An unforgettable Southern Africa overland lodge safari combining two styles of travel vehicles: a 12-seater microbus and a 20-seater overland safari truck!
This epic Africa Overland Tour travels all the way from Maun in Botswana to Nairobi in Kenya.
On this budget lodge safari, you'll explore Botswana, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zanzibar Island, before finishing your journey in Nairobi, Kenya. Highlights of this overland Africa tour include the Okavango Delta, Moremi National Park and Chobe National Park in Botswana, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, Lake Malawi in Malawi, and then Zanzibar Island, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the legendary Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
Discover the beauty of Africa's diverse landscapes, cultures, and wildlife on this affordable Africa Overland Tour.
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.
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Our epic Botswana to Nairobi Overland Lodge Safari begins in Maun today. Check into your comfortable riverside hotel in the late afternoon and get acquainted with your crew and fellow travellers. The crew will brief you on the adventure ahead as we travel into the heart of the Okavango Delta.
This tour combines two travel styles, which means we use two different vehicle types along the way:
Early risers today have an opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.
Today, we embark on a two-day expedition into the heart of the Okavango Delta, packing light for this off-road adventure. Leaving our larger luggage behind in Maun, we are collected in 4x4 safari vehicles to travel the delta's backroads towards the Khwai River floodplain in the northeastern region of the Okavango Delta. For the next two nights, we will stay in a tented safari camp with sweeping views over animals grazing on the floodplains. Accommodation in Khwai can best be described as a rustic-style mobile fly camp. Your meru-style tent is equipped with two single beds and adjoining en-suite amenities consisting of a bucket shower system and a chemical toilet.
After settling into camp, we set off to meet local guides, who will lead us on a journey through the Okavango Delta's waterways in traditional mokoro boats. Navigating narrow reed-lined channels, our guide skillfully poles the boat as channels open up to lagoons adorned with water lilies. Pausing on one of the delta's islands, we embark on a guided walk, as our guide looks out for animal tracks and gives us a deeper understanding of life within this captivating ecosystem. As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow over the delta, we glide back to the Mokoro station, captivated by the breathtaking sunset colours reflected on the delta waters.
Day 3 of our overland Safari will be spent in the heart of the Okavango Delta, as we make an early start for a full-day game drive safari in Moremi Game Reserve. Spanning an impressive 5,000 square kilometres (1,900 square miles), this sanctuary teems with life, promising an unforgettable day of wildlife spotting.
Venturing through the park's diverse landscapes, we cross lush grasslands, meander through dense woodlands, and alongside tranquil waterways, keeping a lookout for animals that call this home – from the African Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros – while herds of zebras and giraffes graze peacefully on the plains, and hippos and crocodiles bask in the waterways. There are many species of antelope, including the red lechwe, adapted to surviving in marshy conditions, as well as hyenas, jackals, and the endangered African Wild Dog, amongst many more creatures, large and small. Over 500 bird species are to be spotted here, from waterbirds and migratory birds to forest dwellers.
As dusk descends, casting a warm glow over the landscape, we make our way back to our comfortable tented camp on the Khwai River floodplains, full of stories of today’s adventure.
We have an early start this morning as we take a final drive through the Okavango Delta in our 4×4 safari vehicles back to Maun. Here we collect our luggage and meet up with our microbus tour vehicle. We head out of the waters of the delta and into the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert, a tapestry of arid plains and acacia woodlands.
Our journey takes us around the edges of the vast Makgadikgadi Pans, a captivating landscape of salt flats that seem to extend into infinity. We make a stop to take in views of these time-worn pans, which were once a part of a massive inland sea long since evaporated. When the rainy season arrives, previously dry riverbeds brim with water, creating an ideal environment for various bird species, including flamingos.
Our accommodation for the night is a desert lodge near Nata Pan, renowned for its waterhole that frequently attracts free-roaming desert elephants. Unwind on the deck as you observe the wildlife gathering around the waterhole to drink.
Our journey continues northeast through the Kalahari Desert, and soon the arid plains give way to the lush greenery of the riverbanks as we near the Chobe River near the border town of Kasane. Tonight, we stay at a lovely riverside lodge on the banks of the Chobe River.
After a leisurely lunch, we embark on a game-viewing boat cruise in the Chobe National Park nearby. Navigating the waters of the Chobe River, we manoeuvre around groups of lounging hippos, and our quiet approach lends the opportunity for intimate sightings of the varied wildlife found along the water's edge of the park. Notably, Chobe is recognized for hosting one of Africa's largest elephant populations, which thrive in tightly bonded families under the watch of seasoned matriarchs. Herds are frequently found along the riverbanks.
On day 6 of our Maun to Nairobi Safari, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and drive the short distance to the mighty Victoria Falls. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls is one of the most unforgettable natural spectacles in Africa - an absolute must-see!
Known to the locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders”—this natural wonder is yours to explore at leisure. Marvel at the mighty Zambezi River as it crashes into the Batoka Gorge, or dive into the vibrant spirit of the town with its mix of adventure and charm. Adrenaline seekers can choose from a variety of optional activities in the afternoon, while those preferring a gentler pace may enjoy browsing craft markets, sampling local coffee, or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere. This evening, you’ll have the option to join your group for dinner at a local restaurant—a chance to share stories, laughter, and reflections on the day’s adventures.
Today, the program is clear to allow you to explore the spectacular Victoria Falls and its surrounds at your leisure.
Beyond its natural splendour, Victoria Falls offers many activities, from adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting to heart-stopping bungee jumps. For a bird's-eye view, consider a scenic helicopter or microlight flight. If you're seeking more wildlife encounters, venture into nearby reserves on a game drive. Alternatively, take on a leisurely Zambezi River cruise above the falls or immerse yourself in the local culture on a village tour. You may wish to stroll around town and explore the vibrant craft markets or indulge in a traditional high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.
As our safari continues tomorrow from Livingstone, your accommodation for tonight has been arranged there. You may, however, spend the day soaking up the sights and activities around Victoria Falls before making the short transfer across to Livingstone later in the day. This transfer is included in your tour, with two convenient options: a morning departure at 08:00 or an afternoon departure at 16:00. Simply let your booking agent know which time you prefer.
Once in Livingstone, you’ll discover a welcoming riverside town with a laid-back atmosphere, a perfect contrast to the roaring falls nearby. It’s an inviting place to relax and watch the sun set over the Zambezi, or, if you’re in the mood for more adventure, you may wish to join an optional sunset river cruise or explore the town’s vibrant cultural and historical highlights.
On day 9 of our affordable Maun to Nairobi Overland Lodge Safari, our journey continues in the country of Zambia. We say goodbye to Livingstone and our microbus, and continue our Africa safari adventure in our overland 20-seater safari truck. We 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. We overnight just south of Zambia's capital city, Lusaka. Our Safari accomodation is a shady oasis surrounded by natural bush where you may encounter animals such as impala, giraffe, zebra and fantastic birdlife!
Today, our Africa Overland Tour travels along the Great East Road via the 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 Overland Tour staying 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 12 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 13 of our epic Africa Camping Overland Safari 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, the 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 stay 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 14 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 15 we travel further along the shores of Lake Malawi, headed north to our next overnight lodge 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 lodge 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 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 beans.
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 lodge on a working farm outside Iringa.
From Iringa, 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. We stay at a comfortable safari camp for two nights. You are free to relax by the pool or book some optional activities like Mikumi Safari game drives or a choice of cultural tours.
Our Maun to Nairobi Lodge 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 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 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, 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 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.
We stay overnight at a comfortable lodge in Bagamoyo.
Leaving the coastal lowlands of Bagamoyo behind today, we journey inland where the terrain gradually rises into rugged highlands. We head to our next destination, Moshi. Along the way, we pass through bustling towns, quiet rural villages, and vast expanses of open savannah—each offering a glimpse into the daily rhythm of Tanzanian life. The changing landscape is a vivid reflection of the country’s natural and cultural diversity. This afternoon, if time allows, consider joining an optional excursion to a local coffee plantation or opt for a guided cycling tour to explore the surrounding countryside up close.
Leaving Moshi today, we drive to Karatu, in the Ngorongoro Highlands area. We stop on the way to visit the market in the village of Mto wa Mbu. Renowned for its lush rice plantations and unique red bananas, this quaint town is a bustling hub situated on the key route to two of Africa's most iconic destinations – the majestic Serengeti National Park and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.
Karatu is a small town between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater and serves as our base for exploring the Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit. Once in Karatu, your guide will tell you more about our 2-night excursion to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, 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 lodge 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 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 Maun to Nairobi Overland Lodge 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 lodge in Arusha and recount the incredible wildlife adventures we have had.
The final day of our Africa 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 to a view of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Once border formalities are complete, we drive up to the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi, where sadly, this budget lodge overland safari from Maun to Nairobi comes to a close.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Maun to Nairobi Camping Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Maun 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.
This Lodge Overland Safari is also available as a Camping Overland Safari –30 Day Maun to Nairobi Overland Camping Safari, which follows the same itinerary and stays at comfortable lodges instead of camping.
For more details, contact African Budget Safaris
This tour combines two travel styles, which means we use two different vehicle types along the way:
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 Maasai Mara 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 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
For a more detailed understanding of the Great Wildebeest Migration, you might want to check out this comprehensive guide.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
There is a minimum age limit of 12 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departure dates.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 12 - 15 years, will be allowed on any scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.
Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
All Maun Departures |
This African Budget Safari begins in Maun, Botswana and travels through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Zanzibar and ends in Nairobi, Kenya. An affordable Johannesburg to Nairobi Safari!
A diverse Overland Africa Tour from Botswana to Tanzania (Maun to Zanzibar) - a budget lodge safari in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi & Tanzania
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