Compare Victoria Falls & Serengeti Overland: Lakes & Landos by G Adventures vs Nairobi & Gameparks to Victoria Falls by African Trails

Day 1 Victoria Falls

Arrive at any time. Tonight, head out with your CEO and group to further explore together in Victoria Falls. Sip a drink at Shearwater Village after your welcome meeting. Sit back, relax, enjoy the rushing sound of the falls, down a beer, and get to know your fellow travel mates as the adventure begins.

Victoria Falls is great base to kick-off this African adventure, to see both some natural wonders, and take part in some exciting optional activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and, for the more adventurous, bungee jump with the Victoria Falls in view.

Your accommodation is in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT Livingstone (Zambia). Please make sure you have the necessary visa. Victoria Falls is frequently used as a base for travellers wishing to participate in the many activities and excursions available in the area. Please contact your booking agent if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation.

Day 2 Victoria Falls/Lusaka

Buckle those seat belts, set off early around 6am, and cross the border from Zimbabwe into Zambia. 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, buffalo, and antelope that freely roam the property. Then grab a cold drink at the camp’s bar (cheers!) or relax by the pool to celebrate the success of your long journey.

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

Day 3 Lusaka/South Luangwa

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. Use this time to get to know the members of your group better, swap stories, share some laughs, or even sit quietly and reflect, there’s time for both. The group will travel across the Zambian countryside before arriving at the campsite along the banks of the Luangwa River.

Day 4 South Luangwa

Guess where you’re going today! South Luangwa National Park. The day is yours to spend in this wildlife haven. Choose to go on a walking safari (just remember it’s seasonal), 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 because 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.

Day 5 South Luangwa/Chipata

It’s another day in the wilds of Africa so have those cameras at the ready as you head out on an optional morning safari drive. Try to snap some pictures of giraffes, elephants, and Cape Buffalo in this hidden gem of a place that also happens to be home to the largest populations of these creatures. Then the group will stop for lunch and visit the Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard a G Adventures-supported craft workshop. In the afternoon you will continue onwards to Chipata.

Day 6 Chipata/Kande Beach

Check another country off your travel lists as you pass into Malawi and head to Lake Malawi affectionately known as “Lake of Stars”. The group will spend four nights relaxing on the shores of this massive lake; think clear shimmering waters with schools of colourful cichlid fish swarming in the depths of a place where nature is king and the people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet. Beach walks, leisurely swims, and snorkeling are what’s in store for you over the next few days. The locals depend on the lake for fishing as well as survival by using dugout canoes to fish from and setting out long nets. There are many different ethnic groups all speaking their own language; most are Christians and the rest have traditional beliefs.

Please note that conservative dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered in public, but inside of camp boundaries, it is ok to wear beach clothes.

Day 7 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 shimmering surface is all about, take a leisurely swim, 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 in the evening before falling asleep under the stars.

Day 8 Kande Beach/Chitimba

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 north to picturesque Chitimba Beach where there are gorgeous views of the mountains in the background and you can see Tanzania from just across the lake. 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 9 Chitimba

Enjoy a final day at Lake Malawi. Now that you have gotten a feel for this area take the day to further experience your surroundings and appreciate them. Bask in the sun, take a swim, walk to the local village that you didn’t visit yesterday or hike to Livingstonia along the Nyika Plateau for wonderful views of the lake. Along the way cool off under the Manchewe Falls (we know we would if we were there with you). In the evening, relax along the lake and rest up as the journey continues tomorrow.

Day 10 Chitimba/Iringa

Another day, another country; you’ll be a pro at border crossings in no time. Today the group will head into Tanzania en route to Iringa. Gaze out the window as the Lando climbs out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, viewing tea plantations and highlands as you go. You could also use this time to journal, take a nap, or share inside jokes with the rest of the group (you’re bound to have some by now).

Day 11 Iringa/Dar es Salaam

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 Iringa before driving to Dar es Salaam. Watch as the Tanzanian countryside passes by and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean make their debut. The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century before becoming a port and trading centre. The group will spend the night here before embarking for the island beaches of Zanzibar.

Day 12 Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar Beach Resort

Today is the day your group will discover true paradise. Hop on a ferry and transfer to 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 our travellers are encouraged to be respectful of the island's culture and still cover up when walking around. Never try to take a photograph without asking permission.

Day 13 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 14 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, enjoy a guided tour of a local spice plantation on the way, 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 15 Stone Town/Bagamoyo

It’s time to kiss this underrated paradise good-bye as you catch the ferry back to the mainland and head north to the historic coastal town of 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.

If you have booked the Zanzibar Express, you will stay in Stone Town when the group heads for the ferry. You have a free day in Stone Town for shopping, relaxing or seeing the sights. (Ask your CEO if you want to book any tours) Tomorrow you fly to Arusha to meet the group. Included: transfers, flight, one night Stone Town (Tausi Palace, or similar). Only breakfast included.

Day 16 Bagamoyo/Arusha

Hit the road for a long day of driving. Enjoy the varied landscapes on the way to Arusha. Be on the lookout for views of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. Consider yourself lucky if you are able to see the mountain as it is hidden behind a veil of clouds most of the time.

Arusha sits at the foot of rugged Mt Meru, Africa's fifth highest mountain.

Use the afternoon to prepare a small day-pack for the three-day excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Take something warm for the night on the crater rim and enough insect repellant, sunscreen, and water. Bedding is provided, but you can take your sleeping bag along to make sure you're warm enough at night. Zanzibar Express; transfer this morning from your Stone Town hotel to the airport for the flight to Arusha. Arrive in Arusha and transfer to the camp to meet back up with the group. Only breakfast and dinner included.

Day 17 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, we are met by experienced safari driver/guides, who will ensure us wonderful wildlife encounters. Our safari vehicles each have sliding windows and a large pop-up roof, perfect for wildlife viewing. They are smaller than the Lando and will allow us to maneuver easily through the wildlife areas. As the vehicles are smaller than the Lando, our group will split up among several vehicles.

Day 18 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. Experience 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! Your CEO will give you 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 19 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 means that its 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 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.

Day 20 Arusha/Nairobi

Depart Arusha as the sun rises in the morning and travel overland to Nairobi; Kenya’s capital city. The tour ends upon arrival to Nairobi. In order to avoid any unnecessary issues with timing, please book ongoing travel from Nairobi in the evening. Not ready to go home just yet? That’s ok, stay for a few extra days to explore more of Kenya and beyond.

There is no included accommodation for this night in Nairobi. You may choose to pre-reserve post-tour accommodation through G Adventures.

Day 1 – 2: Leaving Nairobi we stop at the Rift Valley scenic lookout its 8,000 feet high and overlooks Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha. We head south to Narok and on to Masai Mara National Reserve; camping on the edge of the park.

We head south to Narok and on to Masai Mara National Reserve; camping on the edge of the park. The sweeping plains evoke a picture of East Africa that most people hold in their minds and are rarely disappointed when confronted with the real thing. Great game viewing is assured all year round. The Mara offers us everything, amazing scenery and abundant wildlife including the big five.

The sweeping plains evoke a picture of East Africa that most people hold in their minds and are rarely disappointed when confronted with the real thing. Great game viewing is assured all year round. The Mara offers us everything, amazing scenery and abundant wildlife including the big five.

Day 3: Through the Highlands towards Nakuru on the way to the Rift Valley

Day 4: Spend the day at Lake Nakuru, viewing the game in a park; famous for its soda lake surrounded by thousands, sometimes millions of pink flamingos. The park is home to over 400 species of bird, and we should spot a leopard or black and white rhino among the zebra, waterbuck, impala, giraffe, and tree climbing lions.

Day 5: From Lake Nakuru area and head to Kericho and Kisi, passing through tea plantations beside the road

Day 6: We cross the border into Tanzania and spend the night on the shores of Lake Victoria at Musoma

Day 7 - 9: The Serengeti plains are the Africa of the movies. Immense herds of zebra and wildebeest migrate here too and from Kenya’s Masai Mara. Leopards and lions are often spotted. All the big five can be found in the park. Your campsite is rustic offering the rare opportunity to fall asleep (or lay nervous and sleepless awake) to the sounds of lions or hyenas. Breakfast and box lunches are provided during the day and dinner is prepared for you by your cook at night

After game driving in the park, you’ll head out, past Masai villages and Olduvai Gorge, to the Ngorongoro Crater.The next morning you’ll wake up early and do a game drive in the unique ecosystem of the crater where there are plenty of lions, black rhino, and elephant. We finish the day when we arrive at our campsite to the west of Arusha, the safari capital of East Africa

Day 10: We head towards the coast past Moshi town the capital city of the Chagga tribe. Skirting the base of snowy Mount Kilimanjaro we camp on the way to Dar es Salaam.

Day 11: We arrive in Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean coast. If you decide not to go to Zanzibar, the campsite at the beach is an ideal place to have a few lazy days.

Day 12: Ferry to Zanzibar Island (optional) - From Dar es Salaam you can take the ferry to Zanzibar Island. Here is the old stone capital of the Omani Sultanate, sandy beaches, spice tours, snorkeling, diving and trips to other nearby islands. Zanzibar is a fascinating place to visit and to take it all in. Over a thousand years trade between Africa and Arabia has resulted in the blending of Arabs and Africans into a beautiful Swahili coastal culture with; wooden sailing dhows crossing the ocean, coconut plantations and fishing villages with mosques on the beaches. Nungwe beach resort on the north of the island has the most beautiful beaches.

Day 13 & 14: Stone Town in Zanzibar Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old slave market, the spice growing areas, Jozani Forest with Red Colobus Monkeys and in the evening the seafood cafes on the wharf.

Day 15: Return to Dar es Salaam on the ferry.

Day 16: We head south through Tanzania; our route takes us through Mikumi National Park where we may well see giraffe or elephant grazing beside the road. The road from Mikumi National Park to Malawi takes us through the southern highlands passing Baobab Valley to Iringa.

Day 17 - 19: Crossing the border into Malawi, we reach the shores of its huge lake. We spend the night at Chitimba Beach Camp. The campsites and small resorts along Lake Malawi offer sandy beaches, swimming, and snorkeling, water-skiing, horse riding or walking in the surrounding countryside. Markets sell carved Malawi chairs, tables, and wood carvings

Kande Beach. We head south through the hills and drop down to the lake and Kande Beach resort. Very relaxed and just the sort of beach place you need in Africa.

Day 20: Leaving the beach we go inland to spend the night in the capital Lilongwe or camp on route to Zambia after crossing the border. In Zambia, we head along the Great North Road – a sparsely settled countryside with few people or villages for hundreds of miles.

Day 21: South Luangwa National Park is well worth the visit. Recent trips have seen: - wild dogs, leopards, lions, and buffalo. We camp by the park and you can game drive into the park. Though the park is open all year, but during the rains; which are normally from Jan and Feb to March, the road in can be flooded and we can’t visit the park.

Day 22: We leave the park and continue to head west. Passing through the beautiful Luangwa Valley we arrive at the fastest expanding capital city on the continent, Lusaka. At camping Eureka, you may have zebra or antelope grazing by your tents while you sleep.

Day 23: Victoria Falls - the Zambezi River plunges 100 meters down a mile wide chasm, creating one of the most incredible natural wonders of the world. The local name for the falls is 'Mosi- oa-Tunya' which means 'the smoke that thunders' and you'll soon find out why.

Day 24: After an early start and a stunning drive we cross the Zambezi River on the Kazangula Ferry into Botswana. The country becomes lush and forested as we approach Chobe River. In Chobe National Park you can take an optional overnight game drive; a wild experience - excellent game viewing is a must.

Day 25: After returning to camp we head to Zimbabwe and over the border to Victoria Falls. When the river is in full flow, the falling water causes a huge roar and sends a cloud of spray up to 500 meters into the air.

Day 26: We stay beside Victoria Falls in Victoria Falls town, there are lots to see and do. Adventure activities abound - you can bungee jump, white water raft, and go game viewing on horseback or walking with lions. More sedate excursions include canoeing, light aircraft or helicopter flights over the Falls and the sunset cruise on the Zambezi. Though the Falls themselves are the main attraction, you can walk in the rain forest along the cliff opposite for an excellent view.