20 Day Epic East & Southern Africa: Nairobi to Victoria Falls Tour (Camping)

Day 1

Nairobi, Kenya

The tour begins in Nairobi. Please ensure you have all the necessary visas for your trip. You can arrive any time. Spend some time with your new friends at the hotel bar before tomorrow’s early morning. Spend a chill night getting to know your group and tour leaders while you fill your food and drink needs.

Accommodation: The Heron Portico (or similar)
Optional Activities: Karen Blixen Museum (34-75 USD), Railway Museum (6-34 USD, National Museum (3-53 USD), The Carnivore Restaurant (130 USD), Bomas of Kenya tour (120 USD)

Day 2

Nairobi – Arusha, Tanzania

We have a long journey ahead of us today, crossing semi-arid landscapes that are home to the Maasai people – a semi-nomadic tribe. Get your passports ready as we cross the border from Kenya into Tanzania, another country you can tick off your list!

Accommodation: Comfort Eland Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 290 km (7 – 8 hours travelling time)

Day 3

Arusha – Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Following breakfast, we start our adventure into the Serengeti National Park and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater – two of Africa’s leading wildlife regions. Your 3-day and 2-night excursion starts as you hop on the specialised 4×4 safari vehicle which leads us on an incredible game drive through the park by expert driver/guides. The trucks we use have sliding windows and a big, pop-up roof that is ideal for fantastic game viewing.

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. You can expect to see a variety of wildlife such as buffaloes, lions, zebras, wildebeest, elephants along with many other animals.

Due to the size of the reserve, certain areas will not be available to visit during our stay here. 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.

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

Day 4

Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

We will continue to experience the Serengeti on more game drives in the morning. When we return to the campsite we will pack up and journey to the Ngorongoro Crater for spectacular views of the rim populated with a variety of wildlife where we will camp for the night.

Some of you may have pre-booked a Serengeti Balloon Safari in which case this activity will likely take place today. In this case you will miss the morning game drive.

Accommodation: Simba Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Serengeti National Park Safari
Optional Activities: Serengeti Balloon Safari (from 600USD per person)
Distance: 160 km (4 hours travelling time)

Day 5

Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha, Tanzania

The time has come for you to experience “Africa’s Garden of Eden” up close. A final safari experience awaits the group today on the crater floor. If you want to see wildlife, make sure your camera is charged!

Because of the crater walls and the enclosed nature of the crater, its own ecosystem has been created, including grasslands, swamps, acacia forests, and Lake Makat.

With full camera rolls the group will exit the crater in the late morning and travel back to Arusha. While cruising along, swap stories, pull out your favorite photos from earlier, or simply sit back and take it all in.

Accommodation: Comfort Eland Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari Drive, Mto wa Mbu Village Visit and Lunch
Distance: 200 km (4 – 5 hours travelling time)

Day 6

Arusha – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Today we travel through varied landscapes on our way to the warm Indian Ocean Coast. We depart Arusha early to travel to Dar es Salaam. Be sure to look out for Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain! Dar es Salaam is a coastal town and is the largest city in Tanzania.

If you have booked the Zanzibar Express you will transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Zanazibar. Upon arrival in Stone Town enjoy a free day of shopping, relaxing or wandering through the markets. Meet with the group again tomorrow.

Accommodation: Kipepeo Beach Village (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities: Zanzibar Express
Distance: 650 km (12 hours travelling time)

Day 7

Dar es Salaam – Zanzibar Beach Resort, Tanzania

Get ready for the picturesque beaches of Zanzibar as we drive from Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, we will take a ferry to Zanzibar. Relax on the white sandy beaches and explore the village. During your stay here we encourage you to dress modestly due to the Muslim religion. Women are asked to cover up and men should refrain from wearing shorts. Please always ask before taking photographs.

Accommodation: Spice Palace Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 3 – 4 hours travelling time + 2-hour Ferry trip
Optional Activities: Christ Church Cathedral & Old Slave Market (5 USD per person), Sultan’s Palace Museum (3 USD per person), House of Wonders (5 USD per person), Stone Town Walking Tour (15 USD per person)

Day 8

Jambiani Beach / Zanzibar, Tanzania

Explore Zanzibar’s heart today in Stone Town. Pass by balconies and huge wooden carved doors in Stone Town’s winding historical alleyways.

Spend hours wandering the streets and squares, drinking potent coffee from sidewalk vendors, and buying sweetmeats from tiny cafes. You’ll find tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautiful printed cloths (kangas and kikois worn by locals), carved copper chests, and spices to take home. Join your group for a relaxing few days at Jambiani, a tropical paradise.

Accommodation: Fun Beach Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Jozani Forest Tour (35 – 150 USD per person)
Disance: 60km (1 hour 30 min travel time)

Day 9

Jambiani Beach / Zanzibar, Tanzania

Enjoy a relaxing morning on this island paradise. Africa meets Arabia and the Indian Ocean is the cherry on top of this great cultural crossroads.

Whether you want to go diving, snorkeling, sailing, or just lazing on the beach, the day is yours. Located in the East African Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is known for its tropical setting, unique culture, and active beach-party scene.

Accommodation: Fun Beach Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10

Stone Town – Baobab Valley, Tanzania

We hop on the ferry making our way back to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival we travel to our next campsite for the tour. Situated on the banks of the Ruaha River, we travel west to the Baobab Valley. Our campsite is situated on the edge of the Udzwungwa Mountains National Park.

Accommodation: Tanswiss Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 200 km Ferry trip (2 hours travelling time) + 360 km in the overland truck (6 hours travelling time)

Day 11

Baobab Valley – Iringa, Tanzania

We spend another day travelling as we make our way south to Iringa. On the way, we will stop by a crafts centre in Iringa that supports the local community by employing local artists with disabilities. Here, feel free to grab a refreshment or purchase a souvenir to take home.

Accommodation: Kisolanza Farm (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Iringa Craft Centre
Distance: 180 km (5 hours travelling time)

Day 12

Iringa – Chitimba, Malawi

Today your passport gets yet another stamp! We leave Iringa making our way across the boarder into Malawi. Chitimba Beach, situated on Lake Malawi, is complete with beautiful views of Tanzania across the lake and mountains in the background. You are free to spend the afternoon exploring.

Accommodation: Chitimba Beach Lodge and Camp
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 235 km (9 hours travelling time)

Day 13

Chitimba – Kande Beach, Malawi

In the morning, we leave Chitimba and drive south, along Lake Malawi, to Kande Beach, another breathtaking beach also situated on Lake Malawi. The Lake is the primary attraction of Malawi, and is around 500 kilometres in length. Lake Malawi houses more fish species than any other lake in the world and has large shoals of Chichlids. Locals depend heavily on the lake for survival – they use mokoros (dugout canoes) to fish from and throw out long nets. There is also a wide variety of diverse ethnic groups here, all speaking their own language.

Accommodation: Kande Beach Lodge & Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 5 hours travelling time

Day 14

Kande Beach, Malawi

Take some time today to relax and enjoy Kande Beach. Explore the area by foot, go snorkelling or enjoy a village tour. A traditional dinner cooked by the locals will be enjoyed tonight.

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

Day 15

Kande Beach – Chipata, Zambia

We cross the border into Zambia today, so be sure to once again have your visa ready. We make our way to Chipata – the capital of the Eastern Province. Chipata, formerly known as Fort Jameson, serves as a favoured station for travelers to refuel en route to South Luangwa National Park.

Accommodation: Mama Rula’s Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 400 km (7 hours travelling time)

Day 16

Chipata – South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Today we travel a shorter distance to South Luangwa National Park. En route, head to the community empowerment Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe for lunch and a visit to a craft workshop. Upon arrival in South Luangwa National Park, you have the rest of the afternoon free to do as little or as much as you’d like.

Accommodation: Wildlife Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe
Optional Activity: South Luangwa Wildlife Safari Drive
Distance: 150 km (2 – 3 hours travelling time)

Day 17

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Today you are free to explore the South Luangwa National Park. There are plenty of activities to partake in and enrich your time here such as walking safaris, night drives and a visit to the local village. We highly recommend the walking safari as South Luangwa is the birth place of walking safaris in Africa and there is loads to see and experience in this park.

Accommodation: Wildlife Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: South Luangwa Walking Safari, Morning or evening South Luangwa Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 18

South Luangwa National Park – Lusaka, Zambia

Today’s lengthy adventure through rugged roads leads us to an exclusive game farm located 29 kilometres outside of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Here, you will be able to admire the many zebra, buffalo and springboks that wander freely around the area. At the campsite you can unwind next to the swimming pool, or at the camp’s bar.

Note: As this is an overnight stop alongside two long travel days, you will unfortunately not have time to explore Lusaka as your camp is 29km outside of the town.

Accommodation: Eureka Camping Park (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 750 km (12 hours travelling time)

Day 19

Lusaka – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We will cross the border today as we venture into Zimbabwe to see the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Please ensure you have the correct visa ready at the border. The Zambezi River has eroded a passage over time which has deepened into an exit gorge forming Victoria Falls. Our accommodation for the night is in the beautiful town of Victoria Falls.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Visit – 30 USD
Distance: 543km (7 hours travelling time)

Day 20

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Your tour comes to an end today.

For those wanting to continue the adventure, talk to your guide if you are not ready to leave yet and would like to extend your adventure and explore more of Zimbabwe.

Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Zambezi Bungee Jump, Microlight Flight over Victoria Falls 175USD per person, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 25min, Canoeing the Zambezi 160USD per person, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 15min, Zambezi River Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting 4h-7h 130USD per person, Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park

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.