Kenya to Victoria Falls Overland Tour

Below is the basic day to day brief,

The Full downloadable Itinerary is at the bottom of this window.

Please download the dossier should you want more detailed information on the route and tour.

Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara
We depart Nairobi early morning and head towards the Masai Mara National Park. This part of the adventure is conducted in smaller specially adapted game viewing vehicles. The journey to the Masai Mara takes in spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley. We set up camp on the edge of the park where we will spend the next two nights. We spend the next couple of days enjoying this famous game reserve.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Masai Mara National Park
We spend the day in the park taking in the amazing vistas and open savannas and enjoying wildlife sightings and photographic opportunities. The Masai Mara is renowned for its excellent game viewing and one can expect to encounter a variety of animals all year round including the Big 5. The Masai Mara is best known for its annual migration of huge herds of wildebeest and zebras. The timing of the migration varies according to rainfall patterns as the animals move to find better grazing. The migration is followed by a large number of predators such as lions, leopard, cheetahs and hyenas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Masai Mara – Nairobi
Departing the Masai Mara we make our way back to Nairobi enjoying the rural areas of Kenya. We spend the night in Nairobi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Arusha – Tanzania
Today we depart Kenya and enter Tanzania after a busy border crossing. Our destination is Arusha – the “Safari Capital” of Tanzania. The town is buzzing with safari activities and we have time to visit the local craft and curio markets. We set up camp on the outskirts of Arusha and in the afternoon we enjoy a walk to one of the local Masai villages, where we learn about their traditions and village life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional Activity: Camel Ride US$5

Day 5: Serengeti National Park
Once again we transfer to smaller game viewing vehicles and head off for a fantastic wildlife experience. The day is spent game driving across the open plains of Serengeti where we will encounter a large variety of wildlife including the big cats. The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famous reserves and lives up to its reputation for its incredible game viewing. The open savanna plains and Acacia trees set the scene. Our unfenced camp is an ideal setting to take in the night sounds of prowling hyenas and lions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Our wildlife experience continues as we safari across the plains to the Ngorongoro Crater. We ascend the crater and set up camp on the rim. The crater is a World Heritage Site and the views across this massive crater are stunning. Note that it can get cold on the rim of the crater and a jacket is recommended.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
We spend the morning on a spectacular game drive in the basin of the crater. One can expect to encounter all the large mammals except giraffe as they are unable to descend the steep slopes of the crater. We enjoy this wildlife sanctuary before we begin our return journey to Arusha. One can expect to see animals on the return drive. Our Serengeti/Ngorongoro safari comes to an end in the late afternoon. We will enjoy the amazing Masai walk today if we missed it on day 4 due to time constraints.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Arusha – Bagamoyo
Today we depart the safari town of Arusha and head for the seaside town of Bagamoyo. We pass the town of Moshi, under the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Weather permitting we should get a sighting of this iconic mountain. We set up camp and one is able to explore this historical trading town. The beach is a short walk from the campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Bagamoyo – Dar es Salaam
We head south along the coast line to the Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania. This a huge bustling city and one can see the Arab influence in the architecture. Dar es Salaam is the gateway to the tropical island of Zanzibar. We set up camp on the outskirts of the town close to the stunning beaches.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar – Stone Town
The next part of journey begins with the ferry crossing from Dar es Salaam to the spice island of Zanzibar. Stone Town is the capital of Zanzibar and has a rich history and one can spend hours wondering the narrow alley ways of the old town. The island has been strongly influenced by trade and cultural links with the Arabian Peninsula. These historic links are plain to see as one explores the old town, visiting the markets, browsing the alley ways and viewing the palaces and mosques. Stone Town definitely has a unique culture heritage. Note that the next few days are flexible and you are free to explore on your own. It is recommended that you change money in Stone Town – best rates. Accommodation is in budget hotels and is included in price

Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Spice Tour US$35, Slave market US$15, Palace visit US$10, Arabic fort US$5

Day 11 & 12: Zanzibar – Tropical Beaches
The next couple of days are spent enjoying the pristine palm lined beaches of Zanzibar. Transfer up north and enjoy the turquoise waters and brilliant white beaches. Relax on the beach, have a massage and definitely take a dhow snorkeling trip to the coral reefs of the north to view exceptional marine life. Experience a relaxing sunset dhow cruise and spend your evenings at one of the local beach bars or enjoying a delicious fish dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Meals: 2 x Breakfasts
Optional Activities: Snorkeling safari US$40, Scuba diving US$150, massage US$20, Spice Tour US$35

Day 13: Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam
We take our last dip in the Indian Ocean or do some quick local shopping before taking the ferry back to Dar es Salaam where we set up camp on the outskirts of the city on the coast.

Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner

Day 14: Mikumi National Park
Leaving the city and ocean, we head south. Our drive takes us through Mikumi Game Reserve and hopefully will spot some elephants and giraffes living in the forest. We set up camp on the outskirts of the reserve and spend the evening enjoying sundowners at the local bar. If time allows, one can do an optional game drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional Activity: Mikumi game drive US$150

Day 15: Iringa
From Mikumi, we head to Iringa, where we and visit Kisolanza Farm. This working farm provides much of the produce of Tanzania and is an interesting visit. It is a well-known stop over on the way to Malawi and one can expect to encounter other travellers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 16 & 17: Malawi – Chitimba Beach
Traveling through the mountains of southern Tanzania, we pass tea and banana plantations en route to the Malawi border. After a long day of driving and border crossing, we set up camp on the beach at Chitimba. The next day is spent relaxing and swimming in this magnificent lake. Malawi is known as “the warm heart of Africa” and one can enjoy this beautiful country and amazingly friendly people. The locals are open to travellers and welcome you in their villages. The lake itself is spectacular and clear and offers excellent snorkeling and other water based activities. Lake Malawi is known for its abundant number of fresh water fish.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional Activity: Livingstonia day hike US$10

Day 18 & 19: Malawi – Kande Beach
Leaving Chitimba we journey through rural Malawi, passing rubber plantations and villages that rely on subsistence farming, and offer an insight into rural African life. We stop in Muzuzu to stock up on provisions and have time to take in the local markets. We then head to spectacular Kande beach. Located near Nkahta Bay, this is an opportunity to kick back and relax. Explore the town, horse ride, dive or just swim in this amazing lake. These 2 nights at Kande beach are definitely a highlight of the tour.

Meals: 2 x Breakfasts, 2 x Lunches and 2 x Dinners
Optional Activities: Horse riding US$55, village walk US$10, Snorkeling US$15, Scuba Diving US$45, Canoe hire US$15

Day 20 & 21: Chipata & Lusaka – Zambia
Travelling across southern Africa, we leave Malawi and cross into Zambia. A stop at the market town of Chipata is a welcome break and we have time to explore the colourful markets. (Dependent on border crossing formalities). After a good night’s rest we head to the bustling city of Lusaka where we set up camp on the outside of this fast growing city – the capital of Zambia.

Meals: 2 x Breakfast, 2 x Lunch and 2 x Dinner

Days 22 – 23: Victoria Falls
Travelling from Lusaka, we head to the mighty Victoria Falls – the adventure capital of Africa. We set up camp on the Zambian side of the mighty Zambezi River. The “Zambezi Waterfront Camp” is our home base for the next few days. (Wi-Fi is available and this is a good opportunity to catch up). We spend the next few days enjoying a welcome rest with plenty of time to explore Victoria Falls and the surrounding area. There are loads of activities to partake in – see a few of the more popular options below. For our stay at Victoria Falls only breakfast will be served. For those looking for more of a cultural experience – you can explore the town and markets of Livingstone, take guided walk through a traditional village or visit the town of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi River. This is definitely one of the top destinations in Africa and your stay at Victoria Falls will be an adventure and highlight of your tour.

Meals: 2 x Breakfast, 1 x Lunch

Optional Activities:

• Bungee Jump US$160

• Gorge Swing US$95

• Zambezi Jet Boat US$215

• Zambezi Sunset cruise US$70

• Helicopter / Microlight US$195

• White Water rafting US$180

Day 24: Victoria Falls
Our exciting overland tour comes to an end this morning.

Meals: Breakfast