From Tunis to Cape Town - the long way down
The first episode of Long Way Down aired on BBC2 last Sunday. The six-part programme documents friends Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s incredible journey through 15 African countries by motorbike.
The first episode focused on preparations for the big trip, but following installments see the pair travel from Tunisia to South Africa via Libya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.
Africa specialist Cox & Kings organises group tours, private journeys and tailor-made travel ideas throughout the continent, including 13 countries covered in the documentary:
Tunisia: From Carthage to Kairouan takes in many of Tunisia’s most famous archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Carthage, the vast amphitheatre of El Djem, the fascinating underground villas of Bulla Regia and the holy city of Kairouan. Seven nights from £1,275 per person.
Libya: Roman Cities & the Sahara is a new tour exploring the secrets of the Libyan Sahara, with its endless golden dunes, wind-sculpted rocks and prehistoric petroglyphs. Visitors get the unique experience of staying overnight in tented camps in one of the world’s last untouched wildernesses before the journey ends with visits to the remarkable Roman cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha, and a stay in the Mediterranean capital of Tripoli. Nine nights from £1,775 per person.
Wonders of Egypt is the perfect introduction to the country, combining a four-night Nile cruise with a stay in Cairo, home to the Great Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum. The seven-night itinerary is accompanied by an Egyptologist throughout and costs from just £975 per person
Ethiopia was reputedly one of Charley’s African highlights, and Cox & Kings’ 12-night Ethiopian Odyssey tour explores the main historical sites of the enthralling country. The tour combines three nights in Addis Ababa with Axum, the rock-hewn churches of Lalileba, Gondar in the Simien Mountains, and Bahar Dar. From £1,945 per person.
Kenyan Experience is an outstanding introduction to the country’s most beautiful and varied wildlife areas, including Samburu National Park, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara. The seven-night group tour costs from £1,695 per person including full board accommodation and all excursions.
Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The country also offers a fascinating culture, magnificent scenery and some of the finest birding opportunities in Africa. Track mountain gorillas and other wildlife, including lion, on Cox & Kings’ seven-night private journey Uganda: Mountain Gorilla Safari, from £3,595 per person.
Rwanda is characterised by spectacular landscapes and lush green vegetation. In addition to the mountain gorillas that draw wildlife lovers from around the world, the country is home to chimpanzees and a host of other primates, including the golden monkey. Cox & Kings’ seven-night private journey Rwanda: In Search of Primates costs from £2,745 per person.
Malawi is known for its beautiful villages and friendly people. Cox & Kings’ new eight-night private journey Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa explores the country’s tea estates, the Zomba Plateau, Liwonde National Park and the beautiful Lake Malawi. Prices from £2,795 per person.
Splendours of Tanzania takes in the huge plains of the Serengeti, the open grasslands of the Great Rift Valley and the strikingly beautiful Ngorngoro Crater, home to an estimated 30,000 animals. Six nights from £2,045 per person.
Zambia: A Robin Pope Safari includes three luxury safari camps in Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley, which is a habitat for a huge concentration of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 400 species of bird. The three camps offer a true luxury wilderness experience, with stylish accommodation, attentive service and an intimate atmosphere. Seven nights from £2,695 per person.
Great Botswana Safari takes in Chobe National Park, home to large concentrations of elephant, and the exceptionally beautiful Okavango Delta, a habitat for lion, leopard, buffalo and some 400 species of bird. Six nights from £2,695 per person.
Namibia is one of the world’s last great wilderness countries. See the magnificent sand dunes of the Namib Desert, the German colonial town of Swakopmund and the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast on Cox & Kings tour Namibia: Untouched Wilderness. Travelling inland, see the wildlife at Damaraland and the Etosha National Park before ending at the Africat Foundation’s sanctuary at Okonjima. 10 nights from £2,395 per person.
A Taste of South Africa travels from the beautiful city of Cape Town to the Cape peninsula and the Winelands region, with its historic towns and scenic vineyards. The journey ends in the delightful coastal town of Knysna on the picturesque Garden Route. Seven nights from £1,795 per person.
For further information log on to Coxandkings.co.uk.