From Nairobi to Victoria Falls travelling alongside the locals, from trains to boats to buses we explore East Africa using its public transport network accompanied by a guide, this is the true Africa
This trip begins in Nairobi, Kenya and travels south through Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia before ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
This trip begins in Nairobi early on Sunday morning. We spend the first day here, but should you wish to explore more of Nairobi, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation booked through us.
Pre Departure Meeting: Held at the Departure Point at 17h00 the day before your departure. Departure Point: Hotel Boulevard, Harry Thuku Road, Nairobi. Check-In Time: 08h45
Local Payment: US$600
Please Note: Ensure you have received (and read) a copy of the Information Guide for this trip. Travel Insurance is compulsory for this trip. We make use of various forms of public transport on this trip and travellers are advised that they make use of these at their own risk. Standards of accommodation vary from place to place. Meals are only included where specified. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner and NM = No Meal) This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.
DAY 1: Nairobi (NM) We spend today in Kenya’s capital city, making the final preparations for our adventure. We have the option of visiting the Giraffe Manor in Langata (where we can feed the graceful Rothschild giraffes), the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant and Rhino Nursery (where we can view the feeding of orphaned elephant and rhino babies) or of spending a half day exploring Nairobi National Park. We can also spend the day wandering around the local city markets.
DAY 2: Nairobi to Mombasa (NM) After packing up, we make our way to Nairobi’s train station where we board the overnight train bound for the coastal city of Mombasa. Accommodation on board the train is in shared cabins. Travelling at night doesn’t afford us much opportunity of taking in the Kenyan landscape we pass through. However, we’ll get a glimpse of the local villages and inhabitants in the evening and early morning and we’ll even have the chance of spotting some of Africa’s magnificent game grazing beside the railway. As we near Mombasa, the landscape changes from the desert brush we wake up to, to lush tropical palm trees and increasing heat and humidity. We’re also afforded the opportunity of meeting some of the locals who use this route to travel between Kenya’s 2 largest cities.
DAYS 3 to 5: Mombasa (NM) Colonised by the Portuguese in the mid 1600s because of its vital role in the trade of gold, ivory and spices, as Kenya’s largest port, Mombasa is still a major centre of trade today. Situated on the warm Indian Ocean and blessed with beautiful white sandy beaches, it is also the centre of Kenya’s coastal tourism. We spend two nights in bandas (traditional huts made of wood and covered in palm fronds) on a picturesque stretch of coast just north of Mombasa. Here we have the option of participating in a variety of activities like snorkelling, diving or a cruise on a traditional dhow. There is also the option of visiting the restored quarry at Haller Park. This park is home to a Crocodile Farm and Reptile Park as well as a group of hippos and Rothschild giraffes. Watch the hippos being fed or feed the giraffes yourself! Alternatively you can wander around the “Old Town” where the Arabic influence is clearly evident or visit Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, which houses various archaeological finds and an exhibition depicting the culture and history of the coastal people.
DAY 6: Mombasa to Arusha (Tanzania) (NM) Today we bid farewell to Kenya and its sunny beaches and head across the border to Tanzania. On the way to our next stop and if the weather permitting, we may catch a glimpse of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. The next two nights will be spent at a lovely campsite in the small village of Meserani, a few kilometres outside of Arusha.
DAY 7: Arusha (NM) Situated at the base of Mount Meru, Arusha is best known as the safari capital of Tanzania. Today we’ll explore the local markets and visit the local Masai Cultural Museum to learn a little more about these amazing people. Those doing the optional excursion to the Serengeti/Ngorongoro area will prepare for their departure tomorrow.
DAY 8 - 10: Arusha to Serengeti National Park (OPTIONAL) (D; B / L / D; B / L) The Serengeti (Masai for “endless plains”) is famous for its enormous concentration of game (especially the big cats) and for the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelles. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact caldera. The area teems with game throughout the year as the lush crater floor is able to sustain its population making it unnecessary for them to join their Serengeti cousins on the annual migration.
For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next 2 days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is close by to explore.
The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino.
After our game drive in the Crater, we head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we camp in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’!
After our morning drive, we head back across the plains and the lush Crater rim to our camp at Meserani, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.
DAY 11: Arusha to Dar es Salaam (NM) Leaving Arusha behind us, we head south towards Dar es Salaam. On the way we pass through the town of Moshi. Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting; we may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit. We pass through vast sisal plantations surrounded by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching our traditional banda on the shores of the warm Indian Ocean. New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.
DAY 12: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (NM) A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we spend the next 5 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation and Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.
DAYS 13 to 16: Zanzibar (NM) History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is still famous for its spices and an optional excursion around a spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the island. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - giant lobsters being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.
DAY 17: Zanzibar to Mbeya (NM) Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland where we board our overnight train bound for Mbeya. The route we follow is off the beaten track and we get to glimpse rural Tanzania. We travel through Morogoro at the base of the Uluguru Mountains before passing through the Selous Game Reserve where it’s possible to view a range of wildlife from our cabin. The train itself is fairly comfortable (by African standards) and affords us a great opportunity to meet the friendly local people. Some of our fellow passengers leave us on our return to Zanzibar.
DAY 18: Mbeya/Tikuyu (NM) On arrival in Mbeya we board local transport and head to the small town of Tikuyu on the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The locals in this area farm the slopes of the Mbeya and Poroto mountains producing bananas, coffee, tea and cocoa, which are bought into Mbeya town to be packaged and transported all over the world. Tonight we get a real taste of rural village life.
DAY 19: Mbeya/Tikuyu to Chitimba (Malawi) (NM) Passing down the Rift Valley Escarpment, we head to the border post of Songwe where we enter the “warm heart of Africa,” Malawi. We make our way to Chitimba Beach Camp on the shores of tranquil Lake Malawi, where we’ll spend the next 2 nights. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dug out canoe yourself! The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer optional excursions including a variety of water sports.
DAY 20: Chitimba (NM) Today is at your leisure where you can hike to the Livingstonia Mission. Established in 1875 by Dr Robert Laws to honour the Scottish missionary, David Livingstone, this mission relocated several times before settling in its current position. Plagued by hardship and disease, Dr Laws decided to move the mission from the shores of Lake Malawi to the fertile Khondowe Plateau 900 m above the Lake Malawi. This higher altitude reduced the risk of malaria and it is here that many Malawians have received their education. For the less energetic, there is the option to enjoy a tour into the local village with a visit to the local school. Others can spend the day learning the game of bao from the locals, scouring the markets for a bargain or simply relaxing on the pristine white beaches.
DAY 21: Chitimba to Nkhata Bay (NM) Today we head to Nkhata Bay via the inland town of Mzuzu. This area has the ideal climate for growing crops and much coffee and rubber is grown. It is here that we spend the next 2 nights in shared dorm accommodation.
DAY 22: Nkhata Bay (NM) Nkhata Bay is a beautiful lakeside town straddling the lush mountains of Malawi’s Rift Valley, about 50 km from Mzuzu. It overlooks Lake Malawi like a lord overlooks his manor and it’s not hard to see why it’s a hugely popular destination amongst tourists visiting the north of Lake Malawi. In days gone by, it had the dubious history of being the port from where many Malawians began their long journey into slavery. We can spend the day relaxing on the lake’s shores or visiting the local Chichewa market. We have the option of participating in various water sports or hiking in the surrounding hills. A visit to the local brewery or witchdoctor can also be arranged.
DAYS 23 & 24: Ilala Ferry (NM) Today we board the MV Ilala to cross the ‘Lake of Stars.’ The next couple of days are spent calling in at various ports in Tanzania and Mozambique along the edge of Lake Malawi before reaching our destination in Cape Maclear. The ferry is used by the locals to reach the opposite side of the lake and this is a great opportunity to meet these warm hearted people. We spend the next couple of nights sleeping under the stars on the main deck. Please note: Should the ferry be unavailable, we will follow the coastal road south via Salima Bay to Cape Maclear.
DAY 25: Cape Maclear (NM) Today we arrive at picturesque Cape Maclear, on Lake Malawi’s southern shores. After checking in to our dorm accommodation, we visit the local market. Here, those visiting Domwe Island stock up on their supplies for the next 2 days they’ll spend on this tropical paradise.
DAY 26 & 27: Cape Maclear/Domwe Island (NM) With an 11 km perimeter, Domwe Island is the biggest uninhabited island in Lake Malawi. Separated from the mainland by the Ilala Gap, this gap occasionally dries up due to the fluctuations of the lake’s level enabling various mammals to cross from the mainland.
For those of us doing the 2 Night Domwe Island optional excursion, we transfer via boat to this beautiful island. Accommodation is in shared tents (2 persons). We prepare our meals in the self-catering kitchen (equipped with crockery, cutlery, pots and pans AND a fridge!) We spend the next two days just relaxing or exploring the island. Enjoy the myriad of non-motorised water sports on offer. Take a kayak around the island, snorkel and swim in the Lake’s warm waters or hire some SCUBA gear and search for the beautiful Cichlid fish. Spend an afternoon hiking 400 m to the island’s highest point or just enjoy the sunshine on the pristine white beaches. Included in this option is a return transfer to Cape Maclear, park entry fees and all non-motorised water sports and camping for 2 nights.
For those who’d prefer to spend the next 2 days relaxing in Cape Maclear, various activities are available. Hike up the mountain in Lake Malawi National Park, haggle with local vendors for a famous Malawi Chair or just relax on the beach.
DAY 28: Cape Maclear (NM) After reuniting with the rest of our group, we spend one more day relaxing on Lake Malawi’s shores, before heading to Zambia tomorrow.
DAY 29: Cape Maclear to Chipata (Zambia) (NM) Today we leave the “warm heart of Africa” and head towards Zambia. We cross the border and make our way to Chipata where we make the final preparations for our trip into the South Luangwa National Park.
DAY 30 & 31: South Luangwa National Park (L / D; B / L / D) At 9050 km2, twice the size of Wales, the South Luangwa National Park is famous for large concentration of wildlife. It is said that for every oxbow in the Luangwa River, there is a leopard. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo are often seen. There are no rhino in the park due to poaching, but efforts are underway to re-introduce this pre-historic beast! So while looking out for the remaining members of the Big 5, look out for the Small 5 - Elephant Shrew, Rhino Beetle, Buffalo Weaver, Ant Lion and Leopard Tortoise and for the Green 5 - Elephant Grass, Rhino Thistle, Buffalo Thorn, Lion’s Ear and Leopard Orchid. Our camp for the next two nights is on the edge of this magnificent park. Keep an eye open for the Crawshay zebra, Cookson wildebeest and Thornicroft giraffe - all species unique to this area!
DAY 32: Chipata (B) After spending 2 wonderful days enjoying Zambia’s wildlife, we return to Chipata via the Kawaza Village. This project was set up by the local community with the help of the Zambian Wildlife Authority and some of the tour operators in the Luangwa valley, to offer visitors a glimpse into Kunda Culture. The belief is that the best way to get to know the local people and their way of living is to take part in their daily life. We have the opportunity to visit the Chief’s Palace, visit the local health clinic or attend a class at the nearby school. Zambia itself has 74 different cultural groups and although they are different, collectively, Zambians are a very friendly and welcoming people.
DAY 33: Chipata to Lusaka (NM) Today we head to the nation’s capital, Lusaka. Zambia prospered when copper prices were at their peak. However, when these prices declined in the late 1970s, the country was plunged into debt. In recent years, copper prices have improved and the government has embarked on a diversification programme to move away from it’s reliance on this precious metal. Agriculture and tourism have begun to play a much larger role in contributing to Zambia’s GDP. Tonight we overnight in dorm accommodation.
DAY 34: Lusaka to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (NM) Our last road journey sees us travelling south west, via Livingstone to Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Each offer fantastic photo opportunities. On arrival, we have the opportunity to participate in a myriad of Excursions available in Africa’s adventure capital.
OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks. Our last evening together sees us looking back and celebrating the completion of our memorable journey.
DAY 35: Victoria Falls (NM) After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
We suggest you extend your stay by a couple of days to participate in some of the exciting activities. Your agent can book your accommodation. Our office, situated in the heart of Victoria Falls, will happily help you with booking any of the activities you weren’t able to participate in while on tour.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip. Please Note - these prices are approximate and are subject to change - Where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.
Kenya, Nairobi - Giraffe Centre - Entry Fee US$ 20 Kenya, Nairobi - Nairobi National Park - Half Day Tour (Min 2 people) US$ 65 Tanzania, Arusha - 3 Day Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion * US$380 Tanzania, Arusha - Camel Ride to a Masai Village US$ 65 Tanzania, Zanzibar - Accommodation p/p/p/n From US$ 20 Tanzania, Zanzibar - Stone Town - Spice Tour US$ 25 Malawi, Domwe Island - Camping p/p/p/n (Min 2 people) US$110 Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - Bungee Jump US$ 90 Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - White Water Rafting on the Zambezi US$ 95 *Although traveller’s cheques are accepted for the Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursions, they are subject to a surcharge of at least 5%. **Please note that all accommodation & activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash (GBP & ZAR also accepted at a lower rate).
FREE TRIP When you book this trip, you are entitled to receive both a FREE 3 Day Masai Mara Safari the Thursday before your trip begins and a FREE 3 Day Hwange Safari the Monday after your trip ends. The Local Payments are still applicable for each trip. This fantastic offer must be taken up at the same time you book this trip. Conditions apply.
Local Payment: US$600
The staff and management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy your trip with us.
Minimum Age 18 years plus
“Safari Njema”
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