Explore Southern & East Africa Safari

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

Highlights on this Budget Camping Safari through Africa include:

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

This unforgettable Explore Southern & East Africa Safari visits a whopping eight African countries and an abundance of top game parks and natural wonders over 35 days.

DAY 1: Nairobi to Arusha – Tanzania (L / D)

This morning we begin our epic wildlife, beach and scenic trip, the Explore Southern & East Africa Safari. Departing from Nairobi we travel south, crossing into Tanzania at Namanga border post.

We stay at a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha for the night. Tomorrow we will be embarking on our memorable Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater trip.

DAYS 2 - 4: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Trip – Tanzania (B / L/ D)

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 Tanzanian 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 Gorilla, 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, 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 Five' of Africa (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard) 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 5:  Arusha to Pangani – Tanzania (B / L / D)

The Explore Southern & East Africa Safari takes us into Arusha this morning to stock up on supplies before driving south towards Dar es Salaam, on the coast of Tanzania.

We travel through Moshi, a town at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain.  Moshi serves as the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and we may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this magnificent mountain’s snowy summit from the town. The views of towering Kilimanjaro from Moshi offer fantastic photo opportunities! 

Passing through vast sisal plantations flanked by the Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges we continue south on our safari adventure. Our lovely overnight campsite tucked between the mountains, lies halfway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

DAY 6: Pangani to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (B / L / D)

Travelling via lush countryside landscapes with palm trees, we reach our next safari destination, Dar es Salaam.

The pace of our drive to the warm Indian Ocean slows as we enter the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, taking in the interesting sights and sounds of Dar’s vibrant outer suburbs as we go. Keep an eye out for the brightly coloured shop-fronts decorated with humorous ‘catch phrases’.

Arriving in Dar es Salaam on the east coast of Africa we head to our pleasant seaside campsite and have time to prepare for our trip to Zanzibar the following morning.

DAY 7: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Archipelago (B)

On day seven 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. New passengers may join us on our Zanzibar Trip, as some travel companions might opt to end their tour of Africa 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 8 & 9: Zanzibar Island

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

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 10: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (D)

Departing from the tropical Zanzibar Island in the afternoon our exciting 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 11: Dar es Salaam to Iringa – Tanzania (B / L / D)

On the morning of day 11 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 Explore Southern & East Africa Safari. The night is spent at a scenic and rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy hot showers!

DAYS 12 to 15: 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 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: 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 21 & 22: 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 23: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

Continuing our African Camping Safari early in the morning, we travel to Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest game reserve, Hwange National Park. Hwange Park is renowned for its diverse and plentiful wildlife species, including thousands of elephants, along with rare Sable and Roan Antelope species.

Arriving at this well-known Zimbabwean game park we enjoy lunch, before embarking on an exciting game drive in Hwange Park. We explore the untamed wilderness area in search of its varied wildlife species.

DAY 24: Hwange Park to Bulawayo – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

Day 24 sees us rising with the sun and heading off into Hwange Park to explore this reserve some more, before departing for Bulawayo in the mid-morning.

Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe and is characterized by wide streets, originally designed to accommodate full span ox wagons.

The rich British Colonial influences can still be seen in the city's old buildings that have been maintained as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council. Places of interest include the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, employing over 70 people.

DAY 25: Bulawayo to Gweru (B / L / D)

Stock up on supplies and explore the city, before we hit the road for our next safari stop - Gweru, in Zimbabwe’s Midlands. 

Our African Wildlife, Beaches & Gorilla Safari takes us to the Antelope Park where we stay over for tonight. 

Some say that you haven't really been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the famous Victoria Falls, and Antelope Park - a must-visit on a Zimbabwe visit. This area of Zimbabwe offers open game viewing drives and much more, boasting a wide range of game viewing opportunities.

From the unique chance to walk with lions in the bush, to taking a swim or ride on elephant back or going game viewing on horseback.

These game viewing activities help fund the ALERT project, aimed at conserving African lions. The Antelope Park area is home to lions, elephants, giraffes and, of course, numerous antelopes!

DAY 26: Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

Today we enjoy some game viewing activities and have the chance to get up close to Africa’s wildlife at Antelope Park.

Take a thrilling walk with lions, ride through bush and water on elephant back, or venture out on a night game drive!

DAY 27: Gweru to Bandula – Mozambique (B / L / D)

Moving on from the special Antelope Park, we drive across Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands to Mozambique.

Passing the town of Mutare, we continue to our first Mozambique campsite, set on the banks of Lake Chicamba.

Lake Chicamba is a popular Angling destination, located where the Revue and Messica Rivers meet.

This Mozambiquan lake is well-stocked with big Bass, Carp, Bream and Catfish, making it an Anglers paradise!

DAYS 28 & 29: Bandula to Vilanculous – Mozambique (B / L / D)

From Bandula we travel to Vilanculous on the tropical coast of Mozambique.

Villanculous is the base for excursions to the Bazaruto Archipelago's three main islands. We arrive at the coastline of the warm Indian Ocean in the afternoon and spend the next two nights here. 

From Villanculous you have the chance to take a boat charter out to the smaller Bazaruto island of Magaruque for the day.

Dhow sailing trips, sunset cruises, horse riding, big game fishing, seasonal whale watching and other activities are also available at Vilanculous.

DAY 30: Vilanculous to Morrungulu (B / L / D)

We take a leisurely drive down the coast of Mozambique to the picturesque Morrungulu Resort today.

The resort camp is nestled among coconut palm plantations, offering a truly tropical island feel – but beware of falling coconuts! Try out deep-sea fishing, or simply enjoy a relaxing stroll along the beach.

DAYS 31 & 32: Morrungulu to Inhambane – Mozambique

Today we keep travelling south down the coast of Mozambique towards our next safari destination. The next two days on this African Budget Safari are spent in Inhambane, the centre of trade in Portuguese East Africa during colonial years. Today Maputo is the capital of Mozambique, as well as the trade centre.

The beaches just outside of Inhambane are well known for their good scuba diving sites, 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 33: Inhambane to Kruger National Park – South Africa (B / L / D)

Driving further south we cross the border into South Africa, leaving the warm waters of the inviting Mozambique coast behind.

We make our way to the world-famous Kruger National Park teeming with wildlife. Entering this top top African game park in the late afternoon, an exhilarating game drive brings us to our safari campsite inside Kruger Park.

In the evening we relax around the camp fire and get a good night's rest before our morning game drive in Kruger tomorrow.

DAY 34: 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. Tonight we spend the evening at one of the southern camps in Kruger National Park, surrounded by the game-rich bush.

DAY 35: Hazyview to Johannesburg – South Africa (B / L)

Our Explore Southern & East Africa Safari departs from the Kruger Park region travelling via the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route to our final destination, Johannesburg. We arrive in the late afternoon where this African Camping Safari finishes on arrival at a selected Backpacker Lodge in Benoni.

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 begins in Nairobi, Kenya, and travels south through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana, ending in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Budget Camping Safari departs from Nairobi in Kenya early on Sunday morning. Should you wish to explore Nairobi, 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.