Day 11 & 12: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi – Tanzania

Boarding our overland truck once more, we say farewell to the East Africa coastline and drive inland to the town of Mikumi, located on the doorstep of Mikumi National Park. This park forms part of the largest wildlife areas in Tanzania and is home to a variety of wildlife, including lion, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo, and elephant, as well as over 400 species of birds. We will camp at a comfortable Safari Camp located close to the borders of the park for two nights. Take time to relax by the pool or book optional activities like Mikumi Safari game drives or cultural tours.

• Optional Activity: Game Drive in Mikumi National Park, Cultural Tours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 13: Mikumi National Park to Iringa – Tanzania

On day 13, we travel inland to the historic small city of Iringa. Along the way, we stop at the Baobab Valley to capture photos of these iconic trees, known for their size and longevity. We camp near Iringa town, situated on a cliff overlooking the Ruaha River Valley in the cooler highlands of southern Tanzania, bordering the Great Rift Valley. Iringa features old German colonial buildings, a popular market, and a memorial to soldiers who died in local battles during the world wars.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Iringa to Mbeya – Tanzania

Our adventure continues as we travel south through the rolling tea plantations of the Southern Tanzania Highlands to the Mbeya Mountains. Mbeya is a major coffee-growing region in Tanzania. This afternoon, we visit a coffee plantation where you can sample fresh coffee beans and see how they are grown and harvested. We camp at a coffee plantation in the Mbeya mountains for the night.

• Included Activity: Coffee Plantation Visit
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Northern Lake Malawi – Malawi

We leave Tanzania’s lush highlands and travel south into Malawi, known as “the warm heart of Africa.” Our destination is Lake Malawi, often referred to as “the Lake of Stars” due to the flickering lights of fishing boats on the water at night. Lake Malawi stretches 580 kilometers (360 miles) and is the third-largest lake in Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Along the shoreline, we stop at a fishing village for a walking tour to meet locals and learn about their way of life. We camp at Chitimba on the north shore of the lake, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset by the water.

• Included Activities: Village Walking Tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 & 17: Lake Malawi – Malawi

On Day 16, we continue our journey around the shores of Lake Malawi, visiting central Lake Malawi at Ngala Beach. End the day with a peaceful sunset walk along the beach or a swim in the crystal-clear waters. Day 17 is a free day to explore Lake Malawi at your own pace. Popular optional activities include kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking through nearby forest reserves. You can also join a motorboat trip, go bird watching, or stroll through fishing villages along the shore.

• Optional Activities: Snorkeling, Horse Riding, Hiking, Volunteering, Kayaking, and more
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 18: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa Valley – Zambia

We depart Lake Malawi and head west into Zambia, crossing into the South Luangwa Valley. After completing border formalities, we make a brief stop in Chipata before reaching our Safari campsite on the banks of the Luangwa River in the wild South Luangwa National Park. The camp offers fantastic views, where hippos and various wildlife can be spotted from the bar as we relax with sundowners.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

Day 19 is dedicated to exploring the untamed South Luangwa National Park. You can opt for a morning walking safari (seasonal) to experience the park up close, or choose an optional game drive in search of wildlife. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including buffalo, leopards, zebras, and giraffes. In the evening, we embark on a sunset game drive, followed by a night drive to spot nocturnal animals like leopards.

• Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
• Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive or Walking Safari
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20: South Luangwa to Petauke – Zambia

Today, we leave South Luangwa and travel through rural villages and farming communities to the town of Petauke. En route, we visit Mulberry Mongoose, a unique jewelry business that crafts accessories from organic materials sourced from the African bush. The pieces are made by local women and transform snare traps into beautiful jewelry. We camp in Petauke town for the night.

• Included Activity: Mulberry Mongoose Visit
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 21: Petauke to Chirundu – Zambia

Our journey continues west along Zambia’s Great East Road, crossing the Luangwa River via the historic Luangwa Bridge. We stop at Luangwa Market, a bustling hub where local vendors sell fresh produce and handmade crafts. We camp just south of Lusaka, surrounded by natural bush where wildlife like impala, giraffe, and zebra can be seen.

• Included Activity: Luangwa Market Stop
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22: Livingstone (Victoria Falls) – Zambia

On Day 22, we drive to Livingstone, Zambia’s gateway to the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. You can explore Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for breathtaking views of the falls. The Zambezi River forms a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and both sides offer spectacular views. On the Zambian side, you can even swim in the Devil’s Pool during the dry season. Optional activities include bungee jumping, helicopter flights, and white-water rafting. End the day with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River or a traditional boma dinner.

• Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Visit, Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting, Zambezi Cruises, and more
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 23: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Tonight, we stay in permanent tents at a campsite on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls. A transfer from Livingstone to Victoria Falls is included in your tour price. You have the choice of booking a morning transfer (08:00 am) or afternoon transfer (16:00 pm) depending on your plans for the day. Note that border formalities need to be completed to cross over.

The day is free to relax or embark on more adrenaline activities. The Zimbabwean side provides some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Victoria Falls. The main viewpoints, such as the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Falls Viewpoint, offer sweeping vistas of the entire waterfall and its dramatic spray.

Then, take a guided walking tour, visit nearby villages, attend a traditional dance performance, or explore the local markets and shops for traditional crafts and souvenirs. The Victoria Falls Hotel also offers a delightful high tea in the afternoons, or simply relax and unwind at the camp swimming pool.

• Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Visit, Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting, Zambezi Cruises, Gorge Swing, Boma Dinner Experience, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, and more.

Meals: No Meals

Day 24: Victoria Falls to Kasane – Botswana

On Day 24 of our Adventure In The Wild Safaris, we spend the morning at the magnificent Victoria Falls. Take advantage of your last chance to embark on thrilling activities (optional extras) and explore the historic town. After lunch in Victoria Falls, we leave Zimbabwe behind and cross into neighboring Botswana and drive to the nearby town of Kasane. In the late afternoon, we arrive at our campsite outside Kasane, a few kilometers from Chobe National Park.

Tonight’s camp overlooks the Chobe River and surrounding bush, featuring a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. Settle in and take a swim in the pool before we embark on a sunset boat cruise in Chobe National Park. The Chobe River boat cruise provides excellent opportunities for spotting wild animals up close, including hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, antelope species, and large herds of elephants that the area is known for.

• Included Activity: Chobe River boat cruise
• Optional Activities: Victoria Falls adventure activities

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 25: Kasane to Nata (Makgadigadi Pans) – Botswana

Our Adventure In The Wild Safaris leaves the rivers behind and heads into the arid Kalahari Desert. Our destination for the night is a campsite near Nata Pan, one of the string of salt pans that make up the surreal landscapes of Makgadigadi Pans. They are all that remain of a great lake that stood here many aeons ago. Our campsite boasts a waterhole where free roaming elephants often visit in the evening to drink.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 26: Nata to Maun & Khwai Conservation Area (Okavango Delta) – Botswana

On day 26 of our epic African Safari, we continue west through the Kalahari Desert to the town of Maun, gateway for travelers exploring the magnificent Okavango Delta. Upon arrival in Maun, you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). The Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world, is unique because instead of flowing into the sea, the Kavango River discharges its water onto the dry Kalahari Desert, creating a miraculous lush oasis in an otherwise arid region. The scenic flight provides a fantastic aerial perspective of this marvel.

We leave our overland vehicle behind and are collected in smaller 4×4 safari vehicles to head into the Khwai River Conservation Area on the northeastern side of the Okavango Delta. You will need to pack smaller overnight bags for this two-night excursion. We will camp at a tented camp on the floodplains of the game-rich Khwai River.

Later in the afternoon, we head out of camp to meet our local guides at a nearby mokoro station. One of the best ways to explore the delta is by traditional dugout canoes known as mokoro. These mokoro are poled through the shallow waters by our experienced guides, allowing us to get up close to wildlife and explore the narrow channels and lagoons. We will alight on one of the delta islands and take a nature walk where your guide will tell you more about life in this fascinating ecosystem. As we paddle back to base, enjoy a spectacular sunset over this watery wonderland.

• Included Activity: Stop at Makgadigadi Pans viewpoint, Sunset Mokoro trip
• Optional Activity: Scenic Okavango Delta Flight (time and weather permitting), Tips for Delta Polers

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 27: Moremi National Park (Okavango Delta) – Botswana

Today our overland adventure is devoted to exploring the Okavango Delta in our 4×4 Safari vehicles. We venture into Moremi Game Reserve, an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometers (1,900 square miles) in the northeastern part of the Okavango Delta. It was established in 1963, making it the first game reserve in Africa to be established by local residents concerned about the rapid depletion of wildlife in their ancestral lands due to uncontrolled hunting and cattle encroachment.

Moremi National Park has a diverse landscape of waterways, lagoons and pools woven between pans, grasslands, and forests. The delta’s water levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. Peak flooding occurs during the dry season (May to October) when water from the highlands of Angola reaches the delta. This is when wildlife congregates near the water, creating excellent opportunities for game viewing safaris. Moremi National Park is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), and some of the most endangered of the large mammals like cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, and African Wild Dog. It is also home to nearly 500 species of bird, from water birds to migratory birds and forest dwellers.

• Included Activity: Full Day Moremi Game Drive

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 28: Khwai River Area to Maun – Botswana

Wake up early as it’s time to bid the wildlife-rich Khwai River Area farewell. We board our 4×4 safari vehicles and take our last drive through the Okavango Delta back to Maun. Keep a lookout for any last animals that may cross our path. We camp at a centrally located campsite in Maun and relax for the rest of the day. There is another opportunity to take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.

• Optional Activity: Scenic Okavango Delta Flight (time and weather permitting)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 29: Maun to Palapye – Botswana

Day 29 of our Adventure In The Wild Safaris takes us south along the Trans-Kalahari highway to the small town of Palapye, our last overnight stop. Keep an eye out for wandering wildlife as we drive along an unfenced natural area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 30: Palapye to Johannesburg – South Africa

On the last day of our Nairobi to Johannesburg Overland Africa Tour, we travel southeast through Botswana and across into South Africa. Driving through the North-West Province, we proceed to Johannesburg, the economic powerhouse of southern Africa. This budget camping safari ends in the dynamic and bustling city of Johannesburg, offering visitors plenty of attractions. Most safari groups choose to spend the evening together, celebrating their African adventures over a post-tour dinner.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overland Africa Tour Notes:

We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Nairobi to Johannesburg Lodge Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Nairobi and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Johannesburg 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 Nairobi to Johannesburg Overland Camping Tour is also available in the opposite direction as the Johannesburg to Nairobi Overland Camping Safari. This Camping Overland Tour is also available as a Lodge Overland Tour – Overland Africa Tour: Nairobi to Johannesburg (Lodge Safari) which follows the same itinerary and stays at comfortable lodges instead of camping. For more details contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris