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Zebra in Etosha National Park Namibia

57 Day Best of Africa - South (Camping Overland Tour)

Tour Length57 days
Priced from pps $9194 R174300 £7224 8455 A$14021 C$12444 NZ$15116 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Camping Overland Tour

  • Max. Group Size 20 Travellers
  • Departs from Nairobi, Kenya
  • Ends at Cape Town, South Africa
  • Accommodation Lodge & Camping Combo
  • Transport Game Viewing Vehicle / Large Overland Vehicle / Boat / Ferry
  • Wildlife Big 5, Chimpanzees, Elephant, Exceptional Birding, Gorillas, Leopards, Lions, Rhino, Wildlife Conservation Experience & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

This very comprehensive Best of Africa Budget Camping Safari ensures that you get to explore the best of Africa's game parks, wilderness areas, urban hubs and scenic highlights on one accommodated overland adventure of a lifetime which includes:

  •     Kenya: Masai Mara Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret & Nairobi
  •     Uganda: Chimpanzee Trek, Lake Bunyoni, Bwindi Mountain Gorillas, Jinja & Murchison Falls
  •     Tanzania: Mikumi Park, Zanzibar Island, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater
  •     Malawi: Villages & Beaches on Lake Malawi
  •     Zambia: South Luangwa National Park, Kafue River & Livingstone
  •     Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls Waterfall and Town & Zambezi River
  •     Botswana: Chobe National Park, Makgadigadi Pans, Okavango Delta, Khwai River area & Moremi Game Reserve
  •     Namibia: Kavango River, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, Namib Desert and Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, Ais Ais Hot Springs & Orange River
  •     South Africa: Namaqualand, Cederberg Mountains & Cape Town

Responsible Travel Note

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 blog post about things to avoid on safari.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve - Kenya

Meet up with your guides in Nairobi, vibrant capital city in the Kenya highlands. Our budget Best of Africa Safari travels east to our first wilderness destination, the iconic Masai Mara, world renowned for its spectacular beauty and endless plains covered in wild animals. The Masai Mara, covers an area of 1,510 square kilometers in Africa’s Great Rift Valley, a fault line stretching over 3,500 miles down the continent.

Our visit to the Masai Mara is in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles rather than the overland truck that will be home for the rest of our adventure, so you are asked to pack a smaller overnight bag for this two-night safari. We will stay in a tented camp near the Masai Mara gate.

  • Included Activities: Masai Mara Excursion
  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve - Kenya

Day 2 of our epic Africa Overland Tour is devoted to exploring the wonders of the Masai Mara. We traverse the park in our 4x4 safari vehicle, keeping a lookout for the abundant wildlife that crosses our path. Some of the animals that we should encounter are Africa’s Big 5 - lion, African elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, and leopard – together with cheetah and huge herds of wildebeest, zebra and various antelope. Hippo and crocodile abound in the rivers which crisscross the reserve. We will enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic stopover en-route

  • Included Activities: Masai Mara Excursion
  • Meals: Breakfast, Luch & Dinner

Day 3: Masai Mara National Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park - Kenya

Today, our overland tour heads north towards Lake Nakuru, the first lake of the Great Rift Valley that we will visit.

Lake Nakuru National Park spans 180 square kilometers around the lake and is known for its significant population of endangered black and white rhinos. Aside from these majestic creatures, the reserve is also home to lions, cheetah, buffalo herds, Rothschild giraffe, eland, waterbuck, resident hippos, and even large tree pythons. Initially founded as a bird sanctuary, the park is a paradise for bird lovers, hosting over 400 resident species along with various migratory birds. Depending on the season, you may see huge flocks of flamingo which come here to feed in the alkaline waters.

We overnight at a lodge in the center of Nakuru town.

  • Included Activities: Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Jinja - Uganda

On Day 4 of our Best of Africa Camping Safari we join our overland truck and cross into our next country, Uganda, known as “The Pearl of Africa”. We also make another significant crossing today: we will cross the equator en-route, so there will be time to make a stop for a photo opportunity before we continue.

We are headed to Jinja, a vibrant city on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, recognized globally as the source of the Nile River. Jinja is also known as epicenter of adventure, and there is a range of adrenaline experiences, from white-water rafting world class rapids to bungee jumping, kayaking and a host of other land and river-based activities on offer.

We will overnight at a campsite close to the Nile riverbanks and the Kalagala Central Forest Reserves.

  • Included Highlight: Crossing the Equator
  • Optional Activities: Nile River White Water Rafting (half day), Horse riding, Quad biking & Kayaking (we will be returning to Jinja in case time is limited for these activities today)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Jina to Kampala & Masindi (Budongo Central Forest Reserve) - Uganda

Our journey continues along the northern shores of Lake Victoria. We make a brief visit to Kampala, capital city of Uganda located on a series of hills above the Lake. From there we head northwest towards Lake Albert, another of the Great Rift Valley lakes. Our stop for the night is the town of Masindi, known as the gateway to Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda's oldest national parks. The Victoria Nile River runs through the park, plummeting through a narrow gorge to form the spectacular Murchison Falls, after which the park is named.

Later, you have the option to visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to take a bush walk in search of highly endangered rhinos. This 7,000-hectare sanctuary is part of the rhino conservation program run by a non-profit called Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU) to breed rhinos for release back into the national parks of Uganda.

  • Optional Activities: Ziwa Rhino Walk
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Masindi to Budongo Central Forest Reserve - Uganda

This morning we go chimpanzee trekking in the Budongo Forest Reserve close to Lake Albert. The Budongo Forest, characterized by its majestic Mahogany trees, houses the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda. Our local guide will lead us in small groups of 12 through the forest as we seek out the chimp family groups, allowing us an hour to silently observe these intelligent beings in their natural surroundings.

Following this, we set sail on the scenic Nile River as it meanders through Murchison Falls National Park. This boat ride offers a prime opportunity for observing wildlife along the riverbanks, as the vessel can approach quite closely.

Note, when there are larger safari groups, your tour group may be split for chimpanzee trekking, so the timetable today remains flexible and you may end up taking the boat cruise in the morning and chimpanzee trekking in the afternoon, or vice versa.

  • Included Activities: Chimp trekking (half day), Nile River Cruise
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Masindi to Lake Kikorongo - Uganda

Day 7 of our Africa Overland Tour sees us journey southwest towards the majestic Ruwenzori Mountain range. Our destination is a hilltop campsite that boasts stunning views of Lake Kikorongo, a crater lake that extends from Lake George on the fringe of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The area is renowned for its volcanic features, serene lakes formed in old craters, verdant grassy basins, and a giant row of strikingly beautiful volcanic cones that offer breathtaking panoramic views.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Lake Kikorongo to Lake Bunyonyi - Uganda

Today we head to scenic Lake Bunyonyi, crossing the equator once more. Lake Bunyonyi is one of Africa's deepest lakes and is dotted with 29 lush islands, each with their own unique tales and allure. As the name meaning 'Place of Many Little Birds' suggests, Lake Bunyonyi is a bird watchers paradise, boasting over 200 bird species. The lake is safe for swimming and is a popular spot for water activities.

We stay at a lovely campsite on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi taking in the beautiful scenery and settling in as this will be our base for the next 3 nights. This evening you will be briefed on the gorilla trekking excursion taking place the following day.

  • Included Activities: Crossing of the Equator
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 & 10: Gorilla Trekking (Lake Bunyonyi) - Uganda

From Lake Bunyonyi we set off on our thrilling gorilla trekking expedition, in groups of a maximum of 6 people. African Mountain Gorillas are critically endangered, with only around 800 wild mountain gorillas remaining in the world. Experienced local trackers will lead your group on a hike over rugged terrain under a canopy of towering trees in search of the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You have the unparalleled privilege of spending an hour observing their behavior, from playful youngsters to powerful silverbacks.

Gorilla Trekking permits are extremely limited, which calls for flexibility in our tour itinerary and the exact location that we trek in. The mountain gorilla habitat spans the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC (The Democratic Republic of the Congo). If permits for the Uganda Park are not available, you will be informed beforehand, and we will travel to neighboring Rwanda or the DRC for the mountain gorilla trekking.

On the day that you don't go gorilla trekking, you have the chance to participate in optional activities around Lake Bunyonyi - go hiking or mountain biking, take to the water or join a visit to meet a local tribe of Pygmy or a day trip to neighboring Rwanda.

  • Optional Activities: Gorilla Trekking, Pygmy visit, Rwanda Day Tour, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Overland Tour Note

The Gorilla Trekking permit is not included in the tour price.
Only one day is spent trekking the gorillas, even though there are 2 days set aside. This allows time for obtaining permits and visiting the gorillas in smaller groups if there are more than 6 people on the tour.

Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo - Uganda

On Day 11 of this Best of Africa Camping Safari, we leave the peaceful shores of Lake Bunyonyi and head for the next lake of our tour, Lake Mburo. The lake is part of the Lake Mburo National Park, smallest of Uganda's savannah national parks that, despite its size, boasts an impressive variety of landscapes, from savannahs and forests to wetlands and hills. Its waters are home to crocodiles and hippos, while its shores attract buffalos, zebras, and over 350 bird species, including the rare African finfoot and shoebill stork.

Our accommodation for the night is a tented camp just on the border of Lake Mburo National Park.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 & 13: Lake Mburo to Jinja - Uganda

Our overland tour heads northeast, back to Uganda’s adventure capital, Jinja, where we will spend the next two nights at the campsite.

Your time is free to unwind at the resort on the banks of the Nile River or embark on the many optional adventure activities on offer, including quad biking, horse riding, kayaking and river cruises. The most popular activity in Jinja is white water rafting on the world-renowned grade 5 rapids on the Nile River (considered one of the best one-day white water trips globally).

  • Optional Activities: White-Water Rafting, Quad Biking, Kayaking, Boat Trips, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 14: Jinja to Eldoret - Kenya

Today our Best of Africa Safari says goodbye to beautiful Uganda as we make our way across the border, back into Kenya. Our stopover for the night is a campsite near the city of Eldoret in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. From small beginnings, Eldoret has transformed into Kenya's fifth-largest city and is known as the 'City of Champions'. It is a magnet for globally acclaimed athletes who flock here for high-altitude training at the High-Altitude Training Centre.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Eldoret to Nairobi - Kenya

We return to the busy streets of Nairobi this afternoon to stay at a comfortable centrally located hotel before heading to our next country, Tanzania, tomorrow. Nairobi is one of Africa's fastest-growing cities, renowned for its unique culture and blend of urban life. The city's name originates from the Maasai phrase 'Enkare Nairobi', translating to 'place of cool waters'. Tonight, you are free to dine out at one of the city’s many restaurants and sample the lively and diverse nightlife.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 16: Nairobi to Arusha - Tanzania

Leaving behind the bustle of Nairobi we travel south to the Tanzania border through expansive savannahs, verdant agricultural lands, and glimpses of local culture, as we pass through small towns and villages where people go about their daily lives. After completing border formalities, we continue to our campsite in the busy town of Arusha, keeping a lookout for the impressive backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, visible in the distance. Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit and base to all explorers visiting Mount Kilimanjaro.

Your guide will brief you on our upcoming three-day safari adventure to the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17 & 18: Arusha to Serengeti National Park (Seronera) - Tanzania

We leave the overland vehicle behind once more as we are collected in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles for our three-day adventure into Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. Today our Best of Africa Safari heads to premium safari destination, Serengeti National Park, renowned worldwide for its incredible wildlife and natural beauty. The park is most famous for the Great Migration, one of the most spectacular natural events on the planet, where over a million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes travel miles across the plains in search of fresh pastures. Note that this is seasonal.

Serengeti is also known for its abundant wildlife, including the 'Big 5 - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and buffalo – and more than 500 bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers. The next two days will be spent exploring the diverse landscapes on game drives, from grassy plains to woodland, swamps, and kopjes (rock formations). These varied habitats support an equally diverse array of flora and fauna.

On entrance into Serengeti National Park, we enjoy our first game drive as we head to the Seronera Region in the heart of the park where we will spend two nights in meru style safari tents at a comfortable tented safari camp with stunning views. Sit back and soak up the iconic African safari landscapes. Seronera is known for its outstanding predator sightings, earning it the title of the 'Big cat capital of Africa'.

While we are at Seronera, there is the option to take a Hot Air Balloon Safari for stunning aerial views over the plains. Note that this is a very popular excursion and is subject to availability and weather conditions on the day. Pre-booking is essential.

  • Included Activities: Serengeti National Park Game Drives
  • Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari (pre-booking required, subject to availability & weather conditions)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 19: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu - Tanzania

Day 19 of our Africa Camping Tour heads out of Serengeti to the Ngorogoro Crater located nearby. Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, formed around two million years ago when a massive volcano exploded and collapsed on itself. It is now a vast natural amphitheater sheltering over 30,000 animals and a diverse ecosystem of grasslands, forests, and lakes, making it a prime location for game viewing due to the density of the animal populations. We descend the steep slopes into the crater and spend the bulk of our day exploring the crater floor in search of the diverse animals which roam the plains.

In the afternoon, we head out of the crater and drive to the town of Karatu where we will camp.

  • Included Activities: Full day 4x4 excursion to Ngorongoro Crater
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20: Karatu to Arusha - Tanzania

Wrapping up our time in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, we board our overland vehicle and return through the Great Rift Valley landscapes to our campsite in Arusha. En-route, we stop at the village of Mto wa Mbu, a bustling farming community known for its cultural diversity, hosting over 120 different ethnic groups. We pay a visit to the Mto wa Mbu Market filled with color and activity.

  • Included Activities: Mto wa Mbu Market Visit
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 21: Arusha to Bagamoyo - Tanzania

We continue our overland camping journey, driving through rural Tanzania to the Indian Ocean coastline and then head south to the coastal town of Bagamoyo. Established in the late 1700s, Bagamoyo serves as a window into Tanzania's past, especially the 19th-century when it was a busy trading hub for ivory and slaves. Bagamoyo means to "lay down your heart," a poignant reminder. The town is also known for its skills in the construction of traditional dhow sailing boats which still ply the waters of the old spice trade route today.

We overnight at a campsite in Bagamoyo and prepare for our exotic Zanzibar Excursion that begins tomorrow morning.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22 & 23: Bagamoyo to Zanzibar Island Beach Resort – Tanzania

Day 22 of our Best of Africa Tour sees us complete the short journey into the city of Dar es Salaam this morning to catch our ferry for the two-hour trip to the exotic spice island, Zanzibar. After arriving at the ferry port, we make our way to the eastern shores of the island where we will spend two idyllic days at a seaside beach resort.

Relax on the beach and soak up the sunshine and go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters with coral reefs and marine life. Your guide will be on hand to assist with the many excursions that can be arranged. Visit Jozani Forest, known for its endemic population of red colobus monkeys, take a cooking lesson, sail in a traditional dhow, go horse riding, fishing, or scuba diving, take a guided trip, or rent a scooter to explore on your own.

  • Included Activities: Zanzibar Excursion
  • Optional Activities: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Fishing. Boat Trip, Horse Riding, Submarine Adventure, Zanzibar Cooking Lesson, Jozani Forest Tour, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 24: Zanzibar Beach Resort to Stone Town - Tanzania

This morning our beach break comes to an end as we drive across the island to historic Stone Town. We stop en-route for a guided spice tour, a walking tour through local spice plantations to learn about cultivation of the spices that made Zanzibar famous as the "Spice Island”. You will have the opportunity to purchase fresh spices directly from these farms.

Stone Town is one of the oldest living Swahili towns in East Africa, boasting a rich history as a port on the trade route between Africa, Arabia, India, and even far-off lands like China. For centuries it saw the trade of spices, gold, ivory, and slaves from the African interior. We take walking tour of this fascinating city of African, Arab, Persian, and Indian influences, exploring the unique winding, narrow streets and admiring the beautiful carved wooden doors. You even pay a visit to the birthplace of one of Zanzibar’s most famous sons, the singer Freddy Mercury.

We overnight in a comfortable Stone Town hotel.

  • Included Activities: Spice Tour, Stone Town Walking Tour
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 25: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam - Tanzania

Day 25 of our Best of Africa Tour has a leisurely start. We catch our ferry back to Dar es Salaam, where we will overnight in a centrally located hotel. Arriving in the early afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city with its laid-back atmosphere and diverse culture. Sample traditional Tanzanian cuisine, fresh seafood, or international fare at one of the many restaurants, relax at a rooftop bar and enjoy the city lights, or sample one of the city’s vibrant nightclubs.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 26: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi - Tanzania

Leaving the coast behind us we travel inland and make our way east to the town of Mikumi where we stop for the night. We stay at a safari camp just outside Mikumi National Park known for its scenic plains, iconic baobabs, diverse wildlife, and which forms part of a vast 75,000 square kilometer wilderness with neighboring Selous Game Reserve. You have the option to book an afternoon game drive in Mikumi National Park.

  • Optional Activities: Mikumi Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 27: Mikumi to Iringa - Tanzania

Our camping tour continues southeast through the stunning landscapes of the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. We camp overnight in the town of Iringa surrounded by rolling hills, lush greenery, and fertile valleys, a cooler climate due to its elevation. The town center offers the visitor a view into the past with its German colonial buildings and a popular market.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 28: Iringa to Utengule - Tanzania

Our drive continues through the Southern Highlands deep into Tanzania coffee growing country. This afternoon we will make a stop at a local coffee plantation where we can see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and will be able to sample some of the beans. We overnight at a campsite on a coffee farm with spectacular views across the East African Rift Valley.

  • Included Activities: Coffee Plantation Visit
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 29: Utengule to Lake Malawi - Malawi

Our Africa Overland Tour leaves Tanzania behind, as we descend the Great Rift Valley and cross the border into Malawi, the “Warm Heart of Africa”. Our destination is majestic Lake Malawi, third-largest freshwater lake of Africa's Great Rift Valley. It is approximately 580 kilometers (360 miles) long and spans three countries: Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique.

The shores of Lake Malawi are dotted with traditional fishing villages, and we make a stop at one of the villages where your guide will lead a walking tour to appreciate local life and culture around the lake. Our destination tonight is a campsite on the northern shore of Lake Malawi where you can take a dip before spending the evening enjoying a cold drink while you take in the spectacular views across the lake.

  • Included Activities: Village Walking Tour
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 30 & 31: Central Lake Malawi - Malawi

This morning we board our overland truck and head further south along the coastline of Lake Malawi. Our destination tonight is a campsite on the shores of Ngala Beach in Central Lake Malawi where we will spend two idyllic nights. The time is free to spend at your leisure. Relax on the shores soaking up the sun, go exploring, or snorkel in the crystal waters - Lake Malawi is known for having the highest number of fish species of any lake on Earth, with estimates of over 1,000 different types of endemic cichlid fish alone. You have the option to go fishing, kayaking, or sailing to one of the beautiful islands within Lake Malawi, such as Likoma Island and Chizumulu Island.

  • Optional Activities: Kayaking, Snorkeling, Waterfall Hike, Golf, Fishing, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 32: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa National Park - Zambia

This morning we enjoy a final sunrise on the shores of Lake Malawi before our Best of Africa camping adventure sets off for the next country on our tour, Zambia. After crossing the border into Zambia, we make a short stop in the town of Chipata, gateway to the beautiful South Luangwa National Park.

The South Luangwa National Park is concentrated around the Luangwa River, Zambia’s longest river which is populated with large numbers of hippopotamuses and Nile crocodiles. The riverine vegetation and lagoons along the river attract a high density of game, including elephants, buffalo, and antelopes. South Luangwa is celebrated for its leopard sightings, particularly around the Luangwa River, and is home to a high concentration of lions. The park is also recognized as the birthplace of walking safaris

We spend two nights at a safari camp on the banks of the Luangwa River. Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Luangwa River this evening.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 33: South Luangwa National Park - Zambia

South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination, and we have a full day to explore the park in search of the variety of wildlife found here. This morning you can partake in an optional morning game drive, or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris on offer in the park. This afternoon we will enjoy a Sunset Drive, enjoying a sundowner on the way. The drive back to camp after dark gives us a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen in the day.

  • Included Activities: Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
  • Optional Activities: Safari Walk (seasonal) or Morning Game Drive in South Luangwa
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 34: South Luangwa to Petauke - Zambia

Leaving the Luangwa Valley this morning we continue through rural Zambia, making a stop at the Mulberry Mongoose project. The Chipata area is a major producer of cotton and this morning we get a taste of the creativity of the African culture. Local women craft clothing and jewelry made out of locally sourced materials, including beautiful textiles and even wire retrieved from poacher snares. Our destination tonight is a campsite in the small town of Petauke.

  • Included Activities: Visit to Mulberry Mongoose
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 35 & 36: Petauke to Chirundu - Zambia

Today our Best of Africa Tour heads west along the Great East Road, an important link between Zambia via Lusaka to neighboring Malawi, winding through rural Zambia dotted with villages and subsistence farms. 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.

We pass through the outskirts of Lusaka to our next destination, on the riverbanks of the Kafue River near the town of Chirundu. We will stay at a comfortable campsite on the river for two nights. Here, your time is free to relax on the riverbanks or try one of the optional activities. The Kafue River flows into the mighty Zambezi River nearby and there are many river-based activities on offer, from fishing for legendary tiger fish, to birding or a river game viewing safari. Take a hike to a nearby bat cave and baobab forest or book a game drive in the Lower Zambezi National Park nearby.

  • Included Activities: Luangwa Market visit
  • Optional Activities: Fishing, Birding, River Safari Baobab Forest & Bat Cave Hike, Game Drive in Lower Zambezi National Park
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 37: Chirundu to Livingstone & Victoria Falls - Zambia

On Day 37, our overland tour heads southwest towards one of the world’s 7 natural wonders, Victoria Falls. We will overnight at a waterfront lodge located within the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, only 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) upstream from Victoria Falls and 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) to Livingstone Town. The deck, bar and restaurant overlook the spray from Victoria Falls to your left and offer the best sunset views over the Zambezi River to your right.

We will spend two nights at Victoria Falls to leave enough time to do justice to this natural marvel. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy bungee jumping, bridge swings, ziplining, speedboat adventures and helicopter or microlight flights over Victoria Falls. White-water rafting is also phenomenal in the rapids below. For a slower pace take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, fishing trips, safari game drives, cultural tours, or browse the craft markets. Livingstone Museum showcases Zambia's history and culture. Walk across historic Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe, for panoramic views of the falls and the Batoka Gorge.

The Falls section of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park includes a rainforest on the cliff opposite the Eastern Cataract of Victoria Falls, created with spray from the falls that rises so high in the air it is visible for miles. Views of the falls are magnificent from here, except in the dry season towards the end of the year when the eastern side of the falls dries up. However, this is the season when it is possible to swim in Devil’s Pool perched on a rock ledge on the lip of the Falls, a deep natural pool created by thousands of years of erosion. This is only possible when the waters are low, and your guide will take an iconic photo of you in the pool just centimeters from the plunging torrents of water flowing just meters away!

  • Optional Activities: Visit the falls, bungee jump, gorge swing, sunset cruise, dinner cruise, helicopter & microlight scenic flights, boma dinner experience, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 38: Victoria Falls Village – Zimbabwe

We spend our second night in pre-erected dome tents at a campsite in Victoria Falls Village on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls. A transfer from Livingstone to Victoria Falls Village is included in the tour price, and you may decide 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 Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls National Park (on the Zimbabwe side) has a pathway through the rainforest with several viewpoints, including the main falls viewpoint, which provides an expansive view of the waterfall. Our accommodation for the night is located close by. Spend the day on more adrenaline adventures or perhaps try a delicious high tea at the grand old Victoria Falls Hotel.

  • Optional Activities: Visit the falls, bungee jump, gorge swing, sunset cruise, dinner cruise, helicopter & microlight scenic flights, boma dinner experience, and more
  • Meals: No Meals

Day 39: Victoria Falls to Kasane & Chobe National Park - Botswana

This morning you have your last opportunity to participate in the many optional activities on offer in the town of Victoria Falls. After lunch, our overland camping adventure takes us the short distance to the Botswana border, crossing into Botswana and arriving late afternoon at our campsite on the banks of the Chobe River.

After settling in, we head out to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise for an up close and personal experience with the hippo and crocodiles wallowing in the waters. Keep your camera ready as we navigate along the riverbanks, spotting large herds of elephants that the area is known for, together with buffalo, antelopes, an impressive array of birds and many other animals coming to the river to quench their thirst.

  • Included Activities: Chobe National Park Boat Cruise
  • Optional Activities: Visit the falls, bungee jump, gorge swing, sunset cruise, dinner cruise, helicopter & microlight scenic flights, boma dinner experience, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 40: Kasane to Nata - Botswana

Our Best of Africa Camping Tour leaves the riverbanks behind and heads south into the Kalahari Desert. Tonight, we will stay near the Makgadigadi Pans, an extensive string of salt pans which are all that remain of a lake that stood here in ancient times. We will stay in the palm lined fringe of Nata Pan, which is home to a nature reserve on a breeding ground of huge flocks of seasonal migratory birds like flamingo and pelicans during the wet season. We will take a drive around the pan to enjoy the surreal vistas of the pans and, if the season is right, search out the resident birds.

  • Included Activities: Afternoon Pans Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 41: Nata to Maun & Khwai Conservation Area (Okavango Delta) – Botswana

Today our Okavango Delta adventure begins. We continue our journey through desert backroads to the town of Maun, gateway to the incredible Okavango Delta. On arrival in Maun, and if there is time, you have the option to take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world, characterized by a labyrinthine network of water channels, lagoons, islands, and lush vegetation that is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. A scenic flight offers a unique aerial perspective on this natural wonder.

You will be separated from the overland truck for the next two nights as we journey into the delta in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles. You will need to pack a light overnight bag for the trip. We will drive the delta backroads into the Khwai River Conservation area which lies on the eastern portion of the delta.

After settling into our comfortable campsite in the Khwai River floodplain, we drive to a station nearby where local guides will take us out onto the delta waterways in traditional dugout canoes (called mokoro). Sit back and enjoy the serenity as your guide steers you through narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons with wallowing hippo and the occasional croc. On one of the many islands, your guide will lead you on a nature walk. While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area, including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala, and zebra. We return through the channels back to the mokoro station as the sun sets.

  • Included Activities: Okavango Delta Sunset Mokoro Trip
  • Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 42: Moremi Game Reserve - Botswana

Today, we will dedicate the entire day on a safari drive in Moremi Game Reserve, searching for the various species that inhabit these vast plains. This reserve covers about a quarter of the Okavango Delta, several thousand square kilometers of forests, lagoons, floodplains, pans, grasslands, savannahs, and dense mopane woodlands. It was the first wildlife sanctuary in Africa to be established by local residents, and its conservation efforts have been instrumental in preserving the delicate Okavango Delta ecosystem. The lush delta habitats are home to an incredible density of birds and animals.

  • Included Activities: Full Day Game Drive in Moremi Game Reserve
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 43: Khwai Conservation Area to Maun - Botswana

Our camping safari departs early this morning as our 4×4 safari vehicles take us on our last drive in the Okavango Delta as we make our way back to Maun. We will overnight there in a centrally located campsite.

Upon arrival in Maun, you have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (time and weather permitting). Alternatively, relax at camp or explore the town. Maun has a variety of shops, markets, and restaurants where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and purchase crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs - a great place to shop for authentic Botswana products.

  • Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 44: Maun to Divundu – Namibia

On Day 44 our Africa Overland Tour heads northwest out of the Delta towards the Namibia border. After border formalities are complete, we follow the course of the Kavango River, which rises in the highlands of Angola and flow through this narrow strip of Namibia before emptying into the mighty Okavango Delta in Botswana.

We will overnight at a campsite on the banks of the Kavango River near the town of Divundu. After settling in, we head out on a river boat cruise, meandering through groups of wallowing hippos and the occasional croc and keeping a lookout for wildlife coming to the riverbanks to drink. (This cruise may take place early tomorrow morning.)

  • Included Activities: Kavango River Boat Cruise
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 45: Divundu to Etosha National Park - Namibia

Today, we have a full day of driving ahead of us as our camping safari continues along the Kavango River before heading southwest into the desert once more. Our destination is Namibia’s premium wilderness destination, Etosha National Park, where we will arrive in the late afternoon. We begin with our first game drive as we enter the park en-route to our overnight rest camp where we will camp the night. The rest camps each boast their own floodlit waterholes, so you can sit with a cold drink and enjoy the spectacle of the animals coming down to the waters to drink,

  • Included Activities: Game Drive as we drive to the rest camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 46 & 47: Etosha National Park - Namibia

We have two full days to immerse ourselves in the wonders of Etosha National Park. The park spans an area of approximately 22,270 square kilometers (8,600 square miles) at the edge of the vast Etosha Pan, a large endorheic salt pan which covers nearly a quarter of the park and is visible even from space. During the dry season, it is a parched white expanse, while in the wet season, it fills with water attracting thousands of flamingos and other water birds.

Surrounding the pan are various ecosystems, including grasslands, savannah, woodland, and mopane forests. Waterholes, both natural and artificial, dot the landscape and are vital for wildlife during the dry season. We will take several game drives in search of the park’s impressive wildlife, including the Big 5 – elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo. Other inhabitants include giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, ostrich and a variety of antelope species. Our truck offers an elevated platform for excellent viewing.

  • Included Activities: Etosha Game Drives
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 48: Etosha to Khorixas - Namibia

We will rise early and enjoy our last game drive through Etosha as we make our way to the gates and exit Etosha National Park. Then our Best of Africa Camping Tour continues southwest. Sit back and enjoy the scenery of rugged mountains and dry riverbeds pass by.

En-route to our campsite in the town of Khorixas, we stop at a Petrified Forest. Fossilized tree trunks lie on the desert sands frozen in time, remnants of ancient trees that were washed down an ancient river to rest here many millions of years ago. Next, we visit the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings site. The area was home to the Khoi San for 6,000 years and they have left a wealth of rock art, one of the highest concentrations in Africa. A local guide will tell you more about this fascinating place.

  • Included Activities: Morning game drive, Petrified Forest, Twyfelfontein Rock Art
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 49: Khorixas to Swakopmund - Namibia

Today we continue west to the coastline where the icy Atlantic Ocean meets the hot sands of the Namibian desert. Our drive follows the coastline south, stopping at Seal Cross which is home to one of the world's largest seal colonies and was a stopping point for one of the first European explorers, Diego Cao, in 1486. (Note that the seal colony is sometimes closed to visitors.) We continue south, passing a fascinating phenomenon of extreme climate places like the arctic and the desert – a Lichen Field. A local guide will introduce us to these curious organisms, colonies of algae and fungi living in symbiosis. The next stop is the quaint seaside holiday town of Wlotskasbaken which makes for a great photo opportunity with the picturesque houses contrasted against desert sands and crashing ocean.

We then continue to the popular seaside resort of Swakopmund where we will spend the next two nights at a centrally located hotel.

  • Included Activities: Cape Cross Seal Colony, Lichen Fields, Wlotskasbaken
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 50: Swakopmund - Namibia

Today is a free day to explore the town of Swakopmund with its German colonial architecture, and the many coffee shops and bakeries the town is known for. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a little city and there is something to keep everyone busy. Swakopmund is also known as the adventure capital of Namibia, so there are many optional activities on offer, from sky diving to sandboarding or quad biking in the desert, or dolphin cruises and ocean adventures.

  • Optional Activities: Dolphin Cruise, Sky Diving, Sandboarding, Quad Biking and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 51: Swakopmund to Sesriem - Namibia

Our Best of Africa Tour continues south down the coastline before heading inland into the Namib Desert. En-Route we cross the Tropic of Capricorn and make a stop to commemorate this auspicious occasion. We are headed for a desert camp near the settlement of Sesriem on the outskirts of the Namib Naukluft National Park, famous for its iconic red-orange hued dunescapes. The area showcases mammoth sand dunes, some up to 325 meters (1,066 feet) high, that have stood here for aeons.

After settling into our desert camp, a local guide takes us on a guided desert walk to learn more about this fascinating desert environment and the adaptations that plants, animals, and humans have made to survive here.

  • Included Activities: Tropic of Capricorn Stop, Guided Desert Walk
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 52: Sossusvlei Dunes (Namib Naukluft National Park) - Namibia

Rising at first light we travel to Namib-Naukluft National Park to catch the awe-inspiring colors of the dunescapes in the morning light. Our first stop is the iconic Dune 45 that has appeared in many a photo shoot. We climb the dune to take in the panoramic view of this magical place. After a hearty breakfast at the base of the dune, we are collected by 4×4 vehicles to drive into the soft sands of Sossusvlei. We take time to visit the dunescapes surrounding Deadvlei, a crusty salt and clay pan. We go on foot to enjoy the surreal landscape of the pan contrasted against the red-orange dunes and dotted with ancient black skeletons of dead trees, a remnant of much wetter times in this dry region.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Included Activities: Climb Dune 45, Visit Sossusvlei / Deadvlei

Day 53: Sesriem to Keetmanshoop - Namibia

We will have a leisurely morning before we pack up and our overland camping tour turns east, headed for our campsite in the town of Keetmanshoop. We spend most of the day on the road. Along the way, you'll encounter a range of desert scenery, including open plains, rocky outcrops, and the occasional dry riverbed. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as desert-adapted animals like oryx and springbok are known to roam this area.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 54: Keetmanshoop to Fish River Canyon & Ai-Ais - Namibia

Day 54 of our Africa Overland Tour sees us visit the nearby attractions of the Keetmanshoop area. First, we visit a unique forest declared a national monument. The forest is a dense patch of quiver trees (Aloe dichotoma), known for their distinctive appearance, with thick, forked trunks and long, slender, succulent leaves that are well-adapted to the arid desert environment. Some specimens are over 200 years old. The indigenous Khoi San used the hollowed-out branches of these trees to make quivers for their arrows, hence the name "quiver tree".

The next stop is Giants Playgrounds nearby. Over millions of years, weathering and erosion have sculpted dolerite bolders into a series of unusual formations that look like an assortment of gigantic Lego blocks. Wander through the maze of these rocks that local Nama legend says are the result of a fight between the gods.

Then its back on the overland vehicle to travel south on the gravel byways of Southern Namibia towards the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world. We take a walk along the rim of the canyon and end our day with a memorable sunset on the canyon edge. Admire the rugged terrain, towering cliffs of this gash in the desert some 27 kilometers (17 miles) wide with the course of the Fish River meandering on the canyon floor 550 meters (1,800 feet) below.

Our final stop is the campsite at Ais-Ais Resort where we will spend the night. Famed for its hot springs, the resort and its hot pools are the perfect tonic to ease away the dust of the Namib.

  • Included Activities: Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground, Fish River Canyon, Ais-Ais Hot Springs
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 55: Ai-Ais to Orange River - Namibia

Our Best of Africa Tour makes an early start, heading to the Orange River which forms the southern border with South Africa. The area surrounding the river is a stark contrast to much of the arid landscapes we have just crossed, riverbanks lush and green providing a vital source of water for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

We overnight at a comfortable campsite on the banks of the river. You have the opportunity to take a half day canoe trip. The river's slow-flowing nature makes it ideal for exploring the gorges and scenery along the way.

  • Optional Activities: Half-Day Canoe Trip
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 56: Orange River to Citrusdal - South Africa

A final border crossing sees us enter South Africa, the last country of this epic overland adventure. We head south, through the flat arid landscapes of the Namaqualand. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wildflowers that burst into colorful flower on this otherwise stark landscape.

Eventually we start to see the heights of the Cederberg Mountain range rising before us. We overnight at a campsite in the Cederberg region, known for its extensive hiking routes and the indigenous plant, rooibos (or red bush), that is prized as a herbal tea. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional meal and celebrate the many memories we have made on this epic camping tour.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 57: Citrusdal to Cape Town - South Africa

The last drive of our spectacular Best of Africa Tour takes offers great views of the rugged Cedarberg Mountains and farms in the valleys below, as we continue south towards the beautiful city of Cape Town. We will stop on the outskirts where you can take in the iconic view of Table Mountain in the distance from across Table Bay.

Your tour ends upon arrival in Cape Town city center. We recommend booking an extra few days in Cape Town after this safari in order to enjoy the exciting sights and activities available here.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overland Tour Note

We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Best of Africa Camping 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 Cape Town 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 Camping Overland Tour is also available as a Lodge Overland Tour – Best of Africa Tour - Accommodated Safari which follows the same itinerary and accommodation is in comfortable lodges instead of camping.

More Best of Africa Safari Options

This southbound Best of Africa Camping Tour is also available in the opposite direction as the Best of Africa Camping Tour - North, starting in Cape Town and ending in Nairobi.

For more details contact African Budget Safaris

Wildebeest Great Migration Explained

Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration is seasonal. As a natural wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.

The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a massive circular route covering some 1200 miles (1931km). It is a continuous movement of wildlife that can be seen in different areas at different times of the year. During certain phases of this annual trek the animals disperse or slow down, whilst at other times the migration picks up speed, with the herds becoming larger and denser. Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary from place to place and season to season but the movement of these large wildlife herds varies from year to year.

Please talk to a travel expert from African Budget Safaris about seeing the Wildebeest Great Migration on your safari to find out more. Also, check out our detailed article about the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.

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