57-Day Best of Africa Tour – Accommodated Safari (South)
Embark on an unforgettable journey across Africa with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. This 57-day accommodated safari offers an immersive experience through diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and abundant wildlife.
Quick Itinerary Overview
- Kenya: Masai Mara Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Eldoret, Nairobi
- Uganda: Chimpanzee Trekking, Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Jinja, Murchison Falls
- Tanzania: Mikumi National Park, Zanzibar Island, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
- Malawi: Lake Malawi’s Villages & Beaches
- Zambia: South Luangwa National Park, Livingstone
- Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls, Zambezi River
- Botswana: Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta, Khwai River, Moremi Game Reserve
- Namibia: Kavango River, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, Orange River
- South Africa: Namaqualand, Cederberg Mountains, Cape Town
Note: The itinerary is flexible and may change to ensure the best possible wildlife viewing experiences. Gorilla trekking permits are subject to availability and may change without notice.
Responsible Travel Notice
Adventure In The Wild Safaris is committed to ethical tourism. We do not endorse activities that involve direct interaction with wild animals, such as walking with lions or riding elephants, as these practices can be harmful to wildlife.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya
Depart Nairobi and travel to the iconic Masai Mara, renowned for its vast plains and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a game drive en route to your tented camp near the reserve’s gate.
Included Activities: Masai Mara Excursion
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya
Spend the day exploring the Masai Mara in 4×4 safari vehicles, seeking out the Big Five and witnessing the rich biodiversity of the reserve.
Included Activities: Masai Mara Excursion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya
Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its flamingos and rhino population. Enjoy a game drive before overnighting in Nakuru town.
Included Activities: Lake Nakuru Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Jinja – Uganda
Cross into Uganda, stopping at the equator for a photo opportunity. Arrive in Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda, situated on the Nile’s shores.
Included Highlight: Equator Crossing
Optional Activities: White-Water Rafting, Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Kayaking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Jinja to Masindi – Uganda
Visit Kampala briefly before heading to Masindi, gateway to Murchison Falls National Park. Optional visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walk.
Optional Activities: Ziwa Rhino Walk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Masindi to Budongo Forest – Uganda
Embark on a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Budongo Forest, home to Uganda’s largest chimp population. Later, enjoy a Nile River cruise in Murchison Falls National Park.
Included Activities: Chimpanzee Trekking, Nile River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Masindi to Lake Kikorongo – Uganda
Travel towards the Rwenzori Mountains, arriving at a lodge overlooking Lake Kikorongo, near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Lake Kikorongo to Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda
Cross the equator again en route to Lake Bunyonyi, known for its scenic beauty and birdlife. Settle in for a three-night stay.
Included Activities: Equator Crossing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 9 & 10: Gorilla Trekking – Uganda
Experience the thrill of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Spend an hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. On the alternate day, enjoy optional activities around Lake Bunyonyi.
Optional Activities: Gorilla Trekking, Pygmy Village Visit, Rwanda Day Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (both days)
Note: Gorilla trekking permits are not included in the tour price and are subject to availability.
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo – Uganda
Depart for Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park, rich in biodiversity. Overnight at a tented camp near the park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 12 & 13: Lake Mburo to Jinja – Uganda
Return to Jinja for two nights. Enjoy optional adventure activities or relax by the Nile River.
Optional Activities: White-Water Rafting, Quad Biking, Kayaking, Boat Trips
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (both days)
Day 14: Jinja to Eldoret – Kenya
Cross back into Kenya, arriving in Eldoret, known for its high-altitude training centers for athletes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Eldoret to Nairobi – Kenya
Return to Nairobi, concluding the East African segment of the tour. Enjoy the evening at leisure in the city.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Best of Africa Safari Itinerary – Adventure In The Wild Safaris
Day 16: Nairobi to Arusha – Tanzania
Departing Nairobi, our journey continues south across vast savannahs and green farmlands into Tanzania. We pass through vibrant villages and towns as we head toward the border. After clearing border formalities, we arrive in Arusha, a bustling city set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Arusha serves as the launchpad for safaris into Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit and Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions. Your guide will provide a full briefing about the upcoming three-day Best of Africa Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17 & 18: Arusha to Serengeti National Park (Seronera) – Tanzania
We switch to 4×4 safari vehicles for our journey into Serengeti National Park. Renowned for the Great Migration and year-round Big 5 sightings, Serengeti is the crown jewel of Tanzania’s national parks. Over the next two days, enjoy game drives through vast plains, woodlands, swamps, and the famous Seronera Valley – known as Africa’s ‘Big Cat Capital’. Overnight in comfortable meru-style tents within a tented safari camp offering panoramic views.
Included Activities: Serengeti National Park Game Drives
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari (pre-booking essential)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 19: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu – Tanzania
Today we travel to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater – the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Descend into the crater for a game drive among over 30,000 animals in a rich ecosystem of forests, grasslands, and lakes. Later in the day, we drive to Karatu, located on the outer slopes of the highlands, where we spend the night.
Included Activities: Full Day 4×4 Ngorongoro Crater Excursion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 20: Karatu to Arusha – Tanzania
Returning to Arusha, we journey through the scenic Great Rift Valley and make a stop at Mto wa Mbu, a lively market town known for its multicultural community and local crafts. Explore the local market before continuing to Arusha.
Included Activities: Mto wa Mbu Market Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 21: Arusha to Bagamoyo – Tanzania
Traveling southeast, we reach the Indian Ocean coastline and the historic town of Bagamoyo. This former trading port offers insight into Tanzania’s colonial and cultural past. Enjoy a relaxing stay at a coastal lodge before heading to Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22 & 23: Bagamoyo to Zanzibar Island Beach Resort – Tanzania
We take a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, the famous spice island. Spend two days at a beachfront resort on the island’s east coast. Relax on the beach, snorkel in turquoise waters, or explore local excursions including Jozani Forest and dhow sailing trips.
Included Activities: Zanzibar Excursion
Optional Activities: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Cooking Lesson, Jozani Forest Tour, Dhow Cruise, Horse Riding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 24: Zanzibar Beach Resort to Stone Town – Tanzania
This morning we head to Stone Town, stopping for a guided spice tour en route. Discover Zanzibar’s rich trading heritage and architectural beauty on a walking tour of the historic town. Overnight in a central hotel.
Included Activities: Spice Tour, Stone Town Walking Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 25: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania
Catch the ferry back to Dar es Salaam and check into a centrally located hotel. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure exploring the bustling city, sampling local cuisine, or relaxing at a rooftop bar.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 26 & 27: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi – Tanzania
We travel inland to Mikumi National Park, part of a vast wilderness linked with Selous Game Reserve. Spend two nights at a safari camp just outside the park. Enjoy optional game drives or cultural activities while relaxing amid baobab-dotted landscapes.
Optional Activities: Mikumi Game Drive, Cultural Tours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 28: Mikumi to Iringa – Tanzania
Continue south to Iringa in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands. Discover this colonial town known for its cool climate, German architecture, and vibrant local market.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 29: Iringa to Utengule – Tanzania
We head deeper into coffee-growing country and visit a local plantation to learn about coffee production. Spend the night at a scenic coffee lodge with breathtaking views across the East African Rift Valley.
Included Activities: Coffee Plantation Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 30: Utengule to Lake Malawi – Malawi
Crossing into Malawi, we reach the northern shores of Lake Malawi, Africa’s third-largest lake. Visit a lakeside village for a cultural walking tour, then relax at our lodge and enjoy the sunset over the water.
Included Activities: Village Walking Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 31 & 32: Central Lake Malawi – Malawi
Spend two relaxing days at Ngala Beach, soaking up the sun, swimming, or exploring Lake Malawi’s clear waters. Optional activities include kayaking, snorkeling, island visits, and more. This area is known for its remarkable biodiversity, especially colorful cichlid fish.
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Snorkeling, Fishing, Island Sailing, Golf, Waterfall Hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2
Day 33: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
We leave Malawi and cross into Zambia, stopping in Chipata before arriving at South Luangwa National Park. Located along the Luangwa River, this park is renowned for leopard sightings and the origins of walking safaris. Overnight at a riverbank safari camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 34: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
Enjoy a full day in South Luangwa National Park. Choose an optional morning game drive or a guided walking safari (available in the dry season). In the afternoon, take a scenic sunset game drive through this wildlife-rich region.
Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive, Walking Safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 35: South Luangwa to Petauke – Zambia
Departing the stunning Luangwa Valley, we travel through rural Zambia and visit the Mulberry Mongoose project. Located in the Chipata area, a major cotton producer, this stop showcases the creativity of local women who craft clothing and jewelry using locally sourced materials, including textiles and recycled wire from poacher snares. Tonight, we stay in the small town of Petauke.
- Included Activities: Visit to Mulberry Mongoose
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 36: Petauke to Lusaka – Zambia
Our Adventure In The Wild Safaris journey continues west along the Great East Road, an important artery connecting Zambia through Lusaka to Malawi. Traveling through rural villages and farms, we cross the Luangwa River and stop at the vibrant Luangwa Market, famous for fresh produce and handwoven baskets. We then reach a tranquil safari camp just south of Lusaka, where wildlife like impala, giraffe, zebra, and diverse bird species roam freely.
- Included Activities: Luangwa Market visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 37: Lusaka to Livingstone & Victoria Falls – Zambia
Heading southwest, we arrive at the breathtaking Victoria Falls, one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Our accommodation is a waterfront lodge inside Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, only a few kilometers from the falls and Livingstone town. Enjoy spectacular sunset views over the Zambezi River, with the falls’ spray on one side.
We spend two nights here to fully experience this natural marvel. Adventure seekers can enjoy bungee jumping, ziplining, helicopter flights, and white-water rafting. For a more relaxed pace, try a sunset cruise, fishing trips, safari drives, cultural tours, or shopping at craft markets. Don’t miss walking across the historic Victoria Falls Bridge for stunning views.
The rainforest opposite the falls is lush and alive with wildlife, and during the dry season, you can swim in the famous Devil’s Pool at the edge of the falls, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Optional Activities: Visit the falls, bungee jump, gorge swing, sunset cruise, dinner cruise, helicopter & microlight scenic flights, boma dinner experience, and more
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 38: Victoria Falls Village – Zimbabwe
We spend the night on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls, with a transfer included between Livingstone and Victoria Falls Village. Cross the border and explore the rainforest pathways within Victoria Falls National Park, featuring multiple viewpoints of the falls.
Enjoy more adventure activities or indulge in a high tea at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel nearby.
- Optional Activities: Visit the falls, bungee jump, gorge swing, sunset cruise, dinner cruise, helicopter & microlight scenic flights, boma dinner experience, and more
- Meals: None included
Day 39: Victoria Falls to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana
This morning is your last chance to enjoy activities in Victoria Falls before crossing into Botswana. Arriving at a lodge on the Chobe River, we embark on a scenic boat cruise through Chobe National Park. Encounter hippos, crocodiles, and large herds of elephants along the riverbanks, as well as buffalo, antelope, and diverse birdlife.
- Included Activities: Chobe National Park Boat Cruise
- Optional Activities: Victoria Falls activities as above
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 40: Kasane to Nata – Botswana
Leaving the river behind, we travel south into the Kalahari Desert towards the Makgadikgadi Pans. Staying near the palm-lined Nata Pan nature reserve, you may witness spectacular flocks of migratory birds like flamingos and pelicans during the wet season. Enjoy an afternoon drive around the pans to take in the unique landscape and wildlife.
- Included Activities: Afternoon Pans Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 41: Nata to Maun & Khwai Conservation Area (Okavango Delta) – Botswana
Today marks the start of our Okavango Delta adventure. Traveling to Maun, the gateway to this extraordinary inland delta, you have the option to take a scenic flight for a breathtaking aerial view. We then journey into the Khwai River Conservation Area, traveling by smaller 4×4 vehicles and staying in a rustic mobile fly camp.
Experience a peaceful mokoro trip through reed-lined channels, spotting wildlife such as hippos, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Enjoy a nature walk on one of the islands before returning to camp for the night.
- Included Activities: Okavango Delta Sunset Mokoro Trip
- Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 42: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana
Spend the day on a game drive in Moremi Game Reserve, which covers a vast portion of the Okavango Delta ecosystem. This area is rich in wildlife and bird species, from forests and lagoons to floodplains and savannahs. Moremi is a landmark conservation success story and offers excellent safari experiences.
- Included Activities: Full Day Game Drive in Moremi Game Reserve
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 43: Khwai Conservation Area to Maun – Botswana
Our final drive through the Okavango Delta brings us back to Maun. Upon arrival, you can opt for another scenic flight or relax and explore the town’s markets and eateries. Maun is a great place to buy authentic crafts and souvenirs from Botswana.
- Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 44: Maun to Divundu – Namibia
Heading northwest, we cross into Namibia and follow the Kavango River to Divundu, where we stay at a riverside lodge. A relaxing riverboat cruise lets you observe hippos, crocodiles, and wildlife coming to drink along the riverbanks.
- Included Activities: Kavango River Boat Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 45: Divundu to Etosha National Park – Namibia
We travel from the Kavango River through desert landscapes to Namibia’s famous Etosha National Park. Arriving in the late afternoon, we enjoy our first game drive en route to a comfortable rest camp with floodlit waterholes, offering prime wildlife viewing right from camp.
- Included Activities: Game Drive to Rest Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Adventure In The Wild Safaris Itinerary: Namibia & South Africa Highlights
Day 46 & 47: Etosha National Park – Namibia
Spend two full days immersed in the spectacular wildlife and landscapes of Etosha National Park, covering approximately 22,270 square kilometres. At the heart of the park lies the vast Etosha Pan, a salt pan visible from space that transforms with the seasons—from a dry white expanse to a thriving wetland attracting thousands of flamingos and other water birds. Surrounding the pan, diverse ecosystems including grasslands, savannah, woodlands, and mopane forests support abundant wildlife.
Enjoy multiple game drives searching for the Big 5—elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo—as well as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, ostriches, and various antelope species. Experience game viewing from the elevated platform of our truck for outstanding wildlife encounters.
- Included Activities: Etosha Game Drives
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 48: Etosha to Khorixas – Namibia
After an early morning game drive through Etosha National Park, exit the park and journey southwest towards Khorixas. En route, marvel at Namibia’s rugged mountain scenery and dry riverbeds. Visit the Petrified Forest to see fossilized tree trunks that date back millions of years. Explore the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, home to one of Africa’s richest concentrations of ancient rock art created by the Khoi San people over 6,000 years ago, guided by a local expert.
- Included Activities: Morning Game Drive, Petrified Forest, Twyfelfontein Rock Art
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 49: Khorixas to Swakopmund – Namibia
Travel westward to the Namibian coast where the cold Atlantic Ocean meets the hot desert sands. Visit the unique Lichen Fields, where symbiotic algae and fungi thrive in extreme conditions, with insight from a local guide. Stop at Wlotskasbaken, a charming seaside town perfect for photography with its colorful houses set against desert and ocean backdrops. Continue to the coastal resort town of Swakopmund for a two-night stay in a centrally located hotel.
- Included Activities: Lichen Fields, Wlotskasbaken
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 50: Swakopmund – Namibia
Enjoy a free day exploring Swakopmund’s German colonial architecture, bustling coffee shops, and bakeries. Known as Namibia’s adventure capital, optional activities abound, including dolphin cruises, skydiving, sandboarding, and quad biking in the desert.
- Optional Activities: Dolphin Cruise, Sky Diving, Sandboarding, Quad Biking, and more
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 51: Swakopmund to Sesriem – Namibia
Continue south along the coastline before heading inland into the Namib Desert. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and stop to celebrate this geographic milestone. Arrive at a desert camp near Sesriem, at the edge of Namib-Naukluft National Park, renowned for its iconic red-orange sand dunes reaching up to 325 meters high. Enjoy a guided desert walk with a local expert to learn about the unique desert flora, fauna, and human adaptations.
- Included Activities: Tropic of Capricorn Stop, Guided Desert Walk
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 52: Sossusvlei Dunes (Namib-Naukluft National Park) – Namibia
At first light, visit Namib-Naukluft National Park to experience the stunning colors of the dunes. Climb the famous Dune 45 for panoramic views, then enjoy breakfast at its base. Travel by 4×4 into Sossusvlei’s soft sands, exploring Deadvlei—a surreal clay pan dotted with ancient black tree skeletons contrasting dramatically with the red dunes.
- Included Activities: Climb Dune 45, Visit Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 53: Namib Desert – Namibia
A day to relax and enjoy the tranquil desert surroundings. Optional self-guided walks from camp are available to explore the unique landscape.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 54: Namib Desert to Keetmanshoop – Namibia
Embark on a long desert drive to Keetmanshoop with stops at notable local attractions. Visit the Quiver Tree Forest, a national monument featuring ancient aloe trees with distinctive forked trunks used by the Khoi San people for arrow quivers. Explore Giants Playground, where weathered dolerite boulders resemble gigantic Lego blocks, said by local legend to be the result of a battle between gods.
- Included Activities: Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 55: Keetmanshoop to Fish River Canyon & Orange River – Namibia
Visit Fish River Canyon, the world’s second largest canyon, and take a leisurely stroll along the rim to admire breathtaking views. Proceed south to the lush banks of the Orange River, the natural border with South Africa. Overnight at a comfortable riverside camp with an optional half-day canoe trip to explore the scenic gorges.
- Optional Activities: Half-Day Canoe Trip
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 56: Orange River to Citrusdal & Cederberg Mountains – South Africa
Cross into South Africa and journey through the arid Namaqualand region, known for spectacular wildflower blooms in spring. Arrive in the Cederberg Mountains, famed for hiking trails and rooibos tea plants. Overnight at a lodge and enjoy a traditional meal celebrating your unforgettable adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 57: Citrusdal to Cape Town – South Africa
On the final leg of this epic overland journey, travel toward Cape Town with scenic views of the Cederberg Mountains and valley farms. Stop for a classic view of Table Mountain across Table Bay before concluding the tour in Cape Town city center. Consider extending your stay to explore the vibrant city’s many attractions.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overland Tour Note
For the best experience on your Adventure In The Wild Safaris Best of Africa Safari, we recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after the scheduled tour dates. Arriving a day before departure from Nairobi and flying out the day after the tour ends in Cape Town allows for possible delays or changes without stress.
To make your trip seamless, simply ask your travel advisor to add pre-tour and post-tour accommodation to your Adventure In The Wild Safaris booking.
This Lodge Overland Tour is also available as a Camping Overland Tour – Best of Africa – South (Camping Overland Tour) following the same itinerary, with camping accommodations at campsites instead of lodges.
More Best of Africa Safari Options
The southbound Best of Africa Tour is also offered in reverse as the Best of Africa Tour – North, starting in Cape Town and ending in Nairobi.
For more details, please contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
Wildebeest Great Migration Explained
Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration is a seasonal and natural wildlife phenomenon that is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.
The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a vast circular route covering approximately 1,200 miles (1,931 km). This continuous movement of wildlife appears in different locations at varying times throughout the year. During some phases of the annual trek, the animals disperse or slow down, while at other times, the migration intensifies with larger, denser herds.
Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary by location and season, but the timing and movement of these massive herds also fluctuate from year to year.