Kruger to the Serengeti - 29 days
Kruger to the Serengeti - 29 days
Kruger to the Serengeti - 29 days
29 Days Starting in Pretoria and ending in Nairobi
Visiting: Hazyview, Pretoria, Kruger National Park, Tshipise, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park, Kande Beach, Lake Malawi, Chitimba Camp, Iringa, Mikumi National Park, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Nairobi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2530/KRSE
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
CAMPING SAFARI: Travel overland from South Africa to Kenya on this 29-day camping safari from Pretoria to Nairobi. 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Pretoria
Location: Hazyview, Pretoria
Meals Included: Dinner
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 ecosystem, 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.
Day 2: Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 campsite, you will have the option to head back out into the park at night, when creatures such as leopards become more active.
Day 3: Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park, Tshipise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 4: Bulawayo
Location: Tshipise, Bulawayo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 campsite, and the rest of today is free to relax or head into the city and explore.
Day 5: Matobo N.P.
Location: Matobo National Park, Bulawayo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 6: Victoria Falls
Location: Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Livingstone
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7-8: Livingstone
Location: Livingstone
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 at our campsite.
Day 9: Lusaka
Location: Lusaka, Livingstone
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Livingstone - Lusaka. Today we depart 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 evening of camping.
Day 10-11: South Luangwa National Park
Location: Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. After setting up camp, there is free time to embark on optional game walks or game drives.
There is free time to relax by the campsite's 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.
Day 12-13: Lake Malawi
Location: South Luangwa National Park, Kande Beach, Lake Malawi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 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 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.
Day 14-15: Lake Malawi
Location: Chitimba Camp, Kande Beach, Lake Malawi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 beach-side 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.
Day 16: Hello Tanzania
Location: Lake Malawi, Iringa, Chitimba Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 17: Mikumi
Location: Mikumi National Park, Iringa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iringa - Mikumi National Park area. Heading east, we travel to Mikumi National Park, the fifth-largest reserve in Tanzania. Our campsite 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.
Day 18: Mikumi
Location: Mikumi National Park, Dar es Salaam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 19-22: Zanzibar
Location: Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 stay in simple hotels, with breakfast included. We typically spend day 19 in Stone Town and days 20 - 22 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Day 23: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 campsite on the coast for the evening.
Day 24: Mount Kilimanjaro
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Marangu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 campsite and the surrounding area.
Day 25: Arusha
Location: Arusha, Marangu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 camp 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.
Day 26: Serengeti National Park
Location: Arusha, Serengeti National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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!
Day 27-28: Ngorongoro Crater
Location: Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 29: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi, Arusha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 23: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 24: Mount Kilimanjaro
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Marangu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 campsite and the surrounding area.
Day 25: Arusha
Location: Arusha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 camp 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.
Day 26: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Serengeti National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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!
Day 27-28: Ngorongoro Crater
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater (1), Arusha (1)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 29: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Camping -
28 breakfasts, 20 lunches & 21 dinners
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Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew
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24 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 4 nights simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar
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Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment
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Sleeping mattress (you will need to bring your own sleeping bag)
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Kruger National Park full day open vehicle game drive with resident guide
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Shangaan Cultural Evening
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Matobo National Park open vehicle game drive and walking safari with resident guide
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Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls visit
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South Luangwa National Park, open vehicle game drive with a resident guide
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Sleeping bag - please bring your own
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
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Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes), meals not listed in inclusions, additional drinks and items of a personal nature
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Airport transfers - can be booked on request
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Local payment - $1010 paid in USD
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Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes)
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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