ACCOMMODATED SAFARI: Uncover the highlights of Eastern Africa on this 21-day overland accommodated safari which travels from Zambia to Kenya. Search for the Big Five in the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. Game drive through Mikumi and South Luangwa national parks, admire thundering Victoria Falls and spend three nights relaxing in Zanzibar. Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, swim in Lake Malawi and finish your tour in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Livingstone
Livingstone - Lusaka. Welcome to Livingstone! Arrive a day early to enjoy an included visit to Mosi Oa Tunya National Park to see the spectacular Victoria Falls. On day 1 we depart at 7am for Lusaka, the Zambian capital. It is a rapidly growing city, but we'll be staying at a farm on the outskirts, where we can enjoy a relaxing first evening.
Please note: Please arrive in Livingstone at least one night before your tour, to ensure you have time to visit Victoria Falls. There will be a pre-departure meeting at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure and the tour departs at 7am on day 1. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book a Livingstone Airport arrival transfer and pre-tour accommodation upon request.
Overnight: Lusaka | Lunch, Dinner
The Great East Road
Lusaka - Petauke. Leaving early this morning, we take the Great East Road, linking Zambia with neighbouring Malawi. We drive through lush countryside and small villages, crossing the Luangwa River before reaching our accommodation situated 5km from Petauke.
Overnight: Petauke | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
South Luangwa National Park
Petauke - South Luangwa National Park. We make our way to South Luangwa National Park today. This is Zambia's premier wildlife destination, home to elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and more than 400 bird species. Upon arrival there is free time to embark on optional game walks or game drives.
Overnight: South Luangwa National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
South Luangwa NP game drive
South Luangwa National Park - Chipata. This morning we embark on an open vehicle game drive in South Luangwa National Park, with a local ranger. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species inhabiting the area. Following the game drive, we make our way to Chipata.
Overnight: Chipata | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kande Beach, Lake Malawi
South Luangwa National Park - Kande Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). Leaving Zambia behind, we cross into Malawi and head to the shore of Lake Malawi, which covers more than one-fifth of the entire country. Our campsite is right on the shore of the lake, and you'll have time to go for a swim or relax at the camp. Day 6 is free to partake in optional activities. You could hire a traditional bwato canoe, go horse riding around the lake, or visit a nearby village to meet the friendly Malawian villagers.
Overnight: Kande Beach - Lake Malawi (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi
Kande Beach - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi. This morning we take a scenic drive through rubber plantations to the town of Mzuzu, where we pick up some supplies and visit the market before travelling on to our beach-side camp at Chitimba Beach. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Relax by the beach, play volleyball or browse the local craft markets.
Overnight: Chitimba Beach - Lake Malawi | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hello Tanzania
Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi - Iringa (Tanzania). Today we have a long but scenic drive as we cross into Tanzania and travel to Iringa. Climbing through the Southern Highlands, we arrive at Kisolanza Farmhouse, a family-run working farm in a spectacular location.
Overnight: Iringa | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mikumi National Park
Iringa - Mikumi National Park area. Heading east, we travel to Mikumi National Park, the fifth-largest reserve in Tanzania. Our accommodation is located on the very edge of the park, and we'll enjoy an evening around the open fire under the blanket of stars. If time permits you can book an optional game drive to see some of the resident wildlife, including lion, buffalo, elephant, hippo and crocodile.
Overnight: Mikumi National Park area | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wildlife & Dar es Salaam
Mikumi National Park area - Dar es Salaam. Our journey to the Indian Ocean coast city of Dar es Salaam takes us through the heart of Mikumi National Park. We will probably see some wildlife on this drive, and will stop if we see anything of note, such as forest elephants or giraffe feeding at the roadside.
Arriving at our campsite on the beach outside Dar es Salaam, there is time to browse the local markets or head into town to explore.
Overnight: Dar es Salaam | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Zanzibar: a tropical island paradise
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 11, we take the ferry to Zanzibar, leaving our overland truck on the mainland. Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys, and lush tropical forests.
Our time on Zanzibar is not too structured. There is plenty of free time to explore historic Stone Town and relax on the island's pristine beaches. There's also plenty of optional activities on offer including a visit a spice plantation, snorkelling safaris, scuba diving and yacht trips. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.
In Zanzibar, we typically spend day 11 in Stone Town and days 12 - 14 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Overnight: Zanzibar (4) | Breakfast x 4
Bagamoyo
Zanzibar - Bagamoyo. We have the morning to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy one last swim before catching the ferry back to the African mainland, Dar es Salaam and onwards to Bagamoyo for the evening. The quaint town of Bagamoyo was founded at the end of the 18th century and was one of the most significant trading ports along the East African coast. Our camp for the evening is situated close by to the palm fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean
Overnight: Bagamoyo | Breakfast, Dinner
Views of Kilimanjaro
Bagamoyo - Marangu. Departing early from Bagamoyo, we head north past the Usambara and Pare Mountains in the Eastern Arc Mountain Range to Marangu, nestled at the base of the famed Kilimanjaro. If the weather is clear you will be able to enjoy magnificent views of the mountain from our camp and the surrounding area.
Overnight: Marangu | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha
Marangu - Arusha. This morning we drive past the town of Moshi to Arusha, Tanzania's safari capital and our base for exploring the Serengeti and famed Ngorongoro Crater. With time to explore the town we head out to our accommodation just outside the city at the edge of the Masai plains. This afternoon we enjoy a walk to one of the local Maasai villages. Here we visit a local school and clinic, browse the small Maasai museum and see the crocodiles, pythons, and other species at the Meserani Snake Park. There is optional camel riding available too.
Overnight: Arusha | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti National Park
Arusha - Serengeti National Park. Today we embark on our excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Leaving our overland truck behind we transfer to designated safari vehicles. Entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we drive around the rim of the crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, one of the last great wildernesses in the world.
Millions of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope migrate across these plains throughout the year, followed by the predators, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Look out for the Big Five and see abundant wildlife as we game drive to our unfenced campsite for the evening. With lions and hyena roaming nearby, listen to the sounds of the bush and enjoy a night camping in the wild!
Overnight: Serengeti National Park - Bush camp | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 19, we can search for any species we have not managed to spot so far. We travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater, camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife areas.
On day 20 we drive down into the crater itself, following the steep road into the reserve. On our early morning game drive, you will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes who cannot manage the steep climb down the crater rim!
Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater - camping (1), Arusha (1) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Nairobi
Arusha - Nairobi (Kenya). Entering the final country of our trip, we cross the border into Kenya this morning. We then journey to the capital, Nairobi. Here are tour comes to an end.
Breakfast, Lunch
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 persons. Prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room / tent. Solo travellers will be matched up and share a room / tent with another solo traveller of the same gender. All accommodation is on a twin share basis.
Local payment - $935pp paid in USD
Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Eureka Camp (chalets), Lusaka
Eureka Camp is situated on a private game farm and guests are treated to the sight of giraffes, zebra, and antelope wandering freely through the grounds. Located just a short drive from the Zambian capital, it is nevertheless a peaceful, rural place to stay. Travellers will stay in simply furnished private chalets with an en suite and twin beds. Facilities at the camp include an outdoor pool, volleyball pitch, BBQ area and bar complete with darts, pool and satellite TV.
Wildlife Camp (chalets), South Luangwa National Park
Located on the banks of the Luangwa River on the edge of South Luangwa National Park, Wildlife Camp offers 9 simple, thatched chalets with views over the river, each with its own private veranda for game viewing. Chalets are also ensuite with running water and simple furnishings. The camp has an outdoor swimming pool and bar area, with a Wi-Fi connection. Additional game drives and walking safaris can also be booked.
Mama Rula's (chalets), Chipata
Located 6km outside the border town of Chipata, Mama Rula's B&B and campsite is ideally located between Lusaka and South Luangwa National Park. Comfortable ensuite chalets are housed in beautiful gardens and come with TV. The onsite restaurant serves vegetables grown in the gardens and there is an outdoor swimming pool that guests are free to use.
Kande Beach (chalets), Lake Malawi
A beachside resort on the western side of Lake Malawi, Kande Beach is a laid-back destination, perfect for unwinding in this part of Central Africa. Beach-side chalets are just metres from the lake, separated by a stretch of golden sand. Chalets are simply furnished and with shared bathroom facilities, plus a beachfront verandah. Watersports equipment can be hired by the hour and the onsite bar serves a selection of refreshing drinks, as well as boasting a pool table and table tennis. Nearby Tonga village is a short walk away for those looking to experience Malawian village life.
Chitimba Beach Camp (chalets), Lake Malawi
Chitimba Beach is found on the northern shore of Lake Malawi, surrounded by banana palms and papaya trees on a golden sandy beach. The property features a large thatched restaurant, bar and lounge area, and basic but comfortable chalets with shared facilities. Wi-Fi connection is provided and there are good hiking trails around the lake and the surrounding area. Beach volleyball can also be enjoyed, and there is a communal firepit.
Kisolanza Farm (chalets), Iringa
This working farm is nestled around 50km from Iringa, in Tanzania's rural Southern Highlands. The farm has been the home of the Ghaui family since the 1930s. Still planted with crops today, it is also home to livestock including cattle and sheep. Onsite facilities include a farm shop selling the farm's own organic produce, as well as a spa, restaurant and bar. The restaurant is housed in a traditional mud building and serves fresh, local ingredients. Basic chalets are wood-built and rustically decorated with shared bathroom facilities. They are surrounded by organic gardens, where birds and butterflies roam serenely.
Tan-Swiss Lodge, Mikumi
Tan-Swiss Lodge offers simple accommodation with ensuite bathrooms and twin share or double beds. Rooms are air-conditioned and offer TV and free Wi-Fi connection, plus a small verandah overlooking the beautiful gardens. Tan-Swiss Lodge is located less than 3km from the boundary with Mikumi National Park and amenities include a gift shop, laundry services, outdoor swimming pool and an onsite restaurant.
Kipepeo Beach Village (chalets), Dar es Salaam
The Tanzanian bush meets the blue waters of the Indian Ocean at Kipepeo Beach & Village, situated on the south coast of Dar Es Salaam. The accommodation is right on the beach itself and is a popular destination for watersports adventures or simple relaxation. Facilities include a beach bar and restaurant. All 20 chalets are elevated, with ocean-facing balconies and hammocks, perfect for a relaxing afternoon! Each chalet also has an ensuite bathroom with twin or double beds and a fan. Chalets are decorated in traditional Swahili style.
All Seasons Hotel, Zanzibar
A great base for exploring Stone Town, the All Seasons Hotel is located in the heart of the old part of Zanzibar City and just a few hundred metres from the beach. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, TV and a terrace. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Guests can dine at the onsite restaurant, and the hotel is situated within easy distance of an array of other restaurants and attractions, including the Old Fort of Zanzibar and the Persian Baths.
Sunset Bungalows, Zanzibar
Sunset Bungalows hotel is located on the northern Kendwa Beaches of Zanzibar's main island. This tropical paradise is the perfect place to while away a few days before getting back on safari. Recently renovated rooms come with four-poster or twin share beds, air-conditioning, seating area and ensuite bathrooms. The onsite Sunset Restaurant serves a delicious variety of Swahili and international cuisine, as well as a selection of cocktails. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property and a beachside swimming pool offering wonderful ocean views.
Firefly Camp (chalets), Bagamoyo
A mixture of simple chalets and permanent tents are on offer at this boutique lodge in Bagamoyo, just a short walk from the beach. Some units offer a sea view whilst some overlook the outdoor swimming pool or lush gardens. There are shared bathroom facilities although some rooms do come with ensuite bathrooms. Food is served all day at the camp's restaurant and bar, and there is a free Wi-Fi connection. Guests can also browse the souvenir shop, relax in the spa, or hire bicycles to further explore Bagamoyo.
Meserani Snake Park , Arusha
Founded in 1993 on the outskirts of Arusha, the Meserani Snake Park was once a barren wasteland, now it's a lush wildlife park, with hundreds of trees planted which are also home to native bird species. Travellers can visit a local Maasai village guided by a Maasai warrior and can explore the Snake Park zoo itself, home to 48 African snake species including the deadly Black spitting cobra and reptiles including crocodiles. The Snake Park hosts a monthly medical clinic for the local community too, serving more than 1,000 patients monthly. Accommodation is in simple chalets with shared facilities, and the Snake Park Bar is famous in the area for its array of memorabilia.
Simba Camp (campsite), Ngorongoro Crater
An unfenced campsite boasting stunning views of the Ngorongoro Crater and with wildlife free to roam around the campsite, Simba Camp is the perfect base for enjoying a wildlife safari in the Ngorongoro Crater. There are well-maintained shared bathroom facilities with hot water, and firewood can be purchased onsite. Take a short walk from camp for unrivalled views of the crater, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife as you go.
At a Glance
