24-Day Zanzibar to Johannesburg Overland Safari
Join Adventure In The Wild Safaris on this epic 24-day overland journey through Eastern and Southern Africa. This unforgettable Zanzibar to Johannesburg Safari begins on the tropical shores of Zanzibar and takes you across Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa. Discover diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and world-class wildlife reserves with a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Quick Overview
Start on Zanzibar Island with its pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage before heading to Mikumi National Park. Journey through the highlands of Tanzania into Malawi’s scenic Lake Malawi, then venture to Zambia’s remote South Luangwa National Park. Explore the mighty Victoria Falls from both Zambia and Zimbabwe, enjoy wildlife encounters in Botswana’s Chobe and Moremi reserves, cruise the Okavango Delta by mokoro, and conclude in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 & 2: Nungwi, Zanzibar Island – Tanzania
Begin your Zanzibar to Johannesburg Safari in the idyllic coastal town of Nungwi. Spend two nights at a beach resort, enjoying the Indian Ocean and optional activities like dhow sailing, diving, or village tours.
Optional Activities: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Village Tours
Meals: No Meals (Day 1), Breakfast (Day 2)
Day 3: Stone Town, Zanzibar – Tanzania
Travel to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit a spice plantation en route. Explore its historical streets, ancient buildings, and iconic landmarks with your guide.
Included Activities: Spice Tour, Stone Town Walking Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
Take a ferry to Dar es Salaam and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife, traditional cuisine, and coastal charm.
Included Activity: Zanzibar Ferry
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5 & 6: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park – Tanzania
Drive inland to Mikumi National Park and stay at a safari camp. Spend your time relaxing or join optional game drives and cultural experiences.
Optional Activities: Game Drive, Cultural Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 7: Mikumi to Iringa – Tanzania
Stop at Baobab Valley en route to Iringa. Enjoy panoramic views of the Southern Highlands from a farm lodge.
Included Activity: Baobab Valley Stop
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Iringa to Mbeya – Tanzania
Drive through tea plantations to Mbeya and visit a coffee farm to learn about Tanzania’s coffee industry.
Included Activity: Coffee Plantation Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Mbeya to Lake Malawi – Malawi
Cross into Malawi and settle at a lodge near Chitimba. Visit a local village for a cultural immersion experience.
Included Activity: Village Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 & 11: Ngala Beach, Lake Malawi – Malawi
Relax on the shores of Lake Malawi. Optional activities include snorkeling, kayaking, waterfall hikes, and cultural visits.
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Snorkeling, Birding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 12 & 13: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
Travel to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Stay in chalets on the Luangwa River and enjoy a sunset game drive. Optional morning drives and walking safaris available.
Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive
Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive, Walking Safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 14: South Luangwa to Petauke – Zambia
Stop at Mulberry Mongoose, a social enterprise creating jewelry from snare wire, then continue to Petauke.
Included Activity: Mulberry Mongoose Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Petauke to Lusaka – Zambia
Drive west to Lusaka, stopping at Luangwa Market. Stay overnight at a bush camp near the capital.
Included Activity: Luangwa Market Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Lusaka to Livingstone (Victoria Falls) – Zambia
Arrive in Livingstone, home of Victoria Falls. Stay at a lodge on the Zambezi River and explore the falls within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 17–18: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe & Zambia
Spend two exciting days at Victoria Falls, known as “The Smoke That Thunders.” Visit the falls from both Zimbabwe and Zambia sides. Enjoy thrilling optional adventure activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, microlight flights, and helicopter rides. In the evenings, relax at your lodge overlooking the Zambezi River.
- Included Activity: Victoria Falls National Park Entry
- Optional Activities: Adventure activities at Victoria Falls
- Meals: Breakfast (x2)
Day 19: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park – Botswana
Cross into Botswana and head to Chobe National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds. Embark on an included game-viewing boat cruise along the Chobe River at sunset. Spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species from the water.
- Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 20: Nata Region – Botswana
Travel through the Makgadikgadi Pans, a surreal landscape of salt flats and open skies. Experience the vast emptiness and beauty of this ancient lakebed. Overnight at a lodge in the Nata region, a great place for stargazing and relaxation.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 21–22: Okavango Delta – Botswana
From Maun, head deep into the famous Okavango Delta by 4×4 and mokoro (traditional canoe). Camp in the pristine wilderness and explore on guided bush walks. Enjoy wildlife sightings in one of Africa’s most unique and biodiverse ecosystems.
- Included Activity: Okavango Delta Excursion (mokoro ride & bush walk)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 23: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana
Embark on an included game drive in Moremi Game Reserve, part of the greater Okavango Delta ecosystem. This region is known for its high concentration of predators, including lions, leopards, and African wild dogs, as well as elephants, giraffes, and antelopes.
- Included Activity: Moremi Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 24: Maun to Johannesburg – South Africa
On the final day of your Zanzibar to Johannesburg Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris, fly or drive back to Johannesburg, where your overland adventure comes to an end. Take time to reflect on your incredible journey through East and Southern Africa.
- Meals: Breakfast
Why Choose Adventure In The Wild Safaris?
Adventure In The Wild Safaris offers expertly guided, immersive overland tours across Africa. With comfortable accommodations, unique local experiences, and diverse wildlife encounters, this 24-day tour is perfect for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure on a budget-friendly African safari.
Book your Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg Safari today and explore Africa’s most iconic destinations with Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
This Zanzibar to Johannesburg Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris offers a rich blend of beach time, cultural exploration, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Perfect for those seeking a comprehensive and adventurous African safari experience.