Summary of this Overland Safari
Travel in an overland adventure vehicle built for the wilds, with like minded young travellers for the ultimate African adventure!
The game viewing spectacle begins in East Africa with the legendary Serengeti and ends in Southern Africa with world-famous Kruger Park - two of Africa's very best safari destinations. Star attractions along the way include the Ngorongoro Crater, hosting one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar Island and the sandy shores of Lake Malawi. Adding the unspoilt South Luangwa Park of Zambia, the natural wonder of Victoria Falls and Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe to this mix, takes this overland safari to a whole new level.
Itinerary for this Tour
Day 1: Nairobi - Kenya
Touch down in the capital of Kenya, Nairobi, in time for our evening meet-up at 18:00. The short meeting gives you a chance to meet your fellow travellers and guide, who tells you more about the journey ahead.
Arriving early enough in the day will leave time for you to explore the megacity of Nairobi and do optional activities before the safari begins.
Day 2: Nairobi to Arusha - Tanzania
Hop on our purpose-built overland adventure truck and head south through rural Kenya. Passing through Maasai territory we may see these striking, red-robed herders along the road.
Cross into Tanzania and proceed to Arusha, at the foot of Mount Meru.
Travel: Nairobi – Arusha (10h/286km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3: Arusha to Serengeti National Park - Tanzania
Set off into the world-famous Serengeti Park with experienced local guides and let the game viewing adventure begin! Travel in a manoeuvrable 7-seater 4x4 safari vehicle that gives you great views through large sliding windows and a pop-up roof. Serengeti is the heartland of African wildlife safaris - the archetypal wild African landscape teeming with game.
Entering Serengeti we soak up the scenes of untamed Africa and scan the savannahs for wildlife, making our way to the overnight safari camp.
Travel: Arusha – Serengeti National Park (8h/320km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4: Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro - Tanzania
Venture back out into the wild African bush, crossing the vast, acacia-dotted plains of Serengeti in search of wildlife. Keep your cameras ready as we explore the rolling grasslands in the 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
If you pre-booked the hot-air balloon safari in Serengeti then this morning you will drift over the savannahs instead of taking the game drive. Your guide will confirm when the balloon safari takes place as the timing changes.
Then we pack up camp and drive out of Serengeti National Park, into the fertile Ngorongoro Highlands. Tonight we camp at the lip of the crater, enjoying stunning views over the world's largest unflooded caldera. Ngorongoro Crater is considered one of the best places for game viewing in Africa, given the high density of wildlife found here.
Travel: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro (5h/160km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Marangu - Tanzania
Early this morning we drive down the steep crater walls in a 4x4 safari vehicle for an action-packed morning of game viewing. The high concentration of wild animals inhabiting the crater, ensures superb wildlife sightings. Ngorongoro Crater is a good place to spot lions, rhinos, buffalos, elephants, wildebeest, hyenas, hippos and cheetahs, along with an abundance of other large mammals.
After roaming the game-rich crater floor we drive out of the crater and on to Marangu, via Arusha. Those who booked the Zanzibar Express will stay behind in Arusha and fly to Zanzibar Island the following morning. The Zanzibar Express option includes transfers, flights and accommodation overnight in Arusha and then Stone Town, but not meals.
The rest of the group spends the night in Marangu, a popular base for Mount Kilimanjaro trekking expeditions.
Travel: Ngorongoro – Arusha (5h/200km) & Arusha – Marangu (3h/100km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6: Marangu to Dar es Salaam - Tanzania
Today we spend the day driving south through Tanzania to Dar es Salaam on the East Coast of Africa. We pass Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa, continuing through farmlands and varied landscapes until we reach the Indian Ocean coastline. A major trade hub, the chaotic port city of Dar es Salaam was once a small fishing village.
Those opting for the Zanzibar Express transfer to the Arusha airport, fly to Stone Town in Zanzibar and spend the afternoon exploring on their own. The Zanzibar Express option includes an extra night of accommodation in Stone Town, rejoining the group tomorrow afternoon.
Travel: Marangu – Dar es Salaam (14h/680km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7: Dar es Salaam to Nungwi - Zanzibar Island
Ferry across to Zanzibar Island this morning and drive from Stone Town to Nungwi village, in the north.
Nungwi Beach is our picturesque beachside base for exploring the tropical island of Zanzibar, so kick off you shoes and take it easy. Take a swim in the gentle waves of the warm Indian Ocean and lie back on the white sands of the beautiful beaches. Walk into the Muslim village to see the island life of Zanzibar, or dive straight into the marine world on a dive or snorkel.
Travel: Dar es Salaam – Stone Town (Ferry 2h) & Stone Town – Nungwi (1h30m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8: Nungwi - Zanzibar Island
Hello beach time! After your adventures in the rugged bush a bit of rest and relaxation on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar Island is just the right thing.
Go swimming, take a nap and stroll on the sandy beaches - take time out in this tropical paradise. For those with more energy to burn today, there are snorkelling and scuba diving boat trips and shore reefs to see.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: Nungwi to Stone Town - Zanzibar Island
Head back down to historic Stone Town and spend some time getting to know this unique and culturally diverse East African city. On day nine we do a spice tour that takes us to nearby plantations to see, taste and smell the exotic spices of Zanzibar. Find out more about the spices grown on the island - black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, breadfruit, jackfruit, vanilla and lemon grass - learning more about the central role the spice trade has played in the history of Zanzibar and its ancient slave trade.
When in Stone Town, roam the winding streets of old town where Arabic influences linger strongly, musing at the old buildings and places of worship. Visit the vivid markets, drink super strong coffee sold by street vendors, sample sweetmeats at quaint cafes and browse the shops filled with art, antiques, beautifully printed sarongs, curios, spices and other treasures.
Travel: Nungwi – Stone Town (4h)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10: Stone Town to Baobab Valley - Tanzania
Catch the ferry boat back to Dar es Salaam where we hop back onto our adventure vehicle and drive west to Baobab Valley.
In Baobab Valley we camp on the banks of the Ruaha River, on the outskirts of the Udzwungwa Mountains National Park.
Travel: Stone Town – Dar es Salaam (Ferry 2h/200km) & Dar es Salaam – Baobab Valley (6h/360km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 11: Baobab Valley to Iringa - Tanzania
On the road again, we drive south into the tea-growing region of the Tanzanian Highlands.
Our stop for today, Iringa. Arriving in the pleasant city we visit a community project where local artists with disabilities make crafts. Browse and get some souvenirs and have a quick cup of coffee in the cafe at the centre.
Travel: Baobab Valley – Iringa (5h/180km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 12: Iringa to Chitimba - Malawi
On day 12 we cross into the third country on our journey - Malawi. Travel straight to the scenic shores of Lake Malawi, one of the African Great Lakes of the East African Rift Valley.
Our first destination in Malawi is Chitimba Beach, a lovely sandy, stretch of Lake Malawi's shores, flanked by mountains in the distance. Watch the flickering lights of the fishermen's boats to see why Lake Malawi is known as 'the Lake of Stars'.
Travel: Iringa – Chitimba (9h/235km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 13: Chitimba to Kande Beach - Malawi
Drive south along the shoreline of massive Lake Malawi, stopping at Kande Beach. Unwind and take a stroll on the lakeshore, enjoying the sub-tropical climate and pretty scenery. Enjoy a drink at the local bar, have fun with your group and mingle with other travellers.
Travel: Chitimba – Kande Beach (5h)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 14: Kande Beach - Malawi
Spend the whole day at Kande Beach meeting local people in the village, lazing on the beach or taking a walk. Swim in the clear blue waters, or snorkel to see the chichilids and other marine creatures of Lake Malawi.
This evening we eat at a local home, getting a taste of traditional Malawian food and warm hospitality.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 15: Kande Beach to Luangwa Valley - Zambia
Travel into a new African country today - Zambia.
From Lake Malawi to Luangwa River, Malawi to Zambia, at the end of the day we settle down along the river in the unspoilt Luangwa Valley.
Travel: Kande Beach – Mfuwe (8h/500km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 16: Mfuwe & South Luangwa Park - Zambia
Day 16 is set aside for exploring the South Luangwa National Park area of the scenic Luangwa Valley.
This is one of Africa's finest safari destinations - an untouched haven inhabited by high concentrations of game and some 400 species of birds. Big herds of elephant and buffalo are drawn to the Luangwa River, which hosts an abundance of hippos and crocodiles. Other wildlife in South Luangwa include sizeable populations of Thornicroft's giraffes, zebras and a variety of antelopes such as kudus.
You can embark on an optional walking safari in season, with South Luangwa being famous for its game viewing walks. You can also head into a local village for a cultural experience. Then there is also the option of setting off on a night game drive in search of nocturnal animals, including leopards.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 17: South Luangwa to Petauke - Zambia
This morning is free for you to do a last bit of game viewing, on an optional guided walk or drive in the wild South Luangwa National Park.
Next, we drive onwards to Petauke, a convenient overnight stop en route to Lusaka.
Travel: Mfuwe – Petauke (5h/330km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 18: Petauke to Lusaka - Zambia
Soak up the scenery as we drive through Zambia to a private game farm near Lusaka, capital of Zambia. We set off early in the morning, following rough roads to the game park, where zebras, buffalos and antelopes are often spotted.
Relax at the pool and unwind in the bar at the end of a long day on the road.
Travel: Petauke – Lusaka (8h/410km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 19: Lusaka to Livingstone - Zambia
On day 19 we continue further southwest in our adventure vehicle, making our way to Livingstone, on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.
Begin by visiting one of Africa's most unforgettable natural wonders - the spectacular Victoria Falls. Fill your senses and feel the power of the falls as you stand in the spray of this thunderous curtain of water. End your day off with a relaxing optional cruise along the Zambezi River, watching a serene sunset and looking out for wildlife and birds.
Travel: Lusaka – Livingstone (7h/543km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 20: Livingstone - Zambia
An exhilarating array of optional activities awaits you today. If you didn't visit Vic Falls yesterday, be sure to go see the 'Smoke that Thunders' today for an awe-inspiring experience.
The range of thrilling adventure activities includes bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge and whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River, ranked as some of the best river rafting in the world. Another exciting option is to fly over Victoria Falls in a helicopter, plane or microlight, viewing the full extent of this majestic waterfall from above. For more options, ask for advice and help with bookings at the lodge's reception desk.
This evening we welcome any new travellers that may be joining the group for the remainder of our safari and enjoy an optional dinner together.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 21: Livingstone to Matobo National Park - Zimbabwe
And we are off to our next African country today, crossing into Zimbabwe to the south. Arriving in Zimbabwe you have the option of stopping to view the mighty Victoria Falls from a new perspective, or exploring the historic safari town of Victoria Falls.
Then we set off for Matobo National Park near Bulawayo, in our overland adventure truck.
Travel: Livingstone – Matobo National Park (6h/600km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 22: Matobo National Park - Zimbabwe
Today we get to take a guided rhino walk in the African bush - searching for white rhinos and other wildlife in Matobo National Park. We also explore the national park in an open safari vehicle, taking in the surreal landscapes strewn with granite boulders, all the while looking out for wildlife.
Matobo National Park is an important wildlife haven, especially for the rhinos of Zimbabwe, as well as being a place of great cultural and historical value.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 23: Matobo National Park to Tshipise - South Africa
Time to head into the final country on our African adventure - South Africa.
We drive to Tshipise in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, near the unusual town of Musina. You have the option of taking a soothing soak in the hot springs at Tshipise.
Travel: Matobo National Park – Tshipise (7h/600km)
Optional Activities:
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 24: Tshipise to Kruger National Park - South Africa
Hop on the adventure truck and travel south to the world-famous Kruger National Park, one of the best game reserves in Africa.
The vast wilderness area of Kruger offers outstanding game viewing, being renowned for its excellent sightings of the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant). We spend the day exploring Kruger National Park, spotting a diversity of wild animals, from giraffes, zebras and antelopes, to hyenas, cheetahs and endangered African wild dogs.
Travel: Tshipise – Kruger National Park (6h)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 25: Kruger National Park to Manyeleti - South Africa
Day 25 brings more world-class game viewing in Kruger National Park and a Shangaan cultural experience in the evening.
Explore Kruger Park in our overland adventure vehicle, making the most of our last foray into the untamed African bush. Keep a look out for wildlife and birds as we drive through the incredibly game-rich wilds of the premier national park in South Africa.
Tonight we are treated to a Shangaan dance performance and a tasty homemade dinner. Gain some insight into local African traditions and enjoy encountering a different culture.
Travel: Kruger National Park – Manyeleti (5h30/80km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 26: Manyeleti to Johannesburg - South Africa
Rise and shine for an early breakfast today. This morning we engage with the villagers and children of Shalati village, visiting the Hope Africa Children's Day School. Learn about the local community near Manyaleti and see the valuable work being done by this volunteer project.
Then we leave the bush behind and make our way to the biggest city in South Africa - Johannesburg.
Travel: Manyeleti – Johannesburg (8h/400km)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 27: Johannesburg - South Africa
Enjoy breakfast together and say goodbye to your travel companions and crew, taking the photographs and memories of a lifetime with you.
Meals included: Breakfast
Tour Notes:
Age restriction: 18 - 39 years old only
Accommodation: Participation camping (21 nts), simple hotels (5 nts)
Transportation: Overland Adventure Vehicle (OAV), 4x4 safari vehicles, minibus, ferry
Group size: maximum 22 people (average of 18)
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