* This tour also runs in the opposite direction: NVN East African Adventure (North)
COUNTRIES VISITED: KENYA, TANZANIA, MALAWI, ZAMBIA
Day 1 Nairobi - Arusha
Today we depart the bustling capital of Kenya and cross the border into Tanzania. On our way to Arusha, catch a glimpse of Mt Kilimanjaro. This afternoon we make our preparations for the optional excursion to the Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro Crater.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2/3 Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater
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 4 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 5 Arusha to Dar es Salaam
Today we take the long drive 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. After arriving in Dar Es Salaam, there will be some time to pack light bags for the trip to Zanzibar, the rest of the luggage will remain on the mainland with the truck.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6/7/8 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, Snorkellin, Spice Tours.
Day 1 -Meals: No Meals Included
Day 2/3 - Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Today we leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry back to Dar es Salaam.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Dar es Salaam to Iringa
It is a long drive from historical port city of Dar es Salaam to Iringa. We travel through Mukumi NP, the 4th largest National Park in Tanzania.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 11/12 Northern Lake Malawi
It is another long drive from Iringa to the northern beaches of Lake Malawi and Chitimba, a small village by the lake with 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 2 relaxing days on the beach and enjoy the water sports on offer.
Optional Activities: Hike to Livingstonia Mission, Abseiling, Water sports etc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13/14 Central Lake Malawi
Next there is another couple of relaxing days at Kande Beach Village further south 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 15/16 Luwawa Forest
Today we leave the restful beaches of the lake shore and we enter the highlands of Malawi and spend two nights at Luwawa Forest . 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: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17/18 Zambia - South Luangwa National Park
Early in the morning we drive to 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 19 Chipata
We leave South Luangwa NP today and have a relatively short drive through to Chipata where we will relax in the afternoon.
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 20 Lusaka
The journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route. On week days there may be the opportunity to visit one of the interesting local markets of the Zambian capital city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21 Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls
On the last day of the journey we drive from Lusaka, across the Zimbabwean border and into Victoria Falls. For those that wish to remain in Livingstone (on the Zambian side) this can be arranged. Although your tour ends here we do recommend that you spend another 1-2 nights in this area to experience Victoria Falls and many exciting adrenaline activities here, such as white water rafting or walking with lions. Optional Activities: Dinner out in Victoria Falls
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
* This tour also runs in the opposite direction: NVN East African Adventure (North)












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)
”I had a great time but there are some things to work with: Waterproof tents. Our tents were not waterproof. Even though the rain cover didn’t touch the inner tent, water was dripping into the tents. That’s not good enough.” - Carolina (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)
“The zippers of the tent must be fixed” - Jessica (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)
"Loved this trip. Would do it again or similar with Nomad and with this guide team. Unbelievably beautiful itinerary, safe, smooth, relatively comfortable. And food was also a highlight." - Edward (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)