East Africa Explorer (Accommodated) - 24 days
East Africa Explorer (Accommodated) - 24 days
East Africa Explorer (Accommodated) - 24 days
24 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Livingstone, Zambia
Visiting: Masai Mara, Nairobi, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Mikumi National Park, Iringa, Lake Malawi, Chipata, Lusaka, Livingstone
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-75
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 24-day East Africa Explorer tour, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia. This adventure begins in Nairobi, taking you through the iconic Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks, where you'll seek out the Big Five and camp under the stars. Experience the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater and the vibrant cultures of Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam. Relax on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, explore the wildlife-rich Mikumi National Park, and unwind by the shores of Lake Malawi. Conclude your journey in Livingstone, Zambia, with a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls. This small group safari tour offers a blend of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and stunning natural beauty, all while staying in comfortable accommodations ranging from permanent tents to charming chalets.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Location: Masai Mara
Accommodation Name: Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Masai Mara. We leave Nairobi early this morning and make our way to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is adjacent to the Serengeti, forming one of the world's last surviving great wildernesses. We will be travelling in specialised safari vehicles for this part of the tour for a more intimate wildlife-viewing experience, and will join up with our main vehicle later. In the Masai Mara, we will be staying in twin-share pre-erected tents with ensuite facilities.
During our time in the Mara, we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope which inhabit the plains and the predators that hunt them. Also keep your eyes peeled for other iconic species like rhino, elephant and giraffe. We camp on the edge of the reserve, close to the action!
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Day 2: Masai Mara
Location: Masai Mara
Accommodation Name: Enchoro Wildlife Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we continue exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives to different areas of the park. As well as the iconic Big Five, we will hopefully spot some of the less glamorous species, but creatures that are important to the ecosystem. Hyenas and vultures scavenge the remains of prey, warthogs scurry through the undergrowth and endangered African wild dogs hunt intelligently in packs. We break in the middle of the day for lunch before game driving back to our camp for the evening.
Day 3: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: Wildebeest Eco Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Masai Mara - Nairobi. Leaving the Mara, we travel back through the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, where we spend the night.
Day 4: Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Meserani Snake Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). We leave Kenya, crossing into neighbouring Tanzania at the Namanga frontier. We then drive to the country's safari capital, Arusha, arriving late afternoon. Situated in the shadow of Mount Meru and close to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, it is a great base for exploring the region. If time allows, we stop to browse the local markets and join a walk around a traditional Masai village before heading to our accommodation at the Meserani Snake Park.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Simba Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Serengeti National Park. We leave our overland truck behind and transfer to designated safari vehicles this morning. Crossing the Great Rift Valley, we enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We then drive around the rim of this spectacular UNESCO-listed crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti. Serengeti derives from the Maasai word siringitu, which means "the place where the land moves on forever" and the scale of this wilderness is sure to impress as much as the wildlife you will inevitably see.
The Serengeti and neighbouring Masai Mara in Kenya play host to the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and antelope. These prey animals follow the rains and the freshest grass, stalked every step of the way by the lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas which feed on them. You are sure to have some amazing wildlife experiences today as we enjoy a game drive en route to our camp. We spend tonight at an unfenced campsite, where we can listen to the sounds of the bush and hopefully see some wildlife from our camp!
Day 6-7: Ngorongoro Crater
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Simba Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 3, we can search for any species we have not managed to spot so far. We travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater, camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife areas.
On day 4 we get our chance to head into the crater itself, following the steep, winding road into the reserve. On our game drive, you will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes who can't manage the steep climb down the crater rim!
Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha and our overland safari vehicle.
Day 8: Bagamoyo
Location: Bagamoyo
Accommodation Name: Firefly Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arusha - Bagamoyo. We begin our journey to Zanzibar today, heading towards the Indian Ocean coast. It's a long but scenic drive, and we pass Mount Kilimanjaro en route. If the weather is clear we should be able to enjoy magnificent views of the iconic snow-capped peak.
Our stop for tonight is the port town of Bagamoyo. It was founded towards the end of the 18th century and was an important trading port along the East African coast. Today it is a centre for dhow building, with many of the boats being sent to Zanzibar and nearby areas. We camp on the outskirts of the town, near the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Day 9: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Name: Kipepeo Beach Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. Saying farewell to Bagamoyo we make the 2 - 3 hour drive along the coast to Dar es Salaam. This vibrant city is Tanzania's main port and a kaleidoscope of culture. Impressive Arab architecture and colourful markets give way to blissful beaches and turquoise ocean. We stay by the beach tonight before our excursion to Zanzibar.
Day 10-12: Zanzibar
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: All Seasons Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 7, we take the ferry to Zanzibar, leaving our overland truck on the mainland. Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys, and lush tropical forests.
Our time on Zanzibar is not too structured. There is plenty of free time to explore the old part of Zanzibar City - Stone Town. You'll also want to visit a spice plantation, spend some time on the tropical beaches and enjoy snorkelling at the coast, home to a wealth of marine life. Other optional excursions you can book include massages and yacht trips. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.
In Zanzibar we typically spend day 7 in Stone Town and days 8 and 9 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Day 13: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Name: Kipepeo Beach Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. We have the morning to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy one last swim before catching the ferry back to Dar es Salaam and travelling on to our accommodation by the coast for the evening.
Day 14: Mikumi
Location: Mikumi National Park
Accommodation Name: Tan-Swiss Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dar es Salaam - Mikumi National Park. Making our way southwest, we head back inland and towards the border with Malawi. We'll be driving through Mikumi National Park for a large chunk of the day, and will hopefully see some of the wildlife that lives in Tanzania's fifth-largest game reserve.
Our accommodation for the night is right on the edge of the park and there is an optional additional game drive if you'd like to search further for elephants, giraffes, or the other species that call Mikumi home. Alternatively, you can relax in the local bar and restaurant, or enjoy an evening around the campfire.
Day 15: Iringa
Location: Iringa
Accommodation Name: Kisolanza Farm
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mikumi National Park - Iringa. Continuing our journey south, we pass through Baobab Valley, home to many of these ancient, swollen baobab trees. Reaching the town of Iringa, we end our journey at the Kisolanza Farm. This family-run business supplies Dar es Salaam with organic meat and vegetables and is a well-known stopover, located in the scenic Southern Highlands of Tanzania.
Day 16-17: Lake Malawi
Location: Lake Malawi
Accommodation Name: Chitimba Beach Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iringa - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). We wave farewell to Tanzania on day 16, crossing into neighbouring Malawi. We head straight to shimmering Lake Malawi, which covers around a fifth of the country and is the main source of income for a huge swathe of the country's population. Fishermen paddle their traditional Bwato canoes on the lake, which has a huge number of fish species found nowhere else in the world, making it a popular spot for scuba divers.
Arriving at our accommodation by Chitimba Beach, the rest of today and tomorrow are at leisure. Relax by the beach, play volleyball or browse the local craft markets.
On day 17 there is an optional hike to Manchewe Falls. This 11km hike requires decent fitness, but the rewards are spectacular views of the waterfall and a dip in a natural bath. David Livingstone lived and worked in this area during his time in Malawi.
Day 18-19: Lake Malawi
Location: Lake Malawi
Accommodation Name: Kande Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi - Mzuzu - Kande Beach, Lake Malawi. Day 18 sees us driving through rubber plantations to the small town of Mzuzu, where we visit the local market and resupply the truck. Then it's onwards to Kande beach, another part of Lake Malawi around 240km down the shoreline.
The rest of today and day 19 are free to relax or join some of the optional activities on offer. You can go diving, canoeing, or snorkelling in the lake, or opt for a horse ride along the beach. You can also join a guided walk to a nearby village to meet the Malawian locals.
Day 20: Chipata
Location: Chipata
Accommodation Name: Mama Rula's
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kande Beach, Lake Malawi - Chipata (Zambia). Travelling via the Malawian capital of Lilongwe, we make the border crossing into Zambia. We arrive at the town of Chipata, formerly known as Fort Jamerson. We should have time to wander around the town, home to a large Indian community and a number of ornate mosques. Then we continue to our accommodation on the outskirts of town.
Day 21: Lusaka
Location: Lusaka
Accommodation Name: Eureka Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chipata - Lusaka. Today we have a long drive through the picturesque scenery of Zambia. We'll travel along the Great Eastern Road and cross the Luangwa River before reaching the capital, Lusaka. This is southern Africa's fastest-growing city, but we'll enjoy a slice of tranquility at our accommodation on a rural farm.
Day 22-23: Livingstone
Location: Livingstone
Accommodation Name: The Victoria Falls Waterfront
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Lusaka - Livingstone. On day 22 we drive to Livingstone, our final destination, and home to Victoria Falls. There is an included visit to see the Zambian side of this famous cascade and the following day is free to relax or enjoy some of the numerous optional activities available. Activities range from a further visit to see the cascades (prepare to get wet!), canoeing and rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping and fishing to a scenic flight over the falls, or an abseiling experience - the choice is yours!
Day 24: Livingstone
Location: Livingstone
Accommodation Name: The Victoria Falls Waterfront
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. If you'd like to stay a while longer in Livingstone then speak to our team about booking post-tour accommodation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Simple Accommodation & 5 nights camping -
23 breakfasts, 18 lunches & 18 dinners
Enjoy 23 breakfasts, 18 lunches, and 18 dinners during the tour.
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18 nights simple twin share accommodation, 3 nights permanent tented camps and 2 nights camping in 2-person dome tents
Stay in 18 nights of simple twin share accommodation, 3 nights in permanent tented camps, and 2 nights camping in 2-person dome tents.
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Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew
The tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.
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Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment.
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Masai Mara excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide
Experience a Masai Mara excursion in a purpose-built safari vehicle with game drives led by a resident guide.
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Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide
Enjoy excursions to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in a purpose-built safari vehicle with game drives led by a resident guide.
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Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide
Participate in a Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide.
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Zanzibar return ferry ticket
A return ferry ticket to Zanzibar is included.
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Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls visit
Visit Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and Victoria Falls.
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Mattresses, sleeping bag and pillow provided for the nights camping
Mattresses, sleeping bags, and pillows are provided for the nights spent camping.
What's Not Included
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Local Payment
A higher local payment is required for bookings made prior to 15 Dec 2023: USD $1495 pp (Jan - May) / USD $1770 pp (Jun - Dec).
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Airport transfers
Airport transfers are not included but can be booked on request.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Optional activities
Optional activities are not included and prices are listed in the Trip Notes.
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Local payment
A local payment of $850 per person is required, to be paid in USD.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations from permanent tents with ensuite facilities at Enchoro Wildlife Camp in Masai Mara to simple chalets at Meserani Snake Park and Kisolanza Farm. Enjoy beachfront chalets at Kipepeo Beach Village and Amaan Bungalows in Zanzibar, offering stunning views and relaxation opportunities.
Age Policy
18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75.Â
Mode of Transport
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, with specialized safari vehicles for excursions in Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a ferry ride to Zanzibar and return, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of East Africa's diverse landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides a mix of accommodations including simple twin share accommodation, permanent tented camps, and camping in 2-person dome tents. Specific accommodations include Enchoro Wildlife Camp, Wildebeest Eco Camp, Meserani Snake Park, Simba Camp, Firefly Camp, Kipepeo Beach Village, All Seasons Hotel, Amaan Bungalows, Tan-Swiss Lodge, Kisolanza Farm, Chitimba Beach Camp, Kande Beach, Mama Rula's, Eureka Camp, and The Victoria Falls Waterfront.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 23 breakfasts, 18 lunches, and 18 dinners. Meals are provided at various accommodations throughout the tour.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available during the tour. These include game drives in Mikumi National Park, snorkelling and diving in Lake Malawi, visiting a spice plantation in Zanzibar, and various activities at Victoria Falls such as canoeing, rafting, bungee jumping, and scenic flights.
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) in the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park. Other wildlife includes wildebeest, zebra, antelope, hyenas, vultures, warthogs, African wild dogs, and various species in the Ngorongoro Crater and Mikumi National Park.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew, and there are resident guides for specific excursions such as the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park game drives, as well as the Maasai Village Walk.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The age policy for this tour is 18 and over. Anyone over 65 is required to complete a Tour Suitability Form, and the maximum age is 75.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.