A 20 Day Overland Tour through four Southern African countries for premier wildlife destinations and other highlights, camping at campsites along the way. The camping tour starts at Livingstone, on the Zimbabwe side of magnificent Victoria Falls. Head to Zimbabwe’s remote Hwange Reserve for epic elephant sightings amongst the Big 5 and other animals. Then to Matobo Reserve with highlights including impressive numbers of rhino and the endangered black eagle. From here visit the Great Zimbabwe ruins to learn about Zimbabwe’s great ancient civilization.
Cross into South Africa and overnight at Mapesu Private Game Reserve that borders Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend a night in Johannesburg en route to the lush, hilly Kingdom of eSwatini and enjoy the Mlilwane and the Hlane Game Royal Game Reserves. We then make our way into tropical Mozambique, famous for its warm Indian Ocean beaches and underwater reefs teeming with sea life. Sail a dhow to the breathtaking Bazaruto Archipelago, soak up the sun at Barra Beach and consider an ocean safari in Tofo in search of the legendary whale sharks (seasonal). After a night in Mozambique’s vibrant capital city, Maputo, head back into South Africa and spend three nights at the Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier national park known for its huge variety of wildlife. Enjoy the sights of the scenic Panorama Route along the Blyde River Canyon before heading back to Johannesburg, ‘City of Gold’ where this tour ends.
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 travelers 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.
Our epic 20 Day Zimbabwe, eSwatini, Mozambique & Kruger Overland Camping Tour departs from the thrills and spills of magnificent Victoria Falls. Be sure to arrive a few days before this tour begins so that you can undertake some of the many attractions on offer at Victoria Falls.
We travel south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where we will stay for two nights in the comfortable rest camp. Day 2 sees us embark on a thrilling full-day game drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles through Hwange National Park. This remote park spans 14,650 square kilometers (5,656 square miles) and is home to a diverse range of plants and wildlife, including the iconic Big 5 of Africa - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo, and elephant - as well as cheetah, giraffe, hyena, and zebra. Hwange has one of the most substantial elephant populations in Africa, and the critically endangered African wild dogs thrive within its borders.
Following breakfast, we travel southeast on our Zimbabwe, eSwatini, Mozambique & Kruger Safari towards Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, and the Matopos Hills, known for their unusual granite rock formations that jut out of the ground in strange forms and boulder balances. (The Ndebele word for "bald heads" is matobo!)
Our afternoon is spent on a game drive in Matobo National Park, which is recognized as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site due to its noteworthy prehistoric rock art, some of which date back more than 13,000 years. For the local Shona and Ndebele tribes, the region is extremely significant. Black and White rhinoceroses can be found in an intensely protected area of Matobo National Park, and the park is also home to a variety of antelope and is known for its leopard sightings. Matobo also hosts one of the world's highest concentrations of black eagles in the world and sightings of these magnificent birds are also a safari highlight.
After our afternoon of wildlife viewing, we head to nearby Bulawayo where we will overnight at a comfortable hotel.
Today, our Overland Africa Tour heads to the town of Masvingo as we visit the famous Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Built in the eleventh century, Great Zimbabwe was formerly the capital and royal residence of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. Its association with the Queen of Sheba is legend. The walls are 5 meters (16 feet) thick and rise to heights of 11 meters (36 feet) in several spots.
This afternoon, while on a guided walking tour of this interesting site, we take the opportunity to marvel at the beautiful stonework and experience the monument's legacy to early Zimbabwean society. Discover the significance of the recognizable bird images on the Zimbabwean national flag and how they relate to Great Zimbabwe. Tonight, we camp at a campsite offering stunning views over Lake Mutirikwi, Zimbabwe's largest inland lake.
Today, our Overland Camping Tour crosses the Limpopo River, which serves as the boundary between South Africa and Zimbabwe, leaving the sights of Zimbabwe behind. Once border formalities are complete, passing through the picturesque Limpopo Province of South Africa we travel to Mapesu Private Game Reserve bordering Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amazing views may be seen of the powerful Sashe and Limpopo Rivers coming together to form the meeting point of three countries: Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. In addition to being a popular destination for birdwatchers, the area is home to Mapungubwe and ancient rock art.
Day 6 of our epic Africa Safari adventure sees us travel south along South Africa’s Great North Road, passing enormous tracts of corn and citrus. The pastoral landscape eventually gives way to the more crowded and industrialized Gauteng Province which is the industrial heartland of Southern Africa. By late afternoon, we arrive at the vibrant ‘City of Gold’, Johannesburg. We spend the night in a pleasant hotel in the city.
Today our Camping Tour departs from the busy metropolis of Johannesburg, passing through rural towns, sprawling farmlands, and rolling hills en-route to the Kingdom of eSwatini, the next country on our Southern Africa Overland Tour. This tiny landlocked nation, which is bordered by Mozambique and South Africa, is one of the few absolute monarchies in existence.
As we approach eSwatini, we leave behind the flatlands and are met with breathtaking mountains and forests as we make our way to the breathtaking scenery of Ezulwini Valley, the "Valley of Heaven," not far from capital city Mbabane. We will spend the following two nights at the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by stunning mountains, forests, and wildlife. Mlilwane is well-known for its tranquil surroundings, beautiful hiking paths, and a range of lesser game species without any dangerous predators. harmful wildlife.
On Day 8 your safari guide leads you on a morning walk of the Reserve's walking trails, sharing information about the history and ecosystem of the area. You can spend the remainder of the day lounging by the pool, riding horses, renting a mountain bike, or exploring the botanical trail inside the rest camp. A guided village tour or a visit to a breeding project for roan antelopes are other options.
Today, our Africa Overland Tour travels to eSwatini’s Hlane Royal Game Reserve, which spans an estimated 30,000 hectares and is the largest protected wilderness area in eSwatini. With the Lebombo Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop, we go on a game drive across the reserve's marshes, woods, and savannah grasslands. The Big 5 (lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo), as well as a variety of antelope species, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, and a vast array of bird species, may all be found. Hlane is especially well-known for having a healthy population of white rhinos.
We camp at the main Hlane Royal National Park rest camp.
Day 10 sees us leaving eSwatini and the African wilderness behind. The next stop on our vacation is tropical Mozambique located on Africa's east coast with the Indian Ocean. We travel through the lush rural scenery of Mozambique, past the nation's capital, Maputo, to the charming beach town of Chidenguele, where our lovely seaside campsite is located. We arrive in the late afternoon, giving us plenty of time for a leisurely walk on the beach or a swim in the warm ocean.
The next beach stop on our Africa Overland Tour is the charming coastal town of Vilanculos, which is reached by travelling north along the Mozambican coastline. This vibrant town is well-known for its long, immaculate palm-fringed beaches and tranquil balmy seas. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Vilanculos is the perfect base from which to explore the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique's top tourist destination known for its pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and rich biodiversity.
When we get to our Vilanculos campsite late this afternoon, chill in the pool or take a dip in the ocean before your guide briefs you on the Bazaruto expedition set for tomorrow.
Today our Southern Africa Safari takes a day trip to the dazzling Bazaruto Archipelago, dubbed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. We set out aboard a dhow; the traditional wooden sailing vessels that have plied the Swahili trade routes for centuries. We are headed for Magaruque Island, third largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago for a truly amazing day out.
Take a relaxing stroll around the island, bathe in the crystal-clear waters, and go snorkeling on the vibrant reefs The Bazaruto Archipelago is home to a multitude of species that live on its pristine reefs. This remarkable diversity includes tropical fish, whales, dolphins, and the extremely rare dugong (sea cow).
On Day 13 our Overland Africa Tour heads to the beautiful Inhambane Peninsula, travelling back south along the coast of Mozambique. We travel past little settlements interspersed with cashew trees and coconut palms of rural Mozambique. We will spend the following three nights in a lovely shared bungalow at the top of the peninsula at Barra Beach, a perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. Tonight, we enjoy a Neptune's Dinner with delectable fresh seafood for which Mozambique is renowned.
The next days are free to explore Mozambique's stunning beaches and take part in a choice of activities. Barra beach is a popular spot for fishing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, and snorkeling because of its great conditions. For those who enjoy dry land, you can try quad biking, or just relax on the beach and soak up some sun.
Day 15 of our Southern Africa tour is set aside to visit Praia do Tofo, another popular beach area on the Inhambane Peninsula. Savor regional cuisine, relax on the sand, or look around for locally made goods and fresh produce at the market. Once a tranquil fishing community, Tofo is now one of Africa's most sought-after dive locations and among the world's top whale shark viewing locations. The best way to snorkel with whale sharks, dolphins and manta rays is to take an ocean safari (though note that spotting of whale sharks is seasonal).
Day 16 sees us leave the beaches of Inhambane Peninsula behind and head back south towards, Maputo, Mozambique’s capital city, with its thriving and diverse cultural mix. Your guide will lead a walking tour to discover the history, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere of downtown Maputo. Tonight, we enjoy some traditional Mozambican dishes as we dine out at one of the city’s popular restaurants and enjoy a window into this fascinating city's nightlife.
Today, our Overland Camping Safari departs Mozambique, returning to South Africa. The famed Kruger National Park, which spans 19,485 square kilometers (7,523 square miles) in northeastern South Africa on the borders with Zimbabwe and Mozambique, is our next stop. We will spend the following three nights at a cozy safari camp inside a gated private wildlife concession area within the Kruger National Park. Later this afternoon, we embark on a sunset game drive around the reserve, stopping to admire the setting sun in the African bush while enjoying a chilled drink.
On Day 18 we make an early start for a full day safari drive to explore Kruger National Park, looking for the Big 5 (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) as well as a variety of other species. Kruger is renown as a biodiversity hotspot and boasts the highest number of species of big animals of the African reserves. We explore the park's diverse ecosystems, which range from grasslands and woods to riverbanks, all the while keeping an eye out for the wildlife that crosses our path. Our open 4x4 game viewing vehicles provide great visibility and photo ops.
In the afternoon, we head back to the camp to unwind by the pool and recreation area, which has a great view of a watering hole alongside camp that is sometimes visited by hippos and other wildlife. You may opt to go out on another optional sunset game drive (Reservations are necessary and subject to availability.)
Day 19 of our Southern Africa Camping Tour gets off to a leisurely start. In order to get up close and personal with many of the smaller animals, plants, and birds that are frequently missed during a game drive, the camp also provides guided bush walks. Early risers may choose this optional activity this morning.
After breakfast we make our way out of the park to travel along the scenic Panorama Route nearby. The drive climbs the scenic Drakensberg Escarpment and takes us along the edge of the dramatic Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest ‘green’ canyons. We take a leisurely route, stopping to admire the views along the way. Panorama Route highlights include the eroded rock formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes in the river that runs through the base of the canyon. We stop at God’s Window lookout to take in the magnificent views of the Lowveld of Mpumalanga stretching into the distance below, while another lookout offers sweeping panoramic views over the impressive Blyde River Canyon and the hut-shaped hills known as the ‘Three Rondavels’ on the slopes opposite.
Returning from our Panorama Route exploration you have another option to take another sundowner game drive before dinner and time around the campfire in our private concession area inside Kruger National Park.
Today we take a final drive through the Kruger National Park keeping our eyes open for any last animals that cross our path as we make our way south to the lower gate of the park. From here we head west through rural Mpumulanga province and the more industrialized Gauteng Province, back to Johannesburg. This tour comes to an end on arrival in Johannesburg.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Southern Africa Overland Tour is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Livingstone, Victoria Falls and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Johannesburg to allow for delays and changes, and to take advantage of the many attractions on offer at these locations.
Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre-tour and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.
This Lodge Overland Tour is also available as a Camping Overland Tour which follows the same itinerary and accommodation is camping at campsites instead of staying in lodges.
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