Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Budget Safari

A safari camping trip of a lifetime from the shores of Zanzibar Island to the economic hub of southern Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Explore the "Spice Island" of Zanzibar, before heading to the shores of Lake Malawi with its friendly people and rich cultural life.

We travel across Zambia to the mightly Victoria Falls, the adventure capital of Africa where you will get to partake in a host of adventure activities from white water rafting to Elephant back safaris.

Then our Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Budget Safari makes the short journey across the Botswana border to Chobe National Park and the beautiful Okavango Delta.

From Botswana its southward bound to South Africa's Kruger National Park home of Africa's " Big 5", before ending in Johannesburg.

DAY 1: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Island Archipelago – Tanzania

On day one of this Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Budget Safari we travel to Zanzibar on our optional island excursion.

From Dar es Salaam we take a ferry across to the "Spice Island" where we spend three nights.

Zanzibar has a colourful past, as one of the major departure points for most of the explorations into new territories of East Africa, in times gone by. Some passengers joining us on our Zanzibar Trip might opt to end their African Trip back in Dar es Salaam.

Please Note: 

The Zanzibar accommodation and meals costs are for your own account, as experience has shown that visitors prefer exploring the island unguided.

Zanzibar hosts a wide selection of restaurants offering a variety of tasty meals. The Trip Leader joins you and can help with arranging accommodation in Zanzibar.

For those not taking the optional trip to the island of Zanzibar, the next three days are spent relaxing at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam.

There are various optional excursions available from the safari camp including diving, snorkelling and fishing trips along the coast of Tanzania. The driver and cook remain behind in Dar es Salaam during the Zanzibar Excursion.

DAYS 2 & 3: Zanzibar Island – Tanzania

Zanzibar Island has a great range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from quiet sightseeing in Stone Town and around the island to exciting water activities in its warm waters.

Explore one of the spice plantations, an interesting experience on Zanzibar, which is famous for its exotic spices. The quaint streets of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar reveal traces of their Arabic history, from Medina-style shops to the impressive palaces that once belonged to powerful Sultans.

Other interesting activities on Zanzibar Island include a day trip to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, to see its giant tortoises. A full day of scuba diving in Nungwe is well worth it, as is the experience of fishing in a traditional saiing dhow.  

There are a variety of restaurants offering a fantastic array of fresh seafood straight from the ocean, with crayfish being a popular speciality. You can mingle with the locals at the seafront market of Forodhani Gardens, where inexpensive yet delicious seafood is available.

DAY 4: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (D)

Departing from the tropical Zanzibar Island in the afternoon our idyllic beach trip comes to a close. We return to the shores of Tanzania by the early evening feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.

We spend the night catching up with fellow travellers at our safari camp in Dar es Salaam town.

DAY 5: Dar es Salaam to Iringa – Tanzania (B / L / D)

On the morning of day five of this budget safari we set off from coastal Dar es Salaam making our way further south. 

En route we drive through the inland Mikumi National Park, home to a variety of wildlife. The wildlife in Mikumi is quite accustomed to the passing traffic, which makes sighting the animals easier as we drive through the game park.

We continue to Iringa, our next overnight stop on this Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Budget Safari. The night is spent at a scenic and rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy hot showers!

DAYS 6 to 9: Iringa to Lake Malawi – Malawi (B / L / D)

We follow the winding road through the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations admiring this beautiful region of Tanzania as we travel.

Next, we cross into Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ via the Songwe border post.

Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area consisting of the beautiful, fresh-water Lake Malawi.

Over the next few days on this camping safari we travel the full length of the western side of Lake Malawi, stopping off at various bays and inlets. Days are spent relaxing on the unspoilt beaches, learning to play the game of bao from locals or bargain hunting at the markets.

The temperate climate of Malawi is suited to swimming all year round, so you can always take a dip in the clear blue waters. Explore the picturesque shores of Lake Malawi meeting local fishermen as they sort the fresh catch of the day. The fishermen still bring in their catch using traditional fishing techniques. The ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermens' boats twinkle out on the lake at night.

You can gain insight into the skill involved in handling one of the fishing boats by trying your hand at paddling a dug out canoe yourself. Excursions offered at the beachside campsites along Lake Malawi's shores include options such as water sports, horse riding and visits to the local school and village.

DAY 10: Lake Malawi to Chipata – Zambia (B / L / D)

Leaving lovely Lake Malawi and its friendly people behind, we drive to the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe. This small city has a distinct old town and a new administrative centre.

We replenish our supplies before travelling into neighbouring Zambia - the next stop on this African Budget Safari. We make our way to a beautiful little campsite just 10 km from the Malawi and Zambia border, where we stay overnight.

DAY 11: Chipata to Lusaka – Zambia (B / L / D)

Driving south-west from Chipata along the Great East Road we head to our overnight campsite located on the fringes of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city.

On our drive we cross the impressive Luangwa River Bridge near the Zimbabwe-Malawi border and travel via some rural villages and towns in Zambia today.

Zambia prospered during the copper boom in the 60’s and established extensive infrastructure in its main mining and farming communities. After a subsequent decline in the copper industry, Zambia is once again starting to prosper, due to foreign investment and a resurgence in the mining industry. 

Some of the local wildlife such as the Eland, Africa's largest antelope, share the safari campsite with us!

DAY 12: Lusaka to Livingstone – Zambia (B / L / D)

Continuing our journey south through Zambia, we pass through southern Zambian farming and agricultural towns en route to Livingstone.

Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.  

Vic Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and around 100 m high. Seeing Vic Falls is a highlight of any African Safari! 

We can witness this spectacular natural wonder from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia - a superb photographic opportunity. In the evening we can enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.

DAY 13: Livingstone to Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)

Saying goodbye to truly African Zambia we head into one of Africa's top Safari Countries, Botswana, at the Kazangula Ferry crossing.

Once in Botswana we drive to the northern town of Kasane, located on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe River, home to hippos and other wildlife, forms a natural border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.

After lunch we take a relaxing boat cruise on the Chobe River, the main source of water in Chobe National Park. Returning from our boat cruise we prepare for our overnight Chobe National Park trip.

Then we make our way into this top Botswana game reserve for our overnight experience in the African wilderness of Chobe National Park. Chobe Park is one of the premier game parks in Botswana, renowned for its large herds of migratory elephants. 

In the afternoon we explore Chobe on a game drive en route to our safari camp inside the game park. On the game viewing drive rare Sable and Roan Antelope are often sighted, keep an eye out for their destinct backward slanting horns, or watch the numerous swooping Lilac Breasted Rollers!

We spend the evening musing over our wildlife encounters in Chobe Park and listening to the night sounds of nearby wildlife, interspersed by the silence of the African bush.

Getting up early after our night in the Botswana bush, we set off on a morning game drive in search of Chobe's wildlife. After our rewarding game drive we pack up camp and travel back to the town of Kasane.

DAY 14: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (Brunch)

Back at the Kasane camp we transfer to our safari truck and take the short drive to the Zimbabwe border. Border formalities behind us, we cover the last bit of ground to nearby Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Named after the famous World Heritage Site and Waterfall, the town of Victoria Falls is located along the Zambezi River, surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our safari campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of Victoria Falls town, within walking distance of the local restaurants, shops and booking agents for adventure activities.

A 20 minute walk takes you to the entry point for viewing the spectacular Vic Falls, falling between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by the explorer David Livingstone and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and about 100 m high. An awesome and memorable sight on any African Safari!

A short adventure activities brief is followed by an afternoon of leisure for you to unwind at the campsite’s swimming pool, view the mighty Victoria Falls, or explore the sights and delights of Vic Falls town!

DAY 15 & 16: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (B)

For the next two days you are free to relax and explore the area as well as taking advantage of some of the fantastic Optional Adventure Activities at Victoria Falls.

Some of our fellow travellers may end their tour in Vic Falls and new passengers often join us for the next stretch of our African Camping Safari.

Optional Excursions include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort.  Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! 

Flights over Vic Falls in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective of this magnificent World Heritage Site, all year round. White water rafting on the Zambezi River is world class. In addition to the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the towering cliffs and occasional wildlife on the Zambezi riverbanks.

DAY 17: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)

After breakfast we depart from Vic Falls crossing into Botswana and making our way to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. 

Listen out for the resident hippos enjoying the waters of Chobe River, the major water source in Chobe National Park. The Chobe River forms a natural border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia.  Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large herds of elephant. 

For the adventurous safari goers, there is the option of taking another Chobe National Park Sleep-out – an overnight experience in the Chobe National Park.  After the boat cruise we return to Kasane and prepare for our Chobe National Park Overnight Trip into the wilds.

Arriving in Chobe Park we spend the afternoon in search of African wildlife on a game drive to our bush camp inside this top Botswana Game Park.

We spend the evening listening to the night-time noises of the local wildlife in the surrounding bush. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their impressive backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s swooping by!

After our night in the Botswana bush, we head out early on a game viewing drive in Chobe Park, before packing up the safari camp and heading back north to Kasane.

If you prefer there is the option of staying at the campsite in Kasane and taking an early morning game drive, instead of the overnight stay in Chobe Park.

DAY 18: Chobe National Park to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)

Today we head in south-westerly direction to the the town on Maun, gateway to the southern part of the Okavango Delta.

Tonight we prepare for our 2 night optional excursion into the untamed Delta of Botswana. We suggest that you bring a smaller daypack on your trip to use on this short excursion.

Your safari leader will brief you on what is needed, and what to expect on your trip into the Delta. In the morning we will set off from Maun on our journey into the Okavango Delta.

DAY 19: From Maun to the Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

The Okavango Delta boasting remote islands, is famous for its incredibly rich variety of bird species and animals. This huge expanse of water is unique to Southern Africa being home to a plethora of bird life and animals and with its source in the Angolan highlands. The Delta runs down from the highlands spreading out over the plains.           

Day 19 presents the chance to take a 3-Day and 2 Night drive and Mokoro trip into the Okavango Delta.  This optional excursion entails a drive from Maun up north for a couple of hours reaching the Mokoro polers' station. The dug out Mokoros are traditional canoes that local guides "pole" navigate through the reeds and waterways. The guides locate a suitable camp spot and in the afternoon we set off on a game walk to get a close-up experience of the wilderness that is the Delta.

The alternative to the optional excursion exploring the Delta is to laze by the swimming pool at the campsite or play a fun game of volleyball. The nearby crocodile farm also admits visitors from the campsite to witness the spectacle of feeding times.

DAY 20: The Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

On day 20 of this Budget African Safari we will be taking it easy. This day of rest is for relaxing and exploring the Okavango Delta, before we continue on our exciting safari adventures.

You can take a game walk, go swimming (water levels allowing), enjoy a Mokoro cruise and even try your hand at poling a mokoro on the waters. Or just sit back and soak up the sounds of nature and take a nap at camp.

DAY 21: Okavango Delta to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)

Last chance to take a game walk in the unspoilt Delta bush before we head back to Maun. We reach Maun in the early afternoon in time for a fantastic optional scenic flight over the Delta at sunset.

DAY 22:  Maun to Palapye – Botswana (B / L / D)

Our Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Budget Safari sets out early today, for our long drive to the Botswana town of Palapye. This small town is located about midway between Francistown and Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. 

Palapye is a popular town for sopping over on safari trips between Botswana and South Africa.

DAY 23:  Palapye to Blydepoort – South Africa (B / L / D)

Today we cross into the last country on our budget safari, South Africa. We head straight to our overnight camp looking out over the deep Blyde River Canyon, on the scenic Panorama Route of South Africa.

The canyon is named after the Blyde River that cuts through it and is classed as a 'green canyon' given the unusually thick vegetation that occurs within it. Blyde River Canyon is around 26km long and an average of 800m deep. The canyon forms the northern edge of the towering Drakensberg Mountain Range, South Africa's highest mountains. 

This canyon is dotted with impressive viewpoints including the Three Rondavels, named for the shape of the traditional huts; and Gods Window offering spectacular vistas over the canyon and surrounding hills.

DAY 24:  Blydepoort to Hazyview – South Africa (B / L / D)

Driving further along the stunning Panorama Route, we stop at God’s Window and other viewpoints for breathtaking views! 

Travelling via the small town of Graskop, we make our way to the famous Kruger National Park on safari. Our overnight campsite is set on the border of Kruger Park, only 10km from the Phabeni Gate.

Tonight's safari camp near Kruger, is home to giraffe, zebra and hippo among other wildlife.

DAY 25: Kruger National Park – South Africa (B / L / D)

Today we explore the premier Kruger National Park on game viewing drives. This leading African game park covers an area of 21 497 km² (60 km wide and over 350 km long).

The vast Kruger Park conservation area is home to over 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species. Around 23 000 different types of plants have also been recorded in this wilderness area. 

We spend the day driving through Kruger Park in South Africa in search of the abundance of wildlife inhabiting the game reserve, stopping off at view points as we explore. You can upgrade to an open safari vehicle game drive if you prefer, arranging this with the trip leader at an additional cost.

DAY 26: Hazyview to Johannesburg – South Africa (B)

Our African Budget Safari departs from the Kruger Park region after breakfast. Travelling via the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route to our final destination, Johannesburg.

We arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon where this unforgettable Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Budget Safari finishes.

We recommend that you extend your stay by a few days to participate in some of the exciting activities available in Johannesburg. Post tour accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris.

Please Note:

This Budget African Safari starts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and travels to Zanzibar and then south through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana before ending in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Budget Camping Safari departs from Dar es Salaam on Saturday mornings. Should you wish to explore Dar es Salaam, an earlier arrival is recommended. Accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris. 

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the safari trip.