This well-rounded Overland Africa Tour takes you from Botswana to Tanzania, travelling from Maun to Zanzibar, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.
From Maun, Botswana, venture into the watery Okavango Delta on a mokoro trip and safari game drive in the untouched Moremi National Park and explore Chobe National Park on a Chobe River boat cruise. In Zimbabwe, take the chance to witness the mighty Victoria Falls and enjoy optional adventure activities. Travel to the wild South Luangwa National Park in Zambia for superb game viewing. Relax on the sandy shores of Lake Malawi, explore the local culture, and do optional outdoor activities. Cross into the highlands of Tanzania, see the Great Rift Valley, and visit Mikumi National Park. Continue to Tanzania's Dar es Salaam and hop on to the ferry to exotic Zanzibar Island for an exploration of Stone Town and some relaxation at the idyllic beaches of Nungwi. This safari ends in Stone Town.
During this trip you are likely to come across activities that encourage tourists to participate in lion, elephant or other wildlife interaction. This includes walking with lions, riding elephants and any other tourist operation putting travelers in close contact with animals that would normally live wild and separate from human contact.
We absolutely do not encourage or endorse this type of wildlife interaction operation. For more information on why this is not good for Africa's wild animals, please see our detailed blog post on the subject.
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This 24-day Botswana to Zanzibar overland lodge safari starts with your arrival in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. In the late afternoon, you will meet your crew and fellow travellers at our overnight accommodation in Maun. Before settling in for the night, the crew will brief you and provide an overview of the journey ahead as you prepare to explore the Khwai Conservation Area.
This morning, we depart from Maun for two nights of rustic camping in the wilderness. With limited time in Maun, it’s important to pack lightly and bring only the essentials for the next two nights. Leaving the overland truck behind, we’ll travel in smaller safari vehicles to our rustic mobile fly camp in Khwai. Here, Meru-style tents with twin beds and simple en-suite facilities—a bucket shower and chemical toilet—offer a true bush experience close to nature.
For early risers, an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta is available before departure (weather and time permitting). On arrival in Khwai, your guide will introduce you to the area and prepare you for a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) excursion into the Delta.
Please note: depending on seasonal conditions, the mokoro activity may take place the following morning.
An early start takes us deep into the Moremi Game Reserve for a full-day safari. Travelling in 4x4 vehicles, we navigate a mix of wetlands, open water, grasslands, and savannah woodland in search of the diverse wildlife that inhabits this region. The terrain can be bumpy at times, but the reward is the chance to encounter an array of species in their natural environment. Making up roughly a quarter of the Okavango Delta, the reserve spans thousands of square kilometers of forests, lagoons, floodplains, pans, grasslands, savannahs, and thick mopane woodlands. Moremi Game Reserve (named after local chief Moremi) stands as a remarkable testament to the dedication of local residents, being the first wildlife sanctuary in Africa established by the community. It has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the fragile ecosystem of the Okavango Delta. After a day of exploration, we return to Khwai to share our sightings and stories over dinner beneath the stars.
This morning, we greet the dawn with one last sunrise in the Khwai wilderness before beginning our journey south. Passing back through Maun, we reunite with our overland truck and continue northeast towards Nata. Tonight’s lodge stay offers a truly unique experience: an unfenced setting where elephants often wander through, stopping to drink at the natural waterhole just metres from your chalet. Dinner is served in the heart of the bush, with the soft sounds of wildlife all around.
We begin the day early with a guided bush walk, offering a unique opportunity to explore the wilderness on foot. This intimate experience allows you to observe animal tracks and other subtle signs of wildlife often missed from a vehicle, bringing you closer to the rhythms of the bush.
After the walk, we travel from the Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane, arriving in time for lunch and a brief rest. In the afternoon, we set out to discover Chobe National Park from the water. A leisurely boat cruise along the Chobe River brings you face-to-face with the park’s famous elephants and other wildlife as they gather along the riverbanks, providing unforgettable close-up encounters.
Day 6 sees our Africa Overland Tour cross the border into Zimbabwe after breakfast, and make the short journey to the town of Victoria Falls. Once border formalities are complete, we head to nearby Victoria Falls Village, located on the Zimbabwean side of the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Victoria Falls.
Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya — “the smoke that thunders” — this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the natural wonders of the world. Today, you’ll have time to explore the Falls at your leisure, admiring the mighty Zambezi River as it plunges into the Batoka Gorge below.
Victoria Falls also offers a variety of optional activities, from adrenaline-filled adventures such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping to more relaxed pursuits like browsing craft markets or enjoying a quiet coffee in town. This evening, you may choose to join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant, arranged by your guide, to share stories of your journey so far.
Day 7 of our budget lodge safari is yours to discover the many attractions of Victoria Falls at your own pace. Choose from a wide range of optional activities — from a scenic helicopter flight over the Falls or a guided historical bridge tour, to a sunset cruise on the Zambezi or heart-racing bungee jumping, bridge swings, ziplining or high-speed boat rides. For those who prefer a slower rhythm, the town offers charming markets, cafés, and quiet corners to soak in the atmosphere.
Day 8 is also free for you to participate in optional activities at Victoria Falls. For those seeking a thrill, Victoria Falls offers activities such as bungee jumping, bridge swings, ziplining, high-speed boat rides, and flights over the falls in helicopters or microlights. The churning rapids below are also excellent for white-water rafting. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, fishing trips, wildlife safari drives, cultural tours, or exploring the local craft markets. The Livingstone Museum provides insight into Zambia's rich history and culture. For panoramic views of the falls and Batoka Gorge, take a stroll across the historic Victoria Falls Bridge that links Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Victoria Falls Hotel also offers a delightful high tea in the afternoons, or you can take time out to simply relax at the hotel and take a dip in the pool.
During the dry season, the width of the falls is limited, but this is the perfect time to experience a swim in the Devil’s Pool. This deep natural pool, formed over thousands of years of erosion, is perched on a rock ledge at the edge of the falls. Swimming here is only possible when the water levels are low. Your guides will capture an unforgettable photo of you in the pool, mere centimeters away from the cascading torrents of water flowing just meters away!
We spend our second night in Livingstone on the Zambia side of Victoria Falls. A transfer from Victoria Falls Village to Livingstone is included in the tour price. Decide whether to take this transfer at either 8 am or 4 pm, depending on your plans for the day. You will need to do border formalities to cross into Zambia.
On Day 9 of our affordable Overland Africa Tour, we say goodbye to Victoria Falls and make our way through rural Zambia. We overnight just south of Zambia's capital city, Lusaka. Our Safari Camp is a shady oasis surrounded by natural bush where you may encounter animals such as impala, giraffe, zebra and fantastic birdlife!
Today we travel overland via Lusaka to Petauke, the main hub for safaris to South Luangwa National Park. This long drive takes us along the Great East Road through lush landscapes, crossing the Luangwa River as we head towards South Luangwa National Park. Zambia is a truly rural African country, making for a unique travel experience that differs from the more modernized ways of several other Southern African countries. We will cross the Luangwa River on our way, stopping at the vibrant Luangwa Market, known for its variety of fresh produce and local crafts, notably baskets.
Early in the morning, we drive into the Luangwa Valley. En route to South Luangwa National Park, we make a stop at the Mulberry Mongoose project. The Chipata region is renowned for its cotton production, and here local women craft clothing and jewelry fashioned from locally obtained materials, beautiful textiles and even wire salvaged from poacher traps. We spend the next two nights of our Overland Africa Tour at a safari lodge right on the banks of the Luangwa River with sweeping views of the plains where hippos, other wild animals, and many birds are often spotted. We end the day with sundowners and watch a beautiful sunset over the river.
Day 12 is spent immersing ourselves in the South Luangwa National Park. This morning, you have the choice to take an optional morning game drive or, from April to December during the dry season, you can participate in one of the park's famed walking safaris. The area is considered the birthplace of the Walking Safari. After a leisurely lunch and afternoon, we will head out on a sunset game drive, pausing for a sundowner en route. South Luangwa is home to an abundance of wildlife, including buffalo, zebras, leopards, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and crocodiles. The journey back to camp provides us with an opportunity to catch sight of elusive nocturnal creatures that are typically hidden during daylight hours.
Next, our epic Africa Overland Tour takes us across into the next country on our route: Malawi, known as the Warm Heart of Africa. Border formalities complete, we travel to Lake Malawi, the third largest and second deepest lake in the Great African Rift Valley, known for its incredible variety of freshwater fish, including many species of the endemic cichlid fish. Our lodge for the next two nights is in the historical town of Ngala Beach, right on the shores of Central Lake Malawi. The area enjoys a pleasant climate for swimming year-round, so take a dip straight away, or if time allows, go snorkeling and take a stroll on the sandy beach.
There are no planned activities for Day 14, leaving you free to relax on the sandy shores of Lake Malawi, explore the area and participate in optional activities. Popular optional activities include paddle skiing, kayaking, horse riding, and snorkeling. The clear, warm waters of this vast African Lake make it an ideal destination for snorkeling to spot the brightly colored cichlid fish so popular in fish tanks around the world. Otherwise, you can embark on an optional motorboat trip, do some bird watching, or visit the nearby forest reserve. Take a walk along the lake, passing fishing villages along the way. Lake Malawi is known for its friendly locals and fresh fish, in addition to the excellent water activities at this scenic lake.
On Day 15, we travel further north to our next overnight lodge along Lake Malawi. This afternoon, your overland tour guide takes you to visit a local village. You'll explore the village on foot to get insight into the local culture. See how rural Malawians live and meet some of these friendly African people. By late afternoon, we arrive at our lakeside lodge in Chitimba, where you can recline in a hammock and watch the sun go down over the lake with a cold drink in hand.
Today, we say goodbye to lovely Lake Malawi and travel north into our next African country, Tanzania. We cross into Southern Tanzania and into the Mbeya Mountain range, the main coffee-growing region of Tanzania. Our next overnight stay is at a scenic lodge in the misty hillsides on a coffee plantation.
This morning, we make a stop at a local coffee plantation where we can see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans. Afterwards will be able to sample some of the beans.
Next, our Africa Overland Tour continues through some spectacular mountain passes, past rolling tea plantations in the Tanzanian Highlands. Owing to its altitude, the area enjoys a cooler climate perfect for the growing of tea. Our destination for the night is the town of Iringa, with sweeping views of undulating hills, verdant landscapes, and fertile valleys. We stay in en-suite bedrooms at a lodge just outside town.
From Iringa, we drive north to the Mikumi National Park. Our accommodation is at a safari camp situated just outside the borders of the park. Mikumi National Park is known for its sweeping Mkata Floodplains, distinctive baobabs, and varied wildlife. It is part of the greater 75,000 square kilometre wilderness shared with the adjoining Selous Game Reserve. Mikumi is home to lion, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo, and elephant, among other wildlife, and over 400 species of birds. We stay at the comfortable safari camp for two nights. You are free to relax by the pool or book some optional activities like Mikumi Safari game drives or a choice of cultural tours. Alternatively, look out for the animals that may wander past the camp.
Our Botswana to Zanzibar Overland Tour continues east through the scenic Uluguru Mountains, past villages and farmlands towards the lively coastal city of Dar es Salaam, where we will spend the night. The name Dar es Salaam means ‘house of peace' in Arabic. This bustling city is the commercial and trade capital of Tanzania, even though Dodoma is still the official capital city. The city is a blend of African, Arab, and European influences, and the rest of the day is yours to explore the markets, restaurants and vibrant nightlife. We stay in a centrally located hotel and will depart early tomorrow to catch our ferry to Zanzibar.
We are up early this morning to catch the ferry for a two-hour trip to Stone Town, the main port of the exotic spice island of Zanzibar. This is a place steeped in history and rich in culture. It was a primary trading post on the spice, silk, and slave trade routes and is a remarkable fusion of Arab, Persian, Indian, European, and Swahili influences.
We overnight at a comfortable hotel in the heart of Stone Town, and the rest of the day is yours to explore this fascinating place. It is easy to lose yourself in the maze of narrow, winding streets. Around every turn, there is something new: intricate balconies, colorful facades adorned with ornate details, and intricately carved wooden doors that are a signature feature of Zanzibari buildings. Wander through lively markets, selling everything from fresh produce to locally made crafts, and feast on a fusion of flavors, especially local seafood accompanied by spices grown on the island. The bustling Forodhani Gardens comes alive in the evenings with food stalls offering a variety of delicious local food, from seafood kebabs to Zanzibari pizzas.
Day 22 begins with a walking tour of Stone Town. Rich in history, this bustling port city once served as a key hub in both the Slave and Spice trade, and your guide will show you some of the well-known landmarks, including the birthplace of one of Zanzibar's most famous exports, the singer Freddy Mercury. After the city tour, we’ll travel by road to our blissful beach accommodation in Nungwi for the next two nights. En route, we will stop to tour some local spice farms to see the growing process of the spices that earned Zanzibar the nickname "Spice Island". You can purchase freshly harvested spices directly from the farmers.
The rest of the day and tomorrow are free for you to enjoy a variety of attractions and activities. Water sports are a popular choice, but you may also choose to explore the area further or relax on the beach and bask in the sun. Whatever you decide, the next two days promise ample opportunities to create unforgettable island memories. Unwind on the sandy beaches, bask in the sun and snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with colourful marine creatures.
Your guide can assist with making bookings for the many activities on offer - learn to cook local cuisine, embark on a sailing adventure on a traditional dhow, go horseback riding, fishing, or scuba diving. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour or hire a scooter to discover the island at your own pace.
This morning, we will enjoy our final breakfast together at our Nungwi beach paradise, say our farewells to fellow travellers, and transfer back to Stone Town, where our 24-Day Botswana to Zanzibar Overland Camping Safari will officially end.
Please note that you can choose to either conclude your safari at the Nungwi accommodation or travel with the group to the ferry port for onward connections.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Botswana to Zanzibar Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Maun and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Stone Town to allow for delays and changes.
Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre-tour and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.
This Lodge Overland Tour is also available as a Camping Overland Tour - Botswana to Zanzibar Overland Camping Safari which follows the same itinerary and accommodation is camping instead of staying in lodges.
For more details, contact African Budget Safaris
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
There is a minimum age limit of 8 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departures, however, children aged 8 and 9 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 10 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.
Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
All Maun Departures |
1. Chobe National Park, Botswana
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