45-Day Overland Africa Tour from Nairobi to Johannesburg with Gorilla Trekking
Embark on an epic Overland Africa Tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris, journeying from Nairobi to Johannesburg through Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. This 45-day safari adventure stays in comfortable lodges and showcases the continent’s breathtaking wildlife, landscapes, and cultures.
Highlights
- Wildlife safari in Masai Mara, Kenya
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest
- Big 5 game drives in Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
- White-water rafting in Jinja, Uganda
- Beach time on Zanzibar Island
- Scenic Lake Malawi and South Luangwa National Park
- Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta & Chobe River
- Wild Kalahari Desert and Makgadikgadi Pans
This affordable lodge-based Overland Africa Tour is ideal for travelers seeking real adventure across East and Southern Africa. Experience game drives, gorilla encounters, and vibrant cultures – all while staying in well-selected safari lodges.
Responsible Travel Note
Adventure In The Wild Safaris does not support unethical wildlife interactions such as lion walks or elephant rides. These practices can harm wild animals and disrupt their natural behavior. We promote ethical tourism that respects Africa’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1–2: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya
Depart Nairobi in 4×4 safari vehicles and travel to the legendary Masai Mara, one of Africa’s premier game-viewing destinations. Enjoy luxury Meru-style tented lodge accommodation and thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five and the Great Migration (seasonal).
Included: Masai Mara Safari | Meals: B, L, D (x2)
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya
Meet up with your overland truck and drive to Lake Nakuru, famous for its flamingos and rhino population. Enjoy a game drive in this beautiful Great Rift Valley park and stay overnight in nearby Nakuru.
Included: Lake Nakuru Game Drive | Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Nakuru to Jinja – Uganda
Cross the border into Uganda, stopping at the Equator for photos. Continue to Jinja, where the Nile River begins its journey from Lake Victoria. Stay at a scenic lodge near the Victoria Nile and Kalagala Falls.
Included: Equator Photo Stop | Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Jinja to Masindi & Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda
Drive via Kampala to Masindi, your base for exploring Murchison Falls. Optional visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino walk.
Optional: Ziwa Rhino Walk | Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trek & Nile River Cruise – Uganda
Trek chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, then enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile in Murchison Falls National Park. Spot wildlife and relax in this lush region.
Included: Chimpanzee Trek, Nile River Cruise | Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Masindi to Lake Kikorongo – Uganda
Travel to Lake Kikorongo, on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Overnight at a hilltop lodge with stunning lake views.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Lake Kikorongo to Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda
Cross the Equator again en route to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest lakes, known for its scenic beauty and birdlife. Stay at a lakeside lodge for three nights in preparation for gorilla trekking.
Included: Equator Crossing | Meals: B, L, D
Day 9–10: Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Uganda
Spend two days in the Bwindi region. Trek into the forest to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Non-trekking time can be spent kayaking, swimming, or visiting the Batwa Pygmies or Rwanda on a day trip.
Optional: Gorilla Trek (permit required), Pygmy Visit, Rwanda Day Tour |
Meals: B, L, D (x2)
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo – Uganda
Travel to Lake Mburo, a haven for birders and nature lovers. Enjoy the peaceful lodge atmosphere and spot the rare shoebill stork.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12–13: Lake Mburo to Jinja – Uganda
Journey back to Jinja, crossing the Equator once again. Stay by the Nile and enjoy the adventure capital of Uganda. Optional activities include white-water rafting, kayaking, and quad biking.
Optional: Adventure Activities in Jinja | Meals: B, L, D (x2)
Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorilla Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Day 14: Jinja to Eldoret – Uganda & Kenya
On Day 14 of this unforgettable Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorilla Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris, we re-enter Kenya and head to Eldoret. Set at an elevation of 2,100 meters, Eldoret is Kenya’s fifth-largest city and home to some of the world’s top long-distance runners. The city is a training hub for international athletes due to its high-altitude climate.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Eldoret to Nairobi – Kenya
We return to Kenya’s lively capital, Nairobi, for an overnight stay. Explore local attractions like the Maasai Market and the Kazuri Beads Co-operative, or indulge in street food delights such as nyama choma and ugali. For a culinary highlight, dine at the iconic Carnivore Restaurant before experiencing Nairobi’s vibrant nightlife.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 16: Nairobi to Arusha – Tanzania
Today we journey south to Tanzania, crossing the border and heading to Arusha. Nestled at the base of Mount Meru, Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. From here, guests often venture into Serengeti National Park or prepare for Kilimanjaro climbs. Enjoy your lodge stay and pack a small bag for the upcoming 3-day wildlife adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17 & 18: Arusha to Serengeti National Park – Tanzania
We begin our Serengeti journey in 4×4 safari vehicles, travelling through the picturesque Rift Valley to Seronera in central Serengeti. Our luxury tented camp offers magnificent views of the plains teeming with wildlife. On Day 18, enjoy full-day game drives in search of the Big Five and other animals, such as wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs. This region is also ideal for a pre-booked hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti.
Included Activity: Half-Day & Full-Day Game Drives
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 19: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu – Tanzania
We depart early for a game drive en route to Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend into the crater and explore its densely populated wildlife haven, home to over 25,000 animals. After a thrilling safari, we travel to Karatu for an overnight stay at a comfortable lodge.
Included Activity: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 20: Karatu to Arusha – Tanzania
We drive back to Arusha through the Great Rift Valley, stopping at Mto wa Mbu, a culturally diverse village home to over 120 ethnic groups. Explore its vibrant local market before returning to your lodge in Arusha for the night.
Included Activity: Mto wa Mbu Market Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 21: Arusha to Bagamoyo – Tanzania
Our journey continues to Bagamoyo, a historic town on the Indian Ocean coast. Famous for traditional dhow building and colonial history, Bagamoyo offers a glimpse into Swahili culture and seafaring heritage.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22 & 23: Bagamoyo to Zanzibar Beach Resort – Tanzania
Travel to Dar es Salaam and board the ferry to Zanzibar. After arriving in Stone Town, transfer to a beachfront resort on the island’s eastern shore. Enjoy two days of relaxation and optional activities such as dhow sailing, snorkelling, diving, visiting Jozani Forest, or exploring local villages.
Included Activity: Zanzibar Ferry
Optional Activities: Dhow Trip, Forest Walk, Turtle Sanctuary, Diving, Cultural Tours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 24: Stone Town – Zanzibar
Return to Stone Town with a stop for a fascinating Spice Tour. Learn about local spice farming before checking into your hotel. Later, enjoy a walking tour of this historic town, including landmarks like the Freddie Mercury House and the vibrant local markets. Explore Stone Town’s winding alleys, sample Swahili cuisine, and unwind at Forodhani Gardens.
Included Activities: Stone Town Tour, Spice Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 25: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
After a leisurely morning, take the ferry back to Dar es Salaam for an overnight stay. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure—perhaps explore markets or savour Tanzanian cuisine along the scenic coastline.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 26 & 27: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi – Tanzania
We leave the coast behind and head inland to Mikumi National Park. Spend two nights at a comfortable lodge near the park. Optional safari drives offer sightings of Masai giraffes, elephants, lions, and a variety of antelope species. Alternatively, relax or join cultural experiences in nearby communities.
Optional Activities: Mikumi Safari, Cultural Tours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 28: Mikumi to Iringa – Tanzania
Today, we continue through the scenic Southern Highlands. A brief stop at Baobab Valley offers perfect photo opportunities with its dramatic ancient trees. Later, arrive in Iringa, a town with German colonial charm, for an overnight farm stay.
Included Activity: Baobab Valley Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 29: Iringa to Mbeya Mountains – Tanzania
We drive through highland farms and tea plantations, stopping at a coffee estate to learn about coffee production and enjoy tastings. We overnight at a lodge on a plantation in the scenic Mbeya region.
Included Activity: Coffee Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 30: Mbeya to Lake Malawi – Malawi
Cross into Malawi, known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, and descend the Great Rift Valley to the tranquil shores of Lake Malawi. This incredible lake stretches over 500 km and is famous for its biodiversity. Enjoy your evening at a peaceful lodge by the water’s edge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
45-Day Nairobi to Johannesburg Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Days 31 & 32: Ngala Beach, Lake Malawi – Malawi
After a scenic journey south, we arrive at the tranquil shores of Lake Malawi, where we’ll spend two nights unwinding at a lakeside lodge on Ngala Beach. Take time to relax, swim in the warm, clear waters, or enjoy optional activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, paddle skiing, or a hike to the beautiful Dwanbazi Waterfall.
- Optional Activities: Snorkeling, Horse Riding, Paddle Skiing, Waterfall Hike
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (x2)
Days 33 & 34: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
We leave Malawi behind and head into Zambia, stopping at Chipata before reaching South Luangwa National Park. On day 34, enjoy game drives or a seasonal walking safari in this diverse park known for its rich wildlife including leopards, elephants, and hippos. Our sunset game drive offers unforgettable sightings and a magical African sundowner experience.
- 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
We travel to Petauke via Chipata, where we visit Mulberry Mongoose, a local initiative crafting jewelry from reclaimed snare wire and other sustainable materials. This meaningful stop highlights local creativity and conservation efforts.
- Included Activity: Mulberry Mongoose Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 36: Petauke to Lusaka – Zambia
Our journey continues west along the Great East Road, with a stop at Luangwa Market to explore local foods and crafts. We overnight at a lodge south of Lusaka, surrounded by bushveld and home to giraffes, zebra, and vibrant birdlife.
- Included Activity: Market Visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 37: Lusaka to Livingstone (Victoria Falls) – Zambia
We travel to Livingstone, home to the majestic Victoria Falls. Optional activities include white-water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter flights, game drives, and sunset cruises. Enjoy exploring the vibrant town and relaxing at your leisure.
- Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Entry, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights, Bungee Jumping, and more
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 38: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
We transfer across the border into Zimbabwe and continue our adventure in Victoria Falls village. Spend the day exploring or joining optional excursions before overnighting at a comfortable lodge.
- Optional Activities: All Victoria Falls Excursions
- Meals: None
Day 39: Victoria Falls to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana
We travel into Botswana to the town of Kasane and settle at our riverside lodge on the Chobe River. Later, enjoy a boat cruise in Chobe National Park, renowned for its massive elephant population and incredible riverbank wildlife sightings.
- Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 40: Kasane to Nata (Makgadikgadi Pans) – Botswana
We head south into the Kalahari Desert to Nata. Our lodge near the Makgadikgadi Pans offers a peaceful setting with desert elephants often visiting the nearby waterhole. Enjoy a relaxing evening with sunset views over the pans.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 41: Nata to Maun & Khwai (Okavango Delta) – Botswana
Travel through the Kalahari to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Optional scenic flights offer incredible views of this inland delta. We then switch to 4x4s for our journey to a tented camp in the Khwai region for a true wilderness experience and a traditional mokoro canoe trip at sunset.
- Included Activity: Makgadikgadi Viewpoint, Mokoro Sunset Trip
- Optional Activity: Okavango Delta Flight
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 42: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana
Spend the day on a full-day game drive in Moremi Game Reserve, one of Africa’s best wildlife viewing areas. Look out for the Big 5, rare African wild dogs, and a wide variety of birds and antelope in this thriving ecosystem.
- Included Activity: Full Day Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 43: Khwai to Maun – Botswana
We return to Maun via backroads, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. Once back in Maun, enjoy another opportunity for a scenic Delta flight. Tonight, we stay at a riverside lodge in town.
- Optional Activity: Scenic Flight Over Okavango Delta
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 44: Maun to Palapye – Botswana
We journey south through Botswana’s central Kalahari region. The route takes us past wildlife watering holes and the southern edges of the Makgadikgadi Pans before arriving in Palapye for our overnight stay.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 45: Palapye to Johannesburg – South Africa
Our incredible Nairobi to Johannesburg Overland Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris concludes as we travel the Trans-Kalahari Highway to Johannesburg. Reflect on the breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable wildlife encounters of this epic African journey.
- Meals: Breakfast
Keyword: Nairobi to Johannesburg Overland Safari
Overland Tour Notes
This itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted without prior notice to ensure the best possible viewing of the Mountain Gorillas. Please note that the permit price for gorilla visits is also subject to change without notice.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after your Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Lodge Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. Arriving the day before your Nairobi departure and flying out the day after your tour ends in Johannesburg helps accommodate any delays or changes.
Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to include pre-tour and post-tour accommodation when booking your safari.
This southbound Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Tour is also available in reverse, starting in Johannesburg and ending in Nairobi.
For travelers who prefer camping, this Lodge Overland Tour is available as a Camping Overland Tour – the Nairobi to Johannesburg & Gorillas Camping Safari. It follows the same itinerary, with accommodation provided at campsites instead of lodges.
For more details, contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
Wildebeest Great Migration Explained
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular natural events globally, involving the annual movement of millions of wildebeest, along with large numbers of zebra and smaller herds of Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, eland, and impala. This incredible migration follows an irregular route between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
This dynamic migration showcases the daily life-and-death struggles as the herds cross plains, hills, and rivers. You will also witness the world-class predators that follow them, including lions, hyenas, and crocodiles.
The timing of the migration varies each year, with the best viewing opportunities typically between June and August when wildebeest cross the Grumeti River in Tanzania, and between July and September when they cross the Mara River between Tanzania and Kenya. Due to the unpredictable nature of the migration, we advise consulting our safari experts at Adventure In The Wild Safaris to get the latest updates and plan your trip accordingly.