Compare Zanzibar, Victoria Falls & Kruger by Acacia Africa vs Nairobi to Joburg Overland: Craters & Camping by G Adventures

DAYS 1 - 4: Zanzibar

From the port city of Dar es Salaam we catch a ferry to Zanzibar - the ‘Spice Island’! Zanzibar was one of the most important centres on the East African coast with slaves and spices historically being two of the main exports. Time here is yours to enjoy Zanzibar at your own leisure. Stone Town is the capital and our entry point into this island paradise. Many people choose to spend at least one night here to explore the winding cobbled alleys, market stalls and Arabic architecture. For those wanting to simply relax there are Palmfringed beaches and warm blue ocean waters to enjoy at the northern beaches.

NB Basic shared accommodation is included on Zanzibar however meals will be for your own account allowing you to experience some of the many different options available on Zanzibar. Please refer to the tour dossier (available below) for more information.

DAYS 5 - 12: MIkumi National Park, Lake Malawi, Lusaka

Back on the mainland, we have time to browse the curio markets before driving via pretty Mikumi National Park to Malawi. Malawi is one of the friendliest countries on tour and home to the third-largest fresh water lake on the continent. We travel south along the shore of Lake Malawi stopping at various camps to enjoy the hospitality of the local people by day and relax under huge star-filled skies in our camp at night. At Kande Beach try scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing and horse riding, as well as a village walk. Leaving the lake, we drive out of Malawi and through Zambia to Lusaka for a night near the country’s capital.

DAYS 13 - 16: LIvingstone, Victoria Falls

We arrive at Livingstone close to Africa’s Victoria Falls. This is Africa’s adrenaline capital, with white water rafting, bungy jumping and gorge-swinging available, to name but a few! For something more relaxing why not take an elephant back safari, horse-riding safari, scenic flight or sunset cruise? We include a visit to the impressive ‘Falls’ plunging between the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe, before leaving the area.

DAYS 17 - 22: Chobe National Park, Botswana, Kruger National Park

From Livingstone we cross into Botswana to the town of Kasane near Chobe National Park. Here you may like to enjoy an afternoon on the Chobe River on a relaxing cruise. We move south, via Nata and Francistown to South Africa and the famous Kruger National Park. Here you will have a final opportunity to see the ‘Big Five’ in South Africa’s largest and best known wildlife area. Finally, we travel via the Mpumalanga province to Johannesburg where the tour ends.

NB Day 16 - 22 may be operated in a smaller vehicle depending on group size

Day 1 Nairobi

Arrive at anytime. Prepare for tomorrow’s early morning by checking out the hotel bar with your newest friends. Travelling can take a lot out of you so sit back, fill those food and drink needs, and spend a chill night becoming familiar with your group and CEO.

Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to know which visas you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain a visa on arrival at the border.

Day 2 Nairobi/Arusha

Hop in the Lando and hit the road in style as you cross through the semi-arid lands of the Maasai people en route to Arusha, Tanzania. Marvel at the epic views of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance and swap stories with your road trip buddies!

Day 3 Arusha/Serengeti National Park

Well folks it’s time for the Africa you have all imagined, the experience that has been depicted over and over again in books, movies, and television. So grab those cameras, purchase a quirky bucket hat, and head out on a wildlife safari drive into one of the most famous national parks in Africa; the Serengeti. Get ready for abundant wildlife, vast golden plains dotted with thorny acacia trees, and hippo-filled rivers as you begin a 3-day and 2-night excursion into the park itself and the great Ngorongoro Crater.

Changing to specialized 4x4 7-seater safari vehicles, meet experienced safari driver/guides, who will ensure wonderful wildlife encounters. The safari vehicles each have sliding windows and a large pop-up roof, perfect for viewing animals and scenery. They are smaller than the overland adventure vehicle (OAV) and will allow the group to maneuver easily through the wildlife areas. As the vehicles are smaller than the overland adventure vehicle (OAV), the group will split up among several vehicles.

Day 4 Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro

Grab your buddies and jump aboard for one last morning safari in the Serengeti. As the sun rises higher in the sky watch the animal kingdom come to life in this grassland savannah before returning to break down camp. Then it’s on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa’s best wildlife viewing. Get ready for epic views from the crater rim and watch as animals meander around below drinking water from the permanent supply on the crater floor. You’ll be setting up camp in the late afternoon at a site near the crater rim and then you can spend the rest of the day enjoying one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on the planet.

Please note: if you have pre-booked the Serengeti Balloon Safari, today's likely the day for this activity! The CEO will give the final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above! If you have not yet pre-booked, add it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance. Please note that due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.

Day 5 Ngorongoro/Arusha

It’s time to experience “Africa’s Garden of Eden” on a more personal level. Today, venture down to the crater floor where the group will embark on a final safari experience. Have those cameras charged and at the ready because, let’s face it if you are going to see any wildlife this would be the place (and we are so excited for you)! The animals are bound to this area by the crater walls and the enclosed nature of the crater meaning it’s own ecosystem has been created think; rich grasslands, swamps, acacia forests, and Lake Makat so get ready to see some magic. With full camera rolls and even more full hearts the group will exit the crater in the late morning and travel back to Arusha. Swap stories along the way, pick those favourite photos from earlier, or simply sit back and let yourself enjoy the passing scenery as you cruise along.

If you have booked the Zanzibar Express, you will part from the group in Arusha and be transferred to your Arusha hotel for the night. The following morning you will fly to Zanzibar. Included: transfers, flights, one night Arusha (Outpost Lodge, or similar) and one night Stone Town (Tausi Palace, or similar). Only breakfast included.

Day 6 Arusha/Bagamoyo

There’s no time to stop and rest in a place as majestic as this. Hit the road early and enjoy the varied landscapes en route to the Indian Ocean. Be on the lookout for the mighty Mt Kilimanjaro in the distance on the road towards Bagamoyo. This town was recently named a World Heritage Site and used to be one of the most important trading ports of the central east African coast in the late 19th century. Stroll through Bagamoyo’s narrow, unpaved streets on your own and feel as if you stepped back in time.

Zanzibar Express; transfer this morning from your Arusha hotel to the airport for the flight to Zanzibar. Arrive in Stone Town and spend the afternoon exploring on your own. Enjoy an extra night in Stone Town and meet back up with the group the following day. Only breakfast included.

Day 7 Bagamoyo/Zanzibar Beach Resort

After the jam packed first few days of this trip where you are going next is going to be just what you needed. Wake in Bagamoyo before driving to Dar es Salaam, then hop on a ferry to the paradise of Zanzibar. Get ready for picturesque island beaches that will make you contemplate staying here and living off the grid. Few places on this planet are as entrancing and exotic as this Tanzanian archipelago so get ready to enjoy it, take loads of pictures, and relax in a place that has long lured backpackers and adventurers to it’s sandy shores.

Zanzibar is a Muslim society. Immodestly dressed women or men in shorts will get harassed and cause great offence in Stone Town. At the beach, customs are a little more relaxed, but travellers are encouraged to be respectful of the island's culture and cover up when walking around. Never try to take a photograph without asking permission.

Day 8 Zanzibar Beach Resort

Wake up in this island paradise and get ready to seize the day. You’ll be exploring one of the world’s great cultural crossroads… think Africa meets Arabia and add the Indian Ocean into the mix as the cherry on top. The day is yours to spend as you choose; grab some goggles and go snorkelling, hop aboard a sailing trip, or just lounge on the beach and relax. Zanzibar’s tropical setting, unique culture, and active beach-party scene make this place a very enjoyable East African Indian Ocean experience.

Day 9 Stone Town

Your most difficult task today is going to be pulling yourself away from the beauty that surrounds you in Jambiani. But, if it makes you feel any better you still have one final night to spend on this enchanted island just in a more local spot. Travel back to Stone Town from the other side of the island and explore the heart of Zanzibar. Wander the winding historic unpaved alleyways of Stone Town passing by balconies and gigantic wooden carved doors along the way. Get lost and spend hours exploring the streets and squares, drinking potent coffee from pavement vendors and buying sweetmeats from tiny cafes. Keep an eye out for tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautifully printed cloths (kangas and kikois worn by local people), little carved chests with copper inlays, and spices – all beautiful presents or memories to take home.

Day 10 Stone Town/Baobab Valley

It’s time to kiss this underrated paradise good-bye and head further inland back towards the mountains. Start by catching the ferry back to Dar es Salaam and watch as the islands get smaller and smaller, then hop in the Lando again to continue west to the group campsite in the Baobab Valley along the banks of the Ruaha River. Set up camp and look to the skies as the light begins to fade and enjoy a spectacular sunset in the lush, fertile lands of Tanzania. Then search the sky for shooting stars and make some wishes before drifting off to sleep.

Day 11 Baobab Valley/Iringa

Pack up camp and spend another day together on the road. Use this time to journal, take a nap, or swap inside jokes with the rest of your group (because let’s face it you’re bound to have some by now). You will be journeying south to Iringa today, once there the group will visit a crafts centre that supports the local community. Buy a souvenir to take home and wander through town in search of cool overlooks.

Day 12 Iringa/Chitimba

Get ready to check another country off your travel lists as you pass from Tanzania into Malawi. The group will stop at Lake Malawi in Chitimba where the beach has gorgeous views of the mountains in the background and you can see Tanzania from just across the lake. Think clear shimmering waters with schools of colourful cichlid fish swarming in the depths in a place where nature is king and the people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet.

Day 13 Chitimba/Kande Beach

It’s off to another beautiful destination along Lake Malawi today. From oceans to mountains to lakes you’re getting to see some of the best scenery that Africa has to offer. The group will head to the picture-perfect enclaves of Kande Beach. Once here you can choose to get out onto the lake or you can hike along the shores and enjoy the scenery that surrounds you.

Day 14 Kande Beach

Imagine this; you wake to the sound of birdsong around you, the sun is shining, and the waters of Lake Malawi are calling your name begging to be set upon. Grab your camera and swim suit and head out for some fun. Wander the shore on foot, grab a snorkel and see what life under the water is all about, take a leisurely swim off the shore, or choose to experience a village walk at the nearby Tonga Village. Then the group will get to take part in a traditional dinner at a local home.

Day 15 Kande Beach/Chipata

Another day another adventure! Today the group will cross the border from landlocked Malawi into Zambia. From there the Lando will take the group to the capital of the Eastern Province, Chipata. This town used to be called Fort Jameson and today is a popular refuelling station for overlanders heading to South Luangwa National Park.

Day 16 Chipata/South Luangwa

Guess where you’re going today! South Luangwa National Park for some wildlife viewing. But first the group will stop for lunch and visit the Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe a G Adventures-supported craft workshop. Then you can choose to do an afternoon, or night, wildlife safari drive in the national park. Have those cameras ready to capture images of giraffes, elephants, and Cape Buffalo in this hidden gem of a place.

Please note that the South Luangwa Wildlife Safari Drive is an optional activity that is not included and will be an additional cost on tour should you choose to partake.

Day 17 South Luangwa

The day is yours to spend as you please in the wildlife haven of South Luangwa NP. Choose to go on a walking safari (just remember it’s seasonal), or a night drive, or visit a nearby local village. No matter what you decide to do remember to have fun and be in the moment life’s more fun that way in general and hey, so is travel. Get rid of those expectations and let this place dazzle you for what it is.

Please note that the South Luangwa Wildlife Safari Drive and the South Luangwa Walking Safari are optional activities that are not included and will be an additional cost on tour should you choose to partake.

Day 18 South Luangwa/Lusaka

Rise and shine and begin today’s journey. We have a lot of ground to cover so be prepared to set off early and arrive late in the afternoon in your next destination. The long journey across rough and bumpy roads will take you to a private farm 29km (18 mi) outside the capital of Zambia and will have you feeling so accomplished because we all know now that driving on rough terrain is no picnic! Get out, stretch those legs and marvel together at the zebras, buffaloes, and the antelope that freely roam the property. The grab a cold drink at the camp’s bar (cheers!) or relax by the pool.

This is an overnight stop in between driving days, so we will not have time to explore Lusaka.

Day 19 Lusaka/Victoria Falls

Buckle those seat belts and cross the border from Zambia into Zimbabwe; home of the epic Victoria falls. Get ready to feel the mist in the air as you enter the town of Victoria Falls and choose to get up close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world on an optional falls visit.

Your accommodation is in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT Livingstone (Zambia). Please make sure you have the necessary visa.

Day 20 Victoria Falls

Get up close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world on this free day in Victoria Falls. Feel the strength of the water splashing your skin on the observation deck, taking in the sound of tons of water thundering in over the edge of the falls in the distance, and make your day as relaxing or hair-raising as you like. Opt to try whitewater rafting. Maybe take a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?), or take the plunge (literally) while bungee jumping with Victoria Falls in sight.

Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise. You can pre-book on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent. Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.

Day 21 Victoria Falls/Matobo National Park

Rise early to the sounds of Victoria Falls thundering in the distance before the group heads out on the long, but scenic drive to Matobo National Park. Take this time to enjoy the scenery, get to know your group more, and reflect on what you hope to gain from taking this trip.

Day 22 Matobo National Park

Huge granite masses, land that has been walked on for forty thousand years, and a peaceful quiet that will have you wondering why you would ever want to return to the hustle and bustle of the modern world are what await you on this visit to Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe. Hop aboard an open wildlife safari vehicle and have an immersive experience in the park focussing on edible plants, visit a Khoisan cave with historic cave paintings, and enjoy close encounters with wildlife, while learning about rhino conservation efforts.

Day 23 Matobo National Park/Tshipise

Another day, another slice of adventure! Make the most of your day getting to know the people in your group. Share past travel stories, take backseat bus selfies, and watch as the African scenery passes you by on your way across the border into South Africa. In the evening sit back, relax, tip your head to the sky and bask in the warm water of the mineral pool at our campsite.

Day 24 Tshipise/Kruger National Park

Welcome to wildlife country! Kruger is the kind of place that you’ll visit, but still want to return to over and over again. With nearly 5 million acres this park offers some of the best access to wild animals in Africa, so prepare for an epic time… (but you already knew that!) Keep those cameras at the ready and experience your ultimate African safari fantasy become a reality. Search for lions, elephants and many other animals on a full-day wildlife safari drive. Word of advice? Remember that it’s not all about the animals. This sprawling sanctuary is home to much more; think giant baobab, fever, and marula trees towering over the savannah in a place that feels older than time itself. Stop at prime viewing areas like Hippo Pool, the Kruger Tablets, and the Red Rocks, while you simply revel in your primitive surroundings as nature moves around you.

Day 25 Kruger National Park/Greater Kruger Area

Yesterday was only a taste of the beauty that resides in the National Parks of South Africa. Today, you will head out into Kruger NP again on another wildlife safari drive in the Lando. (Upgrade alert! You can choose to embark on this experience in a 4x4 safari vehicle instead.) Take your gaze to the sky today and try to search for all of the things you didn’t get to yesterday. In the evening fill your bellies with a traditional dinner together, then grab someone’s hand and work up a sweat with some local dancing as the night settles around you.

Day 26 Greater Kruger Area/Johannesburg

While you may be leaving the bush behind today, the memories will stay with you forever. So don’t despair, instead look ahead with excitement as you journey back to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and economic heart.

Day 27 Johannesburg

Depart at any time. Alas, it’s time to go home, but not before giving "Jozi" some love! Perhaps you’ll extend for a few days and enjoy this vibrant, up and coming South African city? Wander through important cultural spaces like the Apartheid Museum and the Mandela House, soaking in the history that shaped Johannesburg. Sample food, music, and art in the city’s trendy neighbourhoods like Melville and give yourself time to relax and unwind before returning home.