21 days East African Explorer

Overview

East African Explorer

This 21 day East African Explorer is a group camping adventure tour with much to offer.
Starting with the renowned Big Five game reserves of South Luangwa National Park in Zambia and the incredible Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. With time to enjoy relaxation on the beaches of Lake Malawi as well as the tropical paradise island of Tanzania’s white sandy beaches of  Zanzibar and all the water activities to take advantage of.

Finishing off the tour with a visit to the amazing Victoria Falls in Zambia. It’s the ideal adventure bush and beach safari for those wanting to see the best of East Africa on a budget.Group Size: Average 16 Maximum 24. Age Group: 18-39’ish

East African Explorer Included Highlights

Mosi Oa Tunya NP, Victoria Falls Visit
South Luangwa NP, Open Vehicle Game Drive with resident guide*
Zanzibar, Return Ferry & Accommodation
Maasai Village Walk with resident guide
Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion in Purpose Built Vehicles, Game Drives with resident guide*
The Great Rift Valley

*Highlights are included in the Adventure Pass

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

1. All tour highlights
2. 2-person dome tents
3. Fully equipped safari vehicles
4. Camping and cooking equipment, Mattresses
5. Service of two crew
6. All road and vehicle taxes
7. All ground transportation
8. Meals as indicated

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

1. Adventure Pass activities\
2. Visas
3. Travel insurance
4. Flight departure taxes
5. Airport transfers
6. Optional activities
7. Tips
8. Drinks
9. Sleeping bag and items of personal nature
10. NB: Lunches and dinners in Livingstone and in Zanzibar are not included.

***Price is quote per person sharing. Price excludes single supplement, any additional meals or activities not set out in the itinerary.

***Prices are subject to change.

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Livingstone – Lusaka
Distance Travelled: +/- 450 Km
Approx driving time: 9 Hours

A visit to the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park to see the Victoria Falls is included in your tour. Due to time constraints on day 1 and to be sure not to miss it please ensure you arrive in Livingstone at least one day beforehand so your tour leader can arrange the visit for you. River levels vary with season but at high water (Feb-July) the Victoria Falls are over a mile wide with water falling some 100 metres into the Batoka gorge. It is the largest curtain of falling water in the world with spray is visible from 20 kilometres away, hence the local name Mosi Oa Tunya, (‘Smoke that Thunders’). At low water season (Aug-Jan) the river level drops considerably and the bottom of the Batoka gorge becomes visible. It remains an awesome sight.

Departing early, we head through lush country and small villages to Lusaka, Zambia’s Capital city. Lusaka is Southern Africa’s fastest growing city with approx. 1.7 million people and is located on the southern plateau at an elevation of 1300m with four main highways running north, south, east and west to different parts of Africa. This city is the commercial hub as well as the centre for the government. Our campsite for the evening is set in a tranquil and relaxing setting on a farm.

Lusaka – South Luangwa
Distance Travelled: +/- 600 Km
Approx driving time: 12 Hours

We leave early and take the Great Eastern Road through lush countryside and small villages, crossing the Luangwa River to the South Luangwa National Park, which is known to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species inhabiting the area. Hippo’s, elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffe with many other species flourishes in the 20,000 sq miles of savannah woodland watered by these 500 miles–long river. The river itself is the most intact and unaltered major river system in Africa and covers 9059 km2. The changing seasons add to the Park’s richness, ranging from; dry, bare bushveld in the winter, to lush green lands in the summer months. On arrival we set up camp and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the many optional activities from walking safaris and village walks.

*Driving times vary dependent on the number of stops en route. While we try to get to the camp in daylight, today is a long day on the road and we may arrive in the early evening.

Relax around the pools edge, which is the best place to be in the hot hours of the day. Later that afternoon we embark on an open vehicle game drive with a local ranger along the river’s edge to see the abundance of animal and birdlife inhabiting the area.

South Luangwa National Park – Kande Beach, Malawi
Distance Travelled: +/- 420 Km
Approx driving time: 8 Hours

Leaving Zambia behind, we cross the border to Malawi. Please be patient as the officials process the group’s visas as this may take some time to complete. Lake Malawi formerly ‘Lake Nyasa’, covers almost a fifth of the country’s area and provides the source of livelihood for many of the Malawian people. Fishermen, fish traders, canoe and net makers all ply their trade, and a common sight is that of a fisherman in his Bwato, (dugout canoe made from hollowed out tree trunk) fishing on the lake at the break of day or with lanterns by night

The lake also has the highest number of endemic freshwater fish species of any in the world and attracts divers globally to seek out the many colourful Cichlid species. We arrive at camp on the lake’s shore in the afternoon and have the rest of the day to swim and explore the beach and surrounding area.

Today you’ll have some free time to try some of the water sports available including diving and snorkelling, take a horse ride along the beach or simply relax and enjoy the warm fresh waters of Lake Malawi. There is the opportunity to meet the local people, generally known as amongst the friendliest in Africa, to gain insight into their way of life on an optional guided Village Walk, or you can simply head out and explore the lakeside, craft market and meet some of the locals.

Kande Beach – Chitimba Beach
Distance Travelled: +/- 240 Km
Approx driving time: 5 Hours

Taking a nice scenic drive through rubber plantations to Mzuzu – the capital of the northern region and the third largest town in Malawi, where we stop for a short while to grab supplies and check out the markets before arriving to Chitimba Beach where time is at leisure in the afternoon to enjoy a game of beach volleyball or relax in the various lounge areas at this beach-side camp.

Relax on the beach, take a leisurely village walk or do the full day trip to Manchewe Falls where after 11km of hiking you can cool off in a natural bath. The surrounding hills are home to the Livingstonia Mission where David Livingstone worked from for a time while staying in Malawi. The views from here are simply magnificent and well worth the effort of hiking to. For those staying at the campsite, there is a local craft market where you can enjoy learning the ins and outs of woodcarving your own souvenir, or learn to play the game of Bao, haggle for some souvenirs or enjoy a relaxing day admiring the shimmering waters on the beach.

Chitimba Beach – Iringa, Tanzania
Distance Travelled: +/- 550 Km
Approx driving time: 11 Hours

Leaving Chitimba Beach, we travel the short distance north to cross the border into Tanzania. We steadily climb in altitude through Tanzania’s Southern Highlands all the way to Kisolanza Farmhouse. This farm is at an altitude of 1600m ensuring a pleasant fresh climate in one of the most scenic areas of Tanzania. Home to the Ghaui family for over 70 years, Kisolanza remains a working farm providing organic meat (beef, lamb and chicken) and vegetables to the surrounding markets as well as further afield in Dar es Salaam.

Iringa – Mikumi National park area
Distance travelled: +/- 200 Km
Approx driving time: 5 Hours

Leaving the Southern Highlands, we make our way east to Mikumi National Park. Our campsite is located a short stone’s throw from the park, and we enjoy sundowners at the local bar/ restaurant followed by the evening around the open fire under the blanket of stars.

If time allows, we can go on an optional game drive in the afternoon to explore the magnificent park – Tanzania’s 5th largest. Expect to see Elephant, hippo, crocodiles, antelope and with some luck some buffalo or lion.

Mikumi National Park area – Dar es Salaam
Distance Travelled: +/- 300 Km
Approx driving time: 8 Hours

We continue towards the Indian Ocean coast and the port city of Dar es Salaam (‘Haven of Peace’). This route runs through the Mikumi National Park and we may, with luck, spot forest elephant or giraffe feeding near the side of the road. ‘Dar’ is Tanzania’s hub of commerce and industry – a hot, humid and bustling seaport city of high rises, colourful markets and Arab influenced architecture on the coast accessing one of the most important sea routes on earth (with an interesting history too). To a majority of travellers, this city is the port of call to the more exotic Zanzibar and the remaining of the Archipelago islands. We set up camp at our campsite on the beach just outside of the city centre, usually having time to browse curio markets – best known for ebony wood – and prepare for our trip to Zanzibar.

Distance Travelled: Ferry crossing

Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm fringe beaches; romantic winding cobbled alleys and lush tropical forests. You will find all of these here – and an intriguing history. Zanzibar was the base of the great 19th century explorers such as John Hanning Speke, Richard Burton and David Livingstone and once was a major trading centre of spices. Indeed, the spice trade is centuries old: Zanzibaris have traded with the people of the Arabian Peninsula for generations, plying the ocean in simple dhow sailboats relying on the annual trade winds for passage. The Arab influence is evident in the architecture and diverse street stall offerings of the capital, Stone Town This influence can be seen right along the Eastern coast – the Swahili language itself is a result of the mixing of Arab and African languages and cultures over many centuries.

Zanzibar’s other history is not romantic. The island was also a staging post for slaves bought from the African interior being held before shipping to slave owners in the Middle East. You can still see the places where these men and woman were held – and even a short visit is enough to convey the appalling conditions they had to endure.

Our time on the island over the next 4 nights is not structured and your time is at leisure. Perhaps the best way to see Stone Town is on foot: explore the bazaars for old maritime trinkets, cloths, wooden carvings, visit mosques, palaces, courtyards and alleyways of the old town. Spices are grown in plantations nearby and you can take day tours to visit some and have your senses dazzled by the tastes and scents experienced. If it’s white sand, sparkling ocean and hot sun you prefer – head to the northern beaches and enjoy the Indian Ocean at its best. Try snorkelling and diving, indulge in some sumptuous seafood, or simply relax beneath a coconut palm with a cocktail and a good book.

Enjoy free time on Zanzibar and transfer to the northern beaches from Stone Town. Relax on the sun kissed beaches of Kendwa, northwest part of the island, take an optional diving trip to the rich colourful reefs or grab a snorkel and goggles to explore these from above

Please note that some group members may be starting their tour in Dar es Salaam. Both old and new are invited to join in any group outings

Browse markets or enjoy hanging in a hammock with a cocktail and a good book. The beach is a great place to catch up with the locals who will pass by selling their wares, offering henna tattoos and inexpensive massages. Round the day off with a sunset dhow cruise or chilling to the tunes from the nearby beach bars.

Adjusting to the lazy ways of the northern beaches is easy to do in such picturesque surroundings. Enjoy your last day on the island swimming in the warm ocean, snorkelling in the crystal turquoise waters and enjoy time at leisure in this tropical haven.

Distance Travelled: Ferry crossing

We have the morning to do any last minute shopping or enjoy one last swim before catching the ferry back to the African mainland to Dar es Salaam and onwards to our campsite on the coast for the evening.

Please note that some group members may be ending their tour in Dar es Salaam. Both old and new are invited to join in any group outings.

Dar es Salaam – Marangu
Distance Travelled: +/- 570 Km
Approx driving time: 11 Hours

Departing early from Dar es Salaam, we head north past the Usambara and Pare Mountains in the Eastern Arc Mountain Range to Marangu, nestled at the base of the famed Kilimanjaro. The camp takes its name from the surrounding area. “Marangu” means “full of water” in the local Chagga language, and the lush green surroundings demonstrate the truth of this. If weather is clear we will gain a view of the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain (5895m).

Marangu – Arusha
Distance Travelled: +/- 120 Km
Approx driving time: 2.5 Hours

We drive past the town of Moshi and eventually reach Arusha; a city situated exactly mid-way between Cape Town and Cairo. This is Tanzania’s ‘safari capital’, a city of some 2 million people, a bustling melting pot of markets, vehicles and people – all nestling in the shadow of the brooding Mt Meru (4556 m). With time to explore town we head out to our camp just outside the city at the edge of the Masai plains.

This afternoon we enjoy a walk to one of the local Masai villages, a local school and clinic, a small but highly interesting Masai museum, and the snake enclosure at the Meserani Snake Park.

It is from here that we prepare for our two night/three day excursion to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Arusha – Serengeti National Park
Distance Travelled: +/- 250 Km
Approx driving time: Full day including game drives

This morning we transfer to smaller more ‘game park friendly’ vehicles and drive west across the Great Rift Valley, passing through Mto Wa Mbo (‘mosquito creek’) and enter the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. We pass into the park and drive around the ‘Crater’s rim and down onto the Serengeti plains. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry, this is home to an enormous variety of grazing animals, predators, and birdlife. Flatter and larger than the Masai Mara the Serengeti is simply huge – indeed the name derives from the Masai word Siringitu – ‘the place where the land moves on forever’. We game drive to our designated (but unfenced) campsite for the evening where lion and hyena roam nearby for an unforgettable experience.

We drive out of the plains, game driving en route, and after lunch ascend the outer wall of the Ngorongoro Crater. We spend the night camping on the rim (you may need a jacket; it can be cold at night due to the high altitude here), where wildlife also roams free. At 326 square kilometres in area the Ngorongoro is Africa’s largest intact caldera and a World Heritage Site. If the view from the rim (2400 metres above sea level) is spectacular, the site from the Crater floor (some 600 metres below) is equally enjoyable.

Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha, Meserani Snake Park
Distance Travelled: +/- 250 Km
Approx driving time: Full days including morning game drive

We wake early and descend the steep dirt road of the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning of game driving in this spectacular wildlife haven. All of the major mammals are present except giraffe (which cannot manage the steep slopes leading down onto the Crater floor). After our game drive we ascend to our campsite on the rim for a final view over the Ngorongoro Crater, pack up our camp and have lunch before retracing our steps to Arusha and our campsite at the Meserani Snake Park where we will overnight.

Arusha – Nairobi, Kenya
Distance Travelled: +/- 270 Km
Approx driving time: 7 Hours

We make our way across the Maasai Steppe to the Kenyan frontier. Completing formalities at Namanga border post, we drive the last stretch of road to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, where our tour ends in the late afternoon.