East African Budget Safari - South

Explore top game parks, scenic landscapes and tropical beaches on this accommodated East African Budget Safari into Tanzania, Zanzibar Islands, Malawi and Zambia.

Highlights on this southbound Budget East African Safari, starting in Nairobi and ending at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, include:

• Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater Game Viewing
• Zanzibar Island Beaches and Stone Town in Zanzibar
• Northern & central Lake Malawi beaches & Lilongwe
• Zambia's South Luangwa Park, Chipata & Lusaka
• Tour ends at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

This super East African Budget Safari offers a great mix of beaches, wildlife and bush in a well planned itinerary that makes the most out of your memorable 3 week adventure East Africa!

East African Accommodated Safari Highlights:

• 4-day ca​mping trip to Serengeti Park & Ngorongoro Crater 
• Go to Tanzania's scenic Karatu & hike in Lushoto
• Masai Mara Museum & Snake Park in Tanzania's Arusha
• Enjoy Zanzibar Island's beaches & visit Stone Town
• Relax on the tranquil shores of Lake Malawi
• Go game viewing in Zambia's South Luangwa Park
• Visit Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe

Day 1: Kenya - Nairobi To Arusha – Tanzania

Our southbound East African Budget Safari departs from Nairobi, the bustling capital of Kenya, driving south across the border into Tanzania.

On our way to the town of Arusha, we may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain.

This afternoon we prepare for the optional excursion to the world-famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 - 4: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania

The next 4 days are set aside for the optional 3-night ca​mping excursion into the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater (included in Activity Package).

This area of Tanzania has one of the densest large animal populations in Africa. The Serengeti Park & Ngorongoro Crater excursion is in open topped 4x4 safari vehicles to help tackle the challenging side roads in these top game parks.

For those not visiting the Serengeti Plains and Ngorongoro Crater, this is the ideal chance to absorb some of the fascinating local culture.

Optional Activities: Various Serengeti & Ngorongoro Excursion packages, Lake Manyara game drives, day hiking & village tours, volunteer at educational project and many more various day trips.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Karatu – Tanzania

Today those that explored the Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area will meet up with the rest of the group at the safari truck in Karatu.

Karatu is only a stone’s throw away from the world-famous Serengeti Park & Ngorongoro Crater Area and here there will be time to share stories of the memorable African wildlife encountered in these top Tanzanian Game Parks. Game viewing in the Serengeti is always an unforgettable experience and one that will be shared time and time again.

Greet the locals with a "saitaa" in the picturesque town of Karatu, located in an area of Tanzania that has a cool climate and features lush green hills with pretty views, that attracted settlers and farmers. The slopes of the volcano and the lands surrounding Karatu town are covered in extensive rolling fields. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Lushoto – Tanzania

Next on this accommodated budget safari we drive to Lushoto, stopping in Arusha to visit the local Masai Mara Museum and the Snake Park along the way.

Lushoto is a major (yet small) town and the district centre, located in the Usambara Mountains, halfway between the scenic Tanzanian coast and game parks.

The popular pot plant Saintpaulia only grows wild in Tanzania, particularly within the Usambara Mountain region. Here you will have the chance to hike in the surrounding mountainous area, or just relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - 9: Zanzibar Island

After an early morning wake up on day seven, we leave Lushoto and drive to Dar es Salaam on the east coast of Africa.

A local ferry will take us from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar Island (included in Activity Package). We spend the first night in Stone Town exploring the historic and unique architecture of this culturally diverse town.

There are also spice and seafood markets to be explored in Stone Town. The following day we take a transfer to the northern part of Zanzibar Island where we will spend our time relaxing on the white sand beaches.

At Nungwi Beach in Zanzibar there are various activities available, as well as excursions to explore this tropical island more.

Optional Activities: Lunch & Dinner, Swimming with Dolphins, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling etc.

Meals: Breakfast x 3

Day 10: Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam – Tanzania

Our action-packed East African Budget Safari leaves the beach paradise of Zanzibar Islands today. We catch a late ferry back to Dar es Salaam returning to our safari truck and camp.

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park – Tanzania

Today we set off for the Mikumi National Park, in Tanzania. Mikumi Park is home to lion, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo, elephant and more.

Today we have the opportunity to enjoy an optional afternoon game drive in Mukumi National Park, Tanzania's 4th largest National Park.

Optional Activity:  Afternoon game drive in Mikumi NP.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Iringa – Tanzania

We leave the humid Indian Ocean coastline of East Africa, traveling inland and up to Iringa.

Iringa is located in the tea growing highlands of Tanzania at 1550m above sea level, which means this pleasant town can get quite cool between June and August.

In the evening we enjoy a traditional Tanzanian experience, eating in a local Masai Hut.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Northern Lake Malawi, Chitimba Beach – Malawi

Departing from Iringa in Tanzania we cross into Malawi making our way to the northern beaches of Lake Malawi, via scenic mountain passes.

We descend to our next stop the small lakeside village of Chitimba. Here we get to relax on the sandy beaches of beautiful Lake Malawi and participate in optional activities.

If you are feeling more active then you can take a short hike to the 50m high Manchawe Falls covering a cave where locals hid from slave traders in colonial times. 

Lake Malawi is known for its friendly locals and fresh fish, in addition to the excellent water activities at this scenic lake. The third largest and second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Malawi is an impressive inland body of freshwater that covers one fifth of Malawi.

Optional Activities: Hiking, Abseiling, Water sports etc.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 - 15: Central Lake Malawi, Kande – Malawi

Next we take a short drive south along the idyllic shores of this African Great Lake to Kande Beach, near Kande Island. In Kande we have time to relax on the unspoiled white sand beaches and swim in the clear blue waters of Lake Malawi. There are plenty of optional water sports activities to choose from, as well as activities such as horse riding.

On day two at Kande Beach we take a guided walking tour of one of the local villages lead by a local resident. This cultural excursion (included in the tour price) gives us a chance to meet some of the friendly locals and get a glimpse of life in Malawi, the "Warm Heart of Africa".

Optional Activities: Scuba diving, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding and craft shopping.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Lilongwe – Malawi

Day 16 on the affordable East African Safari sees us traveling to Lilongwe, Malawis capital and largest city. Here we visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Malawi’s only sanctuary for rescued, orphaned and injured wild animals. 

The Wildlife Centre is set in 180 hectares of beautiful woodland, Lilongwe’s only protected wilderness.  

Optional Activities:  City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 - 18: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

Early in the morning we drive to the South Luangwa National Park in neighbouring Zambia where we spend the next two nights at our safari camp right on the banks of the Luangwa River.

You can often see Hippo and other wild animals from the camp bar. The game park is known for its high concentration of leopards and hippos. Later this afternoon we enjoy a guided afternoon to sunset game drive.

The following morning you can take an optional morning game drive in South Luangwa Park and in the afternoon we visit the community run tribal textile project and a local village. 

Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive and Game Walk in South Luangwa Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Chipata – Zambia

We leave South Luangwa National Park today taking a relatively short drive through to Chipata where we will relax in the afternoon. Zambia is truly African and an adjustment from the more western ways of Southern Africa.

There are many rural villages and farming communities dotting the lush vegetation of this unique African country.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Lusaka – Zambia

The journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route. If we arrive on time, and on a week day, there may be opportunity to visit one of the interesting local markets of Lusaka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21: Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls

We drive from Zambia's Lusaka, across the Zimbabwean border and on to Victoria Falls. 

This exhilarating East African Budget Safari south ends on day 21 at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. We highly recommend spending a few extra days here after the safari ends to participate in some of the adventure activities available and to witness the mighty Victoria Falls!

White water rafting is always popular, but you can also walk with Lions, visit the Elephants or take a scenic flight over Victoria Falls. 

Optional Activities: Dinner out in Victoria Falls

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Please Note:

This southbound East African Budget Safari is also available in the opposite direction as the East African Budget Safari - North, starting in Victoria Falls and ending in Nairobi.

This southbound East African Budget Safari is also available as a Camping Safari - the East African Camping Safari - South.