The idea of combining East and Southern Africa in a single safari trip is undeniably appealing. After all, why not tick off the Serengeti, the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, and gorilla trekking in one go? But when it comes to actually planning the trip, the logistics need to be carefully planned. Here’s what you need to know before combining these two iconic safari regions into one journey.
Yes, you can combine East and Southern Africa in one itinerary
but you need more time, energy and budget!
If you’re dreaming of visiting Tanzania and South Africa, for example, you’ll likely need to route via Nairobi and then down to Johannesburg. This isn’t a quick hop—it usually takes a full day of travel. That’s one less day on safari, and one more day in airports.
By contrast, combining Rwanda (for gorilla trekking) with Southern Africa is more feasible, thanks to a direct overnight flight from Kigali to Johannesburg. This route allows you to conserve daylight hours for wildlife viewing and lodge relaxation.
Why We Recommend Picking One Region
There are amazing safari experiences to be had in East and Southern Africa. Trying to squeeze both into a single itinerary can sometimes dilute the magic. We here at African Safari Consultants and our partners at Southern Destinations will suggest choosing one region and doing it well, especially for first-timers or those planning a honeymoon or special occasion.
Safari isn’t meant to be a race from place to place!
It’s about slowing down and soaking in your surroundings…
Here are two routing recommendations
East Africa
1. Combine Tanzania’s Serengeti with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
The highlights this safari circuit could include :
- The Great Migration of thousands of wildebeest and zebras.
- Big Five safari in the Serengeti
- Hot air ballooning safaris
- See gorillas and golden monkeys in Rwanda’sVolcanoes National Park
- Rich cultural experiences
2. Combine Kenya’s Masai Mara with a few days on the coast in Zanzibar.
The highlights of this itinerary could include:
- The Great Migration and the famous river crossings
- Big cats of the Masai Mara
- Cultural encounters with the iconic Maasai people
- Scenic hot air ballooning
- Zanzibar’s pristine beaches
- Historical Stone Town
- Snorkelling, scuba diving and dhow cruises
Southern Africa
Combine South Africa’s Kruger region with Botswana’s Okavango Delta or Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park or Zambia’s South Luangwa, with a stop at Victoria Falls.
The highlights of this itinerary are:
- Big Five Encounters in the Kruger
- Mokoro trips along the waterways of the Okavango Delta
- Massive herds of elephant in Hwange National Park
- Wildlife Conservation projects in action
- Walking safaris in Zambia’s South Luangwa
- Good chance of great leopard sightings
- The mighty Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world
- Wide range of adventure activities at Victoria Falls
These regional combinations are logistically smoother, involve shorter flights, and allow for more relaxed transitions between locations.
The Trade-off?
While combining both regions can offer diversity—savannahs and deltas, gorillas and big cats, classic lodges and modern tented camps—the price is complexity. Travel days are longer and flights are more expensive.
I Absolutely Want to Combine Southern & East Africa!
If you have plenty of time (3+ weeks), a generous budget, and a deep interest in contrasting ecosystems,…then a well-planned, multi-destination itinerary can be a safari of a lifetime! With enough time, our help with the complex logisitics you’ll be rewarded with a fully immersive, slow-travel African Safari adventure
Get in touch with one of our African Safari specialist advisors
They understands the terrain, the logistics, and how to match your travel style to the right combination. Liesl Matthews Lise Kargaard Ilze Fox Camille Rowe
Combining East and Southern Africa can be done….but the best safari experiences are rarely about ticking boxes. They’re about depth, connection, and slowing down. If you’re limited in time or seeking a seamless honeymoon, it’s often more rewarding to pick one region and explore it thoroughly.