African Safari Highlights & Vic Falls Trip

This Budget African Safari begins in Nairobi, Kenya, and explores Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar Island, before visiting Malawi, Zambia and Botswana, and ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Highlights on this Budget Camping Safari in Africa include:

• Great Rift Lakes & Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya
• Serengeti Park & Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
• Dar es Salaam & Zanzibar Island off Tanzania
• Lake Malawi Beaches in friendly Malawi
• Chipata, Lusaka & Livingstone in Zambia
• Chobe Game Park in Botswana
• Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

This African Safari Highlights & Victoria Falls Trip travels to top African Safari Destinations, game viewing in some of Africa's best game parks and relaxing on idyllic tropical beaches. 

DAY 1: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park - Kenya (L / D)

This African Safari Highlights & Vic Falls Trip departs from bustling Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, driving towards our first safari destination, Lake Nakuru National Park. 

Lake Nakuru Park is famous for its huge flocks of flamingoes. Thousands of lesser and greater flamingos can be seen in the shallow waters of this soda lake. 

The size of the flamingo flocks varies depending on the water levels, with low water levels attracting vast numbers. This large gathering of flamingoes creates a sea of pink, in one of natures' truly spectacular sights! 

The  Lake Nakuru Park was established as a sanctuary to protect the endangered black and white rhino, frequently sighted in this unique Kenyan wilderness area.

We spend the afternoon game viewing in search of pre-historic looking rhinos, the shy leopard, and plenty of buffalo, giraffe and various antelope species, as well as the occasional hippo.

Tonight we camp wild within the Nakuru National Park (no ablution facilities). 

DAY 2: Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha - Kenya (B / L / D)

On day 2 of this camping safari we rise and shine early in the morning packing up the safari camp and grabbing a quick breakfast; before venturing out into the African bush on our morning game drive in Lake Nakuru Park.

The early hours of the day are generally the best time to spot predators returning from a wild night out hunting for prey as well as other game waking up to a new day. With a little luck, we may even sight one of the resident leopards!

After our exciting game drive, we travel south-east to Lake Naivasha, home to an abundance of bird life, the most magnificent being the African Fish Eagle with its regal cry. 

At 1880m, Kenya's Lake Naivasha is highest Great Rift Valley lake.  We spend the afternoon enjoying optional outings such as having High Tea at Elsamere (home to Joy & George Adamson famous for Born Free), a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride at Hell’s Gate National Park. 

Tonight we stay at a lovely campsite on the edge of Lake Naivasha. 

DAY 3: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara - Kenya (B / L / D)

Wake up for a hearty breakfast before traveling to the Masai Mara National Reserve in southwest Kenya. We enter Masai country, where the traditionally pastorialist Masai people are often seen tending their cattle along the side of the road.

En route to Masai Mara we pass through the town of Narok, keeping an eye out for some of Africa's wildlife as we go.

Much of the road between Nairobi and the Masai Mara Reserve is in a poor state, so get ready for a rough ride!

We arrive at our safari campsite in the evening. The Camp looks out over the Meguarra hills and a meandering stream below - forming a natural border with the unfenced Masai Mara National Reserve. Wildlife roams freely between Masai Mara and the surrounding wilderness areas as they choose – even wondering through our own camp! The local ‘Askari’ keeps a watchful eye for any roaming predators to ensure our safety at the Mara camp.

DAY 4: Masai Mara - Kenya (B / L / D)

Setting off shortly after sunrise on our morning game drive into Masai Mara Game Reserve we get to see Kenya's top game park at its best!

The Masai Mara is well known as one of East Africa’s best National Reserves, home to a wide variety of wild animals and birds. Masai Mara, like Tanzania's Serengeti, is most famous for the Annual Migration, taking place between July and October.

The well-known Wildebeest Migration consists of impressive herds of over one million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle stampeding over the open plains from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Msai Mara in Kenya.

The flood of herbivores in search of fresh grazing in turn attract Africa’s predators, often seen at kill during the migration period. We embark on a rewarding game drive in part of the Masai Mara Park searching for Africa's  Big Five - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard; along with the numerous other species of wild animals, reptiles and birds inhabiting this East African game park.

After our Mara game drive, we have the option of visiting a nearby Masai Manyatta – a traditional hamlet where the Masai continue to live in their traditional way. This evening we sit around the camp fire, witnessing a magnificent African sunset over the wild plains of Africa.

DAY 5: Kisii / Kericho Area – Kenya(B / L / D)

After breakfast we depart from the Masai Mara Reserve heading to Kisii/Kericho via some picturesque tea plantations along the way.

These towns serve as the main commercial centres of the Gusii Highlands in Kenya, where cash crops like tea and coffee thrive thanks to the equatorial climate. We stock up on supplies in the towns before crossing into neighbouring Tanzania on the following day of this Budget African Safari.

DAY 6: Musoma – Tanzania (B / L / D)

We leave game-rich Kenya behind and drive south into Tanzania. After border formalities, our journey takes us through the scenic granite landscapes surrounding Africa’s biggest lake – Lake Victoria. We spend the night at a campsite located on the banks of Lake Victoria in the fishing town of Musoma.

DAY 7:  Serengeti National Park - Tanzania (B / L / D)

We make a quick pit stop for supplies to see us through the next couple of days out in the untamed bush before making our way to the Serengeti National Park. We drive into Serengeti Park entering through the less travelled western corridor. Upon entering the game park we enjoy a game drive en-route to our safari campsite set in the centre of the Serengeti Reserve. And after lunch we experience more of the endless plains this Tanzanian game park is named after.

The Serengeti Park is famous for its enormous concentration of wild animals, especially the big cats of Africa. Like Masai Mara, Serengeti is also known for the spectacular annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelles.

The sheer abundance of plains game in this Tanzanian wildlife area is truly awe-inspiring.

Tonight we camp in the wild Tanzanian bush (no ablutions) surrounded by the sounds of Africa's bushveld, pierced only by the calls of the nocturnal wildlife. In the morning, we drive into the Serengeti bush on another game drive exploring the rugged landscape in search of the plentiful wildlife. With a bit ofluck, we may see some of the iconic ‘Big 5’ of Africa!

DAY 8:  Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania (B / L / D)

We rise early to pack up our bush camp and continue our thrilling game drive through the Serengeti National Park.

Heading to the southern part of the vast game park we have the chance to look out over the endless plains Serengeti is renowned for. We drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area at lunch time and begin ascending the steep Crater's edge.

Tonight we camp (basic ablutions) on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater where temperatures are lower than in the warmer plains of Tanzania below - bring your winter woollies as it can get very chilly at night. 

DAY 9:  Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha - Tanzania (B / L / D)

The Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 m high walls and 20 km wide floor is a real natural marvel. 

The Crater’s rim offers spectacular views, but the true scale of the world's largest caldera is best appreciated from the floor of the crater itself.

The great abundance of wild African animals found within the crater becomes apparent as you drive along the crater floor. Nearly every species of African animal is represented in Ngorongoro where you get the chance to see an incredible concentration of East African mammals, such as elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, lion and plain’s game. 

After a morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater we continue to our next Tanzanian campsite outside Arusha town, where we spend the evening recollecting our exhilarating wildlife experiences in East Africa.

DAY 10:  Arusha to Pangani (B / L / D)

This morning we change to a different safari truck and drive to the town of Arusha, where we stock up on supplies before traveling further south towards Dar es Salaam, on the coast of Tanzania.

We travel through Moshi, a town at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain. Moshi serves as the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and we may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this magnificent mountain’s snowy summit from the town. The views of towering Kilimanjaro from Moshi offer fantastic photo opportunities!

Passing through vast sisal plantations flanked by the Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges we continue south on our safari adventure. Our lovely overnight campsite tucked between the mountains, lies halfway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

DAY 11:  Pangani to Dar es Salaam - Tanzania (B / L / D)

On day 11 of our African Highlights Safari we hit the road again continuing through lush green landscapes dotted with palm tree as we make our way to Dar es Salaam on the warm East Coast of Africa.  

The pace of our drive to the warm Indian Ocean slows as we enter the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, taking in the interesting sights and sounds of Dar’s vibrant outer suburbs as we go. Keep an eye out for the brightly coloured shop-fronts decorated with humorous ‘catch phrases’.

Arriving in coastal Dar es Salaam we head to our pleasant seaside campsite and have time to prepare for our trip to Zanzibar Island the following morning.

DAY 12:  Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar - Tanzania (B)

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us across to the "Spice Island” of Zanzibar, for the optional 3 night island excursion.  Zanzibar has a colourful past, as one of the major departure points for most of the explorations into new territories of East Africa, in times gone by.

New passengers may join us on our Zanzibar Trip, as some travel companions might opt to end their tour of Africa back in Dar es Salaam.

Please Note: 

The Zanzibar accommodation and meals costs are for your own account, as experience has shown that visitors prefer exploring the island unguided.

Zanzibar Island hosts a wide selection of restaurants offering a variety of tasty meals. The Trip Leader joins you and can help with arranging accommodation in Zanzibar.

For those not taking the optional trip to the island of Zanzibar, the next three days are spent relaxing at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam. There are various optional excursions available from the safari camp including diving, snorkelling and fishing trips along the coast of Tanzania. The driver and cook remain behind in Dar es Salaam during the Zanzibar Excursion.

DAYS 13 & 14: Zanzibar Island – Tanzania

Zanzibar Island has a great range of activities to offer visitors, from quiet sightseeing to exciting water activities.

Explore one of the spice plantations, an interesting experience on Zanzibar, which is famous for its exotic spices. The quaint streets of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar reveal traces of their Arabic history, from Medina-style shops to the impressive palaces that once belonged to powerful Sultans.

Other interesting activities on Zanzibar Island include a day trip to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, to see its giant tortoises. A full day of scuba diving in Nungwe is well worth it, as is the experience of fishing in a traditional saiing dhow.  

There are a variety of restaurants offering a fantastic array of fresh seafood straight from the ocean, with crayfish being a popular speciality. You can mingle with the locals at the seafront market of Forodhani Gardens, where inexpensive yet delicious seafood is available.

DAY 15: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (D)

Departing from the tropical Zanzibar Island in the afternoon our exciting beach trip comes to a close. We return to the shores of Tanzania by the early evening feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.

We spend the night catching up with fellow travellers at our safari camp in Dar es Salaam town.

DAY 16: Dar es Salaam to Iringa – Tanzania (B / L / D)

On the morning of day 16 we set off from coastal Dar es Salaam making our way further south. 

En route we drive through the inland Mikumi National Park, home to a variety of wildlife. The wildlife in Mikumi is quite accustomed to the passing traffic, which makes sighting the animals easier as we drive through the game park.

We continue to Iringa, our next overnight stop on this African Safari Highlights & Vic Falls Trip. The night is spent at a scenic and rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy hot showers!

DAYS 17 to 20: Iringa to Lake Malawi – Malawi (B / L / D)

We follow the winding road through the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations admiring this beautiful region of Tanzania as we travel.

Next, we cross into Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ via the Songwe border post.

Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area consisting of the beautiful, fresh-water Lake Malawi.

Over the next few days we travel the full length of the western side of Lake Malawi, stopping off at various bays and inlets. Days are spent relaxing on the unspoilt beaches, learning to play the game of bao from locals or bargain hunting at the markets.

The temperate climate of Malawi is suited to swimming all year round, so you can always take a dip in the clear blue waters. Explore the picturesque shores of Lake Malawi meeting local fishermen as they sort the fresh catch of the day. The fishermen still bring in their catch using traditional fishing techniques. The ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermens' boats twinkle out on the lake at night.

You can gain insight into the skill involved in handling one of the fishing boats by trying your hand at paddling a dug out canoe yourself. Excursions offered at the beachside campsites along Lake Malawi's shores include options such as water sports, horse riding and visits to the local school and village.

DAY 21: Lake Malawi to Chipata – Zambia (B / L / D)

Leaving lovely Lake Malawi and its friendly people behind, we drive to the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe. This small city has a distinct old town and a new administrative centre.

We replenish our supplies before travelling into neighbouring Zambia - the next stop on this African Budget Safari. We make our way to a beautiful little campsite just 10 km from the Malawi and Zambia border, where we stay overnight.

DAY 22: Chipata to Lusaka – Zambia (B / L / D)

Driving south-west from Chipata along the Great East Road we head to our overnight campsite located on the fringes of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city.

On our drive we cross the impressive Luangwa River Bridge near the Zimbabwe-Malawi border and travel via some rural villages and towns in Zambia today.

Zambia prospered during the copper boom in the 60’s and established extensive infrastructure in its main mining and farming communities. After a subsequent decline in the copper industry, Zambia is once again starting to prosper, due to foreign investment and a resurgence in the mining industry. 

Some of the local wildlife such as the Eland, Africa's largest antelope, share the safari campsite with us!

DAY 23:  Lusaka to Livingstone – Zambia (B / L / D)

Continuing our journey south through Zambia, we pass through southern Zambian farming and agricultural towns en route to Livingstone.

Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.  

Vic Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and around 100 m high. Seeing Vic Falls is a highlight of any African Safari! 

We can witness this spectacular natural wonder from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia - a superb photographic opportunity. In the evening we can enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.

DAY 24: Livingstone to Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)

Saying goodbye to truly African Zambia we head into one of Africa's top Safari Countries, Botswana, at the Kazangula Ferry crossing.

Once in Botswana we drive to the northern town of Kasane, located on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe River, home to hippos and other wildlife, forms a natural border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.

After lunch we take a relaxing boat cruise on the Chobe River, the main source of water in Chobe National Park. Returning from our boat cruise we prepare for our overnight Chobe National Park trip.

Then we make our way into this top Botswana game reserve for our overnight experience in the African wilderness of Chobe National Park. Chobe Park is one of the premier game parks in Botswana, renowned for its large herds of migratory elephants. 

In the afternoon we explore Chobe on a game drive en route to our safari camp inside the game park. On the game viewing drive rare Sable and Roan Antelope are often sighted, keep an eye out for their destinct backward slanting horns, or watch the numerous swooping Lilac Breasted Rollers!

We spend the evening musing over our wildlife encounters in Chobe Park and listening to the night sounds of nearby wildlife, interspersed by the silence of the African bush.

Getting up early after our night in the Botswana bush, we set off on a morning game drive in search of Chobe's wildlife. After our rewarding game drive we pack up camp and travel back to the town of Kasane.

DAY 25: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (Brunch)

Back at the Kasane camp we transfer to our safari truck and take the short drive to the Zimbabwe border. Border formalities behind us, we cover the last bit of ground to nearby Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Named after the famous World Heritage Site and Waterfall, the town of Victoria Falls is located along the Zambezi River, surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our safari campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of Victoria Falls town, within walking distance of the local restaurants, shops and booking agents for adventure activities.

A 20 minute walk takes you to the entry point for viewing the spectacular Vic Falls, falling between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by the explorer David Livingstone and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and about 100 m high. An awesome and memorable sight on any African Safari!

A short adventure activities brief is followed by an afternoon of leisure for you to unwind at the campsite’s swimming pool, view the mighty Victoria Falls, or explore the sights and delights of Vic Falls town!

DAY 26: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (B)

On the last day of this unforgettable African Safari Highlights & Vic Falls Trip we enjoy breakfast, before exchanging addresses and parting ways. This Budget African Safari ends after breakfast in Victoria Falls town.

We recommend that you book an extra few days at Vic Falls after your safari trip, to take advantage of the fantastic Optional Adventure Activities at Victoria Falls.

Optional Excursions include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! 

Flights over Vic Falls in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective of this magnificent World Heritage Site, all year round. White water rafting on the Zambezi River is world class. In addition to the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the towering cliffs and occasional wildlife on the Zambezi riverbanks.

Please Note:

This Budget African Safari begins in Nairobi, Kenya, and travels to Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana, ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The Budget Camping Safari departs from Nairobi in Kenya early on Tuesday morning. Should you wish to explore Nairobi, an earlier arrival is recommended. Accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris. 

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the safari trip.