Arusha (Tanzania) | Bagamoyo (Tanzania) | Baobab Valley (Tanzania) | Cape Town (South Africa) | Cederberg (South Africa) | Chipata (Zambia) | Chitimba (Malawi) | Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) | Dekar / D'kar (Botswana) | Eldoret (Kenya) | Etosha National Park (Namibia) | Fish River Canyon (Namibia) | Iringa (Tanzania) | Jambiani (Tanzania) | Jinja (Uganda) | Kalinzu Forest Reserve (Uganda) | Kampala (Uganda) | Kande Beach (Malawi) | Kasane (Botswana) | Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda) | Lake Mburo National Park (Uganda) | Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya) | Lusaka (Zambia) | Masai Mara (Kenya) | Maun (Botswana) | Mfuwe (Zambia) | Nairobi (Kenya) | Namib Desert (Africa) | Nata (Botswana) | Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania) | Okavango Delta (Botswana) | Orange River (Africa) | Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) | Spitzkoppe (Namibia) | Stone Town (Tanzania) | Swakopmund (Namibia) | Victoria Falls (Zambia & Zimbabwe) | Waterberg Plateau (Namibia) | Windhoek (Namibia)
The following are Absolute Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Arrive at any time. Tonight, after a brief welcome meeting, attend an optional group dinner for your first night in Cape Town.
Get the most out of your time in Cape Town by pre-booking the South African Wine Tour and Tasting extra. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour as this activity has an early start time. Please note, due to the timings of this activity, there is a possibility you may miss the welcome meeting on day 1 of your tour - in this case, your CEO will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to make sure which visas you will need, if any.?Please also note that no visa can be obtained at the border to Namibia. ?If you book any optional activities on day 1 please contact your sales agent to see if booking a pre-night is necessary to participate in the activity.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Hit the road in the Lando and view the stunning Western Cape scenery on the way to the G Adventures-supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre. Learn about the history and culture of the ancient San people. Arrive to the campsite in the afternoon and enjoy free time in the area.
The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre is closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Relax or get out and explore this beautiful part of South Africa.
The San people of Southern Africa have historically faced centuries of political and cultural oppression. The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre provides tailor-made training for young San women and men of Southern Africa. Travellers learn about San culture and history at the interpretive museum. Visits help trainees gain experience with international clients while garnering support for the centre's efforts to preserve San culture and history.
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Travel north past large plantations of rooibos tea. Camp at the scenic Orange River and arrive at the site with enough time to enjoy a late afternoon swim in the river.
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Travel to Fish River Canyon today, the largest canyon in Africa. Hop out of the Lando to watch sunset over the canyon's rim. Set up camp nearby and sit around the campfire.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
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Visit Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and, arguably, the second largest in the world. Watch as a stunning sunset slips over the canyon's rim in the early evening. We will only have access to the rim, but the views are spectacular.
Sit back in the Lando and travel north along long, bumpy roads to the Namib Desert. Arrive and set up camp in the late afternoon, and admire the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei seeming to rise up towards the sky in the middle of nowhere.
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Begin the day at dawn and watch sunrise from atop the iconic Dune 45. Later, venture to the surreal Deadvlei for an optional excursion to this mesmerizing clay pan before slipping into the shadier areas of Sesriem Canyon to learn about its formation and ability to sustain wildlife with hidden pools.
Conclude your day with a scenic drive, if time allows, stopping at the quaint town of Solitaire, before settling in at the campsite. Here, you may opt for an evening activity: "Namib Desert Walk." This activity is an educational experience about bushmen's survival in the desert, the geology of sand dunes, and local wildlife, and ends with a beautiful desert sunset.
*Please note, while park fees for Dune 45 and Sesriem Canyon are included, the shuttle to Deadvlei is an additional cost.
Set off for a climb of the mighty Dune 45. Look out and view the surrounding desert displaying its amazing orange and yellow hues. Magic!
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Enjoy a short stop at Sesriem Canyon, a small canyon typical of the area. The Tsauchab River flows through the canyon every five to ten years, and this creates the nearby salt and clay pan of Sossusvlei.
Cross over the dry mountain passes and vast empty region of the Namib Desert en route to adrenaline capital; Swakopmund. The group will spend two nights here with plenty of time for the many optional activities in the area.
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Spend a free day in Swakopmund. Try activities like skydiving and sand boarding. For an even bigger adventure, hop on a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast.
You can pre-book your sky dive on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
Meals are not included while we are in Swakopmund in order to give our travellers the freedom to try out the many restaurants and bars in town.
Enjoy a free day in Namibia's adventure capital.
Jump in the Lando and travel toward the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe. Dubbed the Matterhorn of Namibia, this is the perfect place for epic outdoor adventures. Enjoy free time here upon arrival.
Explore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky-it's great for star-gazing!
Our basic bush camp will have long-drop toilets and no running water.
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Soak in the strangeness of this unique landscape before moving on to Etosha National Park for some prime wildlife viewing. Enjoy a safari drive in the park on the way to your camp.
After sunset, watch animals at the watering holes near the camping area, which is safe, being well lit with flood lights. Free time at night allows for the option of a night safari in an open vehicle.
Set off into the wilds of Etosha National Park in search of a wide variety of wildlife. More than 100 species of mammals call Etosha home, including lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, and hyenas. As for birds, the salt pan attracts pelicans, flamingos, and many other winged wonders. Bring your camera and go wild!
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Embark on a wildlife safari drive in Etosha National Park. Search for more than 100 different mammals that call this park home. During the dry season (May through October) the animals all gather around the waterfalls creating some of the densest wildlife viewing in the world.
Set off into the wilds of Etosha National Park in search of a wide variety of wildlife. More than 100 species of mammals call Etosha home, including lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, and hyenas. As for birds, the salt pan attracts pelicans, flamingos, and many other winged wonders. Bring your camera and go wild!
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Move on from Etosha today and travel further south to the Waterberg Plateau. Spend free time exploring the trails in this national park in search of more wildlife, or choose to relax at camp.
Free time to relax, take a hike, or opt for another wildlife safari drive.
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Travel south through the Namibian countryside to Windhoek. Lunch will be had along the way at the G Adventures-supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop. There will be free time in Windhoek upon arrival.
Please note that this is a combination tour. Some of group members may be departing the tour in Windhoek and some new group members may be joining. Enjoy an optional group dinner with both old and new travellers.
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Penduka works with women from the Katutura township, and surrounding rural communities, by helping them develop livelihoods through working in their handicraft workshops and cafe. Penduka trains and employs women disadvantaged through poverty, disability, ill-health, or lack of education, empowering them to develop skills in textiles, beading and pottery. Pick up a fresh-packed lunch at the cafe to help support the centre before touring the facilities and purchasing some of these crafts.
Cross the border from Namibia into Botswana and travel east into the heart of the Kalahari to D'kar. Catch a glimpse of how the local San Bushmen adapted to this difficult landscape on an optional bushman walk. Later, enjoy the warm hospitality of the San Bushmen as the group will be staying at the G Adventures-supported Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp.
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Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Immerse yourself in the culture and history of the Naro San when you stay at Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp tonight. This campsite and wildlife area is the only land-owned freehold by an Indigenous community in all of Southern Africa. The San are known throughout the continent for their warm hospitality, and tonight you have the opportunity to be immersed in their history and culture with a bush walk and dance around the campfire. Dqae Qare San Lodge provides much-needed employment for the nearby village of D'kar, and revenue from the lodge is invested in the nearby preschool, art program, museum, and community projects that bring clean water and other resources to the village. Everything for the lodge is community-sourced, including the labour, materials, artwork and ingredients for meals.
Climb in the Lando and continue towards Maun. In the afternoon, there will be free time to unwind before setting up camp with the group.
Choose to prebook a scenic helicopter ride through the Delta during your free time in Maun.
After arrival in Maun, pick up supplies to prepare for the one night/two day excursion into the Okavango Delta. We recommend each person brings a 5 litre bottle of water to take into the Delta; this should be sufficient for both drinking water and cleaning purposes.
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Dive right into nature today for an overnight excursion in the Okavango Delta. Hop in a 4x4 and ride to your basic bush camp, then do some birdwatching in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe and head out for a wildlife walk in the area. Gather around the campfire for a sundowner in the evening.
Please note that there is no shower and only a dig-out bush toilet, as our camp is very basic and in the wild - but it is all worth it due to the incredible landscape and wildlife!
Climb into a traditional canoe for a closer view of the shoreline.
Step into the heart of Botswana's wilderness on an unforgettable journey into the Okavango Delta. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive in an open 4x4 safari vehicle, travelling deep into the Sankoyo Concession, a pristine area teeming with wildlife and rich in natural beauty. Our secluded camp offers a true bush experience, with comfortable, fully-set-up tents and the sounds of nature all around. From here, you'll explore the Delta the traditional way, gliding quietly through the waterways in a mokoro canoe, steered by skilled local polers who know the channels like the back of their hand. Back on land, a guided walking safari gives you the rare opportunity to connect with the bush on foot. Learn about the plants, animal tracks, and smaller wildlife often missed from a vehicle, while keeping an eye out for the Delta's bigger residents. Evenings are spent relaxing by the campfire under a sky scattered with stars, swapping stories and listening to the night sounds of Africa. This is more than a trip, it's an immersion into one of the world's most remarkable ecosystems, guided by the people who call it home.
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Set out on a morning safari walk before returning to Maun. Then, get back inside the Lando and travel to the ancient baobab trees of Nata. There will be free time upon arrival.
Climb into a traditional canoe for a closer view of the shoreline.
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Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Venture north from Nata to Kasane. There will be time for an optional river cruise through Chobe National Park before setting up camp under a sky full of stars.
Journey to the area of Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa. You can pre-book the Chobe River Sunset Cruise on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
If you have pre-booked the Chobe River Sunset Cruise, you will be cruising this evening.
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Choose to go on an early safari drive in the morning before travelling with the group from Botswana across the border to Zimbabwe. Sit down for a traditional lunch at the G Adventurers-supported Lusumpuko Women's Club. Continue on to the town Victoria Falls, a great base to see the falls, and take part in some exciting activities.
Opt to prebook the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and head out early into the park before crossing the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe at the Kazungula border post.
Your accommodation is in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT Livingstone (Zambia). Please make sure you have the necessary visa. Note that this trip combines with other tours, and some tours will be finishing in Victoria Falls, while others will be continuing on.
Start your visit to Victoria Falls off on the right foot by sitting down to a traditional, Zimbabwean meal, cooked by the Lusumpuko Women's Club, a group of women from a nearby township. A demonstration by the ladies will show you exactly how Zimbabweans traditionally eat their food, and you'll be served a farm-to-table meal made with traditional, local, in-season ingredients. This meal provides much-needed income to the cooperatives' 20 members - changing their lives and families in the process.
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Some nationalities do require a visa for Zimbabwe, and many visas are available for purchase right at the border. See our visa section for further information.
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Spend a free day in Victoria Falls. For the adventurous, there are activities like whitewater rafting or a scenic helicopter flight over the falls. The choice is yours!
Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities.
Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise.Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.
Get out and explore the many things on offer in the Victoria Falls area.
Spend a full free day on your own exploring the Victoria Falls area. Opt to try activities in the area like whitewater rafting, a scenic helicopter flight over the falls, or bungee jumping with the thundering falls in sight.
Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise. You can pre-book on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.
Get out and explore.
Rise early and get on the road around 6am to cross the border from Zimbabwe into Zambia. Towards the end of the day, the group will arrive at a private farm about 29km (18 mi) outside of Zambia's capital and enjoy free time to relax and marvel at the wildlife on the property.
This is an overnight stop in between two long driving days, so we will not have time to explore Lusaka.
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Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
While today's travel day might be long, there will be plenty of time to socialize on the Lando as the group is driven across the Zambian countryside to the campsite along the banks of the Luangwa River. There will be free time to enjoy your surroundings upon arrival.
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Spend a free day doing as you please in South Luangwa National Park. Choose a walking safari (it's seasonal), a night drive, or visit a nearby local village.
Do as much or as little as you'd like during a free day.
Rise early and choose to head out on an optional morning safari drive. Bring your camera to try and photograph some of the resident wildlife. Stop for lunch and for a visit to the Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard, a G Adventures-supported craft workshop. Afterwards, continue travelling in the Lando to Chipata.
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Take a lunch stop at Tribal Textiles, a community workshop and business that employs and empowers over 100 locals from the area. Most of the unique textiles made at this workshop give back in some way either to education in the community or to various organizations working to conserve the wildlife of South Luangwa National Park. Regular employment at this socially conscious business also keeps poaching of wildlife at bay. After a quick tour to learn about these efforts, you'll sit down for lunch at The Courtyard Cafe, run by local chef, Dorica, and her team.
Cross the border into Malawi today and travel to Lake Malawi affectionately known as, "Lake of Stars". Spend four nights relaxing on the shores and during the day take beach walks, leisurely swims, and snorkel in this beautiful paradise.
Please note that conservative dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered in public, but inside of camp boundaries, it is ok to wear beach clothes.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
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Take advantage of a free day to explore Lake Malawi. In the evening the group will take part in a traditional dinner at a local home before camping under the stars.
Kick back and relax on Lake Malawi after a few long travel days.
After a day on the beach of Lake Malawi, take a short walk into the Kande Beach village for traditional dinner in a local home.
Soak in another free day along Lake Malawi. From oceans and mountains to lakes and vast skies, you're seeing some of the best scenery in Africa. Travel north to Chitimba Beach and try to spot Tanzania from across the lake. Free time activities here include getting out on the lake or hiking along the shores in the picturesque landscape.
Settle in and enjoy a free afternoon at northern Lake Malawi.
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Today the group will head into Tanzania en route to Iringa. Gaze out the window as the Lando climbs out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, viewing tea plantations and highlands as you go.
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Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Continue northeast in the Lando to the group campsite in the Baobab Valley along the banks of the Ruaha River.Set up camp and look to the skies as the light begins to fade and enjoy a spectacular sunset in the lush, fertile lands of Tanzania. Then search the sky for shooting stars and make some wishes before drifting off to sleep.
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Enjoy free time at your campsite in the Baobab Valley.
Wake in Baobab Valley before driving to Dar es Salaam. Watch as the Tanzanian countryside passes by and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean make their debut. The group will spend the night here before embarking for the island beaches of Zanzibar.
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Catch a ferry and travel to the island beaches of Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is a Muslim society. Immodestly dressed women or men in shorts will get harassed and cause great offence in Stone Town. At the beach, customs are a little more relaxed, but our travellers are encouraged to be respectful of the island's culture and still cover up when walking around. Never try to take a photograph without asking permission.
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
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Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Spend a full free day in Zanzibar's alluring tropical setting. Choose from an array of optional activities in the area like snorkelling, sailing, or beach lounging.
Do as much or as little as you'd like on this island slice of paradise.
Travel back to Stone Town from the beach property on the other side of the island and set out on a guided tour of a local spice plantation before seeing the heart of Zanzibar for yourself.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
No visit to Zanzibar would be complete without a visit to the spice plantations. Your senses will be aroused as you will receive a detailed description on the assortment of spices (black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, breadfruit, jackfruit, vanilla, lemon grass) and their various uses. It was the spice plantations that brought the beginnings of Zanzibar's infamous slave trade that dates back to the 1840's.
Spend a final afternoon wandering the streets of Stone Town.
Take the ferry from Stone Town back to the mainland and drive north in the Lando to the coastal town of Bagamoyo. During a free evening walk the unpaved streets and get to know this recently named World Heritage Site.
If you have booked the Zanzibar Express, you will stay in Stone Town when the group heads for the ferry. You have a free day in Stone Town for shopping, relaxing or seeing the sights. (Ask your CEO if you want to book any tours) Tomorrow you fly to Arusha to meet the group. Included: transfers, flight, one night Stone Town (Spice Palace, or similar). Only breakfast included.
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
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Jump on the road in the Lando and cross varied landscapes all the way to Arusha. Keep an eye out for views of Mt Kilimanjaro on the way.
Arusha sits at the foot of rugged Mt Meru, Africa's fifth highest mountain.
Use the afternoon to prepare a small day-pack for the three-day excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Take something warm for the night on the crater rim and enough insect repellant, sunscreen, and water. Bedding is provided, but you can take your sleeping bag along to make sure you're warm enough at night.Zanzibar Express; transfer this morning from your Stone Town hotel to the airport for the flight to Arusha. Arrive in Arusha and transfer to the camp to meet back up with the group. Only breakfast and dinner included.
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Today begins your 3-day and 2-night excursion into Serengeti National Park and the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater.
Changing to specialized 4x4 7-seater safari vehicles, we are met by experienced safari driver/guides, who will ensure us wonderful wildlife encounters. Our safari vehicles each have sliding windows and a large pop-up roof, perfect for wildlife viewing. They are smaller than the Lando and will allow us to maneuver easily through the wildlife areas. As the vehicles are smaller than the Lando, our group will split up among several vehicles.
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.
This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife - buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania's Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya's reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.
Enjoy a morning safari in the Serengeti and watch the wildlife come to life. Break down camp before travelling to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa's best wildlife viewing. Set up camp near the crater rim and enjoy your surroundings for the remainder of the day.
Please note: if you have pre-booked the Serengeti Balloon Safari, today's likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above! If you have not yet pre-booked, add it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.Due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.
This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife - buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania's Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya's reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.
Venture down to the crater floor for a final wildlife experience in the area. In the late morning the group will travel back to Arusha and enjoy a free evening.
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.
Set the alarm and prepare for an early start to see the wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater. Here you'll see Maasai herdsmen in the morning mist. Your driver/guide will take you down into the crater and to all the best spots to view wildlife. Spot zebra, gazelles, buffaloes, and warthogs. The swamp and forest are home to hippos, rhinos, elephants, baboons, and monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to capture a pride of lions or a lone leopard walking along the crater floor.
Hop in the Lando and hit the road to Kenya's capital; Nairobi. Cross through the semi-arid lands of the Maasai people en route and marvel at the epic views of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance as you swap stories with your road trip buddies!Please note that this is a combination tour, and some of your fellow group members may be finishing their tour on this evening.
Depart Arusha in the morning and travel overland to Nairobi. Please note that this is a combination tour, and some of your fellow group members may be finishing their tour on this evening.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
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Spend the day on your own in Nairobi, East Africa's most cosmopolitan city and Kenya's beating heart. From vibrant cultural life to excellent places to eat, plus buzzing nightlife there's plenty to see and do during your time here.
Get out and explore.
Travel through the Great Rift Valley on the way to the Maasai Mara Reserve. Embark on a late afternoon wildlife safari drive in one of Kenya's premier wildlife destinations.
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Maasai Mara is one of the world's top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats - cheetahs, leopards and lions - as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson's gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.
Board the safari vehicle and travel into the Maasai Mara Reserve for some wildlife spotting. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure at the camp.
Please note: if you have pre-booked the Maasai Mara Balloon Safari, today's likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above!
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Maasai Mara is one of the world's top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats - cheetahs, leopards and lions - as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson's gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.
Depart the camp on your 4x4 safari vehicle and meet up with the Lando at G Adventures-supported Ubuntu Cafe for a delicious lunch. Later, enjoy an afternoon wildlife drive through the area.
Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.
On this trip, you'll experience the warmth of Ubuntu Cafe, where every meal you enjoy contributes to a circle of empowerment and supports the creation of impactful souvenirs you'll treasure forever. Your visit also extends support to Ubuntu School, championing the rights and education of children with special needs through therapeutic and vocational training programs.
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
See more wildlife life on a morning safari drive around Lake Nakuru. Then, continue onwards in the Lando to Eldoret.
Search for, buffalo, impalas, hyenas, and even lions and leopards on the wildlife safari drive in this renowned national park. Head to the shores of Lake Nakuru to see pelicans and cormorants. The park is also rich in other bird life, including grebes, white winged black terns, stilts, avocets, and ducks.
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Cross the border into Uganda and travel to Kampala, the country's capital. The group will arrive there in the late afternoon.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
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Cross over the equator today in the Lando en route from Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi. The name Bunyonyi means 'place of many little birds' and the lake's winding shores encircle 29 islands surrounded by steep terraced hillsides. Upon arrival enjoy free time to get to know your surroundings and opt to swim in the calm waters.
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Spend the day on a mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Hike deep into the jungle through volcano forests alongside a park ranger in search of these mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Please be ready for a challenge as the treks can vary in length and difficulty. Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days.
Depending on the date of our permits, it's possible that the gorilla trek will take place on the second full day in Lake Bunyonyi.Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four areas; Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija. Depending on permit availability your group could be tracking gorillas from different areas of the park, it is all still part of Bwindi.
Take an unforgettable guided trek (1-6 hrs) deep into volcano forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a wildlife encounter of a lifetime, and meet a family of mountain gorillas. One of Africa's major highlights, a close encounter with these amazing animals is simply breathtaking. Get prepared before heading out: bring plenty of water and waterproof clothing (it can rain on only a few minutes' notice), and be sure to bring protective bags for cameras and film. Dress in layers with long sleeves and long pants to protect against stinging nettles found in the forests. The trek's often chilly, at first, until you start trekking. Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four areas; Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. Depending on permit availability your group could be tracking gorillas from different areas of the park, it is all still part of Bwindi.
Explore Lake Bunyonyi with a full day of free time. There are many optional activities to choose from like, swimming, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, or taking a motorboat tour of the lake. In the evening, relax together with the whole group at the lodge.Please keep in mind that some members of the group will do the gorilla trek on this day and have the free day in Lake Bunyonyi the day before.
Get out and do as much or as little as you'd like around Lake Bunyonyi.
Drive through the Ugandan countryside on the journey to Kalinzu Forest Reserve, which is further north in the country. The reserve is adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park and offers a great variety of landscapes to view wildlife. Spend the afternoon at your leisure here.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Rise early this morning for an included chimpanzee tracking excursion within the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger. Later, the group will visit a tea plantation before arriving at Lake Mburo. Then, you can choose to book an afternoon boat cruise, or get to know the local area on foot.
Enjoy a chimpanzee tracking excursion through the scenic Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Trek along the ridges and valleys of the Rift Valley escarpment to visit chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Follow forest trails, which offer amazing views over the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward, the Kazinga Channel, and the Congo. The Kalinzu Forest Reserve is steeped in mystery and rich with local legends. Learn about the folklore and uses of the forest from a local guide.
Walk through a tea plantation with a local guide. View multiple varietals of tea, and learn about the process of growing tea plants from the harvesting stage to what goes into making the best cup of tea.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Today the group will travel back across the equator to Uganda, which happens to be one of the few countries where it's possible to cross over this boundary on land. Along the way, make a stop for lunch at the G Adventures-supported AidChild Equation Cafe & Gallery. Arrive to Jinja in the evening.
Make a stop at AidChild's Equation Cafe and Gallery, located at the equator. Surrounded by paintings and other crafts made by local artists, you'll enjoy a meal made with traditional Ugandan ingredients, with a modern twist. Your lunch here directly supports AidChild, a non-profit that provides support, medical care and education to children and youth living with HIV in Uganda.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
The entire day is free for you to explore Jinja on your own or with members of the group. There are plenty of outdoor and adventure activities to choose from like rafting and mountain biking.
Pre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page to include the Jinja River Rafting optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Get out and enjoy the adrenaline capital of Uganda.
Catch up on some rest during this travel day between Uganda and Kenya. The group will arrive to the camp site near Eldoret in the evening and spend the night under the stars.
This is an overnight stop in between two long driving days.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Enjoy the ride as the group travels in the Lando through the Kenyan countryside to Nairobi. The tour will end upon arrival.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Absolute Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping tour:
Max 22, avg 18.
Your G for Good Moment: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, YzerfonteinYour G for Good Moment: Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, WindhoekYour G for Good Moment: Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp, DekarYour G for Good Moment: Lusumpuko Women's Club Lunch, Victoria FallsYour G for Good Moment: Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe, MfuweYour G for Good Moment: Cafe Ubuntu 3-Course Farm-to-Table Lunch, Maai MahiuYour G for Good Moment: AidChild Cafe & Gallery, KayabweYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: Victoria FallsYour Local Living Moment: Kande Beach Local Dinner, Kande BeachYour Discover Moment: Jinja. Entrance to Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei Dunes, and Spitzkoppe. Entrances and wildlife safari drives in Etosha, and Serengeti National Parks. Waterberg Plateau visit. Okavango Delta overnight bush camping excursion. Ngorongoro Crater visit. Zanzibar excursion. Guided tour of spice plantation. Wildlife safari drives in Masai Mara National Reserve. Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park. Guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi with permits. Guided chimp trek. Transfer from Jinja to Nairobi. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Search for the "big five" in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Stand before the largest sand dunes in the world and the powerful Victoria Falls, Travel on 4x4 safaris and by traditional canoe, Meet mountain gorillas in the Ugandan tropical rainforest, Discover the charm of Zanzibar's island paradise
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Cape Town- Two Oceans Aquarium (235ZAR per person)- South African Wine Tour and Tasting- Cape Point Explorer Day Tour (1750ZAR per person)- Urban Explorer Day Tour (1900ZAR per person)- Overberg Explorer Day Tour (3450ZAR per person)- West Coast Explorer Day Tour (1950ZAR per person)- Sandboarding and San Cultural Explorer Day Tour (3630ZAR per person)- Sandboarding Half Day Tour - Atlantis Dunes (1400ZAR per person)- Hout Bay Kayaking Half Day Tour (1500ZAR per person)Table Mountain- Table Mountain Hike (2100ZAR per person)- Table Mountain Cable Car (420ZAR per person)Cederberg- Wine TastingOrange River- Paddling on Orange River (400ZAR per person)Namib Desert- Namib Desert Walk (350NAD per person)Sossusvlei- Deadvlei Visit (200NAD per person)Swakopmund- Sandboarding in the Namib Desert (700NAD per person)- Mondesa Township Tour (750NAD per person)- Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight (4800NAD per person)- Swakopmund SkydivingEtosha National Park- Etosha Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Night Drive (750NAD per person)- Etosha Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive (1200NAD per person)Ghanzi- Walk with San People (150BWP per person)Maun- Delta Doors-off Scenic Helicopter FlightChobe National Park- Chobe River Sunset Cruise- Chobe National Park Safari DriveVictoria Falls- Victoria Falls Visit (50USD per person)- Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 15 Mins- Zambezi Bungee Jump (168USD per person)- Princess Laundry Service (20USD per person)- Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting (120USD per person)- Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 25min (284USD per person)Victoria Falls- Bridge Swing over the Zambezi (168USD per person)- Zipline over the Zambezi (50USD per person)Mfuwe- South Luangwa Wildlife Safari Drive (50USD per person)- South Luangwa Walking Safari (65USD per person)Kande Beach- Village Walk (20USD per person)- Snorkelling (25USD per person)Kendwa- Safari Blue - Sailing Day Trip (60-100USD per person)Jambiani- Swahili Cultural Tour (70-200USD per person)- Snorkelling (40USD per person)Nungwi- Scuba Diving (130USD per person)Stone Town- Stone Town Walking Tour (15USD per person)- Zanzibar Express NorthboundSerengeti National Park- Serengeti Balloon SafariNairobi- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on CombosMasai Mara- Maasai Mara Balloon SafariLake Bunyonyi- Swimming- Canoe Rental (10USD per person)- Nature Walk (5USD per person)- Motorboat Tour of Lake Bunyonyi (40USD per person)- Bird Watching Walk (10USD per person)Kalinzu Forest Reserve- Boat Cruise (40USD per person)Lake Mburo- Lake Mburo Boat Safari (30USD per person)Lake Mburo National Park- Nature Walk (25USD per person)Jinja- Nile River Sunset Cruise (30USD per person)- Quad Biking (105USD per person)- Nile River Kayaking (140-160USD per person)- Bungee Jumping (145USD per person)- Jinja River Rafting (140USD per person)Mabira Forest- Mabira Forest Mountain Biking (55USD per person)
This trip is done a combination of vehicles - our custom built 24 seat overland adventure vehicle (OAV) named the Lando, and in private 6-7 seat safari vehicles in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Both styles of vehicles have their advantages - the overland adventure vehicle (OAV) allows the entire group, including your CEO, to travel together, and because of its height, is great for wildlife viewing and for enjoying the scenic landscape. Smaller safari vehicles will be used when the group is in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. With sliding windows and a large pop-up roofs, an open 360-degree view of area, great for wildlife viewing. If there is a large group, 2-3 vehicles will be used, and the group will be split up. This style of travel is by no means luxurious, but the seats are comfortable and having our own private vehicles allow us the flexibility of making stops when needed, and to stay and watch that crouching lion prepare for an attack.Road conditions can run the full gamut from new to being in very poor condition. This style of travel is by no means luxury, but it does allow us the flexibility of making stops when needed, and reaching some out-of-the way parts of Africa where the traditional safari crowd would not dare to go.Here’s a quick look at the unique features of the well-equipped G Adventures overland adventure vehicle (OAV): - Storage for your main luggage is accessible from inside the vehicle- Day packs can be stored at your feet or on the luggage shelf above- Onboard safety box for valuables - Front viewing windows and large sliding windows, both great for wildlife viewing- Reclining seats - Fully equipped mobile kitchen- Access to a 250L tank of drinking water- Air-conditioning- Charging station, when available in camp (South African plug - 220-240V)- USB charging ports for every traveller at their seatPlease note that our Landos do not have on-board bathrooms. In addition to the overland adventure vehicle (OAV), in Uganda for the gorilla trek, we split the group into smaller vans in order to arrive in a more timely manner to the trail heads of the park.For the transfers between Nairobi, Arusha & Dar es Salaam, you will travel in a mini buses with seating for 22-24 passengers.We use a modern ferry to cross between Dar and Zanzibar. On Zanzibar, we travel using minibuses.This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary, and consider that this is often on poor quality, bumpy roads. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.
Participation camping (39 nts), simple hotels (5 nts, single or twin-share), permanent tented camp (3 nts), hostels (3 nts, multi-share with 3-4 people), full-service camping (2 nts), basic bush camping (2 nts).
50 breakfasts, 44 lunches, 37 dinners
As mentioned above, most of the meals on this tour are included in the tour price. When a meal is not included, this is because there are often many options available - we would like to give you the opportunity to explore a bit and test the local cuisine yourself. In these cases, your CEO will be able to suggest some good local restaurants or options for you to choose from. All included meals will be prepared from fresh local produce. The majority of the shopping for foodstuffs will be done before the trip departs, and fresh goods, such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, will be bought en route during the trip from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes. Your CEOs will do all the meal preparation and lead the way here, but will prepare a duty schedule for ensuring a fair, rotating participation from you and your group members in the meal preparation and dish washing duties. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Please note all bottled drinking water while on safari will be at your own expense.
2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, certified safari guides/drivers, camp crew, certified mountain gorilla trackers, local guides.
On this journey, you will be accompanied on your trip by 2 crew members - a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and a driver. (Nairobi to Nairobi); or you will be accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (Cape Town to Nairobi). The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager and leader. He/she organizes the trip, and will be there to assist you when needed. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. All of our CEOs in southern and East Africa are experienced group leaders, with a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife. Your leader will be from either southern or East Africa depending on which part of the tour you are on. He/she will be joining you in the back of the truck for a maximum of approximately 50% during driving, to answer questions and provide more information about the areas that you visit. Your CEO will spend the remainder of the driving time in front with the driver to enable them to make bookings, do planning and to fulfil other organizational requirements of the tour. During wildlife safari drives, your CEO will ensure to accompany you in the passenger area of the truck. This is of course because they have a lot of knowledge to share with you during these exciting wildlife safari drives. Please do not hesitate to ask your CEO any questions.All of our overland adventure vehicle (OAV) drivers are experienced in the routes travelled, and highly skilled in dealing with different terrains. All of our cooks will organize and lead the meal preparation, and have experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups. In Uganda, during the actual gorilla trek we use an experienced and certified local mountain guide, expert gorilla trackers, and armed guards to accompany you for your safety.In the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to round out the team, along with your CEO, you will be accompanied by a local safari crew consisting of an expert driver/guide and camp cook. Your driver/guide is skilled and experienced driver and a certified safari guide, and is an integral part of the team. As well, your cook will prepare the camp meals to add some further local flavour to the trip. We also use local guides for some included activities where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Lando (overland adventure vehicle), mokoro, 4x4 safari vehicles, minibuses, ferry, walking.
Minimum age of 15 years for this trip.
Please note this is a camping level trip which means you will be camping most nights with some basic hotel/hostel stays to start and end the tour. Campsite facilities in Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. Despite the challenge that a few days “roughing it” may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the African stars, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying, but ultimately an experience of a lifetime.
Additional Items:o Sleeping bag (required)Cold weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layersDocuments:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketGorillas:o Gardening gloves (Highly recommended for gorilla trekking)o Neutral coloured clothing (Your clothes will likely get very muddy - therefore take old clothing for the gorilla trekking. No bright colours should be worn. Greens, khaki and similar neutral clothes are recommended)Health & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Hiking/Trekking:o Gloveso Hato Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoeso Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)o Snacks (Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, energy sweets)o Socks (Trekking socks - woollen or synthetic, not cotton)o Thermal base layer (Woollen or synthetic, not cotton)o Walking poles (Highly recommended)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao SwimwearNote: Seasons in Africa are quite extreme. Winters can be really cold and summers will be really hot. If you travel during winter months (May to October) please ensure that you bring warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag, and a windproof rain jacket if you are travelling between April & May, October & November.
Seasons in Africa are quite extreme. Winters can be really cold and summers will be really hot. If you travel during winter months (May to October) please ensure that you bring warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag, and a windproof rain jacket if you are travelling between April & May, October & November.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.While in Victoria Falls, there is the opportunity to get your laundry done through the G Adventures supported Princess Laundry and Sewing Co-op. This service provides the cooperative with much-needed income to support their families, and in particular, support their children's school fees.
Camping: Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.