Explore Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar Island, Malawi, Zambia, Victoria Falls, and Botswana, ending in Johannesburg - South Africa, on this budget Overland Tour staying in comfortable lodges along the way.
Highlights of this Overland Africa Tour include the legendary Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. Cross the equator, see beautiful lakes of the African Rift Valley, visit the Chimpanzees of Budongo Forest and go trekking with Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Try adventure activities in Jinja, Uganda, at the source of the Nile, before heading to the popular Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit – Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. Relax on exotic Zanzibar Island, travel the scenic Tanzania Southern Highlands and the Great Africa Rift Valley, visit serene Lake Malawi and wild South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Marvel at the mighty Victoria Falls and magnificent Okavango Delta, cruise along the Chobe River looking for wildlife and see the surreal Makgadigadi Pans. Head through the Kalahari Desert and cross into South Africa, ending in Johannesburg.
Discover the beauty of Africa's diverse landscapes, cultures, and wildlife on this affordable Africa Lodge Overland Tour.
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 travellers 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 safari no-no blog post on the subject.
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Our tour begins in Nairobi, the vibrant capital city of Kenya. After getting acquainted with your guides and fellow travellers, we leave in 4x4 safari vehicles, headed southwest towards the endless plains of wild animals and spectacular beauty of the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, the quintessential 'Out of Africa' safari destination immortalized in numerous documentaries and films. We will join our overland truck after our two-day Masai Mara Safari, so you will need to pack a smaller bag for this trip due to the space constraints on the vehicles. The rest of your luggage can be left safely with our driver.
The drive takes us through rustic Kenyan landscapes peppered with rural hamlets of the semi-nomadic Maasai people, known for their warrior prowess and vibrant traditional dress. We will spend the next two nights in luxury Meru-style safari tents at a beautiful tented camp in Masai Mara. Covering 1,510 square kilometres (580 square miles) bordering Tanzania, Masai Mara National Reserve is teeming with wildlife.
We'll head out on safari drives, traversing the expansive plains in search of Africa's Big 5 - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo - as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippo, wildebeest, and smaller creatures like jackals, hyenas, baboons, warthogs, bat-eared foxes, and various antelope species including impalas and topi. Masai Mara is perhaps most famous for the annual Great Migration, a spectacular event that sees thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and Thompson’s gazelle migrating between the vast plains of Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti. Note that the migration is a seasonal event, so sightings will vary depending on the time of year.
Today, we bid the Masai Mara goodbye and meet up with our overland vehicle. Our Overland Africa Tour heads to Lake Nakuru, an extraordinary soda lake within the Great Rift Valley renowned for the massive congregations of flamingos that gather here during certain times of the year, attracted by the lake's alkaline waters. This is the first of the Great Rift Valley Lakes that we will visit on our adventure.
We take a game drive in the surrounding park that covers 180 square kilometres (69 square miles). Lake Nakuru National Park has one of Kenya's highest populations of black rhinos, with more than 25 individuals, alongside approximately 70 white rhinos. The park is also home to numerous other wildlife species, including impala, warthogs, waterbucks, hippos, and large tree pythons. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards prowl the park, while buffalo, Rothschild giraffe, and eland are also commonly sighted. Initially established as a bird sanctuary, the park is a sanctuary for over 400 resident bird species and hosts a variety of migratory birds.
After our drive we head to a comfortable hotel located in nearby Nakuru, Kenya's third-largest city.
This morning our Africa Overland Tour crosses into neighbouring Uganda, the ‘Pearl of Africa’, with its verdant landscapes and collection of stunning Rift Valley Lakes. En route, we cross the Equator and stop to take photos to mark the occasion.
Our destination for the night is a resort located on the Nile River outside Jinja, Uganda’s second-largest city on the north shore of Lake Victoria. This is officially the source of the Nile River where it flows out of Lake Victoria to travel 6,695 kilometres (4,160 miles) through Africa to the Mediterranean Sea. ‘White Nile’ refers to all the stretches of river draining from Lake Victoria through to the merger with the ‘Blue Nile’. Confusingly, this particular section of the river is known as the ‘Victoria Nile’ between Lake Victoria until it reaches Lake Albert, then it is the ‘Albert Nile’ to the South Sudan border.
Our lodge is nestled on the forested banks of the Victoria Nile close to the beautiful Kalagala Falls. Jinja is considered the adventure capital of Uganda and the river offers many adventure activities. Our stay is brief, but we will return at the end of our Uganda adventure.
After a quick stop in the city of Kampala, we travel northwest towards the shores of another of Uganda’s Great Rift Valley Lakes, Lake Albert. For the next two nights, we will stay outside the town of Masindi, renowned as a travel hub due to its proximity to Budongo Mahogony Forest and the Murchison Falls National Park which sees the Victoria Nile River flow through on its way to Lake Albert, plummeting over a narrow gorge to form the beautiful Murchison Falls waterfall.
After settling in, there is an option to visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary which covers 7,000 hectares. The sanctuary plays an important role in addressing the major rhino poaching problem in Uganda, breeding rhinos to reintroduce into the national parks. You can take a bush walk in search of these incredible animals.
Day 6 sees us head into the Budongo Forest, the largest mahogany forest in East Africa. The forest is home to nine primate species, including a huge population of chimpanzees – it is estimated that there are nearly 700 individuals living here. We will meet up with local guides who split us into small groups of 12 people and lead us through this beautiful forest in search of chimpanzees and other animals. If we’re lucky, we’ll have the unique opportunity to observe a chimp family group up close and enjoy their quirky antics.
Later in the day, we head to Murchison Falls National Park for a game-viewing boat cruise on the Victoria Nile River. This beautiful reserve hosts 4 of the Big 5 – lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard (no rhino) – and many other animals and birds drawn to the refreshing waters of the river.
Depending on the number of people visiting the chimps, the program is flexible, and some people may take the Nile River Cruise in the morning and the Chimp Trek in the afternoon.
Day 7 sees our Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari travel further into Uganda, towards the next Rift Valley Lake of our tour, Lake Kikorongo. Our lodge for the night has a beautiful location at the top of a hill overlooking the lake at the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its unusual, quirky volcanic rock formation landscape.
Our journey takes us over the equator once more as we head southwest to Lake Bunyonyi. At a depth of 800 meters (2,600 feet), Lake Bunyoni is one of Africa's deepest lakes with 29 islands of different shapes and forms. Bunyoni means “small birds” and there are over 200 species of bird spotted on the shores. The lake offers fantastic views over the rolling hills and Virunga Volcano Mountains in the distance.
Our beautiful lakeside lodge will be our base for the next three nights. Your guide will brief you on the Gorilla trekking adventure which begins tomorrow (optional).
Day 9 & 10 are set aside for one of our tour highlights: a Gorilla Safari … The surrounding area, encompassing the edges of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is home to more than half of the world’s extremely endangered mountain gorilla population. The permit fees charged for a gorilla trek go towards conservation efforts and encourage local communities to change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach. The number of gorilla permits is extremely limited to control the number of humans coming into contact with these creatures. As a result, our tour schedule needs to be flexible to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to go on a gorilla trek. Whenever possible we choose to trek in a National Park in Uganda, but if permits are limited, we may cross the border to visit the reserves of Rwanda or DRC.
Groups of 6, led by your guides and rangers, head into the Bwindi Forest. This is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth and apart from gorillas, it is home to other primates including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. It is a challenging trek through the thick undergrowth, but the effort is richly rewarded when you encounter a family group of gorillas and get to spend an hour in their presence. You sit quietly by and watch them go about their life, from the giant, regal silverback to the youngsters. A truly unforgettable experience!
When you are not trekking, your time is free to relax on the shores of the stunning Lake Bunyoni. Swim in the refreshing waters, go out on a kayak, or explore the surroundings on a mountain bike. You can also take a day trip to neighbouring Rwanda or visit the Batwa Pygmy people, original inhabitants of the Bwindi forests, relocated to islands on the lake in the name of gorilla conservation.
Note: The Gorilla Trekking permit is not included in the overland tour price.
After a memorable few days, our Overland Lodge Safari departs beautiful Lake Bunyonyi and heads to another of Uganda’s beautiful water bodies, Lake Mburo in the west. We stay at a scenic lodge on the outskirts of Mburo National Park, which is a paradise for birdwatchers boasting numerous bird species, including the rare and odd-looking shoebill stork. Relax with a refreshing drink as you listen to the melodic symphony of the birds and soak in the panoramic vistas from the lodge restaurant.
Today, our journey takes us back over the equator once more, and back to Jinja, the second-largest city in Uganda. We return to our stunning lodge on the riverbank, surrounded by lush rainforests with breathtaking views of the Victoria Nile and the stunning Kalagala Falls. We will stay here for two nights to relax and enjoy the many activities on offer in Uganda’s adventure capital.
You may opt to just relax at the resort or choose from a variety of exciting adventure activities. The most popular option is a thrilling half-day white-water rafting expedition through the legendary rapids of the Nile River. Alternatively, you can try river bugging, kayaking, or take a more sedate boat cruise to explore Lake Victoria and uncover the source of the White Nile. Adrenaline seekers may like Bungee Jumping. If you prefer to stay on solid ground, you can go Horse Riding or Quad Biking.
Day 14 of our Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari takes us back into Kenya. Our next lodge is in Eldoret, which is the fifth-largest city in Kenya lying at an elevation of 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level. Eldoret is the hometown of many famous Kenyan athletes, including Olympic champions. As a result, the city has become a hub for high-altitude training camps that attract athletes from around the world.
Today, we return to the busy streets of Nairobi where we will overnight before continuing to the next country on our tour, beautiful Tanzania. The rest of the day is free to explore the bustling city of Nairobi. Visit the Maasai Market or Kazuri Beads Women Co-operative selling colourful traditional handicrafts and sample Kenyan street food, such as nyama choma (grilled meat) or ugali (maize flour porridge). For dinner, head to one of the many restaurants in the city centre, including the iconic Carnivore Restaurant where you can indulge in a variety of grilled meats. After dinner, enjoy a nightcap at one of Nairobi's many rooftop bars where you can soak up the city views, or experience the vibrant nightlife of Nairobi with its many clubs and live music venues.
Leaving behind the bustle of Nairobi we travel south through rural Kenya to the Tanzanian border. After completing border formalities, we continue our journey to the busy town of Arusha, our base for the night. Keep a lookout for the sight of Mount Kilimanjaro which is often visible on a clear day.
Nestled in the refreshing foothills of Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth-tallest peak, Arusha is a vibrant town that serves as the launch pad to Tanzania's famous Northern Safari Circuit, the renowned Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, as well as for mountaineers hoping to conquer towering Mount Kilimanjaro, not far away. We stay at a lovely lodge in Arusha and need to prepare a smaller travel bag for our three-day excursion into the Northern Safari Circuit starting tomorrow.
We are collected this morning in 4x4 safari vehicles and depart Arusha early, heading through the beautiful African Rift Valley scenery towards the Serengeti National Park. We enjoy a leisurely game-viewing drive through the park as we make our way to our overnight camp, in the Seronera region at the heart of the park. Expect some unforgettable wildlife encounters along the way. We will spend the next two nights in luxury tents at a safari camp that boasts stunning views of the legendary wildlife-rich Serengeti plains. Relax with a cool drink and watch the sunset paint the sky with hues of orange and red from the comfort of your safari-style Meru tent.
Day 18 of our Overland Tour is dedicated to exploring Serengeti National Park, widely renowned as one of Africa's premier safari destinations. Our journey will lead us from our camp in the central Seronera region celebrated as the 'Big Cat Capital of Africa' for its abundant populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural habitat. Our safari drive offers opportunities to spot the 'Big 5' - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. Serengeti is home to a diverse array of other species such as giraffe, hippo, hyena, various species of antelope such as impala, topi, and eland, as well as herds of wildebeest and zebra that roam the Serengeti's open plains. Also, keep a lookout for birdlife like eagles, vultures, storks, secretary birds and many other colourful species.
Serengeti is also the location to take a Hot Air Balloon Safari over the sweeping plains. However, note that this is a very popular excursion and advance booking is essential.
We make an early start this morning for a thrilling day of wildlife in our 4x4 safari vehicles. We take a final drive through the plains of Serengeti as we exit the park and head to the nearby Ngorongoro Crater. Regarded by many as the eighth wonder of the world, the Ngorongoro Crater is all that remains of a collapsed ancient volcano which has left a vast natural amphitheatre. As we descend the steep slopes into the crater through a verdant highland forest, keep an eye out for the many bird species that inhabit the trees. Once we reach the vast crater floor, you'll be amazed by the sight of its over 25,000 animals, including buffalo, impala, giraffe, bushbuck, waterbuck, hippos, and elephants that frequent the lake area. With such a high density of wildlife within its walls, the crater offers unparalleled game-viewing opportunities.
In the afternoon, we exit the crater once again and make the short journey to the town of Karatu where we will overnight at a comfortable lodge.
Today, our Africa Overland Tour heads back to Arusha through the breathtaking landscapes of the East Africa Great Rift Valley. En route, we make a stop in the little village of Mto wa Mbu, known for crops such as rice and distinctive red bananas. It is a melting pot of over 120 ethnic groups making for a rich cultural diversity. We visit the vibrant Mto wa Mbu Market, where you can immerse yourself in local life and sample the area's produce and crafts. Tonight, we return to our lodge in vibrant Arusha where we will overnight.
Our Overland Lodge Safari travels east to the balmy Indian Ocean coastline before heading south following the coast. Our next lodge is in the town of Bagamoyo, famous for building wooden dhow sailing boats, keeping alive an ancient practice that has endured through the ages. Dhows have been used by fishermen and Swahili traders for aeons and are still seen dotting the Indian Ocean horizon. Established in the late 1700s, Bagamoyo is an intriguing blend of German colonial heritage, Swahili, Arabic, and Christian missionary influences.
Our Africa Overland Tour heads out early this morning, travelling to Dar es Salaam ferry port to catch the local ferry to Zanzibar Island, ‘the Spice Island’, where we will be spending three blissful days.
On arrival in the historic port of Stone Town, we make our way to the eastern shores of the island where we will spend the next two nights at a beachfront resort. This is your time to soak up some sun and sea. Relax on the palm-fringed beach, dip in the infinity swimming pool and enjoy the many optional activities on offer. Go snorkelling in the marine paradise of these waters, take sail on a traditional wooden dhow, do cooking lessons, visit the colobus monkeys at Jozani Forest, take a guided tour of the island, or hire a scooter and explore at your own pace.
This morning we transfer by road back to historic Stone Town, once a major port in the Indian Ocean slave and spice trade, now a favoured destination for travellers. En route, we'll pause for a Spice Tour, walking through local villages and spice plantations to witness first-hand how small-scale spice farms produce delights like nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon & ginger. Watch workers deftly scale trees to identify specific plants and have the opportunity to buy some spices directly.
After settling into our comfortable centrally located hotel in Stone Town, we take a leisurely walking tour where your guide will show you Stone Town’s famous landmarks, including the birthplace of music legend Freddie Mercury. The rest of the day is free to explore this fascinating place. Wander the labyrinth of narrow streets and explore the vibrant markets with stalls selling an array of exotic spices, textiles, and local crafts. Sample the delicious fresh seafood and other local dishes flavoured with the spices grown here. Forodhani Garden offers a delightful space to unwind in the evening when it comes alive with fairy lights and local street food offerings.
We have a leisurely start this morning before we bid farewell to the island of Zanzibar and catch our ferry back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the early afternoon. We overnight at a centrally located hotel in Dar es Salaam. The rest of the day is yours to get a taste of this vibrant coastal city's culture and charm. Explore the bustling markets to discover a variety of local goods and street food flavors, and sample delicious Tanzanian cuisine at a waterfront restaurant to take in the stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Our Overland Tour leaves the East Africa coastline behind as we travel inland towards Tanzania’s Southern Highlands. Our next lodge is on the outskirts of Mikumi National Park, which forms part of a vast 75,000 square kilometre (29,000 square miles) preserve with the historic Nyerere (Selous) Wilderness Area.
After settling in, you have the option to book a game drive in Mikumi National Park. The park is home to Masai giraffes, the largest of the giraffe subspecies, and herds of Cape buffalo are another common sight. Lions can often be spotted resting under acacia trees or embarking on hunting expeditions, and there is a significant population of African elephants along with a host of antelopes, and many other animals and birds.
This morning, our Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorilla Safari continues through the highlands. We have a quick stop at Baobab Valley dotted with ancient, towering baobab trees that create a surreal backdrop for a group photo.
We pass through the beautiful town of Iringa, perched on a cliff overlooking the Ruaha River Valley. The town centre offers a view into the past with its German colonial buildings and a popular market. Our lodge for the night is on a working farm outside Iringa, known for its pleasant climate and scenic beauty.
Our journey through the highlands continues, travelling past terraced farms and tea plantations, over some spectacular mountain passes. We stop at a coffee plantation to tour the lush coffee fields, learn about the coffee production process, and sample some of the delicious brews. We wind our way through the foothills of the Mbeya Mountain Range, a major coffee and tea-growing region of Tanzania. Tonight, we stay in a cosy lodge on a coffee plantation outside the town of Mbeya.
Leaving Tanzania behind, we descend the Great Rift Valley and cross the border into Malawi, ‘the Warm Heart of Africa’. Our destination for the night is the idyllic shores of Lake Malawi, at the southernmost point of the East African Rift system. This lake extends more than 500 kilometres (310 miles) along the western border of Malawi and boasts more species of fish than any other lake on Earth.
There are many fishing villages along the shores of Lake Malawi, and we stop at one of these. Your guide will lead you on a walking tour to learn more about the local culture and interact with the friendly residents. By late afternoon we reach our lodge on the northern shores of Lake Malawi. Here, you have the chance to relax in a hammock, cold beverage in hand, watching the sunset paint the sky with shades of orange, pink, and purple. David Livingstone, one of the first Europeans to discover the lake in the mid-19th century, called Lake Malawi the "Lake of Stars" as he was captivated by the flickering of lantern lights from the fishermen's boats on the lake at night.
This morning we board our overland truck and head further south to the central region of Lake Malawi. We have two nights at a lodge on the shores of serene Ngala beach. This is your chance to let the days unfold at your own pace. Soak up the sun on the beach and swim in the balmy waters. For the energetic, you can take a guided hike to the nearby Dwanbazi Waterfall or explore the crystal-clear waters of the lake on a kayak, snorkelling or on a boat trip.
This morning our Overland Lodge Safari takes in a final beautiful sunrise over Lake Malawi before setting off for the next country on our tour - Zambia. After crossing the border, we make a short stop in the town of Chipata before continuing to our camp on the banks of the Luangwa River in the wild South Luangwa National Park. Having watched the sun rise over Lake Malawi in the morning we enjoy an equally spectacular sunset over the Luangwa River this evening.
Day 33 is dedicated to exploring the diverse ecosystems of South Luangwa. For early birds, you can join the optional morning game drive, or a Walking Safari to explore on foot (available during the dry season). Relax at camp in the heat of the day before we venture out again for a sunset game drive. The park is a haven for a wide array of wildlife and bird species within its marshes, woods, and grasslands. We're likely to spot buffalos, zebras, leopards, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and crocodiles in their natural habitats.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, we'll pause to savour a sundowner drink while basking in the beauty of an African sunset. The return drive to the camp as darkness sets in provides an opportunity to spot some of the park's nocturnal inhabitants as they emerge for their nightly activities, particularly the leopards that thrive here.
Our Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari leaves the unspoiled wilds of South Luangwa today. We make a detour in the vibrant town of Chipata to visit the artisan workshops of the Mulberry Mongoose. Here, you can witness the craft and creativity of local women who skillfully fashion jewellery and unique creations from indigenous materials, predominantly cotton grown in the region, and wire salvaged from snares set by poachers and recovered by local conservation agencies. Our lodge tonight is in the small town of Petauke.
On Day 35 of our budget Africa Overland Tour, we travel west along the Great East Road, a vital link between Zambia’s capital city Lusaka and its neighbouring country, Malawi. This route winds through the rural landscapes of Zambia and crosses the bridge over the Luangwa River, the lifeblood for the surrounding communities and wildlife of Southern Zambia. We stop at bustling Luangwa Market, a feast for the senses as vendors sell local food and produce, and local crafts from intricately woven baskets to papyrus carpets created by local artisans.
For the next two nights, we will stay at a lodge on the banks of the Kafue River, a significant tributary of the mighty Zambezi River which it joins at the nearby town of Chirundu. Here you are free to unwind on the deck with beautiful views of the river or book one of the many optional activities. Fishing is popular in the Zambezi River, as it is teeming with over 75 fish species, including the coveted Tiger Fish, African Pike, Barbel, and Upper Zambezi Yellow. Take a full-day safari in the Lower Zambezi National Park, or a river safari offers a unique viewpoint of the region's diverse flora and fauna. Otherwise, hike to a nearby baobab forest and bat cave which provides sweeping views over the verdant valley.
Today we cross the southern reaches of Zambia past traditional villages and rural Zambian scenery to the adventure town of Livingstone and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Victoria Falls. Known locally as "Mosi-oa Tunya" which translates to "the smoke that thunders", here the mighty Zambezi River cascades with unrestrained power, plunging into the rugged Batoka Gorge below, enveloping the surroundings in a perpetual mist and a deafening roar.
The next two days are unscheduled, allowing you to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring spectacle of Victoria Falls and all the activities on offer here. For those seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure, you can choose from an exhilarating menu, including white-water rafting on the raging Zambezi River below the falls, Bungee Jumping, Ziplining, soaring above the Falls on a thrilling helicopter or microlight flight, or experiencing the sheer force of the water up close on a heart-pounding boat trip to Livingstone Island, right on the lip above the Falls.
On the other hand, for something more relaxed, stroll through the vibrant craft markets and museum in Livingstone, embark on a game-viewing sunset cruise on the Zambezi above the falls, go on a village tour, or a game drive in one of the nearby wildlife reserves. Try the quaint coffee shops and restaurants dotted throughout the town or take high tea at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel. Tonight, we stay in a lodge near Livingstone, on the Zambia side of Victoria Falls.
Tonight, we stay at a lodge in Victoria Falls village on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls. The transfer from Livingstone to Victoria Falls is included in your tour price and can be arranged for the morning (08:00) or afternoon (16:00) depending on your activities planned for the day.
This morning you will have a last opportunity to participate in the many optional activities on offer in the town of Victoria Falls. After lunch, we travel the short distance to the border, crossing into Botswana and heading to the bustling town of Kasane, nestled between four countries - Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. We arrive at our riverside lodge, on the banks of the Chobe River, in the late afternoon.
As the heat of the day begins to wane, we embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Chobe River in Chobe National Park. As we glide silently along the water, keep your cameras at the ready for wildlife on the riverbanks, including the main attraction: the elephants. Chobe hosts one of the highest concentrations of elephants in the world, with estimates exceeding 120,000 individuals. In the afternoons, these gentle giants are often seen gathering on the banks of the Chobe River, where they have access to fresh water even in the dry season.
Day 40 sees us leave the lush banks of the Chobe River behind and travel south into the Kalahari Desert. You’ll notice the scenery change as you get closer to our next lodge near the town of Nata, close to one of the salt pans of the Makgadigadi Pans which formed over thousands of years from the evaporation of vast Lake Makgadigadi, leaving this vast salt pan complex. Our desert lodge has a waterhole located alongside which is often visited by free-roaming desert elephants. Enjoy a serene sunset with a cool drink in hand as you keep watch over the waterhole from the comfort of camp.
Our journey through the Kalahari Desert continues. We stop to take in views of the surreal moon-like landscapes of Makgadigadi Pans before heading west through rural Botswana to the vibrant town of Maun, the gateway for visitors to the mighty Okavango Delta. On arrival in Maun, you have the option to take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (time and weather permitting). Soaring above the delta gives you a perfect perspective of this vast watery wonderland – a mighty river that has no route to the sea and empties into desert lands, irrigating some 15,000 square kilometres (6,000 square miles). This water supply provides a lifeblood for an incredible array of wildlife which you can spot from the skies.
We will be collected in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles for a two-day excursion into the heart of the Okavango Delta. You need to pack a smaller bag due to space constraints. For the next two nights, we will be staying in a luxury tented camp on the beautiful Khwai River floodplain that offers panoramic vistas of wildlife drawn to the lush grazing fields, including zebras, lechwe, wildebeest, buffalo, and elephants.
Later, we head to a nearby Mokoro station to meet up with our local guides. A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe which is a common mode of transport used by locals to travel the Delta's intricate waterways. Sit back and relax as your guide expertly navigates the reed-fringed channels and peaceful lagoons adorned with lily pads. Stop at one of the small islands that dot the delta for a leisurely nature walk, led by your knowledgeable guide who will look for tracks and tell you more about life in this fascinating place. As you glide back to the base, enjoy the drama as the setting sun casts bright colours against the serene waters and delta scenery.
Today our Africa Overland Tour explores Moremi National Park at the heart of the extraordinary Okavango Delta ecosystem. Moremi is one of the first reserves in Africa set up by local inhabitants. The BaTawana tribe established the reserve, named in honour of their Chief Moremi, as a result of the depletion of wildlife in their ancestral lands due to cattle encroachment and unchecked hunting. Our safari drive goes in search of a multitude of animals, from the iconic Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) to others like giraffe, cheetah, zebra, various antelope species including the marsh-adapted red lechwe, hyenas, jackals, and the rare African Wild Dog. Moremi is also a haven for bird enthusiasts.
Our Overland Lodge Tour makes an early start as we make our way through delta backroads back to Maun, keeping a lookout for any last animals. We overnight at a lovely riverside lodge in Maun. On arrival in Maun, you have another chance to take an optional scenic flight over the beautiful Okavango Delta watching for wildlife from your viewpoint in the sky.
Today our Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari leaves the waters of the Okavango Delta behind and heads back into the stark yet striking landscapes of the Central Kalahari Desert. Our journey starts by skirting the southern end of the Makgadikgadi Pans, so keep an eye out for an array of wildlife that moves between the watering holes. We pass through several smaller towns and villages along the Trans-Kalahari highway before arriving at our lodge in the town of Papapye.
Our epic Overland Lodge Safari continues along the Trans-Kalahari highway towards the South African border. After completing border formalities, we make our way through the North-West Province towards the economic powerhouse of South Africa. Our tour ends on arrival in the bustling city of gold: Johannesburg.
The Itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice to accommodate the best possible viewing of the Mountain Gorillas. The Permit price to visit the Gorillas can also change without notice.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Lodge Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Nairobi and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Johannesburg 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 southbound Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Tour is also available in the opposite direction, starting in Johannesburg and ending in Nairobi.
This Lodge Overland Tour is also available as a Camping Overland Tour - Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Camping Safari which follows the same itinerary and accommodation is camping at campsites rather than staying in lodges.
For more details contact African Budget Safaris
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving an annual movement by millions of wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant's gazelle, Thompson's gazelle, eland, and impala. These move in an irregular pattern from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
This migration is a dynamic process where you'll see not only daily life and death struggles as the herds traverse plains, hills, and rivers, but also the world-class predators that follow them, including lions, hyenas, and crocodiles.
It is important to note that the timing of the migration varies each year, with the best viewing usually between June and August when the wildebeest cross the Grumeti River in Tanzania and between July to September when they cross the Mara River between Tanzania and Kenya. Given the fluidity of the migration, it's advisable to consult our safari experts to get the most up-to-date information and advice on planning your trip
For a more detailed understanding of the Great Wildebeest Migration, you might want to check out our comprehensive Great Migration guide.
Epic Lodge Overland Tour from Johannesburg to Botswana, Victoria Falls, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, and a Uganda Gorilla Safari, ending in Nairobi, Kenya.
Visit top scenic and wildlife highlights through Uganda & Gorillas, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Vic Falls, Botswana, ending in Johannesburg on this epic Africa Overland Camping Tour
This budget Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday is an adventure Africa Overland Tour to Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Zanzibar Island, staying at budget safari lodges
An affordable Overland Africa Tour from Nairobi to Johannesburg via Ngorongoro & Serengeti (Tanzania), Zanzibar, Lake Malawi, South Luangwa (Zambia), Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, Makgadigadi Pans and Chobe.
Combine a Masai Mara Safari in Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Safari on this ultimate Overland Africa Tour staying at quality lodges. An excellent value budget safari!
From Nairobi travel through Kenya, Uganda & Gorillas, Tanzania, Zanzibar Island, Malawi & Zambia, ending at majestic Victoria Falls, for epic scenery and wildlife on this budget Overland Lodge Safari.
Explore Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi & Zambia's top wildlife parks and beaches on this Africa Overland Tour (budget lodge safari) from Nairobi to Victoria Falls.
Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.
We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour. We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.
