Planning your first safari and wondering what an overland safari from Namibia to Victoria Falls is really like?
This 10-day Namibia to Victoria Falls overland safari is one of the best-value ways to experience southern Africa, travelling from Windhoek through Etosha, the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and ending at Victoria Falls.
To capture the experience properly, Sakhu filmed the journey day by day — documenting the drives, wildlife sightings, accommodation, and everyday moments that make up a real overland safari.
The first episode of the video series is live now. Watch My First African Safari: What Overland Travel is REALLY Like to follow Sakhu’s journey as it unfolds.
Here’s Sakhu’s experience on his first Africa overland safari and what you can expect on yours.
“Nants ingonyama bagithi baba! Sithi uhm ingonyama!”
It’s hard not to hum The Lion King soundtrack on safari. It’s the perfect backdrop to a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable adventure.
Here’s what you can expect from the route, the experience, and whether this style of safari is right for you.
| Trip Type | 10-day overland safari |
| Travel Style | Group trip of up to 20 travellers |
| Transport | Shared overland truck |
| Accommodation | Choice of either lodge or camping (both with 2 nights in en-suite Meru tents at Khwai ) |
| Best for | Travellers who want an authentic experience and great value |
| Not ideal for | Those who prefer luxury comfort every night |
This is one of the most popular first-time overland safari routes in southern Africa.
If this is your first time hearing about overland safaris, you're not alone. These trips are one of the most affordable and immersive ways to travel across Africa — combining transport, accommodation, and guided experiences into one seamless journey.
See our Africa overland tours guide for a full breakdown of how overland safaris work, typical costs, routes, and what to expect.
Sakhu is a videographer and content creator based in South Africa. In his usual habitat, you’ll find him documenting surfing events in Jeffrey’s Bay and swimming in Cape Town’s icy Atlantic waters, but not for the next two weeks.
Instead of the laidback coastal adventures he’s used to, Sakhu is trading in his wetsuit for a pair of khaki pants and binoculars to document his first safari.
You’re going to get an authentic look into what 10 days on the road with African Budget Safaris is really like - from start to finish.
Throughout the journey, Sakhu documented the full experience on video — from his first look at the overland truck to his first game drive in Etosha.
Before leaving Cape Town, Sakhu had one expectation above all others: expect the unexpected.
"The pre-tour departure document literally says 'this is Africa - anything can happen,'" he laughs. "So I came in knowing it was going to be an adventure. I just didn't know what kind."
What he was most excited about was seeing lions, and beyond that, two destinations had been circling in his mind for a while: the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls. He grew up in Zimbabwe, and the idea of going back as an adult felt like a full-circle moment.
But Sakhu’s biggest fear?
It wasn’t camping in the bush and hearing big cats roar in the distance. It was his bag. As a notorious overpacker, he had to make sure he kept to the bag weight and size restrictions. Not an easy feat when you’re also factoring in filming gear!
But underneath the question of how many pairs of socks to pack lay a quieter fear. “I was feeling nervous about travelling with strangers. We are spending 9 nights and 10 days together. Are we going to get along?”
His answer would come soon enough.
Beginning in Windhoek, Namibia, Sakhu sets off northbound to Etosha National Park. It’s one of Africa’s top safari destinations and home to the legendary “ghost” elephants, and vast numbers of prey and predators who call Etosha’s massive salt pan home.
After two days, the group overland tour will cross into Botswana, travelling to Divendu, near the Kavango River. After exploring the waterways on a boat cruise and Mahangu National Park, the next destination is the Okavango Delta.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s an incredible wetland ecosystem. Expect a sunset mokoro trip, and if you want to splurge, there’s the option to take a scenic flight over the Delta.
After the Delta, the overland safari route meanders up to Chobe National Park, another iconic safari destination. It’s famous for its highest concentration of elephants in Africa and for ample opportunities to spot the Big 5.
On the final stretch in Botswana, Sakhu will visit Moremi National Park for a full-day safari, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (one of the largest salt pans in the world), and Nata (home to a massive number of migrating birdlife).
By the time Day 9 ticks around, the overland safari enters Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Here, you can visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the legendary Smoke that Thunders. Don’t forget to visit the Zambian side as well!
Three countries, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a whole lot of safari in 10 days. Not bad for a budget African safari.
Are you unsure if an overland safari is right for you? Maybe you’re torn between guided and self-drive?
Well, let’s help you gain some clarity and choose the option that makes the most sense for your wallet and the type of safari experience you want.
In an overland safari, you're travelling as part of a small group, covering long distances, and sleeping in a mix of accommodation like tented camps, lodges, and fly camps out in the bush.
Here's what that actually looks like in practice:
This overland safari from Namibia to Victoria Falls usually travels with a group of up to 20 people in a shared overland truck. That means you're splitting costs, skipping car rental and cross-border admin, and gaining a built-in group of travel buddies. It's what makes this style of safari both affordable and social, but if you're expecting a private vehicle and exclusive sightings, this isn't the trip for you.
Two nights are spent in a rustic fly camp in the Okavango Delta. It's remote, it's immersive, and it's how you access one of Africa's most extraordinary ecosystems without spending $500+ per night on fly-in lodges. Roughing it a little is part of the deal, and most people say it's one of the highlights!
Certain legs of this route are 6 to 8 hours on the road. But that’s part of the adventure and how you get to see a variety of different ecosystems from Namibia’s desert landscapes to Botswana’s lush wetlands in one trip. The advantage? Your driver handles everything, and you get to watch the scenery change without worrying about Google Maps going offline or changing a flat tyre.
The trade-off: You’ll have a little less comfort, but a whole lot more adventure! Instead of only focusing on one safari destination, our 10-day overland safari from Namibia to Victoria Falls lets you explore three countries and some of the top attractions in southern Africa for a fraction of the cost.
If you're still figuring out whether this travel style is right for you, our Africa overland tours guide breaks down exactly how overland trips work, who they suit, and what to expect day to day.
An overland safari experience isn't for everyone, and that's okay. The best way to know if this trip is right for you is to be honest about what you're looking for.
Still deciding? Our team can help you figure out which safari style suits you best. Speak to a safari expert.
Turns out anything can happen on a safari, and it was all better than Sakhu imagined.
Those niggling doubts about travelling with a group of strangers? Out of the window! While everyone was shy on the first day, that all changed within 48 hours.
“Everyone felt like one giant family by the time day three rolled around,” he says. “I realised we are all on this same crazy adventure, and at the core, we all value the same things.”
Then there was the Okavango Delta. Sakhu is a water baby, so the mokoro was the thing he was looking forward to most, and it almost didn’t happen. The morning weather was rainy; it didn’t look good for the group.
But then, the sky cleared, the sun came out, and the mokoro was back on! Sakhu and his group of adventurers saw enormous herds of elephants crossing less than 400 meters in front of them.
“The mokoro really exceeded any expectations I had,” he says. “It was so peaceful and awe-inspiring. In fact, I think if everyone in the world went on a mokoro, we would achieve world peace.”
The last stop was a homecoming for Sakhu. Born in Zimbabwe, but living in Cape Town for most of his life, he hadn’t been to Victoria Falls since he was a kid.
“Being able to see the Falls as an adult was very special,” he muses. “I was able to appreciate it in a different way.”
And what about the lions? You’ll have to watch his video series to see how many he actually saw (as well as some other spectacular wildlife sightings).
Sakhu’s video series is dropping tonight. You’ll get to relive the entire trip, day by day, and see what an overland safari from Namibia to Victoria Falls is really like.
If this trip already has you thinking about your own safari, explore the full Namibia to Victoria Falls itinerary to see the route and pricing. If you’re still unsure whether this travel style is right for you, you can also speak to one of our safari experts.
Is this a good first safari?
Yes, this is an excellent first safari. Overland tours are designed for travellers with little to no safari experience, combining guided wildlife viewing, transport, and logistics into one seamless trip. You’ll see multiple top safari destinations while learning how safari travel works, all at a more affordable price point.
Is a 10-day overland safari enough time to see southern Africa properly?
Yes, ten days is enough time to see some of the highlights in southern Africa. Covering three countries, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and some of the continent's best national parks, you’ll get to experience some of the best safari destinations Africa has to offer.
What is an overland safari, and how is it different from a private game lodge safari?
An overland safari is a group trip that travels by vehicle across multiple destinations. You’ll stay in a variety of accommodations like tented camps, lodges, and bush camps. It's a more affordable and social way to explore Africa than a private lodge safari, and helps you cover far more ground. While you’ll have to trade some exclusivity, it makes up for the sheer variety you can expect in your itinerary.
How much does a 10-day overland safari cost?
Prices typically range from $1,500 to $3,500+, depending on accommodation style, group size, and inclusions. Lodge-based overland tours like this one are at the higher end, while the camping tour versions are more budget-friendly.
Do I need safari experience to join an overland tour?
Not at all. Overland safaris are perfect for first-time travellers. Sakhu had never been on safari before joining this tour, and that's pretty common. Your guide handles all the logistics, driving, and wildlife expertise, so you can focus on taking it all in.
What should I pack for a 10-day overland safari?
Way less than you think! The main things to keep in mind are neutral-coloured clothing in layers, a warm fleece for early morning game drives, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a good camera. For a full checklist of what to bring (and what to leave at home), see our African safari packing guide FAQs.
Explore these destinations mentioned in this post.
Below you'll find further reading and articles related or similar to this post.
Call us toll free from US/Canada on 1-888-414-6513, or from the UK on 0-808-189-1052. All other countries can contact us on +27 21 791 0878.
© 2026 African Budget Safaris | Privacy | Terms | Cookie Policy | Consent Preferences
_(1)__thumb.jpg)
__thumb.jpg)
tours_through_moremi_game_reserve__thumb.jpg)
