East Africa, Vic Falls & Kruger: 31 Day Adventure (Camping)

Day 1. Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve Highlights. Great Rift Valley.

We board our specialised safari vehicles, meet our resident guides and take to the road out of the busy city. We stop off at the Rift Valley viewpoint along the way and marvel at one of this great geographic phenomenon where the continent is slowly splitting.

We head through a few small towns on our journey into the Mara area and make our way through the surrounding Maasai buffer area before arriving at our camp for the night.

3 images Great Rift Valley

Day 2. Masai Mara National Reserve Highlights. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Today we head out to explore the marvelous wildlife of one of Africa's best safari destinations. We travel the small tracks in search of the big 5, the herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle, and the many other animals which are home in this reserve.

This afternoon there is an opportunity to see a nearby Masai Manyatta (settlement) where we learn about what it's like to live in an open wildlife area, herding cattle and surviving in the tradition of the Masai.

3 images Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Day 3. Masai Mara to Nairobi

We head back to the city leaving the open African wilderness behind. Along the way we may see the Manyatta's scattered on the landscape where the Masai people still live in harmony with their natural surroundings.

We arrive to the city in the late afternoon and have some free time to ourselves. Head out into the city tonight and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, drink a beer at a nearby bar or simply chill out at camp.

Day 4. Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania Highlights. Maasai Culture Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania. Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania.

Heading south out of the hustle and bustle of Kenya's Capital, we make our way to the border and cross into Tanzania.

From here we drive to Arusha passing the impressive Mount Meru along the way. In Arusha we'll stock up on supplies needed for our excursion into the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.

Our camp for the evening is in the small settlement of Meserani and is home to a reptile park, Masai cultural Museum and offers the opportunity to take a walk to the surrounding villages to learn more about this interesting culture.

3 images Maasai Culture Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania

3 images Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania

Day 5. Arusha to Serengeti NP Highlights. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

Meet your resident guides and board the purpose built 4x4 safari vehicles this morning after breakfast. Heading out from Meserani, we drive through the touristy town of 'Mosquito River' on the outskirts of the Manyara National Park before heading up the Rift Valley escarpment and on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We must cross via the Crater rim to get to the flat plains beyond.

Entering the Serengeti this afternoon you'll soon see the open flat plains it is so well known for. Depending on the time of year you're visiting, the migration may be in the north, east, south or west of the Serengeti and we aim to find the masses of herds during our stay. We'll also seek out the many predators, elephant, hyena and antelope species along the way. Look out for the magnificent birds too!

3 images Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Day 6. Serengeti NP to Ngorongoro Crater

We wake early in time to see the sunrise and head out for an early morning drive. See if you can spot any predators on the hunt!

After our drive we pack up camp and head back across the vast plains, and on to the Ngorongoro Crater where we set up camp on the rim of this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once a large volcano, the Ngorongoro Crater is now the world's largest intact caldera. Look down into the base and see if you can spot the herds roaming far below.

Day 7. Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha Highlights. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.

Get up early, enjoy a tasty breakfast and get ready for today's adventure!

We wind our way down the steep crater walls - so steep that you won't find Giraffe in the crater as they are unable to make the climb. As we reach the base we zig-zag our way through the different areas and spot the myriad of wildlife along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the black rhino, cheetah, lion and leopard!

In the afternoon we head back to camp, and after lunch we make our way out of this spectacular wildlife area back to Meserani for the night.

3 images Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Day 8. Arusha to Bagamoyo Highlights. Bagamoyo, Tanzania. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

We pass through Moshi at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro early this morning and hope to catch a glimpse of the towering peak as we drive south and on to the coast. Our camp is located outside the historic port-town of Bagamoyo that was once the main trading port to East Africa.

3 images Bagamoyo, Tanzania

3 images Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Day 9. Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam Highlights. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Waking to the lulling sounds of the ocean and the cool sea breeze, we enjoy our first breakfast at the coast. Today's drive takes us past the coastal villages and on to the city of Dar es Salaam (Haven of Peace).

Our camp is located to the south of the city on a lovely stretch of beach. It is here that we prepare for our excursion to Zanzibar in the next days.

This afternoon we have some free time to explore the city or simply lay back and enjoy the beach!

3 images Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Day 10. Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Highlights. Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

We head out to the busy ferry terminal early and board the fast ferry to Zanzibar. Once we've checked through customs, we continue on to our lodge in Stone Town where we settle in for the day. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to head out and explore!

Stone Town is the Capital of the Zanzibar Islands and is home to the old coral fort, Hours of Wonders and many other places of interest - including Freddy Mercury's house!

Enjoy an evening exploring the Forodhani market, sipping a fresh fruity cocktail overlooking the ocean or head out for a night on the town in the local clubs.

3 images Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Day 11-12. Zanzibar Highlights. Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania. Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Time on Zanzibar is quite flexible - the group usually spends a night in Stone Town and then heads up to the northern beaches for the remainder of the stay.

This morning you'll have free time to enjoy some of the local activities including a spice tour, historical tour or nearby Jozani Forest tour. We then head up to the north and check into our beach accommodation for the next days.

Explore the warm clear tropical waters scuba diving, snorkling and swimming or chill out in a hammock on the beach. You can be as relaxed or as busy as you like!

3 images Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania

3 images Zanzibar, Tanzania

Day 13. Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

Enjoy your last morning on Zanzibar before we make our way back to the mainland.

We spend the last evening on the tropical coast enjoying the breeze and a tasty sundowner at camp.

Day 14. Dar es Salaam to Mikumi Highlights. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.

Heading inland we cross the northern part of the Mikumu National Park and hope to see some wildlife along the way.

Our camp this evening is situated just outside the border of the park and there is an opportunity to head out on an optional afternoon game drive for those who wish to explore the park some more.

3 images Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

Day 15. Mikumi to Iringa

Enjoy the scenic views today as we head through the Baobab Valley and up from the coastal plateau onto the Tanzanian highlands where we spend our last night in Tanzania.

The farmhouse is a quaint camp with welcoming hot showers, and a cozy bar to enjoy the evening in.

Day 16. Iringa to Chitimba Beach, Malawi Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi.

Lake Malawi formerly ‘Lake Nyasa’ covers almost a fifth of the country’s area and provides the source of livelihood for many of the Malawi people. Fishermen, fish traders, canoe and net makers all ply their trade, and a common sight is that of a fisherman in his Bwato, (dugout canoe made from hollowed out tree trunk) fishing on the lake at the break of day. The lake also has the highest number of endemic fresh water fish species of any in the world.

We head out of Tanzania and after border formalities, make our way to our camp on the shores of Lake Malawi

3 images Lake Malawi, Malawi

Day 17. Chitimba Beach Highlights. Livingstonia Day Hike, Malawi.

Our first full day at the lake is free to enjoy at our leisure. Stretch your legs on a hike to the Livingstonia Missions in the surrounding mountains or enjoy the beach and warm waters of the lake.

The nearby village can also be explored, or head out and chat to the local craftsmen to see how they create the wonderful souvenirs and items on sale in the market.

3 images Livingstonia Day Hike, Malawi

Day 18. Chitimba to Kande Beach

We journey through northern Malawi and head to the town of Mzuzu where we stock up on supplies. Mzuzu is a major hub to the subsistence farmers, factories and farms in the area and you'll see the great market where locals converge to shop.

From the town we head back to the lake via the Rubber Tree plantations making our way to Kande Beach.

Day 19. Kande Beach Highlights. Kande Beach Activities, Malawi.

Today you’ll have some free time to try some of the water sports available including diving, snorkelling, and horse riding along the beach. Or simply relax and enjoy the warm fresh waters of Lake Malawi. There is the opportunity to meet the local people, by tradition very friendly, on an optional guided Village Walk, or you can simply head out and explore the lakeside, craft market and meet some of the locals.

3 images Kande Beach Activities, Malawi

Day 20. Kande Beach to Chipata, Zambia

Bidding farewell to the tranquil lake and the lovely Chichewa people, we drive to the Capital Lilongwe and on to the border where we cross into Zambia where we head to Chipata for the night.

Day 21. Chipata to Lusaka Highlights. Lusaka, Zambia.

Taking the Great Eastern Road, we head off early and make our way through the Zambian countryside. Points of interest today include the Luangwa River bridge where we may have the opportunity to walk the length of the bridge.

This afternoon we arrive to Zambia's Capital city Lusaka - southern Africa's fastest growing city with a population of just under 2 million inhabitants. Our camp is on the outskirts of town on a farm with some antelope to observe.

Day 22. Lusaka to Livingstone Highlights. Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Zambia.

We head out of the busy Capital and continue our journey south to Livingstone passing through the Kafue area and the sugar cane and maize farms along the way.

Livingstone has become a tourism hub for Zambia owing to the Victoria Falls and number of exciting activities in the area. This afternoon we head to the falls to see this UNESCO Heritage Site with our own eyes.

3 images Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Zambia

Day 23-25. Livingstone Highlights. Livingstone Activities, Zambia.

We have a free day in Livingstone today to explore the town.

Spend your leisure day in Livingstone exploring the activities, town and markets or simply relax poolside at the Waterfront. The perfect time to catch up on your social media and share your experiences before heading off into the Southern Africa part of your holiday.

3 images Livingstone Activities, Zambia

Day 26. Livingstone to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

We cross the iconic Victoria Falls bridge and head into neighboring Zimbabwe. From the town of Victoria Falls we drive through the Zimbabwean bushveld countryside to the second city, Bulawayo.

Stopping off in the city for a look around, you'll see the wide avenues and colonial style of buildings that are all remnants of the colonial rule. We head to our camp a short drive from Bulawayo in the scenic Matopos area.

Day 27. Matobo National Park Highlights. Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe.

This morning we rise early and after breakfast we meet our knowledgeable guides who will take us to into the very impressive Matobo National Park. The wind-sculptured Matobo Hills are the site of numerous Bushman paintings and the area holds a special cultural and spiritual importance to the indigenous people here. The reserve has the largest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa and, provided conditions are right, our guides will lead us on foot to some of the more concealed places in search of these magnificent animals. The park also has the densest population of leopard and black eagle in the world and we keep our eyes peeled high and low for these creatures

3 images Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Day 28. Bulawayo to Tshipise, South Africa Highlights. Tshipise, South Africa.

We bid farewell to the striking Matobos and head to the busy Beitbridge border where we cross into South Africa. As one of Africa's busiest border crossings, there's always a lot to see here.

Once we've crossed into South Africa we continue to the Tshipise hot springs where we have free time this afternoon to enjoy the soothing warm pools.

3 images Tshipise, South Africa

Day 29. Tshipise to Hazyveiw

Driving south through the mountainous Limpopo Province, you'll see some of the fruit farms and forests that are cultivated in this area.

We arrive to Hazyview in the afternoon where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Hazyview is a small town located a short drive from the entrance to the Kruger National Park and on the outskirts of the private reserves in this area. We prepare ourselves for our day out exploring the wild tomorrow!

Day 30. Kruger National Park Highlights. Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Rising early we enjoy a tasty breakfast and meet our local guides. Once we're ready, we board our 4x4 game drive vehicles and head for Kruger.

The day is spent in the company of our excellent guides who seek out the resident wildlife and share their stories and information on the many species found here. From history, culture and the hard facts - you'll no doubt have a thrilling day.

Tonight is our last night on tour and we enjoy the evening under the stars retelling our stories of excitement from today.

3 images Kruger National Park, South Africa

Day 31. Hazyview to Pretoria

Our last drive takes us from the Mpumalanga Province to Pretoria, the administrative city of South Africa

We arrive to Pretoria in the late afternoon where our adventure tour ends on arrival.