Nairobi to Cairo
Trip Details
Embark on a grand adventure across Africa's north-east: from the rolling savannah and lush highlands of Kenya and Tanzania to the marvels of ancient Egypt and Nubia and the Horn of Africa's deserts and mountains. Along the way, encounter friendly Nubian oasis folk, Sudanese market vendors, Ethiopian Rastafarians, Kenya's proud Samburu warriors and the rarely visited tribes of the Omo Valley. This is a memorable Overland escapade through a very special part of the continent.
Itinerary
Day 1 Nairobi
Be immersed in modern Kenya while walking the busy streets of vibrant Nairobi.
Day 2 Lake Naivasha
Relax by the lake and watch hippos wallowing on the shore.
Days 3-4 Lake Nakuru
Be on the lookout for rhinos and other iconic wildlife feeding around the shores of the flamingo-filled lake.
Days 8-9 Marsabit/Moyale
Traverse a surreal, black lunar landscape and pass spectacular craters and termite mounds on the drive to Ethiopia.
Days 10-11 Konso
Pick up a souvenir at the local market or perhaps take time to admire the traditional houses in the area.
Day 23 Lake Abiata-Shala National Park
Soak in hot springs surrounded by the twitter of birdlife.
Days 24-25 Addis Ababa
Stop by Ethiopia's bustling capital and indulge in spicy, traditional cuisine in a local restaurant or cafe.
Days 42-44 Gonder
Discover this cosmopolitan city of elaborate castles, churches and palaces.
Days 45-47 Khartoum
Brush up on your Arabic with the friendly residents of Khartoum in Sudan. Be sure to watch the famous Sufi Whirling Dervishes dance themselves into religious ecstasy.
Day 5 Mt Kenya
Spend time exploring the slopes of Mt Kenya.
Days 6-7 Samburu National Reserve
Try to spot the Big Five in the reserve. Learn about tribal life from the locals and watch traditional Samburu dancing.
Days 12-15 Omo Valley
The colourful markets and villages are a delight to explore in this picturesque valley. Meet friendly tribespeople and learn about their fascinating culture.
Days 16-17 Arba Minch
In free time, why not embark on a boat trip or visit a crocodile farm?
Days18-19 Shashemene
Learn about the Rasta lifestyle and philosophy at a Rastafarian community school and museum.
Days 20-22 Bale Mountains National Park
Venture out on game-spotting expeditions in this stunningly diverse park.
Day 26 Dejen
Visit the Blue Nile Gorge en route to Dejen.
Days 27-29 Bahir Dar
Feel the sheet of mist rising from the mighty Blue Nile Falls before boarding a reed boat bound for the monasteries on Lake Tana's islands and isolated peninsulas. The monasteries are famous for their murals and ornately decorated interiors.
Days 30-32 Lalibela
Hidden among the hills of northern Ethiopia, Lalibela is home to monolithic churches hewn from the surrounding rocks. Take a walk through the structures with a local guide to unlock the fascinating history of this area.
Days 33-34 Mekele
Admire the clusters of churches sculptured into caves and a dramatic cliff-face in Tigray.
Days 35-36 Aksum
Get acquainted with this once-mighty city and discover its towering ancient obelisks, crumbling palaces and web of underground tombs.
Days 37-41 Simien Mountains National Park
These stunning mountains are home to a wealth of animals. Hike through the rugged terrain, passing eroded volcanic cores, raging rivers and jagged peaks.
Days 48-49 Meroe
Marvel at the spectacular Kushite temples at Meroe, the most impressive and well-preserved in Nubia. Explore unique sites including the Lion Temple at Naga and the palace at Musawwarat es-Sufra.
Days 50-53 Nubian Desert
Follow a traditional camel route through some of Africa's most unforgiving terrain. Experience the magical solitude of camping among the dunes and perhaps offer passing nomads a meal in accordance with desert hospitality. Cross the Nile by boat and admire the remote, ruined Temple of Sulb.
Days 54-55 Wadi Halfa
Drive through rocky terrain to reach Wadi Halfa, then cross Lake Nasser on an epic ferry ride.
Days 56-59 Aswan
A stroll beside the Nile is the perfect way to appreciate the relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque town. Visit an unfinished obelisk, take a felucca ride or venture into the atmospheric souq to snare a bargain.
Days 60-62 Luxor
Be overwhelmed by Luxor's ancient treasures including the spectacular Temples of Karnak. Ride donkeys into the eerie Valley of the Kings and explore the famous tombs of pharaohs, which boast wonderfully preserved paintings.
Days 63-68 Western Desert Oasis Route
Experience the magic of travelling through golden, desert landscapes. Explore the White and Black deserts and behold the unique beauty of Crystal Mountain.
Days 69-72 Cairo
Soak up the rich history of captivating Cairo. Be amazed by the priceless artefacts in the Egyptian Museum, including the dazzling treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb. Gaze in awe at the legendary Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza and explore the sprawling Saqqara cemetery. The city's unique fusion between ancient and modern offers something for everyone and is sure to impress.