Description

Watch captivating Africa unfurl before your eyes as you travel from the gritty modernity of Nairobi to the epic power of Victoria Falls. Magnificent herds of elephants roam the vast Serengeti plains, golden sunlight warms powdery beaches in Zanzibar and local villagers keep age-old traditions alive in Malawi and Zimbabwe. From the frenetic pace of busy cities to jaw-dropping game drives, experience the best of nature and be charmed by warm welcomes on this revealing tour of Africa.

Highlights

• Visit tiny Tanzanian villages.
• Seek out the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater.
• Safari through the endless Serengeti plains.
• Camp on the beach at Dar es Salaam.
• Revive the senses at a Zanzibar spice plantation.
• Walk through the alleyways of Stone Town.
• Watch fishermen at work on Lake Malawi.
• Search for elephants in Hwange National Park.
• Be amazed by the force of Victoria Falls.

Itinerary

Day 1 Nairobi

Once a swamp but now called the 'green city in the sun', Nairobi is a relatively multicultural city with a range of cuisines, museums and cultural centres to enjoy.

Day 2 Mto Wa Mbu

Situated around halfway between Arusha and Ngorongoro, Mto Wa Mbu is a tiny town located near three rivers which is known for its curios and red-skinned bananas.

Days 3-4 Ngorongoro Crater/Serengeti National Park

Photographic opportunities abound in the Ngorongoro Crater, a massive volcanic caldera with so many animals, it's hard to know where to look first. Teeming with animals and home to the famous migration of the wildebeest, the Serengeti is a marvel with rolling plains, iconic acacia trees and mesmerising skies.

Day 5 Mto Wa Mbu

As small community away from the main tourist trail, Mto Wa Mbu offers an excellent chance to get a close-up look at life in an African village.

Day 6 Marangu

Nestled at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, Marangu is a small village surrounded by stunning vistas and lush forest.

Day 7 Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam lies by the Indian Ocean and is abuzz with busy streets, laidback restaurants, colourful markets, interesting architecture and lots of water-based activities.

Days 8-10 Zanzibar

Famed for its fragrant spices and infamous for its slave-trading history, Zanzibar mixes divine beaches, an atmospheric main town and Middle Eastern flair with an African beat.

Day 11 Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam roughly means 'haven of peace' and has a long history of trade with India, the Middle East and Germany, making it a fascinating blend of cultures.

Days 12-13 Iringa/Chitimba

Overlooking the Ruaha River, Iringa is a picturesque town with a relaxed vibe, some good places to eat and a wonderful crafts centre. Chitimba lies along the coast of Lake Malawi and has lovely beaches, friendly locals and a laidback atmosphere.

Days 14-15 Lake Malawi

Home to a huge variety of freshwater fish and beautiful beaches, the expansive waters of Lake Malawi play a central role in the lives of many local Malawians.

Days 16-17 Lilongwe/Lusaka

Located close to Zambia's border with Malawi, Chipata is a lively town known for its colourful market and the locals' love for bicycles. One of the fastest-developing cities in southern Africa, Lusaka is cosmopolitan but still retains a traditional African feel with its busy markets and friendly people.

Day 18 Harare

Harare, Zimbabwe's bustling capital, offers plenty to see and do: interesting museums and galleries, peaceful gardens and frenetic markets.

Day 19 Masvingo

The oldest colonial settlement in Zimbabwe, Masvingo is the perfect base to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins - the national monument the country is named after.

Days 20-21 Bulawayo

Also known as the 'City of Kings', Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second-largest city and still retains the parks, tree-lined streets and buildings of its colonial past.

Day 22 Hwange National Park

Founded in 1928 and the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park has a wealth of beautiful landscapes and a tremendous selection of wildlife.

Days 23-24 Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a town on the Zimbabwean side of the falls, with spectacular views and a reputation as the adventure capital of Zimbabwe.

Group Size

Maximum of 22 travellers per group

Accommodation

Bungalow, Camping (with basic facilities), Camping (with facilities), Hotel

Transport

4x4 Safari Vehicle, Ferry, Overland vehicle

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip. Please see trip notes for more information. 2. This trip finishes in Vic Falls on Day 24. We recommend that you do not book any flights out on the final day until late evening because it is likely we will visit the falls that day. You may also want to try some of the optional activities on offer here, before our adventure comes to an end.