OVERVIEW
South Equator Safari: Group trip across Africa
On this group trip as camping, or alternatively as a lodge safari from Johannesburg to Nairobi, we will travel with the overland truck in 29 travel days through the most beautiful wildlife parks from South Africa to Kenya.
Highlights of the safari: Open subtropical savannah, narrow canyons, Indian Ocean, Big Five photo safari, mokoro rides (dugout canoes in the Okavango Delta), game drives, spice tours, etc. Whether you prefer to camp in a tent or stay in comfortable lodges for sleeping - this adventure trip is suitable for everyone interested in nature & culture and who likes to venture into areas that are inaccessible without an off-road vehicle.
Introduction to the Africa Group Trip
The most beautiful wildlife parks from South Africa to Kenya, this Africa group trip of superlatives offers the most impressive spectacles of the entire African continent! The great southeastern wildlife parks: The safari takes us as a lodge or camping tour from Johannesburg in South Africa to Nairobi in Kenya, through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zanzibar! Experience the vast expanses of the savanna, narrow canyons, and the mighty Indian Ocean. Adventure and wild animals as far as the heart can dream. A holiday of unforgettable moments awaits. The trip can also be booked from Nairobi to Johannesburg - just contact us and we will send you the itinerary in the other direction!
Daily program: Overland truck trip through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya
Arrival Day: Intercontinental Flight to South Africa
For your flight, we recommend a night flight to O. R. Tambo International Airport Johannesburg / South Africa. If you do not wish to book the flight yourself, we would be happy to do it for you.
1. On the Trans-Kalahari Highway: Johannesburg - Palapye
We leave the vibrant and culturally rich metropolis of Johannesburg and begin our adventure and safari journey through Africa driving north on the Trans-Kalahari Highway towards the border between South Africa and Botswana. While driving, we let the scenic landscape pass by. After completing border formalities, we continue to the first overnight stop. Meals: lunch, dinner
2. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: Palapye - Maun
After the first breakfast of this breathtaking Africa group tour, we continue our journey north. On the way through the arid yet very impressive landscape of the Kalahari Desert towards the Okavango Delta, we pass several small towns and villages that give us an insight into Botswanan daily culture. A highlight along the way is the Orapa Diamond Mine, one of the largest diamond mines in the world and a central pillar of the Botswana economy. On the way, we look forward to the first safari highlight of the tour: the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. This is a protected area covering 3,900 square kilometers with a landscape of salt pans, yet it is home to a rich variety of animals, allowing us the opportunity to look for wildlife. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
3. Okavango Delta: Drive to Maun and the Area of Moremi Game Reserve
Early risers have the option to book a helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta and take a morning game viewing from the air. After today's breakfast, we expect a safari experience in the Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world, consisting of rivers, canals, islands, and lagoons, as well as trees and bush. It provides a home for a variety of animals. Furthermore, the Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today we go to the Khwai Reserve. With an area of 2,000 square kilometers, the Khwai Reserve is a large ecosystem managed and sustainably utilized by the local community. The tour guide provides an explanation of what to expect during our river safari with a traditional canoe (Mokoro). The next 2 nights we will be separated from our truck. A bag with the necessary items for the 2 days should be packed. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
4. Okavango Delta: Moremi National Park
After today's breakfast, another part of our safari journey begins. A full-day game drive in the Moremi Game Reserve is planned. The Moremi Game Reserve is a 5,000 square kilometer large protected area and one of the most important conservation areas in Africa. With its diverse landscape (from wetlands to grasslands to savannahs), it offers a variety of ecosystems, creating a habitat for an abundant wildlife and plant life. Our game drives take place with small 4x4 safari vehicles. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
5. Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: Khwai-Nata
After breakfast at sunrise over the Okavango Delta, we continue our adventurous African journey today. First, we go back to Maun where we will board our truck again. After that, we proceed to Nata to the salt pans. The Nata Salt Pans are a 2,000 square kilometer natural phenomenon and part of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Complex in Botswana. The natural landscape of the salt pans provides a home for many animals, offering opportunities for wildlife observation. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
6. Safari Day: Nata - Chobe National Park
Today, the group adventure through Africa continues to Chobe National Park. Chobe National Park is the 3rd largest national park in Botswana, covering nearly 12,000 square kilometers. With its numerous waterholes, it offers a habitat for breathtaking flora and fauna. The national park, founded in 1968, is known for its large elephant population. After lunch and a short siesta, we embark on a river safari on the Chobe River in the afternoon, where elephants can be observed. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
7. Zambezi: Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls
After today's breakfast, our adventure and safari round trip continues to a natural phenomenon on the tour. We cross the border into Zimbabwe and after a short drive, reach the gigantic and world-famous Victoria Falls, known in the local language as 'Mosi-oa Tunya' (the smoke that thunders), in Zimbabwe. With a width of over 1 kilometer and a depth of 108 meters, they are the largest waterfalls in the world. The falling water creates a large water vapor cloud that can rise up to 500 meters high and can be seen from a distance, reflecting a symbol of power and majesty of nature. The mighty Zambezi, the border river between Zimbabwe and Zambia, thunders into the breathtaking Batoka Gorge. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Optional activities: Visit the Victoria Falls, Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi, Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting
8. Victoria Falls: Free Time
Today is at your leisure. Besides admiring the falls, there are plenty of activities on site, from adrenaline to relaxation, there is something for everyone. We spend the next night in a hotel in Livingstone, Zambia. The city is named after the famous African explorer David Livingstone, who was the first European to see the Victoria Falls. There is the option to stay in Victoria Falls during the day, with the inclusive transfer to the hotel in Livingstone taking place either in the morning at 8 or in the afternoon at 4 PM. Please indicate your preferred transfer time when booking. Meals: breakfast, dinner. Optional activities: Visit the Victoria Falls, Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting
9. Overland Day: Livingstone - Chirundu
In the early morning, we continue our African round trip and leave Livingstone with one last look at the Victoria Falls behind us. During the varied drive into the eastern part of the continent, we pass colorful markets and picturesque villages, giving us a striking insight into East African culture. Upon our arrival in Chirundu, a prepared meal awaits us. Meals: breakfast, dinner
10. River Game Viewing: Chirundu
Today is at your leisure, and various activities can be undertaken here. Our lodge is located right on the banks of the Kafue River, a tributary of the Zambezi, providing an excellent opportunity for fishing. Safari-hungry travelers have the option to take a game drive in the Lower Zambezi National Park. The bustling, lively town of Chirundu, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, invites you for a walk, providing extensive insights into the region's culture. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Optional activities: River Safari, Bird Watching, Excursion to the Baobab Forest and Bat Caves
11. Overland Day: From Lusaka to Petauke
This morning we cross the bustling capital of Zambia, Lusaka, before heading east towards Petauke, our destination for tonight. We follow the Great East Road, an important connection between Lusaka and neighboring Malawi, which winds through rural Zambia, and we cross the mighty Luangwa River on our way to Lusaka. Today's route is adorned with small villages and the vital farms for the operators, contrasting sharply with the developed countries many of us come from. A stop at the Luangwa Market gives us the opportunity to discover local goods from Zambian sellers, such as the Masau fruit. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
12. South Luangwa National Park: South Luangwa National Park
After two travel days, we look forward to the tranquility of the South Luangwa and this morning make our way to the banks of the Luangwa River. Our first stop, however, is the town of Chipata, home to Chipata Cotton and an important center for the region's cotton farmers. We also visit Mulberry Mongoose, where jewelers present and sell their handmade jewelry made from local organic materials. One of the most beautiful sunsets is certainly on the banks of the Luangwa River, so grab a cool drink and let the day wind down there in peace. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included Highlight: Visit to the Tribal Textiles project
13. Safari and Night Safari: South Luangwa National Park
The South Luangwa National Park is a unique safari destination, and we have a whole day to explore the park, which covers approximately 9,000 km², in search of the diversity of wildlife living there. This morning you can participate in an optional morning safari or, during the dry season (April to December), join one of the iconic walking safaris offered in the park. In the afternoon, we take a drive into the park for sunset with a sundowner stop. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives us a chance to observe the nocturnal species, such as leopards and bush babies, which are rarely seen during the day. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included Highlight: Sunset Safari in the South Luangwa National Park. Optional Activity: Safari Walk (season dependent) or morning safari drive in South Luangwa
14. The southernmost lake of the East African Rift System: Lake Malawi, Malawi
After a hearty breakfast, we take our seats in our truck and head towards Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift System. As one of the ten largest lakes in the world, the lake stretches over 500 km along Malawi's western border and is home to more fish species than any other lake. We will spend the night along the shores of this natural wonder. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
15. Lake Malawi: Free Day at Lake Malawi
Today, after breakfast, we hit the road again and drive for most of the day north, once again overnighting by the shores of Lake Malawi. Our guide will take us on a hike through a nearby village in the afternoon, where we will gain insight into the traditional culture of the residents. After the walk, you can enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included Highlight: Visit to a local village
16. Overland Day: Mbeya
This morning we set off and continue our journey through Africa. We head north to the Utengule Coffee Lodge, where we will stay overnight.
17. Overland Day: Tanzania Iringa
Before we head to Iringa as part of our Africa group tour, we stop at a local coffee plantation where we have the opportunity to observe the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and taste some of the beans. After that, we will drive through the Great Rift Valley on our way to East Africa's Tanzania. We round the northern end of the lake and continue east to reach our overnight destination, Iringa (also the capital of the region of the same name in Tanzania). Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included Highlight: Visit to a coffee plantation
18. Tanzania: Mikumi
This morning, after enjoying a delicious breakfast, we prepare for another safari experience in Mikumi National Park. Mikumi National Park is the fourth largest park in Tanzania and is part of the 75,000 sq km wilderness that groups within Selous, Africa's largest game reserve. On the way there, we will make a short stop at the Baobab Valley, a breathtaking sight perfect for a group photo. You have the opportunity to book a game drive in Mikumi National Park. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included Highlight: Safari in Mikumi National Park
19. Experience Day: Mikumi National Park
After breakfast, today there is the opportunity to go on a game drive in Mikumi National Park. Here, numerous African wildlife and countless bird species live. Additionally, there is also the opportunity to explore the culture of the locals through visits to surrounding villages. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Optional Highlight: Safari in Mikumi National Park, Cultural Tours
20. Travel Day: Overland Drive to Dar es Salaam
It’s time to head toward another highlight of this impressive and unforgettable adventure trip through Africa. We approach the magnificent island of Zanzibar. We spend the night in Dar es Salaam, so we can catch our ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Island early the next morning. Meals: breakfast, lunch
21. Zanzibar: Stone Town
Early in the morning, we get out of bed to catch the ferry to Zanzibar. Once we arrive at the ferry port, we make our way to our hotel in Stone Town (the impressive and colonial capital of Zanzibar). Included meals: breakfast. Included highlights: City excursion Stone Town
22. Experience Day: Drive to Nungwi
The morning begins with a walk through the historic harbor of Stone Town, which was once a milestone on the slave and spice trade route. We visit all its sights, including the birthplace of Freddie Mercury. After that, we drive on the road to the north of the island to Nungwi, our base for the next two nights. Before we arrive in Nungwi, we stop along the way to participate in a guided spice tour that takes us through picturesque villages and spice plantations. You will learn first-hand how the workers climb the trees to search for specific plants and have the opportunity to taste and buy fresh spices directly from these farms. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included Highlight: Walk through Stone Town, Spice Tour
23. Vacation Day: Free Day in Nungwi
Today is at your leisure to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities offered here. Water sports are on the agenda and Nungwi offers fishing, snorkeling, diving, and a variety of options for a marine safari. Whatever you choose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. You can rent a scooter and explore the island, relax on the white beach and enjoy the sun or try one of the many optional activities. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Optional activities: Fishing, Snorkeling, Diving, Visit a turtle sanctuary, Tours through local villages, and much more.
24. Travel Day: Bagamoyo
We say goodbye to the island of Zanzibar with its white sandy beaches and take the ferry back. At the port of Dar es Salaam, we meet our overland truck again and drive back to Bagamoyo (a small coastal town on the Tanzanian mainland), where we spend the night. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
25. Travel Day: Arusha
This morning we start our journey north to Tanzania, where we will reach the lively and modern city of Arusha in the evening. Northern Tanzania is home to the world-renowned Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa). Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
26. Experience Day: Karatu
Although it is only a short distance to Karatu according to the map, we will spend the majority of the day approaching the Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is a volcanic caldera and the largest natural phenomenon in Tanzania. Home to the Big Five, on the way we will visit the local market in the small village of Mto wa Mbu, which is known for its red bananas, among others. Then we continue to Serengeti National Park. Upon our arrival in Karatu, our tour leader will hold a briefing about the upcoming night excursions. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Optional activities: Local Brewery Tour, Karatu Iraqw Market, Visit a coffee plantation
27. Safari Day: Ngorongoro Crater
We rise early and are picked up from our camp and taken to the Ngorongoro Crater in 4x4 safari vehicles. We will spend most of the day exploring the crater floor in search of the animals that inhabit the plains. In the afternoon, we will reach our overnight camp in the Seronera region, located in the heart of Serengeti National Park. The camp is surrounded by spectacular views and a rich, fascinating wildlife. In the evening, you can enjoy the sounds of nature right in front of your Meru-style tent with a cool drink. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included Highlight: Full-day excursion in a 4x4 vehicle in the Ngorongoro Crater, Afternoon drive to Seronera
28. Safari Day: Serengeti
This morning we rise early to enjoy our time on a game drive through the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The park is famous for its rich wildlife and the legendary migration of wildebeests; we will spend most of the day searching for the animals that live here. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included Highlight: Safari through Seronera, Serengeti National Park
29. Overland Day: Arusha
Today we return to Arusha and reminisce about the unforgettable memories of our days in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
30. Kenya: On to Nairobi
The end of our spectacular and unique Africa group tour is nearing. Today we cross the border into Kenya and make our way to Nairobi (the urban and bustling capital of Kenya), where our journey ends upon arrival. Meals: breakfast, lunch
PRICE
from€6999.00 / person✓ Trip includes
✕ Trip does not include
- Meals as described in the itinerary (prepared & served at the truck)
- Filtered water
- Transport in a 4x4 overland truck
- Qualified, English-speaking tour guide (unless otherwise stated)
- National park entry fees