Johannesburg to Nairobi

A day-by-day breakdown of what to expect and where you'll be staying.

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Day 1, Johannesburg to Hazyview

Johannesburg is where your tour will begin. Today is a travelling day so we have a early morning departure. We make our way to the outskirts of the renown Kruger National Park - home of the Big 5.

Day 2, Kruger National Park to Hazyview

The day is spent exploring the world renowned Kruger Park. 60km wide and over 350km long this conservation area has more than 23000 plant, 500 bird, 49 fish, 33 amphibian, 114 reptile and over 146 mammal species on record. You will have a full day game drive and then also the option of a night game drive.

Day 3, Hazyview to Polokwane

Today we bid farewell to the Lowveld and set off on a scenic drive to Polokwane. Stops along the way offer the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever-striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. With tons of great viewpoints of the Canyon, you’ll want to whip out your camera for brilliant photo opportunities. Polokwane, capital of Limpopo, is the largest metropolitan complex in the north and a major economic centre. Its proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, as well as its convenient distance from the Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof makes it a perfect gateway and good destination in itself. We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our campsite located outside of the city before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool.

Day 4, Polokwane to Musina

Travelling north, today we journey towards Zimbabwe after a quick replenishing of our stocks. The long, relaxing drive gives opportunity to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery.  Tonight we’ll camp near to one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina, at the hot water spring resort – Tshipise. Situated between the rolling hills, the resort is well known for its natural hot water springs. Once we’ve set up camp, you’re free to enjoy the pools, walking trails or various other activities on offer here.

Day 5, Musina to Masvingo

We depart early this morning and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Once we have cleared customs we make our way to the historic town of Masvingo and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. You are free to explore these ancient walls at your leisure.

Day 6, Masvingo to Gweru

Today we journey to Gweru, and stop at The Antelope Park. Here there a variety of wildlife species, including giraffe, elephants and zebra. One of the highlights of this Park is 'Walking with the Lions' and there are plenty of other exciting activities to choose from too.

Day 7, Gweru

Spend the day at leisure or try one of the many activities that are available: try your hand at fishing, elephant riding, walk with lions, the list is endless - you can even swim with elephants, assuming it is warm enough to do so!

Day 8, Gweru to Bulawayo

A scenic drive takes us to Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. It has a nice, laid back atmosphere and its unusually wide streets used to accommodate turning a full span of oxen. Many old British colonial buildings are still maintained as heritage sites and this tree-lined town has many interesting places to visit.

Day 9, Bulawayo

Here we visit the Matobo National Park which is renowned for its many leopards, black eagles and rhino. Many caves and rock paintings are evidence of the ancient San inhabitants in this area and Cecil Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) was buried here at his own request.

Day 10, Bulawayo to Victoria Falls

Now we head north, making our way to one of the natural wonders of the world, the mighty Victoria Falls. Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) will be a memorable finish to this trip and it's not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and approx 100 m high, this is the world's biggest sheet of falling water!

Day 11, Victoria Falls

Today you will have a chance to do a few of the optional activities on offer in this adventure paradise. The Falls can be seen from many viewing points in the Victoria Falls Park or from the Zambian side. You will have many photo opportunities. Bungee jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe and the White water rafting is considered world class. Also, flights over the Vic Falls and the islands are available.

Day 12, Victoria Falls

Spend today walking around this little town with its BIG waterfall, rest by the pool, write your postcards, shop or chill out at a little cafe. If that sounds too relaxing then finish off the adventure activities you haven't tried yet!

Day 13, Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park

This morning we depart Victoria Falls. After a short drive cross the border of Zimbabwe into Botswana and arrive, in Kasane, on the banks of the Chobe River. Prepare for a night under Botswana's star-filled skies on a Chobe National Park Sleepout.

Day 14, Chobe National Park to Livingstone

We take the Kazangula Ferry and make our way across the Zambian border to Livingstone.

Day 15, Livingstone to Lusaka

Leaving the Victoria Falls behind us we head for our camp in Southern Zambia a short distance from the capital city Lusaka.

Day 16, Lusaka to Chipata

We journey from bustling Lusaka to our overnight stop situated just a few kilometers from the Malawi/Zambia border.

Day 17, Chipata to Lake Malawi

After crossing into Malawi we stop in the capital, Lilongwe before reaching the western side of the lake and turning south. Bargain in the markets or relax on the beach and watch the local fisherman haul in todays catch. There are optional activities to keep you busy including water sports, horse back rides and a visit to the local village and school.

Day 18, Lake Malawi

The huge Lake Malawi stretches as far as you can see as you drive along the western coastline. Other than the beautiful views, spend some time taking up some of the many water based activities on offer or trip into a local village to meet some real 'salt of the earth' Malawians.

Day 19, Lake Malawi

Today you can spend some time taking up some of the many water based activities on offer, trip into a local village or relax on the beach and read your book.

Day 20, Lake Malawi

Other than water activities, scuba diving, visits to local villages or relaxing on the beach there is also time for some shopping! Locally made crafts are often beautifully turned out and reasonably priced. Don't forget to check your home country's rules regarding importing these products before you buy. Bartering with the locals is expected!

Day 21, Lake Malawi to Iringa

After entering Tanzania our scenic drive takes in the beauty of the tea and banana plantations before arriving in Iringa at the 'Farmhouse'. Try out those decadent Amarula hot chocolates!

Day 22, Iringa to Dar Es Salaam

Today we pass through the Mikumi National Park en-route to our seaside campsite in Dar es Salaam where we get prepared for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning. The rolling hills and beautifully straight rows of the tea plantations give way to the bush and plains of Mikumi National Park before we reach the bustling city of Dar. Keep an eye out for Elephant calmly grazing beside the road.

Day 23, Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

We have the option to spend the following nights on the famous 'Spice Island'. The long and rich history of Zanzibar is reflected in the varied architecture, markets and cultures of Stone Town, while further north you can relax on the white sand beaches or scuba dive in the clear warm water.

Day 24 to 25, Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. The quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence. With pretty Medina-like shops, the palaces of the Sultans, its spices, tours around a spice plantation - there is something for everyone on this island. You can even hire a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of Zanzibar.

Day 26, Zanzibar Island to Dar es Salaam

We take the ferry back to mainland for another night in Dar es Salaam. Time permitting there may be an opportunity to visit one of the local craft markets offering a large range of exquisite products (where prices depend on your bargaining skills).

Day 27, Dar Es Salaam to Arusha

After passing through the bustling town of Moshi, (the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions) we arrive at Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha where you have the option of taking a 1 or 2 night tour of the Serengeti and/or Ngorongoro Crater. See if you can catch a glimpse of the biggest mountain in Africa which lives most of the year under cloud!

Day 28, Arusha to Serengeti National Park

From Arusha you have the option of visiting the famous Serengeti National Park. You will depart Arusha in the morning with your vehicles and guides, if you take up the two-night/three day option. From Arusha you drive through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) and up into the Ngorongoro Nature Reserve for a glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater. Then you descend down onto the vast plains of the Serengeti. The abundance of plains game has never stopped to suprise anyone entering this wildlife heaven. The afternoon will be spent game spotting before setting up camp in the midst of the park. A camp fire and the night time noises of the wildlife finish off a day in one of East Africa's most famous game parks!

Day 29, Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

An absolute 'must do' when in Tanzania. Pass through the 'Cradle of Mankind' and the Rift Valley whilst enjoying one of the best game viewing opportunities Africa has to offer. An early start takes us off for a full morning game drive in the Serengeti. We head back towards Ngorongoro where we sleep on the Crater's edge. We suggest you wear your winter woollies as it can get pretty cold on the rim of the crater during night times.

Day 30, Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Arusha

This morning we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 metre walls. This Garden of Eden is 20-kilometre wide and a true natural wonder. The size of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself where the abundance of its animal inhabitants becomes apparent. It is home to nearly every species of African animal and offers great photo opportunities of most of East Africa's mammals, such as Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Lion, and plain's game. After spending the morning in the Ngorongoro Crater you will return to our overnight stop near Arusha for the night.

Day 31, Arusha to Namanga

After stopping in Arusha to restock our supplies and view the craft markets, we head for our camp just over the Kenyan Border.

Day 32, Namanga to Nairobi

The bustling, busy city of Nairobi awaits us today where some of our fellow travellers will leave us and others will join.

Day 33, Nairobi to Masai Mara

We depart from the bustling city of Nairobi and leave for our first viewpoint where we stop to overlook the Great African Rift Valley. We then descend into the valley and enter Masai land. The Masai, habitual pastoralists are seen quite regularly on the side of the road as they tend their cattle. We arrive at our campsite in the early evening in time to enjoy sunset over the plains of the Masai Mara.

Day 34, Masai Mara

We will look for the infamous Big 5 as well as the plentiful plains game and birdlife on our game drives. You will see this 'garden of Eden' in a state nature intended it to be, rolling hills, huge plains, and an abundance of game matched no where else on earth. Buffalo, elephant, lion, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck just to name a few of the animals that inhabit this wild wonderland. Sitting around a campfire listening to the bush sounds, whilst watching the sun set is the perfect way to finish a day's game viewing in the Mara.

Day 35, Masai Mara to Kisumu

Leaving early in the morning and passing stunning tea plantations, we descend the glorious Rift Valley Plateau on our way toward Lake Victoria. We restock our supplies and overnight here.

Day 36, Kisumu to Kampala

After an early start we cross the border into Uganda and travel via the lakeside town of Jinja (the Source of the Nile) before reaching Kampala, Uganda's capital, for an overnight stay. Uganda is a small country with beautiful scenery and friendly people. Don't forget to wave at the kids when they come running out of their houses to check you out!

Day 37, Kampala to Kisoro

After passing through some beautiful countryside we arrive at Kisoro - our base for the Gorilla trekking adventure - in time to get organised for tomorrow.

Day 38, Kisoro

From our base in Kisoro and depending on permit availability and the location of the Gorillas, we have the option of joining a Gorilla trek in either Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga in the DRC, or the Ruhengeri, Rwanda. An unforgettable experience! 100% of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to protect and promote these amazing creatures.

Day 39, Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni

After our gorilla trek it's now time for some downtime. We head for Lake Bunyoni, the deepest crater lake in Africa. We can camp on the shores and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this pretty lake. If you're lucky you'll spot some of the elusive otters or just enjoy the variety of birdlife present.

Day 40, Lake Bunyoni

A day of leisure today. Visit the local village, hike, canoe, swim, catch up on writing your postcards... or relax, and sit back and enjoy the beautiful lake and its creatures. We have the whole day to enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyoni and its surrounds.

Day 41, Lake Bunyoni to Kampala

We return to Kampala after enjoying the peaceful surrounds of Lake Bunyoni. We cross the equator for the second time and there will be ample opportunity for photos at the Equator crossing. If you want to try out Kampala's night life then tonight is your chance!

Day 42, Kampala to Jinja

A short drive brings us to Jinja, at the Source of the River Nile. We have the option to either white water raft the Nile or visit Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Day 43, Jinja to Lake Nakuru National Park

We leave Uganda behind and  head in Kenya today where we overnight in Nakuru, capital of the Rift Valley Province, in preparation of our journey into Lake Nakuru National Park.

Day 44, Lake Nakuru National Park

After restocking our supplies in town we explore the Lake Nakuru National Park - a soda lake that is famous for the huge volumes of lesser and greater flamingos that flock here. A truly spectacular sight! We also keep an eye out for Black and White Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo, Giraffe, antelope and the occasional Hippo before spending the night at a bush camp within the Park.

Day 45, Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha

Moving east again we head to Lake Naivasha, home to the magnificent African Fish Eagle. At 1880 m this is the highest Rift Valley lake and time permitting we can spend the afternoon enjoying optional excursions close by. We spend our last night in a lovely campsite on the lakes edge.

Day 46, Lake Naivasha to Nairobi

Our trip of a lifetime is drawing to a end... We leave Naivasha after breakfast and return to Nairobi, arriving in the early afternoon.

Meals included in your tour cost

41 Breakfasts, 39 Lunches, 38 Dinners

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Highlights included in your tour cost

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There are 55 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• $75 Arusha Camel Rides
• $20 Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary
• $15 Elsamere
• $20 Great Zimbabwe Ruins
• $130 Gweru Elephant Ride
• $40 Gweru Elephant Swim
• $50 Hells Gate National Park
• $105 Jet Boating on the Zambezi
• $15 Jinja Guided Village Walk
• $70 Jinja Quad Bike Safari
• $90 Kande Beach Horse Riding
• $45 Kande Beach Scuba Diving
• TBA Kande Beach Water Sports Equipment
• $15 Karen Blixen Museum
• $45 Kruger National Park Game Walk
• $160 Kruger National Park Night Drive
• $20 Lake Malawi Snorkelling Trip
• $130 Lake Malawi Water Skiing
• TBA Lake Nakuru National Park
• $15 Malawi Village Walk & Meal
• $10 Masai Cultural Village
• $450 Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Ride
• $70 Moped Hire - Zanzibar
• $85 Nairobi National Park
• $65 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
• $35 Nungwe Snorkel Trip
• $160 Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursion
• $85 Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
• $500 PADI Dive Course - Zanzibar
• $50 Prison Island Excursion
• $25 Prison Island Snorkelling Trip
• $450 Serengeti National Park Excursion
• $550 Serengeti National Park Hot Air Balloon Ride
• $15 Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Rhino Sanctuary
• $25 Softpower Community Project
• $45 Stone Town City Tour
• $25 Stone Town Spice Tour
• $35 Swimming with Dolphins
• $140 Victoria Falls Adrenaline Day
• $105 Victoria Falls Bungee Jump
• $130 Victoria Falls Elephant Ride
• $120 Victoria Falls Flight of Angels
• $130 Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight
• $75 Victoria Falls Horse Rides
• $120 Victoria Falls Microlight Flight
• $30 Victoria Falls National Park
• $115 Victoria Falls Rhino Walk
• $75 Victoria Falls Scenic Flight
• $80 Walk with the Lions - Gweru
• $125 White Water Rafting on the Nile
• $130 White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
• $65 Zambezi Gorge Swing
• $165 Zambezi River Rafting & Boarding Combo
• $80 Zambezi River Sunset Dinner Cruise
• TBA Zimbabwe Walking Safaris