Nairobi to Zambia - 21 days
Nairobi to Zambia - 21 days
Nairobi to Zambia - 21 days
21 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Livingstone, Zambia
Visiting: Nairobi, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Mikumi National Park, Iringa, Lake Malawi, Chipata, Lusaka, Livingstone
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2489/EAES
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 18
Age range:
18-75
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 21-day adventure from Nairobi to Zambia, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia. This small group safari tour offers an immersive experience in some of Africa's most iconic destinations. Witness the majestic Big Five in Serengeti National Park, explore the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, and relax on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Journey through the vibrant cultures of Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam, and marvel at the wildlife in Mikumi National Park. Discover the serene beauty of Lake Malawi and end your journey at the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Livingstone. With 20 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 15 dinners included, along with camping and simple accommodations, this tour promises an authentic and enriching African experience. Optional activities and local interactions enhance your adventure, making it a trip of a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: campsite in the Meserani Snake Park
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). Welcome to East Africa! Departing the Kenyan capital of Nairobi in our overland vehicle early this morning, we cross into Tanzania. Then it's onwards to the country's safari capital, Arusha, located near the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. After browsing the curio markets we arrive at our campsite in the Meserani Snake Park. There should be time this afternoon to visit a nearby Maasai village and the snake park itself, home to all manner of crocodiles, pythons, and other reptiles!
Please note: The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. The pre departure meeting will be held on day 1. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Day 2: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: unfenced campsite in Serengeti
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Serengeti National Park. We leave our overland truck behind and transfer to designated safari vehicles this morning. Crossing the Great Rift Valley, we enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We then drive around the rim of this spectacular UNESCO-listed crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti. Serengeti derives from the Maasai word siringitu, which means "the place where the land moves on forever" and the scale of this wilderness is sure to impress as much as the wildlife you will inevitably see.
The Serengeti and neighbouring Masai Mara in Kenya play host to the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and antelope. These prey animals follow the rains and the freshest grass, stalked every step of the way by the lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas which feed on them. You are sure to have some amazing wildlife experiences today as we enjoy a game drive en route to our camp. We spend tonight at an unfenced campsite, where we can listen to the sounds of the bush and hopefully see some wildlife from our camp!
Day 3-4: Ngorongoro Crater
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 3, we can search for any species we have not managed to spot so far. We travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater, camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife areas.
On day 4 we get our chance to head into the crater itself, following the steep, winding road into the reserve. On our game drive, you will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes who can't manage the steep climb down the crater rim!
Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha and our overland safari vehicle.
Day 5: Bagamoyo
Location: Bagamoyo
Accommodation Name: campsite near Bagamoyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Bagamoyo. We begin our journey to Zanzibar today, heading towards the Indian Ocean coast. It's a long but scenic drive, and we pass Mount Kilimanjaro en route. If the weather is clear we should be able to enjoy magnificent views of the iconic snow-capped peak.
Our stop for tonight is the port town of Bagamoyo. It was founded towards the end of the 18th century and was an important trading port along the East African coast. Today it is a centre for dhow building, with many of the boats being sent to Zanzibar and nearby areas. We camp on the outskirts of the town, near the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Day 6: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Name: camping on the beach in Dar es Salaam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. Saying farewell to Bagamoyo we make the 2 - 3 hour drive along the coast to Dar es Salaam. This vibrant city is Tanzania's main port and a kaleidoscope of culture. Impressive Arab architecture and colourful markets give way to blissful beaches and turquoise ocean. We'll be camping on the beach tonight before our excursion to Zanzibar, and you'll have time to go for a swim or head into the city and explore.
Day 7-9: Zanzibar
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: standard hotel in Zanzibar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 7, we take the ferry to Zanzibar, leaving our overland truck on the mainland. Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys, and lush tropical forests.
Our time on Zanzibar is not too structured. There is plenty of free time to explore the old part of Zanzibar City - Stone Town. You'll also want to visit a spice plantation, spend some time on the tropical beaches and enjoy snorkelling at the coast, home to a wealth of marine life. Other optional excursions you can book include massages and yacht trips. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.
In Zanzibar, we will not be camping, but staying in standard hotels, with breakfast included. We typically spend day 7 in Stone Town and days 8 and 9 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Day 10: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Name: camping by the coast in Dar es Salaam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. Wake early for a final swim before breakfast, as we catch the ferry back to the mainland. The rest of today is free to further explore Dar es Salaam and we go back to camping by the coast tonight.
Day 11: Mikumi
Location: Mikumi National Park
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Mikumi National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dar es Salaam - Mikumi National Park. Making our way southwest, we head back inland and towards the border with Malawi. We'll be driving through Mikumi National Park for a large chunk of the day, and will hopefully see some of the wildlife that lives in Tanzania's fifth-largest game reserve.
Our campsite for the night is right on the edge of the park and there is an optional additional game drive if you'd like to search further for elephants, giraffes, or the other species that call Mikumi home. Alternatively, you can relax in the local bar and restaurant, or enjoy an evening around the campfire.
Day 12: Iringa
Location: Iringa
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Iringa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mikumi National Park - Iringa. Continuing our journey south, we pass through Baobab Valley, home to many of these ancient, swollen baobab trees. Reaching the town of Iringa, we end our journey at the Kisolanza Farm. This family-run business supplies Dar es Salaam with organic meat and vegetables and is a well-known camping spot, located in the scenic Southern Highlands of Tanzania.
Day 13-14: Lake Malawi
Location: Lake Malawi
Accommodation Name: campsite by Chitimba Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iringa - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). We wave farewell to Tanzania on day 13, crossing into neighbouring Malawi. We head straight to shimmering Lake Malawi, which covers around a fifth of the country and is the main source of income for a huge swathe of the country's population. Fishermen paddle their traditional Bwato canoes on the lake, which has a huge number of fish species found nowhere else in the world, making it a popular spot for scuba divers.
Arriving at our campsite by Chitimba Beach, the rest of today and tomorrow are at leisure. Relax by the beach, play volleyball or browse the local craft markets.
On day 14 there is an optional hike to Manchewe Falls. This 11km hike requires decent fitness, but the rewards are spectacular views of the waterfall and a dip in a natural bath. David Livingstone lived and worked in this area during his time in Malawi.
Day 15-16: Lake Malawi
Location: Lake Malawi
Accommodation Name: Kande Beach, Lake Malawi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi - Mzuzu - Kande Beach, Lake Malawi. Day 15 sees us driving through rubber plantations to the small town of Mzuzu, where we visit the local market and resupply the truck. Then it's onwards to Kande beach, another part of Lake Malawi around 240km down the shoreline.
The rest of today and day 16 are free to relax or join some of the optional activities on offer. You can go diving, canoeing, or snorkelling in the lake, or opt for a horse ride along the beach. You can also join a guided walk to a nearby village to meet the Malawian locals.
Day 17: Chipata
Location: Chipata
Accommodation Name: campsite near Chipata
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kande Beach, Lake Malawi - Chipata (Zambia). Travelling via the Malawian capital of Lilongwe, we make the border crossing into Zambia. We arrive at the town of Chipata, formerly known as Fort Jamerson. We should have time to wander around the town, home to a large Indian community and a number of ornate mosques. Then we continue to our campsite a little way out of town.
Day 18: Lusaka
Location: Lusaka
Accommodation Name: campsite on a rural farm in Lusaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chipata - Lusaka. Today we have a long drive through the picturesque scenery of Zambia. We'll travel along the Great Eastern Road and cross the Luangwa River before reaching the capital, Lusaka. This is southern Africa's fastest-growing city, but we'll enjoy a slice of tranquility at our campsite on a rural farm.
Day 19-20: Livingstone
Location: Livingstone
Accommodation Name: campsite in Livingstone
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Lusaka - Livingstone. On day 19 we drive to Livingstone, our final destination, and home to Victoria Falls. There is an included visit to see the Zambian side of this famous cascade before day 20 is completely free so that you can relax at our campsite and enjoy some of the numerous optional activities available. Activities range from a further visit to see the cascades (prepare to get wet!), canoeing and rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping and fishing to a scenic flight over the falls, or an abseiling experience - the choice is yours!
Day 21: Livingstone
Location: Livingstone
Accommodation Name: hotel in Livingstone
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our tour comes to an end after a final breakfast in the hotel. If you'd like to stay a while longer in Livingstone then speak to our team about booking post-tour accommodation.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 20 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 15 dinners.
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Accommodation
Accommodation includes 17 nights camping in 2-person dome tents and 3 nights simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar.
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Tour Crew
The tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment.
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Safari Excursions
Includes Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Excursion in a purpose-built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide.
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Maasai Village Walk
A Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide is included.
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Zanzibar Ferry
The tour includes a return ferry ticket to Zanzibar.
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Victoria Falls Visit
An included visit to Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls.
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Sleeping Equipment
A sleeping mattress is provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
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Road Tolls and Taxes
All road tolls and vehicle taxes are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour.
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Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is not provided; please bring your own.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities are not included and prices are listed in the Trip Notes.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included but can be booked on request.
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Local Payment
A local payment of $850 per person, paid in USD, is not included.
Age Policy
18 and over. From departures starting in Jan 2026, the minimum age will be changing to 16 if accompanied an adult or legal guardian. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, and enjoy excursions in purpose-built safari vehicles. The tour includes a return ferry ticket to Zanzibar, ensuring a seamless journey through the diverse landscapes of East Africa.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of camping and simple accommodations on this 21-day tour, with 17 nights spent in 2-person dome tents and 3 nights in twin-share accommodations in Zanzibar. Enjoy the unique opportunity to camp in the wilderness and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 17 nights of camping in 2-person dome tents and 3 nights of simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar. A sleeping mattress is provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 20 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 15 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment. For the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion, a purpose-built safari vehicle is used.
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Are there any guided activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide and game drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with a resident guide.
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Is there a visit to Victoria Falls included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Mosi Oa Tunya National Park to see Victoria Falls on the Zambian side.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The tour is for individuals aged 18 and over. Anyone over 65 must complete a Tour Suitability Form, and the maximum age is 75.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include game drives in Mikumi National Park, a hike to Manchewe Falls at Lake Malawi, diving, canoeing, and snorkelling at Lake Malawi, and various activities in Livingstone such as canoeing, rafting, bungee jumping, and scenic flights over Victoria Falls.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
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