Leaving behind the bustle of Nairobi you will travel south to the Tanzanian border, after completing border formalities you will continue to Arusha which provides the base for your optional Serengeti Excursion. This evening you will be briefed by your local operator on the Serengeti Excursion and will have the opportunity to pack for the coming days. A smaller daypack or bag will be required for the Serengeti Excursion as it is operated on smaller vehicles and luggage space is limited. The Serengeti Excursion is offered only as a camping excursion and sleeping bags are available for hire. (LD)

For those that are not taking part in the optional Serengeti Excursion, you will remain at the lodge in Arusha. This presents the opportunity for a variety of Day Tours that can be booked on arrival in Arusha this afternoon, these include Day Tours to Arusha National Park, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

Route: Arusha to Karatu – 200km
Although it is a short distance to Karatu, you will spend most of the day commuting closer to the Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival in Karatu, your guide will brief you on your overnight excursion into the crater and Serengeti National Park. (BLD)

Route: Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti – 300km
You rise early and will be collected from your camp and transferred to the Ngorongoro Crater in 4×4 safari type vehicles. Yoiu will spend the bulk of your day exploring the crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains. In the afternoon, you will arrive at your overnight camp in the Seronera region, located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park. The camp is surrounded by spectacular views and abundant wildlife and this evening, while sipping on a cold beverage, you will enjoy the sights and sounds of nature passing right in front of your meru style tent. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full day 4×4 Excursion to Ngorongoro Crater and afternoon game drive in to the Serengeti.

Route: Serengeti to Karatu – 170km
This morning you rise early to enjoy your time game driving through Serengeti National Park. Famous for the abundant wildlife that exists in the park, you will spend most of your day in search of the animals that reside here. You will arrive back in Karatu in the late afternoon and will spend your evening reminiscing about your encounters of the past two days. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Game drive through Seronera area of Serengeti National Park.

Route: Karatu to Arusha – 160km
You depart Karatu and make the return journey to Arusha where you will spend the night reminiscing about your experiences of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. (BLD)

Route: Arusha to Bagamoyo – 550km
Head out early this morning as your journey south to your overnight stop in the coastal town of Bagamoyo. Formerly a centre point of the East African slave trade, Bagamoyo lies just north of the port of Dar es Salaam and is a perfect launching point for our upcoming Zanzibar Excursion. While today is primarily a travel day, you will experience the hustle and bustle of one of Africa’s major travel routes. Road travel in Africa is an experience in itself and the bustling markets, villages and scenic backdrops that line the routes give a window into the lifestyle of rural Africa. This evening you will prepare for your Zanzibar Excursion that begins tomorrow morning. (BLD)

Route: Bagamoyo to Nungwi (Zanzibar) via Dar es Salaam and Ferry – 225km
You complete the short journey into Dar es Salaam this morning and board your ferry for the two-hour trip to Zanzibar. After arriving at the ferry port, you board a coach and make your way to Nungwi on the northern shores of the island. There are a number of excursions that can be arranged and your guide will be on hand to assist. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, turtle sanctuary visit, village tours, Jozani Forest and more.

Today is a free day to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer. Water sports are the order of the day and Nungwi offers fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of ocean safari options. Whatever it is you chose to do today, you will have ample opportunity to create some island memories. Rent a scooter and explore the many attractions on offer or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, turtle sanctuary visit, village tours, Jozani Forest and more.

Route: Nungwi to Stone Town – 60km
This morning your visit to Nungwi comes to an end as you transfer by road to Stone Town. Before you arrive in Stone Town, you will stop along the way to enjoy a guided walking spice tour, which passes through villages and spice plantations. You will be able to witness first-hand how spice farm workers climb the trees, seek out specific plants, and will have the opportunity to purchase fresh spices directly from these farms. Boasting a rich history this busy port of Stone Town was once a landmark on both the Slave and Spice trade routes. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Prison Boat Tour, Walking Spice tour.

Route: Stone Town to Mikumi – 400km
Departing Stone Town on the ferry back to Dar es Salaam this morning. An arrival there you will be met by you vehicle and crew and continue your journey to Mikumi and you next stop. Mikumi National Park ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania and forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Mikumi Game Drive.

Route: Mikumi to Iringa – 245km
The town of Iringa sits on a cliff overlooking the Ruaha River Valley. The town centre offers the visitor a view into the past with its German colonial buildings and a popular market. The Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery memorialises soldiers who died in local battles during WWI and WWII. (BLD)

You will rise early this morning and enjoy an extensive game drive in the Mikumi National Park. This afternoon continue to the southern highlands of Tanzania and your final stop in Tanzania. (BLD)

Activity Package: Mikumi National Park Game Drive.

Route: Mbeya to Northern Lake Malawi – 260km
Leaving Tanzania behind, we descend the Great Rift Valley and cross the border into Malawi. Known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” the lakeside country is blessed with natural beauty Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi where we look forward to spending the night enjoying the attractions of the northern regions of the lake. Snorkelling in the crystal waters offers the chance to see first-hand the brilliantly coloured tropical cichlids, tiny fish often found in colourful aquariums around the world. (BLD)

Route: Lake Malawi – Move Lodges – 300km
This morning you board your truck and head further South of Lake Malawi. Your destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi. Stretching over 500km along the western boundary of Malawi, the lake is home to more species of fish than any other lake. You spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder. (BLD)

Today is another day of leisure, relaxing at the lake. Use the time to read a book, soak up the sun or indulge in the many attractions that are on offer. (BLD)

Route: Central Lake Malawi to South Luangwa National Park – 500km
This morning enjoy a final sunrise on the shores of Lake Malawi before setting off for Zambia and the South Luangwa National Park. After crossing the border into Zambia you will make a short stop in Chipata before continuing to your camp on the banks of the Luangwa River. Having watched the sunrise over Lake Malawi in the morning you will enjoy an equally spectacular sunset over the Luangwa River this evening. (BLD)

Accommodation: 2 nights Wildlife Camp (or similar) including all meals.

South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination and you will have a full day to explore the park in search of the variety of wildlife found in the park. This morning you can partake in an optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris on offer in the park. This afternoon you will enjoy a sunset drive in the park with a sundowner on the way. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives you a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen in the day. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Sunset game drive in South Luangwa National Park.
Optional Activity: Safari walk (seasonal) or morning game drive in South Luangwa.

Route: South Luangwa to Petauke – 180km
Leaving the Luangwa Valley this morning you will make a stop at Tribal Textiles. The Chipata area is a major producer of Cotton and this morning you will get a taste of the creativity of the African culture. Those interested can enjoy a tour of their workshops (March to December) to see how these colourful fabrics are crafted. Your destination tonight is the small town of Petauke. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Textile project visit (full tour available March to December).

Route: Petauke to Lusaka – 420km
As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and you will cross the Luangwa River on your way to Lusaka. The route today is dotted with villages and subsistence farms, todays landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries so many of us call home. (BLD)

Crossing the Southern reaches of Zambia you will make your way to the adventure town of Victoria Falls, this afternoon you will get your first look at the mighty Victoria Falls. Crossing the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe you will get a view of “Musi oa Tunya”, the Smoke that Thunders as the falls are known in the local language. Victoria Falls offers a host of optional activities and these can be booked on arrival in Victoria Falls. (BL).