Victoria Falls & Serengeti Overland: Lakes & Landos
20 days
from Victoria Falls to Nairobi
From
$ 2437
Duration20 days
Inhale the fragrant perfume of Zanzibar’s spice plantations, hunt for the perfect snapshot of the ever-elusive "big five," feel the thunder of Victoria Falls. Uncover the spectacular highlights of five African countries on this stellar 20-day adventure. Enjoy an intriguing combination of stunning wilderness and rural villages from the comfort of the Lando (overland adventure vehicle) and camp under the big African sky for a unique perspective of this majestic land. With a unique itinerary that offers plenty of options, uncover all that this diverse region has to offer.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 20 daysService level: Camping
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Starts in: Victoria FallsPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: NairobiAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is great base to kick-off this African adventure, to see both some natural wonders, and take part in some exciting optional activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and, for the more adventurous, bungee jump with the Victoria Falls in view.
Arrive at any time.
Your accommodation is in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT Livingstone (Zambia). Please make sure you have the necessary visa.
Victoria Falls is frequently used as a base for travellers wishing to participate in the many activities and excursions available in the area. Please contact your booking agent if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation.
Victoria Falls is frequently used as a base for travellers wishing to participate in the many activities and excursions available in the area. Please contact your booking agent if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation.
Day 2: Victoria Falls/Lusaka
Set off early, around 6am, and arrive late in the afternoon. The long journey across rough and bumpy roads takes us to a private farm 29km (18 mi) outside of the capital of Zambia. Marvel at the zebras, buffalo, and the bok that roam the property, or relax by the pool or at the camp’s bar.
Sit back and enjoy a day of driving, taking in the scenery.
This is an overnight stop in between two long driving days, so we will not have time to explore Lusaka.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Lusaka/South Luangwa
Continue travelling across the Zambian countryside, to our camp on the banks of the Luangwa River.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: South Luangwa
Enjoy a free day to explore South Luangwa NP, a wildlife haven. Opt to go on a walking safari (seasonal), night drive, or visit a nearby local village.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: South Luangwa/Chipata
In the afternoon, continue to Chipata.
Opt for a morning walking safari (seasonal), or drive, before heading to the G Adventures-supported Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe, for lunch and a visit of the craft workshop.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Chipata/Kande Beach
Spend four nights 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.
Lake Malawi is known for good snorkelling and diving. The locals depend on the lake for fishing and survival, and use dugout canoes to fish from and set out long nets. There are many different ethnic groups, all speaking their own language; most are Christians and the rest have traditional beliefs.
Lake Malawi is known for good snorkelling and diving. The locals depend on the lake for fishing and survival, and use dugout canoes to fish from and set out long nets. There are many different ethnic groups, all speaking their own language; most are Christians and the rest have traditional beliefs.
Cross the border and travel to the "Lake of Stars," Lake Malawi.
Please note that conservative dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered in public, but inside of camp boundaries, it is ok to wear beach clothes.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Kande Beach
Relax on the shores of Lake Malawi, and enjoy a traditional dinner in a local home. Opt to explore by foot, go snorkelling, or take a village tour.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Kande Beach/Chitimba
Leave Kande Beach in the morning and drive north along Lake Malawi to Chitimba. Chitimba Beach has beautiful views of mountains in the background and Tanzania across the lake.
Set off and drive to the northern part of Lake Malawi.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Chitimba
Enjoy a final day at Lake Malawi.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Chitimba/Iringa
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.
Cross the border into Tanzania and take in views of vast tea plantations and highlands along the way.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Iringa/Dar es Salaam
Drive to Dar Es Salaam. The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century before becoming a port and trading centre.
Watch the Tanzanian countryside pass by on the journey to the Indian Ocean.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar Beach Resort
Hop on a ferry to Zanzibar and transfer to the picturesque island beaches.
Zanzibar is a Muslim society. Immodestly dressed women or men in shorts will get harassed and cause great offence in Stone Town. At the beach, customs are a little more relaxed, but our travellers are encouraged to be respectful of the island's culture and still cover up when walking around. Never try to take a photograph without asking permission.
Meals: B
Day 13: Zanzibar Beach Resort
Opt to go diving, snorkelling, take a sailing trip, or just sit back and relax.
Meals: B
Day 14: Stone Town
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. Look out for tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautifully printed cloths (kangas and kikois worn by local people), little carved chests with copper inlays, and spices – all beautiful presents or souvenirs to take home.
Travel back to Stone Town for a final night on this enchanting island. Along the way, enjoy a guided tour of a local spice plantation.
Meals: B
Day 15: Stone Town/Bagamoyo
This town, which was recently named a World Heritage Site, was one of the most important trading ports of the central east African coast in the late 19th century.
Ferry back over to the mainland and drive north to the historic coastal town of Bagamoyo.
If you have booked the Zanzibar Express, you will stay in Stone Town when the group heads for the ferry. You have a free day in Stone Town for shopping, relaxing or seeing the sights. (Ask your CEO if you want to book any tours) Tomorrow you fly to Arusha to meet the group. Included: transfers, flight, one night Stone Town (Tausi Palace, or similar). Only breakfast included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 16: Bagamoyo/Arusha
Pass Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, and head towards Arusha. Consider yourself lucky if you are able to see the mountain as it is hidden behind a veil of cloud most of the time.
Arusha sits at the foot of rugged Mt Meru, Africa's fifth highest mountain.
Arusha sits at the foot of rugged Mt Meru, Africa's fifth highest mountain.
Hit the road for a long day of driving. Enjoy the varied landscapes on the way to Arusha. Keep on the look out for views of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain.
Use the afternoon to prepare a small day-pack for the three-day excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Take something warm for the night on the crater rim and enough insect repellant, sunscreen, and water. Bedding is provided, but you can take your sleeping bag along to make sure you're warm enough at night.
Zanzibar Express; transfer this morning from your Stone Town hotel to the airport for the flight to Arusha. Arrive in Arusha and transfer to the camp to meet back up with the group. Only breakfast and dinner included.
Zanzibar Express; transfer this morning from your Stone Town hotel to the airport for the flight to Arusha. Arrive in Arusha and transfer to the camp to meet back up with the group. Only breakfast and dinner included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 17: Arusha/Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, we begin our 3-day and 2-night excursion to Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, two of Africa’s premier wildlife areas.
Set off into the Serengeti and enjoy an afternoon wildlife safari drive en route to the campsite.
Changing to specialized 4x4 7-seater safari vehicles, we are met by experienced safari driver/guides, who will ensure us wonderful wildlife encounters. Our safari vehicles each have sliding windows and a large pop-up roof, perfect for wildlife viewing. They are smaller than the Lando and will allow us to maneuver easily through the wildlife areas. As the vehicles are smaller than the Lando, our group will split up among several vehicles.
End place: Serengeti National Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 18: Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro
Start place: Serengeti National Park
Before leaving the Serengeti, enjoy one last morning wildlife safari drive to see the animal kingdom come to life in this incredible expanse of grassland savannah. You will return and break camp and journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa's best wildlife viewing. The views from the Ngorongoro Crater rim are stunning, and there is an ever-present abundance of animals, due to the permanent water supply on the crater floor. You will arrive at your campsite at the crater rim in the late afternoon.
Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in the Serengeti during the day, and finish the evening camping at the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Please note: if you have pre-booked the Serengeti Balloon Safari, today's likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above! If you have not yet pre-booked, add it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Please note that due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.
Please note that due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 19: Ngorongoro/Arusha
Exit the crater late in the morning and continue back to Arusha.
Venture down to the crater floor and take in a final safari experience, viewing the high concentration of wildlife bound by the crater walls.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 20: Arusha/Nairobi
Depart Arusha in the morning and travel overland to Nairobi. The tour ends upon arrival to Nairobi at the Hotel Boulevard in central Nairobi. In order to avoid any unnecessary issues with timing, please book ongoing travel from Nairobi in the evening.
Transfer to Kenya's capital city, where the tour finishes upon arrival in the evening.
There is no included accommodation for this night in Nairobi. You may choose to pre-reserve post-tour accommodation through G Adventures.
Meals: B, L
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe, Mfuwe Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Kande Beach Local Dinner, Kande Beach
- Zanzibar excursion
- Spice Plantation tour
- Entrance and wildlife safari drives in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Lando (overland adventure vehicle), 4x4 safari vehicle, Walking, Ferry, Minibus -
Accommodation
Participation camping (14 nts), Full-service camping (2 nts), Simple hotel (3 nts) -
Meals
19 breakfasts,
16 lunches,
15 dinners