A varied journey through many of south and east Africa's natural highlights from Victoria Falls to the great gamelands of northern Tanzania. We take in Zambia's finest reserve, South Luangwa, the idyllic shores of Lake Malawi, a dramatic rail journey through southern Tanzania and the tropical shores of Tanzania's 'Spice Island', Zanzibar.
Mosi-oa-Tunya & South Luangwa
We begin in Livingstone and one of the world's greatest natural wonders, the 'smoke that thunders', Victoria Falls. After the chance to spot rhino in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park we turn east to South Luangwa. Lying on the valley floor between the meandering Luangwa River and the steep Muchinga Escarpment the park is noted for its varied habitats and plentiful game and is one of Africa's finest parks for foot safaris.
Lake Malawi and old Stonetown
Crossing the border into Malawi we travel up the west coast of its greatest lake, explored by Livingstone during his Zambezi Expedition in 1861. We pause at Senga Bay and Chitimba to take in the stunning scenery and relax on its idyllic shores. Next a unique rail journey takes us across Tanzania from Mbeya to Dar es Salaam and we cross to Zanzibar to spend time relaxing and exploring the streets and alleys of old Stonetown.
Gamelands of Tanzania
Back on mainland Tanzania we reach the famous gamelands of its northern parks and reserves. From the plains of the Serengeti to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, most of Africa's game can be found here and we have the chance to search for the 'Big Five'. Finally we arrive in Kenya and Amboseli National Park, famous for its large herds of elephant and picture-perfect views of Kilimanjaro.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Livingstone (Zambia). 2 In Livingstone; view Victoria Falls and optional activities. 3 Drive Lusaka. 4 Drive to Chipata. 5 Continue to South Luangwa National Park; game drive. 6 In South Luangwa NP; game drive and walking safari. 7 Drive Senga Bay (Malawi) on Lake Malawi. 8 At Senga Bay; optional activities. 9 Drive to Chitimba. 10 Drive to Mbeya (Tanzania). 11 Overnight sleeper train to Dar es Salaam. 12 Arrive Dar; ferry to Zanzibar; transfer east coast. 13 Free at east coast. 14 Transfer Zanzibar Town; optional walking tour. 15 Ferry to Dar; drive Pangani. 16 To Ngorongoro Conservation Area. 17 Game-viewing in Ngorongoro Crater; drive Serengeti National Park; game-viewing on route. 18 Full day game-viewing in Serengeti NP; optional balloon safari. 19 Drive Karatu via Olduvai Gorge. 20 To Amboseli National Park (Kenya). 21 Game drive; drive to Nairobi. 22 End Nairobi.
Accommodation: 5nts hotel, 13nts camping, 2nts bungalow, 1 overnight train; 20 breakfasts, 15 lunches & 15 dinners included.
Transport: Safari truck/Land Rover(s) in Ngorongoro Crater/overnight train.
Comment: A rugged overland journey with a diverse range of optional and included activities. Come prepared for some long journeys and rough roads.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader, driver(s), cook, N. Park rangers/safari guides.
Trip Reference: KL
