An unforgettable Southern Africa Overland Camping Tour!
Departing from Johannesburg we travel into Botswana through the Central Kalahari to Maun and the Okavango Delta for our first safari experience. Explore game-rich Savuti and stay at Nata Pan in Makgadigadi. Cruise on the Chobe River before crossing into Zimbabwe to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls. Then cross into truly African Zambia, where we explore the untamed South Luangwa National Park.
Next, we travel to Lake Malawi and spend a few days relaxing on the sandy shores of this scenic lake, exploring the local culture. Visit Zanzibar Island with its tropical beaches and rich Arabic-African culture, before returning to Tanzania's mainland and Arusha, the gateway to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks. Take an incredible wildlife safari into these famous game parks, home to Africa's Big Five animals and more, then journey to Nairobi in Kenya.
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.
This 30-Day Africa Camping Overland Tour starts in Johannesburg, ‘the City of Gold’ and economic hub of South Africa. We get acquainted with our guides and travel mates before we leave the bustle of the city to travel through the North-West Province of South Africa, towards the Botswana border.
Border crossing formalities finalized, we join the Trans-Kalahari Highway, the road artery that connects its main cities of Francistown and Gabarone. We spend our first night staying in en-suite rooms at a hotel in the town of Palapye en-route. Relax with a cool drink in the hotel bar and contemplate the adventure that lies ahead.
Today, we set our course northward, journeying through the rugged yet captivating landscapes of the Central Kalahari Desert, heading towards the town of Maun, our launchpad for visiting the Okavango Delta.
Our route takes us past several rural towns and Orapa Diamond Mine, one of the world’s most significant diamond mines and testimony to Botswana's rich mineral resources. Beyond Orapa, our path skirts the southern edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. These vast salt pans are all that remains of a vast ancient lake that once lay in this place and is now a sprawling desert expanse. However, keep your eyes open for the diverse wildlife that frequents the watering holes that dot the landscape on this stretch of the journey.
We spend the night at a comfortable campsite in Maun. When we arrive in Maun you have the chance to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (own expense). Viewing the delta from up high reveals the grand scale and beauty of this unique ecosystem and allows you to spot wildlife from above.
After a hearty dinner, your guide briefs you on the 2-night trip we will take into to the Khwai River Area of the Okavango Delta. In the morning we will be collected in smaller 4x4 safari trucks for this adventure so we will need to pack smaller bags for the excursion due to the luggage restrictions of the smaller vehicles.
Day 3 of our Johannesburg to Nairobi Camping Safari takes us into the heart of the Okavango Delta. If time and availability allow, you have another chance to take a Scenic Flight over the Delta before we are collected by the safari vehicles to drive into the Okavango Delta, one of nature’s true miracles. It exists because the Okavango River, which rises in the Angola highlands, flows into landlocked Botswana, but with no outlet to the sea it empties into the sands of the Kalahari Desert, irrigating some 15 000 km² of this desert nation. This lush landscape is a haven for wildlife which is what makes it a popular safari destination.
For the next two nights we will stay at a tented camp in the Khwai River floodplain with sweeping views of the animals attracted to the lush grazing. The Khwai River Conservation Area offers exceptional game viewing possibilities all year round, attracting a variety of wildlife such as zebras, lechwe, wildebeest, buffalo, and elephants to its riverbanks.
After lunch we will join the vehicles once more, and drive to mokoro station nearby. The mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe which is used by the locals to navigate the network of water channels of the delta. We will enjoy a sunset mokoro trip where you sit back as your guide stands and steers you through reed-lined channels and tranquil lagoons dotted with lilypads. We will stop off at one of the small islands and take a nature walk where your guide will show you the smaller details of this unique ecosystem.
Today we search out the fauna and flora of the unique Okavango Delta ecosystem - We spend the day in Moremi Game Reserve, named after Chief Moremi of the BaTawana tribe, who were concerned about the rapid depletion of wildlife in their ancestral lands due to uncontrolled hunting and cattle encroachment. This makes Moremi one of the first reserves in Africa to be established by local residents.
With both permanent delta water and drier landscapes that only flood in the rainy season, Moremi provides the perfect habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. You can expect to see a plethora of animals, from the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), to many others like giraffe, cheetah, zebra, various species of antelope including the red lechwe adapted to surviving in marshy conditions, hyenas, jackals, and the endangered African Wild Dog. The park is also home to a rich variety of birdlife, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
We make an early start on Day 5 of our Africa Camping Overland Tour. We pack up camp and return through the delta backroads back to join our overland safari vehicle in Maun. Keep a lookout for the last sightings of Okavango Delta wildlife.
Once back in the vehicle, we head east out of Maun through rural Botswana and back into the desert. We will spend the night near one of the salt pans that makes up the Makgadigadi Pans, formed over thousands of years because of the evaporation of what was once a massive lake, leaving a vast salt pan complex characterized by its barren, moon-like landscapes.
Our destination, Nata Pan, receives some seasonal water from the Nata River during most rainy seasons. These seasonal waters attract large flocks of water birds at certain times of the year. We will stay at a campsite in the palm lines fringes of the pan.
Day 6 of our Johannesburg to Nairobi Camping Overland Tour sees us head north out of Nata towards the Botswana-Zimbabwe border. This afternoon we reach the Chobe River and our campsite situated on the banks of the river in the town of Kasane, with a swimming pool, restaurant, internet, and bar.
Have lunch and relax, then later we will take a boat cruise on the Chobe River. Chobe River is famous for its close-up wildlife sightings and excellent birdwatching. From the water, we get up close to plenty of wild animals such as hippos, antelopes, buffalos, crocodiles, and elephants. Our boat-based game viewing provides excellent photographic opportunities for capturing the birds and wildlife attracted to the Chobe River.
On Day 7 of our budget camping safari, we will cross into Zimbabwe. Border formalities complete we take a short drive to the nearby Victoria Falls Village, located at one of the world’s great natural wonders, Victoria Falls.
The rest of the day and tomorrow is yours to explore the formidable Victoria Falls waterfall and the many attractions and activities on offer. It is truly a marvel to behold the sight of the Zambezi River tumbling over 100 feet down into the gorge below, forming the world's largest falling curtain of water some 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) wide at the height of the rainy season. You will hear and feel the power of the roar of Victoria Falls and observe the magnificent spray creating a rainforest in its surrounds.
Beyond the waterfall, you may opt to unwind at the hotel, discover the charm of Victoria Falls town, or embark on an optional adventure activity. This evening, you have the choice to dine out in Victoria Falls, and your guide will provide more information about the available activities, assisting you with bookings for the next day.
Day 8 is reserved for you to engage in optional activities in and around Victoria Falls Village on the Zimbabwe side, and Livingstone on the Zambia side. The area is renowned for its adrenaline-pumping activities, such as bungee jumping and gorge swinging. The Victoria Falls section of the Zambezi River is also acclaimed for its top-tier whitewater rafting, which features a blend of easy and challenging rapids. Enjoy aerial views of the majestic waterfall by plane, helicopter, or microlight. Alternatively, you could stroll around the town of Victoria Falls, sightsee, browse the markets, or enjoy a delightful afternoon high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.
We will transfer to Livingstone, on the Zambia shore of the Zambezi River to spend our second night at the Falls. You are able to arrange the transfer to Livingstone in the morning or afternoon depending on your plans for the day.
On day 9 of our affordable Africa Camping Overland Tour, our journey continues in the country of Zambia. We say goodbye to Victoria Falls and make our way northeast through the lush riverine region around Livingstone, past traditional villages on a mix of smooth highways and rougher patches, providing glimpses into both the natural beauty and the daily life of Zambia.
For the next two nights we will spend time at a campsite on the banks of the Kafue River, a tributary of the great Zambezi River. While we are here you are free to relax on the deck overlooking the river or try one of the many activities on offer. Fishing on the Zambezi River is a top choice among guests to this region, with the river being home to over 75 species of fish, including the sought-after Tiger Fish, African Pike, Barbel, and Upper Zambezi Yellow. For those who prefer a more immersive wildlife experience, book a full-day safari in the Lower Zambezi National Park, or you may also opt for a river safari, for a unique perspective of the area's biodiversity. There is also an optional excursion to the baobab forest and bat cave nearby.
Today our Africa Camping Overland Tour travels along the Great East Road via capital city, Lusaka, towards the town of Petauke, the main hub for safaris to the famed South Luangwa National Park. This long drive takes us through lush landscapes and crosses the Luangwa River.
Close to the Luangwa River bridge, we will make a stop at Luangwa Market to soak in the sights and sounds of a typical Zambian market. It is a bustling hub of local commerce with a jostle of vendors displaying a variety of Zambian goods. Try the local favorite masaku fruits, loved for their juicy, sweet taste. In addition to the local produce, the market is also a great place to shop for unique African curios, from charming miniature hippo figurines to intricately woven baskets and papyrus carpets.
We will overnight at a comfortable campsite in Petauke and prepare for our next wildlife adventure in the South Luangwa National Park tomorrow.
Early in the morning, we drive from Petauke to the border of the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia’s premier wilderness area known for its outstanding game viewing. Along the way, we stop in the lively town of Chipata where you can visit the workshops of the Mulberry Mongoose to view the jewelry and curious made by local women from local materials, mainly cotton which is the major crop in the area, and wire retrieved from poachers’ snares by local conservation agencies.
We spend the next two nights of our Africa Camping Overland Tour camping at a safari camp right on the banks of the Luangwa River in the heart of South Luangwa National Park where hippos, birds and other animals are often spotted. We end the day with sundowners and watch a beautiful sunset over the river.
Day 13 is spent immersing ourselves in the South Luangwa. Adventurous early risers may opt to join a Walking Safari or optional early morning game drive. Then you are free to relax at camp before we head out later in the afternoon for a sunset game drive, looking for the rich diversity of wildlife and birds found in the wild marshes, woods, and grasslands. South Luangwa is home to an abundance of wildlife, including buffalos, zebras, leopards, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and crocodiles. We will stop to enjoy a sundowner drink watching a spectacular African sunset as the sun begins to disappear behind the horizon. The drive back to camp gives us the opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures as they begin to emerge.
Day 14 of our epic Africa Camping Overland Tour sees us cross the border into our next country, Malawi, fondly known as the Warm Heart of Africa. Our route takes us through the stunning landscapes of the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, one of Malawi's oldest and largest national parks. From the comfort of our truck, we enjoy an exhilarating safari, keeping a lookout for elephants and zebras that roam freely across the vast plains.
Our destination for the night is the breathtaking shores of Lake Malawi, southernmost lake in the East African Rift system and one of the deepest lakes in the world. Stretching over 500 kilometers (310 miles) along Malawi's western boundary, this impressive body of water is renowned for its rich biodiversity, boasting more species of fish than any other lake.
For the next two nights we will camp at a comfortable campsite at Ngala Beach on the shores of the picturesque Lake Malawi. If time permits, you can immediately dive into a snorkeling adventure or simply enjoy a leisurely swim and stroll along the sandy beach.
Day 15 is reserved for relaxation and exploration, with no scheduled activities. You're free to lounge on the sandy shores of Lake Malawi, explore the local area, or partake in optional activities. Popular choices include paddle skiing and horse riding. The lake's warm, clear waters make it an ideal spot for snorkeling, where you can witness the vibrant cichlid fish that call these waters home. There are optional motorboat trips, along with bird watching excursions. Or you may opt for a guided hike to the nearby Dwanbazi Waterfall that provides a stunning panorama from its summit. A walk along the lake, passing through local fishing villages, offers a laid-back way to explore the region. Known for its friendly locals and fresh fish, Lake Malawi offers a rich cultural experience in addition to its excellent water activities.
On day 16 we travel further along the shores of Lake Malawi, headed north to our next overnight campsite on Lake Malawi. This afternoon we will stop at a local village where your guide will take you on a walking tour to experience the local culture and meet some of these friendly people.
By late afternoon we arrive at our lakeside campsite in the village of Chitimba where you can recline in a hammock and watch the sun set over the lake with a cold drink in hand.
Today we say goodbye to lovely Lake Malawi and travel north into our next African country, Tanzania. The drive will take you through lush green forests, rolling hills, and small local villages providing a glimpse of rural life in these parts. We cross the busy border post into Southern Tanzania and follow a scenic route through the Mbeya Mountain range to the town of Mbeya. The next overnight stay on our Africa Camping Overland Safari is a scenic campsite on a coffee plantation situated on the cool mountain slopes near Mbeya.
This morning our Africa Camping Overland Tour gives us a glimpse into the workings of a coffee plantation in southern Tanzania. We take a walking tour of the plantation to learn how coffee beans are grown and harvested. You will then get to sample the delicious fresh coffee for yourself.
Then we continue our journey deeper into Tanzania, ascending the Great Rift Valley. We drive over some spectacular mountain passes, traveling past tea plantations in the rolling Tanzanian Highlands before arriving at our campsite on a working farm outside Iringa.
From Iringa, we our journey continues north towards the Mikumi National Park, part of the vast Selous Game Reserve ecosystem which offers excellent wildlife sightings. We make a quick stop en-route to view Baobab Valley, a landscape dotted with the distinct silhouettes of ancient, towering baobab trees casting dramatic shadows against the African savannah. This makes for the perfect backdrop for a group photo.
Mikumi National Park is the fourth largest park in Tanzania, but forms part of an epic 75 000 square kilometer wilderness that centers on the historic Selous Game Reserve. The park is home to lion, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo, and elephant, among other wildlife, and over 400 species of birds. You have the option to book your spot (own cost) on an afternoon game drive into Mikumi National Park, where the open Mkata Floodplains host an abundance of wild animals.
We will camp overnight at a rest camp on the outskirts of the park.
Our Johannesburg to Nairobi Camping Overland safari journeys out of the cool highlands of Tanzania and down towards the Indian Ocean coastline. We are headed to the city of Dar es Salaam, Arabic for ‘house of peace', the commercial and trade capital of Tanzania and gateway to Zanzibar Island.
The rest of the day is yours to relax at our centrally located hotel, or explore the city’s bustling fish markets, the national museum, beach, or pick up supplies from one of the shopping centers. Later, try one of the many restaurants for a hearty meal.
In Dar es Salaam we make an early start to board the local ferry to Zanzibar Island for our three-day stay in this tropical paradise. Arriving on the main island of Zanzibar, we head to our overnight hotel in the main center, Stone Town. This historic town was once a major port on the slave and spice trade routes but is now more popular with tourists.
You are free to explore the labyrinth of narrow streets of Stone Town, immersing yourself in the unique local culture and history. The bustling Darajani Market offers a glimpse into daily life in Stone Town, while the Forodhani Garden is a perfect spot to unwind at the end of the day and enjoy the local street food scene.
Day 22 of our Africa Camping Overland adventure begins with a morning walking tour in the bustling port of Stone Town. We explore some famous landmarks, see the intricately carved wooden doors that the island is known for, and even visit the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of the band Queen, born in Stone Town in 1946.
Next, we travel by road through local villages and spice plantations. We stop to do a Spice Tour, walking through the spice plantation to witness firsthand the cultivation and harvesting of a variety of spices that thrive on this tropical spice island. There is even a chance to purchase some fresh spices for yourself.
We continue east to our beach resort, which will be our home for the next two nights. Settle in to your comfortable en-suite shared bedrooms, refresh and then consider how you will spend your time here to soak up the tropical atmosphere and indulge in the many attractions and activities on offer.
Water sports are the order of the day, from snorkeling and fishing to scuba diving and sailing trips on the traditional wooden dhouw sailing boats. Explore the islands on guided tours or rent a scooter for your own adventure. Zanzibar's reputation as an idyllic tropical beach destination is well-deserved, so take the time to unwind in paradise, relax on the beach, and swim in the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
We bid farewell to our beach paradise and make our way to Stone Town. From there, we catch the ferry back to Dar es Salaam. We join our overland safari vehicle once again and venture north up the coast to the historic town of Bagamoyo where we will camp overnight. Established in the late 1700s, Bagamoyo is a fascinating tapestry of German colonial, Swahili, Arabic, and Christian missionary influences, though today it is known for its wooden dhow sailing boat construction, an old tradition still alive today.
Today our Africa Camping Overland Tour travels up the Tanzania coastline, before heading inland via a scenic route through verdant countryside and bustling rural towns towards Arusha, our destination for the night. Arusha is a lively town in the cool foothills of Mount Meru, Africa's fifth-highest peak. It is the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit in Tanzania due to its proximity to the world-famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. It is also a base for climbers of the great Mount Kilimanjaro which is also nearby.
Leaving Arusha today we head west through stunning East Africa Great Rift Valley landscapes. We will overnight at a campsite in the town of Karatu which lies between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater and will serve as our base for exploring the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania.
We make a stop in the village of Mto wa Mbu that lies at the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park. It is a vibrant farming community that is home to approximately 18,000 people and a cultural melting pot of over 120 ethnic groups. We visit the vibrant Mto wa Mbu Market for a taste of local life and you can try some distinctive red bananas that are a favorite crop in the area.
Once in Karatu, settle into camp and enjoy a leisurely day. Your guide will tell you about the optional excursions you can take today, like visiting a local brewery or coffee plantation. Your guide will also brief you about our two-day safari in Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti, planned for the following day.
Rise and shine early this morning for an action-packed day of game viewing in our specialized 4x4 game viewing vehicles. You are collected from the campsite in Karatu and set off for the Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world – the collapsed caldera of an ancient volcano. You descend into the crater through a lush highland forest, providing opportunities to spot magnificent birdlife among the different tree species, before reaching the vast crater floor that is home to over 25,000 animals and a varied avian life, including buffalo, impala, giraffe, bushbuck, waterbuck, hippos, and many elephants that roam near the lake. The crater has a very high density of animals living within its walls, so a wide range of wild animals is usually spotted making for a memorable day of game viewing.
In the afternoon we head towards the legendary Serengeti National Park located close to the crater. We enjoy a leisurely game viewing drive to our overnight camp, located in the Seronera region at the heart of Serengeti Park. You are sure to have some memorable wildlife sightings en-route.
For the next two nights we will stay in luxury tents in a tented camp which offers beautiful views of the wild Serengeti plains teeming with animals. Sit back and enjoy a serene sunset looking out for wildlife while you sip on a cold drink in the comfort of your safari style Meru tent.
Day 28 of our Camping Overland Africa Safari will be spent exploring Serengeti National Park, considered one of Africa's best safari destinations. We'll explore the Seronera region of central Serengeti, famous for its large populations of big cats, earning it the title of the 'Big cat capital of Africa'. Sit back and soak up the iconic African safari landscapes of this incredible wilderness destination. You are sure to have many memorable animal sightings.
Day 29 of our Johannesburg to Nairobi Overland Camping Safari sees us leave the plains of the Serengeti behind and head out once more through the Great Africa Rift Valley back to Arusha. This evening we relax at the comfortable campsite in Arusha and recount the incredible wildlife adventures we have had.
The final day of our Africa Camping Overland Tour sees us traveling north, crossing into our final African country, Kenya. On the way to the border, if the weather is clear, we will be treated with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Once border formalities are complete, we drive up to capital city of Kenya, Nairobi, where sadly this budget camping safari from Johannesburg to Nairobi comes to a close.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Johannesburg to Nairobi Camping Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Johannesburg and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Nairobi to allow for delays and changes.
Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre-tour and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.
You can do this fun-packed Africa Camping Overland Tour in the reverse order as the Nairobi to Johannesburg Overland Camping Safari if you prefer to start in Nairobi and end in Johannesburg.
This Camping Overland Tour is also available as a Lodge Overland Tour – Africa Overland Tour: Johannesburg to Nairobi (Lodge Safari) which follows the same itinerary and stays at comfortable lodges instead of camping.
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 Great 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
Check out our comprehensive guide to The Great Migration Africa for answers to your migration safari FAQs.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does not take children.
Epic Overland Camping Tour from Nairobi to Johannesburg via Ngorongoro & Serengeti (Tanzania), Zanzibar, Lake Malawi, South Luangwa (Zambia), Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, Makgadigadi Pans and Chobe.
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More on this 8 Day Overland Camping Tour
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