12 Unique African Overlanding Routes That Will Change the Way You See Africa
Forget everything you think you know about African safaris. After several years of crossing this magnificent continent in an overlander, I’ve discovered routes that most tourists will never see – and they’re absolutely mind-blowing. These 12 epic routes will show you an Africa that most tourists never see – raw, wild, and unforgettable. Get ready to discover paths less traveled and stories waiting to be told.
The haunting beauty of shipwrecks scattered along Namibia’s foggy coastline makes this route unforgettable. Starting from Swakopmund, this 1,000km journey takes you past towering dunes, through seal colonies, and alongside the mysterious shipwrecks that give this coast its name.
The best part? You’ll likely go days without seeing another vehicle. Don’t miss the Cape Cross Seal Colony, home to over 100,000 seals, or the famous Eduard Bohlen shipwreck, now surrounded by desert sand nearly a kilometer from the ocean. Local tip: Keep an eye out for desert elephants that sometimes wander the dry riverbeds near the coast.
me in the dunes of Namibia
2. Trans-Kalahari Adventure – Botswana to Namibia
Cross the world’s largest expanse of sand, where ancient baobabs stand sentinel over vast salt pans. This route cuts through the heart of the Kalahari, offering close encounters with desert-adapted elephants and the chance to meet San Bushmen who still practice their ancestral way of life.
The route takes you through the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where black-maned lions roam and meerkats pop up to watch your vehicle pass. Plan for at least two weeks to fully appreciate the desert’s subtle changes and hidden oases. The stargazing here is among the best in Africa, with zero light pollution.
3. The Great Rift Valley Run – Kenya to Tanzania
Following the ancient valley that split Africa apart, this route connects Kenya’s flamingo-filled lakes with Tanzania’s volcanic wonderland.
Stop at Lake Nakuru to witness millions of flamingos, then continue south to the otherworldly landscapes of Lake Natron, where temperatures soar and red-tinged waters create an almost Martian landscape. Make time for a detour to Ol Doinyo Lengai, Africa’s most active volcanic mountain, where brave souls can attempt a pre-dawn climb to witness the sunrise over the Rift Valley.
4. The Wild West Circuit – Uganda to Congo
For the truly adventurous, this challenging route takes you from Uganda’s mountain gorillas to the remote corners of Congo’s Virunga National Park.
Warning: This isn’t for beginners – you’ll need serious off-road experience and multiple visas, but the reward is experiencing Africa at its most raw and untamed. Highlights include tracking chimps in Kibale Forest, meeting mountain gorillas in Bwindi, and witnessing the active lava lake of Mount Nyiragongo in Congo.
5. The Mozambique Coastal Crawl
White sand beaches, turquoise waters, and forgotten Portuguese ruins make this coastal route pure magic. Start in Maputo and wind your way north, camping on deserted beaches and diving into waters teeming with marine life.
Don’t miss the historic islands of Mozambique, where time seems to have stopped centuries ago. The Bazaruto Archipelago offers world-class snorkeling and the chance to spot dugongs, while the remote Quirimbas Islands provide perfect wild camping spots.
Some countries advise not to travel to Mozambique because of high criminality, so make sure to find the latest news for tourism in this country.
6. The Ethiopia Highland Loop
Starting in Addis Ababa, this route takes you through the “Roof of Africa.” Wind through the Simien Mountains where gelada baboons roam cliff edges, visit rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, and camp alongside the tribal peoples of the Omo Valley.
The roads are rough, but the cultural experiences are unmatched. Stop at local coffee ceremonies, explore the ancient city of Axum, and witness the daily life of the Mursi and Hamer tribes.
7. The Cape to Kruger Marathon – South Africa
From the vineyards of the Cape to the wildlife-rich savannah of Kruger, this route showcases South Africa’s incredible diversity.
Essential stops include the Wild Coast’s dramatic cliffs, the historic battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, and the panorama route’s stunning viewpoints.
We drove all the way to Port St Johns, along the Wild Coast.
8. The Okavango Explorer – Botswana
Time this route right (during the annual flood), and you’ll witness one of Earth’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Drive the edges of the Okavango Delta, camp alongside hippo-filled channels, and take mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions into the delta’s heart.
The nearby Moremi Game Reserve offers some of Africa’s best wildlife viewing. Schedule your trip between June and August for optimal water levels and wildlife sightings.
the Okavango Delta
9. The Tanzanian Southern Circuit
Forget the crowded northern safari circuit – the south is where the magic happens. Starting from Dar es Salaam, head to Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park), where rivers teem with hippos and wild dogs roam freely. Continue to Ruaha National Park, where massive baobabs dot the landscape and large lion prides hunt. This route offers true wilderness camping and some of the continent’s best walking safaris.
10. The West African Heritage Trail – Senegal to Ghana
A cultural odyssey connecting four countries, this route takes you through the heart of West Africa’s historical kingdoms. Visit the slave fortresses of Ghana’s coast, the mud mosques of Mali, and the vibrant markets of Senegal. It’s challenging but offers insights into Africa’s often-overlooked western regions. Don’t skip the Diola villages of Casamance or the stunning Fouta Djallon highlands.
11. Madagascar’s Baobab Run
The island’s famous Avenue of the Baobabs is just the start. This route takes you through Madagascar’s diverse landscapes, from rainforests to spiny deserts. Watch lemurs in Ranomafana National Park, snorkel in turquoise bays, and camp beneath those iconic baobabs.
The roads are terrible, but that’s part of the adventure. Time your visit between April and October to avoid the worst of the rains and catch the baby lemurs.
12. The Great North Road – Zambia
Following the old traders’ route, this journey takes you through the heart of old Africa. Start at Victoria Falls and head north through Zambia’s copper belt to the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Stop at Kasanka National Park in November to witness the world’s largest mammal migration – 10 million fruit bats taking to the skies. The route passes through remote villages where traditional customs remain strong and markets overflow with fresh produce.
Make sure to visit the Kundalila Falls, a hidden gem where locals say the water has healing properties.
Kundalila Falls
Your Next African Adventure
Africa’s roads are calling, each promising adventure that will reshape your understanding of this magnificent continent.
These routes aren’t just lines on a map – they’re gateways to an Africa that most people never see. Pack your sense of adventure, leave your expectations at home, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!
If you have any remarks or questions about this topic, please leave them down below in the comment section!
Who am I? Well, the least you can say is that I am quite crazy about Africa, its nature, its climate, its culture, and more.
As a young woman in my twenties, I had already traveled to several African countries by traveling along in an overlander on my own and mostly camping ( or glamping ) and just fell in love with the diversity of it all.
So much, so that at the age of 26, I went back to university to study biology, which, unfortunately, I couldn’t finish because of health reasons (yes, I got sick from a tropical disease, oh cynicism). But this did not stop my dream of traveling back to Africa several times, and I still do.
My dream was back then to leave Europe and go study animal behavior, especially the elephants (sure, that’s every girl’s dream haha), but I am also very much intrigued by hyenas and other “ugly African animals“.
So, I “kind of” have a little bit of a scientific approach to my articles, when I write about African birds, for example. And most of all: the passion.
But life goes on, you move from one side of the country to the other, you get sick again and top it off with lower back problems, and before you know it, you are over 50 hahaha!
Now, I still travel to Africa, but take it a bit “easier” than the good old camping days, and stay in comfortable, yet affordable accommodations, together with my husband Wouter.
These are some of the countries I have traveled to: Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tunisia, and a little bit of Lesotho LOL .
While clearly not being African territory, but Spanish, I also visited Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and location-wise, I consider them “African”, because of their climate and nature, sue me :-p
The last trip I took was to South Africa in the year 2023, and it sure got the fevers for Africa back! From the Barberton mountains to the Drakensberg and the Southcoast, one month wasn’t enough at all to see the whole country, so we’ll be back! At ease and with a little bit more luxury than in my younger days haha!
bookmarked!!, I love your website!
Here is my web blog – Rusty