This is a real exploratory journey, which we will only run once a year. No two trips will be the same as this is an ever changing part of Africa and many of the places that we visit are seldom travelled through. To date it has proved an amazingly rewarding experience for the select band of travellers who have joined us; and they are a select band, as you will need to apply directly to join this trip. So saying, this is an unbelievable journey across some amazing places. Starting in Ghana, we cross Togo and Benin, and then Nigeria. In the south of Nigeria, we cut through jungle roads into tropical Cameroon and then south into Gabon. The splendours of Gabon, its wildlife, forests and beaches are actually second to NONE in Africa. Then the expedition 'hots up', crossing Congo-Brazzaville and the DRC, before entering one of the real gems of African travel, Angola and then on into Namibia and finishing in Cape Town.
This trip is for experienced travellers only, who are happy to expect the unexpected. We cannot guarantee the itinerary, the accommodation or even the countries that we will be able to cross. You must embark on this journey, knowing full well that it is an expedition.
Visit Akosombo Dam the colossal 1960s project that provides almost all of Ghana's energy needs and created Lake Volta, one of the world's largest man-made lakes
An evening of energetic drumming and dancing from the local villagers in Mont Klouto
Go on a guided tour of the Tata Somba villages of northern Benin learning about the traditional culture and way of life and visiting their incredible 2-storey 'mud castle' homes
Visit the stunning landscapes of Pendjari National Park famous for being one of the best wildlife reserves in West Africa
A guided tour of the capital of the ancient Dahomey empire including the Dahomey Palace and Museum.
Border information: if you are joining in Accra, then you will most likely enter Ghana at Accra Kotoka International Airport (IATA code: ACC).
There will be an important group meeting at 10:00am at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting. Your leader will collect your kitty and check your passport, visas, and insurance details at this meeting.
The afternoon will be free to explore the city of Accra.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Accra before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Accra.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Visit the famous Labadi Beach situated on the outskirts of Accra
Entrance: 5 GHS
Freely explore the huge Independence Square and Black Star Arch in Accra where independence was celebrated in 1957
Visit: Free
Freely explore the area of Jamestown Accra's oldest district and a vibrant fishing area
Visit: Free
Head to this park which is a memorial to one of the founding fathers of Ghana.
Visit: 5 GHS
Learn all about the history and culture of Ghana in the National Museum
Entrance: 40 GHS
Visit the outside of the famous Osu Castle the seat of power in Ghana since the 1600s
See the outside: Free
Today we will apply for Togo visas at the Togolese Embassy in Accra.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
This morning we will leave Accra and head north to the village of Akosombo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Border information: Exit Ghana at Klouto, enter Togo at Klouto.
Today we will have a full day's drive to the spectacular Mont Klouto, crossing the border into Togo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Included Activities
Visit Akosombo Dam the colossal 1960s project that provides almost all of Ghana's energy needs and created Lake Volta, one of the world's largest man-made lakes
Today we will have a free day around the beautiful Mont Klouto region, with the opportunity to head out on optional forest walks or to visit Kpalimé town nearby.
In the evening, we will head to the village centre to see a spectacular show of drumming and dancing from the local villagers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Over the next 2 days we will drive up the length of Togo, all the way through the remote northern border with Benin. We will wild camp for 1 night en route.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Included Activities
An evening of energetic drumming and dancing from the local villagers in Mont Klouto
Optional Activities
Experience Kpalime, a market town like no other
Taxi: 500 USD
Guided walks around Mont Klouto looking for butterflies and enjoying the beautiful forest scenery
Guided walk: 8,000 USD
Today we continue our drive through Togo after our wild camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
This morning we will head to the beach while we are watingin for our visas to be processed. Time to relax before we head into Benin tomorrow!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Border information: Exit Togo at Ketao, enter Benin at Ouaké.
Today we will cross the border into Benin, before continuing our journey to the Tata Somba region close to the town of Tanguiéta.
Today we will have a free day at Grand Popo for relaxing on the beach or taking a pirogue trip around the nearby ocean and mangroves.
There is also an option this evening to visit an incredible local vodun (voodoo) ceremony in the nearby village, complete with very energetic dancing and incredible magic tricks! It may also be possible to take a night walk in search of Atlantic turtles, which lay their eggs on the beaches between November and March.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Included Activities
Go on a guided tour of the Tata Somba villages of northern Benin learning about the traditional culture and way of life and visiting their incredible 2-storey 'mud castle' homes
Optional Activities
Head out on a guided walk through the beautiful scenery in the hills of the Tata Somba region to visit some local waterfalls
Optional walk: 2,500 XOF
From the Tata Somba region we have a short journey north to the beautiful Pendjari NP.
We will stay for two nights wild camping in the NP, where we will have freedom to explore and head out on game drives in the truck in search of wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Included Activities
Visit the stunning landscapes of Pendjari National Park famous for being one of the best wildlife reserves in West Africa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Our journey today continues to Abomey, the ancient capital of the Dahomey kingdom. On arrival we will take an included tour of the Dahomey Palace and Museum.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Today we have a free day in Abomey to relax and prepare for the rest of our journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Included Activities
A guided tour of the capital of the ancient Dahomey empire including the Dahomey Palace and Museum.
We will drive from Abomey to Grand Popo today and enjoy some well deserved time at the beach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Free day in Grand Popo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Optional Activities
Explore the rivers mangroves and villages of Grand Popo on a pirogue trip around the local area
Boat trip: 5,000 XOF
Head out at night to walk to the remote beaches where Atlantic Green Turtles are often seen laying their eggs between Novermber and March (please note that sightings of turtles are not guaranteed and the chances of seeing them are more like 50-50!)
Donation: 5,000 XOF
Observe a local voodoo celebration in the nearby village of Grand Popo watch the hypnotic drumming and dancing of the 'Nightwatchman' and see some mind-blowing black magic!
Ceremony per group: 60,000 USD
Today we will take a very interesting half-day tour of the sites in Ouidah, including the Voodoo Python Temple, the "Route des Esclaves" (Slave Route), La Maison du Brésil art gallery and the Ouidah Museum of History in the old Portuguese Fort of São João Baptista de Ajudá.
We may hopefully see many of the local fishermen bringing their catch in.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 1
Included Activities
Half-day tour of Ouidah including the museums and exhibitions at La Maison Bresil learning about the history of slavery on the 'Route des Esclaves' and the Point of No Return and a visit to the voodoo Snake Temple.
This morning we will drive to Abomey-Calavi (a port on the outskirts of Cotonou), where we say goodbye to the truck for the night and jump aboard motorised pirogues to Ganvie, a fascinating town built entirely on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoué.
Today we will have an included tour of the stilt town of Ganvie, exploring deeper on our pirogues and soaking up the unique way of life in the floating village.
In Ganvie we will stay in the stilt village itself!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2
Included Activities
Visit to the incredible stilt village of Ganvie where an entire community of fisherman live in a town entirely built on stilts in the middle of Lake Noukoe near Cotonou
Today is where our true adventure begins! We will be making our way through the next 6 countries without a fixed itinerary. We will be keeping a close eye on the travel advice for each area that we head towards. This starts with the next 8 days through Nigeria. Some of the highlights we may experience include the impressive Usman Dam, Abuja National Mosque, Lekki Market and the beautiful Yankari NP.
We will be wild camping for the majority of this trip from now on, experiencing the true life and culture of the towns and villages we stop in.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Nigeria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Nigeria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring Nigeria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring Nigeria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Nigeria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring Nigeria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Nigeria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Nigeria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Now we will head out of Nigeria into Cameroon. We have allocated another 8 days here. We may have the chance to apply for some visas during our time in Cameroon.
Highlights of the country include Douala with its bustling shopping and nightlife as well as Yaounde which is where we will find the National Museum. There will be opportunities to relax by the beach as well as spend time in the foothills of Mount Cameroon which is one of Africa's biggest volcanoes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring Cameroon
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Exploring Cameroon
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Exploring Cameroon
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Exploring Cameroon
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Exploring Cameroon
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Exploring Cameroon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Cameroon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Cameroon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
We now pass into our next destination, Gabon. We will spend 6 days travelling through this vibrant country. This is the point where the tarmac runs out, we will be getting used to dirt roads from now on!
There may be options for time on safari here as much of Gabon is rainforest. This could be in Lambarene or Loango NP which are barely inhabited by people and the wildlife is protected. There are also many Bwiti rituals in these areas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring Gabon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Gabon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Gabon
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Exploring Gabon
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Exploring Gabon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Now onto 8 days in the Republic of the Congo. This is where we really prepare for the unexpected! Digging out the truck, huge potholes and overgrown passages can make this country feel truly wild. We will only pass through this country with the whole team working together.
The people in this country are renound for their hospitable welcomes and we will find smiling faces wherever we go, from Nouabalé-Ndoki NP (home to Gorilla's), to Pointe-Noire (where the beaches are renound) we will be greeted with open arms.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring the Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring the Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring the Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring the Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring the Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring the Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring the Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring the Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
We will be passing through a small portion of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as we make our way to Angola. Here we have the option of travelling West and visiting Kinshasa or, if it is in our best interests to do so, we can visit the enclave of Cabina, which is part of Angola.
We should be able to view the Crystal Mountains range and have the option to climb Mont Mangengenge, a pilgrimage site for local people. You will probably be overtaken by the Congolese praying step by step as they ascend. The DRC is also home to the only Bonobo sanctuary in the world, definitely worth a visit!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Our final country with no fixed itinerary is Angola. This is a country that is still making it's way back from years of civil war. Due to this tourists are not seen very regularly, in fact, we may be the first tourists to travel through some villages. We also have the chance to test out our Portuguese here.
Close to where we enter the country is Turtle Beach where endangered Olive Ridley Turtles hatch through September to March. The National Museum of Slavery near Lobito is a stark reminder of Angolas past. Other highlights include Kalandula Falls and Quicama NP.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Exploring Angola
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Exploring Angola
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Exploring Angola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Angola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Angola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Angola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Exploring Angola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Exploring Angola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today we head to the stunning Etosha NP.
Etosha is one of the world's most pre-eminent wildlife areas, and we have an excellent chance to spot some of Africa's most famous animals such as elephant, lion, giraffe, zebra, leopard, oryx, impala, and rhino!
We will stay in the park for 2 days, giving us plenty of opportunity for game drives in our truck in search of the animals here.
In Etosha NP we will stay in a mixture of the campsites of Namutoni, Halali or Okaukuejo according to availability, all of which are superbly located within the NP, have excellent facilities and are situated next to watering holes where many animals come for a drink at night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Included Activities
Overland safari through Etosha National Park with excellent wildlife
Full day in Etosha National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Today we drive to Windhoek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Today we will drive south to the stunning mountains of Spitzkoppe. This remote region has breathtaking sunsets and sunrises as the colour of the landscape takes on remarkable oranges and reds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Optional Activities
Guided walk around the stunning landscape of Spitzkoppe
1-4 persons - NAD50pp/hour, 5-10 persons - NAD35pp/hour: 75 NAD
Today we will continue to the old German colonial town of Swakopmund, where we will have 2 nights to explore the town and enjoy some of the many optional adventure activities on offer.
We will also have an included visit to Cape Cross en route from Spitzkoppe, to experience the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shore.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Included Activities
Visit the seal colony at Cape Cross
Free day in Swakopmund.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today we will drive from Swakopmund to Sesriem, our base for exploring the spectacular Namib Desert. If time allows, en route we will have the option to take a short walking tour of the desert around Solitaire where we can learn all about the ecosystem of the desert - please note that our time available for this is dependent on the time of the sunset, as they close the gates to our Sesriem campsite at sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Optional Activities
Guided walk through the landscapes of the Namib desert learning all about the delicate desert ecosystem
Price: 260 NAD
Today we have an early morning start to climb to the top of the famous Dune 45 for a dramatic and incredible sunrise view across a vast sea of sand. We will also have chance to explore the otherworldy landscape of the Dead Vlei. In the afternoon, we head south to our river camp near the small town of Bethanie.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Included Activities
Visit the famous Dune 45 and explore the other-wordly landscapes of the Sossusvlei and the Dead Vlei salt pans
Optional Activities
Take a balloon trip over the Namib desert and Dune 45
Price: 5,950 NAD
Go on a scenic flight over the Sossusvlei
1hr trip (price per plane, taking max 5 pax): 4,280 NAD
40min trip (price per plane, taking max 5 pax): 3,000 NAD
1hr 30min trip (price per plane, taking max 5 pax): 7,075 NAD
Today we head south to the dramatic scenery of the Fish River Canyon. Here we will have some time for exploration and taking in the beautiful sunset over the canyon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Included Activities
Take in the jaw-dropping vistas at the Fish River Canyon
This morning we will drive to Noordoewer, next to the scenic banks of the Gariep (Orange) River - the natural border between Namibia and South Africa. If there is sufficient water in the river we may be able to take an optional canoeing tour on the Orange River.
NB: If we have arrived late the previous day, the Tour Leader may opt to spend more time at Fish River Canyon before driving to Noordoewer.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Optional Activities
Enjoy a dip in the hot springs at Ais Ais
Entrance: 25 NAD
Head out on a short canoe trip on the Orange River which marks the boundary of Namibia and South Africa
Full-day Canoe trip incl packed lunch: 300 NAD
Border Information: Exit Namibia at Noordoewer, enter South Africa at Noordoewer.
Today we cross the border into South Africa and head down the Western Cape to camp site near Citrusdal. In the evening we will have the option for some wine tasting!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Optional Activities
Sample the delicious wines from the vineyards at the base of the Cederberg Mountains
Price: 100 ZAR
Our final day takes us down the Western Cape to the charming and beautiful city of Cape Town.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
This evening you will have the opportunity to enjoy a final group meal to say goodbye to your fellow travellers after what is certainly the journey of a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
End Day
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$8,655 USD
Status: Open