Planning a road trip from Nairobi to South Africa and back is an exciting adventure! Here’s a 7-day itinerary that covers some highlights along the way. Please note that this itinerary assumes you have a reliable vehicle, all necessary documentation for border crossings, and accommodations booked in advance.
### Day 1: Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania
– Depart Nairobi early in the morning.
– Drive towards Namanga border crossing.
– Stop for lunch in Arusha, Tanzania.
– Visit the Arusha National Park or explore the city.
– Overnight stay in Arusha.
### Day 2: Arusha to Dodoma
– Depart Arusha in the morning.
– Drive to Dodoma, the capital city of Tanzania.
– Explore Dodoma and its landmarks.
– Overnight stay in Dodoma.
### Day 3: Dodoma to Mbeya
– Depart Dodoma early.
– Drive towards Mbeya.
– En route, stop at Iringa for lunch and to stretch your legs.
– Continue to Mbeya.
– Overnight stay in Mbeya.
### Day 4: Mbeya to Songwe
– Depart Mbeya.
– Drive to Songwe, near the Malawi border.
– Enjoy the scenic drive through the Southern Highlands.
– Arrive in Songwe and relax.
– Overnight stay in Songwe.
### Day 5: Songwe to Lilongwe, Malawi
– Cross the Malawi border.
– Drive to Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi.
– Explore the city’s markets, shops, and cultural sites.
– Overnight stay in Lilongwe.
### Day 6: Lilongwe to Lusaka, Zambia
– Depart Lilongwe in the morning.
– Cross the Zambia border.
– Drive to Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia.
– Explore Lusaka and its attractions.
– Overnight stay in Lusaka.
Day 7: Lusaka to Livingstone and Return to Nairobi
– Depart Lusaka early.
– Drive to Livingstone.
– Visit the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
– After exploring Livingstone, start your journey back to Nairobi.
– You may need to split the return journey into two days, depending on driving preferences and distance tolerance.
– Overnight stay en route.
Day 8: Johannesburg, South Africa to Francistown, Botswana
- Depart from Johannesburg early in the morning.
- Drive through Botswana via the Trans-Kalahari Highway.
- Arrive in Francistown by late afternoon.
- Explore the town or relax after the long drive.
- Overnight stay in Francistown.
Day 9: Francistown, Botswana to Lusaka, Zambia
- Depart from Francistown after breakfast.
- Continue the journey through Botswana, crossing into Zambia.
- Drive towards Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia.
- Arrive in Lusaka by late afternoon.
- Explore the city’s markets, museums, or local eateries.
- Overnight stay in Lusaka.
Day 10: Lusaka, Zambia to Mbeya, Tanzania
- Depart from Lusaka early in the morning.
- Cross the border into Tanzania.
- Drive towards Mbeya, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
- Arrive in Mbeya by evening.
- Relax and unwind after the day’s drive.
- Overnight stay in Mbeya.
Day 11: Mbeya, Tanzania to Dodoma, Tanzania
- Depart from Mbeya after breakfast.
- Continue the journey towards Dodoma, the capital city of Tanzania.
- Enjoy the countryside landscapes of Tanzania.
- Arrive in Dodoma by late afternoon.
- Explore the city or visit local attractions.
- Overnight stay in Dodoma.
Day 12: Dodoma, Tanzania to Arusha, Tanzania
- Depart from Dodoma early in the morning.
- Drive towards Arusha, a gateway city to many national parks in Tanzania.
- Arrive in Arusha by late afternoon.
- Explore the city or visit nearby attractions.
- Overnight stay in Arusha.
Day 13: Arusha, Tanzania to Nairobi, Kenya
- Depart from Arusha after breakfast.
- Cross the border into Kenya.
- Drive towards Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
- Arrive in Nairobi by late afternoon.
- Explore the city’s landmarks, markets, or museums.
- Overnight stay in Nairobi.
Day 14: Nairobi, Kenya
Remember to adjust the itinerary based on your preferences, interests, and any travel restrictions or advisories. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and always prioritize safety during the journey.