From
$8,147
NZ $7,577

The Classic Safari

62 days
From Nairobi to Cape Town
4.5
2 traveler reviews
The Classic Safari - Absolute Africa
From
$8,147
-7%
NZ $7,577
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+ $1,489 Local Payment
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Payment plan $1,629 now + easy payments of $501 Learn More

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Plan your adventure:
Overland Truck
Off-the-grid adventures with a rugged edge
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 28
Age range 18 to 80
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore Maasai culture in Loita Hills
  • Game drives in Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru
  • Stay on Zanzibar Island, explore Stone Town
  • Cruise and game drives in Chobe National Park
  • Visit Victoria Falls and try adventure sports

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1-9 KENYA
  2. Day 10-13 TANZANIA
  3. Day 14-20 TANZANIA
  4. Day 21-26 TANZANIA - MALAWI
  5. Day 27-32 ZAMBIA - ZIMBABWE
  6. Day 33-36 ZIMBABWE
  7. Day 37-39 ZIMBABWE
  8. Day 40-45 BOTSWANA
  9. Day 46-54 NAMIBIA
  10. Day 55-62 NAMIBIA - SOUTH AFRICA
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Absolute Africa

4.5
(181 reviews)

Number of tours

46

Age Range

18 to 80 years old

Response time

9 hours

Response rate

100%

With over thirty years of experience running safaris from London to Cape Town...

Read more

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • The Classic Safari reviewer 1
    · December 16th, 2014
    The hardest part of going on this trip (besides finding the time and the funds) is which tour operator to use? I spent a lot of time reading reviews about so many different companies. In the end I settled on Absolute Africa because of date offered worked best for my schedule, the price was very low, and they have A LOT of great reviews online, plus they've been in business for so long, that they couldn't have survived for this long if they ran a bad tour. The ladies at the London office are super friendly and always eager to help out, I can't express my gratitude for their endless enthusiasm, patience for all my questions and their help in making my trip happen. This "trip of a lifetime" was a truly epic experience and so much of it was in part to our guide Vailet (Vee). She was knowledgeable about all the different areas we went to, often knowing lots of locals and other guides to facilitate a smooth and interesting experience. The views were spectacular (Serengeti, Spitzkoppe, Sossusvlei, etc), some of the experiences were second to none (Bungee swing off the Victoria Falls Bridge, petting cheetahs, sunset cruise on Lake Kariba) but the people made the difference. I went on this 59 day trip not knowing anybody else and came away with some great friends who I plan on staying in contact with for a long while :) Also a surprise is that despite being a vegetarian, they always accommodated me and the food was excellent! I wasn't much of a camper before going into this trip, but after spending so many days and nights putting up, taking down and sleeping in tents, I have come to miss tent time. I definitely plan on camping more in the future :) I cannot substantially express how great of a time I had on this long trip with Absolute Africa, Vee, and my new friends from all over the world :) Book with Absolute and have no doubts, you're making an excellent choice!
    Show more
    Absolute Africa commented on this review
    Thank you so much for leaving a review. We are glad to have helped you pan your trip, and that you enjoyed the classic Safari with Vailet!
    Trip date: June 2014
  • The Classic Safari reviewer 2
    · December 15th, 2014
    Amazing time in africa and vailet peters is the best tour guide ever - very informative, helpful, stressless - just great!
    Show more
    Absolute Africa commented on this review
    Thanks for leaving a review, we are glad you enjoyed your trip!
    Trip date: October 2012

Dates & Availability

62 days
The Classic Safari
From Nairobi to Cape Town

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  • -7%
    From Sunday
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    English
    Filling Fast
    From:
    $8,147
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  • From Sunday
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    To Friday
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    From:
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    To Thursday
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  • From Monday
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    To Saturday
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    From:
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    Local Payment
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  • From Monday
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    To Saturday
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    English
    From:
    $8,147
    Local Payment
    $1,489
From
$8,147
-7%
NZ $7,577
Find this price
+ $1,489 Local Payment
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $1,629 now + easy payments of $501 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • A

    Angela

    Asked on February 13th, 2025

    Do we tip guide at the end of the tour, if so how much

    Tour Details
    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten February 2025

      For tipping the Absolute Africa crew, how much you tip is up to you depending on how happy you are with the trip but as a rough guide we usually recommend you tip about $1 to $2 dollars per day that you spent on the trip to each crew member.

  • P

    Patrick

    Asked on January 20th, 2025

    how much must I pay in extra (other than optional activities) in this tour, US$900 (Local Payment)? For the Kenya national park fee, is it for single entry or multiple entries in a period of time? If I want to join 2 tours and visit Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru in both tours, can I just buy 1 ticket for 2 tours? I suppose that we travel a big truck in this tour. If I want to travel 4X4 Jeep to see the migration, any other tours you would suggest to join too?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    Transport
    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten January 2025

      Along with the tour price there is a local payment which you have mentioned. This is 900 USD for the 62 day Classic Safari and this is paid in USD cash on the first day of the tour to the tour leader. The local payment is a separate payment from the initial tour price which is paid prior to departure and together they cover all the inclusions in the tour. The Classic Safari includes in the price Nakuru National Park for a morning and afternoon game drive and the Masai Mara for 2 days which includes 2 morning and 2 afternoon game drives. We travel on the Overland Truck as a means of transport and for some game drives, such as Etosha, however in Nakuru we game drive in 4x4 minivans with pop up roof and in the Masai Mara in Land cruisers with pop up roof.

    • P

      Patrick

      TravelerWritten January 2025

      If I would like to travel 4X4 Jeep for the migration, do you have any tours to suggest?

    • P

      Patrick

      TravelerWritten January 2025

      4x4 vehicles means the one with top roof for viewing? Do you have any short tour (3-5 days) going from Cape Town to Johannesburg?

    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten January 2025

      The style of the 4x4 differs in each game park. However normally in the Masai Mara the 4x4 is normally a landcruiser with a pop up roof for game viewing. We do not have any short tours which go from Cape Town to Johannesburg. We do offer the Garden Route as an add on for some of our tours which takes you from Cape Town to Johannesburg, this is 15 days.

    • P
      P
      3 more answers
  • A

    Andy

    Asked on December 7th, 2024

    I want to join the classic tour for 62 days in Africa but I have to leave the tour on the 29-30th of August. Is it possible to leave earlier and take the flight from Cape Town?

    Flights / Transfers
    Tour Details
    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten December 2024

      The best point to leave this tour will be in Swakopmund, Namibia. The truck leaves Swakopmund on 28th August and you could take a shuttle that day to Windhoek for an onward international flight.

    • A

      Andy

      TravelerWritten January 2025

      I have thought to join the southern safari for 54 days. However, I can not stay till 4 September. I have to return my work before 31 August? can I leave earlier? Do I have to make a full payment or you make discount as I will not attend the tour in South Africa?

    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten January 2025

      With the Southern Safari it works the same as with the Classic Safari. The best place to get off the trip is at Swakopmund on 28 August. For the Southern Safari departing on 13 July and ending in swakopmund on 28 August the cost will be GBP 2600 with a local payment of U$625.

    • A

      Andy

      TravelerWritten January 2025

      I tried to book a southern safari tour for 5th July but I haven't seen the date. How can I do it? If you help me, I will be happy.

    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten January 2025

      The Southern Safari departs on 13 July, we do not have a departure for that tour on 5 July. It is basically the same as the Classic Safari except that it doesn't spend time in the Kenyan parks but leaves for Tanzania on day 2. So this tour starts a week later than the Classic Safari.

    • A

      Andy

      TravelerWritten January 2025

      What tour will you suggest to me? I need one at least longer than 40 days and it must be start at the end of June and end before 29 August. I want to see south and east Africa.

    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten January 2025

      Then you can go for this Classic Safari starting on 5 July and finish at Sakopmund on 28 August. Or you can have a look at the Wildlife Journey tour which starts in Jinja, Uganda on 29 June, this tour meets up with the Classic and Southern Safaris and then you would also finish in Swakopmund on 28 August. With this tour you also have the option to trek the gorillas, but you would miss out on Kenya.

    • A
      6 more answers
  • C

    Carl

    Asked on May 17th, 2024

    I'm 82. Pretty fit, walk 4 miles four or five times per week. Touring companies might be concerned about health. I can produce physician certifications. I like camping with intermittent lodge accommodation. I have updated passport and can apply for visas. Similar to my Patagonia and Grand Canyon rafting experiences.

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten May 2024

      Age range is usually mid twenties to early forties, but we often have travelers in fifties and sixties. Age isn't an issue if you understand our travel style. This is a group participation camping tour with trucks up to 28 passengers. Most nights are in tents or shared dorms. 46 nights camping, 6 nights in dorms. Everyone helps with daily tasks like setting up tents, cooking, and cleaning. Requires flexibility and a sense of humor.

    • C

      Carl

      TravelerWritten May 2024

      None of the physical requirements are beyond my capabilities. Occasional room for washing and rest is great. I'm researching countries on the tour route. I'll plan air transportation with open jaw ticket to explore before and after tour.

    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten May 2024

      Tour departs morning of day 1 from Nairobi, so arrive day before. Tour ends in Cape Town, so recommend allowing extra days to explore before booking return flights.

    • C
      2 more answers
  • B

    Bruce

    Asked on December 21st, 2023

    whats the average age of traveller for this tour

    Age Range
    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten December 2023

      The average traveller in our trips tends to be in their mid twenties to late thirties/early forties. We do also have others out side this range frequently too, but that is the most common age bracket.

  • J

    Jeremy

    Asked on September 30th, 2022

    is the camping on ground mats or cots-? love camping but hard to get up off ground. Is this trip suitable for a senior?

    Accommodation
    Age Range
    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten October 2022

      We provide high density foam sleeping mats on all our tours so these are placed directly on the ground sheet of the tent. Age usually isn't an issue as long as all travelling are clear as to the style of travel. We do provide three person dome tents (used for two people) and a sleep mat but we can be out in the bush with basic amenities on some nights. Most older clients have a ball and really enjoy it all.

  • M

    Matthew

    Asked on May 11th, 2022

    I take it that the price doesn't include Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater game drives 3 days/2 nights etc so with this does that make it 65 days or still 62. which means if you didnt go what would you do please advise many thanks

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten May 2022

      To confirm that the 62 days of the Classic Safari does include the optional 3 days in the Tanzanian parks (Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater). This optional activity is run by a local operator out of Arusha and is a safari in 4x4 pop up roof Land Cruisers that most people really enjoy doing together in the group. If you didn't wish to go on this excursion, the truck stays back at the campsite in Arusha and you keep your tent and camping gear there and can do other activities as well as just have a bit of an explore to get a feel for Arusha including in the markets and nearby shops.

  • S

    Stuart

    Asked on February 19th, 2016

    When is the best time to view the migration?

    Other
    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten February 2016

      The prime time to visit the Serengeti in Tanzania is usually regarded as being from late November through to March when the big herds of wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and zebra head on to the southern plains of the Serengeti.

      To get the best viewing on the other hand in Kenya's Masai Mara July through to September are usually regarded as the best months.

  • B

    Beth

    Asked on February 15th, 2016

    What is the local payment?

    Other
    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten February 2016

      The local payment is a separate payment from the initial price you pay before you leave. If a local payment is required it will be shown with the trip price.

      This second payment is made in Africa at the start of your trip. It is payable in USD.

      The local payment provides us with the means for expenses that need to be paid in cash to local businesses en route to be arranged in the most cost effective manner possible, a saving we can then pass on to you. It also means we can operate in a way that directly supports local businesses and wildlife authorities as we travel.

      Local Payment will not be changed once you have booked your travel arrangements.

  • F

    Frank

    Asked on February 15th, 2016

    How much will this tour really cost me?

    Price / Availability
    • Absolute AfricaOperatorWritten February 2016

      The costs to consider when travelling overland are:

      Safari price & Local payment,
      Optional excursions,
      Personal spending money,
      Visas.

      We are always very transparent about what a tour will cost and are happy to go through personal, tailored budgets to give you a very realistic idea of what you will spend on your tour - whether you are an adrenaline junkie, souvenir-shopaholic or travelling on a shoestring…

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Absolute Africa with your enquiry, they usually respond within 9 hours.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 271

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

    As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types D, M, G.

    Type D
    Botswana
    Type M
    Botswana
    Type G
    Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Yellow fever - Recommended for Kenya. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Cholera - Recommended for Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended for Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia. Ideally 3 weeks before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 5th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 5th, 2025, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Absolute Africa. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Absolute Africa will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Absolute Africa" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.