Last updated on February 14th, 2025 at 12:39 pm
Are you dreaming of a trip to the incredible continent of Africa but unsure where to start?
You’ve come to the right place! As two travelers who have completed an overland journey from Cairo to Cape Town, we know exactly where to go for your ultimate African adventure. We’ve crafted the perfect Africa itinerary just for you.
This unique Africa trip takes you on a journey through ancient wonders, volcanic peaks, thrilling safaris, tropical island getaways, the world’s oldest desert, and world-class wine in the finest vineyards. How does that sound for your dream African getaway?
The duration of your Africa travel is entirely up to you, but we recommend at least 4 weeks to fully immerse yourself in this African experience. Of course, it all depends on your personal travel style and flexibility.
The Ultimate Africa Itinerary: Your Dream African Travel Guide
If Africa has been on your travel bucket list (and let’s be honest, it’s probably somewhere near the top), we’ve got the ultimate Africa itinerary to turn your dreams into reality. We’ve traveled across the continent from Cairo to Cape Town, and trust us, we know exactly how to make this your Africa adventure of a lifetime.
From the ancient wonders of Egypt to the wild beauty of South Africa, this journey will take you through some of the most iconic landscapes and experiences Africa has to offer.
Ready to discover the magic of Africa? Let’s dive in!
Egypt: Starting with the Wonders of the World
First stop on your ultimate Africa itinerary – Egypt.
Just imagine standing in front of the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Trust us there is nothing quite like it. It’s a sight that’ll stay with you forever.
You can’t visit Africa without checking out these ancient marvels, and Egypt’s rich history makes this the perfect beginning to your African journey.
Cruise the Nile, explore temples, and just take in the vibes of this incredible country. History, culture, and jaw-dropping landscapes all in one place – what’s not to love and not a bad start to your perfect Africa itinerary right?!
If time permits, consider adding a visit to Siwa Oasis in Egypt to your Africa itinerary. Here, you can float in the turquoise salt lakes nestled in the heart of the Sahara Desert – an incredibly surreal experience and one of our best attractions in Egypt.
Check out our visit to Siwa Oasis if you want to find out more about Egypt’s hidden gem.
On a side note, Egypt tops our list of the most affordable countries to visit. If budget travel interests you, check out how we afford full-time travel around the world.
Kenya: Volcano Trek and Africa’s Best Safari
Next, let’s head to Kenya, where the adventure really kicks off. We ended up spending 3 months in Kenya and it turned out to be one of the absolute best African countries.
After arriving in Nairobi and indulging in some of the best markets in Africa for shopping and souvenirs, it’s time to head on another unique African adventure.
Hiking Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano in Kenya’s mountainous national park, offers a thrilling hike to its crater rim with some of the most epic views of the Great Rift Valley below. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery that truly showcases the raw power of nature like no other.
The Mount Longonot hike is easily one of the best hikes we’ve experienced.
If you are not the hiking type, you can join a tour where you can cycle through the Hell’s Gate National Park nearby, passing by wildlife such as zebra and giraffes – now you are really feeling your Africa Adventure but don’t worry there are no predators in this national park!
Read all about our Mount Longonot hike to see exactly what we are talking about.
After your incredible volcano hike and your first encounters with African wildlife, it’s time for the ultimate experience – a magical safari in the Maasai Mara.
Maasai Mara is arguably one of the best safaris in Africa and dare we say our favorite memory of our 9-month Cairo to Cape Town journey.
Picture this: you, the open savanna, and wild animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes literally all around you. Whether it’s your first safari or your fifth, the experience never gets old.
Honestly, experiencing Africa’s Masai Mara safari felt like stepping into the real-life Lion King and it simply blew our minds!! Just watch the video below to see what we are talking about.
Check out exactly how we got on during our 3 Day/2 night budget safari in the YouTube video below – we are certain you’ll be booking your Kenya safari after watching this!
We booked our Maasai Mara Safari through Safaribookings, which is like the Skyscanner of safaris. It compares all African safari options, allowing you to filter based on your preferences – whether it’s the duration, budget vs. luxury, or any other specific requirements you have.
We completely understand that choosing the “right” African safari can be overwhelming, especially since it’s often the highlight of an Africa itinerary. Using Safaribookings really took the pressure off by comparing all the safari options for us, making the decision process much easier and incredibly helpful.
Make sure to check if you need any African visas before you head off on your Africa trip.
Zanzibar: Tropical Paradise Found
After all that adventure, you deserve a bit of downtime, and Zanzibar Tanzania is the perfect place to kick back and recharge.
You’ll arrive in the historic town of Stone Town, the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, and spend a few days immersing yourself in its rich culture, bustling markets, and winding cobblestone streets steeped in history before heading to the famous beaches of Zanzibar.
After a few days exploring Stone Town, it is time for a short taxi ride to the famous Zanzibar beaches. Think white-sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and the most gorgeous sunsets you’ll ever see.
We have seen many gorgeous beaches and blue waters during our full-time travel as well as living in Australia for 7 years but Zanzibar may just top the list of best beaches in the world. A bold statement we know, but you just have to witness for yourself.
Whether you want to lounge in luxury or get your adrenaline pumping with windsurfing, Zanzibar has it all. Trust us, it’s the kind of place where you won’t want to leave – so much so that we spent 5 weeks in this African paradise.
In our view, the best areas to stay in Zanzibar are Nungwi and Paje. They offer the perfect blend of great accommodations, delicious food, island/snorkeling tours, and breathtaking beaches.
We highly recommend visiting the turtle sanctuary in Nungwi and trying the popular windsurfing in Paje
*Note that the Turtle SANCTUARY is not to be confused with the turtle AQUARIUM.
Whatever your interests, we’re sure Zanzibar has you covered!
How’s this Africa itinerary sounding so far? Is it everything you imagined for your dream African adventure? If you’d like a more personalized itinerary tailored to your unique interests and desires, get in touch with us for more information. We’d love to create the perfect Africa trip just for you.
Namibia: The World’s Oldest Desert Awaits
From the paradise beaches of Zanzibar, we’re off to Namibia, home to the oldest desert in the world. We told you we are giving you the ultimate Africa experience!
Get ready for an African adventure like no other.
After an thrilling day of sand dune activities, immerse yourself in the charm of Swakopmund, a historic town with strong German influence, where the food (and beer) are out of this world!
After enjoying Swakopmund it’s time to REALLY head into the Namib desert.
Explore the stunning eerie landscape of Sossusvlei, climb the highest dunes in the world, and let the vastness of the desert take your breath away.
Sossusvlei is a breathtaking, otherworldly landscape in Namibia’s Namib Desert, where ancient, 1,000-year-old dead trees stand stark against the striking white clay pan and towering orange dunes, creating a surreal scene you have to see to believe.
Imagine camping in the world’s oldest desert, gazing up at a sky full of stars so vast it’ll leave you speechless – truly a pinch-me, bucket-list travel experience that you’ll never forget.
If you’re planning a romantic honeymoon in Africa, trust us, this moment will definitely be one of the highlights of your Africa itinerary.
Rent a car, hit the open road, and embark on one of the world’s best road trips.
Or, for a more relaxed experience, book a 10-day Namibia tour with a professional guide and a small, intimate group, with all meals and accommodations included, so you can sit back, unwind, and soak up the beauty of Namibia.
If epic road trips are your thing, check out our Pamir Highway 10-day adventure in Tajikistan.
South Africa: Adventure and Luxury (and lots of wine!)
Last but definitely not least – South Africa.
Whether you’re sipping world-class wine in the Cape Winelands, hiking up the iconic Table Mountain, or tackling the world’s highest bridge bungee jump, South Africa is packed with endless adventure.
Visiting South Africa is the grand finale your perfect Africa itinerary deserves.
South Africa’s landscapes are diverse, the activities are heart-pumping, and the beauty is just… wow.
We spent a week exploring Cape Town before renting a car for an unforgettable road trip along South Africa’s iconic Garden Route, making stops in its stunning coastal towns before wrapping up our journey in Johannesburg.
If self-driving is not for you, consider joining a 12-day South Africa tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg, packed with wine tours, iconic hikes, safaris, and thrilling hippo/crocodile cruises. It’s the perfect way to cap off an epic African adventure.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to save a bit as you wrap up your Africa trip, there’s a 10-day ultra-budget tour option that could be more your style!
Travel Tip: This Africa itinerary can also be reversed, starting in South Africa and making your way up to Cairo, Egypt – whichever works best for you, and most importantly, wherever the best flight deals take you!
Why This Is the Ultimate Africa Itinerary
This Africa itinerary is the one you’ve been dreaming of – a perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation. Each stop on this African journey offers something completely unique, from Egypt’s ancient wonders to the diverse landscapes of South Africa.
You’ll see the most famous Africa attractions, from the Pyramids to Table Mountain, and delve into the heart of Africa’s wildest and most remote destinations. Whether you’re into history, and wildlife, or just need a beach to kick back and relax, this Africa itinerary truly has it all.
So, if you’re ready to explore Africa like never before, get ready for the travel experience of a lifetime. This Africa itinerary will not only give you a taste of the continent’s most iconic spots but also immerse you in everything that makes traveling Africa so special.
So pack your bags, embark on arguably the best holiday ever, and let Africa’s magic unfold before your eyes.
Start planning your Africa Itinerary today by searching for flights on Trip below.
What Packing Essentials do I Need for my Africa Trip?
To enhance your African adventure and ensure a smooth journey, explore our top travel essentials below to help you get fully prepared.
All of the products mentioned have been owned and are used by us. Or else we have purchased these travel accessories for family and friends. Most importantly, these travel accessories are practical, durable, affordable, and perfect for all types of traveler.
- Multi Travel Adapter – With a universal travel adapter, you’ll be equipped to handle any plug type in the world.
- Dry-Bag – Protect your belongings for those beach/dessert adventure days.
- Bum Bag – Protect all your belongings such as money and ATM cards.
- Battery Pack – this travel gadget lets you recharge your electronic devices such as phones, tablets, or cameras.
- A packable lightweight jacket – Visiting Africa can get quite cold.
- Shemagh – A traditional Middle Eastern scarf also known as a keffiyeh, that protects you from the sun.
- Booney Hat – Don’t forget a booney hat to protect from the sun.
Enjoy the Perfect Africa Itinerary!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this Africa itinerary. If you’re planning to visit Africa and how you get on with your African adventure.
Feel free to leave a message below or contact us on our socials.
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