East Africa Adventure - North

Day 1. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Lusaka, Zambia
Our East African Adventure tour (North) begins as we set off early from Victoria Falls when we catch a last sighting of the mighty falls before crossing the border into Zambia. While we have a long day travelling today, we get our first impressions of the Africa that awaits us. Colourful markets, busy villages and rural scenes form the backdrop of our journey to the outskirts of Lusaka. 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
With two days of travel behind us we look forward to the tranquillity of South Luangwa and this morning we make our way to the banks of the Luangwa River. Our first stop though is the town of Chipata, home of Chipata Cotton and an important centre for the cotton farmers of the region. Tribal Textiles represents the creativity of the African culture and those interested can enjoy a tour of their workshops (March to December). 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. Southern 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 this natural wonder.

Day 6. Lake Malawi
Today we visit a local village near our lodge with the Nomad guide. The rest of the 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.

Day 7. Northern 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. Enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach. Your guide will assist you to plan your activities for the coming days, or you can simply slow your clock to Africa time relaxing on the lake shore.

Day 8. Lake Malawi
Snorkelling in the crystal waters offers the chance to see first-hand the brilliantly coloured tropical cichlids, tiny fish often found in colourful aquariums around the world. Your afternoon will be spent walking through the small village of Ngala.

Day 9. Iringa, Tanzania
Today as we leave Malawi, we ascend the Great Rift Valley and make our way into Tanzania. We round the northern extremes of the lake as we turn east and continue to our overnight stop in Iringa.

Day 10. Mikumi National Park
This morning we complete our journey to the doorstep of Mikumi National Park. Mikumi 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 (wildlife reserve). Today you will have the opportunity to book a game drive in Mikumi National Park.

Day 11. Mikumi to Zanzibar Island
We rise early and travel from Mikumi to the Port of Dar Es Salaam, where we will board the ferry and make the ocean journey to the island of Zanzibar. Our home for the next three nights, Stone Town offers a perfect stop to enjoy the beaches and activities on offer.

Day 12. Zanzibar Excursion
This morning we enjoy the local scenery by embarking on a spice tour with a local guide. The afternoon is free to enjoy some of the many attraction sand activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day and you have the opportunity to book activities such as fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of ocean safari options. Whatever it is you chose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Rent a scooter and explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Day 13. Zanzibar
Today we explore the beautiful Jozani Forest. For those wanting to do their last bit of sightseeing, the afternoon is open for optional activities.

Day 14. Bagamoyo
This morning we have some time to explore the sights of Stone Town, the rich history and vibrant markets are some of the highlights of any visit to Zanzibar. We bid farewell to the island and board our return ferry, on arrival back at the Dar es Salaam port, we reunite with our truck and return to Bagamoyo where we spend the night.

Day 15. Arusha
Heading north this morning we travel across the northern reaches of Tanzania, our destination tonight is the bustling town of Arusha. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro. You will be briefed this evening by our local guide on what to prepare for the coming days.

Day 16. Karatu
Although it is short distance to Karatu, we will spend most of the day commuting closer to the Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival in Karatu, our guide will brief us on the full day excursion into the crater. Karatu is conveniently situated to allow you the opportunity to participate in various optional activities in the coming days. 

Please note: Those who have purchased the * optional Serengeti Excursion upgrade package will be briefed this evening by our local guide on what to prepare for the coming days. You can find all the details in the tour dossier at the top of this page… or click here.

Day 17. Ngorongoro Crater Excursion
We rise early and will be collected from our camp and transferred to the Ngorongoro Crater. We will spend the bulk of our day exploring the Crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains. We will arrive back in Karatu in the afternoon.

Day 18. Karatu
This morning we rise early for a hike to the Elephant Caves, taking you through untouched forests with amazing wildlife.  The rest of the day is open for you to relax at camp or participate in a number of optional activities available from the accommodation establishment. Some of the optional activities include village walking visits or a visit to Lake Manyara National Park. These activities need to be booked directly with the accommodation provide upon arrival in Karatu.

Day 19. Arusha
Returning to Arusha, tonight we will reunite with our fellow travellers who opted for the optional Serengeti excursion and we share our experiences of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 20. Arusha – Nairobi, Kenya
After crossing the border into Kenya we continue to travel towards Nairobi. Founded by the British in 1899 as a simple rail depot, the town quickly grew to become the capital of British East Africa and eventually the capital of Kenya in 1963. Usually we enjoy a group meal out at one of Nairobi’s excellent restaurants. Your tour ends upon arrival in Nairobi.