CAMPING SAFARI: Travelling from Kenya to South Africa, discover the diverse landscapes, rich culture and incredible wildlife of East and Southern Africa on this 31 day overland camping safari. Go in search of the Big Five in the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Relax of the idyllic island of Zanzibar and swim in Lake Malawi. Marvel at Victoria Falls and spot rhino in Matobo National Park, before ending your adventure spotting wildlife in Kruger National Park. Visiting six captivating countries in 31 days.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Kenya!
Nairobi - Masai Mara. Early this morning we depart Nairobi and drive to the Masai Mara. We will be travelling in specialized safari vehicles for this part of the tour to enjoy a more intimate wildlife-viewing experience. In the Masai Mara we spend two nights on the edge of the reserve in permanent en suite tents and spot wildlife on morning and afternoon game drives.
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Overnight: Masai Mara | Lunch, Dinner
Masai Mara
We go in search of the Big Five and other wildlife on a morning and afternoon game drive in the legendary Masai Mara today. Between July and October the Masai Mara plays host to The Great Migration, when giant herds of wildebeest, zebra, and other grazing animals migrate from the adjoining Serengeti plains, followed by predators and scavengers. The Masai Mara is excellent for game viewing at any time of year but the enormous congregation of wildlife during The Great Migration is simply spectacular.
Overnight: Masai Mara | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Nairobi
Masai Mara - NairobiWe leave the Masai Mara this morning and travel back across the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi where we spend the night.
Overnight: Nairobi | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Crossing into Tanzania
Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). Bidding farewell to Kenya we board our overland truck and cross the border into neighboring Tanzania today, travelling on to Arusha. Arriving in Tanzania's 'safari capital' late afternoon we stop to browse the curio markets before heading to our camp just outside the city. If time permits we enjoy a walk around a traditional Maasai village to gain an insight into their everyday life and traditions.
Overnight: Arusha | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti National Park
Arusha - Serengeti National Park. This morning we set out on an exciting two day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion in designated safari vehicles. Entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, we drive around the rim of the crater and onto the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti. Spot an enormous variety of grazing animals, predators and birdlife as we game drive to our unfenced campsite for the evening. Camping in the wilderness, with wildlife roaming nearby, is an experience you'll never forget!
Overnight: Serengeti National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 6, keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five. After lunch we ascend the outer wall of the Ngorongoro Crater. We spend the night camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, where wildlife roams free.
We wake early the next morning and drive down a steep road into the crater for a game drive in this incredible wildlife haven, which is home to all Africa's major mammals except giraffes. Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater (1), Arusha (1) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Onwards to the coast
Arusha - Bagamoyo. It's a long but scenic drive today as we travel to Bagamoyo on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. Passing Mount Kilimanjaro en route, if the weather is clear we'll get an excellent of Africa's highest mountain.
The port town of Bagamoyo was founded towards the end of the 18th century and was an important trading port along the East African coast. Today it is a center for dhow building, with many of the boats being sent to Zanzibar and nearby areas. We camp on the outskirts of the town, near the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Overnight: Bagamoyo | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dar es Salaam
Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. We make our way south along the coast to the bustling seaport city of Dar es Salaam today. Setting up camp on the beach just outside the city, there's time to relax and take in the balmy Indian Ocean sea breeze before we travel to Zanzibar tomorrow.
Overnight: Dar es Salaam | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tropical Zanzibar
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. Leaving our overland truck on the mainland we take the ferry to Zanzibar on the morning of day 10. Idyllic Zanzibar, with its sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys and lush tropical forests, is our home for the next three nights.
In Zanzibar we stay in simple hotels, usually spending day 10 in Stone Town and days 11 and 12 at one of the northern beaches. Enjoy free time on the island or choose from a range of optional excursions. Opt for a tour of Stone Town's Slave Markets or a Spice Tour. Go snorkelling, scuba diving or simply relax on the tropical beaches. Please see the Trip Notes for more details about the optional activities available in Zanzibar.
Overnight: Zanzibar | Breakfast x 3
Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. Enjoy a final swim in the turquoise ocean before we board the ferry back to the mainland and return to our camp on the beach.
Overnight: Dar es Salaam | Breakfast, Dinner
Mikumi National Park
Dar es Salaam - Mikumi National Park. Leaving the coast we drive inland through Mikumi National Park, where we might be lucky enough to spot forest elephant or giraffe feeding near the side of the road. Our campsite tonight is a short distance from the park and, if time permits, there will be the opportunity to go on an optional game drive, exploring Tanzania's 5th largest park.
Overnight: Mikumi | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iringa
Mikumi National Park - Iringa. Continuing our journey south, we pass through Baobab Valley, home to many of these ancient, swollen baobab trees. Reaching the town of Iringa, we end our journey at the Kisolanza Farm. This family-run business supplies Dar es Salaam with organic meat and vegetables and is a well-known camping spot, located in the scenic Southern Highlands of Tanzania.
Overnight: Iringa | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Malawi, Chitimba Beach
Iringa - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). On day 16 we travel through lush mountain passes, rich grazing land, and banana and tea plantations en route to Malawi. We drive to shimmering Lake Malawi, which covers around a fifth of the country and is the main source of income for a huge swathe of the country's population. Our first two nights in Malawi at spent at Chitimba Beach, where we enjoy free time.
On day 16 relax on the beach, take a leisurely village walk or enjoy an optional full day trip to Manchewe Falls where, after an 11km hike, you can cool off in a natural bath.
Overnight: Chitimba Beach - Lake Malawi (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Lake Malawi, Kande Beach
Chitimba Beach - Mzuzu - Kande Beach. We take a scenic drive through rubber plantations to the large town of Mzuzu on day 18, where we pick up some supplies and visit the markets before travelling on to Kande Beach. The remains of the day and day 19 are spent at leisure. Stroll around the craft market and meet the locals, relax on the beach and swim in the warm waters of the lake. You can also partake in the optional activities on offer, including diving, snorkelling, horse riding and a guided village walk.
Overnight: Kande Beach - Lake Malawi (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Chipata
Kande Beach, Lake Malawi - Chipata (Zambia). Leaving the sandy shores of Lake Malawi we head cross into Zambia at the border town of Chipata. Formally named Fort Jamerson, Chipata is the capital of Zambia's Eastern Province. If time permits we'll stop in Chipata before travelling on to our campsite a short distance from the town center.
Overnight: Chipata | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lusaka
Chipata - Lusaka. Departing early this morning we travel along the Great Eastern Road through lush countryside and rural villages to Lusaka, Zambia's capital. This is southern Africa's fastest-growing city, but we'll enjoy a slice of tranquillity at our campsite on a rural farm.
Overnight: Lusaka | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Livingstone & the Victoria Falls
Lusaka - Livingstone. Heading south we travel to Livingtone on day 22 and set up camp at the Waterfront campsite on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, just a few kilometers from Victoria Falls. This will be our home for the next four nights. During your stay in Livingstone a visit Mosi oa Tunya National Park to see the spectacular Victoria Falls is included. Don’t forget your raincoat to keep you and your camera dry!
Spend your time in Livingstone at leisure. There's plenty to keep you entertained! Explore Livingstone and perhaps cross the border to see the Zimbabwe side of the falls. You can also enjoy a whole range of optional activities which are available to book locally, such as rafting, bungee jumping, river cruises, and flights over the falls, to name a few.
Overnight: Livingstone (4) | Breakfast x 4, Lunch x 1
Bulawayo
Livingstone - Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). This morning we depart Livingstone and cross the border into Zimbabwe, passing through the town of Victoria Falls en route to Bulawayo. Camping just outside the city center, once we've settled in the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the area.
Overnight: Bulawayo | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Matobo National Park
Today we enjoy a half day tour of Matobo National Park which is just a short drive from Bulawayo. This remarkable reserve has the largest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa and it also has the densest population of leopard and black eagle in the world. Knowledgeable guides will take us on a nature drive and wilderness walk, leading us on foot to some of the more concealed places in search of these incredible animals.
After the tour drive back to camp for an afternoon at leisure. Alternatively there's the option to upgrade to a full day tour (optional - pay locally). On the full day tour explore the wind-sculptured Matobo Hills, see the Bushman paintings and visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.
Overnight: Bulawayo | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Crossing into South Africa
Bulawayo - (South Africa). Today we continue our journey south, crosTshipisesing into South Africa at Beitbridge. Then we cross the mighty Limpopo River and travel on to the town of Tshipise, in the northern Limpopo province. Our campsite for the night is adjacent to Honnet Nature Reserve and there are hot spring in the area, surrounded by dense woodland and Baobab trees.
Overnight: Tshipise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kruger National Park
Tshipise - Hazyview (Greater Kruger). From Tshipise we travel to Kruger National Park, southern Africa's flagship game reserve. Several years ago fences between the national park and surrounding private reserves were removed to form the Greater Kruger where an abundance of wildlife roams free. Almost every major Africa mammal can be found in Kruger including all of the Big Five and there's also prolific birdlife.
We set up camp in Hazyview and enjoy an evening of Shangaan tribal dancing and singing. The following day we wake early, board 4x4 game viewing vehicles with a resident guide and set out on a full day in the national park itself. Going in search of the Big Five and other resident wildlife on a morning and afternoon game drive, with a break during the middle of the day to relax at a rest camp. Late afternoon we return to our campsite in Hazyview for the night.
Overnight: Hazyview (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Pretoria
Hazyview (Greater Kruger) - Pretoria. Bidding farewell to Kruger we make our way to Pretoria where our tour ends late afternoon / early evening.
Please note: We recommend that you spend the night in Pretoria. Pretoria accommodation and a transfer to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport can be booked locally or in advance.
Breakfast
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 tent with another solo traveller of the same gender. All accommodation is on a twin share basis.
Local payment - $950pp, 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.
Enchoro Wildlife Camp (permanent tents), Masai Mara
Enchoro Wildlife Camp is a partly fenced campsite located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, set amongst lush trees. Accommodation is in permanent pre-erected tents complete with twin share beds and ensuite bathroom facilities. Each tent also has a verandah perfect for enjoying a sundowner and keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife. There is a thatched-roof restaurant onsite and additional excursions into the Mara can be booked at the tour desk.
Wildebeest Eco Camp (campsite), Nairobi
An oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, Wildebeest Eco Camp is set in tropical gardens home to hundreds of native birds. It is conveniently located near shops, banks, markets, restaurants and Nairobi National Park. The campsite is shaded and shared bathroom facilities with solar-powered hot showers and flush toilets are available. There's an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace for guests to enjoy and the onsite restaurant serves a variety of African, European, and American dishes. Free Wi-Fi is also available.
Meserani Snake Park (campsite), 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. The campsite offers shared ablutions with hot water and you will camp amongst the birdsong-filled trees. The onsite 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.
Firefly Camp (campsite), Bagamoyo
The campsite at Firefly is just a few metres from the beach in Bagamoyo. There are shared toilets and showers and the communal areas, outdoor swimming pool and Wi-Fi connection are free for campers to use too. Food is served all day at the camp's restaurant and bar, including free coffee in the morning. Guests can also browse the souvenir shop, relax in the spa, or hire bicycles to further explore Bagamoyo.
Kipepeo Beach Village (campsite), 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 campsite is right on the beach itself and is a popular destination for watersports adventures or simple relaxation. Facilities include a beach bar and restaurant. There are shared bathroom facilities and electric hook-up is available.
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.
Amaan Bungalows - Nungwi, Zanzibar
Amaan Bungalows is a laid-back beachfront hotel in Nungwi, on the north western tip of Zanzibar. The comfortable, ensuite, air-conditioned guest rooms are scenically set amid a landscape of coconut palms and sweet-scented flowers. Free Wi-Fi is available and facilities include an outdoor pool, spa and restaurant. Set on Nungwi's pristine white sand beach, the hotel offers a plethora of leisure activities, with water sports facilities, bicycle rental and a tour desk. This tropical paradise is the perfect place to while away a few days before getting back on safari.
Tan-Swiss Lodge (campsite), Mikumi
This fenced campsite is conveniently located less than 3km from the boundary with Mikumi National Park. Facilities onsite include a gift shop, laundry services, outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace, and a restaurant. The campsite has shared bathroom facilities, electric hook-up and a BBQ area, and there is also free Wi-Fi connectivity.
Kisolanza Farm (campsite), 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. The spacious campsite offers shaded pitches and thatched huts with picnic benches and solar lighting for socializing. Bathroom facilities are shared, regularly cleaned, and offering hot showers.
Chitimba Beach Camp (campsite), Lake Malawi
Chitimba Beach campsite 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. Tents can be pitched either on the beach or the shaded lawn and there is an electric hook-up and Wi-Fi connection, plus shared bathroom facilities. There are good hiking trails around the lake and the surrounding area. Beach volleyball can also be enjoyed, and there is a communal firepit.
Kande Beach (campsite), 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. The beach-side campsite is just metres from the lake, separated by a stretch of golden sand. There is a shared shower and toilet block as well as cooking areas and sinks for campers. Watersports equipment can be hired by the hour at the site. 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.
Eureka Camp (campsite), Lusaka
Eureka Camp campsite 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 camp amongst the shade of trees and facilities at the camp include an outdoor pool, volleyball pitch, BBQ area and bar complete with darts, pool and satellite TV.
The Victoria Falls Waterfront (campsite), Livingstone
Just a few kilometres from one of Africa's finest natural wonders and found within Mosi oa Tunya National Park, The Victoria Falls Waterfront is an excellent base for discovering the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. The campsite is located beside the Luangwa River, in the gardens of the Victoria Falls Waterfront. Guests can make use of shared sanitary blocks and braai BBQ facilities. And they are free to enjoy the lodge's free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, and activity centre offering different experiences at the falls.
Burkes' Paradise (campsite), Bulawayo
Burkes' Paradise is a hostel and campsite set on an attractive 12 acre plot of land, comprised of natural bush and well maintained lawns. There are camping pitches around the garden, with shared facilities and hot showers. WiFi internet access is available in the communal lounge area and there's a swimming pool with sun loungers, so you can enjoy a refreshing swim and relax after a busy day. The property is located ten minute drive from the centre of Bulawayo.
Tshipise A Forever Resort (campsite), Tshipise
Tshipise A Forever Resort is located in the town of Tshipise, in South Africa's Limpopo province, just a stone's throw from Kruger National Park. The famous Tshipise Koppie towers over this pretty lush bushveld resort, which is dotted with giant Baobabs and has a hot spring bath where you can rejuvenate. The wide range of facilities on offer includes a restaurant and bar, a well-stocked general store, swimming pools, a tennis court and mini-golf. There's also an ATM and free WiFi. While relaxing at this tranquil camp, be sure to look out for the meerkat troops and monkeys which can be seen scurrying around!
Hotel Numbi (campsite), Hazyview
Conveniently located in the town of Hazyview, less than a 10 minutes' drive from South Africa's flagship Kruger National Park, this property has a campsite which is set within beautiful tropical gardens, with communal bathrooms and a restaurant on site. After a busy day spotting wildlife in Kruger, you can cool off in the outdoor pool, relax on the sundeck and enjoy the surrounding birdlife.
Mama Rula's (campsite), 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. Camping pitches are served by shared ablution facilities and the onsite restaurant serves vegetables grown in the campsite's own garden. There is an outdoor swimming pool that guests are free to use.
At a Glance
