* This tour also runs in the opposite direction: NANV East African Adventure (South)
COUNTRIES VISITED: ZAMBIA, MALAWI, TANZANIA, KENYA
Day 1 Lusaka
Leaving behind the natural wonder of Victoria Falls we begin our expedition. After Livingstone we journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka where we see locals going about their daily business. You will notice the vegetation becoming sub-tropical and the roads a little rougher.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Chipata
Today is a long drive through lush country, crossing rivers enroute to Chipata, the gateway to the South Luangwa National Park. Zambia is truly African and an adjustment from the more western ways of Southern Africa. There are many rural villages and farming communities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3/4 South Luangwa National Park
Early in the morning we drive from Chipata to the border of the South Luangwa NP where we spend two nights at our campsite right on the bank of the Luangwa River. You can often see Hippo and other animals from the campsite bar. The park is known for its high concentration of leopards and hippos. The next day we visit the community run tribal textile project and a local village. Later this afternoon we enjoy a guided afternoon game drive. On occasion, in the rainy season it is impossible or inadvisable to attempt to reach South Luangwa NP, if this happens an alternative itinerary will be chosen. Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive and Game Walk in South Luangwa NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5/6 Malawi - Luwawa Forest
We depart from South Luangwa early and cross the border in to Malawi where we begin climbing in to the mountains that border the Malawian shores of Lake Malawi. In these higher areas there is a lot of commercial forestry and the cooler climate can be a very pleasant change from the more humid temperatures below. Luwawa Forest camp are winners of the 2008 'Community Development Work and Sustainable Tourism Award’. Take a hike to the viewpoint to see the Lake form above, or rent a Mountain Bike for some exciting riding.
Optional Activities – Mountian Biking, Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Canoeing Sailing…
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7/8 Central Lake Malawi
The road down the mountain from Luwawa to the lake shore is scenic and quite exciting. We take a break from travelling with a couple of relaxing days at Kande Beach Village on Lake Malawi. There is lovely white sand and lots of water sport and leisure activities available. We will also visit a local village for some cultural interaction here.
Optional Activities: Scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, craft shopping, hiking and more.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9/10 Northern Lake Malawi
Leaving Kande Beach we travel north to Chitimba, a small village by the lake with more white sandy beaches. Livingstonia Mission is at the top of the nearby mountains. You can hike up to the village, but be warned, this is not a relaxing stroll… there is a beautiful waterfall and interesting permaculture project on the way and it is possible to spend the night up there. Alternatively spend another 2 relaxing days on the beach.
Optional Activities: Hike to Livingstonia Mission, Abseiling, Water sports etc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Tanzania – Iringa
Today we leave Malawi and enter Tanzania. We ascend out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, passing vast tea plantations in the highlands before arriving at our camp outside Iringa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day12 Dar Es Salaam
Today we transit through Mikumi National Park, the 4th largest National Park in Tanzania, to the historical port city of Dar es Salaam, gateway to Zanzibar. The city is one of the oldest settled cities in East Africa and, although not the capital, is the chief commercial centre of Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13/14/15 Zanzibar
A local ferry will take us from Dar Es Salaam (where we leave the truck) to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. We spend the first night exploring the historical and unique architecture. There are also spice and seafood markets and the island is known for its endangered red colobus monkeys, adopted as the flagship species for conservation in Zanzibar. The following day we take a transfer to the northern part of the Island where we will spend 2 days relaxing on the beach.
Optional Activities: Lunch & Dinner, Swimming with Dolphins, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling.
Meals: Breakfast x3
Day 16 Dar Es Salaam
Today we leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry back to Dar Es Salaam and return to our truck and campsite. The evening can be spent reminiscing about our days on the island.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17 Arusha
Today we take a long and scenic drive to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania and known for its authentic craft markets. On a clear day it’s possible to see Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. After arriving in Arusha, those who are going to explore the Serengeti National Park, prepare for their excursion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18/19 Serengeti/Ngorongoro
Today we have the opportunity to go on a three-day trip into the Serengeti. This area has one of the most densely inhabited large animal populations in Africa. We game drive in the Serengeti NP and the amazing Ngorongoro Crater. In October and April the area is known for the circular migration of millions of herbivores travelling in pursuit of the seasonal rains. For those not going to the parks, take this chance to absorb some of the fascinating local culture.
Optional Activities: Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20 Arusha
Today those that went in to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro will return to Arusha where there will be time sit together and share stories of the wonderful African animals seen in the park. The Serengeti is always an unforgettable experience and one that will be shared time and time again.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21 Kenya – Nairobi
After crossing the border into Kenya we continue to travel towards Nairobi and the end of our journey. Although our tour has ended most groups like to spend this final evening at local game restaurant.
Optional Activities: Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
* This tour also runs in the opposite direction: NANV East African Adventure (South)












Recent comments regarding this tour from travellers:
“Best adventure ever!” - Tim (2009)
“Very nice tour. Lots of sitting in the truck, but the free time at Malawi made it good. A bit more interaction with the locals would be nice though.” - Geertje (2009)
“More events/activities should be planned for the trip and included in the price.” - Kevin (2009)
“Thabani knows Africa well and gives excellent lectures in history of the places we visited.” - Jeff (2009)
“I have to say that I really enjoyed every second. Actually it was my first Nomad tour – but definitely not my last one!” - Thomas (2009)
“No info and a lot of unexpected costs.” - JC (2009)
“This was one of the best trips of my life. I got a better understanding of Africa after this.” - Ross (2009)
“The toilets were terrible.” - Karen (2009)
“Too much driving and not enough time to enjoy places!” - Valentina (2009)
"As I speak both german and english, I can confirm that Veronika's translations were accurate and well presented. She did a very good job of summarizing and presenting Quinton's explanations." - Randall (2009)
“Thabani is the heart of this tour and he is worth gold to Nomad.” - Mark (2009)
“More and clearer information before departure would be great, but it's still worth everything.” - Julia (2009)
“The food has been incredible!” - Laura (2009)
“Very nice tour, I enjoyed myself very much! Good guides, good organized, good group. We saw lot, I am very happy with the tour.” - Pit (2009)
“It was a wonderful tour. The guides were okay, but with 24 persons the truck was overloaded.” - Stephen (2009)
“I was so impressed with everything on the tour. Bjorn went above and beyond in every way. Every detail he knew and informed us about. I even had fun in the truck while driving! I never thought time would fly by that fast!” - Jessie (2009)
“I had a lovely time. The price is great value for money and I would do another tour again!” - Elise (2009)
“Bumby but to be expected.” - Jennifer (2009)
“This tour far exeeded my expectations in every way. In terms of value for money, without question the best tour I've ever taken. Much of the credit for this to Novel and Pule. Their proffessionalism, people skills and good sense of humour were fundamental to making this tour such a succes.” - Peter (2009)
"Had an awesome time! Thanks very much to Jan & Vessel - everything was perfect!!" - Emily (2009)