Overland truck safaris in Africa: Affordable safaris that don’t require too much planning and co-ordinating
An overland tour enables one to visit many areas and countries in a relatively short period of time at a fraction of the cost of planning one’s own accommodation and transport. The spacious trucks offer bus-like travelling seats with plenty of legroom and storage space, and accommodation is in tents in various campsites along the way. Not only are these tours led by guides who know the areas you will be visiting intimately, but they also allow travellers to interact closely with local people in many of the areas, small towns and rural villages they pass through. There is something touching about experiencing waves, smiles and laughter from children as you pass through rural villages on your way to and from Africa’s iconic safari areas.
The Safari Index team recommends the following overland tours, which can be run in reverse order, and can be linked together to form longer trips. Click on the links below for more information.
Cape Town to Victoria Falls
This tour lasts for 3 weeks. It links the beautiful South African city of Cape Town and the mighty Victoria Falls with all its adventurous activities on offer. The tour passes through the salt pans of Etosha, the red sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The tour can also be done in reverse order, from Victoria Falls to Cape Town.
Victoria Falls to Nairobi
Lasting for 3 weeks and passing through 5 countries, this tour showcases the best of Africa. Combining beach and bush, the tour takes you from the idyllic island of Zanzibar and the white sands of LakeMalawi, to the Serengeti and Luangwa Valley, where wildlife roam freely. This tour is also available in reverse order and offers a choice of camping or roomed accommodation.
Okavango and Chobe – Victoria Falls to Johannesburg
This budget-friendly 8-day tour takes you from the mighty Victoria Falls to the City of Gold, Johannesburg. En route, you will pass through the Okavango Delta in Botswana, where you can see hippos and crocodiles from a mokoro (dugout canoe), and Chobe National Park, where a river cruise offers a unique safari experience. The tour is also offered in reverse order from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, with accommodation options of camping or rooms.
