From Dar es Salaam travel to the exotic spice islands of Zanzibar, Tanzania’s Mikumi National Park and scenic Southern Highlands, into the Great Rift Valley and the sandy shores of scenic Lake Malawi, before heading to Zambia to explore the untamed South Luangwa National Park.
Continue along the Zambezi River basin, explore majestic Victoria Falls & try the many optional adventure activities. Head into Botswana and embark on a game viewing boat cruise in Chobe National Park, see the surreal salt pan landscapes of Makgadigadi Pans and journey into the watery and wild Okavango Delta, enjoying a mokoro ride in the pristine wilderness and a game drive in stunning Moremi Game Reserve. Then into the Kalahari Desert, crossing the border into South Africa and onto Johannesburg, where this Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Camping Safari comes to a close.
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 detailed blog post on the subject.
__large.jpg "Zanzibar Beach")
__large.jpg "Mokoro Excursion")
This adventure-packed Overland Africa Tour begins in Dar es Salaam, on the balmy Indian Ocean coast of Tanzania. After meeting your overland crew and fellow travelers, we catch the Zanzibar ferry, an exciting start to our three-week journey through six African countries.
The local ferry takes us to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar Island. Arriving in Stone Town, we are transferred to our hotel on the eastern side of the island. Settle in and kick off your shoes for some laid-back beach time.
Day 2 is free for you to explore Zanzibar Island at your leisure. Spend the day relaxing on the unspoiled white sand beaches and swimming in crystal-clear waters. There are many optional ocean and land-based activities available, from snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving to sailing trips on a traditional wooden dhow. Explore the islands on guided tour or rent a scooter and set off to explore on your own.
Today we journey back to Stone Town, a major port on the slave and spice trade routes of the Indian Ocean for centuries. Along the way, we stop to visit a spice plantation. Take a guided walking tour through local spice plantations and see how spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and black pepper are grown and harvested. You have the chance to buy some fresh spices from the local farms for yourself.
We spend our final night on Zanzibar Island in the historic port of Stone Town, the historical core of Zanzibar City declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once settled into the hotel, your guide will lead a walking tour around the narrow, maze-like streets and old coral buildings with a mix of Arabic, Indian, and European influences, and traditional intricately carved wooden doors. You will pass landmarks like the Old Fort and the House of Wonders, a grand old building that was one of the first in East Africa to have electricity. Zanzibar is known for its connection to the legendary rock musician Freddie Mercury, and we pass the house where he was born and raised.
For the rest of the day, you are free to immerse yourself in the unique history and atmosphere of this enchanting town. The Forodhani Gardens are a popular evening spot to watch the sunset, enjoy street food, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 4 has a leisurely start and there is some time to explore Stone Town further before we catch the ferry back to Dar es Salaam at midday. We overnight in a centrally located hotel in Dar es Salaam tonight, so you are free to explore the city for the rest of the day. Taste traditional Tanzanian and Swahili dishes at local restaurants and street food stalls, enjoy a drink at one of the rooftop bars, or sample the vibrant nightlife scene at one of the clubs or live music venues.
This morning our Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Camping Safari boards our overland truck and drives into rural Tanzania, leaving the coast behind and heading inland. Our stop for the night is a safari camp on the outskirts of Mikumi National Park, which form part of the largest protected wilderness area in Tanzania with the greater Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) ecosystem. You have the chance to take an optional afternoon game drive in Mikumi National Park in search of Africa’s wildlife. Mikumi is home to lion, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo, and elephant, among other wildlife and over 400 species of birds.
On Day 6 of our Overland Africa Tour, we continue our way inland to the historic small city of Iringa on a cliff of the Southern Tanzania Highlands overlooking the beautiful Ruaha River Valley. En-route we stop at Baobab Valley, a forest of stately baobab trees. Their distinct silhouette makes a great backdrop for a group photo. Our stop for the night is a campsite on a farm outside Iringa. At 1,550 meters (5,085 feet) above sea level, the area can get quite cool between June and August.
Day 7 takes us further south through the rolling tea plantations of Southern Tanzania and into the Mbeya Mountains. Mbeya is one of the major coffee-growing regions of Tanzania and this afternoon we visit a coffee plantation. Here you get see how coffee beans are grown and harvested, and sample some of the delicious brews for yourself. Our next overnight stay is at a scenic campsite on a coffee plantation in the beautiful Mbeya mountains.
Leaving the lush highlands of Tanzania we drive down into the Great Rift Valley, heading south into the next country on our tour - Malawi. The next stop on our Overland Camping Tour is beautiful Lake Malawi, called 'the Lake of Stars' due to the flickering lights of the fishing boats out on the vast lake at night. Lake Malawi is the third largest Rift Valley Lake in Africa, stretching 580 kilometers (360 miles) from north to south. There are many fishing villages dotted along the lakeside and we stop at one of these villages. Your guide will lead a walking tour through the village to meet some of the friendly locals as they go about their daily life.
This afternoon we reach our lakeside campsite in Chitimba, on the northern reaches of the lake. Relax by the water’s edge and watch the sun setting over this beautiful place.
On Day 9 we travel further south along Lake Malawi. Our next lovely campsite is set on the shores of scenic Ngala beach where the clear blue waters of Lake Malawi are surrounded by lush green hills. We will stay here for two nights, so relax to the sound of the gentle lapping of the lake's waters. Here you are free to swim, sunbathe, and take part in various optional water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing. This is one of the deepest Rift Valley Lakes and boasts crystal clear waters and an incredible diversity of freshwater fish, including over 1,000 species of colorful cichlid fish. Otherwise, you can embark on an optional motorboat trip, do some bird watching, volunteer, go hiking to a waterfall or visit the nearby forest reserve.
Wake up to a last serene sunrise over Lake Malawi before we set off for unspoiled Zambia, the next country of our overland tour. Once border formalities are complete, we drive to the town of Chipata for a short stop before continuing to our safari camp in the wild South Luangwa National Park. We camp for the next two nights on the banks of the Luangwa River in the heart of South Luangwa National Park. The camp boasts stunning riverside views where you can observe the free roaming wildlife at close quarters.
On Day 12, early risers have the chance to take an optional game drive in the premier safari destination that is South Luangwa, going in search of the amazing diversity of wildlife and birds found here. During the dry season (June through October), you also have the option of taking a walking safari for a completely different way of experiencing the bush. Feel the pulse of untamed Africa through your feet as you explore the Luangwa on foot with your knowledgeable guide and an armed scout.
Later in the afternoon, we head out on a sunset game drive. The diverse habitat of South Luangwa National Park is home to spectacular wildlife, including lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo, elephant, hippos, and many types of antelopes. We stop for sundowners and pause to watch a glowing sunset over the landscape with a cool drink in hand. As soon as the sun goes down, a different set of animals appear. Large spotted genets and African civets are always a highlight. Birders will be glad to hear that the South Luangwa National Park has an impressive Pell’s Fishing Owl population. The park is also famous throughout Africa for its excellent leopard sightings
We leave South Luangwa Valley today taking a relatively short drive through to the town of Petauke where we will camp. En route, we visit the Mulberry Mongoose, a unique Zambian business that creates handcrafted accessories from materials originating in the African bush, including upcycled poachers' snare traps, local materials, and Zambian copper. We then continue past rural villages and farming communities dotting the lush vegetation on our drive to Petauke.
Our Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Camping Safari heads west along the Great East Road which is a major route connecting southern Zambia to its neighbors. Our route crosses the bridge over the Luangwa River, and we make a stop nearby at the vibrant Luangwa Market where local vendors sell everything from locally grown fruit and vegetables to street food and local handcrafts including intricate basket work.
We are headed for the town of Chirundu which lies on the Zambia side of the great Zambezi River which begins in northwest Zambia, flowing 2,574 kilometers (1,599 miles) across the south-central African plateau before emptying through a vast delta into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique. It is a vital source of water, transportation, and economic activity for the region. Our destination for the next two nights is a campsite on the banks of the Kafue River which flows into the Zambezi not far from Chirundu.
Day 15 is free to relax by the river or enjoy one of the many optional activities available. The area is a major destination for tiger fishing, on every sports fisherman’s bucket list. Take a game viewing River Safari, go Kayaking, take a trip to a local baobab forest, hike up to a bat cave for sweeping views over the valley, or book a game drive in the remote and unspoiled Lower Zambezi National Park.
On Day 16 we continue along the Great East Road and rejoin the Zambezi River when we arrive in the town of Livingstone, site of the mighty Victoria Falls. Our first night in Victoria Falls will be spent at a lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River just 4 kilometers (2.8 miles) from the waterfall itself. It boasts two outdoor pools, a poolside bar, and a terrace that has a beautiful westerly view over the Zambezi River, offering spectacular sunsets.
Get up close to the mighty Victoria Falls in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park which offers a good network of paths and several viewpoints. Victoria Falls is approximately 108 meters (354 feet) high, making it one of the world's largest waterfalls and spans about 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) across when the water is at its fullest. During the peak rainy season, an incredible 500,000 cubic meters of water per minute can flow over the falls. The locals call the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’ and when you experience the power of the water flow you will understand why.
The falls creates a mist that rises high into the air that is visible from many miles away. This creates a rainforest in the vicinity of the falls which is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including unique flora and wildlife such as baboons, vervet monkeys, and numerous bird species. During the rainy season (from November to April) the water flow is at its peak, so be prepared to get wet. During the dry season (May to October) the water flow is lower, and it is possible to see more of the rock formations behind the water. This is also the time to enjoy a thrill like no other – swim in Devil's Pool, a natural infinity pool on the edge of Victoria Falls.
Today and tomorrow, you are free to explore Victoria Falls and try some of the exciting optional activities on offer. For adrenaline junkies try a Zip Line, Gorge Swing, or Bungee Jump off the Victoria Falls bridge and fall 111 meters (364 feet) into the gorge below. Below Victoria Falls is some of the wildest white water in Africa, so White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi River is an adrenaline rush not to be missed. For a stunning aerial perspective, book a Helicopter or Microlight flight over the falls. Otherwise relax at the lodge or take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River above Victoria Falls. Go Tiger Fishing, take a Village Tour or head to Livingstone to try one of the many restaurants on offer.
Day 17 of our Overland Camping Tour is spent on the Zimbabwe side of the falls. A transfer between Livingstone and Victoria Falls Village (Zimbabwe) is included in the tour package. Depending on your plans for the day, you can select either a morning transfer at 08:00 am or an afternoon transfer at 16:00pm. Note that border formalities must be completed to cross over.
Today is free to enjoy the many activities or walk around historic Victoria Falls town to take in the sights and visit the local markets. The Victoria Falls Hotel also offers a delightful high tea in the afternoons. This evening you have the option of eating out in Victoria Falls, where the traditional Boma – Dinner & Drum Show are a favorite. We camp at a safari camp located close to the falls.
On Day 18 of our Overland Africa Tour, we spend a leisurely morning at the magnificent Victoria Falls, your last chance to embark on thrilling activities and explore the historic town. After lunch in Victoria Falls, we leave Zimbabwe behind and cross into neighboring Botswana. After border formalities are complete, we drive to the nearby town of Kasane. In the late afternoon, we arrive at our campsite outside Kasane, a few kilometers from Chobe National Park. Tonight's camp overlooks the Chobe River and surrounding bush, featuring a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.
Later in the afternoon, we embark on a sunset boat cruise in Chobe National Park. The Chobe River boat cruise provides excellent opportunities for spotting wild animals up close, hippos and crocodiles wallowing in the waters, while buffaloes, various antelope species, and herds of elephants can be spotted on the riverbanks.
Today, our Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Safari leaves the river behind and heads into the arid Kalahari Desert. Our stop for the night is a campsite near the town of Nata, alongside one of the string of pans that makes up the Makgadigadi Pans. These salt flats are the evaporated remains of a vast lake that stood here in eons past. Our camp for the night boasts a watering hole alongside which is often visited by free roaming elephants coming here to drink.
Day 20 of our overland camping adventure sees us continue through the desert, stopping to take in the surreal views of the salt flats stretching into the distance. We then continue to the city of Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. On arrival there may be time to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta to get a fascinating aerial perspective on this vast river delta that spills its waters onto arid desert sands attracting a vast number of birds and animals to this water wonderland. (Time and Weather permitting).
We then leave our truck behind for a two-day excursion into the heart of the Okavango Delta and will need to pack a small overnight bag for the trip. We are collected in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles and drive through the delta back roads to our campsite in the Khwai River floodplain in the northeast portion of Okavango Delta.
After settling into camp, home for the next two nights, we head out to a nearby mokoro station to meet up with our local guides. From here, our guides will take us out onto the delta waterways in traditional mokoro boats. Sit back and enjoy the serene scene unfold as your guide poles the mokoro along channels and through lagoons. You stop off at one of the islands to take a nature walk and learn more about the plants and animals around you. As you paddle back to the mokoro station, enjoy the sight of the setting sun over this magical place.
Today we explore the wild Okavango Delta of Botswana on our epic Overland Africa Tour. We take to the 4x4 safari vehicles for a full day game drive in Moremi Game Reserve that lies in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Moremi has a diverse landscape of waterways, lagoons and pools woven between pans, grasslands, and forests. This terrain transforms in the rainy season into a natural paradise that supports an impressive diversity of plants and animals. It is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), and some of most endangered of the large mammals like cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, and African Wild Dog. It is also home to nearly 500 species of bird, from water birds to migratory birds and forest dwellers.
Wake up early and leave the wildlife rich Khwai River floodplains behind as we board the 4x4 safari vehicles for a last drive through the Okavango Delta back to Maun. We will overnight in a centrally located riverside hotel. You have another chance to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (time and weather allowing) to view the grand scale and sheer beauty of this unique ecosystem, while spotting wildlife from above.
Day 23 of our Overland Camping Tour sees us rejoin our overland truck and head southeast, skirting the edges of Makgadigadi Pans and heading along the Trans-Kalahari highway to the town of Palapye, our last overnight stop. Keep an eye out for wandering wildlife as we drive along an unfenced natural area.
On the last day of our Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Overland Africa Tour, we continue southeast through Botswana and cross into the final country on our tour, South Africa. Driving through the North-West Province we proceed to Johannesburg, economic powerhouse of southern Africa. This budget camping safari ends on our arrival in the dynamic and bustling city of Johannesburg. Most safari groups choose to spend the evening together, celebrating their African adventures over a post-tour dinner.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Overland Tour is also available in the opposite direction as the Johannesburg to Dar es Salaam Overland Camping Safari, starting in Johannesburg and ending in Dar es Salaam.
This Camping Overland Tour is also available as a Lodge Overland Tour - Overland Africa Tour: Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg which follows the same itinerary and stays in comfortable lodges instead of camping.
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 not take children.
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__small.jpg "Bernard Dupont zanzibar-kruger-vic-falls-overland-camping-safari/")
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