Victoria Falls and Serengeti Adventure

Day 1 Livingstone

Arrive in Livingstone and make your way to the camp. Attend a pre-departure group meeting with your CEO scheduled for the evening. Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the Visa section in our trip details to make sure which visas you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain a visa on arrival at the border.

*Please note: if you have pre-booked the Serengeti Balloon Safari your CEO will inform you when you will do the activity throughout your tour, days are subject to change: Serengeti Balloon Safari (Day 18 – Serengeti). You will miss the included morning game drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above! For more information on the Extra see the Optional Activities section.

Livingstone is great base to kick-off this southern African adventure, to see both some natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (at wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, for the more adventurous, bungee jump with the Victoria Falls in view.

Please note that the entrance fee to Victoria Falls is not included in the tour.

You can walk around in Livingstone and browse the local markets and trade T-shirts, hair-bands, batteries etc for local arts and crafts such as wooden carvings, beautifully printed cloths and batiks, bags, copper decorations and jewelry. There are some museums in town you can visit as well. Or pamper yourself at the next-door spa to get ready for your trip.

Day 2 Livingstone (1B)

Approximate Distance: 543km
Estimated Travel Time: 10 hrs

We depart early in the morning (approx. 6am) for today’s long journey across rough and bumpy roads takes us to a private game farm called Eureka, 29km’s outside of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, where we will spend the night. Here you may see Zebras, Buffalos, and the Boks that roam the property, or relax by the pool or at the rest camp’s bar.

Day 3-4 Lusaka/Chipata (2B,2L,2D)

Approximate Distance: 544 km
Estimated Travel Time: 10 hrs

Today is another long travel day to get us closer to Malawi. We will depart around 6am and drive north east up through the Zambian country-side, we head to the capital of the Eastern Province, Chipata. On our way we will drive through a trading post village just before Luangwa Bridge with a beautiful local market. There is a chance to interact with the villagers, try some exotic fruits or buy some baskets as a souvenir.

As today is a long driving day we will not be able to visit Chipata town.

Day 5-8 Lake Malawi (4B,4L,4D)

Day 5 – Approximate Distance: 400 km ; Estimated Travel Time: 10 hrs
Day 7 – Approximate Distance: 235 km ; Estimated Travel Time: 5 hrs

Today we will cross the border from Zambia to Malawi. We leave camp around 7am and travel about 2 hours to the border. The name of the border posts are Mwami border post on the Zambian side and /Mchinji border post on the Malawian side. We have been experiencing a lot of problems with people that need visas for Malawi. Malawian visas is not available at the border, so please make very sure if you do need a visa before arrival. See our visa section for further information. Remember that visas are your own responsibility; please double check with your agent if you will require a visa for Malawi.
The currency in Malawi is Malawian Kwacha (MWK.). Most establishments, activities etc. do accept USD for payment but it is better to pay in local currency.

It is a long but scenic drive through Malawi. Watch out for exotic wildlife while we drive through the Nhkotakota Game Reserve Park for at least two hours. It is the oldest established reserve in Malawi. There is a a wide variety of antelope including Roan, Sable, Kudu and Waterbuck.?? Birdwatching is especially rewarding here with more than 300 species being recorded.

The first two nights are spent at Kande beach, located on the shore of Lake Malawi. Spend time relaxing on the shores of “the Lake of Stars”. Beach walks, swimming in the crystal clear water and snorkelling among the tropical fish are all part and parcel of your stay. Opt to take a village walk and meet the friendly Malawians just outside the campsite. We include a dinner here at a local friend’s house—this is sure to be a highlight of Lake Malawi as our groups get to experience Malawian hospitality first hand and spend some time at a local home.

The lake is Malawi’s main attraction and covers one fifth of the country. The lake has more fish species than any other lake in the world with around 1000 different species. The largest family is the chichlids, which are exported all over the world to pet shops etc. The lake is also known for its good snorkelling and diving. The locals depend on the lake for fishing and survival and use dug out canoes to fish from and set out long nets.Take a look across the lake and see Mozambique on the other side.

Leave Kande Beach in the morning and drive up further north along lake Malawi toward Chitimba Beach. Chitimba Beach has beautiful mountains in the back. Opt to take a spectacular hike 6 hour all the way up to Livingstonia. The hike is breathtaking and you will have a chance to cool off under the Manchewe Falls. Enjoy a night out at the local pub and challenge the regulars to a game of pool; the first drink is on us!

Please note that it is recommended to not expose shoulders and knees in public places due to the influence of the first independent government in Malawi.

Day 9-10 Iringa/Dar es Salaam (2B,2L,2D)

Approximate Distance: 534 km
Estimated Travel Time: 11 hrs

Today we will cross the border from Malawi to Tanzania. The name of the border posts are Songwe border post on the Malawian side and Kasumulu border post on the Tanzanian side.

Begin the day by making the border crossing out of Malawi and into Tanzania. Climbing out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, view the vast tea plantations in the highlands along the way.

Tonight we stay in at an old farmhouse on a working farm with cattle, sheep, vegetables, tobacco and flowers.

Day 11-14 Zanzibar (4B)

Approximate Distance: 637 km
Estimated Travel Time: 12 hrs

Today is a long travel day to Dar Es Salaam. You will depart at approximately at 4am and arrive at camp in the evening, depending on the traffic in Dar Es Salaam.

Dar Es Salaam – Arabic for “Abode of Peace” (a word closely related to the familiar “Yer u-salem” in Israel) – is the largest city in Tanzania. With a population estimated around 2,500,000, it is also the country’s richest city and an important economic centre.

Day 15-16 Korogwe/Arusha (2B,2L,2D)

Day 11 – Estimated Travel Time: 3 hrs (ferry ride)
Day 12 – Estimated Travel Time: 4 hrs (including 2 hr Spice Tour)
Day 14 – Estimated Travel Time: 2 hrs

We depart early in the morning and arrive in Stone Town in time for lunch. After arriving on Zanzibar, spend the remainder of the day exploring Stone Town, the heart of the island. It has an intriguing maze of narrow, cobbled lanes hemmed in by Arabic buildings. The best way to see the Stone Town is, literally, to get lost. You can spend hours just wandering the alleys and squares, drinking potent coffee from pavement vendors, or buying sweetmeats from scores of tiny cafes.

The following morning we head north to Nungwi for two days/ two nights at one of Zanzibar’s major highlights. Here you can either relax on the idyllic white-sandy beaches, take an optional diving/snorkeling excursion, or take a wander through the village of Nungwi.

No visit to Zanzibar would be complete without a visit to the spice plantations – an activity that is included on our way north to Nungwi on Day 12. Your senses will be aroused as you will receive a detailed description on the assortment of spices (black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, breadfruit, jackfruit, vanilla, lemon grass) and their various uses. It was the wonderful spice plantations that brought the beginnings of Zanzibar’s infamous slave trade dating back to the 1840’s.

On our fourth day on the island, we head back south to Stone Town, for our final night on this enchanting island. It’s your last chance to shop and/or enjoy all that Stone Town has to offer.

Remember that Zanzibar is a Muslim society, and immodestly dressed women, or men in shorts, will get harassed and cause great offence in Stone Town. In Nungwi, customs are a little more relaxed, but passengers are encouraged to be respectful of the islands culture and still cover up when walking around. Never try to take a photograph without asking permission. The polite way to ask is “Tafadhali (pronounced tougher-thaarli) naomba ruhusu kwa kupiga picha yako.” Many guidebooks say the correct phrase is “nataka kupiga picha yako”, but this is incredibly rude, the equivalent of saying “give me your picture”.

Day 17-19 Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Crater/Arusha (3B,3L,3D)

Approximate Distance: 370km
Estimated Travel Time: 8hrs (excl. 3hr ferry ride)

We depart Zanzibar around 7am to head back inland. It is a long travel day to get to our campsite on the river. The campsite is very basic so enjoy a relaxing evening next to the river and listen to the sounds of a true African night.

Please note that because the campsite is next to the river there may be an increase of mosquitoes, please protect yourself with clothing and insect repellent.

If you have booked the Zanzibar Express you will say goodbye to the group this morning and enjoy one additional night in Stone Town. Spend the extra free time to explore on your own and relax. The following day, transfer to the airport for a flight to Arusha. Included: transfers, flight and one night in Stone Town. Meals not included.

Day 20 Nairobi (1B,1L)

Approximate Distance: 250km
Estimated Travel Time: 7-8 hrs

Pass Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and head towards Arusha. If you are lucky you will get to see this shy mountain that is normally behind a veil of cloud. Arusha sits at the foot of rugged Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain. If time allows we will be visiting a project called Shanga.
Shanga is a heartwarming project dedicated to supporting and empowering disabled community members. With breaking down obstacles for disabled Tanzanians and a commitment to environmentally sustainable business practises as its core values, it comprised of a bustling workshop, open-air restaurant, and three trendy boutiques.

Arusha, also known as Tanzania’s “safari capital”, is undoubtedly the most important center in northern Tanzania. With many protected national parks, reserves, and mountains nearby.

The campsite that we overnight at is an extremely important for the local community. They provide free medical care to the local Masai people especially snake bites. The camp also provides support to local schools and provides care for orphans. There is a local market as part of the campsite as well as a craft shop and Masaai museum.