24 Day Overland Africa Tour: Johannesburg to Zanzibar

24-Day Overland Africa Tour: Johannesburg to Zanzibar (Lodge)

This well-rounded Overland Africa Tour takes you from South Africa to Tanzania, traveling from Johannesburg to Zanzibar via Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania. Experience diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures as you journey through Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, Zambia’s South Luangwa, and Tanzania’s Mikumi National Park. The tour ends on Zanzibar Island, where you’ll unwind in the idyllic beaches of Nungwi.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Johannesburg to Palapye – Botswana

Our 24-Day Overland Africa Tour departs from Johannesburg on the morning of Day 1. We travel through South Africa’s North West Province and cross into Botswana. The first night will be spent in en-suite rooms at a hotel in Palapye.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Palapye to Maun – Botswana

Today, we head northeast to Maun, situated on the southern fringes of the Okavango Delta. Known as the gateway to the Delta, Maun offers a blend of vibrant culture and natural wonders. Tonight, we stay at a centrally located hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Maun to Khwai River Conservation Area (Okavango Delta) – Botswana

Venture deeper into the Okavango Delta with a trip to the Khwai River Conservation area. Stay at a rustic tented camp nestled in the Delta’s floodplains and enjoy a mokoro (dugout canoe) excursion to explore the channels and wildlife of the Delta. Optional scenic flights offer a bird’s-eye view of this water wonderland.

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

Day 4: Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta) – Botswana

Explore Moremi Game Reserve, one of the finest wildlife reserves in Africa. With its diverse ecosystems, you’ll encounter an array of wildlife, from elephants and lions to hippos and antelope.

Included Activity: Full Day Moremi Game Reserve Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Khwai River to Maun & Nata (Makgadigadi Pans) – Botswana

Journey back through the Okavango Delta and head towards the Makgadigadi Pans, a striking feature of the Kalahari Desert. Overnight in Nata at a lodge near the pans and enjoy a scenic drive around this surreal landscape.

Included Activity: Afternoon Pans Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Nata to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana

Continue your journey to Chobe National Park, famous for its elephant herds. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Chobe River to witness incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.

Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Kasane to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Cross into Zimbabwe and visit the stunning Victoria Falls. Enjoy optional activities such as a Zambezi Sunset Cruise or white-water rafting, or simply relax and enjoy the majestic falls.

Optional Activities: Visit Victoria Falls, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Adventure Activities
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Victoria Falls, Livingstone – Zambia

Spend the day exploring the wonders of Victoria Falls and indulge in thrilling activities such as bungee jumping or helicopter flights over the falls. Alternatively, relax at the hotel or enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

Optional Activities: Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting, Victoria Falls Visit
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Livingstone to Lusaka – Zambia

We leave the falls behind and travel through rural Zambia to Lusaka. Overnight in a camp surrounded by nature, with opportunities to see impala, giraffes, and zebras.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Chirundu to Petauke – Zambia

Travel through Zambia’s beautiful landscapes, passing lush vegetation and local villages. Stop at Luangwa Market for a taste of Zambia’s vibrant culture before heading to South Luangwa National Park.

Included Activities: Luangwa Market Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 & 12: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

Explore South Luangwa National Park, known for its walking safaris. Discover the rich wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and hippos. Enjoy game drives and sunset views at a lodge along the Luangwa River.

Included Activities: Mulberry Mongoose Visit, Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
Optional Activities: Safari Walk, Morning Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 & 14: Ngala Beach, Central Lake Malawi – Malawi

Head to Lake Malawi, where you’ll enjoy two nights at Ngala Beach Lodge. Relax by the beach, take a dip in the lake, or explore the area with optional activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.

Optional Activities: Kayaking, Snorkeling, Waterfall Hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Northern Lake Malawi – Malawi

Travel to a village on the northern shores of Lake Malawi and take a guided walk through the local community to learn about rural life. End the day at your lakeside lodge in Chitimba.

Included Activity: Malawi Village Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Lake Malawi to Mbeya – Tanzania

Cross into Tanzania and travel to the Mbeya Mountain Range, known for its coffee plantations. Stay overnight at a scenic lodge amidst the misty hills.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Mbeya to Iringa – Tanzania

Continue through spectacular mountain landscapes and tea plantations, learning about Tanzania’s coffee and tea production along the way. Enjoy the cool climate of the Tanzanian Highlands.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18 & 19: Mikumi National Park – Tanzania

Enjoy the safari experience in Mikumi National Park, known for its abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. Explore the park on game drives, and immerse yourself in the African wilderness.

Included Activity: Game Drives in Mikumi National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20: Mikumi to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania

Drive from Mikumi National Park to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city. Explore the bustling markets, historical sites, and beautiful coastline. Overnight at a hotel in Dar es Salaam.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 21: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar – Tanzania

Travel to Zanzibar, where your final days will be spent relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean. Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit spice plantations, where you can taste the rich flavors of Zanzibar.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 22-24: Zanzibar – Tanzania

Spend the last three days of the tour in Zanzibar, enjoying the island’s beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and cultural experiences. Activities include snorkeling, diving, and visiting historical landmarks.