45-Day Africa Overland Camping Safari from Nairobi to Johannesburg
Embark on the ultimate Africa Overland Camping Safari from Nairobi, Kenya to Johannesburg, South Africa. This epic journey with Adventure In The Wild Safaris covers multiple countries and iconic destinations across East and Southern Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar Island, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, and Victoria Falls. Experience thrilling wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, cultural encounters, and adventure activities on this unforgettable camping expedition.
Quick Itinerary Overview
Highlights of this Africa Overland Camping Safari include game drives in the Masai Mara and Serengeti, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, and exploring the Okavango Delta. You’ll also enjoy a scenic cruise on the Chobe River and discover natural wonders like Victoria Falls and the Great Rift Valley lakes.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 & 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya
Your safari begins in Kenya’s vibrant capital, Nairobi. You’ll travel by 4×4 to the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve. Over two days, enjoy game drives in search of Africa’s Big Five and witness the seasonal Great Migration. Accommodation is in luxury Meru-style safari tents at a tented camp.
- Included Activity: Masai Mara Safari
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya
Depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, famed for its flamingos and rhinos. Enjoy a game drive in this beautiful Rift Valley park before overnighting in a Nakuru hotel.
- Included Activity: Lake Nakuru Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Nakuru to Jinja – Uganda
Cross into Uganda and visit the Equator. Overnight at a riverside campsite in Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda and source of the Nile River.
- Included Activity: Equator Crossing
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Jinja to Masindi & Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda
Travel to Masindi, near Budongo Forest and Murchison Falls. Optional visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino walk.
- Optional Activity: Ziwa Rhino Walk
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trek – Budongo Forest & Nile Cruise – Uganda
Track chimpanzees in Budongo Forest and take a game-viewing boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park along the Nile River.
- Included Activities: Chimpanzee Trek, Nile River Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Masindi to Lake Kikorongo – Uganda
Continue to Lake Kikorongo at the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Camp with views over the Rift Valley and volcanic landscapes.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Lake Kikorongo to Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda
Cross the Equator again en route to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest and most scenic lakes. Enjoy birdwatching and mountain views from your lakeside camp, where you’ll stay for three nights.
- Included Activity: Equator Crossing
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 & 10: Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Nearby Parks
Embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda (or Rwanda/DRC depending on permit availability). Trek through the rainforest in small groups with experienced guides to observe mountain gorillas in the wild. Other activities include swimming, kayaking, cultural visits to Batwa Pygmy communities, or a day trip to Rwanda.
- Optional Activities: Gorilla Trek, Batwa Visit, Rwanda Day Tour
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo – Uganda
Travel to Lake Mburo, a paradise for birdwatchers and home to rare species like the shoebill stork. Enjoy views from your scenic campsite near the national park.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12 & 13: Lake Mburo to Jinja – Uganda
Return to Jinja for two nights of relaxation and adventure. Choose to go white-water rafting, river bugging, kayaking, or enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Victoria.
- Optional Activities: White-Water Rafting, Kayaking, Boat Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 14: Jinja to Eldoret – Uganda to Kenya
On Day 14 of our Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Camping Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris, we cross back into Kenya. We camp overnight in Eldoret, Kenya’s fifth-largest city located at 2,100 meters above sea level. Known as the hometown of many world-renowned athletes, Eldoret is a hotspot for high-altitude training and offers a unique atmosphere filled with sports heritage and scenic views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Eldoret to Nairobi – Kenya
We head back to the vibrant city of Nairobi, where we overnight before continuing our African overland adventure into Tanzania. Enjoy exploring Nairobi’s famous sites like the Maasai Market, Kazuri Beads Co-operative, or try local street delicacies like nyama choma and ugali. Consider dining at the famous Carnivore Restaurant before unwinding at a rooftop bar with panoramic city views.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 16: Nairobi to Arusha – Tanzania
Departing Nairobi, we travel south through scenic Kenya and cross into Tanzania. Our destination is Arusha, nestled in the foothills of Mount Meru and a popular base for wildlife safaris to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Look out for Mount Kilimanjaro if the skies are clear. Tonight, we camp in Arusha as we prepare for the next leg of our journey through Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17 & 18: Serengeti National Park – Tanzania
Our journey with Adventure In The Wild Safaris takes us to the legendary Serengeti National Park. We travel in 4×4 safari vehicles through the stunning Great Rift Valley and into the heart of Serengeti’s Seronera region, renowned for its rich wildlife and “Big Cat” sightings. Over the next two days, enjoy unforgettable game drives and stay in luxury tents with sweeping views of the open plains.
Included Activities: Serengeti Half Day & Full Day Game Drives
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari (pre-booking required)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 19: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu – Tanzania
We leave Serengeti early and drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the eighth wonder of the world. Descending into the crater, we enjoy extraordinary game viewing among over 25,000 resident animals. In the afternoon, we travel to Karatu for an overnight stay in a nearby campsite.
Included Activity: 4×4 Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 20: Karatu to Arusha – Tanzania
Traveling back to Arusha, we pass through Mto wa Mbu village. This culturally rich village is home to over 120 tribes and offers a vibrant market experience. After exploring the market, we continue to Arusha for an overnight stay.
Included Activity: Mto wa Mbu Market Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 21: Arusha to Bagamoyo – Tanzania
We journey east to the Swahili coast, arriving in Bagamoyo, a town with a rich history in dhow building, trade, and colonial heritage. Our campsite here offers views of the Indian Ocean and a glimpse into Tanzania’s coastal culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22 & 23: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Island – Tanzania
We take a ferry from Dar es Salaam to the tropical island of Zanzibar. After arriving in Stone Town, we transfer to the island’s eastern coast for two days of relaxation at a beach resort. Activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, dhow sailing, spice tours, or visiting Jozani Forest and local villages.
Included Activity: Zanzibar Island Ferry
Optional Activities: Dhow Trips, Jozani Forest, Snorkeling, Village Tours & More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 24: Zanzibar – Stone Town Tour
We return to Stone Town and explore its history on a guided walking tour. Discover spice plantations, visit Freddie Mercury’s birthplace, and explore local markets. The evening is perfect for sampling local seafood at Forodhani Gardens.
Included Activities: Zanzibar Spice Tour, Stone Town Walking Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 25: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
After a relaxed morning, we ferry back to Dar es Salaam and check into a central hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Tanzania’s largest city, its local markets, and coastal cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 26 & 27: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi – Tanzania
We head inland to Mikumi National Park, part of the Selous ecosystem. Spend two nights at a comfortable safari camp and enjoy optional game drives or cultural experiences. Mikumi is home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, antelope species, and birdlife.
Optional Activities: Mikumi Safari Game Drive, Cultural Tours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 28: Mikumi to Iringa – Tanzania
Today we travel through the scenic Southern Highlands, stopping at Baobab Valley for photos. We continue to Iringa, where we stay on a working farm with views of the Ruaha River Valley.
Included Activity: Baobab Valley Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 29: Iringa to Mbeya Mountains – Tanzania
Passing through tea plantations and mountain passes, we reach the Mbeya highlands. Visit a coffee plantation to learn about cultivation and sample local brews. We overnight in a shared bungalow on a coffee farm near Mbeya town.
Included Activity: Coffee Plantation Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 30: Mbeya to Lake Malawi – Malawi
We cross into Malawi and descend into the Great Rift Valley, arriving at the beautiful shores of Lake Malawi. Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” Malawi is famous for its friendly people and pristine lakefront. We visit a local fishing village to explore the daily life along Africa’s third-largest lake.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 31 & 32: Ngala Beach – Lake Malawi
On this leg of your Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris, we journey further south to the central region of Lake Malawi. We spend two relaxing nights on the peaceful shores of Ngala Beach. Take this time to unwind, soak up the sun, and swim in the warm, clear waters of the lake. For the more adventurous, there are options to explore by kayak, snorkel, or even hike to the beautiful Dwanbazi Waterfall.
Optional Activities: Snorkeling, Horse Riding, Paddle Skiing, Waterfall Hike and more.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner x2
Days 33 & 34: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
After a final Lake Malawi sunrise, we cross into Zambia and continue to the banks of the Luangwa River at South Luangwa National Park, a wildlife-rich destination in our Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari. The next day is dedicated to discovering the park’s incredible biodiversity. Choose a morning walking safari or game drive, then relax during the heat of the day before enjoying an included sunset game drive to witness nocturnal wildlife in action.
Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive
Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive, Walking Safari (seasonal)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner x2
Day 35: South Luangwa to Petauke – Zambia
Today we head toward Petauke with a meaningful stop at the Mulberry Mongoose workshop in Chipata. This social enterprise empowers local women who create beautiful jewelry from natural and reclaimed materials. It’s a unique highlight on your Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
Included Activity: Mulberry Mongoose Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 36: Petauke to Lusaka – Zambia
Our journey continues along the Great East Road to Lusaka, Zambia’s bustling capital. Along the way, we visit the vibrant Luangwa Market—perfect for picking up local crafts and tasting regional delicacies. Tonight, we camp just outside Lusaka, surrounded by African bush and possibly spotting giraffes or impalas from camp.
Included Activity: Market Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 37: Lusaka to Livingstone – Victoria Falls, Zambia
We travel to Livingstone, gateway to the majestic Victoria Falls—locally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya.” Over the next two days, immerse yourself in a variety of thrilling activities including bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and helicopter flights, or simply enjoy a quiet walk along the falls. This iconic stop is a must on your Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari.
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Entry, Rafting, Bungee, Ziplining, Helicopter Flights, Sunset Cruise, Chobe Game Drive, and more
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 38: Livingstone to Victoria Falls Town – Zimbabwe
We cross into Zimbabwe to camp near Victoria Falls village. The transfer is included and can be scheduled based on your planned activities. Enjoy more time exploring the awe-inspiring waterfalls or the town’s vibrant culture.
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Entry, Rafting, Helicopter Flights, Sunset Cruise, and more
Meals: No meals included
Day 39: Victoria Falls to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana
We cross into Botswana and arrive in Kasane, near the Chobe River. This afternoon, embark on a magical Chobe River Boat Cruise, where you’ll witness elephants, hippos, and more along the water’s edge—an unforgettable highlight of the Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari.
Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 40: Kasane to Nata – Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Heading into the Kalahari Desert, we camp near the Nata region and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Enjoy a sundowner near the waterhole as elephants may come in for a drink under the African sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 41: Nata to Maun & Khwai Conservation Area – Botswana
We travel through rural Botswana to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Optionally, take a scenic flight over this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, we continue by 4×4 into the Khwai River region for a mokoro excursion and sunset nature walk—immersing you in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
Included Activities: Makgadikgadi Viewpoint, Mokoro Trip
Optional Activity: Scenic Okavango Flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 42: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana
We enjoy a full-day safari in the pristine Moremi Game Reserve, home to the Big Five and a rich diversity of wildlife and birds. Expect an exhilarating day of wildlife viewing as part of your Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari experience with Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
Included Activity: Full-Day Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 43: Khwai to Maun – Botswana
We return to Maun through the backroads of the Delta, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. Enjoy an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta for a final aerial view of this extraordinary region.
Optional Activity: Scenic Okavango Flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 44: Maun to Palapye – Botswana
We head south through the Central Kalahari, traveling past rural communities and scenic desert landscapes before arriving at our campsite in the town of Palapye.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 45: Arrival in Johannesburg – South Africa
The final day of your unforgettable Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Safari takes you into South Africa via the Trans-Kalahari Highway. After clearing the border, we arrive in Johannesburg where your overland adventure ends.
Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Camping Safari – Important Tour Information
Overland Tour Notes
The itinerary for this Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Camping Safari is designed to offer maximum flexibility and wildlife viewing opportunities. Please note that changes may occur without prior notice to improve gorilla trekking chances. The gorilla trekking permit price may also vary unexpectedly.
To ensure a stress-free experience, we highly recommend arriving in Nairobi at least one day before the safari departure and scheduling your return flight at least one day after the tour ends in Johannesburg. This helps accommodate any delays or changes in the schedule.
Need extra nights? Simply ask your dedicated travel advisor at Adventure In The Wild Safaris to include pre- and post-tour accommodation in your safari package.
This unforgettable Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Camping Safari is also available in reverse — beginning in Johannesburg and concluding in Nairobi. Prefer a more comfortable stay? A lodge version of the same itinerary is available, offering stays in charming lodges instead of campsites.
For more details or to tailor your safari, get in touch with Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
The Great Migration Africa – What You Need to Know
Witness one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles on this overland adventure — the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every year, millions of wildebeest, joined by zebras, gazelles, and other antelopes, journey between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
This epic migration is marked by river crossings, predator encounters, and scenes of raw survival as lions, crocodiles, and hyenas follow the herds. The best time to view the Grumeti River crossing is typically June to August, while the Mara River crossing is best from July to September. Timing varies each year, so speak to our safari specialists at Adventure In The Wild Safaris for current advice and booking options.
Read our full guide to The Great Migration Africa for planning tips and frequently asked questions.
Optional Extras and Excursions
Enhance your Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Camping Safari with unforgettable optional excursions. For the most up-to-date prices, please contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
Kenya:
- Masai Mara Balloon Safari
- Masai Village Visit
- Masai Warrior Dancing
- Naivasha Boat Hire
- Naivasha Horse Riding
Uganda:
- Gorilla Trek (including transfer and booking fee)
- White Water Rafting on the Nile
- Nile Bungee Jump
- Soft Power Community Project
- Quad Biking
- Horse Riding + transfer
- Trip T-Shirt
Tanzania:
- Masai Village Visit
- Olduvai Gorge Visit
Zanzibar:
- Prison Island Snorkeling Trip
- Diving, Snorkeling & Fishing
- Motorbike or Car Hire (with local driver’s license/insurance)
Malawi:
- Freshwater Diving at Kande Beach
- Horse Riding at Kande Beach (Bush, Beach & Swim)
- Village Walk & Traditional Meal at Kande Beach
- Village Walk at Chitimba Beach
- Traditional Healer Visit
- Livingstonia Mission Hike
- Wood Carving Lessons & Local Fishing Experience
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls):
- White Water Rafting
- River Boarding Combo (Raft & Board)
- Zambezi Canoeing
- Gorge Swing, Zip-line & Flying Fox
- Bungee Jumping & Tandem Jump
- Microlight Flight Over Victoria Falls
- Helicopter Flight Over Victoria Falls
- Trip T-Shirt
Botswana:
- Nata Game Drive or Bush Walk
- Scenic Okavango Delta Flight
- Boat Cruise on the Chobe River
South Africa:
- Johannesburg City Tour (post-trip)
- Soweto Tour in Johannesburg (post-trip)
- Kruger Park Open Vehicle Game Drive
- Panoramic Route: Blyde River Canyon & God’s Window
Child Policy
Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for children.