The Cairo to Cape Town highway is a journey through the whole length of Africa, stretching roughly 10,000 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea to the southern tip of the continent. It links Egypt to South Africa, crossing through some of the most iconic landscapes and cultures in the world. If you’ve ever dreamed about driving across Africa, here’s what you need to know about the Cairo to Cape Town route, from the countries you’ll pass through to what challenges and rewards await along the way.
The route
The highway isn’t a single, seamless motorway. It’s more of a patchwork of existing roads that together form a continuous line down Africa. Starting in Cairo, it heads south through Egypt, into Sudan, through Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and finally South Africa, ending in Cape Town.
In reality, many overlanders add detours: west to Uganda for gorilla trekking, east to Malawi for lakeside camping, or into Botswana for safaris.
The highway itself is the spine, but the side trips often make the journey.
How long does it take?
The entire drive from Cairo to Cape Town can take as little as eight weeks if you rush, but most travelers take three to six months to explore along the way.
Africa is a continent you don’t want to race through, as each border brings a change in food, culture, and landscape.
It’s also worth noting that road conditions vary widely. Northern sections are smooth highways, while stretches in Ethiopia or Zambia can be rough, slow-going, or even temporarily impassable after heavy rain.
Highlights along the way
This road passes through some of Africa’s most incredible places. In Egypt, you can visit the pyramids before heading down the Nile Valley.
Sudan offers ancient pyramids of its own at Meroë, without the crowds. Ethiopia has highlands full of castles, monasteries, and coffee.
Cross into Kenya and Tanzania, and you’re in the heart of safari country, with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli offering wildlife you’ve only seen in documentaries.
Farther south, Zambia’s Victoria Falls marks one of the trip’s natural highlights. By the time you roll into South Africa, you’ll have deserts, deltas, mountains, and vineyards behind you.
Driving the highway
You can attempt the Cairo to Cape Town journey in many ways: with your own 4x4, a motorbike, or by hitching rides and using public transport.
Most serious overlanders ship or buy a vehicle, since flexibility is key on such a long trip.
Road rules vary by country, and so does fuel availability, though it’s rarely impossible to find. Having spare fuel cans, basic mechanical knowledge, and patience for border paperwork is more important than having the fanciest gear.
Safety is another consideration. While most of the route is safe, some border regions can be tense, and road conditions mean accidents are a bigger risk than crime.
Staying updated on travel advisories and listening to local advice is essential.
Visas and paperwork
Crossing an entire continent means collecting a stack of visas and permits. Some countries issue visas on arrival; others require advance applications.
For your vehicle, you’ll usually need a Carnet de Passage, an international customs document for temporary vehicle import. Insurance is also required in most countries, often sold at borders.
The bureaucracy can feel overwhelming, but most overlanders agree that it’s manageable if you plan ahead and keep copies of everything.
Costs of the journey
Driving from Cairo to Cape Town isn’t cheap, but it can be surprisingly affordable compared to long-term travel elsewhere. Vehicle costs, fuel, visas, and park fees are the big expenses.
Campsites and guesthouses range from a few dollars in rural areas to $20–30 in cities or near major attractions. Safaris and guided treks (like gorilla permits in Uganda) can add up quickly, so budget extra if you plan to do those.
Who is the Cairo to Cape Town highway for?
This is not a casual road trip. The Cairo to Cape Town route is for travelers who want adventure, who don’t mind breakdowns, border delays, or a little chaos.
It’s also for those who appreciate diversity. Nowhere else can you start by watching the sunrise over the Sahara, and end months later with a sunset over Table Mountain.
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