Adventure In The Wild Safaris – Overland Tour: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania & Malawi

Day 14: Jinja to Eldoret – Kenya

Our epic Overland Camping Tour bids Uganda farewell, crossing the border back into Kenya once more. Our destination is Eldoret, Kenya’s fifth-largest city nestled within the Great Rift Valley. Eldoret lies at 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level, offering a refreshingly cool climate. The city’s altitude is ideal for endurance training, with Olympic champions and celebrated athletes tracing their roots back to Eldoret. It draws aspiring sportsmen and women from around the globe to its high-altitude training camps.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Eldoret to Nairobi – Kenya

Tonight, we return to Nairobi to overnight before the next leg of our adventure into neighbouring Tanzania. We stay in a comfortable, centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Take a stroll along Moi Avenue, enjoy vibrant street food stalls, or relax at a rooftop lounge, soaking in the cityscape while sipping a refreshing cocktail.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 16: Nairobi to Arusha – Tanzania

Leaving Nairobi behind, we travel south through rural Kenya to the Tanzanian border. On a clear day, the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro is visible in the distance. Tonight, we camp in Arusha, a town on the foothills of Mount Meru, a base for those heading to the famous Northern Safari Circuit – Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater – and for climbers wanting to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17 & 18: Serengeti National Park (Seronera) – Tanzania

We rise early for a full day in the Serengeti National Park. The first day includes a game drive as we head to our camp in the central Seronera region, surrounded by spectacular views and abundant wildlife. The Serengeti’s Plains draw vast herds of herbivores, attracting predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. It’s the ‘big cat capital of Africa’!

On Day 18, we spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti, watching wildlife roam the plains and returning to camp to unwind under a canopy of stars. For an even more memorable experience, you can take an optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti (pre-booking required, subject to availability & weather conditions).

Included Activity: Serengeti Game Drives

Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Day 19: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu – Tanzania

After a final game drive through the Serengeti, we head to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This vast caldera is home to the Big 5 and over 500 species of birds. As we descend into the crater, keep an eye out for lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Afterward, we head to Karatu for the night.

Included Activity: 4×4 Ngorongoro Crater Morning Safari

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20: Karatu to Arusha – Tanzania

We journey back to Arusha, stopping at the cultural village of Mto wa Mbu, known for its rice crops and distinctive red bananas. We explore the Mto wa Mbu Market, offering local produce and crafts, before returning to camp.

Included Activity: Mto wa Mbu Market Visit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 21: Arusha to Bagamoyo – Tanzania

We leave the cool highlands behind and head towards the Indian Ocean coastline. Our destination tonight is Bagamoyo, known for its traditional wooden dhow boat building. We prepare for an exciting three-day trip to Zanzibar Island.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22 & 23: Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam & Zanzibar Beach Resort – Tanzania

We travel to Dar es Salaam and catch a ferry to Zanzibar Island. Upon arrival in Stone Town, we head to a beachfront resort for two nights of relaxation. Spend your time swimming in the turquoise ocean, exploring the island, or enjoying activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, or fishing.

Included Activity: Zanzibar Ferry

Optional Activities: Dhow Sailing, Jozani Forest, Village Tours, Turtle Sanctuary, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Day 24: Stone Town (Zanzibar Island) – Tanzania

Today we explore Zanzibar’s spice plantations on a Spice Tour, followed by a walking tour of Stone Town. Learn about Zanzibar’s spice trade, see the cultivation of cardamom, cloves, and vanilla, and visit famous landmarks, including the birthplace of Freddy Mercury.

Included Activity: Zanzibar Spice Tour, Stone Town Walking Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Day 25: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania

After a leisurely morning, we take the ferry back to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city. The afternoon is free to explore the vibrant streets or sample the city’s diverse cuisine, reflecting both indigenous and international influences.

Included Activity: Zanzibar return ferry

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 26 & 27: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi – Tanzania

We head inland to Mikumi National Park, where we set up camp at a safari camp on the park’s periphery. Optional activities include safari game drives or cultural tours, exploring the abundant wildlife and local communities.

Optional Activity: Mikumi Safari Game Drives, Cultural Tours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Day 28: Mikumi to Iringa – Tanzania

We travel through the Southern Highlands, stopping to admire the Baobab Valley. Our campsite is located on a working farm with a stunning view of the Ruaha River Valley.

Included Activity: Baobab Valley Visit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 29: Iringa to Mbeya Mountains – Tanzania

We pass through the Rift Valley Highlands, making a stop at a coffee plantation to learn about coffee cultivation and sample the brews. We then continue to the Mbeya Mountains and overnight on a coffee plantation near Mbeya.

Included Activity: Coffee Plantation Visit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 30: Mbeya to Lake Malawi – Malawi

We cross into Malawi, known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” and make our way to Lake Malawi. Tonight, we camp on the shores of the lake, where we enjoy the serene views and explore a local fishing village.

Included Activity: Malawi Village Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 31 & 32: Ngala Beach (Lake Malawi) – Malawi

Embark on an adventure to the stunning Ngala Beach, located on the shores of Lake Malawi in the central Nkhotakota Region. Over two rejuvenating nights, unwind at a peaceful lakeside campsite, offering the perfect environment to embrace the serene beauty of your surroundings. The balmy climate invites you to take a refreshing swim or explore the crystal-clear waters, boasting visibility of up to 20 meters (65 feet).

Lake Malawi is renowned for its exceptional snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, where you can witness a kaleidoscope of vibrant freshwater fish and intricate underwater rock formations. For those seeking further exploration, kayak or motorboat trips are available, or simply stroll along the pristine sandy beaches dotted with traditional fishing villages. Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to a nearby waterfall and forest reserve.

• Optional Activities: Waterfall Hike, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Motorboat Trips, and more
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 33 & 34: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

After a beautiful sunrise on the shores of Lake Malawi, your Adventure In The Wild Safaris journey continues to Zambia. Cross the border and stop briefly in Chipata before heading to your campsite on the banks of the Luangwa River in South Luangwa National Park. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular sunset over the river.

Spend the next two nights at a camp nestled on the banks of the Luangwa River. The camp is an ideal location to observe hippos, birds, and other wildlife. Early risers can opt for a morning game drive or a walking safari, a specialty in South Luangwa, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and the elusive leopard. As the day cools, enjoy a sunset game drive, complete with sundowners, and look out for nocturnal wildlife.

• Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
• Optional Activities: Walking Safari or Morning Game Drive
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 35: South Luangwa to Petauke – Zambia

Leave the Luangwa Valley behind as you travel west to Petauke, stopping at Mulberry Mongoose in Chiapata. This conservation-driven initiative creates handcrafted jewelry from wire repurposed from illegal poaching snares, supporting both local women and wildlife protection.

Afterward, continue to Petauke for an overnight stay at a campsite, providing an authentic Zambian experience.

• Included Activity: Mulberry Mongoose Visit
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 36: Petauke to Lusaka – Zambia

Onward to Lusaka, Zambia’s vibrant capital. As you journey through rural landscapes and picturesque villages, stop at the bustling Luangwa Market, a hub for local produce and handmade goods. Overnight near Lusaka in a safari camp surrounded by natural bush, where wildlife such as impalas, giraffes, and zebras may make an appearance.

• Included Activity: Luangwa Market Visit
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 37: Lusaka to Livingstone (Victoria Falls) – Zambia

Your journey culminates in Livingstone, where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known locally as “Musi oa Tunya” or “Smoke that Thunders,” this natural spectacle is formed by the mighty Zambezi River, cascading over the edge of Batoka Gorge in a breathtaking display of power and beauty.

Upon arrival, your Adventure In The Wild Safaris concludes, but we recommend extending your stay in Livingstone to explore the many activities available at this remarkable location.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overland Tour Notes

For smooth travel, we recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after the Adventure In The Wild Safaris tour is scheduled. Arriving the day before departure from Nairobi and departing the day after the tour ends in Livingstone is advisable to account for delays.

This exciting tour is also available in reverse, as an East Africa Overland Camping Safari & Gorilla Trekking, and as a Lodge Overland Tour that stays in comfortable lodges instead of camping. For more details, contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris.

The Great Migration of Africa Explained

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of Africa’s most impressive natural events, with millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals journeying from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Masai Mara. The migration follows an unpredictable route, making it a prime opportunity to see Africa’s iconic predators, such as lions and crocodiles, in action.

Consult with our safari experts for the best times to experience the migration, typically between June and August when wildebeest cross the Grumeti River, or between July and September when they cross the Mara River. To learn more, check out our comprehensive guide to The Great Migration in Africa.

Optional Extras and Excursions

Enhance your adventure with optional excursions. Here’s a selection of additional activities available across multiple destinations:

• Kenya: Masai Mara Balloon Safari, Masai Village Visit, Naivasha Boat Hire
• Uganda: Gorilla Trek, Nile Bungee Jump, White Water Rafting
• Tanzania: Olduvai Gorge, Zanzibar Snorkeling
• Malawi: Village Walk, Horse Riding at Kande Beach
• Zimbabwe: White Water Rafting, Gorge Swing, Helicopter Flights over Victoria Falls

Child Policy

This tour is designed for adults and does not accommodate children.