57-Day Best of Africa Safari – Lodge Overland Tour
Operated by Adventure In The Wild Safaris
This epic Best of Africa Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris is a once-in-a-lifetime overland lodge journey through Southern and East Africa. From Cape Town to Uganda, this 57-day safari adventure takes you across nine countries, exploring the continent’s top game reserves, natural wonders, cultural hubs, and remote wilderness areas—all while staying in comfortable lodges.
Quick Itinerary Overview
- South Africa: Cape Town, Cederberg Mountains, Namaqualand, Gariep River
- Namibia: Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha, Windhoek
- Botswana: Kalahari, Okavango Delta, Moremi, Chobe National Park
- Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls, Zambezi River
- Zambia: Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park
- Malawi: Lake Malawi villages and beaches
- Tanzania: Mikumi, Zanzibar, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
- Kenya: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Eldoret, Nairobi
- Uganda: Chimpanzee trekking, Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Gorillas, Jinja, Murchison Falls
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town to Cederberg Mountains, South Africa
Start your Best of Africa Safari in the vibrant city of Cape Town. Capture postcard-perfect views of Table Mountain before heading into the Cederberg Mountains. Stay in a comfortable lodge in Citrusdal with a swimming pool and enjoy home-cooked meals.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Namaqualand to Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia
Travel through the wildflower-rich Namaqualand region and cross the border into Namibia. Enjoy your first riverside lodge stay with en-suite chalets overlooking the Gariep River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gariep River to Fish River Canyon & Keetmanshoop, Namibia
Optional canoeing on the Gariep River in the morning. After lunch, visit the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon before continuing to Keetmanshoop for the night.
Included: Fish River Canyon lookout
Optional: Half-day canoe trip
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground to Namib Desert, Namibia
Explore the surreal Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground before driving into the Namib Desert. Overnight in a lodge near the park entrance with a pool and bar to unwind.
Included: Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Namib Desert, Namibia
A rest day in the desert with optional self-guided walks and time to soak in the scenery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Sossusvlei & Deadvlei, Namibia
Climb the famous Dune 45 and explore Sossusvlei and Deadvlei by 4×4. Witness the eerie beauty of skeletal camelthorn trees and towering orange dunes before returning to your desert lodge.
Included: Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45 hike, 4×4 transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Namib Desert to Swakopmund, Namibia
Learn survival skills from a local guide on a desert walk before crossing the Tropic of Capricorn. Arrive in Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Included: Guided desert walk, Tropic of Capricorn stop
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Swakopmund, Namibia
Free day to explore Swakopmund. Optional activities include sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving, or a dolphin cruise.
Optional: Dolphin cruise, Skydiving, Sandboarding, Quad biking
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Swakopmund to Khorixas, Namibia
Visit Wlotskabaken and the Lichen Fields before heading inland. Discover the ancient Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and the Petrified Forest—both UNESCO heritage sites and geological wonders.
Included: Wlotskabaken, Lichen Fields, Twyfelfontein, Petrified Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Khorixas to Etosha National Park, Namibia
Enter Etosha National Park for a scenic afternoon game drive in search of Africa’s Big 5 and other wildlife. Stay overnight inside the park at a rest camp.
Included: Afternoon game drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11–12: Etosha National Park, Namibia
Enjoy two full days of wildlife viewing in Etosha, known for its vast salt pans and floodlit waterholes. Optional night drives available.
Included: Daytime game drives
Optional: Night game drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (x2)
Day 13: Etosha to Divundu (Caprivi), Namibia
Travel east to the Caprivi Strip, arriving at your riverside lodge near the Kavango River—gateway to the Okavango Delta. Optional activities include boat safaris, fishing, and Popa Falls visits.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Divundu to Maun, Botswana
Depart Namibia and enter Botswana, heading toward Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Prepare for an unforgettable delta experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Maun to Khwai River Conservation Area (Okavango Delta) – Botswana
If you’re early enough, you can take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta – an incredible opportunity to view this natural wonder from the air (subject to weather and timing). You’ll pack a smaller overnight bag for the next two nights due to luggage restrictions on smaller safari vehicles.
You will be transferred in safari vehicles into the Khwai River Conservation Area, part of the Okavango Delta, for a unique wilderness experience. After settling into camp, we visit a mokoro polers’ station and meet local guides who will lead us through the Delta’s tranquil channels and lagoons in traditional dug-out canoes. We may disembark on a secluded island for a nature walk to explore the region’s flora and fauna. As the day ends, the Delta lights up under the golden hues of sunset.
Your rustic mobile fly camp includes Meru-style tents with two single beds, an en-suite bucket shower, and a chemical toilet.
- Included Activity: Sunset Mokoro Trip
- Optional Activity: Scenic Okavango Delta Flight
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana
Today we embark on a full-day game drive in Moremi Game Reserve, covering about 5,000 square kilometers in the eastern Okavango Delta. This reserve is a sanctuary for endangered species such as cheetahs, rhinos, African wild dogs, and lions. The drive takes you through floodplains, mopane woodlands, lagoons, and savannahs rich in wildlife and over 500 bird species. As dusk falls, we return to camp.
- Included Activity: Full-Day Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Khwai to Nata & Makgadikgadi Pans – Botswana
Leaving Khwai, we travel through the Okavango Delta and meet our truck in Maun. From here, we cross the Kalahari Desert to the awe-inspiring Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, remnants of an ancient lake. During the wet season, these pans transform into a wildlife haven. Our lodge lies near Sua Pan, home to seasonal flamingo migrations and over 160 bird species.
- Included Activity: Afternoon Pans Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Nata to Chobe National Park & Kasane – Botswana
We journey to Kasane on the Chobe River, where Botswana meets Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Chobe River, offering close-up views of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Sunset over the Chobe River is a highlight.
- Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
- Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Kasane to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
We cross into Zimbabwe and visit Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You’re free to explore the falls and enjoy optional adventure activities such as bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, helicopter flights, or a Zambezi sunset cruise. Overnight at a riverside lodge near Zambezi National Park.
- Optional Activities: Victoria Falls National Park Entry, Bungee Jumping, Zambezi Cruise, Helicopter Flights, Whitewater Rafting
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 20: Victoria Falls to Livingstone – Zambia
Spend the day enjoying more optional activities at Victoria Falls or explore the town before crossing into Zambia. A transfer takes you to your accommodation in Livingstone, with options for an 8am or 4pm departure.
- Optional Activities: Tram & Bridge Tour, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, Whitewater Rafting
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 21: Livingstone to Lusaka – Zambia
We leave Victoria Falls and drive through rural Zambia to reach our overnight stop just south of Lusaka. The safari camp offers a peaceful setting with opportunities to spot impala, zebra, and giraffe.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22: Lusaka to Petauke – Zambia
Our journey continues through Zambia’s capital to Petauke, the gateway to South Luangwa National Park. En route, we stop at Luangwa Market to browse local crafts and produce.
- Included Activity: Visit to Luangwa Market
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 23 & 24: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
We travel to South Luangwa National Park, stopping at Mulberry Mongoose, a women-led conservation craft project. Enjoy two nights on the Luangwa River, with great wildlife viewing from the lodge. Join an optional walking safari or game drive in the morning. In the afternoon, we embark on a sunset game drive, continuing into the night to spot nocturnal animals.
- Included Activities: Mulberry Mongoose Visit, Sunset Game Drive
- Optional Activities: Walking Safari, Morning Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 25 & 26: South Luangwa to Lake Malawi (Central) – Malawi
We cross into Malawi and travel through Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve to the shores of Lake Malawi. Spend two nights relaxing, swimming, or enjoying optional activities such as a motorboat trip, waterfall hike, or snorkeling. Known for its friendly locals and diverse fish species, Lake Malawi offers both adventure and tranquillity.
- Optional Activities: Snorkelling, Waterfall Hike, Motorboat Trip, Horse Riding, Paddle Skiing
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 27: Northern Lake Malawi – Malawi
We travel further north along Lake Malawi, stopping for a guided walk to a nearby village for a cultural experience. Spend the evening enjoying lake views from a hammock with a refreshing drink.
- Included Activity: Village Walk
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
28-Day Overland Safari from Lake Malawi to Masai Mara with Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Day 28: Lake Malawi to Mbeya – Tanzania
We bid farewell to Lake Malawi and cross the border into Southern Tanzania. Our destination is the picturesque Mbeya Mountain Range, formed by volcanic activity. Tonight, our accommodation is at a scenic lodge on a coffee plantation nestled on the mountain slopes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 29: Mbeya to Iringa – Tanzania
Enjoy a fresh cup of locally grown coffee before visiting a nearby plantation to learn about the coffee-growing process. We then drive through the lush Tanzanian Highlands and Great Rift Valley, taking in the stunning mountain scenery and tea plantations.
Included Activity: Coffee Plantation Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 30 & 31: Iringa to Mikumi National Park – Tanzania
We visit the remarkable Baobab Valley before continuing to Mikumi National Park, the fourth largest in Tanzania. Known as the ‘little Serengeti’, this park is rich in wildlife including elephants, lions, buffalo, and more. We spend two nights at a comfortable safari camp. Optional activities include game drives and cultural tours.
Optional Activities: Mikumi Safari Game Drive, Cultural Tours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 32: Mikumi to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
Our overland safari heads to the bustling coastal city of Dar es Salaam. Enjoy a relaxed evening and prepare for tomorrow’s journey to Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 33: Dar es Salaam to Stone Town, Zanzibar – Tanzania
We take a ferry to Zanzibar Island and explore Stone Town, known for its rich history in the spice and slave trades. Discover winding alleys, ornate architecture, and spice-scented markets. The evening is free for you to explore the popular food market.
Included Activity: Zanzibar Ferry Ticket
Optional Activities: Spice Tour, Night Market, Slave Route Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 34 & 35: Zanzibar Island Beach Resort – Tanzania
Enjoy a morning tour of Stone Town including Freddy Mercury’s birthplace, followed by a spice tour through local plantations. Then we head to a stunning beach resort where you can unwind or enjoy optional water activities, dhow sailing trips, or visits to wildlife sanctuaries.
Optional Activities: Dhow Trips, Jozani Forest, Turtle Sanctuary, Snorkelling, Diving
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 36: Zanzibar to Bagamoyo – Tanzania
We return to Dar es Salaam by ferry and travel north to Bagamoyo, a historic coastal town that once served as a key trading post. Learn about its past and see how traditional dhow boats are still built today.
Included Activity: Zanzibar Return Ferry
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 37: Bagamoyo to Arusha – Tanzania
Journey inland through scenic Tanzanian countryside to Arusha, the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit and Mount Kilimanjaro. Arusha offers markets, history, and great local coffee.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 38: Arusha to Karatu – Tanzania
Today we visit the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu and its colourful market, before arriving in Karatu, our base for the next two nights. Karatu is ideally located between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Included Activity: Mto wa Mbu Market Visit
Optional Activities: Local Brewery Tour, Coffee Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 39 & 40: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti – Tanzania
We start with a 4×4 descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife-rich haven. Later, we head into the Serengeti and overnight in Seronera. Day 40 is dedicated to game drives in the heart of Serengeti, known for its predator sightings and massive herds.
Included Activities: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive, Serengeti Game Drives
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari (pre-booking required)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 41: Karatu to Arusha – Tanzania
We return to Arusha via the scenic Great Rift Valley and spend the night at a comfortable lodge, reflecting on our northern safari adventures.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 42: Arusha to Nairobi – Kenya
Cross into Kenya and travel to its capital, Nairobi. Spend your afternoon visiting top attractions like the Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Park, or the Maasai Market. Prepare a small overnight bag for the upcoming Masai Mara safari.
Optional Activities: Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 43 & 44: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya
Travel in 4×4 vehicles to the Masai Mara Reserve, renowned for its Big 5 sightings and the Great Migration. Spend two days on thrilling game drives in this wildlife-rich reserve. Our camp is conveniently located near the Sekanani gate.
Included Activity: Masai Mara Game Drives
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 45: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya
Today we journey to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its rhino population and seasonal flamingo displays. Explore the park’s diverse wildlife and birdlife on a game drive before retiring to our lodge in Nakuru town.
Included Activity: Lake Nakuru Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 46–57: Best of Africa Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Day 46: Nakuru to Jinja – Uganda
Our Best of Africa Safari continues as we cross into Uganda, fondly called the “Pearl of Africa”. En route, we stop at the equator for a photo opportunity. From there, we travel to the vibrant city of Jinja, situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria and famously known as the source of the Nile River.
We overnight at a tented camp near the riverbanks and Kalagala Central Forest Reserves. Jinja is a hub for adventure enthusiasts, offering thrilling activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and more.
- Included Highlight: Crossing the Equator
- Optional Activities: White Water Rafting (half day), Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Kayaking
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 47: Jinja to Kampala & Masindi – Uganda
We journey along Lake Victoria’s northern shores with a brief stop in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. Continuing northwest, we arrive in Masindi, gateway to the renowned Murchison Falls National Park.
Later in the day, there’s an opportunity to visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to a vital rhino conservation program.
- Optional Activity: Ziwa Rhino Walk
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 48: Budongo Forest Reserve & Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda
Today we head into the Budongo Forest Reserve for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. The forest is renowned for hosting the largest number of chimps in Uganda. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Nile River through Murchison Falls National Park—perfect for wildlife viewing.
- Included Activities: Chimpanzee Trekking, Nile River Boat Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 49: Masindi to Lake Kikorongo – Uganda
We travel southwest toward the majestic Rwenzori Mountains and stay near Lake Kikorongo. This crater lake area near Queen Elizabeth National Park offers spectacular volcanic landscapes, scenic views, and unique wildlife habitats.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 50: Lake Kikorongo to Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda
Today’s journey takes us across the equator once more, heading to stunning Lake Bunyonyi. Known for its depth, birdlife, and 29 picturesque islands, it is a haven for bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts. We settle in at a lakeside resort for a three-night stay.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 51 & 52: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Uganda
Experience the highlight of our Best of Africa Safari—mountain gorilla trekking. In groups of up to 6, we trek through lush forests in search of these critically endangered giants. Gorilla trekking locations may vary across Uganda, Rwanda, or the DRC depending on permit availability.
On the alternate day, explore the Lake Bunyonyi area by hiking or mountain biking.
- Optional Activities: Gorilla Trekking, Pygmy Village Visit, Rwanda Day Tour
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (both days)
Please note: Gorilla Trekking permits are not included and only one trek is conducted during the two days.
Day 53: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo – Uganda
We leave Lake Bunyonyi and head to Lake Mburo, located in Uganda’s smallest savannah national park. Despite its size, Lake Mburo National Park boasts rich biodiversity, from hippos and crocodiles to buffalo, zebra, and over 350 bird species.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 54 & 55: Lake Mburo to Jinja – Uganda
Returning to Jinja for two nights, you can relax by the Nile River or take part in thrilling optional activities. Popular choices include quad biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and river cruises. White water rafting remains a favorite.
- Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Horse Riding, Kayaking, Quad Biking
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (both days)
Day 56: Jinja to Eldoret – Kenya
We cross the border into Kenya and spend the night in Eldoret, a city located in the Great Rift Valley. Known as the “City of Champions”, Eldoret is renowned for producing world-class long-distance runners and offers a unique high-altitude environment.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 57: Eldoret to Nairobi – Kenya
On the final day of our Best of Africa Safari, we travel southeast to Nairobi. The journey ends with an optional farewell dinner where you can reminisce and connect with your fellow travelers.
- Optional Activity: Dinner in Nairobi
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Join Adventure In The Wild Safaris for this extraordinary Best of Africa Safari that takes you deep into East Africa’s top wildlife destinations, adventure capitals, and natural wonders.
Important Notes on Your African Safari Adventure
Note: This itinerary is flexible and may change without notice to ensure the best possible experience when viewing the Mountain Gorillas. Gorilla permit prices are also subject to change without prior notice.
More Overland Safari Options
This Best of Africa Lodge Overland Tour from Cape Town to Nairobi is also available in reverse, as the Best of Africa Safari (South) from Nairobi to Cape Town. For more information, please contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
Understanding the Wildebeest Great Migration
The Wildebeest Great Migration is a remarkable seasonal event. However, its timing and movement patterns are unpredictable, so sightings are not guaranteed. This awe-inspiring migration includes wildebeest, zebra, and other herbivores as they travel across the plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania.
The herds follow a circular path over 1,200 miles (1931 km), creating a dynamic wildlife spectacle that changes location throughout the year. Sometimes the herds gather densely, while at other times they spread out, making every sighting unique. To learn more, speak with an expert from Adventure In The Wild Safaris or check out our detailed article on the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.
Optional Extras and Excursions
To receive the latest pricing for optional activities, please contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
South Africa Safari Activities
- Half-Day Orange River Canoe Trip
Namibia Safari Activities
- Dolphin Cruise
- Skydiving
- Sandboarding
- Quad Biking
Botswana Safari Activities
- Guided Kalahari San (Bushmen) Walk
- Scenic Okavango Delta Flight
- Tips for Polers – At Client’s Discretion
- Chobe National Park Game Drive
Zimbabwe Safari Activities
- Visit Victoria Falls
- Zambezi Sunset Cruise
- Dinner Out in Victoria Falls
- Morning Tram & Bridge Tour
- Bungee Jump (solo)
- Helicopter Flights
- White Water Rafting
- Full Day Riverboarding
Zambia Safari Activities
- Walking Safari in South Luangwa National Park
- Morning Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
Malawi Safari Activities
- Snorkeling
- Hiking
- Kayaking
Tanzania & Zanzibar Activities
- Afternoon Game Drive in Mikumi National Park
- Swimming with Dolphins (min 2 people)
- Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
- Dhow Sailing Trips
- Jozani Forest
- Turtle Sanctuary
- Fishing Trips
Kenya Safari Activities
- Dinner Out in Nairobi
Uganda Safari Activities
- Gorilla Trekking
- Canoe Rental at Lake Bunyoni
- Guided Birding Walk (2.5 hours)
- Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park
- Nile River Rafting (Half Day)
- Horse Riding, Quad Biking & Kayaking in Jinja
- Murchison Falls Game Drive
Child Policy
This tour welcomes children, subject to the following conditions:
- Minimum age is 12 years for scheduled departure dates.
- A maximum of 4 children aged 12–15 are allowed per tour departure.
- If 4 children are already booked, additional requests are subject to availability.
- Minimum age for Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking and Pygmy Village visits is 16 years.
- Some activities may have additional age restrictions. Please confirm in advance.
For more information about this Best of Africa Safari or to customize your overland journey, please reach out to Adventure In The Wild Safaris.