
24-Day Zanzibar to Johannesburg Overland Camping Safari
Adventure In The Wild Safaris offers an unforgettable 24-day Zanzibar to Johannesburg Camping Safari. Journey from the exotic Zanzibar Spice Islands, through Tanzania’s national parks and Malawi’s Great Rift Valley lakeside villages, to Zambia’s premier safari destinations, before crossing into Botswana and finally South Africa. This epic Africa overland adventure showcases the best of East and Southern Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture.
Quick Itinerary Overview
- Start: Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
- End: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Countries Visited: Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa
- Accommodation: Camping and select lodges
Itinerary Highlights
Days 1–2: Nungwi, Zanzibar
Relax on the pristine beaches of northern Zanzibar. Meet your group and guide for a tour briefing. Enjoy optional activities such as dhow sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, or village tours.
Meals: None (Day 1), Breakfast (Day 2)
Day 3: Stone Town, Zanzibar
Travel to historic Stone Town, stopping for a spice plantation tour. Explore the town’s narrow streets and rich cultural heritage on a guided walking tour.
Included: Spice Plantation Tour, Stone Town Walking Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Ferry to Dar es Salaam
Catch a midday ferry to Dar es Salaam. Overnight at a city hotel with free time to explore local cuisine and nightlife.
Included: Zanzibar Ferry
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Days 5–6: Mikumi National Park
Depart Dar es Salaam and drive to Mikumi National Park. Enjoy optional game drives or cultural tours while camping near the park’s border.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (both days)
Day 7: Iringa Highlands
Travel through Baobab Valley to the Southern Highlands, reaching Iringa by evening. Enjoy a cool night’s rest at a countryside campsite.
Included: Baobab Valley Stop
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Mbeya Coffee Plantations
Drive south through tea plantations to the scenic Mbeya region. Visit a local coffee plantation and enjoy fresh brews.
Included: Coffee Plantation Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Lake Malawi (Chitimba)
Enter Malawi and descend into the Great Rift Valley. Visit a lakeside village before camping on the beach at Chitimba.
Included: Village Walk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 10–11: Ngala Beach, Lake Malawi
Continue south to Ngala Beach. Spend two nights relaxing, swimming, or enjoying optional water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (both days)
Days 12–13: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Cross into Zambia and set up camp near the Luangwa River. Enjoy a sunset game drive and optional morning safari or walking tour in this renowned wildlife haven.
Included: Sunset Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (both days)
Day 14: Petauke
Visit Mulberry Mongoose to see unique Zambian crafts made from recycled bush materials. Overnight in Petauke.
Included: Mulberry Mongoose Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Lusaka
Stop at Luangwa Market for a taste of local life before reaching Lusaka. Camp on a wildlife-filled private reserve near the city.
Included: Luangwa Market Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Arrive in Livingstone and settle into riverside accommodation near the mighty Victoria Falls. Enjoy spectacular sunset views over the Zambezi River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
On Day 17 of our Adventure In The Wild Safaris tour, we explore the Zimbabwe side of the magnificent Victoria Falls. A transfer from Livingstone to Victoria Falls Village (Zimbabwe) is included in your tour package. You can choose between a morning transfer at 08:00 am or an afternoon transfer at 16:00 pm. Please note that border formalities must be completed for the transfer.
Today is yours to explore Victoria Falls and its surrounding areas. Stroll through the historic Victoria Falls town, visit local markets, and enjoy the picturesque views. Don’t miss out on the delightful afternoon high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel. This evening, you can opt for a delicious meal in Victoria Falls, and the Boma – Dinner & Drum Show is a popular experience among visitors. We camp at a nearby safari camp, just a short distance from the falls.
Optional Activities:
- Victoria Falls Visit
- Bungee Jumping
- Helicopter Flights
- White Water Rafting
- Zambezi Cruises
- Gorge Swing
- Boma Dinner Experience
- Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Meals: No meals provided
Day 18: Victoria Falls to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana
On Day 18, we enjoy a leisurely morning at Victoria Falls, your last opportunity to experience the thrilling activities and historical sights of the town. After lunch, we head to Botswana, crossing the border into Kasane. Upon arrival, we camp at a beautiful campsite just outside Kasane, only a few kilometers from Chobe National Park. The camp overlooks the Chobe River and includes a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.
In the afternoon, we embark on a sunset boat cruise along the Chobe River. This cruise offers a fantastic chance to see wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, antelope species, and elephants, as they roam the riverbanks.
Included Activity:
- Chobe River Boat Cruise
Optional Activities:
- Victoria Falls Adventure Activities
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Kasane to Nata (Makgadigadi Pans) – Botswana
On Day 19, we leave the Chobe River behind and head into the arid Kalahari Desert. Our campsite is located near Nata, alongside the Makgadigadi Pans. These salt flats are the remnants of an ancient lake. At our camp, you may even spot elephants visiting the watering hole.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 20: Nata to Maun & Khwai River Area (Okavango Delta) – Botswana
On Day 20, we continue through the desert to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. After arriving, you can choose to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta, offering a bird’s-eye view of this unique ecosystem.
We then embark on a two-day journey into the Okavango Delta. After traveling by 4×4 safari vehicle, we set up camp in the Khwai River floodplain. In the evening, we explore the delta by mokoro, a traditional wooden boat, while our local guides share their knowledge of the area’s flora and fauna.
Included Activity:
- Pans Viewpoint
- Sunset Mokoro Excursion
Optional Activity:
- Scenic Okavango Delta Flight (time and weather permitting)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 21: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana
On Day 21, we explore the Okavango Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve. A full day game drive allows you to witness diverse landscapes, from waterways to forests, as you search for the Big 5 and other wildlife species.
Included Activity:
- Full Day Moremi Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22: Khwai to Maun – Botswana
On Day 22, we leave the wildlife-rich Khwai River floodplains and head back to Maun. You have the option of taking another scenic flight over the Okavango Delta before spending the night at a riverside hotel.
Optional Activity:
- Scenic Okavango Delta Flight (time and weather allowing)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 23: Maun to Palapye – Botswana
On Day 23, we continue our journey southeast towards Palapye. As we drive along the Trans-Kalahari highway, keep an eye out for wildlife roaming the natural areas along the route.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 24: Palapye to Johannesburg – South Africa
On the final day of our Adventure In The Wild Safaris tour, we cross into South Africa and travel through the North-West Province to Johannesburg. This budget-friendly camping safari concludes upon arrival in Johannesburg, where you can reflect on your amazing African adventure with fellow travelers.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overland Africa Tour Notes:
We recommend booking flights at least one day before and after the tour for potential delays. Our Adventure In The Wild Safaris team can assist you with adding pre- and post-tour accommodations.
For a different experience, you can also choose the Johannesburg to Zanzibar Overland Camping Safari, which follows the same itinerary but starts in Johannesburg.
Optional Extras and Excursions
For up-to-date pricing information on optional excursions, please feel free to reach out to us.