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Zanzibar beach

22 Day East Africa Overland Tour: Nairobi to Victoria Falls…

Tour Length22 days
Priced from pps $3415 R64750 £2684 3141 A$5208 C$4623 NZ$5615 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Camping Overland Tour

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  • Max. Group Size 20 Travellers
  • Departs from Nairobi, Kenya
  • Ends at Livingstone, Zambia
  • Accommodation Lodge & Camping Combo
  • Transport Large Overland Vehicle / Ferry / Game Viewing Vehicle
  • Wildlife Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Migration Safari (Seasonal) & More
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Quick Itinerary Overview

An incredible three-week East Africa Overland Tour to Tanzania, Zanzibar Island, Malawi, and Zambia.

On this scenic Nairobi to Victoria Falls Camping Safari:

  • Explore Tanzania's game-rich Ngorongoro Crater on a 4x4 wildlife safari
  • Embark on a 4x4 safari in Serengeti National Park of Tanzania, staying in the reserve
  • Take a laid-back beach trip to the tropical Zanzibar Islands of Tanzania
  • Discover traditional Tanzanian culture and spot wildlife in Mikumi National Park
  • Relax on Lake Malawi's shores, enjoying nature and the local culture
  • Go game viewing in Zambia's top safari destination, South Luangwa National Park

Experience the best of East Africa, from spectacular scenery to superb wildlife and unique cultures - at a great price!

Responsible Travel Note

During this trip, you are likely to come across activities that encourage tourists to participate in lion, elephant, or other wildlife interaction. This includes walking with lions, riding elephants, and any other tourist operation putting travelers in close contact with animals that would normally live wild and separate from human contact.

We absolutely do not encourage or endorse this type of wildlife interaction operation. For more information on why this is not good for Africa's wild animals, please see our detailed blog post on the subject.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Nairobi to Arusha – Tanzania

This exhilarating Africa Overland Tour departs from Nairobi, bustling capital of Kenya, driving south across rural Kenya and crossing the border into Tanzania.

On our way to the town of Arusha, our base for the night, we may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. Arusha is located at the base of Mount Meru, Africa's fifth-highest peak. This growing town is set in a lush and hilly area of Tanzania that has a cool climate. Arusha is the base for people climbing Kilimanjaro and embarking on the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania which includes the world-famous Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater Area.

We stay in a centrally located campsite in Arusha. This evening our local guides brief you on the wildlife adventures ahead. Our Ngorongoro & Serengeti safari for the next few days will be conducted in smaller safari vehicles so tonight you will need to pack an overnight bag for the trip.

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

Leaving Arusha in our smaller safari vehicles today we head to Serengeti National Park where we will be spending the next 2 nights at camps in the Seronera region lying at the heart of the Park. The Seronera River is a vital waterway that meanders through the region, providing a lifeline for the area's diverse wildlife. The Seronera region is known as the 'cat capital' of Africa due to its high density of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. So, if you're looking for a real-life 'Lion King' experience, this is it!

We will enjoy our first game drive en-route to a private tented camp with spectacular views so you can immerse yourself in the bush from the comfort of your luxurious meru style safari tent. Sit back with a cold drink at the end of the day and enjoy the sights and sounds of the wilderness.

  • Included Activity: Afternoon Safari Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Serengeti National Park (Seronera) – Tanzania

Rise and shine early this morning for an action-packed day of 4x4 game viewing in the legendary Serengeti National Park. Located in central Serengeti, Seronera is famous for its exceptional predator sightings, especially the big cats of Africa. It is also one of the best places to see rhinos in Serengeti, as well as elephants, buffalos, zebras, wildebeest, and many antelope species. Sit back and soak up the iconic African safari landscapes of the vast Serengeti Plains teeming with wildlife. We overnight at a campsite in the nearby town of Karatu for the next 2 nights.

  • Included Activity: Full Day Gane Drive
  • Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari (prebooking essential)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu – Tanzania

On Day 4 we travel through the Serengeti and head towards the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. It is a colossal bowl, 20 kilometers wide and over 600 meters deep, with a microcosm of Africa's wildlife living within its walls. The area is home to Olduvai Gorge, where some of the earliest evidence of human existence has been found.

We will descend into the crater and roam the crater floor in search of the many animals, including lions, elephants, and rhinos, who live in its plains. At the end of our game drive, we will exit the crater and return to our campsite in nearby Karatu.

  • Included Activities: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Karatu to Arusha – Tanzania

On day 5 of our Nairobi to Victoria Falls Africa Camping Overland Tour, we drive back to Arusha, via the scenic Great Rift Valley. We will stop in the village of Mto wa Mbu to visit the market of this vibrant agricultural town. This evening we relax at the comfortable campsite in Arusha and reminisce about our incredible Tanzania wildlife adventures in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Arusha to Bagamoyo – Tanzania

Today our epic East Africa Overland Tour journeys out of the cool highlands of Tanzania and down to the humid Indian Ocean coastline. Our drive takes us through scenic landscapes scattered with bustling towns and markets offering a glimpse of life in rural Tanzania.

We travel to Bagamoyo just north of Dar es Salaam and a perfect starting point for our upcoming trip to Zanzibar Island. Founded in the late 1700s the town of Bagamoyo provides insight into the history of Tanzania, particularly the 19th century when it was a major trading port for ivory and slaves. The capital of German East Africa, Bagamoyo includes interesting German colonial, Swahili, Arabic, and Christian missionary influences. Today dhow sailing boats are built in Bagamoyo, which translates as “lay down your heart” a moniker dating back to the cruel slave trading days in East Africa. As we settle into the campsite tonight, we prepare for our trip to Zanzibar Islands the following day.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 & 8: Beach Resort, Zanzibar Island – Tanzania

After an early morning wake-up on day 7, we head to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city. From Dar es Salaam a local ferry takes us to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar Island. Then you are transferred from Stone Town to the eastern shores of the main island. Arriving at our beach resort where you will be staying in a comfortable en-suite room, it's time to kick off your shoes for some laid-back beach time.

Day 8 of our East Africa Overland Tour is free for you to explore Zanzibar Island at your leisure. Spend the day relaxing on the white sand beaches and enjoying optional water sports and activities. There are various water sports and ocean activities available, from snorkelling and fishing to scuba diving and dhow sailing. Explore the islands on guided boat trips or rent a scooter and set off on your own. Zanzibar is renowned for its idyllic tropical beaches, so unwind in paradise and go swimming in the clear, warm Indian Ocean waters.

  • Included Activity: Zanzibar Island Trip (including ferry)
  • Optional Activities: Dhow Sailing Trips, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Turtle Sanctuary Visits, Village Tours, Jozani Forest, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 9: Stone Town, Zanzibar Island – Tanzania

Today we journey back south to Stone Town, once a major port on the slave and spice trade routes. On our way south we stop at the spice plantations of Kidichi and Kizambani. Experiencing the tastes, colors, flavors, and smells of the exotic spices is a must in Zanzibar, which has long been known as the Spice Islands. Today we take a guided walking tour of the local spice plantations and villages to experience the modern spice trade. See how the farm workers climb trees in search of specific plants and get the chance to buy some fresh spices from the local farms.

After our spice tour, we continue south to Zanzibar’s main hub, Stone Town, where we spend our final night on Zanzibar Island. We take a walking tour through Stone Town. Every twist and turn down the narrow labyrinthine streets brings something new: a bustling bazaar here, an aromatic coffee house there, a beautifully carved wooden door just around the corner. The former slave market site, now home to the hauntingly beautiful Anglican Cathedral, is a stark reminder of Zanzibar's dark past, while the Palace Museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the sultans who once ruled these lands. We also visit the birthplace of Freddy Mercury.

  • Included Activity: Spice Tour, Stone Town Walking Tour
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Stone Town to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania

This morning we leave the beach paradise of Zanzibar Islands and catch the ferry back to Dar es Salaam where our safari truck awaits us. We will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in the heart of Dar es Salaam. You are free to explore the city, from the National Museum displays of early human fossils, tribal artefacts, and colonial memorabilia, or brace yourself for a sensory overload at the Kivukoni Fish Market. Dine out at one of the many restaurants Dar es Salaam has to offer.

  • Included Activity: Zanzibar Trip (return ferry)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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

On day 11 of our Nairobi to Victoria Falls Africa Overland Camping Tour, we leave the humid Indian Ocean coastline behind and travel inland to Mikumi National Park, one of the largest game parks in Tanzania. This afternoon you can take an optional game drive. Mikumi forms part of the vast combined Nyerere (Selous) game reserve ecosystem and is home to lion, zebra, and huge herds of wildebeest, impala, buffalo, and elephant, among other animals, and over 400 species of birds.

We camp overnight at a comfortable restcamp sitated on the outskirts of Mkumi.

  • Optional Activity: Mikumi Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Mikumi National Park to Iringa – Tanzania

On day 12 of our East Africa Overland Camping Tour, we make our way inland to the historic small city of Iringa. Located on a cliff overlooking Ruaha River Valley in the highlands of southern Tanzania at 1550m above sea level, Iringa can get quite cool between June and August. This pleasant town features old German colonial buildings and a popular market, as well as a memorial to soldiers who died in local battles during the world wars.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Iringa to Mbeya – Tanzania

Day 13 takes us further south through the rolling tea plantations of Southern Tanzania to the Mbeya Mountains. Mbeya is one of the major coffee-growing regions of Tanzania and this afternoon we visit a coffee plantation. Here you get to sample the delicious coffee beans and see how they are grown and harvested. Our next overnight stay is at a scenic campsite set in a coffee plantation in the Mbeya mountains.

  • Included Activity: Coffee Plantation Visit
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Mbeya to Northern Lake Malawi – Malawi

Leaving Tanzania, we cross the border into Malawi and drive down into the Great Rift Valley heading south. Our destination for today is Lake Malawi, known as 'the Lake of Stars ‘, due to the flickering lights of the fishing boats out on the vast lake at night. The third-largest lake of Africa’s Rift Valley, Lake Malawi stretches 580km from north to south, covering about 75% of Malawi's eastern border.

This afternoon we reach our lakeside campsite in Chitimba. You can take a stroll along the northern shores of Lake Malawi and explore the local village on a walking tour. Here you'll encounter the local Malawians as they go about their daily lives and gain insight into rural life in Malawi.

  • Included Activity: Local Village Walk
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 & 16: Lake Malawi – Malawi

On day 15 our camping safari travels further south, following the shores of Lake Malawi, the ninth-largest lake in the world, and one in a string of lakes following the Great Rift Valley. Our next campsite lies on the shores of central Lake Malawi at Ngala beach. We will spend 2 nights in this magical place. End the day off with a sunset walk along the beach and a swim in the lake.

There are no scheduled activities for day 16 of our East Africa Overland Tour, leaving you free to enjoy balmy Lake Malawi. Popular optional activities include kayaking, horse riding, and snorkelling. Otherwise, you can embark on an optional motorboat trip, do some bird watching, volunteer, go hiking, or visit the nearby forest reserve. You can also take a walk along the lake, passing fishing villages along the way for some laid-back exploration.

  • Optional Activities: Snorkelling, horse riding, hiking, volunteering, kayaking, and more.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Day 17: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa Park - Zambia

Wake up to a serene sunrise over Lake Malawi before we set off for the wild South Luangwa National Park in neighboring Zambia. Just before the border, we enjoy a game drive through the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, one of Malawi’s premium wilderness areas.

Border Crossing into Zambia complete, we pause in town of Chipata before continuing to our campsite beside the Luangwa River. Hippos, other animals, and birds are commonly spotted from the camp bar, so keep an eye open as we sit back with sundowners. Having watched the sunrise in Malawi, we watch an equally spectacular sunset in Zambia.

  • Included Activity: Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve Safari
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

Day 18 of our Overland Africa Tour is set aside for game viewing in the unspoiled South Luangwa National Park. In the morning you have the chance to take an optional game drive in South Luangwa, going in search of the wildlife and birds found here. This untamed game reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, including buffalos, leopards, zebras, hippos, giraffes, antelopes, and crocodiles Alternatively, you can join a walking safari in the dry season (April to December) - a thrilling way to get up close and personal with nature. Mornings are an excellent time for spotting a number of animals roaming South Luangwa. The opportunity to take a game walk is particularly special because South Luangwa National Park is where African walking safaris originated.

Later today we embark on a sunset game drive in the national park, looking for the rich diversity of wildlife and birds found in the wild marshes, woods, and grasslands. We stop for sundowners in the Zambian bush before continuing our game drive into the night when we hope to spot the elusive nocturnal animals of South Luangwa Valley, including leopards.

  • Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
  • Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive or Game Walk in South Luangwa
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19: South Luangwa to Petauke – Zambia

We leave South Luangwa National Park today taking a relatively short drive through to Petauke. En route, we visit a textile initiative in Chipata, called Mulberry Mongoose, where colorful African creations are being produced with local materials like cotton, feathers and even the wire retrieved from poaching snares. From March to December, you can take a tour of the workshops to see how the fabrics and hand-crafted products are made.

Zambia is truly rural with many local villages and farming communities dotting the lush vegetation we pass through on our drive to Petauke. We overnight at a campsite in Patauke.

  • Included Activity: Textile Project Visit
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20: Petauke to Chirundu – Zambia

Day 20 of our Nairobi to Victoria Falls Africa Camping Overland Tour sees us continue our journey along the Great East Road, stopping at the bridge over the Luangwa River and visiting the vibrant Luangwa Market. This is a chance to sample some of the local fruits or pick up some locally made souvenirs.

We then continue through the rapidly expanding Zambian capital of Lusaka and onwards towards the Zambezi River and its tributary, the Kafue River, which is our destination. Soak up the rural African scenery as we pass subsistence farms and lush landscapes interspersed with small villages. Enjoy another spectacular sunset at our campsite lying on the banks of the Kafue River.

  • Included Activity: Market Visit
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 21: Petauke to Chirundu – Zambia

As our Africa Overland Camping Tour draws to a close, you have a full day to relax and enjoy your beautiful African setting. There is a wide range of optional activities for you to choose today. Fishermen will be sure not to miss the premium Tiger fishing opportunity. These feisty creatures are known to put up quite a fight! Or stay on land and embark on a full-day game viewing safari to the Lower Zambezi National Park and, as you tuck into a picnic lunch, don't be surprised if you find yourself sharing the view with a herd of elephants or a basking crocodile.

Alternatively, join us on a half-day excursion to a nearby cave, home to an army of bats and offering a breath-taking view of the valley and a forest of the iconic baobab trees. You can also take to the river on a boat safari, for a full day or a sunset cruise. Birding enthusiasts will be kept busy by the 378 species that call the Lower Zambezi Valley home, from the regal Saddle-billed Stork to the vibrant Southern Carmine Bee-eater.

  • Optional Activities: Fishing Trip, Birding, Baobab Forest & bat cave Visit, Game Drive in Lower Zambezi National Park, River Safari Cruise
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22: Chirundu to Livingstone, Victoria Falls – Zambia

On the last day of our budget lodge safari, we make the short journey through the southern reaches of Zambia towards the Zambezi River and Livingstone, Zambia’s adventure capital and launchpad for experiencing Mosi-ao-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) as the locals call the spectacular Victoria Falls waterfall.

We highly recommend spending a few extra days here after your overland safari, in order to participate in some of the adventure activities available and to experience the might of Victoria Falls for yourself. Whitewater rafting is always popular, but other optional activities include bungee jumping, game viewing, swimming in Devil's Pool, visiting Livingstone Island, or taking scenic flights over Victoria Falls by helicopter, micro-light, or small plane.

  • Optional Activities: Dinner out in Victoria Falls, Adventure Activities & Victoria Falls visit
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

More Nairobi to Victoria Falls Overland Tour Options:

This southbound East Africa Overland Camping Tour is also available in the opposite direction as the East Africa Overland Camping Tour - North, starting in Livingstone, Victoria Falls and ending in Nairobi. This southbound East African Budget Safari is also available as a Lodge Overland Tour - the East African Lodge Safari - South.

Wildebeest Great Migration Explained

Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration between Masai Mara (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania) is seasonal. As a natural wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.

The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a massive circular route covering some 1200 miles (1931km). It is a continuous movement of wildlife that can be seen in different areas at different times of the year. During certain phases of this annual trek the animals disperse or slow down, whilst at other times the migration picks up speed, with the herds becoming larger and denser. Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary from place to place and season to season but the movement of these large wildlife herds varies from year to year.

Please talk to a travel expert from African Budget Safaris about seeing the Wildebeest Great Migration on your safari to find out more. Also, check out our detailed article about the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

Tanzania & Zanzibar Activities

  • Dhow Sailing Trips
  • Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
  • Turtle Sanctuary Visit
  • Village Tours
  • Jozani Forest Trip
  • Scuba Diving
  • Mikumi Game Drive

Malawi Activities

  • Hiking
  • Snorkeling
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Village Tours
  • Volunteering

Zambia Activities

  • Game Walk in South Luangwa National Park
  • Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park

Zimbabwe Activities (post-tour)

  • Dinner Out in Victoria Falls
  • Adventure Activities
  • Visit Victoria Falls

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

There is a minimum age limit of 12 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departure dates.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 12 - 15 years, will be allowed on any scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.

Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.

Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.

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For confirmed pricing on these optional items, please drop us an enquiry

Tanzania & Zanzibar Activities

  • Dhow Sailing Trips
  • Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
  • Turtle Sanctuary Visit
  • Village Tours
  • Jozani Forest Trip
  • Scuba Diving
  • Mikumi Game Drive

Malawi Activities

  • Hiking
  • Snorkeling
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Village Tours
  • Volunteering

Zambia Activities

  • Game Walk in South Luangwa National Park
  • Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park

Zimbabwe Activities (post-tour)

  • Dinner Out in Victoria Falls
  • Adventure Activities
  • Visit Victoria Falls
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Overland tour transport
  • All meals as per itinerary 
  • Tour accommodation (most camping & few nights lodge)
  • Registered tour guides & transport
  • Safari activities as per the itinerary
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • Personal items and tips
  • Drinks & snacks
  • Optional activities
+Departure Dates

Scheduled Tour Departures
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If you do not see departures listed for your dates, please do contact us for further info.

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1. Zanzibar, Tanzania

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