Johannesburg to Nairobi Exclusive Overland Safari

This Safari starts in Johannesburg, South Africa and ends in Nairobi, Kenya.

Our journey starts with us departing from Johannesburg and crossing the Zimbabwe border where we will visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Matobo National Park, Hwange National Park and the mightly Victoria Falls, home to some of the best adventure activities in Southern Africa including white water rafting, elephant back Safaris and Lion Encounters to name a few.

We then travel into Zambia where we visit Kafue National Park, South Luangwa National Park in search of Africa's wildlife. Our journey continues to the landlocked country of Malawi and on the Lake Malawi where we will relax on the white sand beaches of the Lake.

We continue onwards to Tanzania where we will visit the "Spice Island" Zanzibar with its rich Arab/African cultural mix and spectacular beaches. From Zanzibar its off to Arusha gateway to the Serengeti and the "Garden of Eden" the Ngorongoro Crater, home to Africa's "Big 5".

Our journey continues across the Kenyan border and will come to and end in Nairobi, Kenya.

Day 1: Jhb - Limpopo D

Leaving Johannesburg early, we begin our trek north. Stopping en-route to do some last minute shopping, we head for our rustic bush camp set on a private game reserve in the Limpopo Valley. We arrive early and familiarise ourselves with the vehicle and equipment, before camping the night. Enjoy a traditional "braai".

Day 2: Zimbabwe Ruins B L

After a morning walk, we travel the short distance to the border where we complete formalities and then travel directly to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The afternoon is spent exploring this massive complex, and delving into the mysteries surrounding their origin. Tonight we enjoy a night of relative comfort, and a catered meal (own expense).

Day 3: Bulawayo / Matobo B L D

A short drive today, we pass through the wide streets of Bulawayo, and on to our camp nestled amongst the precariously balanced boulders of Matobo. This afternoon we enjoy an open vehicle drive into the MatoboNational Park where we will track Rhino and other animals on foot.

Day 4: Hwange B L D

Arising early, we stretch our legs with a climb on one of the "koppies" surrounding our camp before packing up and moving on to Hwange. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive drive in search of the animals for which Hwange is so well known. Tonight we drift off to sleep to the sounds of the wild at our bush camp in the Hwange area.

Day 5 - 6: Victoria Falls B D

Leaving our bush-camp, we head for the amazing spectacle of Victoria Falls, and the surrounding tourist village. We spend two nights here in comfort. There are numerous activities to pursue, bungi jumping, white-water rafting and aircraft flips (own expense). Clients will have leisure time to explore the town. One evening meal will be at a local restaurant (own expense),the other will be a "braai" with traditional dancers at the pool.

Day 7: Kafue Camp B L D

An early start, we have a last view of the falls whilst crossing the historic Livingstone Bridge over the Zambezi Gorge into Zambia. Our journey takes us across southern Zambia to the Kafue River where we set up camp. Relax at the pool and enjoy a hot shower.

Day 8 - 10: Zambezi Canoe B L D

After a river safety and procedure briefing we begin our canoeing adventure. These days are the highlight of the tour, with excellent bird and game viewing opportunities. Hippo and other big game may be encountered at close range. This section does involve a certain amount of effort, and at night we camp wild.

We end the paddle at the Chongwe River, and camp the last night on the mainland. The next day we conduct a short game walk before transferring back to Kafue camp by boat, for a hot shower and a catered meal (own expense). Camp the night.

Day 11: Luangwa B D

We continue north via the capital city, Lusaka, where we stock up on provisions and enjoy an own expense lunch, before moving along the Great East Road to our overnight camp. We will cover as much distance today as possible.

Day 12 - 13: Luangwa National Park B L D

Travel on to camp on the banks of the Luangwa River where we overnight for two nights just outside the Luangwa National Park. We enter the southern park for some spectacular game viewing with excellent opportunities for Leopard sightings. Camp both nights. (Optional night drive, own expense)

Day 14 - 15: Lake Malawi B L D

Today we enter Malawi, and after replenishing stocks and spending some time at the curio stalls in Lilongwe, we continue down to the lake where we spend two nights literally camping on the beach. The days are spent simply relaxing and soaking up the sun, or for the more energetic, the crystal clear waters offer excellent snorkeling and lovely beach walks.

Day 16 : Lake Malawi B L D

Following the winding road along the lakeshore, we continue north and again camp the night on the beach, enjoying Lake Malawi, one of Africa's jewels.

Day 17: Mikumi B L D

Entering Tanzania, we begin our journey across this vast country. Tonight we will camp near the remote village of Mikumi.

Day 18: Dar Es Salaam B L D

We arrive in Dar Es Salaam, the historic port of Tanzania, around noon. We will  spend some time in this bustling city before moving to the North Coast where we will camp the night on the beach.

Day 19 - 22: Zanzibar B L D

This morning we head directly to the harbour where we embark on a ferry ride across to the spice island, Zanzibar. Exploring the island thoroughly, we spend time at the remote villages and sandy beaches of the north, and enjoying the mystique and history of the Stone Town. Visit the slave pits and participate in a spice tour, the food and fruit market is not to be missed. Sample the local cuisine one night (own expense).

Day 23: Zanzibar / Dar Es Salaam B L D

Leaving the island behind, we board the ferry for our journey back to the mainland. We camp the night north of Dar Es Salaam at a small resort.

Day 24 - 25: Arusha B L D

Moving inland we head for Arusha where we spend two nights camping in this bustling town. We enjoy a full day of curio shopping and exploring the numerous markets, etc. At this stage it is possible to view Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa, if the clouds oblige.

Day 26 - 28: Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater B L D

Travelling from Arusha to Serengeti we are bound to witness the impressive Masai herdsmen, herding their cattle amongst the game. Most of the day is a game drive with exceptional game viewing potential, and we arrive at the Seronera camp in the late afternoon to camp the night.

Rising early we continue game viewing for the entire day, before exiting the park and making for Simba Camp to camp the night on the lip of the Ngorongoro crater. We descend into the crater on the steep dirt track cut into the crater wall. The diverse habitats of lake, swamp, grassland, and acacia forests bring with them an equal diversity of game, with everything one can imagine, from Flamingo to Elephant and the ever-present Masai herdsmen. We finally exit the crater after lunch to return to Arusha for the night.

Day 29: Arusha-Nairobi B L

After a final hopeful glimpse of Kilimanjaro we head due north to enter Kenya and to travel directly to Nairobi. We overnight in a simple hotel with an evening farewell meal (own expense).

Day 30: Nairobi B

After breakfast we bid farewell to our fellow travellers and depart on our separate ways.

Note:

During the dry season we may exit Serengeti from the west and travel to Nairobi via Lake Victoria.
A trip of this nature can only be undertaken by people of a certain mentality and we only recommend it to people under 55 years of age, although this bviously depends on the individual.
Africa can be harsh, with not only unpredictable weather, but unpredictable attitudes as well.
Clients must expect delays for whatever reason.
All visa requirements and border formalities are the responsibility of the client, and we will not hold the tour up for irresponsible reasons.
Seasonal Malaria precautions are advisable and are locally obtainable.
The recommended currency for this tour is US Dollars, in small denominations.
The most necessary item on this tour is an open and flexible mind!