Itinerary
- Day 1
Victoria Falls
You'll arrive in Zimbabwe anytime and head to your campground in Victoria Falls. There's a 4 pm welcome meeting where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travelers. After that, you'll visit a local activity centre to check out what optional experiences are available for the upcoming days.
Optional Activities
- Visit local activity centre and book optional experiences
Landmarks Victoria Falls 
- Day 2
Victoria Falls
This is your free day to explore Victoria Falls on your own. The waterfall stretches 1.5 km wide and drops 108 m into the gorge. During wet season, spray shoots up to 400 m high, while dry season gives clearer views. Your local leader can suggest activities and routes based on what interests you most.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Victoria Falls (entrance and exploration)
Optional Activities
- Rafting & river boarding (half day) - USD218
- Village & township tour - USD61
- Canoe trail wine route - USD55
- Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
- Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins) - USD150 plus USD25 fuel surcharge and national park fees
- Helicopter Flight (25 mins) - USD284 plus USD30 fuel surcharge and national park fees
Landmarks Victoria Falls - Day 3
Victoria Falls to Bulawayo
You'll leave Victoria Falls and drive toward Bulawayo, stopping at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust along the way. There you'll learn about wildlife rescue and anti-poaching work, plus you may get to meet rescued or orphaned animals. Later you'll arrive in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, known as the 'City of Kings' for its colonial architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust - wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre
- Learn about human-wildlife conflict and anti-poaching initiatives
Landmarks Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Bulawayo - Day 4
Matobo National Park
Start early for rhino tracking in Matobo National Park, which has significant black and white rhino populations. You'll hike with an expert guide searching for leopards, warthogs, and springhares while learning about local plants and San rock paintings. The Matopos area holds deep spiritual and cultural importance to the local people.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Rhino tracking in Matobo National Park
- View San rock paintings
- Guided walk through park with expert guide
Landmarks Matobo National Park San Rock Paintings - Day 5
Matobo National Park to Masvingo
You'll drive to Masvingo, Zimbabwe's oldest settlement, and spend a few hours at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site originally built in the 11th century as a royal palace. After exploring, you'll head back to camp for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Great Zimbabwe Ruins guided visit
Landmarks Great Zimbabwe Ruins - Day 6
Masvingo to Harare
Drive to Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, arriving around lunch time with only an hour or two to explore. If you're interested, you can visit the National Gallery, museum, botanical gardens, or wander through the city centre and colorful markets before settling at camp.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit National Gallery of Zimbabwe
- Visit National Museum of Zimbabwe
- Explore botanical gardens
- Wander city centre and markets
Landmarks Harare - Day 7
Harare to Lusaka
You'll cross into Zambia with a scenic drive to the border, then continue to your campsite just outside Lusaka, Zambia's capital. Stop at an ATM and shop or market to stock up on supplies if needed before heading out to camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Stop at ATM and shop/market for supplies
Landmarks Lusaka - Day 8
Lusaka to Petauke
Spend some time in Lusaka, a modern city with a traditional African feel, then continue on a long travel day heading to Petauke where you'll spend the night. It's mostly a driving day, so settle in and watch the landscape change as you move through the country.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Lusaka
Landmarks Lusaka - Day 9
Petauke to South Luangwa National Park
After breakfast, you'll visit a workshop in South Luangwa where local craftswomen turn recovered poaching snare wire into jewelry inspired by the African bush. You can try coiling or hammering wire yourself, with donations going to anti-poaching patrols. Then drive through South Luangwa National Park, known for its dense wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, and lions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Anti-Poaching Jewellery Project workshop visit
- Meet local craftswomen and learn about conservation efforts
Optional Activities
- River trip in South Luangwa National Park
Landmarks South Luangwa National Park 
- Day 10
South Luangwa National Park
Wake before dawn for a light breakfast and morning 4WD game drive with a local guide while animals are most active. You'll return to camp for early lunch around 11 am, then rest during the hottest part of the day or take an optional village walk. Head out again as the day cools for an evening game drive.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Light breakfast), Lunch (Early lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Morning 4WD game drive in South Luangwa National Park with local guide
- Afternoon 4WD game drive in South Luangwa National Park
Optional Activities
- Village walk to glimpse daily life in local community - USD50
Landmarks South Luangwa National Park - Day 11
South Luangwa to Lake Malawi
Cross into Malawi and drive straight to Kande Beach on Lake Malawi's shores. The lake covers nearly a fifth of the country. You'll relax at your beachside campsite and soak in the peaceful surroundings as you settle in for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Lake Malawi - Day 12
Lake Malawi
Spend your free day at Kande Beach doing whatever appeals to you. Swim in the lake, relax under the sun, or explore the area by bike. There's an optional guided snorkeling trip available where you can experience Lake Malawi's tropical underwater world that's actually within a freshwater lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Bike hire - USD25
- Guided snorkelling trip
Landmarks Lake Malawi - Day 13
Lake Malawi to Chitimba
Drive to Chitimba on Lake Malawi's coast, known for beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere. When you arrive, take a stroll to get familiar with this different part of the lake and enjoy the scenery of banana palms, papaya trees, and views of the Livingstonia and Nyika mountains.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Lake Malawi - Day 14
Chitimba to Tanzania (Southern Highlands)
It's a long travel day into Tanzania's southern highlands with no planned activities. Relax and watch the countryside roll past from your overland vehicle. You'll arrive and set up camp on a farmhouse grounds in a pleasant settlement. The natural bushland here is ideal for bird watchers, and you can enjoy stargazing in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Stargazing in rural setting
- Day 15
Southern Highlands to Mikumi National Park
Drive to Mikumi National Park, Tanzania's fourth largest park, at the foot of the Uluguru Mountains. In the afternoon, you'll head on a 4WD game drive with a local expert guide looking for elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest, impalas, and possibly predators. This less-visited park has impressive wildlife numbers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Afternoon 4WD game drive in Mikumi National Park with local guide
Landmarks Mikumi National Park Uluguru Mountains - Day 16
Mikumi National Park to Kipepo Beach
Take a scenic drive to Kipepo Beach, just south of Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, take a peaceful stroll along the shore. Your camp sits on a hotel's grounds right next to the beach, so you can relax and take a refreshing dip in the ocean whenever you'd like.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Stroll along the beach
Landmarks Kipepo Beach - Day 17
Kipepo Beach to Zanzibar
Catch a ferry to Zanzibar, Africa's famous 'Spice Island.' You'll have free time to explore Zanzibar City at your own pace. Get lost in Stone Town's cobblestone alleyways, admire the mix of Arabic, African and European architecture, or soak up the bustling Darajani Bazaar. There's a 2 pm welcome meeting to meet new travelers, then perhaps dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities
- Explore Stone Town
- Visit Darajani Bazaar
- Dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks Stone Town Darajani Bazaar - Day 18
Stone Town to Northern Beaches
Check out of Stone Town and consider an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations to learn about the spice trade history and sample cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, and teas. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches with white sands and sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Spice plantation guided tour - USD25
Landmarks Stone Town - Day 19
Northern Beaches, Zanzibar
You have a full free day to enjoy Zanzibar's coastline. Wake to gentle waves and soft ocean breezes, then choose to swim, relax on the beach beneath the palms, or have a seafood dinner by the water. Today is about slowing down and letting the rhythm of island life take over.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Swimming in the ocean
- Seafood dinner by the water
Landmarks Northern Beaches - Day 20
Northern Beaches to Bagamoyo
Travel to Stone Town this morning for an 11 am welcome meeting to meet your new leader and travel group. Catch the ferry to Dar es Salaam, board your overland vehicle, and meet your driver and cook. Take a short drive to your camp at Bagamoyo, a lovely spot by the beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Stone Town Bagamoyo - Day 21
Bagamoyo to Usambara Mountains
Travel into the remote Usambara Mountains, approximately 7 hours away. This unspoilt area attracts very few tourists. The forests stretching across the mountains are ideal for easy hikes and guided walks. You'll stay in Lushoto, the old German colony, on the grounds of one of Africa's earliest hotels.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Usambara Mountains Lushoto - Day 22
Usambara Mountains
Explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains and experience hospitality from small communities. Hike to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint with water and snacks in hand. On the way back, visit a local cultural project at Irente farm where you'll enjoy a locally prepared lunch.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Locally prepared lunch at Irente farm), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Irente viewpoint
- Visit local cultural project at Irente farm
- Locally prepared lunch at Irente farm
Landmarks Irente Viewpoint - Day 23
Usambara Mountains to Arusha
Journey from the scenic Usambara Mountains to Arusha with no planned activities, just the drive. Enjoy watching Tanzania's landscapes pass by as you make your way to this bustling gateway to the northern safari circuit. Upon arrival at your campsite on the town's outskirts, unwind and settle in for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Arusha - Day 24
Arusha to Karatu
After breakfast, head to Karatu, the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater. Hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves and Endoro waterfalls with an expert guide and armed ranger. Learn why the Elephant Caves are named for elephants that came to break off calcium-rich rock. Visit a local coffee farm to learn about farming practices. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner with a local Tanzanian family in their home and hear their stories from a trained guide.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional home-cooked dinner with local Tanzanian family)
Included Activities
- Hike through Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves and Endoro waterfalls with expert guide and armed ranger
- Elephant Caves visit
- Coffee farm tour at Karatu
- Traditional home-cooked dinner with local Tanzanian family
Landmarks Ngorongoro Reserve Forest Elephant Caves Endoro Waterfalls 
- Day 25
Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti
Get up early and pack your camping gear into a six-person jeep. Head out through Ngorongoro Crater, spending 3-4 hours on safari watching for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras, and hippos. Move on to the Serengeti's open plains. Green after rains and brown in dry season, your campsite sits within the Serengeti itself where you'll drift off listening to nocturnal animals.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Safari and game drive in Ngorongoro Crater (3-4 hours)
Landmarks Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti National Park 
- Day 26
Serengeti National Park
Wake at dawn for a game drive while animals are most active. Return to camp for brunch around 11 am. Rest during the hottest part of the day like the animals do. Head out again as the day cools for a second game drive, returning in time for dinner. There's an optional hot air balloon ride available (pre-booked only) departing before dawn for the launch site, gliding through dawn sometimes at tree height, then landing for a five-star bush breakfast.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Brunch (Early brunch around 11 am after morning game drive), Dinner
Included Activities
- Morning game drive in Serengeti National Park
- Evening game drive in Serengeti National Park
Optional Activities
- Hot air balloon ride over Serengeti (replaces portion of morning game drive, pre-booking required) - USD800
Landmarks Serengeti National Park 
- Day 27
Serengeti to Mto wa Mbu
Rise with the sun and enjoy another game drive as you leave the Serengeti. Jump back into your overland vehicle and head for Mto wa Mbu. After setting up camp, take a guided stroll through farming areas, local homes, and farmlands to get to know the community and their way of life. Later, enjoy a locally prepared dinner in town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Scrumptious locally prepared dinner in town)
Included Activities
- Early morning game drive leaving Serengeti
- Guided stroll through farming areas and local homes in Mto wa Mbu
- Locally prepared dinner in town
Landmarks Mto wa Mbu - Day 28
Mto wa Mbu to Nairobi, Kenya
Cross into Kenya early and drive to Nairobi, soaking up the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere with plenty of good bars and restaurants. Markets and shops have most things you could want, including various arts and crafts from the region. Join the welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet new members of your group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Nairobi bars and restaurants
- Visit markets and craft shops
Landmarks Nairobi - Day 29
Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
Drive northwest taking in views of the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, and Elementaita as you head to Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley. Arrive in time for a short evening game drive along the lake shore. This small, compact park is ideal for spotting wildlife including many members of the Big Five, especially rhinos.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Evening overland vehicle game drive at Lake Nakuru National Park
Landmarks Lake Nakuru National Park Rift Valley Lake Naivasha 
- Day 30
Lake Nakuru to Eldoret
Rise early, have breakfast, break camp and head out on an overland game drive as you leave the park. Eat lunch at the gate, then drive northwest to Eldoret, one of Kenya's fastest-growing cities. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at your campsite just outside Eldoret.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional dinner at campsite)
Included Activities
- Morning overland vehicle game drive leaving Lake Nakuru National Park
Landmarks Eldoret - Day 31
Eldoret to Kampala, Uganda
Leave Kenya behind and cross into Uganda, traveling to Kampala, the capital. Uganda's population exceeds 45 million and it's one of five countries making up the East African Community. Since this is a long travel day, you'll break from camping with a hotel stay tonight. After your long drive, the hotel prepares dinner and you settle in for a good night's rest.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner prepared by hotel)
Landmarks Kampala - Day 32
Kampala to Kalinzu Forest National Park
Travel to Kalinzu Forest National Park, home to chimpanzees, black and white colobuses, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, duikers, bushbucks, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, buffalo, and elephants. When you arrive, settle into camp and stretch your legs exploring your surroundings with the group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore camp surroundings
Landmarks Kalinzu Forest National Park - Day 33
Kalinzu Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning, you have the option to see Kalinzu's chimpanzees, creatures more closely related to humans than any other living thing, as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. Or soak in the forest sounds from your tent. Later, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Once camp is set up, there's an option for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, well-known for pelicans, eagles, and birdlife, plus a healthy hippo population.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest - USD205
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise - USD30
Landmarks Queen Elizabeth National Park Kazinga Channel 
- Day 34
Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kisoro
Drive out of Queen Elizabeth National Park on a short game drive toward the southwest tip of Uganda. Look out for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs, and waterbucks. Arrive at Uganda's corner where the border touches Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Spend the night in Kisoro at a camp on Lake Mutanda's shore with views of the Virunga Mountain range. Relax, swim off the dock, or hunt for weaver bird nests and African clawless otters.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Short game drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park
Optional Activities
- Swim off the dock at Lake Mutanda
- Look for weaver bird nests and African clawless otters
Landmarks Lake Mutanda Virunga Mountains 
- Day 35
Mountain Gorilla Trek
Joined by a local ranger and gorilla trackers, climb through the rugged mountain terrain of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Bwindi means 'dark'). Experience the rare opportunity to encounter gorilla families. No more than 8 people per day visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimize disturbance. The terrain is strenuous, but coming across a group dominated by a great silverback is unforgettable. Watch them eat, sleep, groom, and play.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mountain gorilla permit and trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Landmarks Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Day 36
Kisoro Area
If you didn't complete your gorilla visit yesterday, head out today. With your free day, your leader will provide options and ideas for the Kisoro area. Head out on rainforest hikes to see monkeys, take nature walks, or perhaps take a day excursion over the border to Rwanda to visit the genocide memorial, art museum, and Nyamirambo women's centre. Ensure you have a Rwanda or East Africa visa.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Complete gorilla trek if not finished Day 35
- Rainforest hikes to see monkeys
- Nature walks
- Rwanda day excursion to genocide memorial, art museum, and Nyamirambo women's centre - USD75 minimum, valid visa required
Landmarks Kisoro - Day 37
Kisoro to Mbarara
This morning, turn back toward Kampala on a travel day. Break up the journey in the pit-stop town of Mbarara for the night. There's not much to do around Mbarara, so tonight's a great opportunity to recharge, get stuck into a book, or relax at camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Mbarara - Day 38
Mbarara to Jinja
Continue your journey inland, traveling toward Jinja. The Jinja region is one of Uganda's highlights, a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile and the country's adventure capital. Tonight, camp at a scenic riverside site and rest up ready for tomorrow's activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Jinja - Day 39
Jinja
Spend your full free day at Jinja, located at the source of the Nile as it leaves Lake Victoria. Explore at your own pace with multiple optional activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking along the river, or taking a boat cruise to the source of the Nile to see the river from a new perspective.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Whitewater rafting (full day) - USD140
- Kayaking on the Nile
- Nile boat cruise - USD40
- Source of River Nile tour - USD45
Landmarks River Nile Lake Victoria - Day 40
Jinja to Kericho, Kenya
Farewell Uganda and begin your journey back to Kenya and Nairobi. Stop overnight in Kericho, one of Kenya's most popular towns known for its tranquil surroundings blanketed by thick tea plantations and evergreens. Positioned at the edge of the South-Western Mau National Reserve, Kericho has vast tea estates. When you arrive, visit a tea plantation to learn about the farming process from locals.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tea plantation visit
Landmarks Kericho South-Western Mau National Reserve - Day 41
Kericho to Maasai Mara National Park
Drive to the famous Maasai Mara National Park. Stop in Loita Hills, home of traditional Maasai people, and visit Tepesua Village. You'll be welcomed by Maasai warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your hosts, listen to insights into their ancient culture, and learn about community projects. Meet women making eco-friendly handbags and backpacks. Travel on to the Maasai Mara with its sparse open plains, dramatic skies, and iconic animals. Explore on an early evening 4WD game drive with expert guides.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Maasai Village visit at Tepesua with welcome by warriors, cultural talk, and women's project tour
- Maasai Mara early evening 4WD game drive with expert local guides
Landmarks Loita Hills Tepesua Village Maasai Mara National Park 
- Day 42
Maasai Mara National Park
Consider an optional hot air balloon ride over the Mara at sunrise (pre-booking required). If booked, you'll be picked up before dawn for a safety briefing, glide through the skies sometimes at tree height, land for a five-star bush breakfast, then rejoin the group. Today you'll venture into Maasai Mara National Reserve with expert guides for a full day 4WD safari exploring this diverse environment and viewing wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Full day 4WD safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve with expert local guides
Optional Activities
- Hot air balloon ride at sunrise (replaces portion of game drive, pre-booking required) - USD470
Landmarks Maasai Mara National Park 
- Day 43
Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Return to Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital. You'll be dropped off at your finishing point hotel where your 43-day adventure ends. If you'd like to extend your stay, speak with your booking agent about options.
Optional Activities
- Extend your stay in Nairobi (speak to booking agent)
Landmarks Nairobi
