Southern & East African Budget Safari

This Budget Camping Safari begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels north, exploring South Africa, Mozambique Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania before ending in Nairobi, Kenya.

Highlights on this Budget African Safari Adventure include:

• Kruger National Park of South Africa
• Mozambique Beaches - Inhambane to Vilanculous
• Hwange National Park & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
• Chobe Game Park in Botswana
• Livingstone, Lusaka & Chipata in Zambia
• Lake Malawi Beaches in Malawi
• Zanzibar Island & Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Trip, Tanzania

The Beaches & Wildlife Adventure of this Southern & East African Budget Safari travels through eight African countries, exploring numerous top game parks, beaches and natural wonders over 35 days.

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park – South Africa (L / D)

This budget camping safari departs from Johannesburg travelling into the Lowveld of South Africa towards the renowned Kruger National Park. Our journey takes us through the southern part of the scenic Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking views.

We enter Kruger Park in the late afternoon and enjoy our first game drive on the way to our campsite within the Kruger Park. Tonight we relax around the campfire at camp, getting a good night's rest before our early morning game drive in Kruger.

DAY 2: Kruger National Park (B / L / D)

Today we explore the world-famous Kruger National Park on game viewing drives. This top 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. Tonight we spend the evening at one of the southern camps in Kruger National Park, surrounded by the game-rich bush.

DAY 3: Kruger National Park to Inhambane – Mozambique (B / L / D)

We hit the road early today, driving across the border we leave South Africa and travel to the warm Indian Ocean waters of the Mozambique coastline.

Our first stop in Mozambique is Inhambane, once the trade centre of Portuguese East Africa in colonial years. Today Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and the centre of its trade industry. 

DAY 4: Inhambane – Mozambique (B / L / D)

The beaches just outside of Inhambane are well known for their good scuba diving sites, by both locals and holidaymakers, due to the variety of reefs nearby.

You are free to spend the day at leisure soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Go diving to discover the abundant marine life along the coast, browse the bustling “Mecado Central” (central market), or explore the beaches on horseback. 

Inhambane offers some of the best scuba diving in the world with reefs close to all of the beaches, including the famous Manta Reef and Gallaria. Marine sightings include Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Turtles and a host of other marine life.

There are various professional scuba diving operators along this stretch of Mozambique coast and dives can be booked with them on arrival at the safari camp. For those wishing to see the spectacular marine life that are not able to dive, snorkelling is also excellent.

DAY 5:  Inhambane to Morrungulu – Mozambique (B / L / D)

On day five of this African Budget Safari we take a leisurely drive up the coast of Mozambique to the picturesque Morrungulu Resort. The resort camp is set among coconut palm plantations, offering a truly tropical island feel – beware of falling coconuts!

Try out deep-sea fishing, or stroll along the lovely beach at Morrungulu.

DAYS 6 & 7:  Morrungulu to Vilanculous – Mozambique (B / L / D)

The coastal town of Villanculous is the stepping stone to the three main islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago off Mozambique.

We spend the next two nights of our epic African journey in Vilanculous, to enable those who wish to take a boat charter to the smaller island of Magaruque to do so on day seven. Other activities include traditional Dhow sailing trips, sunset cruises, horse riding, big game fishing, whale watching (seasonal) and more.

DAY 8:  Vilanculous to Bandula – Mozambique (B / L / D)

Continuing our drive northwards we say farewell to the tropical coastline of Mozambique heading inland to Bandula.

Our drive on day eight takes us through more rural parts of Mozambique giving us the chance to see local Mozambican villages and farmsteads.

Arriving at our next overnight stop in the late afternoon, we set up camp on the banks of the Chicamba Dam.

DAY 9: Bandula to Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

Today we cross from Mozambique into Zimbabwe. A beautiful southern African country, rich in culture, history and tradition. We drive into the Zimbabwe Midlands, to the town of Gweru.

Here we stop over at Antelope Park. Rumour has it that “you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited Victoria Falls… and Antelope Park.” 

Antelope Park offers a wide variety of game viewing activities in this wilderness area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and of course numerous antelope (as the name suggests)!  Seize the unique opportunity of walking with lions, riding or swimming with elephants, viewing game from horseback or from the back of a safari vehicle.

DAY 10:  Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

Enjoy close encounters with Africa’s wildlife and feel the thrill of a walk with lions, or a ride on elephant back at Antelope Park today.

In the evening you can venture into the bushes on a night game drive in Antelope Park!

DAY 11:  Gweru to Bulawayo – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

From Gweru, we set off for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Bulawayo is known for its extra wide streets, originally designed for full span ox wagons. 

The British Colonial influence can still be seen in Bulawayo, with many of the character buildings being preserved as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council. Places of interest worth visiting include, the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs more than 70 people.

DAY 12:  Bulawayo to Hwange National Park (B / L / D)

Today we drive north-west to the oldest and largest game park in Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park. Hwange Park is well known for its abundant and varied wildlife species, including thousands of elephants, and rare antelope species such as the Sable and Roan Antelope.

We embark on a rewarding game drive, in the late afternoon or early morning, to explore the wildlife haven of Hwange Park in search of resident wildlife species.

DAY 13:  Hwange National Park to Victoria Falls (B / L)

We leave Hwange Park and drive on to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe today.

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 14 & 15:  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 leg of our affordable African 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! 

All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. 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 riverbanks.

DAY 16: 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. 

We take a relaxing boat cruise along the Chobe River after lunch.

For the adventurous safari goers, there is the option of taking a 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.

DAY 17: Chobe National Park to Livingstone – Zambia (Brunch / D)

On our return to the camp in Kasane, we get back on our safari truck and continue to the Zambian town of Livingstone.

This afternoon we have the opportunity to view Victoria Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia or partake in a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River. More fantastic photo opportunities!

DAY 18: From Livingstone to Lusaka – Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we make an early start and head northwards, passing through villages and towns in southern Zambia en route to our next campsite. The night is spent camping on the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia's capital city. 

Zambia prospered during the copper boom in the 60’s and was able to establish extensive infrastructure in its main mining and farming communities. With the decline of the copper industry, the country was left virtually bankrupt and the infrastructure fell into ruine. But today Zambia is again starting to prosper, due to foreign investment and a resurgence in the mining industry. The rising prosperity can be seen in the cities of Zambia where foreign stores, banks and imported cars are increasing, but the villages and smaller towns are less cosmopolitan.

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

DAY 19: Lusaka to Chipata – Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Travelling on the old "East Road" we drive in a northeasterly direction from Lusaka, finding our way to a stunning campsite a mere 10 km from the border between Zambia and Malawi.

We follow what was once the route from Cape Town to Cairo that passes through Lusaka on its way to Malawi. While most of today is taken up by driving, we do cross the impressive Luangwa River Bridge which is closely guarded due to its close proximity to the Zimbabwean & Malawian borders.

We’ll also stop to stock up on some fresh produce and supplies from the local sellers along the way. We overnight at our lovely campsite, before heading into neighbouring Malawi.

DAYS 20 - 23: From Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches – Malawi (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' and next our safari takes us to find out why. We stop in the administrative centre and capital of Malawi, Lilongwe. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area consisting of the beautiful, fresh-water Lake Malawi.

Over the next few days 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 24: Lake Malawi to Iringa – Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We leave Lake Malawi utterly relaxed after four days and enter Tanzania via the border post at Songwe.  We take in the beauty of the Tukuyu banana and tea plantations of the area as we head for our next night's stop, Iringa.

The rustic 'Farmhouse' campsite in Iringa is famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy showers, worth savouring.

DAY 25: Iringa to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After a good night's rest in Iringa we continue to the seaside town of Dar es Salaam. 

We pass through the Mikumi National Park of Tanzania seeing a wide range of wildlife from the roadside. The wild animals appear impervious to passing traffic, which makes for fantastic game viewing.

Upon our arrival in Dar es Salaam, we find our lovely campsite set at the seaside and busy ourselves with preparations for the next stretch of our African journey. The next morning we embark on the trip to Zanzibar Island.

DAY 26: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Archipelago (Breakfast)

On day 26 we travel to Zanzibar on our optional excursion. From Dar es Salaam we take a ferry across to the "Spice Island," where we spend three nights.

Zanzibar has a colourful past once serving as one of the major departure points for most of the explorations into new territories of East Africa. New passengers may join us on our Zanzibar Trip, as some travel companions might opt to end their tour back in Dar es Salaam.

KINDLY 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.

DAYS 27 & 28: Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar Island has a great range of activities to offer visitors, from quiet sightseeing to exciting water activities.

Explore a spice plantation, an interesting experience on Zanzibar, which is famous for its 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 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 29: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (Dinner)

Departing from Zanzibar Island in the afternoon our relaxing beach trip comes to a close. We return to the shores of Tanzania by the early evening and spend the night at our safari camp in Dar es Salaam town.

DAY 30: Dar es Salaam to Arusha – Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

From Dar es Salaam we travel through African bush and expansive sisal plantations on our way to the pleasant town of Arusha.

We pass The Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving through Moshi town.  Moshi is a great place from which to catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day - a fantastic photo opportunity! The town of Moshi forms the base for climbing expeditions up Mount Kilimanjaro's slopes to its snowy summit. The night is spent camping in scenic Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha.

Next we have the option of taking an excursion to the legendary Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

DAYS 31 - 33: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Trip (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Arusha town is located at the foot of Mount Meru and serves as the gateway for excursions to Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara Park and the Serengeti Park. These game viewing excursions are run in locally operated 4WD safari vehicles that have been adapted for our African safari drives.

Explore the thriving town of Arusha in the morning if you like, while we stock up on supplies for our wildlife excursion. You can browse the vibrant craft markets, go shopping or perhaps catch up on the news back home at one of the small internet cafes. 

Heading back to our base camp, Meserani Snake Park, those that are participating in the optional Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park Trip can prepare for their departure this afternoon.

For those choosing not to visit the Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater various alternative activities are available. You can explore the nearby town of Arusha and visit the Masai Cultural Museum, Meserani reptile park, or the surrounding villages and craft markets over the next two days of this Beaches & Wildlife African Safari.

The Optional Ngorongoro & Serengeti Trip goes to Karatu via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) located next to Lake Manyara National Park. We journey up the Great Rift Valley Escarpment to Karatu, which is a higher lying village offering spectacular views over the surrounding hills.

Karatu has many well-established wheat farms adding to its picturesque scenery. We stay at pleasant campsite in Karatu overnight, departing early the following morning for the Ngorongoro Crater. Driving to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area we head deeper into the bush of the Ngorongoro Crater teeming with wildlife. This crater is a World Heritage Site boasting some of the best game viewing in Africa. Ngorongoro Crater game viewing opportunities include seeing the elusive Black Rhino.

We explore the Crater on a game drive before moving on down the crater rim and passing the 'Cradle of Mankind' en route to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the open African plains on the game drive through the southern and central areas of the Serengeti Park. Then we camp in the heart of the untamed bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness at night.

In the morning we take a thrilling game drive in Serengeti Park, admiring the surrounding landscape as we search for game in the area. With some luck we get to sight the famous 'Big 5' (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard) of Africa on our Serengeti game drive. After the morning game drive, we retrace our steps crossing the vast plains and lush Ngorongoro Crater rim.

Back in Tanzania's Arusha we spend the evening recounting our thrilling tales of the wildlife encounters on the plains of Serengeti & Ngorongoro.

DAY 34: Arusha to Nairobi – Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Driving north early this morning we head to the Tanzania-Kenyan border via the small border town of Namanga. Crossing into Kenya we journey to our next overnight campsite located on the outskirts of the Capital City of Nairobi.

The Safari Camp in Nairobi is ideally situated next to the Nairobi National Park, and is close to the giraffe sanctuary and elephant orphanage. The camp is also close to the famous Carnivore Restaurant.

DAY 35: Nairobi – Kenya (Breakfast)

On the last day of this exhilarating African Safari Adventure we share breakfast in Nairobi. After breakfast we exchange contact details and bid farewell to the friends and travel companions who shared this African Safari trip of a lifetime with us!

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Nairobi and enjoy some of the numerous optional activities available in this vibrant city. You can visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, to see the orphaned baby Elephants at feeding time, head to the Giraffe Centre in Langata for more game viewing, take a day trip to Nairobi National Park or take a “Matatu” to the local curio markets. In the evening you may choose to dine out in Nairobi, perhaps trying the Carnivore Restaurant.

Please Note:

This Budget African Safari begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels north through South Africa, Mozambique Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania before ending in Nairobi, Kenya.

The budget camping safari departs from Johannesburg in South Africa early on Sunday morning. Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, 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.