CAMPING SAFARI: Journey from Kenya to Zambia on this 21-day overland camping safari which also visits Tanzania and Malawi. Search for wildlife in the Serengeti National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. Unwind on the tropical beaches of Zanzibar, see snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and swim in Lake Malawi. Round it off with a free day to discover Victoria Falls how you see fit - by boat, on foot, or from the air!
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Download our Trip Notes
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Duration
21 daysStarts
NairobiEnds
LivingstoneTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour leaderMeals included
Breakfast: 20, Lunch: 14, Dinner: 15Group Size
Min 4 / Max 18Departs
WednesdaysHotel Rating
Camping & simple hotelsArrival Transfer
No - can be booked on requestDeparture Transfer
No - can be booked on requestRange
Overlanding AdventuresMinimum age
18 years (16 years from 2026 onward)Maximum age
75Countries
Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zanzibar, ZambiaTour Pace
MediumPhysical Rating
ModerateTrip Type
Overland SafarisCountries
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn’t visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Trip Type
Overland Safaris
Choose your desired standard of accommodation. See Ships for more information
Passengers
£1,901.25
£300.00
Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
300+ reviews
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). Welcome to East Africa! Departing the Kenyan capital of Nairobi in our overland vehicle early this morning, we cross into Tanzania. Then it's onwards to the country's safari capital, Arusha, located near the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. After browsing the curio markets we arrive at our campsite in the Meserani Snake Park. There should be time this afternoon to visit a nearby Maasai village and the snake park itself, home to all manner of crocodiles, pythons, and other reptiles!
Please note: The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. The pre departure meeting will be held on day 1. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Arusha - Serengeti National Park. Once again, we transfer to smaller, specialized safari vehicles for our excursion into the Serengeti National Park. Much larger than the Masai Mara, the Serengeti National Park is home to all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and is sure to yield incredible wildlife experiences. Driving around the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater (we'll be back here later in the tour!), we game drive to our unfenced bush campsite, for a night spent camping and listening to the sounds of the African wild.
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Day 6 sees us game-driving back out of the Serengeti and into the nearby Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This UNESCO-listed site is dominated by the Ngorongoro Crater, Africa's largest caldera. It is also home to some of the highest densities of wildlife on the entire continent. Descending to the crater floor, we'll enjoy incredible views of the surrounding walls, as well as searching for wildlife. We spend the night camping on the rim of the crater.
On day 4 we enjoy a final game drive in the crater, returning to the camp for lunch. It's then time to pack up as we return to Arusha.
Arusha - Bagamoyo. This morning we wake early and head south via Moshi to Bagamoyo. If the weather is clear we will be afforded a view of the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak (5895m). 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 to the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. We continue our journey down the Tanzanian coast to Dar es Salaam, the country's most important port. It's a relatively short drive of just 2 - 3 hours, and there should be time for you to head into the city independently. There is a wealth of Arab architecture to admire, as well as a selection of vibrant markets, great beaches, and bars. Tonight we are camping on the beach before our trip to Zanzibar tomorrow.
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar Island. On the morning of day 7 we board the ferry to Zanzibar, a tropical, semi-autonomous island off the coast of the Tanzanian mainland. Our overland truck will remain in Dar es Salaam.
Our time in Zanzibar is not structured, and there is plenty of time for you to unwind on the beach with a good book or embark on optional excursions such as a spice tour, snorkelling, scuba diving or enjoying a relaxing massage. See the Trip Notes for details.
As a general rule, we will spend one day in the old part of Zanzibar City, known as Stone Town. Then we will head to the northern beaches for two further days of sun, sea and sand. In Zanzibar we will stay in standard hotels, instead of camping.
Zanzibar Island - Dar es Salaam. There's time for a final swim this morning before we check out after breakfast and catch the ferry back to the mainland. We're camping by the coast again tonight, and you'll be able to head back into Dar if you choose.
Dar es Salaam - Mikumi National Park Area. Climb aboard our overland truck once more as we make our way back inland, heading for the Malawian border. Today we are driving through Mikumi National Park, and will stop if we see any exotic wildlife, such as a forest elephant, or herd of giraffes.
Our campsite tonight is on the edge of the reserve, and you can opt for an extra game drive if you haven't had your safari fill yet! We'll also enjoy drinks at the local bar before an evening around the campfire.
Mikumi National Park Area - Iringa. Today's drive takes us through the spectacular Southern Highlands of Tanzania. We'll be staying at a local family-run farm around 50km from Iringa. The farm has been managed by the Ghaui family for more than 70 years and produces organic crops and meat for the local community and Dar es Salaam. It's a well-known camping spot on the way to Malawi.
Iringa - Mbeya Region. As we head towards Malawi, we make a stop at the tranquil Utengule Coffee Lodge, nestled amidst the majestic Mbeya range in Southern Tanzania. We take in breathtaking views of the East African Rift Valley, unwind by the poolside, or enjoy activities like squash, tennis, pool, table tennis, and volleyball. For those of us interested in coffee, we have the option to join a guided tour through the coffee plantation, complete with a roasting demonstration and a delicious cup of home-grown coffee.
Mbeya Region - Chitimba Beach (Malawi). After our last night in Tanzania, we make our way to the Songwe border post and cross into Malawi. Lake Malawi, formerly known as Lake Nyasa, covers nearly a fifth of the country and is a vital source of livelihood for many Malawians. Fishermen, fish traders, and canoe and net makers all rely on the lake, and at dawn, we see fishermen in their Bwato—traditional dugout canoes—casting their nets as the sun rises over the water. The lake is also home to the highest number of endemic freshwater fish species in the world. We have plenty of free time to relax on the beach, stroll through the village, and explore the local craft market, where we can try our hand at woodcarving and create our own souvenir. We also have the chance to learn the traditional game of Bao or test our bargaining skills while shopping for unique handmade treasures.
Chitimba - Nkhotakota Region (Lake Malawi). Lake Malawi is too much of a highlight for us to only visit one location along its never-ending shore! Our next destination is Ngala Beach, we stop to reload our supplies in the town of Mzuzu.
The rest of today and all of day 16 are at leisure. Optional activities include hiring a kayak, snorkelling, a village walk, a waterfall hike, or you can simply relax and enjoy the warm, fresh waters of Lake Malawi.
Nkhotakota Region (Lake Malawi) - Petauke, Zambia. This morning, we bid farewell to "the lake" and we drive through Nkhotakhota Game Reserve on our way to the border, where we cross into Zambia. We continue our journey to Petauke, a region known for its rich agricultural production. As we travel, we pass fields of maize, cotton, sunflowers, soya beans, and other crops, getting a glimpse of the farming life that sustains this part of Zambia.
Petauke - Lusaka. It's an early start today as we have a long drive to the Zambian capital, Lusaka. The scenery en route is stunning though: we'll take the Great Eastern Road, passing through lush countryside and crossing the rushing Luangwa River. Our campsite is at a tranquil farm outside Lusaka, which is Southern Africa's fastest-growing city.
Lusaka - Livingstone. On day 19 we drive south to Livingstone. Named after famed explorer David Livingstone, this is the Zambian base for exploring Victoria Falls, one of the African continent's finest natural wonders. There is an included visit to the falls, which are also known as Mosi oa Tunya - the ‘Smoke that Thunders’.
Day 20 is completely free for you to do as little or as much as you like. Livingstone is an adrenalin junkie's paradise, with all manner of optional activities available. You could go bungee jumping, canoeing or rafting on the Zambezi River, take a scenic flight over the falls, or enjoy a fishing trip. Or you can sit by the pool and relax! See the Trip Notes for more details.
Today our tour comes to an end after a final breakfast in the hotel. If you'd like to stay a while longer in Livingstone then speak to our team about booking post-tour accommodation.
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Accommodation Standard
Camping
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post Tour Accommodation Livingstone - Victoria Falls Waterfront, en suite room (Jan - May)
Double
Twin
Single
Post Tour Accommodation Livingstone - Victoria Falls Waterfront, en suite room (Jun - Dec)
Double
Twin
Single
Post Tour Accommodation Livingstone - Victoria Falls Waterfront, tent
Double
Twin
Single
Pre Tour Accommodation Nairobi - Hotel Boulevard
Double
Twin
Single
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Add on: Nairobi Airport Transfer (1 person)
Add-on
Add on: Livingstone Airport Shuttle Transfer
Add-on
Add on: Nairobi Airport Transfer (max. 3 ppl)
Add-on
Accommodation Standard
Camping
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Departures are guaranteed to operate when there are 6 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a tent. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers, who will share a tent with another traveller of the same sex.
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