Victoria Falls to Nairobi - North  

  Duration22 Days

Please note: This itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice. A detailed, up-to-date dossier itinerary is available to download.

Day 1 – Lusaka

Setting off early from the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, we catch a last sighting of the mighty falls before we head off on a long day travelling. We get our first impressions of East Africa through the window of our truck: colourful markets, busy villages and rural scenes form the backdrop of our journey as we travel through Zambia. We enjoy a prepared meal on arrival as our guides brief us on the days ahead.

Day 2 – Petauke

This morning, we drive through Zambia’s busy capital Lusaka before turning east towards Petauke, our destination for the night. As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and we will cross the mighty Luangwa River along the way. Dotted with villages and subsistence farms, todays landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries so many of us call home.

Day 3 – South Luangwa National Park

We look forward to the tranquillity of South Luangwa and this morning we make our way to the banks of the Luangwa River. We make a stop at Mulberry Mongoose to view their local jewellery and curios, these accessories are hand crafted by local ladies from South Luangwa using organic materials originating from the African bush. The Chipata area is a major producer of cotton, and we get a taste of the creativity of the African culture. One of the finest sunsets is surely that enjoyed on the banks of the Luangwa River, so grab a cold drink and watch the day fade away.

Day 4 – South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination, and we have a full day to explore the park in search of the variety of wildlife found in the park. This morning you can partake in an optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris on offer in the park. This afternoon we will enjoy a sunset drive in the park including a sundowner stop. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives us a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen in the day.

Day 5 – Lake Malawi

This morning, we board our truck and set off for Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system. As one of the ten largest lakes in the world, the lake stretches for over 500km along the western boundary of Malawi and is home to more species of fish than any other lake. We spend the night on the shores of the lake this natural wonder.

Day 6 – Lake Malawi

Today is all about the lake and this day is set aside for you to relax at the lake.  Use the time to read a book, soak up the sun or indulge in the many attractions that are on offer. If you wish, an optional hike can be done with a local guide to the nearby Dwanbazi Waterfall. Located a short 30-minute drive from Nglala Beach Hotel, the waterfall offers a breath-taking panorama from the summit. Depending on the weather, we may even have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the pristine waters surrounded by the lush greenery and natural splendour of the surrounding landscape.

Day 7 – Lake Malawi

Today we are back on the road for most of the day travelling further north and will overnight once again on the banks of Lake Malawi.  This evening enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach.

Day 8 – Mbeya

We depart this morning and continue north, heading for the Utengule Coffee Lodge where we will overnight.

Day 9 – Tanzania – Iringa

Before heading to Iringa, we will make a stop at a local coffee plantation where we have the opportunity to see the process of growing and harvesting coffee beans and will be able to sample some of the beans. We then ascend the Great Rift Valley and make our way further into Tanzania.

Day 10 – Mikumi

This morning, we complete our journey to the doorstep of Mikumi National Park. We have a quick stop at the Baobab Valley, Tanzania. A mesmerizing landscape dotted with ancient, towering baobab trees that have stood the test of time. These iconic trees create a surreal and breath-taking scene, casting dramatic shadows against the African savannah, the perfect backdrop to stop for a group picture. We then reach Mikumi, which ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania, but forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. Today you will have the opportunity to book a game drive in Mikumi National Park.

Day 11 – Mikumi

Today you will have the opportunity to book additional safaris in Mikumi National Park or embark on a variety of cultural tours.

Day 12 – Dar es Salaam / Bagamoyo

We overnight at our accommodation before an early start the following morning to catch our transport to Zanzibar Island.

Day 13 – Stone Town (Zanzibar)

We head out early to catch our transport to Zanzibar Island. After arriving at the ferry port, we make our way to our hotel located in Stone Town. 

Day 14 – Zanzibar Beaches

Boasting a rich history this busy port was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes.  Our morning begins with a walking tour of Stone Town to discover the more well-known landmarks, including the birthplace of Freddy Mercury.  After our city tour, we travel by road to our base for the next 2 nights. Before our arrival, we will stop along the way to enjoy a guided walking spice tour, which passes through villages and spice plantations.  You will be able to witness first-hand how spice farm workers climb the trees and seek out specific plants and will have the opportunity to purchase fresh spices directly from these farms.  

Day 15 – Zanzibar Beaches

Today is a free day to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day.  Whatever it is you chose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Day 16 – Bagamoyo

We bid farewell to the white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar. We board the ferry back to the mainland, arriving in the port city of Dar es Salaam, reunite with our truck and hit the road, heading north along the coast toward Bagamoyo. Once a major hub of East Africa’s trade routes, Bagamoyo is steeped in history and Swahili culture. The drive offers a glimpse into the energy of city life before giving way to more laid-back coastal scenery. We arrive in Bagamoyo by late afternoon and settle into our accommodation.

Day 17 – Moshi

From the coastal lowlands of Bagamoyo, the landscape gradually shifts to rugged highlands as we pass through vibrant towns, remote villages, and stretches of open savannah. Along the way, we’ll witness the rhythms of daily life and enjoy the raw beauty of Tanzania’s countryside.  If time permits this afternoon, book an optional activity to a local coffee plantation or a guided cycling tour.

Day 18 – Karatu

Although it is relatively short distance to Karatu, we will spend most of the day commuting closer to the Ngorongoro Crater.  Before our arrival in Karatu, we will visit the Mto wa Mbu Market which is situated in the little village of Mto wa Mbu.  Known for crops such as rice and their distinctive red bananas, the town sits on the main road that leads directly to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Conversation Area.   Tonight, our guide will brief us on our 2-night excursion.

Day 19 – Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park (Seronera) Excursion

We rise early and will be collected from our camp and transferred to the Ngorongoro Crater in 4×4 safari type vehicles.  We will spend the morning exploring the crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains.  In the afternoon, we will arrive at our camp in the Seronera region located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park.  The camp is surrounded by spectacular views and abundant wildlife and this evening, while sipping on a cold beverage, we will enjoy the sights and sounds of nature passing right in front of your meru style tent.

Day 20 – Serengeti

This morning, we rise early to enjoy a full day’s game drive through Serengeti National Park.  Famous for the abundant wildlife that exists in the park, we will spend most of our day in search of the animals that reside here. 

Day 21 – Arusha

We depart the Serengeti National Park with amazing memories and make the return journey to Arusha where we will spend the night reminiscing about our experiences of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. 

Day 22 – Kenya – Nairobi

We cross the border into Kenya this morning and make our way to Nairobi where our journey ends on arrival.