ACCOMMODATED SAFARI: Travel overland from South Africa to Kenya on this 29-day safari. Spot iconic wildlife in many of Africa's best national parks, including Kruger, Matobo, South Luangwa, Mikumi, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Visit Bulawayo and Lusaka, and admire cascading Victoria Falls. Swim in Lake Malawi, pass brooding Mount Kilimanjaro and relax on the tropical shores of Zanzibar island with a 4-day beach break.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Pretoria to Hazyview
Pretoria - Hazyview. Departing South Africa's administrative capital of Pretoria aboard our overland truck, we head through the scenic Mpumalanga region to reach Kruger National Park. Fences in the area were removed several years ago to create the Greater Kruger ecozystem, one of Africa's best wild places. We'll enjoy Shangaan tribal dancing around the campfire tonight before we head into the park tomorrow.
Please note: Please arrive in Pretoria at least one night before your tour. 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 for more information. We can book an airport transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport and Pretoria pre-tour accommodation upon request.
Overnight: Hazyview | Dinner
Kruger National Park safari
Today we'll head into Kruger National Park on safari, making use of specialized 4X4 vehicles and a resident local guide. Kruger is home to all of the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo) and is an African stronghold for the white rhino and the critically endangered black rhino. Our game drive lasts all day, with a break for lunch.
Returning to our accommodation, you will have the option to head back out into the park at night, when creatures such as leopards become more active.
Overnight: Hazyview | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travelling to Tshipise
Kruger National Park - Tshipise. Leaving the Greater Kruger area aboard our overland truck, we head north through the South African countryside to Tshipise, in the Limpopo province.
Tonight's campsite is in a picturesque resort next to a nature reserve, surrounded by thick woodland. There is free time to relax by the pool or in a nearby hot spring, and you may want to go and have a look at one of the biggest baobab trees in South Africa.
Overnight: Tshipise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bulawayo
Tshipise - Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). We say farewell to South Africa today, crossing the border into Zimbabwe. Our destination is Bulawayo, a pleasant city with tree-lined avenues and lots of open spaces. We'll stop for supplies before arriving at our accommodation, and the rest of today is free to relax or head into the city and explore.
Overnight: Bulawayo | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Matobo National Park walking safari
Located just outside Bulawayo is Matobo National Park, one of Zimbabwe's premier wildlife reserves. We'll be joined by a resident guide for our game drive and will also enjoy a walking safari into the park, which is home to the largest concentration of rhinos in Africa. Matobo also has a huge leopard population, and we'll keep our eyes peeled in the treetops for one of these elusive cats. Our tour ends at lunchtime and the rest of today is at leisure.
Alternatively, you can book an optional extension to today's tour. Head into the Matobo Hills to see some of the ancient Bushmen paintings in the area, and visit the grave of Cecil Rhodes, an important but controversial historical figure who ruled as Prime Minister of the colonial Cape Colony from 1890 - 1896. Rhodes grew up as a diamond magnate before entering politics. As Prime Minister of Britain's colony, he was a believer in Empire, and cruelly expropriated land from black Africans, as well as barring many non-white citizens from voting. His grave remains a controversial place in modern Zimbabwe today.
Overnight: Bulawayo | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Victoria Falls
Bulawayo - Victoria Falls - Livingstone (Zambia). Leaving Bulawayo, we drive via the town of Victoria Falls before crossing the border into Zambia and arriving in Livingstone.
Named after the explorer David Livingstone, this is our base for visiting the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, the world's largest sheet of falling water and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known locally as 'Mosi Oa Tunya', the 'Smoke that Thunders', we will enjoy an included visit to see the falls.
You will also have time to enjoy optional activities such as rafting, canoeing, abseiling or scenic flights over the cascade. See the Trip Notes for more details.
Overnight: Livingstone | Breakfast
Free time in Livingstone
The next two days are completely free for you to do as much or as little as you please. Enjoy some of the available optional activities or simply relax by the pool.
Overnight: Livingstone (2) | Breakfast x 2
Lusaka
Livingstone - Lusaka. Today we head through lush country and small villages to Lusaka, Zambia’s rapidly growing capital city. Our accommodation for the evening is in a tranquil and relaxing setting on a farm.
Overnight: Lusaka | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
South Luangwa National Park
Lusaka - South Luangwa National Park. On day 10 we depart early and travel through lush countryside and rural villages, before crossing the Luangwa River to reach South Luangwa National Park. This is Zambia's premier wildlife destination, home to elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and more than 400 bird species. Arriving at the camp there is free time to embark on an optional game walk or game drive.
There is free time to relax by the pool on day 11, before we enjoy an included open-vehicle game drive in the park with a local ranger. Driving along the river's edge to spot an abundance of wildlife. You'll have time for further game drives in the afternoon if you choose.
Overnight: South Luangwa National Park (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Kande Beach, Lake Malawi
South Luangwa National Park - Kande Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). Leaving Zambia behind, we cross into Malawi on day 12 and head to the shore of Lake Malawi, which covers more than one-fifth of the entire country. Our accommodation is right on the shore of the lake, and you'll have time to go for a swim and relax. Day 13 is also 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. On day 14 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 camp at Chitimba Beach. Spend the remains of day 14 and day 15 at leisure. Relax by the beach, play volleyball or browse the local craft markets.
On day 15 there is an optional hike to Manchewe Falls. This 11km hike requires decent fitness, but the rewards are spectacular views and a dip in a natural bath. David Livingstone lived and worked in this area during his time in Malawi.
Overnight: Chitimba Beach - Lake Malawi (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Hello Tanzania
Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi - Iringa (Tanzania). Today we have a long but scenic drive as we cross into Tanzania. 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 campfire. 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 accommodation 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 19, 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 19 in Stone Town and days 20 - 22 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Overnight: Zanzibar (4) | Breakfast x 4
Back to the mainland
Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. There's time for one final swim or some last-minute shopping before we take the ferry back to Dar es Salaam and travel to our accommodation on the coast for the evening.
Overnight: Dar es Salaam | Breakfast, Dinner
Views of Kilimanjaro
Dar es Salaam - Marangu. Today we wave goodbye to the coast and head inland, past the Usambara and Pare Mountains to Marangu. This small town is nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain famed for its near-permanently snow-capped peak. 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 in the wild!
Overnight: Serengeti National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 27, 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 28 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 (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 where our tour comes to an end in the late afternoon.
Please note: we recommend spending at least one night in Nairobi in case of delays. We can book post tour accommodation on request or you can arrange it locally.
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.
Local payment - $1035pp, 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.
Hotel Numbi, Hazyview
Conveniently located, less than a 10 minutes' drive from South Africa's flagship Kruger National Park, this tranquil hotel is set within beautiful tropical gardens, with a restaurant on site serving a variety of cuisine. There are 22 spacious, en-suite guest rooms, complete with air conditioning, satellite TV and a private patio, where you can sit and enjoy the wonderful birdlife. After a busy day spotting wildlife in Kruger, cool off in the hotel's outdoor pool and relax on the sundeck.
Tshipise A Forever Resort (Rondavels), 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 property has an excellent range of facilities including a restaurant and bar, a well-stocked general store, swimming pools, a tennis court and mini-golf. There's also an ATM on site and free WiFi is available. Guests are accommodated in air-conditioned, thatched Rondavels which have private bathrooms, a seating area and flat-screen cable TVs. While relaxing at this tranquil resort, be sure to look out for the meerkat troops and monkeys which can be seen scurrying around!
Burkes' Paradise, Bulawayo
Burkes' Paradise is a backpackers hostel set on an attractive 12 acre plot of land, comprised of natural bush and well maintained lawns. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with shared bathrooms 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. (Please note: A towel is not provided at this property)
The Victoria Falls Waterfront (chalets), 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. Basic chalets are located beside the Luangwa River, in the gardens of the Victoria Falls Waterfront. Boasting air-conditioning, mini-bar, TV, and ensuite facilities with private verandah. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar and activity centre offering different experiences at the falls.
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.
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.
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.
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
