34 day Johannesburg to Nairobi Tour

This morning we make our way into the Kruger National park and enjoy a full day of game viewing, providing you with many incredible photographic opportunities. Our truck gives us a spectacular vantage point from which to game watch and is able to locate large cats and smaller game concealed by plant life. Keep a lookout for Africa’s ‘Big 5’ (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as a wide range of other animal and bird species.

The following morning we make our way out of the Kruger National Park passing through the incredible Panorama Route, making a stop at the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels and God’s Window. We return to our camp in the early evening.

Accommodation: Camp: Nkambeni Reserve
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlight: Full-Day Kruger Park Game Drive in 4×4 Vehicles, The Panorama Route (God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels)

Embarking on our last game drive through the park before making our way to Johannesburg. Arriving in the afternoon, we’ll spend the night in the city before heading north towards Botswana.

Johannesburg, or the ‘City of Gold’, is the biggest and most populated South African city and is the second biggest city in all of Africa (after Cairo). Gold was discovered in the mineral-rich Witwatersrand in 1886 by George Harrison, an Australian prospector. His discovery started a massive gold rush as fortune-hunters flocked to the region from all parts of the world. A large labour force of contract workers quickly sprung to work in the mines, and within the span of just three years, Johannesburg transformed into South Africa’s biggest settlement. This city is now the economic and financial centre of the country and though mining no longer takes place within the bounds of the city, the headquarters of the majority of mining businesses can be located here. Johannesburg is also renowned as the world’s biggest man-made forest, with more than ten million trees planted throughout the massive city.

Accommodation: Garden Court OR Tambo International
Facilities: En-suite facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Morning Game Drive in the overland truck

Through the North-West Province, we travel to the Botswana border after leaving Johannesburg. Our overnight stop is located on the Trans-Kalahari Highway after we have completed border formalities.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Cresta Palapye
Facilities: En-suite facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Johannesburg to Palapye
Border Post: Botswana Pioneer Gate Tel: +267 533 3992, Open: 06h00 – 24h00, South Africa Skilpadshek Tel: +27 0800 00 7277, Open: 06h00 – 24h00

The journey today takes us north through the dramatic landscapes of the Central Kalahari desert towards the gateway to the Okavango Delta. A number of smaller towns and villages will be passed by along the way, providing an insight into everyday life in Botswana. An imposing monument to Botswana’s mineral wealth can be seen on our route at the Orapa Diamond Mine. This mine is one of the largest diamond mines in the world and is a joint venture between De Beers and the Botswana government. Contributing greatly to Botswana’s economy and export earnings, it is one of the country’s most important economic pillars. In addition to Orapa, we shall be traversing the southern end of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park before reaching our overnight destination in Maun, so be on the lookout for various varieties of wildlife as they move between watering holes along our route.

Accommodation: Camp: Sedia or Island Safari Lodge 
Facilities: Shared ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Palapye to Maun
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We are spending the majority of today on safari in the Moremi Game Reserve in search of the creatures that inhabit the plains. The roads in this wilderness area will be bumpy as we traverse them in our 4×4 vehicles. Our goal is to see as many species of fauna and flora as possible in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, open water, grasslands, and savannah woodlands. As we arrive back at Khwai this evening, we are excited to be able to compare and share the amazing sightings from our safari.

Khwai and Nata are both crossed by the Botswanan salt pans today on the journey from Khwai to Nata. The camp will be packed up at first light and you will depart on an open 4×4 safari vehicle before meeting the truck in Maun. Driving from Maun to Nata provides visitors with a breathtaking view of Botswana’s spectacular landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of the country. Before reaching your overnight destination near Nata, keep an eye out for wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Camp: Khwai Tented Camp (no website available) (Moremi), Elephant Sands or Nata Lodge (Nata)
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Savuti Game Reserve, Khwai Conservation Area to Nata (long day ±6 – 8 hours)
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlights: Full Day Game Drive Moremi Game Reserve, Views of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Our journey starts from the Kalahari sands of Nata and ends at Kasane, where we have lunch and a quick siesta before exploring the Chobe National Park by boat. Our leisurely boat cruise allows us to witness the numerous elephants that frequent the river during the afternoon hours, allowing us to get up close and personal with them.

Accommodation: Camp: Thebe River Safaris or Kwalape Safari Lodge 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Nata to Kasane
Included Highlights: Chobe National Park Boat Cruise

In the morning, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls with the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds. During your visit to Victoria Falls today, you will have the opportunity to experience the spectacular waterfalls, known locally as Mosi-oa Tunya (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. Additionally, craft markets and coffee shops are available for those seeking a more relaxed travel experience.

Taking advantage of the many activities that are available in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia), today offers the ideal opportunity to go on the adventure that best suits your interests. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls. As your tour continues tomorrow from Livingstone, your accommodation for tonight has been booked in Livingstone. You can however spend the day in Victoria Falls and transfer over to Livingstone in the late afternoon. The transfer from Victoria Falls to Livingstone is included in your tour. Depending on your preference, you can book an early morning (08:00) or late afternoon (16:00) transfer. At the time of booking, please inform your booking agent of your preferred time.

Accommodation: Pre-erected dome tent with camper bed Shearwater Explorers Village (Day 1), Two per Room Victoria Falls Waterfront, Livingstone, Zambia (Day 2)
Facilities: Shared Ablutions (Day 1), En-suite (Day 2) Please visit the website of the accommodation providers for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch
Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls
Optional Activity: Victoria Falls National Park Entry, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting
Border Post: Botswana: Kazangula Road, Tel: +267 62 50320 / Open: 06h00-20h00, Zimbabwe: Kzangula Road, Open: 06h00-20h00

Before heading off on a long day of travel, we take the opportunity to catch a last glimpse of the mighty falls before setting out early from Livingstone. During our journey through Zambia, we observe first-hand the splendour of East Africa’s markets, bustling villages, and rural scenes from the window of our truck. Upon arrival, we enjoy a prepared meal while our guides provide us with a briefing about our upcoming activities.

Accommodation: Camp: Eureka Camp 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Livingstone to Lusaka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we embark on a lengthy drive through luscious countrysides of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. We pass over the Luangwa River to Petauke – the gateway to the South Luangwa National Park. Purely African, Zambia is somewhat of an adjustment to the more Western culture we are accustomed to. We stop at Luangwa Market, an exciting marketplace where local Zambian vendors display their products. The display includes masau and masaku, two delectable fruits available throughout the year and renowned for their mouthwatering taste. Further, we observe another array of African curios, including charming miniature hippos, intricately woven baskets, and papyrus carpets that add to the colourful tapestry of this bustling market.

The next day we depart from Petauke to the South Luangwa National Park border where we make our way to the banks of the Luangwa River. A stop at Mulberry Mongoose is in order to view their local jewelry and curios, which are made from organic materials derived from the African bush by local women from South Luangwa. It is in the Chipata area that we see a great deal of cotton production and we also see a glimpse of the creativity of African culture. Enjoy a cold drink and enjoy one of the finest sunsets on the banks of the Luangwa River.

Accommodation: Camp: Chimwemwe Executive Lodge (Petauke), Camp: Wildlife Camp (South Luangwa)
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Lusaka to Petauke, Petauke to South Luangwa National Park
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlight: Market visit, Mulberry Mongoose Curio Visit

In the morning you will have a chance to embark on an (optional) game drive or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris on offer in the park. The South Luangwa National Park is well-known for its large population of leopard and hippo. We end the day with a sunset drive in the park and enjoy a sundowner. If you explore the park at night you may have an opportunity to spot the nocturnal animals you rarely see during the day.

Accommodation: Camp: Wildlife Camp
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
Optional Activity: Safari Walk (seasonal) or Morning Game Drive in South Luangwa

As we board our truck this morning, we head for Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. A unique “on-truck” safari experience takes us through the wonders of the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Malawi, traversing the awe-inspiring landscapes of the park. Watch out for elephants and zebras in the vast plains of the park. It is our intention to spend the evening on the shores of Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift System. There are more species of fish in this lake than in any other lake in the world, since it is one of the ten largest in the world. The lake extends over 500 kilometers along the western frontier of Malawi, making it one of the ten largest lakes in the world. This natural wonder is our home for the night.

Our focus today is on the lake, and we have reserved this day for you to relax on the shore. During your free time, you may enjoy reading a book, taking in the sun, or taking part in one of the many recreational activities available. An optional hike to the nearby Dwanbazi Waterfall may be arranged with a local guide if you wish. This waterfall offers a breath-taking view from its summit, and is just a 30-minute drive from Ngala Beach Hotel. There is also the possibility that we will have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the pristine waters surrounded by the lush greenery and natural splendor of the surrounding area, depending on the weather.

Accommodation: Camp: Ngala Beach Lodge
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: South Luangwa National Park to Lake Malawi
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Optional Activity: Waterfall Hike
Border Post: Zambia: Chipata / Nwami, Tel: + 265 622 1652, Open: 06h00-18h00, Malawi: Mchinji, Tel: +265 124 2217, Open: 06h00-18h00

After our overnight on the shores of Lake Malawi, we will be back on the road for most of the day. In the afternoon, we will participate in a village walk through a nearby village with the help of our guide. The sunset over the lake can be enjoyed from the beach after the walk.

Accommodation: Camp: Chitimba 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Central Lake Malawi to North Lake Malawi
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlight: Village walk with tour leader

As we leave this morning, we will travel further north into Tanzania in order to reach the Utengule Coffee Lodge, where we will spend the night.

Accommodation: Camp: Utengule Coffee Lodge
Facilities: Shared Bungalow with shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Border Post: Malawi: Songwe (no telephone), Open: 06h00-18h00, Tanzania: Chi’zumulu, Tel: +265 15 357 207, Open: 06h00-18h00

Departing from Mbeya, a stop will be made at a local coffee plantation, where we will be able to see how coffee beans are grown and harvested as well as try some samples before making our way to Iringa. We ascend out of the Great Rift Valley through some remarkable mountain passes, passing enormous tea plantations in the highlands before eventually arriving at our stop in Iringa.

Tanzania experiences tropical temperatures and, in the highlands, the climate ranges between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively. The rest of the country has temperatures that seldom drops lower than 20 degrees Celsius. The hottest season is between November and February, reaching temperatures of over 30 degrees, whilst the coldest season occurs between May and August, dropping to below 15 degrees.

Tanzania is a mountainous region in the north east, where Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, is located. The Great Lakes of Lake Victoria (Africa’s biggest lake) and Lake Tanganyika (Africa’s deepest lake, famous for its unique fish species) are to the north and west. Central Tanzania comprises of a vast plateau complete with savannas and fruitful land. The eastern shore is hot and humid, with the exotic island of Zanzibar situated just offshore.

Accommodation: Camp: Kisolanza Farm
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Mbeya to Iringa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Morning Coffee Plantation Visit

We journey to Mikumi National Park this morning. The Baobab Valley in Tanzania is our first stop. There is something mesmerizing about this landscape dotted with ancient, towering baobab trees that have endured the test of time. With their striking shadows cast against the African savannah, these iconic trees create a surreal and breath-taking scene, which is the perfect backdrop for a group photograph. After reaching Mikumi, we explore the 75 000 square kilometer Selous Game Reserve, which is Africa’s most extensive game reserve, and ranks as the fourth largest park in the country. The Mikumi National Park offers the opportunity to book a game drive today.

Accommodation: Camp Camp Bastian or Mantis 
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Iringa to Mikumi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Mikumi Game Drive

As part of today’s activities, you will have the opportunity to book additional safaris in Mikumi National Park or participate in a variety of cultural tours.

The following morning we wake up early to catch our ferry to Zanzibar Island after spending the night in Dar es Salaam.

The hotel in Stone Town is our first stop after arriving at the ferry port. Enjoy your first evening on the island exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets or enjoy the famous night food market with their wide variety of different seafood available.

Accommodation: Camp Camp Bastian or Mantis (Mikumi), Kariakoo Sleep-Inn (Dar es Salaam), Paradise Inn (Stone Town)
Facilities: Shared Ablutions (Mikumi) / En-suite Facilities (Dar es salaam & Stone Town) Please visit the website of the accommodation providers for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Mikumi to Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam to Stone Town (Zanzibar)
Meals: Breakfast x3, Lunch x2, Dinner
Included Highlight: Zanzibar Excursion
Optional Activity: Mikumi National Park Safaris / Cultural Tours

Historically, this busy port has been a landmark on both the slave and spice trade routes. The day begins with a walk through Stone Town, where we will discover well-known landmarks such as the birthplace of Freddy Mercury.  Following our tour of the city, we will travel by road to our base for the next two nights. A guided walking spice tour will be offered along the way before we arrive, which will take us through villages and spice plantations. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to observe first-hand how spice farm workers climb trees in search of specific plants, and will also be able to purchase fresh spices directly from the farms themselves.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Zanzibar Bay or Paradise Beach
Facilities: En-suite facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Stone Town to Marumbi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Stone Town walking city tour, Spice Tour

This is a free day for you to take advantage of the many attractions and activities available to you. The day is filled with water sports. No matter what you choose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some lasting memories on the island. The area offers a wide variety of attractions or you can simply relax on the beach.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Zanzibar Bay or Paradise Beach
Facilities: En-suite facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we bid farewell to the island and board the ferry back to Dar es Salaam. Following our arrival back at the port, we reunite with our truck and return to Bagamoyo, where we spend the night.

The journey north this morning will take us across the northern reaches of Tanzania, and our destination for the evening will be the bustling town of Arusha. Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Kilimanjaro are located in northern Tanzania.

The distance from Karatu to the Ngorongoro Crater is short, but we will spend most of the day en route there. Our first stop will be at the Mto wa Mbu Market, which is located in the village of Mto wa Mbu before we arrive in Karatu. In addition to being well known for their unique red bananas, the town is also located on the main road leading directly to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. As part of our 2-night excursion, our guide will provide a briefing tonight.

Accommodation: Camp: FireFly Lodge (Bagamoyo), Njiro Legacy (Arusha), Kudu Camp (Karatu)
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation providers for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam by ferry, Dar es Salaam to Bagamoyo, Bagamoyo to Arusha, Arusha to Karatu
Meals: Breakfast x3, Lunch x3, Dinner x3
Included Highlight: Mto wa Mbu Market (Karatu)

In the morning we will climb into 4×4 safari vehicles taken from our camp to the Ngorongoro Crater. In search of the animals roaming the plains, we will spend most of our day exploring the Ngorongoro Crater floor. The afternoon will bring us to our overnight camp in the Seronera region of the Serengeti National Park. We will enjoy the sights and sounds of nature passing right in front of your meru style tent this evening, while sipping on a cold beverage in the camp, surrounded by a spectacular landscape and abundant wildlife.

Accommodation: Two Per Permanent Tent: Seronera Private Tented Camp or Serengeti Wilderness Camp
Facilities: En-suite facilities Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Karatu to Seronera via Ngorongoro Crater
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Full day 4×4 excursion to Ngorongoro Crater and afternoon drive into Seronera

This morning we wake up early and spend our time game driving in the Serengeti. One of the most famous Game Reserves in Africa – The park is well known for its abundance of wildlife, and we will spend the majority of the day hunting for these creatures.

We make our way back to Arusha and we have the opportunity to swap tales of our wonderful experiences of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Accommodation: Two Per Permanent Tent: Seronera Private Tented Camp or Serengeti Wilderness Camp (Serengeti), Camp: Njiro Legacy (Arusha)
Facilities: En-suite facilities (Serengeti), Shared Ablutions (Arusha) Please visit the website of the accommodation providers for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Seronera (Serengeti National Park) to Arusha
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlight: Full day game Drive through Seronera, Serengeti National Park
Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon Safari (pre-booking required, subject to availability & weather conditions)

Once we’ve crossed the border into Kenya, our tour comes to an end upon arrival in Nairobi.

Accommodation: Own Arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked through us
Route: Arusha to Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Border Post: Tanzania: Namanga, no telephone number, Open: 24hrs, Kenya: Namanga, Tel: +254 455 32002, Open: 24 hrs

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.