36-Day Zanzibar to Cape Town Overland Camping Safari
Join Adventure In The Wild Safaris for a thrilling 36-Day Zanzibar to Cape Town Overland Camping Safari. This 5-week African journey takes you from the tropical beaches of Zanzibar to the vibrant city of Cape Town, exploring diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and world-renowned wildlife destinations across Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Quick Safari Overview
Start your journey on the serene beaches of Zanzibar, explore the historic streets of Stone Town, and travel through Tanzania’s Southern Highlands and the Great Rift Valley. Unwind by Lake Malawi, track wildlife in South Luangwa, admire Victoria Falls, cruise through Chobe National Park, explore Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and traverse the surreal desert dunes of Namibia. Finish this epic overland camping safari with scenic adventures in South Africa, culminating in cosmopolitan Cape Town.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1–2: Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar – Tanzania
Start your Zanzibar to Cape Town Overland Camping Safari on the northern coast of Zanzibar at the pristine Nungwi Beach. Spend two days soaking in sun, swimming, or taking part in exciting optional activities like dhow sailing, scuba diving, or village tours.
- Optional Activities: Dhow Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Village Tours
- Meals: Day 1 – none; Day 2 – Breakfast
Day 3: Stone Town – Zanzibar
Visit a local village en route to Stone Town and enjoy a guided Spice Tour. Discover Zanzibar’s rich history with a walking tour of Stone Town’s labyrinth of alleyways, coral-stone buildings, and vibrant markets.
- Included Activities: Zanzibar Spice Tour, Stone Town Walking Tour
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
Take a ferry back to mainland Tanzania and enjoy the laid-back coastal atmosphere of Dar es Salaam. Watch the sunset at the slipway or dine at a local restaurant.
- Included Activity: Zanzibar Ferry Transfer
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Days 5–6: Mikumi – Tanzania
Travel inland to Mikumi National Park. Set up camp near the park and opt for a game drive to see lion, elephant, giraffe, and over 400 bird species. You can also explore local culture on guided tours.
- Optional Activities: Game Drive, Cultural Tours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 7: Iringa – Tanzania
Head through the scenic Southern Highlands to Iringa. Stop for photos at Baobab Valley before settling into a hillside campsite with sweeping views of the Ruaha River Valley.
- Included Activity: Baobab Valley Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Mbeya Mountains – Tanzania
Venture into the Mbeya Mountains and visit a coffee plantation to learn about and taste Tanzania’s finest brews. Overnight at a peaceful campsite surrounded by coffee fields.
- Included Activity: Coffee Plantation Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Chitimba, Lake Malawi – Malawi
Cross into Malawi and descend the Great Rift Valley to reach Chitimba. Enjoy a cultural walking tour in a lakeside village and relax by Lake Malawi’s northern shores.
- Included Activity: Village Walking Tour
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 10–11: Ngala Beach, Lake Malawi – Malawi
Camp for two nights at Ngala Beach. Swim, relax, or enjoy activities like kayaking, snorkeling, or hiking to waterfalls. Spot vibrant cichlid fish and explore fishing villages along the shore.
- Optional Activities: Snorkeling, Kayaking, Waterfall Hike, Horse Riding
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Days 12–13: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
Enter Zambia and camp along the Luangwa River. Join a sunset game drive to see hippos, elephants, lions, and possibly leopards. Optional morning walking safaris offer up-close bush experiences.
- Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive
- Optional Activity: Morning Game Walk or Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 14: Petauke – Zambia
Stop at Mulberry Mongoose to see handcrafted jewelry made from materials gathered in South Luangwa. Continue to Petauke and settle into your countryside campsite.
- Included Activity: Mulberry Mongoose Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Lusaka – Zambia
Travel west to Zambia’s capital, stopping at Luangwa Market for souvenirs. Camp south of Lusaka in a bush setting where wildlife roams freely.
- Included Activity: Luangwa Market Stop
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Lusaka to Livingstone (Victoria Falls) – Zambia
Join Adventure In The Wild Safaris for an unforgettable Overland Camping Safari as we journey through southern Zambia to the adventure capital of Livingstone, home to the world-renowned Victoria Falls. Spend two nights experiencing this incredible destination—first in a comfortable lodge on the Zambian side and the second camping on the Zimbabwean side.
Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya—‘The Smoke that Thunders’—this spectacular waterfall plunges 350 feet over a mile-wide cliff, creating a misty rainforest and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Spend your free day exploring the falls, capturing epic views from various vantage points or indulging in adrenaline-pumping adventures such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or swimming in Devil’s Pool. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River or take a scenic flight for breathtaking aerial views.
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Visit, Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting, Zambezi Cruises, Gorge Swing, Boma Dinner Experience, Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 17: Livingstone to Victoria Falls Village – Zimbabwe
Today you cross into Zimbabwe and camp in Victoria Falls Village. A morning or afternoon transfer from Livingstone is included. Take this time to enjoy more optional Victoria Falls activities, from high-flying adventures to cultural dining experiences.
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Visit, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting, Gorge Swing, Boma Dinner Experience, Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Meals: No Meals
Day 18: Victoria Falls to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana
Enjoy one last morning at Victoria Falls before crossing into Botswana. We camp by the Chobe River in Kasane, a gateway to Chobe National Park. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic game-viewing boat cruise to see elephants, hippos, buffalo, and diverse birdlife along the riverbanks.
Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Visit, Helicopter Flights, Gorge Swing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Kasane to Nata (Makgadikgadi Pans) – Botswana
Travel south into the Kalahari Desert to Nata Pan, part of the legendary Makgadikgadi salt flats. During the rainy season, this area becomes a haven for migratory birds including flamingos and pelicans. Enjoy an afternoon drive around the pans to witness this otherworldly landscape.
Included Activity: Afternoon Pans Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 20: Nata to Maun & Khwai River (Okavango Delta) – Botswana
We travel to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Optional scenic flights offer panoramic views of this lush oasis. Later, transfer to 4×4 vehicles for a journey into the Khwai River region. Experience the Okavango by mokoro (traditional canoe) and take a guided walk on one of the delta’s islands.
Included Activity: Sunset Mokoro Excursion & Nature Walk
Optional Activity: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 21: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana
Explore Moremi Game Reserve, one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Africa. Known for its Big 5 sightings and rich biodiversity, Moremi offers fantastic game viewing. Today’s full-day 4×4 safari may reveal elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, red lechwe, wild dogs, and countless bird species.
Included Activity: Full-Day Game Drive in Moremi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22: Khwai (Okavango Delta) to Maun – Botswana
We return to Maun and set up camp by the river. Spend the afternoon at leisure or take another optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta for one last aerial look at its breathtaking beauty.
Optional Activity: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 23: Maun to Divundu – Namibia
Journey west into Namibia along the Kavango River. After arriving in Divundu, enjoy a peaceful boat cruise on the Kavango River to spot birds and wildlife that frequent this serene waterway. This cruise may take place in the morning, depending on our schedule.
Included Activity: Kavango River Boat Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 24: Divundu to Etosha National Park – Namibia
Our African safari adventure continues to Namibia’s iconic Etosha National Park. We enter the park for an afternoon game drive, keeping watch for wildlife en route to our campsite. Each rest camp features a floodlit waterhole for nighttime animal viewing.
Included Activity: Afternoon Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 25 & 26: Etosha National Park – Namibia
Spend two full days exploring Etosha, a wildlife haven with over 100 mammal species. The expansive salt pan draws flamingos during the rainy season, while the waterholes attract lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and springbok. Enjoy game drives and exceptional bird watching in this stark yet vibrant park.
Included Activities: Game Drives in Etosha National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 27: Etosha to Brandberg – Namibia
Depart Etosha and travel to the Brandberg Mountains, home to ancient San rock art including the famous White Lady painting. Enjoy a guided ±2-hour hike through the Tsisab River gorge to discover these historic artworks. The hike may be scheduled for the following morning depending on arrival time.
Included Activity: White Lady Rock Art Hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Zanzibar to Cape Town Safari – Days 31 to 36
Day 31: Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
We begin our day before sunrise to explore the iconic landscapes of the Namib Desert. Inside Namib-Naukluft National Park, we hike up the famous Dune 45 to watch the first light illuminate the red-orange dunes stretching endlessly across the desert.
After a hearty breakfast at the base, we journey deeper into the Sossusvlei area in 4×4 vehicles. Explore the surreal Deadvlei pan, surrounded by striking ochre dunes and featuring ghostly, ancient camelthorn trees—an unforgettable highlight of any Zanzibar to Cape Town Safari.
Included Activities: Dune 45 hike, Sossusvlei Dunes & Deadvlei
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 32: Namib Desert – Namibia
This day is set aside for relaxation and enjoying the serenity of the desert. Optional self-guided hikes are available from camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 33: Namib Desert to Keetmanshoop – Namibia
Today’s long scenic drive takes us to Keetmanshoop, where we visit the Quiver Tree Forest—a national monument and sanctuary for trees over 200 years old. These iconic aloe plants were traditionally used by the San people to craft arrow quivers.
We then explore the Giants Playground, a fascinating natural landscape of massive dolerite rock formations. Spend the night nearby in Keetmanshoop.
Included Activities: Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 34: Keetmanshoop to Fish River Canyon & Orange River – Namibia
Our journey continues south to the mighty Fish River Canyon—second only in size to the Grand Canyon. Enjoy breathtaking views from the rim and take a short walk along the canyon’s edge.
Later, we travel to the Orange River on the Namibian border, where you have the option to take a relaxing canoe trip. We camp along the riverbank for our final night in Namibia.
Included Activities: Fish River Canyon visit
Optional Activities: Half-day Canoe Trip on the Orange River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 35: Orange River to Citrusdal (Cederberg Region) – South Africa
Crossing into South Africa, we pass through the Namaqualand region, known for its spectacular wildflowers in spring (July–September). We journey toward the Cederberg Mountains, stopping near Citrusdal for our overnight stay.
This region is renowned for its hiking trails and rooibos tea, grown only in this part of the world. We end the day with a traditional dinner and reflect on our incredible Zanzibar to Cape Town Safari.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 36: Citrusdal to Cape Town – South Africa
We continue south through the Western Cape to Cape Town. On arrival, we stop to admire the iconic view of Table Mountain from Table Bay before concluding our unforgettable Zanzibar to Cape Town Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Tour Notes – Zanzibar to Cape Town Safari
We recommend arriving in Zanzibar the day before departure and booking your outbound flight from Cape Town a day or two after the tour ends. This allows you extra time to explore both destinations and accommodate possible delays.
This Zanzibar to Cape Town Safari is also available in reverse as a Cape Town to Zanzibar tour. You may also opt for a lodge-style version of this tour, with upgraded accommodations. Contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris for details.
Optional Activities Along the Route
Zanzibar: Prison Island snorkeling, diving, fishing, motorbike hire
Malawi: Diving, horse riding, village tours, Livingstonia hike
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls): Rafting, gorge swing, bungee, microlight & helicopter flights
Botswana: Chobe boat cruise, delta flight, San cultural experience
Namibia (Swakopmund): Quad biking, sandboarding, skydiving, kayaking, dolphin cruise
South Africa: Canoeing on the Orange River, wine tasting
Child Policy
This overland camping safari is suitable for children. Please contact us for age restrictions and family-specific arrangements.