Planning the journey from Cairo to Cape Town
The most crucial part of your road trip begins before you even depart. Most who undertake the epic route plan for weeks, months, and even years before they start. As with any lengthy journey, leaving room for unexpected twists and turns will be necessary — even the most immaculately planned itineraries will require last-minute adaptations. Along the way, you might experience challenges like illnesses or car problems that can’t be avoided. But with proper planning, you should feel prepared for any bumps in the road.
The planning phase can be extremely overwhelming as there is much to consider, so working with a reputable tour company is a good idea. As you begin to form your itinerary, you’ll want to consider all of the obvious things like budget, accommodations, and transportation. For a continent-spanning road trip, you’ll need to either rent or purchase a 4×4 vehicle. Plan on a minimum budget of at least $10,500 for the journey.
Other things to consider during the planning phase include applying for travel visas and getting necessary vaccinations or medications. Most visas will be available at border crossings, but you’ll need to apply ahead of time and meet specific requirements for others. Do plenty of research before you disembark to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork. Some countries in Africa require vaccinations for preventable diseases like Yellow Fever. Pills to prevent malaria are also recommended, so discuss your travel plans with your doctor before departing.
Unforgettable experiences along the way
A road trip across Africa can be undertaken year-round from either direction. But if you want to avoid some of the hottest months during the portions of your trip that pass through the sweltering Sahara, it’s best to begin between February and April in Cairo, Egypt. After exploring Cairo, the Great Pyramids of Egypt, and other historic sites around the area for about a week, you’ll embark on a life-changing journey through Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia, before finally arriving in South Africa. For the sake of time, you may consider skipping a few countries along the way. Hitting them all will likely take you around six to eight months.
As you travel along the coast of this massive continent, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic locations in the world. Imagine exploring one of the oldest cities in the world, enjoying the views from the banks of the Nile, and venturing through the Serengeti. You can spot animals like elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and lions on a safari visiting a world-famous wildlife park like Masai Mara in Kenya. You might even consider hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.
Other highlights include Victoria Falls, the third largest waterfall in the world, and plenty of chances for cultural immersion in the cities and villages en route. When you finally arrive on the beautiful beaches of Cape Town, you’ll have a new appreciation and understanding of Africa.
