Buses do operate between Nairobi, Kenya, and Johannesburg, South Africa. The journey is a long one, spanning about 4473 kilometres and typically takes a few days. One needs to use four buses across the five nation journey.
Buses normally make short 10-30 minutes breaks after a few hours of continuous travel to allow passengers use bathrooms, stock up on snacks and let bus attendants and the driver have rest. Some buses have onboard toilets and the second driver. Nevertheless, usually they still make en route stops for a quick lunch or fuel refill.
The journey starts from Nairobi at BM coaches offices located along Duruma Road. It passes through Namanga, Arusha, Dar es salaam, Nakonde, Lusaka, Namanga, Francistown, etc. The final destination is at 156 Prichard Street, Johannesburg, South Africa.
I have included departure times and prices fares as of 19 May 2025. Bus schedules & fares are subject to change without notice. As you embark on this adventure I strongly recommend one to check with the bus operators for specific schedules, booking information, and any potential stopover locations.
Nairobi to Dar es salaam.
I recommend using BM coaches; it’s a top luxury and reliable operator, having both day (05:30) and night (19:30) service. Their Nairobi offices are located along River road and arrival in Nairobi is at Magufuli bus terminals. Their phone number for more information is +254726285349.
This journey is 821 kilometres and takes about 12 to 15 hours. The bus ticket costs ksh4500/ USD34. Snacks and refreshments are served on board. Amenities inside the bus include Reclining seats and a wash on board.
Other bus options available there are Kidia one express, Tahmeed coaches and sr Classic coaches.
Dar es Salaam to Tunduma
The second bus for the journey I strongly recommend ABC upper class coaches from Dar es Salaam to Tunduma Border Post. Departure point is at Magufuli bus terminals. Their office numbers for further enquiries on up to date information +255222221881
The distance is 905 kilometres, with an estimated travel time of sixteen hours. The bus leaves in the evening at 19:00 and arrives in the morning of the following day at 11:00. The VIP class fare is Tsh70000/ USD25 and the semi luxury coach costs Tsh63000/USD23. The main difference is that the VIP class coach has a toilet, snacks and refreshments are served on board.
Nakonde to Lusaka
Once you are done with the border process. You will find buses directly to Lusaka. Be advised once you are in Zambia you must change your time zone. Most countries in Southern Africa use CAT/GMT+2.
The journey is definitely a long one covering a distance of 1020 kilometres. I strongly recommend using Royal Africa luxury. Their ticket fare is K555/USD20, for enquires their whatsapp number is +260970356108. Royal Africa luxury has a number of super luxury coaches which travel from Lusaka to Nakonde and other parts of Zambia. They have a twice daily service to Lusaka with departure times at 05:00 and 11:30. These coaches have TVs and reclining seats – great for long distance travel comfort. Refreshments are available on board. The coaches have sufficient ventilation with sliding windows. They have experienced drivers and a well trained bus crew.
Their buses are economy class so it depends on which coach they use on that particular day. Some have a toilet on board, some don’t. Ensure you buy enough snacks for the road, warm food can be brought at recess points.
Zambia is a safe nation, you shouldn’t be worried about anything and the roads are smooth with few bumps in between. Once you arrive in Lusaka I strongly recommend you get a guest house or Bed and breakfast hotel to get some proper sleep after covering almost 1900 kilometres and spending the last three days travelling in different buses.
The other bus companies that serve the route are Power tools, Likili motorways, Jonda bus service, Shalom bus, etc.
Lusaka to Johannesburg
Finally the last mile of the journey you have passed halfway already. I can definitely assure you that all buses from Lusaka are luxurious and offer seamless travel to your final destination.
I strongly recommend Likili Motorways. The journey covers a distance of 1727 kilometres through Botswana. The ticket cost of Likili Motorways is K1500/USD53. The service to Johannesburg is available on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, departure time from 04:00 at Lusaka Intercity bus terminals. Their office whatsapp number for further information is +260776557235. All their coaches for this route have a toilet on board, reclining seats, entertainment on board, USB ports for charging mobile devices, wifi on select coaches. Food is also served on board including refreshments.
You will transit through Botswana. Depending on your passport please ensure you have processed your visa requirements online. If you plan to apply at the border post you will definitely delay the entire bus.
Immigration formalities
Travellers are advised to make sure you have processed all necessary visa requirements in advance. Kindly make sure your passport validity is not less than six months and have at least four blank pages.
From Nairobi to Johannesburg your passport will get stamped eight times at the following border posts:
- Namanga border posts (Kenya & Tanzania)
- Tunduma Border post (Tanzania)
- Nakonde border post (Zambia)
- Kazungula border posts (Zambia & Botswana)
- Martin drift border post (Botswana)
- Globers border post (South Africa)
NB: some of the borders are “One stop border posts” (OSBP) so they both use the same name.
Vaccinations
Most countries have relaxed vaccination requirements. But some border health and immigration officials still take advantage of it and ask you for your vaccination cards as a means to extort some funds from travellers. It’s better to be organised & not be taken by surprise when asked. Especially for Kenyans ensure you carry the following vaccination cards/book
- Covid-19
- Yellow fever
- Cholera
Travel advisory
- Book your bus tickets online in advance, space enough time between your buses in the evident of any delay.
- Keep enough local funds for use during recess stops. No all place will accept card payments.
- Keep valuables safe with you at all times. Put your luggage were you can see it.
- Don’t accept food and beverage items from strangers.
- Airtel network is available in Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.
- English is the official language for easy communication throughout the journey.
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