing through coffee plantations, rivers, waterfalls, caves and visiting a local blacksmith (there is not time to do the full summit climb unless you miss the Serengeti safari option).

We then continue to Arusha, and while at our camp on the outskirts of Arusha you have the option to book an add-on and travel with our local African safari partners through the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. In these parks you will have the opportunity to view the abundant wildlife including Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, White Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Antelope, Crocodile and Pink Flamingos and of course the famous migrating Wildebeest. For those who wish - there is an option to visit a local Maasai Village and learn about their culture and way of life.

Our route takes us west now, passing to the south of Lake Victoria and after a couple of bush camps we arrive into Burundi. We will stop at Gishora Village to see and hear more about Burundi’s famous drummers. These drums were symbols of power during the monarchy, beaten during special events and are an important part of the country’s heritage. We then arrive at Bumumbura, a port city on Lake Tanganyika, where the country’s main export, coffee, is shipped from. Boat trips through Rusizi National Park here provide viewings of crocodiles and hippos as well as many water birds. The lake also has many beautiful beaches and laid back villages to explore.

Leaving Burundi now, we cross into Rwanda and drive to the capital Kigali where you can visit the Genocide Memorial.

The hills of Rwanda are next, as we spend a couple of days at the small, friendly town of Musanze on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. Here you can take optional treks into the forest to see the famous Golden Moneys, visit the Musanze caves and several hiking trails, or take a village tour throughout the area where you can see first hand production of local Banana beer.

We’ll then head out of the hills and cross the border into Uganda, where our first stop is at the village of Kabale which will give you the opportunity to trek the Mountain Gorillas and visit the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are home to several families of Highland Mountain Gorillas. Getting up close to these amazing creatures is a truly a once in a lifetime experience and one of the highlights of the trip. You have the opportunity to trek to see the Gorillas in Uganda (bookable as an Add on). It is estimated that only around 700 of these gentle giants remain. This mountainous area on the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire (now renamed Democratic Republic of Congo) is their only natural habitat and they are periodically threatened by poachers and political instability in the area. One permit allows you to spend about 50 to 60 minutes with one of the gorilla families. Trekking to find them in groups of 8 people can take anywhere from half an hour to 5 hours. The organisations and well-trained guides that continually monitor and protect the families are conscientious and responsible.

(Due to the popularity of Trekking to the Mountain Gorillas and the limited availability of obtaining Trekking Permits, those booking late may need to do the Gorilla trek in Rwanda in Volcanos National Park, which may come at an additional cost - you will be advised in advance).

We head East again now, and spend a night at Lake Mburo National Park, perhaps taking a nighttime safari drive, before driving onwards through swamps, patches of forest and fertile green countryside. As we travel through Uganda, we'll pass through a number of small towns and villages; Mpigi, where you will see roadside stalls manufacturing and selling traditional musical instruments; Kyazanga, where we can buy fresh rotisserie and roasted meat and vegetables, as well as roasted plantain bananas. We will also be able to make a photo stop where our route crosses the Equator on the way to Kampala. Kampala has had a turbulent past, but these days it is a friendly and safe city. We have some free time to spend in local cafes and nightspots - where you can get to know the local people.

We camp next near Jinja - Uganda's adventure playground. Here, on the edge of Lake Victoria, the Nile begins its 6700km journey to the sea. We spend the next few days downstream from the source of the Nile. This is a spectacular area, and a superb place to go whitewater rafting or kayaking. You can also organise quad biking , horse riding or a visit to a local education project.

Our next highlight is the spectacular Sipi Falls. There are three waterfalls here on the Sipi River as it cascades into the Kyoga Basin from the slopes of Mount Elgon. The highest is just under 100m and there is an exciting abseiling option available here. After leaving the Sipi Falls we cross into Kenya and Lake Nakuru National Park - home to a wide variety of wildlife including Black Rhino, Hippo, Lion, Leopard, Hyena and Giraffe. However, Nakuru is a soda lake and most famous for its pink inhabitants, a flock of almost a million Pink Flamingos which feed noisily along the shoreline.

Finally, the group will all go on a morning and afternoon game drive in 4x4 safari vehicles with local guides in one of the world's most famous National Parks, the Maasai Mara. Here you will have the opportunity to look out for all its incredible wildlife before making our way back to Nairobi, arriving in the early evening.

Departing Nairobi with any new travellers joining us here, we head to nearby Lake Naivasha. We camp near the lake shore where Hippos sometimes feed at night! Here you can walk to Elsamere, the house of Joy Adamson - of Elsa the Lion and Born Free fame, and enjoy a film of her life - and cream teas! You can also hire mountain bikes and cycle or walk through Hells Gate National Park - the only game reserve in Kenya in which you are permitted to do so. Or for a less active but equally enjoyable game viewing experience - visit the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary. Both offer excellent scenery and opportunities to spot hyrax, abundant bird and plant life along with several types of gazelle, impala and eland.

Travelling further, we travel around the foothills of Mount Kenya to Samburu National Park which offers some of the best sightings of leopards in Kenya and is home to 5 particularly special other animals, the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk and Beisa oryx.

Note: If we restricted with our route options in northern Ethiopia and Sudan, we may stay longer here, providing the opportunity to do a 4-day hike up Mount Kenya

Further north we access the remoteness of northern Kenya. Nomadic tribes people like the Rendille in Marsabit & the Samburu (cousins of the Maasai) still wear very distinctive and often elaborate dress.

As we cross into Ethiopia - the roads we travel on are often in mountainous areas, so travel is slow. Ethiopia has a lot more visual & indigenous history than any other sub - Saharan country.

We continue our journey north heading into the Omo Valley. This region is home to some of the most colourful ethnic groups in Ethiopia. The friendly Hamar people are noted for their ornate, interesting hairstyles and the Mursi people are famous for the clay lip plates and earlobe decorations. An optional day tour will take you into the Omo National Park.

Note: Our routing for the next few weeks is flexible and will be finalised closer to departure or even during the trip, subject to the current security situation in northern Ethiopia and Sudan.

We will stop at Arba Minch and the brown Langano Lake on our way to Addis Ababa where we have the chance to indulge in some authentic Ethiopian coffee or explore 'El Mercato' - one of East Africa's largest open air markets. We also spend the next few days organising visas before visiting Awash National Park. Here safaris are available where you should see various different antelope species and other wildlife.

Harar is a fascinating, colourful and vibrant city, awarded the ‘City of Peace’ price by UNESCO, and has its over 100 mosques and 102 shrines. It is often considered the fourth-holiest city in Islam and known as the ‘City of Saints’ in Arabic. It has been the centre of trade between the Arabian Peninsular and Africa for centuries and this is reflected in the busy markets, and the wide mix of different people religions and languages found there. The city is also famous for the wild hyenas that roam outside the city walls, which locals feed with sticks of meat.

We will leave Ethiopia now and cross into Somaliland, visiting the capital Hargeisa, where we’ll mingle with the friendly locals and visit the livestock and central markets. On the way towards the coast, we will stop at Laas Geel to see the ancient cave formations which contain numerous important examples of some of the earliest known rock art paintings in the region, colourfully depicting cows, human figures and wild animals.

Next, we arrive at the coast, and the beautiful beaches around the port town of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden. Swimming and snorkelling in the sea here is a fantastic feeling after our many weeks of travel inland. The fresh seafood restaurants are also a very welcome change.

After some time relaxing, we leave Somaliland and cross into Djibouti, heading to the capital, Djibouti City. This is a busy port city and we have a few days to explore, including the option to take a day trip by boat to the Maskali and Moucha islands to enjoy snorkelling, swimming and exploring the mangrove forest.

Note: If we cannot travel through northern Ethiopia or Sudan we may visit Lac Assal & Lac Abbe and then fly to Cairo from here.

Not far from Djibouti City is our next stop, Lac Assal. More than 150m below sea level, this is the lowest point in Africa and a dramatic place with white salt beds, dormant volcanoes, black lava rocks and extremely salty emerald waters. Another fascinating landscape comes next as we visit Lac Abbe, another salt lake but not nearly so inviting-looking, with thousands of huge limestone chimneys dotting the area, many with vents steaming hot sulphuric gases. Two truly incredible natural phenomena that hardly any tourists will ever visit.

We leave Djibouti now and cross into Ethiopia again, driving to the town of Lalibela which is known for its eleven 12^th & 13^th century rock cut churches which are pilgrimage sites for Coptic Christians and are sometimes considered the eighth wonder of the world. Our route continues north to Mekele which is the gateway to the Danakil Depression. Here, in one the world’s most inhospitable places, of the lowest places on the African continent, locally arranged tours can take you to see the large Giulietti salt lake, and the salt flats with men cutting sat blocks and walking their camels between the mines and the nearest market. You’ll also see the Dallol, a huge geothermal field with yellow sulphur lakes, bubbling springs and geysers, and the active Erta Ale Volcano with its bubbling lava explosions. This is not a trip for the fainthearted so if you go, make sure to take lots of water, sun protection and protect yourself against the fumes from the volcano.

Our preferred route then takes us east through Aksum, once a major empire of the ancient world and home of the Queen of Sheba. There are many monuments, tombs, obelisks and ruined palaces to see here. We then climb into the Simien Mountains National Park, where the landscape hugely contrasts our previous weeks with spectacular jagged mountain peaks, waterfalls and forested hills. The scenery here is considered to rival the Grand Canyon in the USA and this is a wonderful place to do some hiking.

We descend from the mountains to Gondar, a former capital of Ethiopia with the remains of castles and palaces built by a series of emperors. The island monasteries dating back up to 900 years on Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls are well worth a visit on a day trip from here.

If we can travel through Sudan, then the border crossing is not far north from Gondar and the first towns we reach after crossing the border are Gedaref & Wadi Medani.

Note: If we can’t go through Sudan then we will return to Addis Ababa where we will leave the truck and fly to Cairo (flight at your cost) before taking a train south to Aswan.

The hospitality in Sudan can be surprising - but very genuine. For such a poor country with so many recent problems - Sudanese people are often too willing to invite you for a meal or a cup of 'Sudanese whisky' - better known as tea! Khartoum is our next stop and it has a fantastic setting on the confluence of the Blue and White Niles. For such a large city, before the recent conflict, Khartoum felt quite laid back and we would visit the Hamed al Nil Tomb or take a trip to the daily camel market.

The ancient Pyramids at Meroe lie to the north of the capital Khartoum. Our drive across the Nubian Desert will see us either hugging the banks of Nile as it snakes its way north or possibly experiencing the vast open desert plains which is dissected by the main train line from Khartoum - making this our only real point of reference. Whether passing through sleepy Nubian villages, resting in tea rooms, pottering around the local souqs or experiencing total isolation in the middle of the desert - a unique experience awaits you along this not so travelled route to Wadi Halfa.

Upon reaching Lake Nasser and Wadi Halfa in Northern Sudan, we enter Egypt and board the ferry to Abu Simbel, one of the highlights of the whole trip. Here you will notice one of the many cultural changes on this trip - the darker Nubian people lead a more relaxed and less hectic pace of life than their Egyptian countrymen. You have the opportunity to visit Abu Simbel temple - the massive stone monuments carved into the rock by the greatest of all pharaohs, Ramses ll. These temples were meticulously dismantled and rebuilt higher up the hillside after Lake Nasser was flooded. After spending the night we will travel to the city of Aswan. Here, visits to the Philae temple, Nubian museum, an evening boat cruise to a Nubian village and walking through the colourful souk, are great ways to spend your days here.

We leave Aswan and take an overnight felucca boat cruise to Kom Ombo before arriving into Luxor. Spending days and nights on a felucca sailboat with their friendly Nubian crews is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend time on the River Nile.

You will be kept busy exploring in Luxor, considered the largest outdoor museum in the world. Here we visit the Valley of Kings and Queens. Here, the remarkably well preserved tombs of the ancient rulers, including Ramses ll and Tutankhamun, have coloured paintings and hieroglyphics that still seem fresh even after 3000 years. Karnak and Luxor Temples are both in easy walking distance from our camp - as is the local souq where you can pick up some more souvenirs. The following day we drive out towards the Red Sea Coast at Hurghada. You will have time relax on the beach or try your hand at various watersports such as snorkelling, windsurfing or scuba diving in the cool clear blue waters.

Our final destination, Cairo is only a days drive away. Visiting the great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza with our Egyptologist guide and also the world famous Egyptian Museum in the afternoon is definitely a fitting way to end this amazing expedition.

Note: As noted in the itinerary, we may not be able to travel through parts of northern Ethiopia or through Sudan. The itinerary above should therefore be considered as a guide only and the schedule for the final few weeks of the trip may be adjusted, potentially flying to Egypt from Addis Ababa or Djibouti City (flight at your cost).

Essential Information

Essential Information About Your Trip

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Trip Joining Point: Ashanti Backpacker Gardens - Cape Town

Start Time Day 1: 08:00

Address: 11 Hof Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 7441

Telephone: +27 (21) 423 8721

Website: ashanti.co.za/accommodation/backpackers-gardens/

Email: info@ashanti.co.za

All prices listed are approximate and subject to limited availability.

Room Type	Price	Description
Dorm, from	US$20.00	Per Person
Single, from	US$43.00	Per Room
Double/Twin, from	US$58.00	Per Room
Double /Twin with en-suite, from	US$83.00	Per Room

The trip starts from the Ashanti Backpackers at approximately 8am on the morning of Day 1 of your trip.

Ashanti Backpacker Gardens is situated at the foot of Table Mountain, and within easy walking distance to the City centre. This backpacker hostel has a swimming pool as well as a bar/cafe with mountain views, and a well equipped communal kitchen for those wishing to make their own food. They also have a travel desk where you can book and arrange any of your Cape Town activities.

PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATION:

Please book this direct with the Ashanti Backpackers. Accommodation costs are payable direct to Ashanti online or on arrival in South African Rand, £GB, $US or C/Card.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS:

Airport Transfer Costs: Approximately $30 USD

If you would like to arrange an airport transfer please contact Ashanti Backpackers directly. This will cost R250 per journey for up to 4 passengers with baggage which is payable directly to the driver. They will require your exact flight details including flight number, to confirm the arrangements. If you book your accommodation online via this site, you can book the airport transfer at the same time.

Flying into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is quite straightforward. It is approx 25 km from the airport to the centre of Cape Town. English is widely spoken and used for signs / directions. It is possible to change money at all of the banks and forex bureaus in the airport, as well as use the ATM machines.

There will be a pre-departure meeting in the starting hotel the night before the start of the trip, usually around 6:00pm. There will be a notice in reception advising the exact time and here your crew will explain how the day to day running of the trip works. Your Tour Leader will collect your Local Payment money as well as 2 photocopies of your passport information page, insurance policy details with policy number and confirmation that the duration will cover you for the entire trip and a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number. It is essential that you attend this meeting - please let the UK office or your tour leader know if you are unable to do so.

You need to arrive at your departure city at least the day before your trip begins. Return flights must be booked for at least the day AFTER the trip is due to end. You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities (if you are joining in Victoria Falls - we suggest arriving at least 2 days before if you wish to partake in the many adrenaline activities on offer).

There are many online flight search engines such as www.skyscanner.net or www.ebookers.co.uk, flights can also be booked direct with airline websites or through travel agencies. Please inform us of your flight details through your online account, as airport transfers can be arranged for various trips.

One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry.

Departure Taxes: Please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it does not - please budget for approx US$30 to $70 USD - to be paid in US$ only.

Addis Ababa / Djibouti to Cairo flights (or v/v): If we are not able to travel through Northern Ethiopia and/or Sudan then we may need to leave the truck in Addis Ababa or Djibouti and fly from there to Cairo (or vice versa). We will advise before or during the trip if this is the case, and which date and time to book the flight. This flight will be an additional cost for you to book and pay directly.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your trip finishes. This is a general requirement for all of the countries we travel to on our trips.

If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport for the entire trip. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.

Please bring 2 photocopies of your passport details to give to your tour leader.

Number of blank pages required for the trip, please use this as an approximate guide:

Cairo to Nairobi (or v.v) - 8 blank pages
Cairo to Cape Town (or v.v) - 26 blank pages
Nairobi to Cape Town (or v.v) - 15 blank pages

If there are any stamps in your passport linking you with an entry or visit to Israel (this could include border/immigration stamps from other countries bordering Israel), you will need to replace your passport.

You shall also need passport photos for this trip, please use the below as a guide;

Cairo to Nairobi (or v.v) - 4 passport photos
Cairo to Cape Town (or v.v) - 8 passport photos
Nairobi to Cape Town (or v.v) - 4 passport photos

The information below is to be used only as a guide and may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.

Visas obtained at borders and embassies during the trip must be paid for in either USD or local currency CASH ONLY, as stipulated by the relevant immigration officials. Evisas will require payment online by credit or debit card.

Country	UK	EU	Aust	NZ	S.Africa	USA	Canadian
Egypt	US$25	US$25	US$25Irish	US$25	Free	US$25	US$25
Sudan	US$210	US$210	US$210	US$210	US$210	US$264	US$210
Ethiopia	US$82	US$82	US$82	US$82	US$82	US$82	US$82
Djibouti	US$35	US$35	US$35	US$35	US$35	US$35	US$35
Somaliland	US$75	US$75	US$75	US$75	US$75	US$75	US$75
Kenya	US$30	US$30	US$30	US$30	US$30	US$30	US$30
East Africa Visa (covers Uganda & Rwanda)	US$100	US$100	US$100	US$100	US$100	US$100	US$100
Uganda	US$50	US$50	US$50	US$50	US$30	US$50	US$50
Rwanda	US$50	US$50	US$50	US$50	Free	US$50	US$50
Burundi
Tanzania	US$50	US$50	US$50	US$50	Free	US$100	US$50
Malawi	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free
Zambia	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free
Namibia	See below	See below	Free	Free	Free	See below	See below
Botswana	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free
Zimbabwe	US$55	US$55	US$30	US$30	Free	US$30	US$75
Mozambique	US$150	US$150	US$150	US$150	Free	US$150	US$150
South Africa	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free
Eswatini	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free
Lesotho	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free

For more information on other nationalities & visas check out Project Visa.

Kenya

Most nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Kenya which must be obtained in advance of travel.

Travellers need to apply via https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en. This will take at least 3 days to process but you can apply up to 3 months in advance, so allow yourself plenty of time in case of delays. You will need to either print a copy of your eTA or download it to your mobile to present on departure at the airport and at immigration at your point of entry into Kenya. You may be denied boarding of your flight to Kenya or denied entry to Kenya if you do not have your copy of your eTA with you.

We know that the Kenyan visa websites often have issues taking payments. If your payment doesn't go through, the process will not have completed. We suggest that you:

try a different website browser
check your bank has not blocked the payment
clear your cookies (if you know how) and try again
wait a few hours or until the next day, and try again

If your trip travels from Kenya to Uganda and Rwanda and then returns to Kenya, your eTA will still be valid for entry when you return.

If you are travelling on the Trans Africa or Nile Trans expeditions you will apply for your eTA whilst on the trip.

Egypt

Passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.

We recommend that you contact your closest Egyptian consulate or embassy for current information for your nationality.

In general official advice is that all nationalities obtain their Egypt visas in advance, as we cannot guarantee that you can get them in the airport or land border. An online e-visa is available through visa2egypt and we recommend obtaining your visa via this method whether arriving in to Egypt by air or land if you are able. Please do not use any other website as there are many scam sites offering Egypt e-visas.
In practice however, many nationalities (including British and European, Australian, New Zealand, USA) can and do obtain their visas on arrival in Cairo airport or most land borders. The process is much quicker and simpler, the cost is currently US$25 p/p and must be paid in hard currency (i.e. GBP, USD or EUR) - you'll be given change in local currency if necessary. There are no forms to fill in and you don't need to bring passport photos. Visas are issued at one of the bank desks in the immigration hall, before you get to passport control. On our small group tours, our representative will have met you by this stage and will assist with the process at Cairo Airport.

Important Note: Due to recent changes in the visa regime for Canadians, a visa on arrival or e-visa will no longer be possible for Canadian Citizens entering Egypt after October 1st 2023. Until further notice Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa prior to arrival, from the nearest Egyptian Consulate.

All African & Indian nationals, and some others, will need to obtain their visas in advance.

For further information on your visa requirements, please either contact us or your local Egyptian embassy/consulate.

Botswana

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, South Africa and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Botswana.

Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

Djibouti

All Nationalities require a visa for Djibouti. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip. Approximate cost $35 USD.

You will need to bring 3 recent colour passport photos with a white background along with you to apply for the visa.

Ethiopia

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Ethiopia.

Joining in Addis Ababa - All nationalities must apply for their Ethiopia visa online in advance at www.evisa.gov.et. You will receive your application approval by email and you will need to show this at the airport when you arrive in Ethiopia.

All other joining points - All nationalities must apply for their Ethiopia visa online and you can do this during your trip. You will receive your application approval by email and you will need to show this at the land border when you enter Ethiopia.

A 30 day single entry visa costs $82 USD.

Lesotho

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Lesotho.

New Zealand passport holders will need to make sure that they obtain a multiple entry visa for South Africa as you will be entering and exiting Lesotho from South Africa.

Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

Malawi

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa to enter Malawi.

Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

Mozambique

Currently there is conflicting information available about the Mozambique visa however, passport holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries should expect to require a visa. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip - please bring 3 recent colour passport photos along with you and have digital copies of your passport and a passport photo in case they are required for your application.

South African passport holders are free of charge.

Passport holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

Namibia

All trips:

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, South Africa and most EU countries do not currently require a visa to enter Namibia. From April 2025, UK, Ireland, USA, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa costing 1600 Namibian Dollars. We expect to be able to obtain this at the border.

Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

Rwanda

Most nationalities require a visa for Rwanda. However, Commonwealth citizens can obtain a free visa on arrival into Rwanda.

We recommend that all travellers who are travelling to both Uganda and Rwanda should apply for an East Africa visa which will cover you for both countries. You must apply for this through the first country you will be entering. So if you will enter Uganda first, apply through this website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. If you will enter Rwanda first, apply through this website. https://irembo.gov.rw/user/citizen/service/dgie/request_a_visa (scroll down to 'Immigration and Emigration' and select 'Visa application')

South Africa

All trips:

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter South Africa.

Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

Sudan

All nationalities require a visa in advance. As part of the application process, most nationalities will require a Letter of Invitation and a letter from the Sudanese Ministry of Interior which we can provide through our agent in Sudan.

In addition to the visa costs below, all nationalities will need to pay $60 USD for an immigration registration fee and a $10 USD departure tax whilst in Sudan. You will need to bring 2 recent colour passport photos on a white background along with you to apply for the registration.

Starting in Cairo - all nationalities should apply for their visa at their nearest embassy in advance of joining the trip. Approximate cost of $210 USD includes Letter of Invitation, Ministry of Interior letter and visa fee for most nationalities and $264 USD for US passport holders.

Starting in the UK or Accra for the Trans Africa and Cape Town or Nairobi for the Nile Trans Trip - we will obtain this visa whilst on the trip. Approximate cost of $210 USD includes Letter of Invitation, Ministry of Interior letter and visa fee for most nationalities and $264 USD for US passport holders.

Everyone will need to bring 4 recent colour passport photos on a white background along with you to apply for the visa.

Tanzania

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Tanzania. The current cost is $50 USD with the visa available on arrival at the border. Passport holders from the USA also need a visa and can obtain it on arrival, but the cost is $100 USD. Alternatively visas are available in advance via the Tanzanian government's e-visa website. South African passport holders are Free of charge.

Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

For those travelling on the Grand Adventurer, Apes & Lakes and Gorillas, Gameparks & Zanzibar trip, the Tanzanian visa is a Single entry visa and also covers you for Zanzibar.

Uganda

Most nationalities require a visa for Uganda.

Those who are travelling to both Uganda and Rwanda should apply for an East Africa visa which will cover you for both countries. You must apply for this through the first country you will be entering. So if you will enter Uganda first, apply through this website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. If you will enter Rwanda first, apply through this website https://irembo.gov.rw/user/citizen/service/dgie/request_a_visa (scroll down to 'Immigration and Emigration' and select 'Visa application')

Zimbabwe

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will require a visa to enter Zimbabwe. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip at the border on arrival, a visa can also be obtained at the airport on arrival into Harare and Victoria Falls. Approximate cost for Australian, USA and New Zealand Passport Holders is $30 USD, British and Irish passport holders $55 USD and Canadian $75 USD for a Single entry visa. South African passport holders are Free of charge.

If you are planning on going over to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe you will need to obtain a double entry visa for Zimbabwe so that you can return back to Zimbabwe after your day trip. Approximate cost for Australian, USA and New Zealand Passport Holders is $45 USD, and British passport holders $70 USD.

Canadians & Irish passport holders are unable to obtain a double entry Zimbabwe visa.

The visa into Zambia is called a Day Tripper visa and is available at the border and only valid for stays of less than 24 hours. The approximate cost is $20 USD.

For those joining in Victoria Falls a UNI-Visa is available at the airport on arrival, which is a multiple entry visa between Zimbabwe and Zambia and costs approximately $50 USD.

Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

Somaliland

All Nationalities require a visa for Somaliland. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip. Approximate cost $75 USD.

Burundi

Most nationalities require a visa for Burundi. We will obtain this visa whilst on the trip.

It is possible that you may require some vaccinations for your trip, depending on the areas that you are visiting. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements, so please use the information below as a guide only. We have worked closely with Nomad Travel Clinics for many years and they offer Oasis travellers a 10% discount on vaccinations, anti- malarial drugs, first aid items, clothing and equipment, just enter discount code OASIS1000 at Nomad Travel. Alternatively you can check out the fit for travel website for more travel health information or consult a reputable travel clinic or your GP for information and advice. We suggest that you allow at least 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations.

Yellow Fever - Being vaccinated against Yellow Fever and having a valid certificate and a photocopy is deemed compulsory in nearly all the countries we visit in Africa, especially at certain borders and are needed if you are entering from an infected country. You can view a list of countries requiring a certificate through the World Health organisation.

Rabies - Vaccinations are regularly advised for all countries that we travel through in Africa - especially if time and money are not a deterrent.

Malaria - In some of the areas we visit there is a risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria prophylactics you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them. Your crew will advise on where the worst affected areas are on the trip. There are a number of prophylactic malaria treatments on the market & requirements change. It is also wise to take a sample of whichever prophylactic you choose, a few weeks before you leave. This way you may determine early on if you have any adverse reactions so you can change the regimen if necessary. Please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice. For more information visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk or www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Dengue - Unlike the malaria mosquito, which bites at night, the dengue carrying mosquito bites during the day. Some areas we travel to do have occasional outbreaks & it is therefore advised that you take care not to be bitten during the day as well as at night. There is no vaccine available.

Health - To join our trips you should be in good general health. Your medical insurance company must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition / allergy or if you are on any regular medication, otherwise you may not be covered under your policies for these. Our crew will need to know of any medication or conditions you may have. For general health advice log onto www.nathnac.org/travel/.

It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Oasis trip and at the very least are insured for all necessary medical and repatriation costs incurred.

You will be asked to provide the following details if you have not already done so: travel insurance company name, insurance policy number & insurance emergency telephone number. You will also be required to give a copy of your policy with this information to your Tour Leader on arrival with confirmation that the policy duration is sufficient to cover you for the entire duration of your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safe keeping.

We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". It is also very important that you are covered for all the activities that you may wish to undertake while on our trip. It is extremely important that you check the full extent of your cover related to 24 hour Medical Emergency Assistance. In the event of you needing medical treatment you want to know that you have the best cover available to you. Your policy should include adequate Medical Emergency and Repatriation cover as well as Cancellation, Baggage and Personal Liability cover. You need to be aware of EXACTLY what activities your policy covers you for. Please note that skiing is not usually covered in most insurance policies. Please note also that many of the areas we visit are not as developed as the UK and we have no control over the availability or standard of medical and repatriation services and facilities in the areas we visit and these do not form any part of our contract with you.

You should also note that passenger liability insurance covering vehicles, particularly in Third World countries, may be unavailable or inadequate; it is therefore important that your insurance cover makes sufficient provision for you and your dependents in the event of an accident.

We are happy to refer our UK based travellers to the travel insurance specialists Campbell Irvine who have a policy suitable for overlanding which covers most of the adventure and sporting activities on our trips.

Please be aware that most travel insurance policies will not cover you if you are visiting areas against government travel advice. If your trip will go through areas like this (for example, some of our Trans Africa routes through West Africa) then you may need to look at an alternative policy for these sections, for example Battleface or SafetyWing.

For further information, check out the Travel Insurance section of our website.

IMPORTANT INSURANCE INFORMATION FOR THOSE VISITING ZANZIBAR:
The Zanzibar Government have announced the introduction of a travel insurance policy which will be obligatory for all foreign visitors to the islands, regardless of whether travellers have their own travel insurance in place.

1. The insurance policy is sold by Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
2. The cost is US$44 per person.
3. The insurance requirement comes into force on 1st October 2024.
4. The policy must be purchased online at visitzanzibar.go.tz and purchases can be made from 1st September 2024.
5. Payment can be made online by debit or credit card.
6. On completion of the purchase, visitors will receive a QR code. The policy documents will be sent to your registered email address.
7. The policy document and QR code must be presented on in Zanzibar. Entry will be refused without this documentation.

To ensure you have a smooth entry, please ensure the above policy is purchased in advance of your arrival.

Local Payment (LP)

LP is part of your overall trip payment and is the most cost effective and practical way to get hard currency to Africa to pay for a variety of your day to day local costs (i.e. all meals prepared by the group, campsite/hostel fees, gas, and certain activities listed on the trip page) which cannot be pre-paid from the UK. It is a guaranteed amount, set before your trip departs, and unlike 'group kitty' systems we will not ask you to contribute more once the trip is underway.

Please note: Your LP is payable to your Tour Leader on the morning of departure in US$ Dollars CASH ONLY. Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks and we will therefore be unable to accept them either. Please do not bring all of your Local Payment in US$100 notes and also make sure that they are dated 2013 or later and do not have a serial number starting with CB.

How to bring your currency?

Past Oasis travellers have fed back that, as a general rule it is best to bring your money in US$ dollars cash, although you could also bring a combination of US$ & £GB if British pounds are your home currency. It will depend on the exchange rate at the time of your trip as to which currency is better, but we suggest that US$ are the preferred option for East Africa, whilst £GB can also be easily exchanged in Kenya, Tanzania and Southern Africa. PLEASE NOTE YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY BRING AT LEAST 50% of your money in cash. You will need to pay for your visas and many of the optional excursions using cash and there will be times when you need cash to change into local currency. Some travellers worry about carrying so much cash with them, however all Oasis Overland trucks are equipped with an onboard safe for the security of your money and passport.

We also advise to bring £50 worth of SA Rand in Cash, as this may be needed if we arrive into Namibia or South Africa on a weekend & the banks/ATMs are closed (only if you are travelling to these countries).

Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks and shops. Please ensure your notes are dated 2013 onwards and do not have a serial number starting with CB. Scottish pounds are also not accepted.

Please remember that Visas need to be paid for in US$ CASH ONLY!

Spending Money

From past trips and traveller feedback £100 to £145 per week should cover costs such as some meals out (on average 2 per day are supplied), soft drinks and beers, email & communications, souvenirs and other general spending. Personal spending habits & budgets differ greatly from person to person. Budget on visa costs (see visa section above) and optional activities separately (see optional excursions page) & allow extra for your Local Payment contribution.

Changing money

Change your money only at banks, hotels, airports or forex bureaus. It is illegal to change money on the street, as these people will normally be opportunistic thieves or undercover police. Your crew will advise you where & when you can change money & with what means. It is also a good idea to have a small CASH emergency fund, to allow for the unexpected.

Credit & Debit Cards

If you are intending using your credit or debit card, we suggest taking more than one card with you as you may find that your card is not accepted in the first ATM you try. Visa and Maestro cards are best. We do not recommend using MasterCard based cards in Africa as they have very limited access through large parts of Africa. Please note that usually you will be given local currency and NOT US$ or £GB. We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. Please see the optional excursions page for activities that can be paid for using a Credit or Debit Card. Commission rates vary between 2-8%.

Pre-Paid Travel Currency Cards

These cards are similar to normal Credit and Debit cards but they can be pre loaded with cash before you travel with a set amount allowing you to withdraw this cash using the card at normal ATMs. It is a more secure way to access cash on your trip, but again do not rely on these as your sole means of funds on a trip - (please refer to the ATM section). Several banks and companies now offer these cards, but be sure to look into the rates for withdrawing cash when making your decision. When using these cards abroad you will use them to withdraw the local currency from an ATM and not the currency that you loaded onto the card.

ATMs

These are available in most major cities along our route and allow you to withdraw local currency only. We discourage you from relying on your ATM card as a primary source of funds in case it is lost/stolen/swallowed, or the machine isn't working. In some destinations we probably won't even see a bank or ATM for days on end so having hard currency to exchange is essential. Besides memorising your PIN, it is also important to be aware of your daily withdrawal limit and bank withdrawal costs. Please note that although Zimbabwe’s currency is US Dollars it is not currently possible to obtain USD cash from ATMs or banks due to the country’s cash shortage.

Tipping

Is often expected and relied upon. It is often more than a reward for services well done, but, as wages are extremely low, it is an accepted means of supplementing an income. If you would like to leave a tip for any activity/individual, you could organize this as a group and give a tip at the end. A recommended amount for restaurants is usually 10% of your total bill and similar for activities. Some countries also add an extra Government tax on restaurant bills.

Because it can be difficult to know what to tip, and because it has such importance in some areas both economically and culturally, there may be times and activities for which your crew will make it clear what level of tipping is 'customary/expected'. They may also be quite enthusiastic or assertive in encouraging you to take account of these suggestions. This is motivated by the knowledge of how important tipping can be, and the offence or confusion that can be caused when local people are tipped poorly. In the end, tipping remains at the discretion of the individual, but our crew will continue to advise on normal or average rates, and we would ask you to carefully consider the economic or personal impact of being seen as 'under tipping'. We know that many who travel with us are on a tight budget, but ask you to consider that those we work with locally may also face financial hardship, and also work very hard to try to give you unrivalled service/ experiences.

As a very rough guide, we would suggest that you budget for an amount equal to 10% of the local payment for your trip, plus 10% of the cost of any of the listed optional excursions that you wish to do. The amounts you end up tipping may vary from a rigid 10%, but hopefully this will help you budget in general.

In the past we have been asked by travellers about tipping your Oasis Crew. If you choose to do this, it would be budgeted separately from the above. Our guys work very hard at making your trip a great travel experience. Working overseas can often be challenging and they are pretty much on call for you 24 hours a day, so it's appreciated as a thank you for hard work and good service, but of course not mandatory. Our suggestion is to budget around US$1 a day.

In North Africa (Ethiopia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Sudan, Egypt) daytime temperatures can exceed 35-40C, with nights dropping to 3 or 4C (especially in the desert areas. Daytime temperatures in Ethiopia are cooler due to the altitude - especially in the highlands (Gondar, Lalibela) where it can get chilly especially at night.

In East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) the year is loosely divided into the 'short' rains (November) and the 'long' rains (March to May). The 'rains' usually last for one or two hours each day followed by hot sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitude in western Uganda, Ngorongoro Crater & the Rift Valley.

In Southern Africa (Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa) the 'dry' season is April to October when the nights can be quite cold (May to August usually being the coldest months). From November to March the weather is hotter and there is summer rainfall, although this is very intermittent when it may not rain for months, or it can rain for a day at a time. View African Climate Chart

The less you take the less you have to pack, wash & lug home & you can always pick up extras along the way. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much gear. Clothes washing or laundry facilities will be available at least once a week. You will be travelling in the heat & camping in the cold, so bring clothes for all climates; rough stuff is best. Pack according to season: allowing for extremes in temperature (from the constant baking heat in the dry season to the cold and occasional frost overnight in the south). Make sure that you bring your gear in a traditional soft sided 70 - 90L rucksack or holdall - suitcases are not suitable. Remember baggage is limited to 20kg per person plus one day bag.

Equipment	Toiletries - Most available to buy on trip
Sleeping Bag - 3 to 4 season bag, depending on season, & sleep sheet Foam sleeping mat or thermarest & repair kit Small day-pack or small bag to carry daily items Soft rucksack or holdall (NOT rigid suitcase) Water bottle - for personal use - we recommend Water-to-Go (see below Responsible Travel)	Soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, antibacterial hand wash, lip balm & moisturiser Sun block 35 + after sun, hat & sun glasses Tampons (can buy in most places) Contraception
Clothes	Personal Effects
One pair of trainers or boots Sandals/flip flops/jandals/thongs Underwear/socks T shirts/shirts Shorts/swimwear Jeans/trousers/jog pants/leggings Skirt or dress Sweat shirt/jumper Jacket/fleece & waterproof jacket	Camera with protective case, spare batteries, film/memory card Torch & spare batteries (head torch is best) Travel adaptor plug/charger (for cameras & mobile phone batteries) Money belt Personal stereo - there is a stereo on the truck with iPod/MP3 adaptors Towel &/or sarong
Recommended Medical Kit List
Antiseptic ointment/Antihistamine cream & tablets Nurofen or equivalent pain-killer Eye-drops/bath Anti-diarrhoea treatment A couple of bandages (elasticated & triangular) Medication for personal allergies/asthma etc Insect repellent containing Deet	Some suitable antibiotics as recommended by your doctor for infected cuts or to treat severe dysentery Rehydration sachets/vitamin tablets Assorted plasters 1 Course of malaria treatment Malaria Tablets - see Vaccinations & Health section

Even though our trucks are equipped with a comprehensive medical kit, we advise you to bring a small personal medical kit as our truck kit is not for general everyday use. It will also be your responsibility to carry your kit on included excursions and optional activities as some local operators may not have medical kits to hand.

What to wear - Keeping your arms, shoulders and legs covered will go a long way to prevent causing offence and hassle to yourself. This is true for men as well as women (especially in Morocco, Mauritania, Sudan, Egypt and predominantly Muslim countries). Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing, but generally on beaches you can wear what you like. Attitudes range from fairly liberal in such places as the Red Sea coast, to fairly conservative in some of the small towns. Cities and large towns are also fairly relaxed, but outside these areas dress conservatively.

Before you go

Remove unnecessary packaging before you go - waste disposal facilities are often stretched or non existent in the places we visit. To avoid unnecessary pollution of local water supplies take environmentally friendly toiletries with you.
Why not invest in a wind-up or solar-powered torch or media player before you travel or at least rechargeable batteries.
Learn some of the local language and read up on the local history/culture before you go. You'll get so much more out of your trip.
Why not pack some pens/pencils exercise books in your rucksack and they can be donated to a local school or project while you're away. You can also purchase these items cheaply, locally which will help local businesses.
Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can re-use throughout your trip. We carry large quantities of purified water with us on our Expedition vehicles and it is much better for the environment if you drink this, rather than purchase bottled water along the way. (It also saves you money).
Water-to-Go: Oasis Overland have partnered with Water-to-Go to help reduce the number of plastic water bottles consumed during a trip. Water-to-Go is a filtration system that eliminates over 99.9% of all microbiological contaminants including viruses, bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals from any non-salt water source. Click here and enter the code OASIS15 to purchase your Water-to-Go products at 15% discount. Water-to-Go will then donate a further 15% to Oasis Overland Charity projects.

While you're travelling

From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and manageable environmental policy which all of our crew practice on the trips we operate, and they will share this information with you at the start of your trip. We welcome your input on this, plus any new ideas you may have, to improve our existing procedures. As a guide here's a few tips to bear in mind.

Don't waste water. It is a scarce resource in many of the places our trips visit. On all our Ultimate and Overland Expeditions we carry large quantities of purified water with us. We encourage you to refill your own water bottles from this supply, rather than purchase bottled water along the way-much more environmentally friendly and saves you money.
Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products. Apart from the fact of it being illegal it also encourages the trade to continue.
Look after and preserve the areas we visit. Be careful about stepping on coral reefs or trekking on undesignated tracks.
Buy locally made crafts and products helping to support the local economy.
Don't feel when bargaining that you have to get the cheapest price possible just for the sake of it. Pay what the item is worth to you & don't worry about what someone else has paid.
Try the local food and drinks - this will help to support local farmers and food sellers. Sitting in a local cafe is also a great way to meet local people.
Dispose of litter appropriately on your trip. This includes cigarette butts. Not only does litter look unsightly it can be lethal to wildlife.
Where any toilet facilities exist, however unsavoury they might seem to you, they should be used. Where they do not, always bury your waste and make sure it is never near (at least 30m) a water source.
When game viewing do not encourage your guides to get too close to the wildlife so that their natural behaviour is impeded.
Respect local customs, traditions and beliefs of the people in the different regions that you travel through.
Do not take photos of people, ritual events or special places unless you have asked first. Dress appropriately according to local codes and show respect around religious festivals.
Recycling is almost non-existent in many of the areas and countries we visit - we do the best we can with limited resources & space on our vehicles.
For books dedicated to travelling more responsibly & ethically see: www.tourismconcern.org.uk

Community Projects - Oasis are active in raising awareness and providing support to a number of projects and local schools where we believe we can make a positive difference. More information on the projects we support.

Gorilla Trekking Permit

On our trips to Rwanda & Uganda, the opportunity of being up close and personal with a family of highland Mountain Gorillas, has to be classed as one of the most amazing wildlife encounters in Africa. You may see a variety of monkeys, chimpanzees and buffalo on the hike as well. Accompanied by park rangers, you will track these rare, gentle giants who live on the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Full payment is required at the time of booking and is subject to availability. Once requested your permits cannot be refunded or exchanged.

Trekking the Gorillas - The trek to find the Gorillas can take several hours and you will need to be in reasonable physical shape. For much of the trek you will be in high grass or thick vegetation & it could well rain, so wear protective clothing (to prevent being scratched) & waterproofs as well as good walking boots or shoes. Once your guide has located the Gorilla family you will be permitted to view them for strictly 1 hour. A maximum of one group of eight people per day are able to visit each Gorilla family. Your group will be accompanied by a tracker/guide & an armed park ranger. Time passes quickly when you are with your Gorilla family so remember to put away your camera and enjoy the experience for what it is rather than through your viewfinder. If we view the Gorillas from Uganda there is the opportunity to paddle out onto Lake Bunyoni in canoes and visit some of the nearby islands, or hire mountain bikes to visit nearby villages & schools. From Rwanda there will also be an opportunity to visit the genocide memorial in the capital Kigali, which is a moving and humbling experience. Please bear in mind that Mountain Gorillas are wild animals and as such there is no guarantee that you will see them. That said however, we have never had this happen on previous trips. For the protection of the Gorillas, if you are ill on the day of the trek you will not be permitted to trek (this decision is made by the rangers and wildlife authority staff alone), if there are permits and time allows with our itinerary, it may be possible to trek the following day at very little or no extra cost - this will be dependent on receiving permission from the local authorities and regulations at the time. There are no refunds or transfers under ANY circumstance for cancellation, no show or non allowance to trek.

How to request a Gorilla trekking permit - In order for us to confirm your Gorilla Permit, it is essential that you notify us of your interest in trekking at the same time as making your booking. This can be done by just adding the Gorilla Permit to your trip at the time of booking. Once requested your permits cannot be refunded or exchanged. We make reservations many months in advance (sometimes as early as 6 months for some dates).

The cost of securing a Gorilla Trekking Permit in advance through our local sources is payable in full to Oasis overland at the time of booking. Once requested your permits cannot be refunded or exchanged. This cost incorporates the permit cost (paid to the relevant wildlife authorities locally) and service/bank fees/transport/communication costs incurred by our local agent in order to secure your permit in advance.

Due to the popularity of trekking to the Mountain Gorillas and the limited availability of obtaining trekking permits, the Wildlife Authority responsible for organizing the permits require the following details before confirmation is granted;

Your full passport details
Guarantee of Full payment

Please note: Please be aware that before your departure, the cost of the trekking permit may change. This may be due to currency fluctuations & / or price increases by the local wildlife authority.

Transport from our base in either Uganda or Rwanda to the starting point of your trek is not included in the above permit cost - which will account to an average of $40 US pp (dependent on the number of people trekking). Please note that transportation to the trek start point will be included in the permit price from 2025.

Just add this on to your trip when booking!

Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater 3 day / 2 night Safari

On your Oasis Overland trip through Tanzania, you have the opportunity to go on a guided safari in the world-renowned Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. This add-on needs to be booked and paid for in advance, so that we can have all the appropriate arrangements ready and in place for you. Once requested and paid for, this option cannot be refunded or exchanged.

For this safari you shall be collected in 7 seat safari vehicles, early in the morning from Meserani Snake Park, where you will be staying on your Oasis trip. You will then be driven into the Serengeti and enjoy an afternoon game drive en-route to the Seronera area in the heart of the park where you will camp and stay overnight at Seronera campsite.

The following morning you will have an early wake up & breakfast, before heading out to do an early morning game drive. After lunch, another game drive follows as you head towards the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater and overnight at the Simba campsite.

The following morning we start early again and have a full morning exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world. We will descend the forested crater rim into the central plains which teem with possibly the highest concentration of wildlife in all of Africa. Excellent sightings of a huge range of species are guaranteed. After a picnic lunch, we will then leave the park and drive back to re-join the truck.

If you choose not to take this option, you can remain behind at the Snake Park. From here various activities are available in the local area, including visits into the Snake Park itself, visits to Masai villages, or day trips into the Serengeti (you won't see nearly as much on these day trips though as you will spend a significant portion of the day just driving there and back).

Please note: The above safari is fully inclusive of all meals while on safari, transport in purpose built safari vehicles with maximum 7 people plus a driver/guide, park entrance and conservation fees to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, as well as camp fees. You will take your Oasis tent and your camping gear with you. A minimum of 4 travellers is required for this safari to operate. Please be aware that up to 2 months before your departure the cost of this Add On could change. This would only be due to currency fluctuations or price increases by the Tanzania Parks Authority. The order of the arrangements and campsites used is also subject to change.

Just add this on to your trip when booking!

African Wildlife and the Migration

Wildlife - View a chart detailing what animals you may see in the various gameparks and reserves we visit between Nairobi and Johannesburg.

The Migration - The 'Great Wildebeest Migration' has to be one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in the animal kingdom. For those lucky enough, this once in a lifetime experience can be viewed in the surrounds of The Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Tanzania and the Maasai Mara of Kenya and can be done before our after your trips with us.

What to Expect

What To Expect

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Firstly expect the unexpected! If you are looking for a set itinerary where everything runs smoothly, then this is not the kind of trip for you. Our itineraries can change due to local circumstances, and in such situations we'll always try to minimise any disruption, but bear in mind that from time to time events happen outside our control. It is this very unpredictability which makes each expedition different, exciting and one of the most adventurous things that you will possibly ever do! As part of this adventure you will be expected to have an active involvement in the day to day running of the trip, be part of the group and get stuck in and help with various tasks, whether it's cooking meals over open fires, pitching your tent or keeping the truck clean and tidy.

Itinerary

Because Oasis Overland do not operate normal 'package holidays' the itineraries given cannot be guaranteed to run exactly as outlined. However, it is rare that we have to make major changes and in the event that we do this will be discussed with you either before or during the trip. It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis. Should it not be possible for an Oasis trip to begin from a scheduled starting city due to border closures, civil unrest etc, Oasis will make all reasonable efforts to begin the trip from an alternative location. However, all additional costs that you may incur in travelling to the alternative location will be paid by you or your insurance company and not Oasis.

Expedition Vehicle

For most of your trip the Oasis expedition truck will be your new home - giving you a comfortable & secure base with which to experience your trip. We use purpose built truck's which have been converted especially for this expedition, which pass through all types of terrains from soft sand, mud, rock and potholed roads to tarseal. It is reassuring to know that these vehicles can handle the tough conditions that they are put through. The truck is equipped with all the equipment we may need en route, including a professionally compiled expedition Medical Kit, large water & fuel carrying capacities, an extensive range of spare parts and the kitchen sink, (well almost!) so all you need is your sleeping bag, a roll mat and your own personal gear!

Seatbelts

All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a ‘beach area’ which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.

Accommodation

Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an overland trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed.

During the day

As a guide, driving days normally start at about 8am and finish at about 5pm, with stops for lunch and buying food, seeing local sights etc. We won't be driving every day, although there are times when we will drive for two, but we will then stop for a few days and you will have free time to explore, meet local people, do some optional activities or just relax and do your own thing. Expect to sometimes get dusty & dishevelled during the day and although you will be able to shower most nights (except at bush camps), not all camps will have hot showers.

Meals & cook groups

When 'on the road' or camping, we usually cook using gas or over open fires in a rota system and you can expect to cook in a group of two or three people approximately once every ten days depending on the number of people on trip and whereabouts you are. Your cook group will have to decide on what to cook, utilise stocks from the truck stores and locally obtain ingredients from markets, shops etc. and rustle up a meal. But don't worry if you're not a Gordon Ramsay as the rest of the group and the Tour leader usually lend a helping hand. Here is an idea of what to expect at meal times:

Breakfasts: Usually simple - we help ourselves to cereal, toast, hot drinks and on occasion we will splurge with a cooked breakfast.

Lunch: Cold and usually quick. The cook group will put out bread, tinned supplies and maybe make a salad.

Dinner: Cooks come into their own in the evening, and will always attempt to cook up some delights. When the truck is parked up for a few days in a town or city most people usually like the option to eat out at local restaurants - so we often don't cook all meals when at these locations.

Vegetarians / Vegans / Coeliacs / Gluten & Lactose intolerance - Our Tour Leaders will always do their best to cater for any dietary requirement or intolerance whenever possible. However we do not cater for fussy eaters. It must be remembered that the variety of dishes available may not be the same as available to meat eaters. If there is anything in particular you require in your diet or because of an allergy or would miss from home, it would be best to bring these with you, as these cannot be purchased with normal Local Payment funds due to the high cost of these specialised and often imported foods.

Remember that when eating out in local restaurants & hotels that vegetarianism or food allergies / intolerance's, are still not widely known about or understood by many local people. i.e Vegetarians or Vegans will often be offered fish or chicken in error. Most large towns and cities, or areas used to tourists, will often have more choice but please be aware that it will probably not be as varied as you are used to when eating out at home.

In the evenings

When at a bushcamp or campsite where you and your tent buddy will put up the tent, and then lend a hand with getting out the tables, stools, firewood and water containers. The fire grates need to be taken out, the fire lit and someone can fill the kettle and make hot drinks while the cook group prepares the evening meal. Then just sit back & chill and enjoy the rest of your evening!

Oasis Crew

We usually have two crew whose duties are extensive and quite demanding, with challenges ranging from driving and maintaining the expedition vehicle to a high standard, to organising visas and border crossings, arranging accommodation, pre-booking some excursions and guides, helping with shopping and cooking as well as finding the best deals, socializing and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. While our crew are usually experienced and knowledgeable they are not tour guides as such. Our trips pass through many countries and our tour leaders cannot be expected to have detailed knowledge of each country's history, flora and fauna and archaeological sites. Even so - they will be more than willing to pass on any interesting and useful information that they have acquired whilst on the road. A rewarding way to gain a better insight into the wildlife, cultural and historical diversity of the countries we travel through is by reading guide books as well as talking to the local people and using local guides.

Adventure travel can be unpredictable and occasionally our crew may have to amend the itinerary to take into account changing local circumstances or because of a delay at a border or because of circumstances outside our control. This can all lead to additional work and commitment for our crew who will do all they can to minimize any disruption to the trip. While our crew are essentially on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week, it has to be remembered that no one is actually expected to work these hours, so at Oasis we are realistic that within a trip there will be times when our crew need 'down time' and a chance to relax and 'let their hair down' as well. They are only human!

Itinerary Changes

Due to the unpredictable nature of this expedition - it is not always possible to follow the exact itinerary as set out. We will always endeavour to visit all the places listed, and often more that are not. All the information regarding the itinerary is given in good faith and is subject to change, dependent on local political or country instabilities, weather, security & road conditions etc. Any major itinerary changes will be decided by the crew & company directors and will be discussed with the group beforehand whenever possible. The final decision about itinerary changes will be made by the crew and company directors and not by the group. It is also possible that the expedition may arrive earlier or later than specified into Cape Town/Nairobi or Cairo.

It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all your costs for flights will be borne by you and not Oasis.

If we do have to fly over a particular area or country we will endeavour to take in other places of interest if time permits. While Oasis Overland will cover all ground and transport costs, we have not taken the cost of flights into our pricing structure. Therefore any flights will have to be paid for by each individual.

Optional Excursions

Optional Excursions are paid for on the day and organised during your trip, so you can decide whilst travelling which activity you may want to do. Prices listed are only a guide and may be dependant on fluctuating exchange rates and minimum numbers. Please see below for more details.

Zimbabwe

Title	From Price
Zipline - Victoria Falls (solo/tandem), from	US$74
Zambezi Canoe Trip - Full Day	US$150
White Water Rafting - Low Water (mid July to mid Dec)	US$120
White Water Rafting - High water (1/2 day)	US$120
Sundowner Cruise incl. Drinks & snacks, from	US$65
Raft & Riverboard DVD	US$40
Raft & Riverboard Combo - Zambezi	US$190
Photos on CD / Video of Bungee, from	US$20
Microlite Flight over Victoria Falls - 15/30 mins (takes place in Zambia), from	US$185
Flying Fox / Gorge Swing x 2 / Zipline Adrenaline - 1/2 Day or Full Day, from	US$155
Entrance to Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe	US$50
Bungee Jump off Victoria Falls Bridge (111m)	US$160
Bridge Slide - Victoria Falls (solo)	US$45
Bridge Slide - Victoria Falls (tandem)	US$70
Bridge Swing - Victoria Falls (solo)	US$160
Bridge Swing - Victoria Falls (tandem)	US$240
Bungee Jump / Bridge Slide / Bridge Swing	US$210
Cooking experience, half day - Harare	US$20
Harare city walking tour	US$Donation
Bridal Veil Falls, entry	US$10
Chimanimani National Park - entrance fee, guide & transport, from	US$30
Game Drive - Gweru	US$25
Great Zimbabwe Ruins	US$20
Matobo National Park - 1 Day Guided Rhino Walk / Jeep Tour	US$100
Mule Drawn Carriage ride	US$30
Horseback - Game Ride - Gweru, from	US$30

Botswana

Title	From Price
Okavango Delta / 1 Night Mokoro Trail	US$160
Flight Over the Delta by Plane - min 5 people	US$100

Lesotho

Title	From Price
Malealea Village Choir	US$7
Overnight Hikes with packhorses from	US$70
Overnight Pony Treks from	US$100
Pony Trekking - Lesotho, various rides available per hour from,	US$25
Various Guided Walks - per hour	US$5

South Africa

Title	From Price
Apartheid Museum - Johannesburg	US$7
Black Water Tubing 1/2 day	US$50
Cango Caves Adventure tour upgrade	US$6
Guided Bridge Walk - Bloukrans Bridge	US$15
Highest Bungee in the World - Bloukrans Bridge	US$85
Horse Ride - Royal Natal National Park - from	US$22
Johannesburg City Tour	US$45
Local Township Tours	US$35
Quad Biking 2 hours - Tsitsikamma	US$55
Sea Kayaking	US$24
Soweto Township Tour	US$40
Tree Top Canopy Walk	US$50
Tsitsikama National Park Entrance	US$16
Waterfall Zip Lining in Tsitsikamma Forest	US$40

Malawi

Title	From Price
Scuba Diving, from	US$35
Village Tour / Dinner	US$4

Tanzania

Title	From Price
1 Day walk to Mandara Hut, from	US$130
Cultural Tours of Marangu area, from	US$15
Dhow Sunset Cruise, from	US$25
Diving at Local Reefs, from	US$70
Diving Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve (1 / 2 Dives), from	US$85
Maasai Village Walk / Camel Ride - each	US$7
Meals on Zanzibar - per day, from	US$15
Prison Island Trip	US$25
Snorkelling - Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve	US$85
Snorkelling at Local Reefs	US$40
Spice Tour	US$25
Swim with Dolphins	US$35

Kenya

Title	From Price
Giraffe Centre - Nairobi	US$10
Return Transport to Elephant Orphanage - Per Car (Max 4 people)	US$25
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage - Entrance	US$6
Boat trip, Lake Naivasha	US$25
Crater Lake walk, includes entry, lunch & guide (min 4 people) - Naivasha	US$80
Elsamere Visit	US$12
Hells Gate National Park (entry and bike hire - min 3 people)	US$57

Uganda

Title	From Price
Horseriding - 2 to 3 Hours, from	US$50
Jinja Sunset Cruise	US$45
Mountain Bike Hire - 1 to 4 Hours, from	US$35
Pygmy Island Day Trip on Lake Bunyoni	US$25
Soft Power Education - Volunteer Day	US$25
Quadbiking - 1 to 4 Hours, from	US$50
Tandem Kayaking	US$160
Transport to Gorilla Trek (included from 2025)	US$40
VCD / DVD of the Rafting / Kayaking	US$45
Whitewater Rafting - White Nile	US$140
Chimpanzee trek, including transport min. 4	US$125

Rwanda

Title	From Price
Donation to Kigali Genocide Memorial	US$10
Genocide Memorial - Audio headset	US$15
Mount Bisoke Hike, from	US$95
Musanze Cave Tour	US$30

Ethiopia

Title	From Price
Addis Ababa entry into museums, from	US$8
Omo Valley - tribal village visits	US$100
Danakil Depression 3 day tour, from	US$300
Simean Mountain Trek, includes transport, guide, food & entrances, per day - from	US$70
Lalibela Rock Churches Permit plus guide	US$55
Fasilidas Castles and Compound - Gondar	US$10
Boat Trip on Lake Tana inlcuding entrance to monasteries & guide, from	US$20
Blue Nile Falls - entry, from	US$15
Axum Churches & Archaelogical Sites Permit including guide	US$35
Axum - Transport to and from, guide and entrance fees	US$200
Axum - Accommodation - per night, from	US$10

Djibouti

Title	From Price
Maskali & Moucha Islands swimming & snorkelling tour, from	US$80
Lac Abbe day trip, from	US$80

Egypt

Title	From Price
Valley of the Kings & Workers Tour - Entry & Guide	US$34
Tombs of the Nobles - Aswan	US$7
Tomb of King Tutankhamen (when open)	US$17
Nubian Village Dinner	US$12
Kitchener Island / Elephantine Island	US$7
Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show	US$15
Guided tour & Entrance to Abu Simbel	US$20
Entrance to Mummy Room in Egyptian Museum	US$16
Entrance to Luxor Temple	US$14
Entrance to Luxor Museum	US$17
Entrance to Karnak Temple	US$10
Entrance to Edfu Temple	US$15
Cairo Tower	US$13
Balloon Flight over the Nile & Luxor	US$90
Aswan High Dam/Philae Temple includes entrance,guide & transport	US$40
Accomm in Cairo - Twin / Double room (before / after trip) p/p, from	US$30

Sudan

Title	From Price
Boat trip on the Nile	US$15
Archaeological Permits - per site	US$10

We feel that having optional excursions gives a greater degree of flexibility and independence to our group members; independence to decide how much your spending budget can afford; flexibility to decide when and what time of day or with whom to visit a particular site, rather than for example, with the whole group at a pre-ordained time. If you decide not to join a popular excursion, you will have free time to relax or wander off to a market, village or beach, depending on where we are.

You pay for the optional excursions to the local operator, ensuring the money stays with that operator in the local community and this ensures as well, that you are paying the true price for any optional excursions you want to do. This also applies to accommodation costs before and after the trip. Please note that the prices of optional excursions quoted are approximate as local prices can and do change. Please see the relevant trip page for the Optional excursions you can do on that trip and a list of prices.

Dates & Prices

2025

Start	Finish	Special Events	Trip Price	Local Payment
Mon 14 Apr	Mon 22 Sep	Dates: Mon 14 Apr - Mon 22 Sep	Special Events: 10% Discount	Adult Price: £5215	Local Payment: US$3000	Book

2026

Start	Finish	Special Events	Trip Price	Local Payment
Mon 13 Apr	Mon 21 Sep	Dates: Mon 13 Apr - Mon 21 Sep	Special Events: 10% Discount	Adult Price: £5395	Local Payment: US$3200	Book

2027

Start	Finish	Special Events	Trip Price	Local Payment
Tue 13 Apr	Tue 21 Sep	Dates: Tue 13 Apr - Tue 21 Sep	Special Events: 10% Discount	Adult Price: £5665	Local Payment: US$3350	Book

Please Note: This is part of the Trans Africa Expedition which starts in the UK and therefore both the start and finish dates are subject to change due to the nature of the trip. As noted in the itinerary, we may not be able to travel through parts of northern Ethiopia or through Sudan. The itinerary should therefore be considered as a guide only and the schedule for the final few weeks of the trip may be adjusted, potentially flying to Egypt from Addis Ababa or Djibouti City (flight at your cost). If the trip is cut short due to the time missed in these areas then a partial refund of the Local Payment portion of the trip price will be ma

Download pre-departure information

162 days from £5,215

+ Local payment from US$3,000

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Travel Style
Ultimate Expedition
Start Location
Cape Town
End Location
Cairo
Region
Africa

A deposit of just £600 secures your place; full amount payable if booking within 10 weeks of departure.

Add Ons and Volunteer Projects

Prices are from prices and may vary depending on the number of participants or date of travel.

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Countries Visited: Botswana, Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Somaliland, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Route Map

Highlights

Includes

Excludes

Trip Itinerary

Days 1 - 9 Cape Town to Lesotho

Days 10 - 18 Lesotho to Eswatini

Days 19 - 26 Eswatini, Kruger and Maputo

Days 27 - 31 Maputo to Vilanculos

Days 32 - 41 Vilanculos to Bulawayo

Days 42 - 50 Bulawayo to the Okavango Delta and Caprivi Strip

Days 51 - 58 Victoria Falls to Lilongwe

Days 59 - 70 Lilongwe to Zanzibar

Days 71 - 76 Dar es Salaam to Arusha and the Serengeti

Days 77 - 84 Arusha to Kigali via Burundi

Days 85 - 91 Kigali to Kampala, Gorilla Trek

Days 92 - 100 Kamapala to Nairobi via the Masai Mara

Days 101 - 108 Nairobi to Jinka

Days 109 - 116 Jinka to Harar

Days 117 - 125 Harar to Djibouti City

Days 126 - 141 Djibouti City to Gondar

Days 142 - 151 Gondar to Aswan

Days 152 - 162 Aswan to Cairo

Essential Information

Essential Information About Your Trip

Arrival & Accommodation

Pre-departure Meeting

Flight Information

Passports

Visas

Vaccinations and Health

Travel Insurance

Money, Budgets and LP

Climate

What To Take

Responsible Travel

Additional Information

What to Expect

What To Expect

Life On The Road

Optional Excursions

Optional Excursions

Zimbabwe

Botswana

Lesotho

South Africa

Malawi

Tanzania

Kenya

Uganda

Rwanda

Ethiopia

Djibouti

Egypt

Sudan

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

2026

2027

Add Ons and Volunteer Projects

Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater 3 day / 2 night Safari

From £695

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit

From £710

Golden Monkey Trek

From £140

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Why Travel with Oasis?

Experience