27 Day Eastern Africa Adventure: Waterfalls, Beaches & Wildlife (Camping)

Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa

You are welcome to arrive at any time.

Let’s spend the first night of your trip together in Johannesburg getting to know each other. You may choose to drink an Amarula cocktail at the hotel’s bar following your welcome meeting, or you may choose to go to Emperors Palace, which includes an array of restaurants and bars. During this adventure, you will have the opportunity to sit back, relax, eat some grub, sip a cocktail, and get to know your fellow travel buddies.

Accommodation: Hotel Sky Sandton (or similar)
Optional Activities: Apartheid Museum (180ZAR per person), Soweto Tour (1100-1650ZAR per person)

Day 2: Johannesburg – Serowe, Botswana

As you and your group cross the border into Botswana, you can check another country off your travel list. It will certainly be a long day of driving today, but use the time to talk to your group, swap stories, and observe the landscape change from the desolate scenery of the central-eastern part of Botswana to the wild bush within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. It is here that the group will set up camp, enjoy one another’s company around a fire, and fall asleep peacefully.

In today’s travels, we will pass through a very desolate area of central-eastern Botswana. At the end of the day, we will camp within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a unique community-based wildlife conservation initiative in Botswana.

Accommodation: Khama Rhino Sanctuary Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Johannesburg – Groblersbrug – Martins Drift – Serowe
Distance: 570 km

Day 3: Serowe – Maun, Botswana

Discover some wildlife in an open-air vehicle with a guide on a wildlife safari drive through the Khama Sanctuary.

The land outside your window becomes more fertile as you approach the Okavango Delta as you jump in the overland vehicle and continue on to Maun. Scroll through your camera roll and check those pictures while the land outside your window becomes more fertile as you approach the area of the Okavango Delta. Taking a scenic flight over the delta is a great way to get your heart thumping like the beat of African drums after a long day of travel.

Accommodation: Sedia Riverside Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Khama Rhino Sanctuary Drive
Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Flight
Route: Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Serowe – Maun
Distance: 524 km (2 hours game drive, 6 – 7 hours travelling)

Day 4: Maun – Okavango Delta, Botswana

Our day is going to be busy, but fun, and we wish we were going on this epic adventure with you.

Your morning will begin with the sound and smell of the bush around you, followed by a wildlife walk. The advantage of being on foot is that you will gain a much deeper understanding of the movements of the animals as well as their behavior on a much more intimate level.

On the way to our basic bush camp for the evening (get ready to completely unplug), we will embark on an exciting excursion deep into the Okavango delta in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Enjoy a sundowner around the campfire, sing along with the locals, and unwind at camp.

Please Note: We will leave our large luggage with the overland vehicle for this overnight excursion. It should be noted that there are no showers or running water available for toilets. Be sure to bring along five liters of water for drinking and cleaning.

Accommodation: Okavango Delta Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Excursion, Mokoro Experience
Route: Maun – Okavango Delta

Day 5: Okavango Delta – Gweta, Botswana

It is no secret that Africa is home to some of the most beautiful sunrises in the world, and today if the weather permits you will get to experience those almost too vibrant colors that we all picture when we picture going on safari to Africa.

As you ride out of the Okavango Delta, tip your heads back, take a deep breath, and feel the mokoro cut through the crystal-clear channels. After freshening up in Maun (showers everyone!) the group will embark in the overland vehicle to Gweta, where they will camp under massive baobab trees.

You can cool off in the pool if you need to during your stay at the campsite tonight with the towering baobab trees surrounding the campsite.

Accommodation: Planet Baobab (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route:  Okavango Delta – Maun – Gweta
Distance: 240 km (1 – 2 hours mokoro experience, 1 hour overland vehicle, 4 hours travelling time)

Day 6: Gweta – Kasane, Botswana

Explore Chobe National Park on a river cruise from Kasane, where you will find the largest elephant population in southern Africa.

The rains bring life to the pans, awakening dormant fish and aquatic shrimp from their slumber. Grasslands surrounding the site are also teeming with life and are home to a large number of antelope that are preyed upon by a variety of predators. The best way to take in the scenery is by keeping your eyes focused on the passing world and then rewarding yourself with a toast as you camp under a great big African sky.

Our journey today takes us to Chobe National Park, which hosts the largest population of elephants in southern Africa. There is no better way to appreciate one of Botswana’s national parks and the thousands of elephants, crocodiles, and hippos that can be viewed from a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. Travel agents can assist you in pre-booking this service. A safari drive in an open vehicle may be another option for those who wish to see lions, antelope, and, of course, elephants.

Accommodation: Thebe River Safaris Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Chobe National Park
Optional Activities: Chobe River Sunset Cruise, Chobe National Park Safari Drive
Route: Gweta – Kasane
Distance: 420km (6 hours travelling time)

Day 7: Kasane – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We cross the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe, the home of the magnificent Victoria Falls. After all that driving, you are bound to be hungry, and we have a treat in store for you today! In the afternoon, the group will have a traditional lunch at the Lusumpuko Women’s Club. The mist in the air will greet you as you enter Victoria Falls with a full belly and even more, full hearts.

Discover one of the world’s largest waterfalls up close. Those seeking adventure may wish to consider going whitewater rafting, taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?) or taking the plunge by bungee jumping while viewing Victoria Falls.

Choose to pre-book the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and explore the park early in the morning before crossing the border into Zimbabwe and continuing on to the town of Victoria Falls. Experience the awesome Victoria Falls up close (and get wet from the spray), or bungee jump (with Victoria Falls in sight).

Please Note: You will be staying in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT in Livingstone (Zambia). It is important that you obtain the necessary visa.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Lusumpuko Women’s Club Lunch
Optional Activities: Zambezi River Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls Visit (50USD per person), Chobe National Park Safari Drive
Route: Kasane – Kazungula – Victoria Falls
Distance: 85 km (45 minutes, 1.5 hour – 2 hours travel time)

Day 8: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Take advantage of this free day at Victoria Falls to get up close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Enjoy the strong splash of water on the observation deck, listen to tons of water thundering in over the edge of the falls in the distance and make your day as relaxing or thrilling as you wish.

If you are seeking adventure, we recommend whitewater rafting, scenic helicopter flights over Victoria Falls or bungee jumping with Victoria Falls in sight.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camping (or similar)
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Visit (50USD per person), Zambezi Bungee Jump (168USD per person), Zipline over the Zambezi (50USD per person), Zambezi River Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 15min (150USD per person), Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 25min (284USD per person), Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting (120USD per person) – excluding 10USD park entry, Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park, Princess Laundry Service (20USD per person)

Day 9: Victoria Falls – Lusaka, Zambia

Today is a full day of driving from Victoria Falls to Lusaka along bumpy roads in our overland vehicle. The vehicle is equipped for poor road conditions though and your journey will be as comfortable as possible. We will arrive at a private farm in the late afternoon which provides ample opportunities to spot the zebras, buffalo and other animals that roam the area. You can also relax at the pool or have a few drinks at the bar. There will be a border crossing today so please have your visas ready.

Accommodation: Eureka Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 543km (10 hours travelling time)

Day 10: Lusaka –South Luangwa, Zambia

Our journey will continue across Zambia. Spend time getting to know your fellow travellers and enjoy lunch along the way where you can stop and stretch your legs and take a few photographs. Our camp this evening is on the banks of the Luangwa River.

Accommodation: Wildlife Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Lusaka – Mfuwe
Distance: 575km (8 – 9 hours travelling time)

Day 11: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Today is free to explore the magnificent South Luangwa National Park. An optional walking safari (seasonal), night drive is available for those wanting to explore the area or you can simply visit a local village nearby.

Accommodation: Wildlife Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: South Luangwa Walking Safari (65USD per person), South Luangwa Wildlife Safari Drive (50USD per person)

Day 12: South Luangwa – Chipata, Zambia

Another day will be spent on an optional morning safari drive exploring the fauna and flora of South Luangwa National Park. You can also choose to go on a walking safari. Nearby is a local village which has a popular Tribal Textile Market and Courtyard Café where you can purchase some handcrafted fabric or souvenirs or simply enjoy lunch at the cafe. We make our way to Chipata in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Mama Rula’s Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Café
Optional Activities: South Luangwa Walking Safari (65USD per person), South Luangwa Wildlife Safari Drive (50USD per person)
Route: Mfuwe – Chipata
Distance: 135km (2 – 3 hours travelling time)

Day 13: Chipata – Kande Beach, Malawi

We cross the border into Malawi today, so be sure to once again have your visa ready. We spend four evenings unwinding on the shores of ‘the Lake of Stars’. Beach strolls, swimming in the sparkling water and snorkelling amongst exotic fish are all part of your incredible stay here.

The Lake is the primary attraction of Malawi, spreading over 1/5th of the country. It is the third biggest lake in the continent and is around 500 kilometres in length. The lake houses more fish types than any other lake in the world, boasting over 600 different species. The biggest fish family is the Chichlids, which are sent all around the world to pet shops and such. The Lake is renowned for its fantastic snorkelling and diving, and it is depended on by the locals for their survival – they use mokoros (dugout canoes) to fish from and throw out long nets. There is a wide variety of diverse ethnic groups here, all speaking their own language. Most of these groups are of Christian belief, whilst the remainder maintain their traditional beliefs.

Please Note: It is recommended that you dress conservatively. Outside of camp boundaries, beach clothes are acceptable. However, shoulders and knees should be covered in public.

Accommodation: Kande Beach Lodge and Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 400km (7 hours travelling time)

Day 14: Kande Beach, Malawi

Today you can begin your exploration of Kande Beach by swimming or snorkelling in the warm waters as you discover the many fish species in this area. You can also go on a village walk followed by a delicious traditional dinner at one of the local’s houses.

Accommodation: Kande Beach Lodge and Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Kande Beach Local Dinner
Optional Activities: Snorkelling (25USD per person), Village Walk (20USD per person), Swimming

Day 15: Kande Beach – Chitimba, Malawi

We will depart Kande Beach in the morning and head north along Lake Malawi to Chitimba. Enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the mountains and Tanzania across the lake.

Accommodation: Chitimba Beach Lodge and Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Kande Beach – Chitimba
Distance: 235km (5 hours travelling time)

Day 16: Chitimba, Malawi

Today is the final day in which you can discover the hidden treasures of Chitimba. You can opt to go on a Hike to Livingstonia for a grand view of Lake Malawi, or take a Village Walk to discover the local way of life.

Accommodation: Chitimba Beach Lodge and Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Hike to Livingstonia (35USD per person), Village Walk (15USD per person)

Day 17: Chitimba – Iringa, Tanzania

We make our way into Tanzania today, traveling out of the Great Rift Valley through some incredible mountain passes. During our journey we can spot the massive tea plantations of the highlands as we head through to Iringa, where we set up camp.

Accommodation: Kisolanza Farm (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Chitimba – Iringa, Songwe – Kasumulu (Border Crossing)
Distance: 534km (11 hours travelling time)

Day 18: Iringa – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Today we depart for Dar es Salaam, a city that began as a fishing village before becoming a port and trading hub. Dar was once the capital of the country, and is presently the main commercial city, as well as the de facto seat of majority of government institutions in Tanzania. It is the primary seaport for the country, landlocked by adjacent countries.

Dar es Salaam, or ‘Abode of Peace’ in Arabic, is Tanzania’s biggest city, with a population of more than 2.5 million. It is also the country’s wealthiest city, and a significant economic hub.

Accommodation: Mikadi Beach Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 637km (12 hours travelling time)

Day 19: Dar es Salaam – Zanzibar Beach Resort, Tanzania

Today we take a Ferry to Zanzibar. Enjoy watching the fisherman on the boats set off to go fishing for the day.

The society of Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. People wearing immodest clothing in Stone Town will be harassed and will cause great offense. While customs are less strict at the beach, our travellers are advised to respect the island’s culture and cover up when walking around the island. Taking photographs without permission is never a good idea.

Accommodation: Fun Beach (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Zanzibar Ferry
Route: Dar es salaam – Stone Town – Jambiani
Distance: 60km (2 – 3 hours travelling time) + 2 hour Ferry

Day 20: Zanzibar Beach Resort, Tanzania

You have more time today to enjoy the water activities today. You can snorkel around the colourful coral reefs learning about the sea life here. Or you can catch a boat ride to a remote sandbank where you will enjoy a meal with the catch of the day.

Accommodation: Fun Beach Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Scuba Diving (130USD per person), Snorkelling (40USD per person), Swahili Cultural Tour (70-200USD per person), Safari Blue – Sailing Day Trip (60-100USD per person)

Day 21: Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

We will make our way back to Stone Town stopping along the way to take part in a guided spice tour. You can explore Stone Town for the remainder of the day with its narrow, cobbled streets surrounded by ancient wooden doorways and Arabic buildings. Shop for antiques, printed cloths (kangas or kikois), carved chests and aromatic spices – spoils for yourself or your friends and family.

Remember to dress conservatively as Zanzibar is a Muslim society. Always ask permission before taking a photograph – a phrase that can be taught to you by your guide.

Accommodation: Spice Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Spice Plantation Tour
Optional Activities: Stone Town Walking Tour (15USD per person)
Distance: 60km (1,5 hours travelling time)

Day 22: Stone Town – Bagamoyo, Tanzania

A ferry will take us over to the mainland and we make our way north to the coastal historical town of Bagamoyo.

Zanzibar Express: You will stay in Stone Town when the rest of the group leave for the ferry. Tomorrow you will fly to Arusha to meet the group. Only breakfast included today.

Accommodation: Firefly Bagamoyo Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Zanzibar Express Northbound
Route: Stone Town – Dar es Salaam
Distance: 60 km (1 – 2 hours travelling time + 2 hour Ferry)

Day 23: Bagamoyo – Arusha, Tanzania

Today we will travel passed Mt Kilimanjaro where you can hopefully get fantastic views of the world’s highest mountain.

In the afternoon we advise you to pack a small day pack for our three-day excursion into the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Zanzibar Express: Transfer this morning from your Stone Town hotel to the airport for a scenic flight to Arusha. Arrive in Arusha and transfer to the camp to meet back up with the group. Only breakfast and dinner included.

Accommodation: Meserani Snake Park (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Bagamoyo – Arusha
Distance: 590km (12 hours travelling time)

Day 24: Arusha – Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Prepare for three days of superb wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park where you can look out for the Big 5, elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard. We switch to specialised 4×4 drive safari vehicles today and are led on an incredible game drive through the park by expert driver/guides. The trucks we use have lovely sliding windows and a big, pop-up roof that is ideal for fantastic game viewing. They are smaller than our traveling vehicle, which lets us move more easily through the plains.

With an area of 14,763 square kilometres, the Serengeti is incredibly vast. We camp and spend time game viewing in the central Serengeti ‘Seronera’ region, which is situated in the southeast of the park. Due to the size of the reserve, certain areas will not be available to visit during our stay here.

Accommodation: Seronera Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Serengeti National Park Safari
Route: Arusha – Serengeti National Park
Distance: 320km (8 hours travelling time)

Day 25: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater

We will have a full day of game driving today in the Serengeti. We will then return to camp and pack up to drive to the Ngorongoro Crater and finish off the day by camping at the rim of the crater.

As we travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and into the Serengeti National Park, you will begin to realize the enormity of this region, admiring the huge populations of wildlife that roam the acacia-spotted plains.

Please Note: If you have pre-booked the Serengeti Balloon Safari, today’s likely the day for this activity! Your tour leader will give you final confirmation when it takes place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above! If you have not yet pre-booked, add it to your checkout page, or ask your travel agent for assistance.

Please Also Note: Due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.

Accommodation: Simba Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Serengeti National Park Safari
Optional Activities: Serengeti Balloon Safari
Route: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro
Distance: 160km (4 hours travelling time)

Day 26: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha, Tanzania

This morning, we will drive down to the crater floor where volcanic activity created a large caldera when the volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself. We will take a safari to view the large concentration of wildlife in this area of up to 25,000 animals. Some of the animals you will see in this area are buffalo, hippo, gazelle, zebra and eland.

Accommodation: Meserani Snake Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari Drive
Route: Ngorongoro – Arusha
Distance: 200k (4 – 5 hours travelling time)

Day 27: Arusha – Nairobi, Kenya

Our tour will finish after our transfer to Kenya’s capital. We trust you have had an unforgettable time! Should you wish to stay for more days and explore Nairobi and its surrounding areas, or travel onwards to Uganda, then please speak to your travel consultant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Route: Arusha – Nairobi
Distance: 283km (9 hours travelling time)

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.