Southern Discoverer North

The Details

Type: Camping Camping
Start: Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
Length: 14 - 28 Days
End: Nairobi Kenya
Comfort: Standard
Vehicle: Overland Vehicle
Group Size: Large (>12 People)
Countries: Botswana Zambia Malawi Tanzania Kenya

Tour Dates

March
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December
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Overview

Southern Discoverer North Camping

Southern Discoverer North Camping: There’s plenty of action on this three-week trip, which combines the east African game parks with the wonder that is Victoria Falls.

The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are Tanzania’s best-known game reserves, and Zanzibar is a tropical paradise that’s steeped in history and tradition. It’s impossible not to relax on the golden beaches of Lake Malawi. Chobe National Park offers a superb game viewing opportunity. Victoria Falls offers great adventure activities and is a perfect way to start this awesome safari trip. Departures are guaranteed with 2-4 people.

This trip begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and travels across to Chobe, Botswana. From here we travel north through Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania before ending in Nairobi, Kenya. This trip starts in Victoria Falls on Sunday morning and departs Victoria Falls on Monday morning, allowing you a day to explore.

Countries visited:  Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe

Departure Point: Explorers Village, Sopers Arcade, Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls
Check-In: 8:45AM Departs: To be advised at pre-departure meeting
Trip Type: Camping
Pre-Departure Meeting: Held at the Departure point at 17h00 on Day 1 of the tour.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:

  1. Entrance to Victoria Falls
  2. Chobe National Park
  3. Chobe Overnight Safari
  4. South Luangwa National Park
  5. Lake Malawi, Zanzibar Ferry
  6. Zanzibar Excursion, Spice Tour
  7. Sunset Dhow Cruise
  8. Dar Es Salaam & Meserani Snake Park
  9. Cultural museum & Serengeti Excursion

EXCLUDED:

  1. Flights, Airport departure taxes
  2. Departure transfer
  3. Visas
  4. Meals, water & drinks unless otherwise stated
  5. Travel insurance
  6. Laundry
  7. Personal items
  8. Sleeping bag, pillow, tips & bottled water.

Have 3 or more friends join you for 10 days or longer and get 10% discount off the tour price. Excludes Local Payment. Book 6 months in advance and enjoy the Early Bird Savings!

NOTE prices are subject to change. 

***2021 & 2022 Prices are per person sharing. Prices excludes single supplement. Price also excludes any additional meals and activities not set out in the itinerary

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Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: Victoria Falls

ZIMBABWE

This landlocked country is situated in the southern part of Africa, between the mighty Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers. The word Zimbabwe is believed to have two meanings, 1) it is believed the word Zimbabwe is derived from dzimba-dza-mabwe, which means “large house of stone” in the Shona (Karanga Dialect) language. 2) It is also believed to be derived from the word dzimba-hwe which means venerated houses in the Zezuru dialect of Shona.

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

No meals (own account)

DAY 2: Victoria Falls

Today is spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. AT 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, the Victoria Falls are one of the most memorable sights on this African safari. All year round, flights can be taken in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters. Back on the ground, the falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points or from the Zambian side. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.

White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are the “floats”, where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

Hightlights

Hightlights:

Included: Entrance to Victoria Falls

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

No meals (own account)

Optional Extras

Optional Extras:

Optional Activities: Trips into the Zambezi National Park; elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, 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! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

DAY 3: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park, Botswana

Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park

We head out from Victoria Falls to the border crossing to Botswana. Once we’ve completed the border formalities, we continue to the town of Kasane, situated on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia and is the main water source to the Chobe National Park. After lunch, we have time at leisure to relax. In the afternoon, we leave for our Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile excursion – an overnight experience in the wilds of the Chobe National park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their majestic backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s that swoop by! After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and heading back to Kasane.

Hightlights

Hightlights:

Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile excursion

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Chobe National Park to Livingstone (Zambia)

Chobe National Park to Livingstone

Once returning to the camp at Kasane, we get back on our truck and continue to the town of Livingstone. This afternoon we have the opportunity to view The Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia or partake in an optional sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River. Another fantastic photo opportunity!

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

Brunch, Dinner

Optional Extras

Optional Extras:

Optional Activity: Zambezi Sunset River boat cruise

DAY 5: Livingstone to Lusaka

Livingstone to Lusaka

An early morning start sees us head north through southern Zambia. As we drive, we pass through a few of the villages and towns of Zambia along the way. Prosperous during the copper boom in the 60’s, Zambia was able to build infrastructure at the main mining and farming communities. After the fall of the copper industry, the country was left virtually bankrupt and existing infrastructure was left to fall to ruin. Due to foreign investment and a rise in the mining industry, Zambia is today once again starting to prosper. The difference is evident in the cities with the availability of foreign stores, banks and imported cars, while the villages and smaller towns are still to catch up

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 & 7: Lusaka to South Luangwa National Park

Lusaka to South Luangwa National Park

This breath-taking park is situated on the Luangwa River in the Eastern part of Zambia, and it is the southernmost of three national parks in this region. South Luangwa was founded in 1938 as a game reserve, 1972 was the year it was declared as a national park, and today it covers over 9000 kilometres squared. Animals such as Giraffe, buffalo and Elephants can be found in abundance. The Luangwa river is home to many a hippo and croc.

Hightlights

Hightlights:

Game drives through South Luangwa National Park in the Overland vehicle.

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

DAY 6 & 7: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAYS 8 - 10: South Luangwa to Lake Malawi Beaches (Malawi)

South Luangwa to Lake Malawi Beaches

Leaving Zambia, we cross into Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We camp first at the central Lake, and then in the northern area over the next 3 days.

Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dugout canoe yourself! At night, you’ll see the ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermen out on the lake. The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horseback rides and a visit to the local village and school (see pricing guide at the end of this document).

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

DAY 8 - 10: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Extras

Optional Extras:

Optional activities vary; however, we do recommend that you take part in the village tour. Please that you can bring along pens, pencils, notepads, or dry starch food sorts for the villagers. Please speak to your crew for more information.

DAY 11: Lake Malawi to Iringa

Lake Malawi to Iringa

After a relaxing 3 days, we leave Malawi, entering Tanzania through the border post at Songwe. Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Iringa where we spend the night in the beautiful rustic ‘Farmhouse’ campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Farmhouse campsite

Meals

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: Iringa to Dar es Salaam

Iringa to Dar es Salaam

This morning we head off early and make our way to Dar es Salaam. We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. Today’s drive time is extended due to the heavier amount of traffic heading in to the city, but the sights and sounds of Dar’s vibrant outer suburbs are sure to keep you entertained. Look out for the colourful shop-fronts with their sometimes humorous ‘catch phrases’. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the “Spice Island,” where we spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.

PLEASE NOTE: Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own, and in accordance with their own budget. The Trip Leader joins you and will arrange your activities, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants. There are also a wide variety of optional excursions on offer – please see the price guide on the end of this document for more details.

PLEASE NOTE: New legislation prohibits the taking of photographs during the Zanzibar ferry ride. Spot fines can be issued, if legislation is not obeyed.

Hightlights

Hightlights:

Spice Tour & Dhow Excursion & Zanzibar excursion

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

Breakfast

DAYS 14 & 15: Zanzibar

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is famous for its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the island.

Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean – crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

No meals (own account)

DAY 16: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

Leaving Zanzibar in the afternoon, we return to the mainland and another night in Dar es Salaam. Arrival back to camp is usually in the late afternoon, or early evening.

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

Dinner

Day 17: Dar Es Salaam to Pangani*

Dar Es Salaam to Pangani*

This morning we leave early and leave the hustle and bustle of this major Tanzanian city, and head towards the farmlands of this beautiful country. Today is used as a transit day to get us closer to Serengeti.

* Some trips may choose to forego this night at their own cost.

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 18: Pangani to Arusha

Pangani to Arusha

From Dar es Salaam we have a long day’s drive through vast sisal plantations and African bushveld to Arusha. On the way, we pass The Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving through the town of Moshi. Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions and weather permitting; we may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit – a photo opportunity not to be missed! Tonight, we stay at a campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading out on our Optional Excursions to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater tomorrow.

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 19: Arusha to Karatu

 Arusha to Karatu

This morning we visit the Meserani Reptile Park and Masai Cultural Museum. A few minutes’ walk from the campsite is a gallery selling the bright and iconic Tinga Tinga paintings. Alternatively, the town of Arusha is nearby to explore. After enjoying lunch at our camp against the backdrop of Mount Meru we meet our Tanzanian guides and transfer into locally operated 4WD vehicles. These vehicles have been adapted for safari use and allow excellent viewing and photographic opportunities through the opening roof hatches.

Leaving our camp, we travel via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and then up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well-established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. Tonight, we spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu (campsite has ablution facilities).

Hightlights

Hightlights:

Serengeti & Ngorongoro Excursion (Please speak to your crew for more information)

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 20: Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park

Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park

This morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken, unflooded caldera in the world. Comprising of open savannahs, acacia forests and both soda and fresh water lakes, the Ngorongoro Crater is truly a miniature ‘Garden of Eden’. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino.

After our game drive in the Crater, we head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight, we camp (no ablution facilities) in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. Without any fences surrounding our campsite we are truly in the midst of nature!

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 21: Serengeti National Park to Arusha

Serengeti National Park to Arusha

In the morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’! Following our morning drive, we retrace our journey back across the plains and along the lush Crater rim to our truck at Arusha, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.

KENYA

Upon entering this beautiful east African country, you may be greeted with the words of “jambo” (hello) or “hakuna matata” (no problem) by the friendly locals. With a population of nearly 42 million and land area of more than 580 000 sq km Kenya is home to an abundance of animals and colourful tribes people, making it the perfect getaway for a once in a lifetime safari.

Accommodation

Accommodation:

Campsite

Meals

Meals:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 22: Arusha to Nairobi (Kenya)

Arusha to Nairobi

We set off early this morning and make our way to the Tanzania/ Kenyan border and the small border town of Namanga. After completing the border formalities, we continue on our journey to the Capital City Nairobi and our campsite on the outskirts of the city.

The rest of the day is yours at leisure to enjoy some of the many options available in this bustling city; visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can view the orphaned baby Elephants at feeding time, or head to the Giraffe Centre in Langata, if you haven’t had your fill of game viewing, then Nairobi National Park offers some great day trips or if you haven’t quite got all those souvenirs you wanted, take a “Matatu” to the local curio markets close by the campsite. This evening why not try the fair on offer at the famous Carnivores restaurant.

Meals

Meals:

Breakfast

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