42-Day Africa Overland Safari: Cape Town to Nairobi (Lodge Tour)
Tour Operator: Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Tour Type: Accommodated Africa Overland Safari
Keyword Focus: Africa Overland Safari
Quick Itinerary Overview
This Africa Overland Safari from Cape Town to Nairobi is a 42-day lodge tour through Southern and East Africa. Experience iconic landscapes, local cultures, and Big 5 game viewing across nine countries:
- South Africa: Cape Town, Cederberg, Namaqualand & Orange River
- Namibia: Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha & Brandberg
- Botswana: Maun, Okavango Delta, Moremi, Chobe & Makgadikgadi Pans
- Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls
- Zambia: South Luangwa National Park
- Malawi: Lake Malawi beaches & local villages
- Tanzania: Mikumi National Park, Zanzibar, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
This epic Africa Overland Safari is perfect for travelers looking to explore Africa’s top destinations while staying in comfortable lodges.
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Cape Town to Cederberg Mountains – South Africa
Depart Cape Town with stunning views of Table Mountain. Travel north to the Cederberg Mountains, known for their rugged beauty and rooibos tea plantations. Enjoy a traditional South African dinner.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Namaqualand & Orange River – Namibia
Drive through the wildflower-rich region of Namaqualand. Cross into Namibia and overnight along the scenic Orange (Gariep) River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Orange River to Fish River Canyon & Keetmanshoop – Namibia
Optional canoe trip on the river. Visit Fish River Canyon, one of the world’s largest canyons, then continue to Keetmanshoop.
Included: Fish River Canyon
Optional: River Canoe Trip
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground to Namib Desert
Explore the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground before heading to the Namib Desert. Overnight near the edge of Namib-Naukluft Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Namib Desert – Namibia
Relax and explore on foot with optional walks available.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Sossusvlei Dunes – Namibia
Climb iconic Dune 45, explore Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, and visit Sesriem Canyon on this unforgettable desert day in the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Namib Desert to Swakopmund – Namibia
Join a guided desert walk to learn about survival in the desert, cross the Tropic of Capricorn, and reach Swakopmund. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Swakopmund – Namibia
Free day to explore Swakopmund or take part in optional adventures like sandboarding or dolphin cruises.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Swakopmund to Brandberg – Namibia
Travel along the Skeleton Coast, stop at Wlotskabaken and the Lichen Fields, then hike to ancient rock art in Brandberg.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Brandberg to Etosha National Park – Namibia
Begin wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park. Overnight at a rest camp inside the park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 11-12: Etosha National Park – Namibia
Spend two full days on game drives in Etosha. Search for elephants, lions, giraffes, and more at waterholes. Optional night game drives available.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Etosha to Divundu – Namibia
Enjoy a final morning game drive, then head northeast to Divundu along the lush Kavango River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Divundu to Maun – Botswana
Take a boat cruise on the Kavango River before traveling into Botswana. Overnight in Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
21-Day Cape Town to Nairobi Overland Tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Day 15: Maun to Khwai River Conservation Area, Okavango Delta – Botswana
Start your Botswana safari adventure with an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (weather permitting). Then, transfer in 4×4 vehicles into the pristine wilderness of the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. Travel to the Khwai River Conservation Area on the eastern edge of the Delta and settle into a rustic fly camp for two nights. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful mokoro trip through the waterways with a nature walk on a Delta island.
- Included Activity: Sunset Mokoro trip
- Optional Activity: Scenic Okavango Delta Flight
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana
Spend a full day exploring the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, one of Africa’s most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries. This diverse reserve is home to large herbivores and predators like lion, leopard, and cheetah. It promises an unforgettable safari experience with Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
- Included Activity: Full Day Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Khwai to Nata – Botswana
Travel back through the Okavango Delta to Maun and continue to Nata, near the Makgadikgadi Pans. These vast salt pans are remnants of an ancient lake. Visit the seasonal Nata Pan to spot birdlife in the afternoon.
- Included Activity: Afternoon Pans Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Nata to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana
Journey through the Kalahari to Kasane, located near the confluence of four countries. Enjoy a relaxing Chobe River boat cruise, observing hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. Overnight at a lodge with river views and great amenities.
- Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
- Optional Activity: Chobe Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Kasane to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Cross into Zimbabwe and visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Spend time exploring this UNESCO site and enjoy thrilling optional activities or simply relax at the nearby lodge.
- Optional Activities: Victoria Falls National Park Entry, Boat Cruise, Scenic Flights
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 20: Victoria Falls to Livingstone – Zambia
Spend the day enjoying optional adventure activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or scenic helicopter flights. Transfer to Livingstone, Zambia in the afternoon or morning depending on your activities.
- Included Activity: Transfer to Livingstone
- Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Tram Tour, Bridge Swing
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 21: Livingstone to Lusaka – Zambia
Drive north to Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Overnight at a tranquil safari camp on the outskirts, often visited by giraffes, impalas, and zebras.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22: Lusaka to Petauke – Zambia
Continue east along the Great East Road, stopping at Luangwa Market to sample local fruit and crafts. Overnight in Petauke, gateway to South Luangwa National Park.
- Included Activity: Market Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 23 & 24: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
Visit the Mulberry Mongoose textile workshop, then spend two nights at a riverside tented camp in South Luangwa National Park. Enjoy a sunset game drive and optional morning drives or walking safaris in one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations.
- Included Activities: Mulberry Mongoose Visit, Sunset Game Drive
- Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive, Walking Safari
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 25: South Luangwa to Central Lake Malawi – Malawi
Cross into Malawi and visit Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve for a scenic game drive. Continue to Ngala Beach on Lake Malawi’s central shoreline. Relax or swim in the lake before sunset.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 26: Central Lake Malawi – Malawi
A free day to enjoy Lake Malawi’s activities such as snorkelling, paddle skiing, or visiting nearby villages. The lake is famous for its friendly people and colourful cichlid fish.
- Optional Activities: Snorkelling, Kayaking, Village Walk, Horse Riding
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 27: Northern Lake Malawi – Malawi
Travel north to your next lakeside lodge. Visit a local village along the way to learn about daily life in Malawi. End the day watching the sun set over the lake from your hammock.
- Included Activity: Village Tour
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 28: Lake Malawi to Mbeya – Tanzania
Say goodbye to Malawi and enter Southern Tanzania. Overnight in a scenic lodge on a coffee plantation in the Mbeya mountain region.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 29: Mbeya to Iringa – Tanzania
Begin the day with a coffee plantation tour. Then drive through rolling tea estates and spectacular mountain scenery to reach Iringa, your final stop on this leg of the tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
- Included Activity: Coffee Plantation Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
42-Day Cape Town to Nairobi Overland Tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Join this unforgettable 42-day Cape Town to Nairobi Overland Tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris, exploring the best wildlife destinations and cultural hotspots across Southern and East Africa. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the spice-scented alleys of Zanzibar and the thundering Victoria Falls, this epic journey is the ultimate Africa Overland Safari experience.
Days 30 & 31: Iringa to Mikumi National Park – Tanzania
We travel north from Iringa to Mikumi National Park, part of the Selous ecosystem. Mikumi is home to an abundance of wildlife including lion, zebra, elephant, buffalo, and over 400 bird species. Spend two nights at a comfortable safari camp where you can unwind or book optional activities like game drives or cultural tours.
- Optional Activity: Game Drive in Mikumi National Park, Cultural Tours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 32: Mikumi to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
We head east to Dar es Salaam, the economic center of Tanzania, for an overnight stay. Enjoy the rest of your day exploring this lively coastal city.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 33: Dar es Salaam to Stone Town (Zanzibar Island) – Tanzania
We ferry to Zanzibar Island and spend the night in historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its winding alleys, vibrant markets, and iconic wooden doors. In the evening, visit Forodhani Gardens for a taste of Zanzibar’s famous street food.
- Included Activity: Zanzibar Ferry
- Meals: Breakfast
Days 34 & 35: Stone Town to Zanzibar Island Beach Resort – Tanzania
Begin with a guided walking tour of Stone Town and a visit to a spice plantation before heading to the beach. Spend two nights at a beachfront resort enjoying watersports, dhow sailing, or simply relaxing in paradise.
- Included Activities: Stone Town Walking Tour, Spice Tour
- Optional Activities: Dhow Trips, Jozani Forest, Turtle Sanctuary, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 36: Zanzibar to Bagamoyo (via Dar es Salaam) – Tanzania
We return to Dar es Salaam by ferry, then drive to Bagamoyo. This historic town is rich with Swahili and colonial heritage. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach.
- Included Activity: Zanzibar Return Ferry
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 37: Arusha – Tanzania
Drive north to Arusha, the gateway to Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Located at the base of Mount Meru, Arusha is the launchpad for our upcoming three-night Northern Tanzania Safari experience.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 38: Arusha to Karatu – Tanzania
We pass through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands to reach Karatu. En route, visit the bustling Mto wa Mbu Market for a cultural immersion and sample local red bananas.
- Included Activity: Mto wa Mbu Market Visit
- Optional Activities: Local Brewery Tour, Iraqw Market, Coffee Plantation Tour
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 39: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Seronera – Tanzania
Start early for a 4×4 safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, home to all Big 5 and a dense variety of wildlife. Later, drive into the legendary Serengeti and overnight in Seronera, famed for its predator sightings.
- Included Activity: 4×4 Safari in Ngorongoro Crater, Game Drive to Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 40: Serengeti National Park – Tanzania
Enjoy a full-day safari in Serengeti National Park. With its vast plains and abundance of wildlife, the Serengeti is one of the best safari destinations in Africa. Return to camp in Seronera for dinner and overnight.
- Included Activity: Serengeti Safari
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 41: Serengeti to Arusha – Tanzania
We journey back to Arusha with stunning views of the Great Rift Valley. Spend your final night in Tanzania relaxing and reflecting on your incredible overland safari.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 42: Arusha to Nairobi – Kenya
On the final day, we cross the border into Kenya and drive to Nairobi, where this epic 42-day Africa Overland Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris ends. Celebrate your journey with your travel group in one of Nairobi’s top restaurants.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Wildebeest Great Migration – Seasonal Highlight
The Wildebeest Great Migration is a dynamic and seasonal phenomenon across Serengeti and Masai Mara. For the best chances to witness this natural spectacle, consult our experts at Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
Optional Excursions and Activities
From canoeing in South Africa to snorkeling in Malawi and dhow sailing in Zanzibar, numerous optional activities are available across the regions visited. For current pricing, please contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
Child Policy
This tour is suitable for children aged 12 years and older, with a maximum of 4 children per scheduled group departure.
For those seeking an unforgettable Africa Overland Safari, this Cape Town to Nairobi adventure with Adventure In The Wild Safaris offers the perfect combination of wildlife, culture, and tropical beach bliss.