Southern Discoverer | 22 Days Nairobi to Victoria Falls

DAY 1: Nairobi (No Meals):

Upon entering this beautiful east African country, you may be greeted with the words of “jambo” (hello) or “hakuna matata” (no problem) by the friendly locals. With a population of nearly 42 million and land area of more than 580 000 sq km Kenya is home to an abundance of animals and colourful tribespeople, making it the perfect getaway for a once in a lifetime safari. Tonight we stay in twin-share rooms at the Kenya Comfort Hotel (or similar).

Tanzania’s natural environment and geographical features have made it one of the best tourist destinations in Africa. Being the biggest country in east Africa, Tanzania has heaps to offer her visitors, including 13 game reserves and national parks. Tanzania also forms part of the world’s largest animal’s movements, the great migration. Inland are the vast Serengeti National Park and the animal-packed Ngorongoro Conservation area, and thousands of people every year fulfil their lifetime achievement of climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in Africa. On the coast, Zanzibar is exotic, intriguing and steeped in the unique Swahili culture.

DAY 2: Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania) (Breakfast/Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we head out of busy Nairobi and travel south crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga. Tonight, we camp at a campsite called Meserani Snake Park (or similar) on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading out on our excursions to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater tomorrow.

DAY 3: Arusha to Karatu (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we visit the Meserani Reptile Park and Masai Cultural Museum. A few minutes’ walk from the campsite is a gallery selling the bright and iconic Tinga Tinga paintings. After enjoying break-fast we head off. Leaving our camp, we travel via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and then 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. Tonight, we spend the evening camping at a pleasant campsite in Karatu called Kudu camp (or similar).

DAY 4: Karatu to Serengeti National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we depart early in the morning, and travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation area to the Serengeti National Park and enjoy an afternoon game drive. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight, we camp (no ablution facilities) in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. Without any fences surrounding our campsite we are truly in the midst of nature! We are camping at a campsite called Seronera Campsite (or similar) tonight.

DAY 5: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Crater to Arusha (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

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’! Following our morning drive, we retrace our journey back across the plains and along the lush Crater. Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken, unflooded caldera in the world. Comprising of open savannahs, acacia forests and both soda and fresh water lakes, the Ngorongoro Crater is truly a miniature ‘Garden of Eden’. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino. Arriving back at the rim of the crater we re-join our truck to head back to Arusha, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience. Tonight we will again camp at Meserani Snake Park (or similar).

DAY 6: Arusha to Pangani (Breakfast / Lunch)

We head to Arusha this morning to stock up on supplies before continuing on towards Dar es Salaam. On the way we drive through the town of Moshi situated at the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain. 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 - a photo opportunity not to be missed! Tonight we stay in twin-share rooms at the Highway Hotel (or similar).

DAY 7: Pangani to Dar es Salaam (Breakfast / Lunch)

Today we continue on to Dar es Salaam. Travelling through lush scenery and palm trees, we near the warm Indian Ocean. Today’s drive time is extended due to the heavier amount of traffic heading in to the city, but the sights and sounds of Dar’s vibrant outer suburbs are sure to keep you entertained. Look out for the colourful shop-fronts with their sometimes humorous ‘catch phrases’. On arrival in Dar es Salaam we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning. We stay in beach bandas at Kipepeo Beach & Village (or similar).

DAY 8 & 9: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (Breakfast)

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we spend the next 3 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.

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 famous for its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience. 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. These two nights we stay in twin-share rooms at Amaan Bungalows (or similar).

PLEASE NOTE: Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own, and in accordance with their own budget. The Trip Leader joins you and will arrange your activities, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer. There are also a wide variety of optional excursions on offer.

DAYS 10: Zanzibar (Breakfast)

Today we travel back to the main town & tonight we stay in twin-share rooms at Swahili House (or similar).

DAY 11: Zanzibar to Mikumi (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

This morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south. We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. This is where we spend the night camping at Tan-Swiss Lodge (or similar).

DAY 12: Mikumi to Iringa (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

From Mikumi we travel towards Iringa where we spend the night camping in a beautiful rustic campsite called Old Farmhouse (or similar).

A variety of attractions can be found in this exquisite country such as, forest, mountains and many a rural village, but there is one major attraction – Lake Malawi. There are many small rustic resorts along this fresh water lake where you can kick back on the sand, and enjoy the perfect sunset over this lake. Malawi will offer you the perfect sub tropical climate, allowing you ample time to soak up the sun and work on that tan. Lilongwe is the largest city in Malawi, as well as the capital city. Malawi plays host to just over 12 million people, with English and Chichewa being the main languages.

Lake Malawi

Most your time in Malawi will be spent enjoying the white beaches and warm waters of Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi is also known as “the lake of stars”, offering an abundance of water activities. With the staggering amount of 500 species of fish, this lake makes for an excellent spot for fresh water diving after meeting and greeting all the welcoming locals.

DAYS 13 - 15: Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (Breakfast)

Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ through the border post at Songwe.

Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 3 days.

Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches. 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 dugout canoe yourself! At night, you’ll see the ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermen out on the lake. The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horseback rides and a visit to the local village and school. The first night we will spend in twin-share rooms at Chitimba Camp (or similar) and the second and third night in twin-share rooms at Kande Beach Lodge (or similar).

Optional activities vary; however, we do recommend that you do the village tour.

DAYS 16: Lake Malawi to Chipata (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

We travel from Lake Malawi over the border to the beautiful country of Zambia. We will spend our first night in Zambia in the small town of Chipata. We will camp at Mamarula’s (or similar).

DAY 17: Chipata to Luangwa National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

An early start takes us the South Luangwa National Park. This breath-taking park is situated on the Luangwa River in the Eastern part of Zambia, and it is the southernmost of three national parks in this region. South Luangwa was founded in 1938 as a game reserve, 1972 was the year it was declared as a national park, and today it covers over 9000 kilometres squared. Animals such as Giraffe, buffalo and Elephants can be found in abundance. The Luangwa river is home to many a hippo and croc. Tonight we camp at the Croc Valley campsite (or similar).

DAY 18: Luangwa National Park to Lusaka (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we depart this amazing National Park and make our way down south. As we drive, we pass through a few of the villages and towns of Zambia along the way. Prosperous during the copper boom in the 60’s, Zambia was able to build infrastructure at the main mining and farming communities. After the fall of the copper industry, the country was left virtually bankrupt and existing infrastructure was left to fall to ruin. Due to foreign investment and a rise in the mining industry, Zambia is today once again starting to prosper. Tonight we camp at Eureka Camping Park (or similar).

DAY 19: Lusaka to Livingstone (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Heading further south, we journey through the southern Zambian towns mostly supporting local agriculture and farming on our way to Livingstone. The 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 Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight, we have the option of enjoying an optional sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi. Tonight we camp at Victoria Falls Waterfront (or similar).

This landlocked country is situated in the southern part of Africa, between the mighty Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers. The word Zimbabwe is believed to have two meanings, 1) it is believed the word Zimbabwe is derived from dzimba-dza-mabwe, which means “large house of stone” in the Shona (Karanga Dialect) language. 2) It is also believed to be derived from the word dzimba-hwe which means venerated houses in the Zezuru dialect of Shona.

DAY 20: Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (Breakfast)

We leave Zambia and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Once we’ve completed the border formalities, we continue to the town of Victoria Falls. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our lodging is conveniently situated in the centre of town, and within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops. For the next two nights we will stay in twin-share rooms at Shearwater Lodge (or similar).

DAY 21: Victoria Falls (Breakfast)

A short walk down the main road takes you to the entry point to view the falls, which are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by David Livingstone on his explorations, and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. 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! After our adventure activities briefing, the afternoon is spent relaxing at the Shearwater camp, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAY 22: Victoria Falls (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! We suggest booking additional days after your trip to take advantage of the optional excursions available at Victoria Falls.

Optional Activities: 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.