Excellent
Nairobi to Zambia
CAMPING SAFARI: Journey from Kenya to Zambia on this 21-day overland camping safari which also visits Tanzania and Malawi. Search for wildlife in the Serengeti National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. Unwind on the tropical beaches of Zanzibar, see snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and swim in Lake Malawi. Round it off with a free day to discover Victoria Falls how you see fit - by boat, on foot, or from the air!
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Tour Overview
Duration
21 daysStarts
NairobiEnds
LivingstoneRange
OverlandingTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour leaderGroup Size
Min 4 / Max 16Minimum age
18Departs
WednesdaysHotel Rating
Camping & simple hotelsCountries
Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zanzibar, ZambiaArrival Transfer
No - can be booked on requestDeparture Transfer
No - can be booked on requestMeals included
Breakfast: 20, Lunch: 15, Dinner: 15Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Itinerary
Day 1 - Nairobi
Day 1 - Nairobi
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 - The mighty Serengeti
Day 2 - The mighty Serengeti
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!
Days 3-4 - Ngorongoro Crater
Days 3-4 - Ngorongoro Crater
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 - To the coast!
Day 5 - To the coast!
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
Day 6 - Dar es Salaam
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.
Days 7-9 - Paradise island of Zanzibar
Days 7-9 - Paradise island of Zanzibar
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 - Return to Dar
Day 10 - Return to Dar
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 National Park
Day 11 - Mikumi National Park
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
Day 12 - Iringa
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.
Days 13-14 - Lake Malawi
Days 13-14 - Lake Malawi
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.
Days 15-16 - Free time at Lake Malawi
Days 15-16 - Free time at Lake Malawi
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 - Crossing into Zambia
Day 17 - Crossing into Zambia
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 - Lively Lusaka
Day 18 - Lively Lusaka
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.
Days 19-20 - Thundering Victoria Falls
Days 19-20 - Thundering Victoria Falls
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
Day 21 - Livingstone
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.
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post Tour Accommodation Livingstone - Victoria Falls Waterfront, en suite room (Jan - May)
Double
Twin
Single
Post Tour Accommodation Livingstone - Victoria Falls Waterfront, en suite room (Jun - Dec)
Double
Twin
Single
Post Tour Accommodation Livingstone - Victoria Falls Waterfront, tent
Double
Twin
Single
Pre Tour Accommodation Nairobi - Hotel Boulevard, ensuite room
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Add on: Nairobi Airport Transfer (1 person)
$55
per passengerAdd on: Livingstone Airport Shuttle Transfer
$65
per passengerAdd on: Nairobi Airport Transfer (max. 3 ppl)
$35
per passengerAccommodation Standard
Camping
Campsites
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Accommodation Standard
Camping
Prices & Dates
Departures are guaranteed to operate when there are 6 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a tent. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers, who will share a tent with another traveller of the same sex.
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Kenya to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
Our customers say
Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews