Zambia to Nairobi - 21 days
Zambia to Nairobi - 21 days
Zambia to Nairobi - 21 days
21 Days Starting in Livingstone, Zambia and ending in Nairobi, Kenya
Visiting: Livingstone, Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park, Lake Malawi, Kande Beach, Chitimba Camp, Iringa, Mikumi National Park, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Unguja, Marangu, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Nairobi, Bagamoyo, Mount Kilimanjaro
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2485/ZANA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
40 - 16
Age range:
18 and over
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
CAMPING SAFARI: Uncover the highlights of Eastern Africa on this 21-day overland camping 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Livingstone
Location: Livingstone, Lusaka
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
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 of camping.
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.
Day 2-3: South Luangwa National Park
Location: Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lusaka - South Luangwa National Park. On day 2 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 3, 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 4-5: Lake Malawi
Location: South Luangwa National Park, Lake Malawi, Kande Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
South Luangwa National Park - Kande Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). Leaving Zambia behind, we cross into Malawi on day 4 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 5 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 6-7: Lake Malawi
Location: Chitimba Camp, Lake Malawi, Kande Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kande Beach - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi. On day 6 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 6 and day 7 at leisure. Relax by the beach, play volleyball or browse the local craft markets.
On day 7 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 8: Hello Tanzania
Location: Chitimba Camp, Lake Malawi, Iringa
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 9: 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 10: 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 11-14: Zanzibar
Location: Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 stay in simple hotels, with breakfast included. We typically spend day 11 in Stone Town and days 12 - 14 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Day 15: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Unguja, 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 16: Mount Kilimanjaro
Location: Marangu, Dar es Salaam
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 17: Arusha
Location: Marangu, 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 18: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park, Arusha
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 19-20: Ngorongoro Crater
Location: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 21: 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 15: Bagamoyo
Location: Bagamoyo
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 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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 19-20: 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 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.
Day 21: 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 & 4 nights simple hotel -
Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide
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Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide
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20 breakfasts, 16 lunches & 16 dinners
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16 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 4 nights simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar
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Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew
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Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment
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Zanzibar return ferry ticket
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South Luangwa National Park, open vehicle game drive with a resident guide
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Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls visit
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Sleeping mattress (you will need to bring your own sleeping bag)
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Airport transfers - can be booked on request
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
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Sleeping bag - please bring your own
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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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Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes)
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Local payment of USD 935.00 per person
This trip has a local payment.
The local payment covers selected park entrance fees, activities and excursions along the way where payment goes directly to the supplier.
The purpose of the separate payment is to ensure local suppliers benefit directly from the income.
The local payment is in addition to the tour price specified and is to be paid directly to the tour leader on Day 1 of the trip.
The payment should be made in cash, in the currency specified.
Please note: the local payment may be subject to change, as a result of increased park entrance fees and activity costs, which are beyond our control.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the age range for this tour?
18 years & over are welcomed. Anyone aged over 65 years will be asked to complete a Tour Suitability Form
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What type of vehicle is used on this trip?
Transportation is in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment
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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
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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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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