This well-rounded Overland Africa Tour takes you from South Africa to Tanzania, traveling from Johannesburg to Zanzibar via Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.
From South Africa travel northwest into Botswana through the Kalahari Desert. Then, venture into the watery Okavango Delta on a mokoro trip and safari game drive in the untouched Moremi National Park. From the delta, see the Makgadigadi Salt Pans and explore Chobe National Park on a boat cruise. In Zimbabwe, take the chance to witness the mighty Victoria Falls and enjoy optional adventure activities. Travel to Kafue River in Zambia, before heading to the wild South Luangwa National Park 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 on the east coast before heading back to Dar es Salaam.
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 Overland Africa Tour departs from South Africa’s economic hub, Johannesburg, on the morning of Day 1. From Johannesburg, we travel through the North West Province towards the Botswana border. Border crossing complete, we proceed along the Trans-Kalahari Highway. We will spend the first night of our overland adventure staying in en-suite rooms at a hotel in the town of Palapye.
Today our epic Africa tour travels northeast across the wide-open plains of the Kalahari Desert, where the landscape transitions from green hills to vast semi-arid desert. We skirt the edges of the great Makgadigadi Pans and head to the vibrant town of Maun situated on the southern fringes of the Okavango Delta, a hub for tourists embarking on trips into the delta. The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta, a natural marvel formed by the mighty Kavango River that has no outlet to the sea and empties into the sands of the Kalahari Desert irrigating some 15,000 square kilometers of Botswana.
We overnight at a centrally located hotel.
Early risers will again have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). Later, we venture deeper into the Okavango Delta in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles, leaving the overland truck behind in Maun. You will need to prepare a light bag for this two-night trip. Our journey takes us through the backroads of the Delta towards the Khwai River Conservation area, on the Delta's eastern side. For the next two nights we will stay at a tented camp nestled in the floodplains of the Khwai River.
After settling in, we make a short trip to a nearby mokoro station. From here, local guides will escort us on an exploration of the Delta waterways in traditional dugout canoes, known as mokoros. Immerse yourself in the peacefulness of the surroundings as your guide navigates through reed-filled channels that lead to stunning lagoons, home to lounging hippos and occasional crocodiles. Your guide will also lead a nature walk on one of the many islands for a closer look at the flora and fauna. Although the mokoro excursion is not primarily aimed at wildlife spotting, the pristine wilderness may reveal a variety of creatures such as elephants, giraffes, kudus, impalas, and zebras. As the sun sets, we'll return through the channels to the mokoro station.
Today, we'll be spending the whole day on a safari expedition in Moremi Game Reserve, seeking out the diverse wildlife that calls these lands home. 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.
We depart early this morning as our 4×4 safari vehicles take us on our last drive through the Okavango Delta as we make our way back to Maun.
Back on the overland vehicle, our Johannesburg to Zanzibar Safari ventures east, back into the vast Kalahari Desert. Tonight, we stay in the Makgadigadi Pans, an expansive string of salt flats that are the last remnants of a giant ancient lake that once graced this area. We stay at a comfortable lodge in the palm fringed edges of Nata Pan, that hosts a nature reserve on what is the breeding ground of large congregations of migratory birds, such as flamingos and pelicans, during the wet season. We take a scenic drive around the pan to soak in the ethereal landscapes of the pans and, if we are visiting in the right season, spot the resident birdlife.
Day 6 sees our Africa Overland Tour continue through the desert towards the lusher terrain around the Chobe River and the Zimbabwe border. Tonight, we stay in en-suite rooms at a lodge overlooking the river. After lunch and a rest, we head out on a Chobe River boat cruise to appreciate the diverse wildlife of the Chobe National Park. From the water, we get up close to plenty of animals, hippos and crocodiles wallowing in the water, and a host of antelopes grazing on the banks. Chobe National Park is renowned for its huge population of migratory elephants and large buffalo herds. Our boat-based game viewing provides excellent opportunities for photographing the birds and wildlife attracted to lush riverbanks.
On Day 7 of our budget lodge safari, we travel further east and crossing into Zimbabwe. Once border formalities are complete, we head to nearby Victoria Falls Village, located on the Zimbabwe side of the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Victoria Falls.
Your time is free to visit the mighty Victoria Falls waterfall to experience the power of Mosi-oa-Tunya (as the local Kololo call it, meaning the "Smoke that Thunders"). Listen to the thundering of water and feel the mist of the impressive smoke-like spray that rises up from the falls and is visible many miles away! Victoria Falls National Park has a pathway through the rainforest with several viewpoints, providing an expansive view of the water as it plummets over 100 feet into the gorge below.
In addition to viewing Victoria Falls waterfall, spend time relaxing at our lodge located close to the falls. Explore the town of Victoria Falls or try one of the many optional adventure activities on offer. Tonight, you have the option of eating out in Victoria Falls and your guide will assist with any excursion bookings for the following day.
Day 8 is 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 either 8am or 4pm 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. Our destination is the town of Chirundu on the banks of the Kafue River. We will stay at a charming riverside lodge for the next two nights. Unwind by the riverbanks or try some of the optional activities. The Kafue River, which feeds into the mighty Zambezi River close by, offers a plethora of river-centric activities. This area is popular with fishermen who flock here to fish for the famed and feisty tiger fish. Go bird watching, embark on a river game viewing safari, or you may choose to trek to a nearby bat cave and baobab forest. You may also arrange a game drive in the nearby Lower Zambezi National Park.
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 13 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 buffalos, 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, 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 15, 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 16 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 for the night 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, varied wildlife. It is part the greater 75,000 square kilometer 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. You have the option to book an afternoon game drive in the park. Alternatively, look out for the animals that may wander past the camp.
Our Johannesburg 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. Round 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 where 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. Then our overland tour heads out of town towards the idyllic beaches on the eastern side of the island. En-route we will stop to tour some local spice farms to see the growth process of the spices that earned Zanzibar the nickname "Spice Island". You can purchase freshly harvested spices directly from the farmers.
We continue to the island's eastern coastline, where our beachfront resort beckons. This will be our haven for two blissful days. Unwind on the sandy beaches, bask in the sun and snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine creatures. Your guide can assist with making bookings for the many activities on offer - explore Jozani Forest, home to the unique red colobus monkeys, 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 leave our beach paradise behind and return to Stone Town. There is enough time for a final exploration of Stone Town, but all too soon it is time to catch the ferry back to Dar es Salaam.
Arriving back on the mainland of Tanzania this fantastic Africa Overland Tour comes to an end in Dar es Salaam.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Delta & Zanzibar Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Johannesburg and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Dar es Salaam 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 northbound tour is also available in the opposite direction as the Overland Africa Tour: Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg.
This Lodge Overland Tour is also available as a Camping Overland Tour - Johannesburg to Dar es Salaam 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.
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