Please Note:
Ensure you have received (and read) a
copy of the Information Guide for this trip.
Travel Insurance is compulsory for this
trip.
We make use of various forms of public
transport on this trip and travellers are advised that they make use of these at
their own risk.
Standards of accommodation vary from
place to place.
Meals are only included where
specified. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner and NM = No Meal)
This itinerary should be used as a guide
only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions,
political situations and group decisions.
All prices & Local Payments are subject
to change with prior notice.
DAY 1: Nairobi (NM)
We spend today in Kenya’s capital city,
making the final preparations for our adventure. We have the option of visiting
the Giraffe Manor in Langata (where we can feed the graceful Rothschild
giraffes), the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant and Rhino Nursery (where we can
view the feeding of orphaned elephant and rhino babies) or of spending a half
day exploring Nairobi National Park. We can also spend the day wandering around
the local city markets.
DAY 2: Nairobi to
Mombasa (NM)
After packing up, we make our way to
Nairobi’s train station where we board the overnight train bound for the coastal
city of Mombasa. Accommodation on board the train is in shared cabins.
Travelling at night doesn’t afford us much opportunity of taking in the Kenyan
landscape we pass through. However, we’ll get a glimpse of the local villages
and inhabitants in the evening and early morning and we’ll even have the chance
of spotting some of Africa’s magnificent game grazing beside the railway. As we
near Mombasa, the landscape changes from the desert brush we wake up to, to lush
tropical palm trees and increasing heat and humidity. We’re also afforded the
opportunity of meeting some of the locals who use this route to travel between
Kenya’s 2 largest cities.
DAYS 3 to 5: Mombasa
(NM)
Colonised by the Portuguese in the mid
1600s because of its vital role in the trade of gold, ivory and spices, as
Kenya’s largest port, Mombasa is still a major centre of trade today. Situated
on the warm Indian Ocean and blessed with beautiful white sandy beaches, it is
also the centre of Kenya’s coastal tourism. We spend two nights in bandas
(traditional huts made of wood and covered in palm fronds) on a picturesque
stretch of coast just north of Mombasa. Here we have the option of
participating in a variety of activities like snorkelling, diving or a cruise on
a traditional dhow. There is also the option of visiting the restored quarry at
Haller Park. This park is home to a Crocodile Farm and Reptile Park as well as
a group of hippos and Rothschild giraffes. Watch the hippos being fed or feed
the giraffes yourself! Alternatively you can wander around the “Old Town” where
the Arabic influence is clearly evident or visit Fort Jesus, built by the
Portuguese in the 16th century, which houses various archaeological
finds and an exhibition depicting the culture and history of the coastal people.
DAY 6: Mombasa to
Arusha (Tanzania) (NM)
Today we bid farewell to Kenya and its
sunny beaches and head across the border to Tanzania. On the way to our next
stop and if the weather permitting, we may catch a glimpse of Africa’s highest
mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. The next two nights will be spent at a lovely
campsite in the small village of Meserani, a few kilometres outside of Arusha.
DAY 7: Arusha (NM)
Situated at the base of Mount Meru,
Arusha is best known as the safari capital of Tanzania. Today we’ll explore the
local markets and visit the local Masai Cultural Museum to learn a little more
about these amazing people. Those doing the optional excursion to the
Serengeti/Ngorongoro area will prepare for their departure tomorrow.
DAY 8 - 10: Arusha to
Serengeti National Park (OPTIONAL) (D; B / L / D; B / L)
The Serengeti (Masai for “endless
plains”) is famous for its enormous concentration of game (especially the big
cats) and for the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and
Thomson’s gazelles. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact
caldera. The area teems with game throughout the year as the lush crater floor
is able to sustain its population making it unnecessary for them to join their
Serengeti cousins on the annual migration.
For those not opting to visit the
Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next 2 days are spent at
leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum and the
surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is
close by to explore.
The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti
excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies
adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to
the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the
surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the
picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu.
The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and
head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts
some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino.
After our game drive in the Crater, we
head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the
Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the
southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we camp in the bushveld
surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, we head off
for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game.
With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’!
After our morning drive, we head back
across the plains and the lush Crater rim to our camp at Meserani, where we
spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.
DAY 11: Arusha to Dar
es Salaam (NM)
Leaving Arusha behind us, we head south
towards Dar es Salaam. On the way we pass through the town of Moshi. Moshi is
the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting; we
may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit. We pass
through vast sisal plantations surrounded by The Usambara and Pare Mountain
ranges, before reaching our traditional banda on the shores of the warm Indian
Ocean. New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end
of our excursion to Zanzibar.
DAY 12: Dar es Salaam
to Zanzibar (NM)
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to
the "Spice Island,” where we spend the next 5 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in
history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers
in their quest for new lands.
PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation and Meals
are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that
passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader joins you
and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide
selection of restaurants.
DAYS 13 to 16:
Zanzibar (NM)
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth
of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town
still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces
of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and
ivory trade. The island is still famous for its spices and an optional
excursion around a spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a
trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day
scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are
available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the
island. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a
great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - giant lobsters being a
popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the
Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on
offer.
DAY 17: Zanzibar to
Mbeya (NM)
Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the
mainland where we board our overnight train bound for Mbeya. The route we
follow is off the beaten track and we get to glimpse rural Tanzania. We travel
through Morogoro at the base of the Uluguru Mountains before passing through the
Selous Game Reserve where it’s possible to view a range of wildlife from our
cabin. The train itself is fairly comfortable (by African standards) and
affords us a great opportunity to meet the friendly local people. Some of our
fellow passengers leave us on our return to Zanzibar.
DAY 18: Mbeya/Tikuyu
(NM)
On arrival in Mbeya we board local
transport and head to the small town of Tikuyu on the Great Rift Valley
escarpment. The locals in this area farm the slopes of the Mbeya and Poroto
mountains producing bananas, coffee, tea and cocoa, which are bought into Mbeya
town to be packaged and transported all over the world. Tonight we get a real
taste of rural village life.
DAY 19: Mbeya/Tikuyu
to Chitimba (Malawi) (NM)
Passing down the Rift Valley Escarpment,
we head to the border post of Songwe where we enter the “warm heart of Africa,”
Malawi. We make our way to Chitimba Beach Camp on the shores of tranquil Lake
Malawi, where we’ll spend the next 2 nights.
Malawi is a landlocked country with 20%
of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. Malawi’s temperate climate
allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore
the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their
catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate
their boating skills, try to paddle a dug out canoe yourself! The various
beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer optional excursions
including a variety of water sports.
DAY 20: Chitimba (NM)
Today is at your leisure where you can
hike to the Livingstonia Mission. Established in 1875 by Dr Robert Laws to
honour the Scottish missionary, David Livingstone, this mission relocated
several times before settling in its current position. Plagued by hardship and
disease, Dr Laws decided to move the mission from the shores of Lake Malawi to
the fertile Khondowe Plateau 900 m above the Lake Malawi. This higher altitude
reduced the risk of malaria and it is here that many Malawians have received
their education. For the less energetic, there is the option to enjoy a tour
into the local village with a visit to the local school. Others can spend the
day learning the game of bao from the locals, scouring the markets for a bargain
or simply relaxing on the pristine white beaches.
DAY 21: Chitimba to
Nkhata Bay (NM)
Today we head to Nkhata Bay via the
inland town of Mzuzu. This area has the ideal climate for growing crops and
much coffee and rubber is grown. It is here that we spend the next 2 nights in
shared dorm accommodation.
DAY 22: Nkhata Bay
(NM)
Nkhata Bay is a beautiful lakeside town
straddling the lush mountains of Malawi’s Rift Valley, about 50 km from Mzuzu.
It overlooks Lake Malawi like a lord overlooks his manor and it’s not hard to
see why it’s a hugely popular destination amongst tourists visiting the north of
Lake Malawi. In days gone by, it had the dubious history of being the port from
where many Malawians began their long journey into slavery. We can spend the
day relaxing on the lake’s shores or visiting the local Chichewa market. We
have the option of participating in various water sports or hiking in the
surrounding hills. A visit to the local brewery or witchdoctor can also be
arranged.
DAYS 23 & 24: Ilala
Ferry (NM)
Today we board the MV Ilala to cross the
‘Lake of Stars.’ The next couple of days are spent calling in at various ports
in Tanzania and Mozambique along the edge of Lake Malawi before reaching our
destination in Cape Maclear. The ferry is used by the locals to reach the
opposite side of the lake and this is a great opportunity to meet these warm
hearted people. We spend the next couple of nights sleeping under the stars on
the main deck.
Please note: Should the ferry be
unavailable, we will follow the coastal road south via Salima Bay to Cape
Maclear.
DAY 25: Cape Maclear
(NM)
Today we arrive at picturesque Cape
Maclear, on Lake Malawi’s southern shores. After checking in to our dorm
accommodation, we visit the local market. Here, those visiting Domwe Island
stock up on their supplies for the next 2 days they’ll spend on this tropical
paradise.
DAY 26 & 27: Cape
Maclear/Domwe Island (NM)
With an 11 km perimeter, Domwe Island is
the biggest uninhabited island in Lake Malawi. Separated from the mainland by
the Ilala Gap, this gap occasionally dries up due to the fluctuations of the
lake’s level enabling various mammals to cross from the mainland.
For those of us doing the 2 Night Domwe
Island optional excursion, we transfer via boat to this beautiful island.
Accommodation is in shared tents (2 persons). We prepare our meals in the
self-catering kitchen (equipped with crockery, cutlery, pots and pans AND a
fridge!) We spend the next two days just relaxing or exploring the island.
Enjoy the myriad of non-motorised water sports on offer. Take a kayak around
the island, snorkel and swim in the Lake’s warm waters or hire some SCUBA gear
and search for the beautiful Cichlid fish. Spend an afternoon hiking 400 m to
the island’s highest point or just enjoy the sunshine on the pristine white
beaches. Included in this option is a return transfer to Cape Maclear, park
entry fees and all non-motorised water sports and camping for 2 nights.
For those who’d prefer to spend the next
2 days relaxing in Cape Maclear, various activities are available. Hike up the
mountain in Lake Malawi National Park, haggle with local vendors for a famous
Malawi Chair or just relax on the beach.
DAY 28: Cape Maclear
(NM)
After reuniting with the rest of our
group, we spend one more day relaxing on Lake Malawi’s shores, before heading to
Zambia tomorrow.
DAY 29: Cape Maclear
to Chipata (Zambia) (NM)
Today we leave the “warm heart of
Africa” and head towards Zambia. We cross the border and make our way to
Chipata where we make the final preparations for our trip into the South Luangwa
National Park.
DAY 30 & 31: South
Luangwa National Park (L / D; B / L / D)
At 9050 km2, twice the size
of Wales, the South Luangwa National Park is famous for large concentration of
wildlife. It is said that for every oxbow in the Luangwa River, there is a
leopard. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo are often seen. There are no
rhino in the park due to poaching, but efforts are underway to re-introduce this
pre-historic beast! So while looking out for the remaining members of the Big
5, look out for the Small 5 - Elephant Shrew, Rhino Beetle, Buffalo Weaver, Ant
Lion and Leopard Tortoise and for the Green 5 - Elephant Grass, Rhino Thistle,
Buffalo Thorn, Lion’s Ear and Leopard Orchid. Our camp for the next two nights
is on the edge of this magnificent park. Keep an eye open for the Crawshay
zebra, Cookson wildebeest and Thornicroft giraffe - all species unique to this
area!
DAY 32: Chipata (B)
After spending 2 wonderful days enjoying
Zambia’s wildlife, we return to Chipata via the Kawaza Village. This project
was set up by the local community with the help of the Zambian Wildlife
Authority and some of the tour operators in the Luangwa valley, to offer
visitors a glimpse into Kunda Culture. The belief is that the best way to get
to know the local people and their way of living is to take part in their daily
life. We have the opportunity to visit the Chief’s Palace, visit the local
health clinic or attend a class at the nearby school. Zambia itself has 74
different cultural groups and although they are different, collectively,
Zambians are a very friendly and welcoming people.
DAY 33: Chipata to
Lusaka (NM)
Today we head to the nation’s capital,
Lusaka. Zambia prospered when copper prices were at their peak. However, when
these prices declined in the late 1970s, the country was plunged into debt. In
recent years, copper prices have improved and the government has embarked on a
diversification programme to move away from it’s reliance on this precious
metal. Agriculture and tourism have begun to play a much larger role in
contributing to Zambia’s GDP. Tonight we overnight in dorm accommodation.
DAY 34: Lusaka to
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (NM)
Our last road journey sees us travelling
south west, via Livingstone to Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya
(the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and
it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is
the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African
Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe
and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Each offer fantastic photo
opportunities. On arrival, we have the opportunity to participate in a myriad
of Excursions available in Africa’s adventure capital.
OPTIONAL Excursions include trips
into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back
safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant
Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge
connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither
activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro
light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over
this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is
world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the
"floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional
wildlife on the riverbanks.
Our last evening together sees us
looking back and celebrating the completion of our memorable journey.
DAY 35: Victoria
Falls (NM)
After breakfast, we exchange addresses
and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
We suggest you extend your stay by a
couple of days to participate in some of the exciting activities. Your agent
can book your accommodation. Our office, situated in the heart of Victoria
Falls, will happily help you with booking any of the activities you weren’t able
to participate in while on tour.
