I’ve led many overland tours in South Africa down through the years. The most popular overland route is undoubtedly Cape Town to Nairobi but perhaps you don’t have this much time/money available? No problem. Let me help guide you to the best trips that you might want to consider.
Capital City – Johannesburg
Currency: South African rand
Language: English, Afrikaans, Tribal languages
Major Attractions: Kruger National Park, Stellenbosch, Garden Route
Things to do in Cape Town: Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, Great white shark dive
Quick Overview: Safaris and Overland Tours in Kenya
A lot of visitors head straight for Kruger National Park in South Africa. This is an excellent park for viewing wildlife but you should know Kruger is a busy park with lots of traffic. This is why I recommend you try to extend your overland tour into neighboring countries such as Botswana or Namibia. For instance, I highly recommend you consider taking an overland tour from Cape Town to Namibia and venture up toward Etosha National Park for a more authentic experience. If you have more time and money available, you can also extend this tour into nearby Botswana.
But precisely which overland tours in South Africa do I recommend you consider?
My Picks for the Best Overland Tours in South Africa
Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland (21 Days)
Start: Cape Town / Finish: Victoria Falls
If you’re short on time, this adventure packs Kenya’s colors, culture, and wildlife into just four unforgettable days. You’ll journey across the rolling plains and through the acacia trees of the legendary Masai Mara, on the lookout for Africa’s elusive “big five.” Our 4×4 safari vans are perfect for wildlife viewing and offer an adventurous yet affordable way to experience the area’s wonders. While camping in permanent tents, you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the planet’s most incredible wildlife. The diverse animals of the Mara and the rich culture of the local Masai people come together to create a truly spectacular safari experience.
Kruger National Park, Vic Falls & Okavango Delta (15 Days)
Start: Jo’Burg / Finish: Jo’Burg
This is one of the overland tours in South Africa which begins and ends in Jo’burg which simplifies from which airport you arrive/depart. Get ready to dive into the untamed wilds of South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe from the seat of your rugged Lando. You’ll explore the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe and enjoy the peace of bush camping far from civilization. Walk through Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park to track wildlife on foot, and capture shots of the “big five” in Kruger National Park. Camping keeps you right in the middle of all the jaw-dropping scenery, giving you an immersive, 15-day African adventure you’ll never forget.
But seriously, if you can afford the extra time and cost….
My Favourite Overland Tour in Africa
Cape Town to Nairobi Overland Tour (40 Days)
Start: Cape Town / Finish: Nairobi, Kenya
This amazing journey was actually my very first overland tour in Africa (except I did the trip in reverse from Nairobi to Cape Town). You kick things off by travelling up the South African coast to Namibia where the desert landscapes are a standout for many travelers, offering a stark contrast to everything that came before. Victoria Falls is packed with things to see and do, and the Okavango Delta is one of the wildest experiences Africa has to offer. In Malawi, you’ll get a taste of local life, and South Luangwa National Park offers even more wildlife encounters. Thrilling game safaris in Serengeti National Park, and a fun escape to the beaches of Zanzibar are just a couple more of the incredible experiences en-route. Seriously, if you have the time and money…
One last thing….
Travel insurance is mandatory for all overland truck tours but not all policies will cover this type of adventure. I recommend you read my article about the best travel insurance for Africa or perhaps just get a quick quote from World Nomads below….it takes just a few seconds!
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