From the heart of Uganda to the wetlands of Botswana, our 16-day cross-border safari was more than just a journey — it was a bold, immersive expedition through 10 diverse African countries. Uganda, Rwanda, D.R Congo, Burundi, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. We ventured across national parks, ancient forests, remote borders, vibrant cities, and cultural heartlands. Here’s a look back at this unforgettable odyssey across East and Southern Africa of May 2025.
Day 1–4: Uganda — Wildlife Wonders & Gorilla Trekking
Our journey kicked off in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, landing at Entebbe International Airport. From there, we traveled north to Murchison Falls National Park, where the thunderous Nile crash through a narrow gorge.
Next came Kibale Forest, known for its dense primate population. Here, we tracked wild chimpanzees — an intimate and thrilling forest encounter. We then headed south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where classic African game drives rewarded us with lions, elephants, hippos, and a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
The crown jewel of Uganda awaited in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — home to endangered mountain gorillas. Our trek through thick undergrowth led to a magical hour spent face-to-face with a gorilla family — truly the highlight of our Ugandan leg.
Day 5: Rwanda — Golden Monkeys & Cultural Closure
Crossing into Rwanda, we dove into the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park to track golden monkeys, playful primates with distinct golden coats. This light-hearted forest encounter provided the perfect close to our series of unforgettable primate experiences.
Day 6: Democratic Republic of Congo — Culture & Lake Kivu
Though often misunderstood, our brief venture into Congo, via the Goma border, was enlightening. We explored Lake Kivu by boat and wandered a vibrant local market bustling with warmth, color, and the kindness of everyday Congolese people. Cultural exchange at the border was raw, real, and deeply human.
Day 7: Kigali & Burundi — History and Remote Roads
Back in Rwanda, we spent a day in Kigali, visiting the moving Genocide Memorial, Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial, and capping it off with lunch at the iconic Hotel Rwanda.
We then embarked on a rugged road trip into Burundi — navigating narrow, cliff-hugging roads from Gitega to Bujumbura. The countryside scenery and interactions with local communities made it one of the most rewarding legs of the journey. Southern Burundi’s challenging roads tested both vehicle and team, preparing us for the remote wilds of Tanzania.
Day 8–9: Southern Tanzania — The Wild Unknown
We crossed into Tanzania via one of its most remote routes. The journey through Katavi National Park and several lesser-known reserves was raw and wild. Over two full days of dusty, off-grid travel, we experienced the heart of Tanzania — untouched landscapes and a sense of true exploration.
Day 10–11: Malawi — Border Challenges & Lake Majesty
Entering Malawi through the Ilomba border was an adventure in itself. Faced with border closing times and US dollar payment challenges, we negotiated entry and spent the night in Chitipa.
Our long drive to Lilongwe was rewarded by breathtaking views of Lake Malawi. We journeyed along dramatic cliffs overlooking the lake’s sparkling blue waters — a landscape as calming as it was awe-inspiring.
Day 12-13 : Zambia — Mice Snacks & Victoria Falls
After a brief morning tour of Lilongwe, we crossed into Zambia with a smooth transition. In Chipata, we sampled local roadside snacks — BUT not the famous roasted mice (rondents), a delicacy to locals and a daring taste for many travelers.
We pressed on to Livingstone, home of Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya). A thrilling helicopter flight over the falls, extending into the Zimbabwean side, gave us a spectacular aerial view of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Day 14: Zimbabwe — Iconic Views & Border Crossing
While most of our Zimbabwe experience was aerial, it left an impression. We continued our road trip to Botswana, passing through Chobe’s elephant country and the Kazungula border, where four countries (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia) meet.
Day 15–16: Botswana — Okavango Delta Finale
We ended our epic safari in Botswana, with a rewarding drive to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Here, we explored the Moremi Game Reserve, where wildlife sightings were abundant and the delta landscape simply surreal.
Elephants waded through floodplains, leopards prowled the bush, and hippos grunted in remote channels — the perfect closing scenes to our journey.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate African Safari Adventure
This 16-day, 10-country safari wasn’t just about game drives or ticking destinations off a list — it was a testament to Africa’s diversity, resilience, and raw beauty. From gorillas in the misty forests of Uganda to elephants crossing highways in Botswana, each moment was a chapter in an unforgettable story.
If you’re craving a truly immersive African experience that fuses wildlife, culture, remote travel, and real human connection — a multi-country overland safari is the ultimate way to explore Africa.
✨ Trip Highlights:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
- Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes NP, Rwanda
- Cultural exchange at the Congo border
- Remote road trips across Burundi & Tanzania
- Scenic drives along Lake Malawi
- elicopter flight over Victoria Falls
- Game drive in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Ready to plan your own African Overland Safari?
Contact Antique Safari Adventures for custom-crafted multi-country safari tours.
