This Southern Discoverer trip begins in Nairobi, Kenya and travels south through Tanzania with time to explore the Ngorongoro Crater* and the Serengeti National Park* before moving on to Zanzibar, spend some time next to Lake Malawi before entering Zambia and ending in Victoria Falls. Cost £495 - 21 days
We travel south from Nairobi, crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga. Tonight we stay in a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading out on our Optional Excursions to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Overnight: Campsite
Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and
is the starting point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro
Crater and Serengeti. We conduct these excursions in locally
operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for safari
use.
For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti
National Park, the next days are spent at leisure enjoying the
Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum and the surrounding
villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is
close by to explore.
The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai
town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake
Manyara National Park and 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. We spend the evening
at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart
early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the
wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. 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 in the
bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. 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'!
After our morning drive, we head back across the plains and the
lush Crater rim to our truck at Arusha, where we spend the evening
musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.
Overnight: Campsite
*Optional Activities: Masai Cultural Museum visits to
the surrounding villages, craft markets.
1 Day Ngorongoro Crater Excursion (Min 2 People) • US$200
3 Day / 2 Night Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion • US$380
After a morning spent exploring Arusha and its vibrant craft markets, we head south towards Dar es Salaam. On the way we drive 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! We pass through vast sisal plantations surrounded by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching our lovely campsite nestled between these mountains, midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
Overnight: Campsite
Today we continue on to Dar es Salaam. Travelling through lush scenery and palm trees, we near the warm Indian Ocean. 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.
Overnight: Campsite
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island," where
we have the option to 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: Accommodation and Meals are for your
own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that
passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The
Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while
meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.
*For those not opting to visit the island of Zanzibar, the next 3
days are spent at leisure at the beach campsite in Dar es
Salaam.
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.
Overnight: Own arrangements
Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland and another night in Dar es Salaam.
Overnight: Campsite
(camping B,L,D
This morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south. 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. We travel towards Iringa where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!
Overnight: Campsite
Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Malawi entering the 'Warm Heart of Africa' through the border post at Songwe.
Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 5 days. Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine white beaches. Malawi's temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue freshwater 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 dug out canoe yourself! The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi's shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horse back rides and a visit to the local village and school.
Today will be a full day driving back to Kenya with an overnight at a campsite in Nakuru.
Overnight: Campsite
From Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia where we spend the night in a beautiful little campsite just 10 km after the Malawi/Zambia border.
From Chipata, we head south to Lusaka to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia's capital city, Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife including Africa's largest antelope - Eland.
An early morning start sees us head south to Livingstone. Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it's not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight we have the OPTION of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.
Overnight: Campsite
Optional Activities: Sunset cruise
We leave Zambia and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering into Zimbabwe at the town of Victoria Falls. Here in Africa's adventure capital, we set up camp in the town's centrally located campsite. The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe - a fantastic photo opportunity. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite's swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!
Optional Activities: There are many optional excursions possible here including trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back 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.
After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
Tour ends.
Vehicle - we use custom-built Safari trucks. These are designed for the African roads and good for game viewing. There are some long days of travelling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed. The emphasis of the trip is "getting out and doing things".
A local payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by the tour leader on departure. This covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area. A large part of this tours local payment is used for the National Park entrance fees.
An essential part of your OzBus African Safari is participation - from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up - it's all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun!
