Vic Falls to Kenya

Visiting: Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Vic Falls to Kenya

Marvel at the power of nature on a visit to Victoria Falls, Search for elephants in Hwange National Park, Explore fascinating ancient ruins, Relax in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, Visit spice plantations in Zanzibar, Take a dip in the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean, See the best of the animal kingdom in the Ngorongoro Crater, Be thrilled by a Serengeti safari, Admire crafts at a market in Mto Wa Mbu

Travel through a region of vast landscapes, epic beauty and amazing wildlife on this enriching journey. Packed full of authentic experiences that will inspire and delight, this unique Africa tour takes in iconic sights as well as hidden gems. Marvel at the power of Victoria Falls, watch stealthy predators prowl the plains of the Serengeti and encounter herds of majestic elephants in Zimbabwe - these are the moments adventurers dream of. Be welcomed into small villages, charmed by friendly locals and be filled with awe at the sight of stunning landscapes virtually untouched by modernity. This journey from Victoria Falls to Nairobi is filled with history, culture, animal encounters and fun - hop on board and be dazzled by the colours of Africa.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If your flight arrives too late, we recommend that you consider arriving a day early and book a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your kitty, insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader.

For those of you who arrive early, there are various activities and excursions available - either on the water, on land or high above it all. Choose from whitewater rafting, canoeing, horse riding, abseiling or gorge swinging (please see the 'Optional Activities' section of these notes for more details on what you can see and do around Victoria Falls).

If you are interested in the Optional Helicopter flight ( 12 minutes or 25 minutes ) we endorse the following operator only: Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe. Your leader can help you arrange this activity.

Our campground is centrally located in the town of Victoria Falls, the perfect place to use as a base for the vast array of activities on offer in the area. Upgraded accommodation is available, please ask at reception.

Included Activities

Visit Victoria Falls

Optional Activities

Abseiling, Victoria Falls - USD55.00

Bungee jumping, Victoria Falls - USD130.00

Canoe trail (half day), Victoria Falls - USD100.00

Canoe trail, Victoria Falls - USD140.00

Flying fox, Victoria Falls - USD40.00

Helicopter flight (12 mins), Victoria Falls - USD140.00

Helicopter flight (25 mins), Victoria Falls - USD275.00

Horseback safari, Victoria Falls - USD80.00

Jet boat, Victoria Falls - USD95.00

Rafting & river boarding combo (half day), Victoria Falls - USD180.00

Village & township tour, Victoria Falls - USD50.00

Wine Route Canoe trail, Victoria Falls - USD55.00

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

 

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Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If your flight arrives too late, we recommend that you consider arriving a day early and book a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your kitty, insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader.

For those of you who arrive early, there are various activities and excursions available - either on the water, on land or high above it all. Choose from whitewater rafting, canoeing, horse riding, abseiling or gorge swinging (please see the 'Optional Activities' section of these notes for more details on what you can see and do around Victoria Falls).

If you are interested in the Optional Helicopter flight ( 12 minutes or 25 minutes ) we endorse the following operator only: Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe. Your leader can help you arrange this activity.

Our campground is centrally located in the town of Victoria Falls, the perfect place to use as a base for the vast array of activities on offer in the area. Upgraded accommodation is available, please ask at reception.

Included Activities

Visit Victoria Falls

Optional Activities

Abseiling, Victoria Falls - USD55.00

Bungee jumping, Victoria Falls - USD130.00

Canoe trail (half day), Victoria Falls - USD100.00

Canoe trail, Victoria Falls - USD140.00

Flying fox, Victoria Falls - USD40.00

Helicopter flight (12 mins), Victoria Falls - USD140.00

Helicopter flight (25 mins), Victoria Falls - USD275.00

Horseback safari, Victoria Falls - USD80.00

Jet boat, Victoria Falls - USD95.00

Rafting & river boarding combo (half day), Victoria Falls - USD180.00

Village & township tour, Victoria Falls - USD50.00

Wine Route Canoe trail, Victoria Falls - USD55.00

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

 

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Our journey to Hwange National Park is 190 km (approx 3-4 hrs).

We stop en route to visit the Painted Dog Conservation Group for an insight into the plight of the African Wild Dog.

Explore the park in open 4x4 vehicles.

Stay within the park at one of its campgrounds with shared facilities.

Included Activities

Hwange National Park

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

 

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Our journey to Bulawayo is 360 km (approx 5-6 hrs).

In the morning of Day 5 we get up early and venture out to explore the Matobo National Park.

Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceros that can be tracked on foot, Matopos National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matopos area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.

In Bulawayo, stay in a campground with shared facilities - upgrades are available.

Included Activities

Matopos National Park - Guided walking safari

Optional Activities

Natural History Museum, Bulawayo - USD10.00

Railway Museum, Bulawayo - USD2.00

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

 

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Our journey to Bulawayo is 360 km (approx 5-6 hrs).

In the morning of Day 5 we get up early and venture out to explore the Matobo National Park.

Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceros that can be tracked on foot, Matopos National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matopos area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.

In Bulawayo, stay in a campground with shared facilities - upgrades are available.

Included Activities

Matopos National Park - Guided walking safari

Optional Activities

Natural History Museum, Bulawayo - USD10.00

Railway Museum, Bulawayo - USD2.00

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

 

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Its a short drive to Masvingo (360 km, approx 5-6 hrs) where we spend the afternoon exploring the ruins.

Our campground in Masvingo has shared facilities.

Included Activities

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

 

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Our journey to Harare is 320 km (approx 5-6 hrs).

Arriving in time for lunch we have the afternoon to explore the city on our own or relax at our campground.

Optional Activities

National Archives, Harare - USD3.00

National Botanical Gardens, Harare - USD5.00

National Gallery, Harare - USD1.00

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

 

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We have two long days to cover with just over 1000kms to cover. Day 8 will see us crossing over to Zambia. Starting with a scenic drive to the border, we cover 450Kms, approx 8hrs today. We camp just outside Lusaka, The capital city of Zambia.

The following day we continue to make our way through the heartland of Zambia towards the border with Malawi, spending a final night in Zambia. Travel distance covered is 600Kms – approx 10hrs.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

 

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We have two long days to cover with just over 1000kms to cover. Day 8 will see us crossing over to Zambia. Starting with a scenic drive to the border, we cover 450Kms, approx 8hrs today. We camp just outside Lusaka, The capital city of Zambia.

The following day we continue to make our way through the heartland of Zambia towards the border with Malawi, spending a final night in Zambia. Travel distance covered is 600Kms – approx 10hrs.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

 

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We cross the border into Malawi on Day 10 making a stop in Lilongwe to replenish our supplies. During the stop-over, we have a chance to go to the bank and connect to the internet before we head out to our camp on the shore of Lake Malawi.

Distance travelled is approximately 8 hours (490 Kms) from Chipata to Lake Malawi.

Lilongwe is the political capital of Malawi with a population of just under a million people. Situated on the Lilongwe River, it's a great place to soak up some Malawian culture with lots of coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

Malawi is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many Malawian people. Fishermen, canoe and net makers, and fish traders all ply their trade on Lake Malawi. A common sight is of a fisherman in his bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day.

We enjoy Day 11 on the lake's more peaceful beaches. As well as chilling on the beach and participating in the many optional water activities on offer, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians, easily some of the friendliest people in Africa.

Our campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore of Lake Malawi.

Optional Activities

Horse riding, Lake Malawi - USD50.00

Scuba diving, Lake Malawi - USD75.00

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

 

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We cross the border into Malawi on Day 10 making a stop in Lilongwe to replenish our supplies. During the stop-over, we have a chance to go to the bank and connect to the internet before we head out to our camp on the shore of Lake Malawi.

Distance travelled is approximately 8 hours (490 Kms) from Chipata to Lake Malawi.

Lilongwe is the political capital of Malawi with a population of just under a million people. Situated on the Lilongwe River, it's a great place to soak up some Malawian culture with lots of coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

Malawi is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many Malawian people. Fishermen, canoe and net makers, and fish traders all ply their trade on Lake Malawi. A common sight is of a fisherman in his bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day.

We enjoy Day 11 on the lake's more peaceful beaches. As well as chilling on the beach and participating in the many optional water activities on offer, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians, easily some of the friendliest people in Africa.

Our campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore of Lake Malawi.

Optional Activities

Horse riding, Lake Malawi - USD50.00

Scuba diving, Lake Malawi - USD75.00

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

 

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Drive 235 km (approx 5-6 hours) to our camp in Chitimba.

Set up camp on the northern shores of Lake Malawi.

The following day is a long travel day into Tanzania and its southern highlands. Sit back, relax and watch as the countryside passes by (530 km, approx 9-10 hrs).

Set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

 

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Drive 235 km (approx 5-6 hours) to our camp in Chitimba.

Set up camp on the northern shores of Lake Malawi.

The following day is a long travel day into Tanzania and its southern highlands. Sit back, relax and watch as the countryside passes by (530 km, approx 9-10 hrs).

Set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nts)

 

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Our journey to Dar es Salaam takes us through Mikumi National Park. The route today is 560 km which will take approximately 13 hours of drive time.

Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi National Park is home to large herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and leopards. It's Tanzania's third largest national park.

Although we don't take an off-road safari into the depths of the park, a good selection of the wildlife that resides in Mikumi can usually be seen on our way through to the southern Tanzanian highland town of Iringa.

The camp is on the grounds of a hotel and has flush toilets and showers. Feel free to jump in the ocean and have a swim.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

 

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We take a ferry to Zanzibar (approx 90 mins).

Our first night is spent in the exotic port town of Stone Town in a basic inn with double/twin-share rooms.

On our first day we take a spice tour and on the second and third days here we head to the northern beaches.

Included Activities

Zanzibar Spice tour

Optional Activities

Dhow trip, Zanzibar - USD50.00

Prison island tour, Zanzibar - USD25.00

Scuba diving, Zanzibar - USD90.00

Snorkelling, Zanzibar - USD40.00

Accommodation

Bungalow (2 nts), Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We take a ferry to Zanzibar (approx 90 mins).

Our first night is spent in the exotic port town of Stone Town in a basic inn with double/twin-share rooms.

On our first day we take a spice tour and on the second and third days here we head to the northern beaches.

Included Activities

Zanzibar Spice tour

Optional Activities

Dhow trip, Zanzibar - USD50.00

Prison island tour, Zanzibar - USD25.00

Scuba diving, Zanzibar - USD90.00

Snorkelling, Zanzibar - USD40.00

Accommodation

Bungalow (2 nts), Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We take a ferry to Zanzibar (approx 90 mins).

Our first night is spent in the exotic port town of Stone Town in a basic inn with double/twin-share rooms.

On our first day we take a spice tour and on the second and third days here we head to the northern beaches.

Included Activities

Zanzibar Spice tour

Optional Activities

Dhow trip, Zanzibar - USD50.00

Prison island tour, Zanzibar - USD25.00

Scuba diving, Zanzibar - USD90.00

Snorkelling, Zanzibar - USD40.00

Accommodation

Bungalow (2 nts), Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We return by ferry and to the beach outside Dar es Salaam.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

 

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Today is a long travel day (560 km, approx 10-13 hrs).

Half-way between Marangu Mtoni and Mshiri village is where we we set up camp for the night. Our camp ground is basic with flush toilets and showers and situated on the lush green slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

 

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Before we leave for Mto Wa Mbu we take a walking tour of Mshiri Village, the base for the Village Education Project, and witness the day-to-day life of the Chagga people, long established as crop-growers on the fertile slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. Walk around their shamba (farm) and have the chance to sample the local Chagga food, which is very filling. For more information on the Village Education Project visit www.kiliproject.org.

Visit nearby waterfalls and stop to admire the view of the plains below. If the weather is clear, get a view of Kilimanjaro - the magnificent snow-capped mountain and Africa's highest peak at 5,895 m (19,340 ft).

After an early lunch, head towards Mto Wa Mbu where we camp for the night (450 km, approx 8-9 hrs).

Included Activities

Usambara Village Education Project visit, village walk & lunch

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

 

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To safari properly in these amazing parks we leave our truck behind, put our camping and personal gear into (6-person) jeeps and head out for our two-day excursion.

From Mto Wa Mbu, we descend to the floor of the famous Ngorongoro Crater and make the most of our safari here - we spend between four and five hours exploring this area.

A huge, perfectly intact volcanic crater, Ngorongoro is home to some 30,000 animals including endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round and the photographic opportunities here are unrivalled.

Departing the crater in the afternoon, head for the gates of the Serengeti and arrive at our camp in the early evening. The following day, enjoy a full day game drive in the Serengeti.

The wide, open plains of the Serengeti - green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, and home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators - are perhaps the quintessential image of Africa. Flat and rolling with long grasses and dotted with acacia trees, the plains get their name from the Maasai word Siringitu - 'the place where the land moves on forever'.

Game viewing in the Serengeti is amazing and as you camp out at night, don't be surprised to hear lions in the distance as you recount your wildlife sightings from the day. In normal circumstances, we would expect to see the Big Five during our stay in the Serengeti.

For an unforgettable experience, you might like to do an optional sunrise balloon ride over the Serengeti. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and must be arranged in advance. Please enquire when booking your trip to secure this optional activity.

If you have pre-booked this activity, you'll be picked up and driven to the launch site where you receive a safety briefing from your pilot and help inflate the balloon. You'll then float over the Serengeti as the sun comes up gaining an overview of the immensity of the Serengeti, seeing the abundance of wildlife in their early morning activity and sometimes descending to tree height for amazing wildlife photography opportunities. Upon landing, you'll be treated to a five-star bush breakfast before being returned to your accommodation.

You'll notice many Maasai villages in the region of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. While it's of course fascinating to visit different cultures, past experience has shown that these villages exist primarily as tourism businesses offering somewhat contrived performances of their traditional ways. You'll be charged an entry fee of approx US$20-35 and the Maasai will try very hard to sell souvenirs to you. While many clients still enjoy the experience, others have found it artificial and uncomfortable. We recommend our travellers bypass this activity as our Kenyan colleagues observe that it negatively impacts the Maasai culture and travellers' perception of this culture.

Included Activities

Serengeti - Game drive

Optional Activities

Balloon ride, Serengeti National Park - USD500.00

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nts)

 

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To safari properly in these amazing parks we leave our truck behind, put our camping and personal gear into (6-person) jeeps and head out for our two-day excursion.

From Mto Wa Mbu, we descend to the floor of the famous Ngorongoro Crater and make the most of our safari here - we spend between four and five hours exploring this area.

A huge, perfectly intact volcanic crater, Ngorongoro is home to some 30,000 animals including endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round and the photographic opportunities here are unrivalled.

Departing the crater in the afternoon, head for the gates of the Serengeti and arrive at our camp in the early evening. The following day, enjoy a full day game drive in the Serengeti.

The wide, open plains of the Serengeti - green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, and home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators - are perhaps the quintessential image of Africa. Flat and rolling with long grasses and dotted with acacia trees, the plains get their name from the Maasai word Siringitu - 'the place where the land moves on forever'.

Game viewing in the Serengeti is amazing and as you camp out at night, don't be surprised to hear lions in the distance as you recount your wildlife sightings from the day. In normal circumstances, we would expect to see the Big Five during our stay in the Serengeti.

For an unforgettable experience, you might like to do an optional sunrise balloon ride over the Serengeti. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and must be arranged in advance. Please enquire when booking your trip to secure this optional activity.

If you have pre-booked this activity, you'll be picked up and driven to the launch site where you receive a safety briefing from your pilot and help inflate the balloon. You'll then float over the Serengeti as the sun comes up gaining an overview of the immensity of the Serengeti, seeing the abundance of wildlife in their early morning activity and sometimes descending to tree height for amazing wildlife photography opportunities. Upon landing, you'll be treated to a five-star bush breakfast before being returned to your accommodation.

You'll notice many Maasai villages in the region of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. While it's of course fascinating to visit different cultures, past experience has shown that these villages exist primarily as tourism businesses offering somewhat contrived performances of their traditional ways. You'll be charged an entry fee of approx US$20-35 and the Maasai will try very hard to sell souvenirs to you. While many clients still enjoy the experience, others have found it artificial and uncomfortable. We recommend our travellers bypass this activity as our Kenyan colleagues observe that it negatively impacts the Maasai culture and travellers' perception of this culture.

Included Activities

Serengeti - Game drive

Optional Activities

Balloon ride, Serengeti National Park - USD500.00

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nts)

 

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Our journey to Arusha is 150 km, approx 2-3 hrs (stopping en route at Mto Wa Mbu to jump back on board our truck).

Tonight we'll camp on the outskirts of Arusha where we'll enjoy our final dinner together.

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 nt)

 

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It is 390 km (approx 9-10 hrs) to Nairobi.

On arrival in Nairobi we'll be dropped at our finishing point hotel. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but we are able to book you additional accommodation in Nairobi. Please ask at time of booking.

Important: Please don't book any international flights until after 9pm this evening.

If you're staying on, why not head out to explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum (author of Out of Africa), or Bomas of Kenya where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.

This is a transport day to Nairobi. You can finish your trip in Arusha this morning if you wish to travel further in Tanzania or catch a flight.

Optional Activities

Bomas, Nairobi - USD10.00

Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi - KES2000.00

Karen Blixen museum, Nairobi - USD14.00

Langata Giraffe Sanctuary, Nairobi - KES1000.00

Nairobi National Park safari walk, Nairobi - USD20.00

National Museum, Nairobi - USD10.00

 

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@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner