61 days best of Tanzania- From Serengeti to Victoria falls

Tour Details

International camping group travel from Nairobi to Maun. Highlights of this wildlife treat include the Chobe River Game Cruise, Lake Mburo National Park, Nakuru National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, the Masai Mara, the Serengeti, and mountain gorillas. In addition, there are adventure activities like gorge swinging, bungee jumping, quad biking, and white water rafting! And breathtaking sights like the powerful Victoria Falls and Zanzibar Island!

Highlights

• The Serengeti • The Masai Mara • Lake Mburo • South Luangwa National Park • Matopos • The Giraffe Park • The Grumeti Reserve • Lake Naivasha • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary • Great Zimbabwe Ruins • Lake Victoria • Lake Malawi • Victoria Falls • Zanzibar (recommended but optional) • Bwindi • Lake Mutanda • Mikumi National Park • Jinja • Okavango Delta mokoro • Chobe National Park

Accommodation

Accommodation 56 nights of camping, 3 nights of dorm life in Rwanda, and the last night in a Johannesburg backpackers’ lodge MEALS: pre-prepared barbecues, some local cuisine, breakfasts and dinners while traveling in the truck, and a share in the last group supper.

Restrictions

18 is the minimum age. The passengers’ ages range from 18 to 39 on average, but if you’re older and don’t mind jumping in and out of the overland truck every day, you’re more than welcome to join!

Extras/Upgrades

Except for the gorilla permit and the stay on Zanzibar Island, which must be reserved and paid for in advance. if you want to participate, optional activities in Africa are paid for while on tour. Please take aware that local operators on the ground are in charge of these tours. For more details on any of these trips or activities, please refer to the Tour Dossier.

Hotel Pickup

On the day of departure, the Wildlife Wanderer safari leaves from Wildebeest Eco Camp at 8.15 am and the Heron Hotel, Milimani Road, Nairobi, at 7.30 am. Depending on traffic, we can book lodging for you at the Heron Hotel in Nairobi or Wildebeest Eco Camp, located on Mokoyeti Road West, which is approximately an hour away from the Heron Hotel, before you go.

Departure & Return Location                                                Nairobi – Maun

Departure Time                                              Early morning on day of departure

Price Includes

• Breakfast & dinner whilst travelling on the truck including some local meals
• Some pre-prepared barbecues
• Contribution to final group meal
• Camping whilst travelling on the truck
• 3 nights dorm accommodation in Rwanda
• 1 night in Backpackers Lodge in Johannesburg
• Further 5 nights in local lodges
• Fully equipped expedition truck incl – fridge, gas, tents, sleep mats
• Services of tour crew
• Ongoing advice
• All road tolls & taxes are paid
• Entrance of • The Masai Mara • The Serengeti • Nakuru National Park • Lake Mburo National Park • Kazinga Channel game cruise • Ngorongoro Crater • Mikumi National Park • Luangwa or Chobe or Matopos • The Giraffe Park • The Grumeti Reserve • Private Game Farm • Lake Naivasha • Bujugali Falls • Lake Victoria
• Coverage by Guarantee Fund

Price Excludes

• Visa
• Any Private Expenses
• Travel insurance
• Flights
• Airport transfers (available on request)
• Optional extra’s
• Sleeping Bag and Pillow
• Alcoholic- and soft drinks
• Pre- and post tour accommodation
• Vaccinations and anti malarials as required

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya

In order to spend time with the elephant and rhino calves during their play and feeding sessions, our safari begins with the opportunity to visit Sheldrick’s Orphanage. The orphanage is particularly well-known for developing the husbandry methods necessary to preserve the lives of vulnerable orphaned elephants.

In the stunning grounds of the Giraffe Manor, we also go to the Giraffe Park, where we feed giraffes by hand. Today is our departure meeting, and on our first night together, we spend time getting to know our fellow travelers over supper. Tonight is an early night because we are leaving for our first safari before sunrise.

Distance: 0 kms
Est. Drive Time: 0 hours
Meals: X1 Dinner

Included wildlife activity: The Giraffe Park

Optional excursion: Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage

Day 2: Nairobi to Loita Hills

The adventure really starts today. After an early breakfast, we depart for the sandy and uneven road that leads to the isolated Masai Mara plateau.

On the journey, we spend the night at Loita Hills with the Maasai, one of East Africa’s most famous ancient people, who are pleased to still practice many of their customs. There are traditional dances and music to greet us.

We take a trip in the hills this afternoon with Maasai warriors and see what it’s like to live in the bush traditionally. We’ll also go to the nearby hot springs and a women’s hamlet. We learn more about the warriors’ culture by spending time with them around the fire in the evening.

Distance: 261 kms
Est. Drive Time: 7 hours incl. stopping at the Rift Valley Viewpoint and for shopping
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Days 3 – 4Loita Hills to the Masai Mara

Before bidding our Maasai hosts farewell, we have time for some “warrior training” this morning. After visiting the nearby Maasai school, we travel to the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most well-known wildlife reserve.

Over the next few days, we go on our first game drives in small 4x4s with a local guide on this famous stage of the wildebeest migration. We keep an eye out for all of Africa’s renowned species, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippopotamus, crocodiles, gazelles, and warthogs.

We have enough time to explore the Mara’s interior during our two nights in the park. You can also set up a balloon safari in the morning.

Distance, Day 3: 60 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 3: 2 hours
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Included wildlife activity: Afternoon game drives in the Masai Mara (x2), Morning game drives in the Masai Mara (x1)
Vehicle for game drives: 4×4 landcruiser with pop up roof

Optional excursion: Balloon Safari

Days 5 – 6Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha

We have enough time to explore the Mara’s interior during our two nights in the park. You can also set up a balloon safari in the morning.

When we get to the Lake, we can enjoy high tea on the lawns at Elsamere, where Joy Adamson lives, and relax with the black and white colobus monkeys.

We set up camp close to the lake. The darkness is punctuated by the grunts of hippos. A bike safari at Hells Gate National Park is a fantastic way to get some exercise and stretch your legs while you’re surrounded by zebra, gazelle, eland, and impala, as well as obvious signs of previous volcanic activity. Additional knowledge about the Maasai people can be gained by visiting the Maasai Cultural Centre, which is located deep within the park. A hippo cruise can also be scheduled to truly enjoy the lake’s fauna, and guided walks to the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary offer an alternative for today.

Distance, Day 5: 258 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 5: 6 hours to Naivasha camp incl. lunch and shopping stop
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Included wildlife activity: Morning game drive, Masai Mara
Vehicle for game drive: 4×4 landcruiser with pop up roof

Optional excursions: Balloon safari, Elsamere for afternoon tea, cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park, guided walk to Green Crater Lake, hippo cruise

Days 7 – 8Naivasha to Nakuru

We are going to camp close to Nakuru National Park today, which is higher up the nation.

Our next highlight, Nakuru, is where we spend the next day going on wildlife drives through candelabra euphorbia stands, grasslands, and acacia woods. Here, you can view eland, giraffes, zebras, black and white rhinos, and, with any luck, lions and leopards. Baboon Cliffs offers breathtaking views of the soda lake, which might be pink with larger and lesser flamingos.

Distance, Day 7: 70 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 7: 3 hours incl. a stop for shopping
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Included wildlife activity: Full days game drives in Nakuru National Park
Vehicle for game drives: 4×4 minivan with pop up roof

Day 9Nakuru to Eldoret

Before the steep trip over the Nandi Hills to Eldoret and Raj’s crazy campsite, we spend the morning shopping in Nakuru town.

Distance: 260 kms
Est. Drive Time: 5 hours incl. lunch and shopping stop
incl. stops for lunch and shopping
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Day 10: Eldoret to Jinja, Uganda

Just downstream from the Nile’s source, we enter Uganda and reach Jinja, where we camp for three nights to unwind by the White Nile. Jinja is a center for adventure. We attend a meeting to finalize our plans and learn about the amenities offered at this entertaining campsite, such as dining options and upgrade options.

Distance: 160 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 10: +/- 7.5 hours (depending on the border) incl. stops for lunch and shopping
Meals: X1 Breakfast

Days 11 – 12: Jinja

We take a much-needed respite from traveling after a few days of driving.

Enjoy the variety of activities available while interacting with other travelers. Hit grade 3 to 5 rapids white water rafting amidst lush tropical foliage in the equatorial sunshine. Kayak, bungee jump, quad cycle, swim, fish, ride a horse, and stroll through the hamlet. Volunteering at one of the local communities’ community initiatives is something that many people love doing.

Additionally, it’s a great opportunity to catch up on laundry, unwind, and try some of the food at the campsite restaurant or tiny local eateries.

Distance: 0 kms
Est. Drive Time: 0 hours
Meals: None

Optional excursions: Whitewater rafting, bungee jump, kayaking, boat trips and cruises, incl. fishing trips, sups, voluntary work in a local school, quad biking, horse riding, mountain biking

Day 13: Jinja to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

We leave Jinja today and head back to the bush to see the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is the only rhino viewing location in Uganda.

In the afternoon, you can choose to embark on a foot rhino trek with a qualified ranger or take an early morning boat ride through the park’s stunning marshes, especially to observe the ancient-looking shoebill.

Distance: 225 kms
Est. Drive Time: 4 hours
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Included wildlife activity: Entry to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Optional excursions: Rhino trek, boat ride

Day 14: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Kampala

We travel by car to Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Roadside kiosks along the way serve fresh rotisserie meat, like “chix on sticks.” When we reach the capital, we may shop, send emails, and use banking.

Distance: 170 kms
Est. Drive Time: 3 hours
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Day 15: Kampala to Kalinzu Forest

We depart from camp the following day and travel through Uganda’s verdant countryside. Keep an eye out for Ankole cattle with long horns. We make a stop at a nearby drum and craft market enroute, and we have time for a picture shoot at the Equator.

We continue to a basic camp in Kalinzu, a hillside tropical forest on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Rift Valley.

Distance: 230 kms
Est. Drive Time: 8.5 hours incl. stops for lunch and photos at The Equator
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Day 16: Kalinzu Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park

This morning, there’s the thrilling option of going on an early chimpanzee trek through a lush forest to look for habituated chimpanzees. Along with other monkey species, the park is home to black and white colobus monkeys.

Prior to our Kazinga Channel cruise, we embark on our next game drive in the afternoon while passing through Queen Elizabeth National Park. From the safety of the cruise boat, you may relax and enjoy the company of hippo on the game cruise. Additionally, there are buffalo to keep you company and the occasional Nile crocodile that blends in with the environment by lying disarmingly still.

Watch as kingfishers dive behind us to capture little fish that are confused by the boat’s leisurely passage. The park is also home to lions, hyenas, leopards, and elephants.

Distance: 40 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 16: 1 hour
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Included wildlife activities: Game cruise on the Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Conducted in open cruise vessel
Slow transit afternoon drive, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Vehicle for transit drive: Overland truck

Optional Excursion: Chimpanzee trek in Kalinzu Forest

Days 17 – 18: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kisoro

We’re going back to the park this morning for an early game drive, where we’ll be keeping an eye out for any unusual sightings. Approximately 600 different species of birds call the park home. Known for their stunning horns, Ugandan Kob are found in marshes. Similar to waterbuck, kobs have a propensity to form attachments to specific areas, returning to the same areas for watering and grazing.

The next two nights are spent at a very basic local guesthouse in the border town of Kisoro, which is surrounded by the Virunga Mountains, the home of the endangered mountain gorilla. On the way there, we can arrange a visit to Lake Bunyoni to spend some time on the lake. After that, we head to Kisoro, stopping at Kabale to stock up.

Distance: 268 kms
Est. Drive Time: 9 hours incl. lunch stop
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Included wildlife activities: Morning game drive, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Vehicle for game drive: Overland truck

Day 19: Kisoro

One of the highlights of the trip is gorilla trekking through thick jungle on the volcanic slopes of the Virungas, which can reach elevations of up to 3,500 feet. Seeing the gorillas is a magical experience. Herbivores, who eat all day long, live in family groupings under the leadership of an older, dominant male when they are not playing or sleeping.

This adult male silverback can weigh up to 350 pounds. In spite of their stature, gorillas are timid, kind, and sensitive animals that face extinction.

In addition to the hike, there are a number of other activities available here. Trek a group of golden monkeys in the forest’s lowest reaches for an additional perspective of the area. Named for its vivid coloring, the golden monkey is a subspecies of the blue monkey. As an alternative, a tour to an indigenous Batwa or Pygmy tribe in Kisoro can be planned; these peoples have regrettably been uprooted from their traditional forest lifestyle. As an alternative, we bring a Pygmy dance group to our camp to perform traditional drumming.

Distance: 0 kms
Est. Drive Time: 0 hours
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Optional excursions: Mountain gorilla trek Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda). Golden monkeys trek or orphanage visit. Batwa (Pygmy) village visit or coffee tour. Lake Mutanda

Day 20: Kisoro to Musanze, Rwanda

We depart Uganda today and arrive in Rwanda, sometimes known as “the Land of a Thousand Hills.” Simple community-based activities like basket weaving and banana beer production are part of our next camp.

An alternative is to set up a local cycling tour.

Distance: 51 kms
Est. Drive Time: 3 hours (depending on the border)
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Optional excursions: Golden monkey trek, banana beer making, basket weaving, bike tour

Days 21 – 22: Musanze to Kigali

Spend time in the Rwandan jungle today if you want to make the strenuous journey to view Dian Fossey’s tomb. The Karisoke Research Centre and Digit’s burial, one of her favourite gorillas, are also visible on the hike. Dian is well-known around the world for her studies and fervent dedication to the conservation of mountain gorillas.

If you are not trekking, we leave early and travel to Kigali, the capital, which is a city with a very European feel. A transfer to Kigali is planned for later in the day for those who are trekking.

The following two nights are spent in Rwanda’s contemporary capital, Kigali. The 1994 genocide, in which ethnic tensions between Hutu and Tutsis erupted into an unprecedented degree of hatred and brutal bloodshed, was the culmination of Rwanda’s recent troubled past. This afternoon, as a sobering reminder of the horrors, we go to the Genocide Memorial. During our stay, we honor and consider this past. Others spend time exploring the local markets, the Nyamata Church Memorial, a Women’s Center, or the Hotel des Mille Collines, which is well-known from the film Hotel Rwanda.

Distance: 115 kms
Est. Drive Time: 3 hours
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Optional excursions: Trek to Dian Fossey’s grave, Visit to the Genocide museum and memorial, Nyamata Church Memorial.

Days 23 – 24: Kigali to Mwanza, Tanzania

Below Lake Victoria, we now traverse the border into Tanzania.

We get to see some of the “real Africa” away from the main tourist attractions over the course of three days of off-the-beaten-path exploration.

We are immediately removed from Western luxuries as we arrive in the small village of Nyakanazi in the late afternoon and settle into our basic local hotel. We have the opportunity to have a traditional rural African experience on our first night in Tanzania, and the community and guesthouse owners extend a warm welcome to us. In addition to eating locally, we frequently have time to socialize in the village markets and play football with the local children.

We camp on the south shore of Lake Victoria at Mwanza, which we arrived at by ferry, on the second night.

Distance over two days: 535 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 23: +/- 10.5 hours (depending on the border) incl. lunch stop
Est. Drive Time, Day 24: 9 hours incl. ferry journey, lunch and shopping stop
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Days 25 – 26: Mwanza to Ngiri, central Serengeti

As we arrive in Bunda, we get ready for the tour’s next thrilling stop: our drive through the renowned Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, which are home to the Big Five.

This afternoon, we have time to do a hill walk close to camp that offers stunning views and allow us to stretch our legs.

On our way to Ikoma Gate this morning, we travel through the Grumeti Reserve. By midday, we drive our overland truck into the Serengeti, where we game drive in these renowned grasslands.

Every year, from late April until August, the well-known migration passes through this region in search of new grazing. The large migratory herds of zebra, gazelle, and wildebeest are also pursued here by the big cats, lion, leopard, and cheetah.

Tanzania’s oldest national park is the Serengeti. We frequently get amazing views of the big cats and a variety of other species on our leisurely game drive around the park this afternoon. The Serengeti, which is home to the Big Five, is well-known for its yearly migration, which sees over 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle join the wildebeest on their journey. Large herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffe, and thousands and thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala, and Grant’s gazelle call the Serengeti home, even during peaceful migrations. The pools are home to hippo pods, and the birdlife is amazing, including favorites like secretary birds and ostriches. The park is also well-known for its “big cats,” which include cheetahs, leopards, and lions.

Distance, Day 25: 156 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 25: 3 – 4 hours incl. lunch stop
Distance to Ikoma Gate, Serengeti, Day 26: 160 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 26: 5 hours to Ikoma Gate incl. slow transit through Grumeti.
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Included wildlife activity: Afternoon game drive, Serengeti National Park
Vehicle for game drive: Overland truck

Optional excursion: Hill walk

Day 27: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

We leave early this morning to go on morning game drives over this 14,000-square-kilometer national park’s expansive plains.

A balloon safari can be scheduled in advance to glide silently across the vast Serengeti plains, providing the best view of the sunrise. This offers a completely new viewpoint on the expansive panorama. We slowly make our way to camp as we enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before midday. We pass Olduvai Gorge on route. Depending on the time of day and the state of the roads along the way, the Museum may be visited.

Around the lip of the Crater, semi-nomadic Maasai tribespeople continue to live according to their traditional ways, rejecting modernity. They still use ochre to tint their hair, and they eat milk and blood from their animals. Wearing their characteristic red check, they are frequently spotted herding their cattle. If time permits, a second trip to a Maasai boma is planned.

As we drive over the largest extinct volcano in the world, Ngorongoro Crater, our scenery shifts. We eat dinner. The Crater, another camp in the wilds under African sky, is visible from our tent.

Distance: 161 kms
Est. Drive Time: 5 hours
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Included wildlife activity: Morning game drive, Serengeti. Afternoon slow transit drive, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Vehicle for game drive: Overland truck

Optional excursions: Balloon safari, Maasai boma visit, Olduvai Gorge Museum depending on road conditions.

Day 28: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area encompasses 8,288 square kilometers, of which the Ngorongoro Crater is only a small part. The Crater is a totally intact volcanic caldera that is 20 kilometers across and has walls that are 600 meters high. We switch to 4 X 4 landcruisers with unique pop-up game viewing roofs after an early breakfast.

Birds can be seen riding the thermals from the rim lookout, as clouds and mists roll back to expose a lake and forest panorama. We then descend the 2,000-foot steep, winding paths onto the Crater floor in our land cruisers. On a good day, we may see plains game like zebra, gazelle, impala, wildebeest, and hippo, as well as “The Big Five,” which include lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Depending on the season, Lake Magadi may be home to flamingos.

We go to Arusha after our morning game drives in the Crater and a picnic lunch, frequently stopping along the way to buy unique artwork, traditional jewelry, and carvings. To commemorate everything we have witnessed in Tanzanian parks, we all gather for a communal barbecue.

Distance: 195 kms
Est. Drive Time: 3 – 4 hours
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Included wildlife activity: Morning game drive, Ngorongoro Crater
Vehicle for game drive: 4×4 landcruiser with pop up roof

Days 29 – 30Arusha to Marangu

We shop and see the town of Arusha during the morning. Following lunch, we make our way to Marangu, which is located at the base of Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing peak in the world and the highest mountain in Africa.

A day climb to Mandara Hut, which is at the beginning of the Marangu trail, is an option for the following day in Kilimanjaro National Park. On clear days, there are breathtaking vistas of the mountain’s Kibo and Mawenzi peaks during this lovely stroll through a tropical forest.

Alternately, go on a day trip to the Marangu region to see a coffee plantation, a nearby waterfall, and the community to have a better understanding of local life.

Distance, Day 29: 120 km
Est. Drive Time, Day 29: 3 hours
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Optional excursions: Kilimanjaro day hike, Marangu day tour

Day 31: Marangu to Bagamoyo or Dar es Salaam

We make the full day’s trip south into Dar es Salaam the following morning. We have a seafood barbecue after parking close to the Indian Ocean coast.

An alternative is to fly to Zanzibar today in order to spend an additional night at the beach for those who choose to arrive early.

Final preparations are being made tonight for those of us who will remain on the truck while we take a four-day vacation to the beautiful Swahili spice island of Zanzibar.

In order to ensure that our parties are comfortable in the well-liked beach cottages to the island’s north at Kendwa and spend the night in a local lodge in the historic capital, the main arrangements for the trip to Zanzibar Island are arranged well in advance.

Tonight, the sound of the surrounding seas lapping and the air in the coconut palms lulls us to sleep.

Distance: 485 kms to Bagamoyo (or 545 if to Dar)
Est. Drive Time: 9 to 10 hours incl. lunch stop (11 to 12 if to Dar es Salaam)
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Optional excursion: Flying to Zanzibar today and spending an additional night at the beach is an option for those who wish to arrive early. Please take note that reservations must be made as soon as feasible. For further information and prices, get in touch with us.

Days 32 – 35Optional stay on Zanzibar Island

In order to catch the ferry to Zanzibar, we depart camp on day 32 and head to the ferry station in Dar es Salaam. To make sure everything goes according to plan while we are there, the tour guide goes to the island with the group.

During our stay at the beach cottage, we savored the fresh local cuisine, relaxed on the long white beaches, and went swimming and snorkeling in the pristine coral waters. Fishing excursions and scuba diving can be scheduled from the dive center next to the beach villas. Otherwise, schedule a snorkeling trip to Mnemba Atoll or Prison Island, which is well-known for its enormous Aldabra tortoises. You can also go to the turtle sanctuary or stroll in Jozani Forest to observe the red colobus monkeys and take in the forest’s mangrove walkway.

Explore Stone Town, the historic capital, with its labyrinthine alleyways, coral-brick homes, and bazaars on the final day of our visit. Some history of the island that focuses on the slave and spice trades can be found on a spice tour.

Distance, Day 32: 60 kms Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam
Est. Drive Time, Day 32: Up to 2 hours Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam
Meals, Day 32: X1 Breakfast

Optional excursions: Touring the city, scuba diving, snorkeling, Mnemba Island, Turtle Sanctuary, Prison Island, where you can see the Aldabra tortoise, and Jozani Forest, where you can see the red colobus monkeys

Day 36: Zanzibar Island to Morogoro

When we leave the island, we travel west to Morogoro, where we spend the night before moving on.

Distance: 194 kms
Est. Drive Time: 6 hours
Meals: X1 Dinner

Day 37: Morogoro to Iringa

As we travel through Mikumi National Park, we frequently see antelope, zebra, giraffe, and elephants by the side of the road. As we make our way through the Baobab Valley, we cross the Ruaha River and arrive at our final Tanzanian campground, Iringa.

Distance: 310 kms
Est. Drive Time: 9 hours incl. lunch stop
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Days 38 – 41: Iringa to Kande, Malawi

After traveling over the southern Rift Valley’s mountains, we reach Malawi, dubbed “Africa’s warm heart.”

We make stops at designated harbors as we travel south alongside the freshwater lake. The popular and laid-back campsites where we stay are well situated along the beaches. We can go on village walks, go fishing with the locals, and engage in a range of water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, and pedalo rentals.

Another favorite activity is horseback riding, especially the swim ride that allows you to ride bareback in the lake. Hikes can be planned through Malawi’s stunning countryside and to nearby villages, where visitors are always greeted with a traditional supper. Enjoy negotiating prices with regional artisans who offer traditional Malawi chairs and other African artifacts.

Distance, Day 38: 498 kms
Distance, Day 39 or 40: 235 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 38: 11 hours (depending on the border)
Est. Drive Time, Day 39 or 40: +/- 5 hours incl. stop for shopping
Meals: X4 Breakfasts, X4 Dinners

Optional excursions: Water sports include scuba diving, canoeing, snorkeling, horseback riding, village walks, and wood carving lessons.

Days 42 – 43Lake Malawi to South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Today, we are traveling to South Luangwa National Park, one of Zambia’s gems. A beautiful national park that is a little off the usual path, Luangwa is home to large numbers of game, including 400 different bird species and 60 different animal species.

We have time to unwind by the pool and take in the stunning African bush surroundings throughout our entire day at the park. We also have the opportunity to go on a wildlife drive or take a stroll in the morning and evening. You can view some of Africa’s more secretive and nocturnal creatures, including the leopard and genet, on the nighttime drive.

Distance: 600 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 42: +/- 11 hours (depending on the border) and incl. stops for shopping and lunch
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Included wildlife activity: X1 game drive in South Luangwa National Park
Vehicle for game drive: Open 4×4 safari vehicle

Optional excursions: Extra game drive or walk, South Luangwa National Park

Days 44- 45South Luangwa to Lusaka

We now travel to Lusaka, Zambia’s contemporary capital. Here, we restock on supplies and catch up on correspondence.

Distance over two days: 560 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 44: +/- 6 hours incl. stop for lunch and shopping
Est. Drive Time, Day 45: +/- 6 hours
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Days 46 – 47Lusaka to Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Houseboat stays on Lake Kariba are optional.

We go from Lusaka to the Kariba border, where we enter Zimbabwe.

We rent a houseboat when we get to the lake so we can spend time in Matusadona National Park and take a couple of nights off from truck life.

Kariba is a breathtakingly beautiful place. We can see elephants, cape buffalo, kudus, waterbuck, and, with any luck, lions as they come down to drink at the water’s edge while we’re sailing. Along with a diverse array of birds, the lake is home to crocodiles and hippo. like the sun sets and reflects in the lake, petrified leadwood trees stand like stern sentinels against a stunning gold-red background as the day comes to an end. A houseboat vacation frequently turns out to be a photographer’s paradise.

Try putting a line in the lake, which is well-known for tiger fish, if you like fishing. We can also go fishing and see game up close at the water’s edge in the tender boats. The houseboat staff prepares our meals, and the boats have bedrooms so we can enjoy sleeping on a bed once more. We typically host a party on one of the evenings we are at the lake, and there is a splash pool or jacuzzi.

You can unwind at the campsite if you like to stay behind.

Distance, Day 46: 208 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 46: 4 – 5 hours depending on the border and incl. photo stop at Lake Kariba dam wall
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Optional excursion: Houseboat cruise on Lake Kariba

Days 48 -49Lake Kariba to Great Zimbabwe Ruins

We go to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, which are the remnants of the Shona people’s ancient capital that was built between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries, via Chinoyi. The name of modern-day Zimbabwe comes from three major regions of ruins called Dzimba dzamabwe, or “stone houses.” These were made entirely without mortar by employing the dry stone process. Great Zimbabwe is regarded as the greatest collection and most magnificent ruins south of the Sahara, and the word “Great” sets these rock formations apart from smaller ones in the area.

Distance, Day 48: 249 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 48: +/- 6 hours incl. shopping stop
Distance, Day 49: 440 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 49: 9 hours incl. shopping and lunch stops
Meals: x2 Breakfasts, x2 Dinners

Days 50 – 51Great Zimbabwe Ruins to Bulawayo

We begin our journey to the city of Bulawayo this morning with a guided tour of the ruins.

We arrange our trip into Matopos National Park after arriving in the second-largest city in Zimbabwe.

Nearby are the Matopo Hills and National Park, a striking example of an old granite environment sculpted by millions of years of weathering, which resulted in “whaleback” domes and castle-like formations of balancing rocks. The Hills have functioned as a shrine and a haven and are considered a sacred location with longstanding spiritual importance. The park is home to many raptors, zebras, jackals, leopards, giraffes, and both black and white rhinos.

We trek the rare black and white rhinos in this stunning park on foot with knowledgeable local guides. This is one of the trip’s most exciting aspects for many people.

Distance, Day 50: 307 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 50: 3 – 4 hours
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Included activities: Visit to Great Zimbabwe with guided tour,
Game drive and rhino trek, Matopos National Park
Vehicle for game drive: Open 4×4 safari vehicle

Optional excursions: Additional wildlife drives in Matopos National Park, an afternoon tour of Cecil Rhodes’ grave and rock paintings, or a visit to a Ndebele village.

Day 52Bulawayo to Victoria Falls

On the banks of the Zambezi River, we make our way to the magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the world’s natural wonders, where the river plunges over the water.

Distance: 438 km
Est. Drive Time: +/- 7 hours incl. a stop for lunch
Meals: X1 Breakfast

Days 53 – 54Victoria Falls

The world’s largest waterfall is the Victoria Falls. David Livingstone gave them the name Queen Victoria, but their native name, Mosi Oa Tunya, which means “the smoke that thunders,” sounds incredibly melodic, and the sound of the falling water can be heard far from the river. While here, spend some time in the National Park with a view of the Falls. For some truly breathtaking views, take a helicopter or microlight “Flight of the Angels” above the Falls.

Numerous additional activities are also available here. The world-famous whitewater rafting in the Zambezi on grade 5 rapids lives up to its reputation as an exhilarating experience. In addition, there is jet boating, horseback riding, canoeing, bungee jumping, and the gorge swing-rap jump sports.

We typically get together at night to eat at inexpensive restaurants in the area. One evening, we plan a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, which is the ideal way to cap off a day as the sun sets while floating past hippo and elephant.

Distance: 0 kms
Est. Drive Time: 0 hours
Meals: None

Optional excursions: Whitewater rafting, riverboat, bungee jumping, gorge swing, flying fox, zip line, “Flight of Angels,” canoeing, horseback riding, a sundowner cruise, and a rainforest stroll that includes the Victoria Falls

Days 55 – 56Victoria Falls to Kasane, Botswana

After leaving the Falls, we spend two nights camping at a safari resort near to Chobe National Park.

Here, most people prefer to take a leisurely riverboat ride, especially to observe Chobe’s renowned elephant herds, who are frequently spotted “mucking around” in and around the waterfront, much to our amusement.

To go farther into the park in compact safari vehicles with a local guide, game drives are also planned. Strong lion prides can also be found in the park, and game drives frequently offer the chance to see buffalo, giraffes, lechwe, kudus, impala herds, amazing bird life, and much more.

Distance, Day 55: 87 kms
Est. Drive Time, Day 55: 3 hours (depending on the border)
Meals: X2 Breakfasts, X2 Dinners

Optional excursions: Chobe National Park – game drives and game cruise

Day 57: Kasane to Maun

We leave Chobe and head to Maun, which is situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, via the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Distance: 666 kms
Est. Drive Time: 9 hours incl. stop for lunch
Meals: X1 Breakfast, X1 Dinner

Days 58 – 60Maun – Optional mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta

With knowledgeable local guides, we plan our mokoro trip into the Okavango Delta from Maun.

On this safari, we are poled through the serene, glistening streams of lilies and beds of papyrus reeds in the mokoro, the ancient dugout canoe of the Delta boatsmen. Elephants, hippopotamus, crocodiles, and the unique sitatunga and lechwe may all be seen in this verdant marsh, which is also home to some of Africa’s best birdlife and unique flora. During our visit, we tent on small islands and go on guided game walks. A sunset mokoro ride is a truly unique experience.

This is our final night in Maun after our Mokoro safari.

Distance: 0 kms
Est. Drive Time: 0 hours
Meals: X3 Breakfasts, X3 Dinners

Optional excursions: Okavango Delta mokoro (traditional canoe) safari including X2 breakfasts and X2 dinners. Flights over the Delta

Day 61: Maun to Johannesburg

You will be driven to the local airport today to catch your flight to Johannesburg, also known as “the city of gold.” Our trip will come to a conclusion at Backpackers Connection in Johannesburg.

Situated safely on the outskirts of the city center, on a spacious property 8km from the airport terminal, Backpackers Connection is near eateries, pubs, markets, shopping centers, and other facilities.

This final night’s lodging in a dorm is included. On request, transfers can be made to the airport the next day.

In addition, Backpackers Connect can help you make reservations for trips to Sun City and Soweto in Johannesburg. Another must-see is the Apartheid Museum.

Please ask us about your alternatives if you would want to travel further afield in South Africa with us; there are many!

Distance: 0 kms
Est. Flight Time: 1 hour
Meals: X1 Breakfast

Note that safari itineraries are provided solely as a guide. A safari is a journey, and real African journeys are characterized by adventure. Don’t forget to account for the possibility of the unexpected. Please call us with any questions you may have regarding your overland adventure. We are eager to discuss your travel arrangements with you.