Top 8 Africa Overland Routes & Tours: Best Safari Road Trips Across Africa

May 6, 2025
ABS, Africa travel

8 Africa Overland Routes You’ll Love – And Popular African Tours

Few adventures match the thrill of an Africa overland tour. Think rugged trucks, ever-changing landscapes, and nights under starlit skies—these trips promise real immersion into the wild soul of the continent. From the golden dunes of Namibia to the thundering power of Victoria Falls, overland travel in Africa offers unbeatable experiences for adventurous travelers.

Whether you’re on a shoestring budget or chasing luxury in the wild, there’s a classic overland route for you. These journeys typically cover multiple countries, feature small group travel, and combine wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and off-the-grid exploration in one unforgettable package.

Here are eight iconic overland routes across Africa—plus some of the most popular tours to follow them.

Cape Town to Victoria Falls – Southern Africa’s Overland Classic

This route is one of Africa’s most popular overland journeys, running through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. You’ll begin in Cape Town, heading north through the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, wildlife-packed Etosha, and into the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta. Your adventure ends at the mighty Victoria Falls—a breathtaking natural finale.

Highlights:

Namib Desert and Sossusvlei’s red dunes
Wildlife safaris in Etosha and Chobe National Parks
Okavango Delta mokoro excursions
Victoria Falls adrenaline activities

Recommended tour: 20-Day Cape to Vic Falls Overland Safari (view itinerary)

Explore related blogs:

Nairobi to Cape Town – The Ultimate Trans-Africa Journey

Spanning east to south, this legendary overland route crosses Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. This is for those who want it all: epic wildlife encounters, local village visits, pristine beaches, and iconic landmarks.

Highlights:

Game drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
Zanzibar spice tours and white-sand beaches
Malawi’s freshwater lakeside culture
Namibia’s surreal desert landscapes

Recommended tour: 40–60 Day Nairobi to Cape Town Expedition (view itinerary)

Explore related blogs:

Kenya to Uganda – The Great Lakes Explorer

This route is perfect for primate lovers and mountain adventurers. Starting in Nairobi or Kisumu, this journey winds through western Kenya, crosses into Uganda, and explores the country’s top highlights: gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimp tracking in Kibale, and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Highlights:

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo or Kibale Forest
Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector
Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel

Recommended tour: 7–10 Day Uganda Primate Safari (view itinerary)

Explore related blogs:

Livingstone to Windhoek – The Desert & Delta Combo

This shorter but spectacular route connects Zambia’s adventure capital with Namibia’s desert magic. Along the way, you’ll enjoy boat safaris in Chobe, mokoro trips in the Okavango Delta, and game drives in Etosha. Ideal for travelers who want a dose of everything in under two weeks.

Highlights:

Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River
Chobe National Park elephant herds
Okavango Delta wild camping
Etosha’s salt pans and waterhole safaris

Recommended tour: 12-Day Livingstone to Windhoek Adventure (view itinerary)

Explore related blogs:

Coming up next, we explore the East Africa circuit, Madagascar’s off-road adventures, and iconic overland routes through Ethiopia and the Red Sea coast—each offering a distinct journey into Africa’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

Nairobi to Arusha Loop – The East Africa Safari Circuit

This compact yet wildlife-rich route takes you through the heart of East Africa’s most iconic parks. From Kenya’s Masai Mara to Tanzania’s Serengeti, this overland loop is a dream for Big Five lovers. Many travelers combine this route with a trip to Zanzibar for beach downtime after the safari.

Highlights:

Great Migration views in the Serengeti or Masai Mara
Ngorongoro Crater’s dense wildlife
Cultural visits with the Maasai
Optional Zanzibar island extension

Recommended tour: 8–12 Day Kenya & Tanzania Highlights Safari (view itinerary)

Explore related blogs:

Madagascar’s Off-Road Adventure Routes

Madagascar offers some of the most remote overland travel in Africa. Its unpaved roads and wild landscapes make for rugged trips that take you to places most tourists never see. Overland routes often pass through national parks, beach towns, and remote highlands, with plenty of lemurs and baobabs along the way.

Highlights:

Avenue of the Baobabs and Tsingy de Bemaraha
Lemur trekking in Andasibe or Ranomafana
Remote coastal tracks and pirate coves
Tsiribihina River canoeing adventures

Recommended tour: 14-Day West Madagascar Overland Explorer (view itinerary)

Explore related blogs:

Ethiopia’s Northern Circuit – Culture & History by Road

For travelers seeking ancient culture and highland beauty, Ethiopia’s northern overland route is unmatched. Though not a traditional safari destination, it’s ideal for adventurers interested in rock-hewn churches, castles, monasteries, and mountain hikes.

Highlights:

Simien Mountains trekking and gelada monkey sightings
Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
Gondar’s royal castles and ancient Ethiopian history
Lake Tana monasteries and Blue Nile Falls

Recommended tour: 10–15 Day Ethiopia Northern Circuit Overland (view itinerary)

Explore related blogs:

Red Sea to Cairo – Ancient History Meets Desert Adventure

This lesser-traveled route is ideal for overlanders seeking archaeology, desert camping, and Red Sea snorkeling. Often starting in Sudan and heading north into Egypt, it offers a rare blend of ancient wonders and stark desert beauty. Expect long drives, but unforgettable moments along the way.

Highlights:

Pyramids of Meroe in Sudan
White Desert and Black Desert of Egypt
Oases and ancient caravan towns
Snorkeling and diving in the Red Sea

Recommended tour: 15-Day Sudan to Egypt Overland Trail (view itinerary)

Explore related blogs:

Whether you’re tracking gorillas in Uganda, bouncing across Namibia’s deserts, or uncovering Ethiopia’s hidden treasures, Africa’s overland routes offer raw adventure and deep cultural immersion. Choose a route, pack your bags, and hit the road—Africa awaits.

Browse our full range of overland safari tours across Africa to find the route that best fits your spirit of adventure.