South Africa to Kenya is one of our most popular overland tours, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the ultimate African overland adventure, an epic journey through Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, that takes in some of the most spectacular landscapes of the continent, from the sand dunes of the vast Namib Desert, the majestic Victoria Falls, wild mountain gorillas in the jungles of East Africa, and the perfect beaches of Zanzibar Island.

Our South Africa to Kenya overland tours range from 41 to 58 days. You can start in Cape Town or Johannesburg and end in Nairobi, Kenya, or you can do the trip the other way around, and start in Kenya and finish in South Africa, with options for accommodation or camping.

Check out our South Africa to Kenya overland tours here.

To get you inspired, here’s our round up of the most amazing adventures and landscapes you’ll experience on a South Africa to Kenya overland trip.

Climbing dunes in Sosussvlei, Namibia

The Namib Desert, said to the be the oldest desert in the world, has some of the planet’s tallest sand dunes. A quintessential Namibia experience is climbing the dunes at Sossusvlei. Ascending to the top at sunrise or sunset, and looking out onto a huge sea of dunes, is something you’ll never forget.

Walking with bushmen in the Kalahari Desert, South Africa

Hike through the desert with Kalahari bushmen, who have lived in this arid area for centuries, and learn about the fascinating methods they use for surviving here, such as chewing roots as a substitute for water, and how they track animals. Get to camp out in the desert at night under one of Africa’s most beautiful skies.

Paddling in a mokoro in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Gently floating through the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, or traditional canoe, is an unforgettable experience. Spot birds and wildlife such as hippo, elephant and lion in Botswana’s spectacular wilderness.

Getting sprayed by Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia

Called the “smoke that thunders” in the local language, Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s greatest natural spectacles. Apart from just admiring the falls, which straddle Zimbabwe and Zambia, there are loads of adventure activities in the area, from white water rafting to elephant back safaris.

Snorkelling in Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches are made for lazing on, but a true highlight of a visit to the East African island is a snorkelling trip in the warm water of the Indian Ocean. You’ll get to see some of the hundreds of species of fish recorded here, or if you’re lucky, turtles, dolphins and whale sharks.

Tracking mountain gorillas, Uganda

Coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas in the wild is probably Africa’s best wildlife experience. Trekking through the forest to find the gorillas is part of the adventure – it can be a muddy, sweaty, slippery hike through dense undergrowth. Once you reach the gorillas, you have a thrilling hour to spend with them and observe them as they go about their daily activities, completely nonchalant about a bunch of humans watching them.

Game viewing in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Tanzania’s most famous game park is famous for a reason: it’s the stuff African wildlife documentaries are made of, with vast savannas teeming with game. If you’re lucky enough to be in the Serengeti during the wildebeest migration, you’ll get to experience one of the planet’s most amazing wildlife spectacles: millions of wildebeest crossing vast distances, pursued by predators.