Please leave your contact details and enter a short description of your dream adventure and we will forward your request to this travel company and 2 more industry expert companies that organise best trips in Kenya. They will be in touch with tailored proposals within three working days.
On this awesome overland tour you will visit some of East and Southern Africa's best attractions. From the national parks of Maasai Mara and Serengeti to the tropical island of Zanzibar and the thundering Victoria Falls. Not forgetting southern Africa's premier game park, Kruger National Park. Experience culture, wildlife and exhilarating experiences on this accommodated overland tour.
This tour is also available as a camping option - see our camping tour list for more!
Day 1. Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve Highlights. Great Rift Valley. Accommodation. Maasai Mara Camp.
We depart the city early and make our way across the Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, enjoying views of the vast vistas en-route. We travel in small specialized safari vehicles that enable us to have a more intimate view of wildlife. Our tented camp for the next two nights is located on the edge of the Reserve with time to explore the park on morning and afternoon game drives. 3 images Great Rift Valley 4 images Maasai Mara CampDay 2. Maasai Mara National Reserve Highlights. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Accommodation. Maasai Mara Camp.
We have the day to explore the Reserve in search of wildlife including the ‘big 5’ – lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard.Day 3. Maasai Mara National Reserve to Nairobi Accommodation. Karen Camp, Nairobi.
From the Maasai Mara we make our way back across the sweeping plains of the Great Rift Valley to Kenya's capital Nairobi where we will overnight.Day 4. Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania Highlights. Maasai Village Walk, Arusha, Tanzania. Meserani Snake Park, Tanzania. Accommodation. Meserani Snake Park.
Leaving Kenya's capital, we drive south and cross the border into Tanzania. We pass through the town of Arusha - situated mid-way between Cape Town and Cairo, this is very much Tanzania’s ‘safari capital’ - a bustling city with colourful markets, shops, vehicles and people.Day 5. Arusha to Serengeti National Park Highlights. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Accommodation. Serengeti Camp.
This morning we meet our local guides and pack our gear into smaller 4 x 4 vehicles that will enable us to more freely explore the parks. Driving west across the Great Rift Valley, we pass through Mto Wa Mbo (‘mosquito creek’) before ascending to the farming town of Karatu where the entry gate to Ngorongoro is located.Day 6. Ngorongoro Crater Accommodation. Simba Camp, Ngorongoro Crater.
After a rewarding morning game drive, we pack up camp and drive out of the plains ascending the outer wall of the Ngorongoro Crater. Our camp is perched on the rim of the crater with views down into the base of the caldera 600m below. See if you can spot the herds!Day 7. Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha Highlights. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. Accommodation. Meserani Snake Park.
This morning we make an early start and descend the steep road into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning of game driving in this spectacular wildlife haven. All of the large mammals are present except giraffe (which cannot manage the steep slopes leading down to the Crater floor). We make our way across the paths seeking out the different habitats within the confines of the crater where we see the different animals in their natural environment.Day 8. Arusha to Bagamoyo Highlights. Bagamoyo, Tanzania. Accommodation. Firefly Camp.
Rising early, we head south via Moshi to Bagamoyo. If the weather is clear we may, with a bit of luck, view the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak (5895m).Day 9. Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam Highlights. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Accommodation. Kipepeo Beach Village, Dar es Salaam.
Leaving Bagamoyo we make our way south to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s main port city. This bustling seaport city of colourful markets and Arab-influenced architecture was one of the most important sea routes in the world. To a majority of travellers, this city is the port of entry to the most exotic island of Zanzibar and other archipelago islands. Our accommodation is set in a tranquil setting on the beach south of the city where we prepare for our trip to Zanzibar. 5 images Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 2 images Kipepeo Beach Village, Dar es SalaamDay 10. Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Highlights. Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Accommodation. Safari Lodge, Zanzibar.
Zanzibar was the base of the great 19th century explorers such as John Hanning Speke, Richard Burton and David Livingstone and once was a major trading centre of spices.Day 11-12. Zanzibar Highlights. Zanzibar, Northern Beaches, Tanzania. Accommodation. Sunset Bungalows Kendwa.
Enjoy free time on Zanzibar and transfer to the northern beaches from Stone Town.Day 13. Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam Accommodation. Kipepeo Beach Village, Dar es Salaam.
This morning, we have time for one last swim before transferring back to Stone Town to do any last minute shopping. We then catch the ferry back to the African mainland and Dar es Salaam and onwards to our accommodation on the coast for the evening. 2 images Kipepeo Beach Village, Dar es SalaamDay 14. Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park area Highlights. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. Accommodation. Tanswiss, Mikumi.
Leaving the warm Indian Ocean coast and the bustling city, we drive inland through the Mikumi National Park where we may, with luck, spot elephant and various antelopes feeding near the side of the road. Our accommodation is located a short distance from the park and we enjoy sundowners at the local bar/ restaurant followed by the evening around the open fire.Day 15. Mikumi to Iringa Accommodation. Iringa Farmhouse.
Moving on, we travel through the Baobab Valley and onto the highlands to the town of Iringa and the Kisolanza Farm. At an altitude of 1600m and home to the Ghaui family for over 70 years, Kisolanza remains a working farm providing organic meat and vegetables to the surrounding markets. The farm house is a well-known spot to stay on the overland route and is the mid-way point for our journey from the ocean to the Malawi border. 3 images Iringa FarmhouseDay 16. Iringa to Chitimba Beach, Malawi Highlights. Lake Malawi, Malawi. Accommodation. Chitimba Camp, Lake Malawi.
Leaving central Tanzania behind, we head through rugged mountain passes, rich grazing land, and banana and tea plantations, crossing the border into Malawi.Day 17. Chitimba Beach Highlights. Livingstonia Day Hike, Malawi. Accommodation. Chitimba Camp, Lake Malawi.
Enjoy this day at your leisure. Hike to Manchewe Falls and the Livingstonia Mission, visit the local craft market where you can enjoy learning the ins and outs of the game of Bao, haggle for some souvenirs or enjoy a relaxing day admiring the shimmering waters from the beach.Day 18. Chitimba Beach to Kande Beach Accommodation. Kande Beach, Malawi.
Today, we drive further through the Malawian countryside to Mzuzu – the third largest town in Malawi. We stop for a short while to grab supplies and shop at the unique markets, before driving through the bizarre rubber-tree plantations back to the lake arriving at Kande Beach. Try some of the optional water sports typically available, horse riding, snorkelling, boat based activities or else simply relax and enjoy the warm fresh waters of Lake Malawi. 6 images Kande Beach, MalawiDay 19. Kande Beach Highlights. Kande Beach Activities, Malawi. Accommodation. Kande Beach, Malawi.
Enjoy this day at your leisure to explore the area, relax on the beach, take an optional activity and meet the local people, generally known as some of the friendliest in Africa, to gain insight into their way of life.Day 20. Kande Beach to Chipata, Zambia Accommodation. Mamarula Camp.
Departing the lake, we head via Malawi's capital city Lilongwe for the border, crossing into Zambia to Chipata. Formally named Fort Jamerson, the border town has a population of approx 98,000. Stopping for small supplies, we make our way to our accommodation, a quaint lodge just outside the town centre.Day 21. Chipata to Lusaka Highlights. Lusaka, Zambia. Accommodation. Eureka Camp, Lusaka.
Rising early, we make our way along the Great Eastern Road, crossing the Luangwa River and small villages to Lusaka, Zambia's Capital where we spend the evening on a small farm nearby.Day 22. Lusaka to Livingstone Highlights. Victoria Falls - Mosi oa Tunya National Park, Zambia. Accommodation. The Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone.
We travel south to Livingstone, the adventure capital of Zambia. We make our way to our accommodation on the banks of the Zambezi River just a few kilometres from the mighty Victoria Falls.Day 23-25. Livingstone Highlights. Livingstone Activities, Zambia. Accommodation. The Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone.
We have the next three days in Livingstone to explore the town and the many activities and markets or simply relax by the 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. 5 images Livingstone Activities, Zambia 8 images The Zambezi Waterfront, LivingstoneDay 26. Livingstone to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Accommodation. Burkes Paradise.
Departing Livingstone, we cross the bridge to the border of Zimbabwe and pass through Victoria Falls town to Bulawayo, a pleasant city with broad tree-lined avenues and wide open spaces.Day 27. Matobo National Park Highlights. Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe. Accommodation. Burkes Paradise.
Matobo National Park is located a short distance from Bulawayo and knowledgeable guides will take us to this very impressive park. The wind-sculptured Matobo Hills are the site of numerous Bushman paintings and hosts 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. 4 images Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe 2 images Burkes ParadiseDay 28. Bulawayo to Tshipise, South Africa Highlights. Tshipise, South Africa. Accommodation. Forever Resorts, Tshipise.
Leaving Bulawayo, we continue south to the border at Beitbridge. Completing formalities, we cross the Limpopo River -the second largest in South Africa and an important water source for this arid region. We continue to Tshipise, a town situated in the northern Limpopo province. Our accommodation is located at Forever Resorts at the foot of one of Limpopo’s rolling koppies set adjacent the Honnet Nature Reserve.Day 29. Tshipise to Hazyveiw Highlights. Shangaan tribal dancing . Accommodation. Hotel Numbi.
Today, we leave Tshipise and head for southern Africa’s premier game reserve, the Kruger National Park.Day 30. Kruger National Park Highlights. Kruger National Park, South Africa. Accommodation. Hotel Numbi.
Waking at sunrise, we board our open 4x4 safari vehicles and enter the park for our full day game drive. Wildlife is free to roam the whole enormous area of 24,000 sq km and it has become incredibly diverse in both fauna and flora. From the mongoose to the ‘Big Five’, almost every major African mammal (148 species) is present. There is also prolific birdlife (over 505 species) and over 330 varieties of trees. We enthusiastically search for the animals during the morning and afternoon game drives. In the late afternoon, we return back to our accommodation and enjoy our last night together around an open fire reminiscing on our African adventure.Day 31. Hazyview to Johannesburg Highlights. Johannesburg City .
Leaving the Kruger area, we make our way to Johannesburg, South Africa's commercial hub where our tour ends. 1 images Johannesburg City Show more...Conveniently located on Nairobi's Harry Thuku Road and set in manicured gardens, this hotel offers a peaceful oasis in the centre of town. Walking distance to shops and craft markets. Rooms – single, twin, double en suite rooms with balcony and satellite TV. Facilities – restaurant, bar, swimming pool, internet, laundry. Transfers are available from the Airport by pre-arrangement
* Suggested pre and post tour accommodation can be booked together with your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Suggested Post-Tour Accommodation. Saba Lodge, JohannesburgSaba Lodge is selectively chosen as it boasts of quality and comfort as well as being conveniently located. Within 15 minutes drive of O.R Tambo Airport, this establishment offers clients a taste of what their African adventure will entail. Set on 8000 square metres of land, with a tranquil rustic theme, a large deck and swimming pool, free uncapped fibre optic wifi, guests are sure to enjoy their stay. Rooms - single, dorm, family and twin/double en-suite rooms available. Breakfast and airport transfer available.
* Suggested pre and post tour accommodation can be booked together with your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Additional Info
PRE TOUR ACCOMMODATION
This tour departs Nairobi early on day 1; we strongly recommend therefore that you plan to arrive the day before departure to overcome any jet-lag and to acclimatise to Africa. We would be happy to book pre-tour accommodation for you – please call or email us (or speak to your agent) with your arrival details and accommodation requirements. However please book early to avoid disappointment and the risk of having to find more expensive (or less convenient) lodgings.
If time allows, we also suggest planning a night or two extra (after your tour) to make the most of this part of Africa. Accommodation is usually available locally on arrival but you can also pre-book this with Acacia. There is a variety of activities and excursions in the Johannesburg area you can arrange locally or with your Tour Leader.
ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS:
These are optional activities that are booked during your holiday and paid directly to the provider while on tour. These options offer a variety of experiences and allow you the freedom to decide what activities you would like to do.
ACCOMMODATION:
Twin share accommodation with facilities (28 nights) twin share tents with a sleeping bag, pillow and mattress (2 nights) some accommodation may have a bar or swimming pool.
TRANSPORT:
24-seater, self-contained, custom-built safari truck with on-board tables, plug sockets, freezer, water tank, library, i-pod jack, safety features and 70-litre individual lockers, 4x4 safari vehicle and fast ferry.
GAME PARK VISITS:
In order to maximise the quality of game driving and to comply with local authority rulings, some of our National Park visits and game viewing is carried out using services provided by local African ground handlers. As well as enhancing our experience using local guides and smaller vehicles it also allows us to contribute at a ‘grassroots’ level to local economies from which local people benefit.
TOUR STYLE:
This is a participation tour and your help will be needed in assisting with the various day to day duties, such as shopping, cooking and keeping the truck tidy (usually on a rota basis). But don’t worry it’s not all hard work and it’s a great way to meet the local people and get to know your fellow travellers. Your contribution benefits the success of the tour - most people find the greater their involvement, the greater their enjoyment of the whole trip.
Meals
29 Breakfasts, 23 Lunches, 23 Dinners
Accommodation
28 nights twin share accommodation, 2 night bush camping at Serengeti/Ngorongoro (equipment supplied).