South AfricaThe Cape Town to Cairo route stretches over 10,000 kilometers and takes between 30 and 60 days, depending on your pace. It passes through South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt. This journey allows you to experience a variety of climates: from vineyards and ocean coasts to deserts and savannas. Tourists are few and far between along the route; expedition groups and independent travelers are more common. The route's appeal lies in its diverse cultures and landscapes, as well as the opportunity to experience a true sense of adventure.
Route start
Cape Town, South Africa
End of route
Cairo, Egypt
Waypoints
Cape Town – Windhoek – Victoria Falls – Dar es Salaam – Nairobi – Addis Ababa – Khartoum – Cairo
Will see
– Table Mountain in Cape Town
– Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast
– Victoria Falls
– Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks
– Lake Victoria
– Ethiopian temples of Lalibela
– The Nile and the Pyramids of Giza
Roads
Road quality varies greatly: South Africa and Namibia have excellent asphalt, while Zambia and Tanzania have unpaved roads. Kenya and Ethiopia have rough roads in places, while Sudan and Egypt have good highways. Toll roads exist in South Africa and Egypt. The speed limit is 100–120 km/h on highways and 50–60 km/h in cities. Speed cameras are common in South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt. Infrastructure: Gas stations and service stations are available in large cities, but rare in rural areas. Parking in cities is paid.
What to travel on
The best option is a 4x4 SUV (Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol). Expedition pickup trucks are also suitable. For motorcyclists, touring enduros (BMW GS, Honda Africa Twin) are recommended. Be sure to bring a set of spare tires, a compressor, fuel and water cans, a first aid kit, navigation, and a satellite phone.
Budget
Average budget per traveler: USD 10,000–15,000 (approximately ZAR 180,000–270,000 in South Africa or EGP 1,500,000–2,200,000 in Egypt). Includes fuel, accommodation, meals, visas, and insurance.
Placement
– Cape Town: Cape Grace Hotel (V&A Waterfront)
– Windhoek: Avani Windhoek Hotel
– Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
– Dar es Salaam: Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam
– Nairobi: Sarova Stanley Hotel
– Addis Ababa: Hilton Addis Ababa
– Khartoum: Corinthia Hotel Khartoum
– Cairo: Marriott Mena House (near the pyramids)
Food
– Cape Town: The Test Kitchen (Woodstock)
– Windhoek: Joe's Beerhouse
– Victoria Falls: The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show
– Dar es Salaam: Cape Town Fish Market
– Nairobi: Carnivore Restaurant
– Addis Ababa: Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant
– Khartoum: Assaha Restaurant
– Cairo: Abou El Sid (Zamalek)
Security
In South Africa and Kenya, car theft and petty theft are common, so it's recommended to park in secure parking lots. In Sudan and Ethiopia, police may check documents, sometimes demanding bribes. Speed cameras and fines are common in South Africa and Egypt. Generally, the route is safe with caution.
Best time to travel
May – October. This is the dry season in East and Southern Africa, when roads are passable and safaris are at their most spectacular.
Tips and Warnings
Don't travel without a visa and insurance. Photographing military installations and police posts is prohibited. The downside of this route is lengthy visa procedures and the need to cross borders with different regulations. Stock up on fuel and water, especially in desert areas. Be prepared for lengthy negotiations at borders and possible delays.
South AfricaThe Cape Town to Cairo route stretches over 10,000 kilometers and takes between 30 and 60 days, depending on your pace. It passes through South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt. This journey allows you to experience a variety of climates: from vineyards and ocean coasts to deserts and savannas. Tourists are few and far between along the route; expedition groups and independent travelers are more common. The route's appeal lies in its diverse cultures and landscapes, as well as the opportunity to experience a true sense of adventure.
Route start
Cape Town, South Africa
End of route
Cairo, Egypt
Waypoints
Cape Town – Windhoek – Victoria Falls – Dar es Salaam – Nairobi – Addis Ababa – Khartoum – Cairo
Will see
– Table Mountain in Cape Town
– Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast
– Victoria Falls
– Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks
– Lake Victoria
– Ethiopian temples of Lalibela
– The Nile and the Pyramids of Giza
Roads
Road quality varies greatly: South Africa and Namibia have excellent asphalt, while Zambia and Tanzania have unpaved roads. Kenya and Ethiopia have rough roads in places, while Sudan and Egypt have good highways. Toll roads exist in South Africa and Egypt. The speed limit is 100–120 km/h on highways and 50–60 km/h in cities. Speed cameras are common in South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt. Infrastructure: Gas stations and service stations are available in large cities, but rare in rural areas. Parking in cities is paid.
What to travel on
The best option is a 4x4 SUV (Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol). Expedition pickup trucks are also suitable. For motorcyclists, touring enduros (BMW GS, Honda Africa Twin) are recommended. Be sure to bring a set of spare tires, a compressor, fuel and water cans, a first aid kit, navigation, and a satellite phone.
Budget
Average budget per traveler: USD 10,000–15,000 (approximately ZAR 180,000–270,000 in South Africa or EGP 1,500,000–2,200,000 in Egypt). Includes fuel, accommodation, meals, visas, and insurance.
Placement
– Cape Town: Cape Grace Hotel (V&A Waterfront)
– Windhoek: Avani Windhoek Hotel
– Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
– Dar es Salaam: Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam
– Nairobi: Sarova Stanley Hotel
– Addis Ababa: Hilton Addis Ababa
– Khartoum: Corinthia Hotel Khartoum
– Cairo: Marriott Mena House (near the pyramids)
Food
– Cape Town: The Test Kitchen (Woodstock)
– Windhoek: Joe's Beerhouse
– Victoria Falls: The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show
– Dar es Salaam: Cape Town Fish Market
– Nairobi: Carnivore Restaurant
– Addis Ababa: Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant
– Khartoum: Assaha Restaurant
– Cairo: Abou El Sid (Zamalek)
Security
In South Africa and Kenya, car theft and petty theft are common, so it's recommended to park in secure parking lots. In Sudan and Ethiopia, police may check documents, sometimes demanding bribes. Speed cameras and fines are common in South Africa and Egypt. Generally, the route is safe with caution.
Best time to travel
May – October. This is the dry season in East and Southern Africa, when roads are passable and safaris are at their most spectacular.
Tips and Warnings
Don't travel without a visa and insurance. Photographing military installations and police posts is prohibited. The downside of this route is lengthy visa procedures and the need to cross borders with different regulations. Stock up on fuel and water, especially in desert areas. Be prepared for lengthy negotiations at borders and possible delays.