Highlights of this Overland Africa Tour include the magnificent Okavango Delta, surreal Makgadigadi Pans & Chobe National Park in Botswana. Marvel at mighty Victoria Falls, visit wild South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, serene Lake Malawi and the Great Africa Rift Valley, and then the scenic Tanzania Southern Highlands. Relax on exotic Zanzibar Island, and do the famous Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit – Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park – and legendary Masai Mara in Kenya. Cross the equator, visit the Chimpanzees of Budongo Forest and go trekking with Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. Finish off with adventure activities in Jinja at the source of the Nile before heading back to Nairobi.
Discover the beauty of Africa's diverse landscapes, cultures, and wildlife on this affordable Africa Overland Camping Safari.
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.
This 50-day overland camping safari starts in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Please make sure that you arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Leaving Zimbabwe behind, we journey west into Namibia’s lush Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip). The drive carries us through river-rich landscapes alive with wildlife and local culture. We arrive at our riverside lodge by the afternoon, where the tranquil waters set the tone for the evening. Later, we embark on a scenic boat cruise, drifting along the Zambezi River as the sun slips below the horizon. Keep a watch for hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife that thrive along the riverbanks.
For the first 12 days of our overland safari from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls, Zambia, we travel with a more intimate group of up to 12 guests in a comfortable 12-seater microbus.
We depart for Divindu after breakfast beside the Zambezi this morning. Our journey takes us west along the Zambezi Strip, passing remote villages and green riverine landscapes. With luck, we may spot elephants or sable antelope near the roadside. By early afternoon, we reach our lodge on the banks of the Okavango River — a serene base from which to enjoy this wild and unspoiled region.
This morning, we set out on a boat cruise upriver to Popa Falls. Though modest in scale, these rocky cascades create a peaceful setting, where crocodiles bask in the sun, hippos wallow in the shallows, and birds flit across the papyrus reeds. Returning to our lodge, there is time to unwind before the afternoon’s adventure — a game drive in Mahangu National Park. Compact yet teeming with wildlife, the park is home to elephants, buffalo, hippos, sable, roan antelope, and many more. As night falls, we rest in one of Namibia’s most biodiverse corners, at the point where the Okavango begins its journey toward the delta.
Day 4 marks our departure from Namibia and our journey to our next destination, Botswana. Border formalities complete, we cross into Botswana and continue south toward the legendary Okavango Delta. The scenery shifts from open savannah to a mosaic of waterways and towering trees. Our camp, tucked away in the remote northern delta, offers a haven of peace surrounded by bird calls and rustling leaves. After settling in, enjoy a sunset boat cruise — your first taste of the delta’s serene rhythm. Dinner is served under the stars, accompanied by the chorus of frogs and night birds.
Following an early breakfast on day 5 of our epic overland lodge safari, we embark on an unforgettable day trip to Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as the “Louvre of the Desert.” Rising unexpectedly from the Kalahari sands, the hills shelter over 4,500 ancient rock paintings — a living gallery of human history and spirituality. Guided walks take us along trails where some artworks date back thousands of years. We return to our camp by late afternoon to relax and soak up the quiet beauty of the delta.
This morning, we continue our safari with our route today taking us through the dry landscapes of the Kalahari, dotted with villages that offer glimpses into everyday life. A highlight along the way is the Orapa Diamond Mine, one of the largest in the world and a cornerstone of Botswana’s economy. Continuing south, we skirt the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, where wildlife often gathers at watering holes. By late afternoon, we arrive in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta.
After a night at our Maun Lodge, we get ready to set off for a true bush experience in the Khwai Conservation Area. We prepare for two nights in the Khwai wilderness, packing only essentials for our mobile fly camp and leaving our larger luggage in Maun. Accommodation in Khwai is rustic yet comfortable, with Meru-style tents, bucket showers, and chemical toilets.
From Maun, we travel in safari vehicles into Khwai, with optional scenic flights over the Okavango Delta available for early risers (weather permitting). On arrival, we head out on a mokoro (dugout canoe) excursion — gliding silently through narrow waterways as the sun sets. (Depending on the season, this activity may take place the following morning.)
Day 8 of our overland safari is dedicated to exploring the Moremi Game Reserve. We set out in 4x4 safari vehicles, traversing diverse habitats — from lagoons and wetlands to woodlands and savannah. Wildlife abounds, and with luck, we may encounter lion, elephant, wild dog, or giraffe among many others. After a full day of game drives, we return to our Khwai camp to share stories around the fire and enjoy another night in the wilderness
We enjoy one last sunrise and breakfast in Khwai before we return to Maun in our 4×4 safari vehicles. Here, we collect our luggage and meet up with our tour vehicle.
Traveling via Maun, we rejoin our tour vehicle before continuing northeast to Nata and our overnight lodge. This stop is more than just a place to rest — it is a remarkable setting where elephants wander freely through the unfenced grounds and often pause to drink at the waterhole just a few steps from your chalet. As night falls, we share dinner accompanied by the quiet rhythm of the bush and the gentle presence of these giants moving nearby.
We begin the day with an early morning bush walk, a chance to notice the smaller details of the wilderness — animal tracks, bird calls, and other subtle signs of life often overlooked on game drives. After the walk, we leave the Kalahari sands of Nata behind and travel north to Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park. Arriving in time for lunch and a short rest, we then head out on an afternoon Chobe River boat cruise, offering a unique perspective of the park. From the water, we watch elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a wealth of birdlife, as herds gather along the riverbanks in the golden light of late afternoon. Chobe is renowned 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 11 of our Victoria Falls to Victoria Falls Small Group Camping Safari, we cross the border back into Zimbabwe and drive the short distance to the mighty Victoria Falls, where we will overnight before our tour ends tomorrow.
You can explore the spectacular Victoria Falls and its surrounds at your leisure. The falls are known by the locals as “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders), and you will understand why when you experience the sheer power of the falling water.
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.
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 14 of our affordable Victoria Falls 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!
For this portion of our overland safari, we switch from a 12-seater microbus, and continue our adventure in a 20-seater overland safari truck.
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 17 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.
On Day 18, our Victoria Falls to Nairobi & Gorilla Safari crosses into the next country on our overland adventure - Malawi, known as the Warm Heart of Africa. Border formalities complete, we make our way to Lake Malawi, the third largest and second deepest lake in the African Rift Valley that borders Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. We will spend two nights at a comfortable lakeside lodge in the historic town of Ngala Beach in the Nkhotakota Region of Malawi. Here you are free to relax and unwind.
Take a stroll along the sandy beach past fishing villages. Lake Malawi enjoys a pleasant climate for swimming year-round and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visibility can extend to depths of up to 20 meters (65 feet), ideal for observing the incredible diversity of colorful fish species and underwater rock formations. Otherwise, explore the waters on a kayak or motorboat trip, do some bird watching, or take a guided hike to a nearby waterfall and forest reserve.
We travel a little further north along the shores of Lake Malawi to our next lakeside lodge. We pass by a number of the fishing villages dotted along the shoreline and stop at one local village where your guide will lead you on a walk to meet some of the friendly locals and see what rural Malawian life is like. By late afternoon, we arrive at the lakeside lodge on the northern shores, where you can watch the sun go down over the lake as you recline in a hammock with an iced drink in hand.
This morning, our overland camping safari takes us north into neighboring Tanzania. Crossing the border, we head into the Mbeya Mountain region of the Southern Tanzania Highlands. This is coffee country, and tonight’s camp is on a coffee plantation set in the scenic hills.
Day 22 kicks off with a coffee plantation visit. We get to see how coffee is grown and harvested in this part of Tanzania and sample the delicious coffee beans for ourselves. Then it's back on the overland truck, traversing some spectacular mountain passes of the Rift Valley Highlands past lush tea plantations on the hillsides. We overnight at a camp on a working farm just outside the town of Iringa.
From Iringa, we continue north to the town of Mikumi. Along the way, we stop to admire Baobab Valley, a landscape dotted with the silhouettes of these majestic trees. We take photographs against this dramatic backdrop. We stay at a Safari Camp on the outskirts of the Mikumi National Park, which forms part of a vast wilderness area with the historic Selous Game Reserve. The expansive Mkata Floodplains host abundant herds of elephant, zebra, wildebeest, impala, and buffalo, with lion and other predators alongside. We will stay at the 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.
Today, our Overland Africa Safari leaves the plains behind and heads for the balmy Indian Ocean coastline and the vibrant port city of Dar es Salaam. The name "Dar es Salaam" translates to "Haven of Peace" in Arabic. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore the city and enjoy its varied cuisine, which reflects its mix of indigenous Tanzanian, Arab, Indian, and European influences. We will have an early start in the morning for our trip to the exotic Zanzibar Island.
In bustling Dar es Salaam, we catch an early ferry to Zanzibar Island - our home for the next three blissful nights. Arriving on the main island of Zanzibar, we head to our hotel in historic and fascinating Stone Town, once a major port on the slave and spice trade routes.
The rest of the day is yours to go exploring in Stone Town. Step back in time as you walk through narrow, winding alleyways lined with centuries-old coral stone buildings adorned with intricately carved wooden doors. The town offers a sensory feast with vibrant marketplaces filled with exotic spices, fresh fruits, and local handicrafts, while the hauntingly beautiful call to prayer echoes from the numerous mosques. At the waterfront, the sight of traditional dhow boats against the backdrop of the azure Indian Ocean completes the picturesque charm.
Day 27 starts with a walking tour of Stone Town led by your guide, who will show you well-known landmarks (including the birthplace of Queen singer, Freddy Mercury). Then our Victoria Falls to Nairobi & Gorilla Safari heads out of town. En route to our beach resort on the island’s eastern coast, we stop at a local village to do a Spice Tour. Take a walk through a spice plantation to learn about the spice trade and see the cultivation of spices like cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cloves, and nutmeg. You will have a chance to buy some fresh spices.
On reaching the beach resort, you are free to spend your days lazily soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear, turquoise ocean. There are a host of activities on offer, from snorkeling and fishing to scuba diving and sailing trips on traditional wooden dhow sailing boats that have plied these waters for centuries. Hire a scooter to explore the islands on your own or take a guided trip.
This morning on our overland adventure leaves the beach paradise of Zanzibar Island behind as we catch the ferry back to Dar es Salaam. Here we are reunited with our overland truck and drive north to Bagamoyo for an overnight stay. Founded in the late 1700s, this is a town where the dhow sailing boats are still built in the traditional way. The name "Bagamoyo" originates from the Swahili language and means "Lay down your heart", a touching reminder of the town's history as a major trading post where slaves, ivory, and salt were commonly traded.
Leaving behind the coastal lowlands of Bagamoyo, we head to Moshi. Today’s journey takes us inland through an ever-changing landscape. As we ascend into the rugged highlands, the scenery transitions from open savannah to lush agricultural regions dotted with remote villages and bustling market towns. Along the way, we’ll gain insight into the rhythms of daily life in rural Tanzania and experience the natural beauty that defines this part of the country.
We will arrive in Moshi by afternoon, and if time allows, you may choose to join an optional excursion—either a visit to a local coffee plantation to learn about traditional growing and roasting methods, or a guided cycling tour through the surrounding countryside for a more active encounter with the landscape.
Leaving Moshi today, we drive through stunning Rift Valley scenery to the town of Karatu, in the Ngorongoro Highlands area. This busy small town lies between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, serving as our base for exploring the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania. En route, we stop in the village of Mto wa Mbu and visit the vibrant market where vendors sell local produce and crafts. Once in our safari camp in Karatu, we will be briefed about our full-day trip to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, planned for the following day.
Rise and shine early this morning for an action-packed day of 4x4 game viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater. We are collected from the safari camp in Karatu and we set off for the Crater, where most of our day is spent exploring. The Ngorongoro Crater hosts one of the densest large animal populations in Africa due to its unique geography – a collapsed volcano caldera which forms a vast natural amphitheatre enclosing a unique, hidden world. Members of most of Africa's large mammal species are found roaming freely in the crater, so a wide range of wild animals is usually spotted on this day safari.
After a memorable day of game viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater, we head back up the steep slopes of the crater and drive to Serengeti National Park, located nearby. Entering the legendary Serengeti, we have a game drive on the way to our overnight safari camp, located in the central Seronera region of the park. Our tented camp offers beautiful views of the central plains teeming with large herds of animals. Sit back and enjoy a serene sunset over the Serengeti, looking out for wildlife in front of your walk-in safari tent while you sip on a cold drink.
Most of Day 33 on our Africa overland safari is spent exploring the Seronera region of central Serengeti. These central plains attract great herds of herbivores for the juicy grazing. And where large numbers of prey congregate, so do the predators. The Seronera area is famous for its outstanding big cat sightings, earning it the title of the 'Big Cat Capital of Africa'. Sit back and soak up the iconic African safari landscapes of the vast Serengeti Plains teeming with wildlife. After our rewarding wildlife safari in Serengeti, we return to our tented camp for another magical night under the stars.
On Day 34, our overland tour takes us to Arusha, via the scenic Great Rift Valley. This evening, we relax at our comfortable lodge in Arusha and recount our incredible Tanzania wildlife adventures in Serengeti Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.
We travel north, keeping a lookout for a view of magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, which is visible on a good day. Crossing into Kenya, we continue through the savannah past towns and villages to dynamic Nairobi, our next exciting overnight stop. The name 'Nairobi' comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyorobi, which translates to "place of cool waters".
Nairobi's culinary scene is incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of international and Kenyan dishes and street food stalls serving delicious nyama choma (grilled meat). Tonight, you can eat out in Nairobi or dine at the hotel (own expense) and sample the nightlife of this African megacity. You will need to pack an overnight bag with camping essentials for our two-night Masai Mara trip tomorrow, as smaller safari vehicles are used and space is limited.
Today our Victoria Falls to Nairobi & Gorilla Safari leaves Nairobi, the largest city in Kenya, in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles. We drive southwest to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, which is (arguably) the best safari destination in Africa. This is the game-rich landscape where wildlife documentaries and films of untamed Africa are made - the quintessential African safari destination.
We travel via the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, passing through scenic landscapes dotted with rural villages. The semi-nomadic Maasai people are from this region of Kenya and are best known for their brightly-colored robes and fierce warriors, as well as their traditional dancing.
An exciting day of wildlife adventures in Masai Mara lies ahead! Today, we explore the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Kenya. The name "Maasai Mara" is derived from two significant components. "Maasai" refers to the Maasai people who have lived in the region for centuries, and "Mara" means "spotted" in the Maasai language, referring to the dotted nature of the landscape with trees, animals, and acacia bushes. It is in the southwestern part of Kenya, adjacent to the Tanzanian border, covering approximately 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles) of protected land.
We spend the whole day game viewing in Masai Mara, one of the greatest wildlife parks on Earth, lauded for its spectacular scenery. Our game drives take us in search of the Big 5 of Africa – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo – as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippo, wildebeest, smaller creatures like jackal, hyena, baboons, warthog, bat-eared fox, and numerous antelope species, such as impala and topi.
Masai Mara Reserve is best known for the annual Great Migration that takes place between its vast plains and the Serengeti Park on the other side of the border in Tanzania. Thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and Thompson’s gazelle stampede across the open plains, dashing through the Mara River, dodging the Nile crocodiles lying in wait. Note that this is a seasonal migration with sightings occurring at different places during the months.
This morning, our overland camping safari rejoins our overland vehicle and heads north to the next lake on our overland adventure – Lake Nakuru. This Great Rift Valley soda lake is famous for the huge flamingo flocks that sometimes gather here (seasonal). In the afternoon, we head out into the bush on a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park that surrounds the lake.
This recently expanded 180 square kilometers (69 square miles) game park is home to more than 25 black rhinos, one of the highest concentrations in Kenya, as well as about 70 white rhinos. Wild animals commonly sighted include impala, gazelle, warthog, waterbuck, resident hippos, and large tree pythons. Lion, cheetah, buffalo, Rothschild giraffe, eland, and leopard also inhabit Lake Nakuru Park. Originally established as a bird sanctuary, this national park is home to a wide array of birds, with over 400 resident species as well as various migratory birds.
We overnight at a comfortable hotel in nearby Nakuru, the third-largest city in Kenya.
Next up on our Victoria Falls to Nairobi & Gorilla Safari is a crossing into Uganda. Fondly called "The Pearl of Africa", Uganda boasts lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and numerous Rift Valley lakes and rivers. En route, we cross the equator and stop to take photos to mark this auspicious occasion. Our first destination in Uganda is Jinja, Uganda's second-largest city, located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. This is considered the starting point of the Nile River (officially called the Victoria Nile) where the river flows out of Lake Victoria. From here, the famous river travels 6,695 kilometers (4,160 miles) north through East Africa to Egypt and into the Mediterranean.
The area is known for its variety of adventure activities, particularly white-water rafting. It is also reputedly the home of East Africa’s sweetest pineapples! We overnight at an overland camp surrounded by rainforest and overlooking the Victoria Nile at the spectacular Kalagala Falls. We will return here after our Uganda adventure to take advantage of the activities on offer.
On Day 40, we head northwest through Uganda, making our way to Lake Albert. Our destination for the next two nights is a comfortable hotel just outside the city of Masindi, known for its historic buildings from the British colonial era and its proximity to Budongo Forest, one of the largest natural mahogany forests in Uganda, and the Murchison Falls National Park, largest national park in Uganda that is home to a diversity of wildlife. The Victoria Nile River runs through the park, plummeting through a narrow gorge to form the spectacular Murchison Falls before flowing into Lake Albert.
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 a rhino conservation program run by a non-profit called Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU) to address the rampant poaching of Rhinos in Uganda’s national parks. Rhinos are bred here for release back into the wild.
Today, our Africa Safari goes in search of chimpanzees in the wild! In the morning, we set off for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest. This forest of majestic Mahogany trees is home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda, hosting around 600 to 700 chimps, and eight other primate species. It is a place of incredible beauty and biodiversity. Your local guide will lead small groups in search of these primates, and you will have the opportunity to spend an hour watching their antics in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, we take a boat cruise on the Nile River in the Murchison Falls National Park, the ideal way to spot animals on the riverbanks. We hope to encounter four of the Big 5 - lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo - along with many other wild animals and birds.
For larger safari groups, your tour group may be split into smaller groups for chimpanzee trekking; thus, you may end up taking the boat cruise in the morning and chimpanzee trekking in the afternoon, and vice versa.
On the morning of Day 42, we travel to our next lodge, on a hill with a beautiful view overlooking Lake Kikorongo on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lake Kikorongo is a crater lake, an extension of Lake George on the eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This National Park is known for its tree-climbing lions and its quirky volcanic rock features. The landscape attracts hippos, Nile crocodiles, bush elephants, buffalo, lions, chimpanzees, and more, as well as over 500 bird species.
Today, we cross the equator again on our way to southwestern Uganda near the border with Rwanda. Our destination is scenic Lake Bunyonyi, one of the deepest lakes in Africa, located in the heart of gorilla country. We stay at a lovely resort on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, which will be our base for three days for our exciting trek to the mountain gorillas. Lake Bunyonyi is a beautiful setting and a haven for birdwatchers. Its name means "place of little birds," and the calm waters dotted with 29 small islands and surrounded by lush green hills make the perfect habitat. The lake is safe for swimming and is a popular spot for watersports.
This evening, you will be briefed on the Uganda gorilla trekking excursion taking place on the following days.
Time for one of the most memorable highlights of our trip - a Gorilla Safari in Uganda. African Mountain Gorillas are critically endangered, with only around 800 wild mountain gorillas remaining in the world. Gorilla trekking permits are required in order to limit the number of people coming into contact with these creatures, and to fund the efforts to protect these highly endangered primates. The habitat of these magnificent creatures in this area doesn't conform to the human-drawn borders, as their range extends across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Bwindi National Park in Uganda is our intended gorilla trekking destination, but this is subject to the availability of permits. If permits for Uganda's Bwindi Park are not available, you will be informed beforehand, and we will travel to neighboring Rwanda or the DRC.
You set off in groups of 6 people, accompanied by local rangers who will lead you up the mountain slopes through dense undergrowth in search of a gorilla family group. The trek can be strenuous, but this fades into insignificance once you chance upon the gorillas and settle in to observe them. Watching the antics of the group, from the powerful silverback patriarch to the youngsters, is truly a breathtaking experience.
Two days have been set aside on the itinerary to allow for flexibility in case of limited permits or large tour groups. On your free day, you will have the chance to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings of Lake Bunyonyi. Take to the waters on a kayak or boat trip, go hiking or mountain biking on land, take a day tour to neighbouring Rwanda or visit a local pygmy village.
Please note: The Gorilla Trekking permit is not included in the overland tour price.
On Day 46 of this epic Africa Overland Tour, we leave the peaceful shores of Lake Bunyonyi and head to Lake Mburo National Park in Western Uganda. The park features a cluster of five shallow lakes surrounded by acacia savannah alongside papyrus swamps and lush rolling hills. The area is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, attracting over 300 species of birds, including the rare shoebill stork. We overnight at a scenic lodge on the outskirts of the park. Grab a cold drink, enjoy the panoramic view from the lodge restaurant, and listen to the birds.
Today we head back to Jinja, Uganda’s second-largest city, and settle back into our overland camp surrounded by rainforest and overlooking the Victoria Nile at the spectacular Kalagala Falls. We will stay here for two nights. We arrive just in time for a hearty lunch and can then look forward to some free time to experience this magical place. Unwind at the resort or embark on some optional adventure activities. Most popular is the white-water rafting on these legendary rapids, try river bugging, kayaking, or take a motorised boat cruise exploring Lake Victoria and the source of the White Nile. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can try Bungee Jumping, Horse Riding, or Quad Biking.
Today, our Africa Overland Camping Tour & Gorilla Safari takes us back into Kenya, where we spend our last night in Eldoret. Established by a post office on a local farm in 1910, today Eldoret is the 5th largest city in Kenya. Eldoret enjoys a cool climate as it lies 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level in a farming area of the Great Rift Valley. Eldoret is renowned as a breeding ground for world-class long-distance and middle-distance runners. Many successful Kenyan athletes, including Olympic champions, have their roots in Eldoret. The town's high-altitude location is conducive to training for endurance sports, and numerous high-altitude training camps attract athletes from around the world.
On the last day of our 50-Day Victoria Falls to Nairobi & Gorilla Overland Camping Safari, we drive southeast to Nairobi where our epic safari adventure ends.
Most tour groups choose to meet for an optional dinner tonight to share stories and exchange memories, and contact details with fellow travelers.
The Itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice to accommodate the best possible viewing of the Mountain Gorillas. The Permit price to visit the Gorillas can also change without notice.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Victoria Falls to Nairobi & Gorillas Camping Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Victoria Falls 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 Camping Overland Tour is also available as a Lodge Overland Tour which follows the same itinerary and stays at comfortable lodges instead of camping.
For more details contact African Budget Safaris
This epic 50-day overland Africa camping safari blends two of our signature travel styles — the Premier Small Group Tour and the the Classic Group Tour— offering you the best of both worlds:.
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 of Africa 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, check out the comprehensive guide to The Great Migration in Africa
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does not take children.
Epic Lodge Overland Tour from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to Botswana, Victoria Falls, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, and a Uganda Gorilla Safari, ending in Nairobi, Kenya.
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Affordable 35-day Overland Tour from Victoria Falls to Nairobi with camping, wildlife safaris, lakes, beaches, deserts, and cultural highlights across 7 countries in East and Southern Africa.
10-day camping safari from Victoria Falls to Namibia via Botswana. Explore Chobe, Okavango Delta & Etosha National Park. Budget overland adventure from $2,777.
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Excellent value 29-day overland adventure with camping and lodge stays, exploring six African countries from Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana to Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania, ending in Zanzibar.
Travel from Victoria Falls to Kruger Park in only nine days! This Overland Camping Safari explores Hwange and Matobo Parks in Zimbabwe, then historic Palapye in Botswana, a traditional village and Kruger National Park in South Africa.
More on this 9 Day Overland Camping Tour
Explore Zimbabwe, Kruger & Mozambique on this overland camping safari from Victoria Falls to famous Big Five game parks - Hwange & Kruger National Parks, and Mozambique beaches - Tofo & Bazaruto Islands, plus Matobo Park and more.
Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.
We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour. We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.
