NAIROBI TO VICTORIA FALLS (20 DAYS)

Leaving behind the bustle of Nairobi we travel south to the Tanzanian border. After completing border formalities we continue to the busy town of Arusha, our base for the night. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro.

Although it is a short distance to Karatu, we will spend most of the day commuting closer to the Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival in Karatu, our guide will brief us on our overnight excursion into the crater and Serengeti National Park.

We rise early and will be collected from our camp and transferred to the Ngorongoro Crater in 4×4 safari type vehicles. We will spend the bulk of our day exploring the crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains. In the afternoon, we will arrive at our overnight camp in the Seronera region, located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park. The camp is surrounded by spectacular views and abundant wildlife and this evening, while sipping on a cold beverage, we will enjoy the sights and sounds of nature passing right in front of your meru style tent.

This morning we rise early to enjoy our time game driving through Serengeti National Park. Famous for the abundant wildlife that exists in the park, we will spend most of our day in search of the animals that reside here. We will arrive back in Karatu in the late afternoon and will spend our evening reminiscing about our encounters of the past two days.

We depart Karatu and make the return journey to Arusha where we will spend the night reminiscing about our experiences of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

We head out early this morning as we journey south to our overnight stop in the coastal town of Bagamoyo. Formerly a centre point of the East African slave trade, Bagamoyo lies just north of the port of Dar es Salaam and is a perfect launching point for our upcoming Zanzibar Excursion. While today is primarily a travel day, we experience the hustle and bustle of one of Africa’s major travel routes. Road travel in Africa is an experience in itself and the bustling markets, villages and scenic backdrops that line the routes give a window into the lifestyle of rural Africa. This evening we will prepare for our Zanzibar Excursion that begins tomorrow morning.

We complete the short journey into Dar es Salaam this morning and board our ferry for the two hour trip to Zanzibar. After arriving at the ferry port we board make our way to Nungwi on the northern shores of the island. There are a number of excursions that can be arranged and your guide will be on hand to assist.

Today is a free day to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day and Nungwi offers fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of ocean safari options. Whatever it is you chose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Rent a scooter and explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

This morning our visit to Nungwi comes to an end as we transfer by road to Stone Town. Before we arrive in Stone Town, we will stop along the way to enjoy a guided walking spice tour, which passes through villages and spice plantations. You will be able to witness first-hand how spice farm workers climb the trees and seek out specific plants and will have the opportunity to purchase fresh spices directly from these farms. Boasting a rich history this busy port of Stone Town was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes.

Leaving the coast behind us we travel inland and make our way to Mikumi where we stop for the night. Mikumi National Park ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania and forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve.

The town of Iringa sits on a cliff overlooking the Ruaha River Valley. The town centre offers the visitor a view into the past with its German colonial buildings and a popular market. The Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery memorialises soldiers who died in local battles during WWI and WWII.
Before reaching the town we have a quick stop at the Baobab Valley in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania. A mesmerizing landscape dotted with ancient, towering baobab trees that have stood the test of time. These iconic trees create a surreal and breath-taking scene, casting dramatic shadows against the African savannah, the perfect backdrop to stop for a group picture.

This afternoon we will make a stop at a local coffee plantation where we have the opportunity to see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and will be able to sample some of the beans.

Leaving Tanzania behind, we descend the Great Rift Valley and cross the border into Malawi. Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” the lakeside country is blessed with natural beauty Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi where we look forward to spending the night enjoying the attractions of the northern regions of the lake. Snorkelling in the crystal waters offers the chance to see first-hand the brilliantly coloured tropical cichlids, tiny fish often found in colourful aquariums around the world.

This morning we board our truck and head further South of Lake Malawi. Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi. Stretching over 500km along the western boundary of Malawi, the lake is home to more species of fish than any other lake. We spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder.

Today is another day of leisure, relaxing at the lake. Use the time to read a book, soak up the sun or indulge in the many attractions that are on offer.

This morning we enjoy a final sunrise on the shores of Lake Malawi before setting off for Zambia and the South Luangwa National Park. Before the border, we embark on an exhilarating “on-truck” safari as we traverse the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, a storied national park that boasts a rich heritage and is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Malawi. Keep a keen watch for elephants and zebras as they roam freely across the vast plains. After crossing the border into Zambia we make a short stop in Chipata before continuing to our camp on the banks of the Luangwa River. Having watched the sun rise over Lake Malawi in the morning we enjoy an equally spectacular sunset over the Luangwa River this evening.

South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination and we have a full day to explore the park in search of the variety of wildlife found in the park. This morning you can partake in an optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris on offer in the park. This afternoon we will enjoy a Sunset Drive in the park, enjoying a sundowner on the way. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives us a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen in the day.

Leaving the Luangwa Valley this morning we make a stop at a roadside textile project to view how these colourful fabrics are crafted. The Chipata area is a major producer of cotton and we get a taste of the creativity of the African culture. Our destination tonight is the small town of Petauke.

As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and we will cross the Luangwa River on our way to Lusaka. The route today is dotted with villages and subsistence farms and the landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries, so many of us call home. We make a delightful stop at Luangwa Market, a bustling hub where local Zambian vendors showcase their wares. Among the treasures on display are masau and masaku, delectable fruits that are available year-round and renowned for their mouth-watering taste. In addition, other African curios catch our eye, from charming miniature hippos to intricately woven baskets and papyrus carpets, adding to the colourful tapestry of this vibrant marketplace.

Crossing the Southern reaches of Zambia we make our way to the adventure town of Victoria Falls. This afternoon we get our first look at the mighty Victoria Falls. Crossing the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe we get a view of “Musi oa Tunya”, the Smoke that Thunders as the falls are known in the local language. Victoria Falls offers a host of optional activities and these can be booked on arrival in Victoria Falls. Your tour comes to an end upon arrival in Victoria Falls.