Johannesburg to Nairobi & Gorillas Safari – Days 15 to 30

Day 15: Central Malawi to Chitimba (Lake Malawi)

We continue our journey north along the shores of Lake Malawi to the fishing village of Chitimba. Along the way, we stop at a local village for a cultural walking tour where you can engage with residents and learn more about daily life in Malawi. Our campsite sits right on the lakefront, offering the perfect place to relax in a hammock and enjoy one of Africa’s most magical sunsets. Lake Malawi was famously called the “Lake of Stars” by David Livingstone, inspired by the glittering lanterns on fishermen’s boats at night.

• Included Activity: Malawi Village Tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Lake Malawi to Mbeya Mountains – Tanzania

Today, we leave Malawi and cross into Tanzania. As the terrain becomes more mountainous, we wind through the Mbeya Highlands, one of Tanzania’s key coffee and tea producing regions. We overnight at a shared bungalow on a scenic coffee plantation outside the town of Mbeya.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Mbeya to Iringa – Tanzania

Our journey climbs into the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, offering panoramic views and picturesque terraced farms. A stop at a coffee plantation lets you explore the fields and sample freshly brewed local coffee. Our evening campsite lies on a working farm near Iringa.

• Included Activity: Coffee Plantation Tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Days 18–19: Iringa to Mikumi National Park – Tanzania

We stop briefly in Baobab Valley for photos before reaching Mikumi National Park. Spend two nights camping just outside the park. Relax at the camp or join optional game drives and cultural excursions. Wildlife sightings may include lions, giraffes, Cape buffalo, elephants, and numerous antelope and bird species.

• Optional Activities: Mikumi Game Drive, Cultural Tours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Day 20: Mikumi to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania

We travel from the highlands to Tanzania’s coastal capital, Dar es Salaam, where we stay in a central hotel. In the afternoon, explore the markets and enjoy local seafood as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 21: Dar es Salaam to Stone Town (Zanzibar Island) – Tanzania

We ferry across to Zanzibar Island, famed for its spice heritage. After checking into a central hotel in Stone Town, enjoy free time exploring this UNESCO-listed city filled with markets, historic architecture, and local seafood delicacies.

• Included Activity: Zanzibar Island Ferry
• Meals: Breakfast

Days 22–23: Stone Town to Zanzibar Beach Resort – Tanzania

Our Johannesburg to Nairobi & Gorillas Safari continues with a walking tour of Stone Town, followed by a visit to local spice plantations. Then, we head to the island’s tranquil east coast to unwind at a beachfront resort. Enjoy optional snorkeling, diving, sailing, and other activities.

• Included Activities: Stone Town Tour, Zanzibar Spice Tour
• Optional Activities: Dhow Cruises, Turtle Sanctuary, Jozani Forest, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Village Tours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Day 24: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam & Bagamoyo – Tanzania

After returning to Stone Town and catching the ferry back to Dar es Salaam, we reunite with our overland truck and journey north to the historic dhow-building town of Bagamoyo. This coastal stop offers rich Swahili, Arabic, and colonial history.

• Included Activity: Zanzibar Return Ferry
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 25: Bagamoyo to Arusha – Tanzania

We head inland to Arusha, nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. As the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, Arusha is the ideal starting point for our upcoming adventure in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Tonight, we prepare for the excursion ahead.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 26: Arusha to Karatu – Tanzania

Travelling via the village of Mto wa Mbu, we explore a local market renowned for its diverse produce and culture. Arriving in Karatu, we camp near the Ngorongoro Highlands, receiving a detailed briefing for the two-day wildlife safari.

• Included Activity: Mto wa Mbu Market Visit
• Optional Activities: Local Brewery Tour, Coffee Tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 27: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

In 4×4 safari vehicles, we explore the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater before entering Serengeti National Park. Expect to see elephants, lions, zebras, and more. We overnight in luxury tents in the heart of the park with panoramic views of the plains.

• Included Activities: Ngorongoro Safari, Serengeti Game Drive
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 28: Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

Today is spent exploring the central Serengeti, known for its big cats and incredible biodiversity. Spot the Big Five and a host of plains game and birds. Optional hot air balloon safaris are available and should be booked in advance.

• Included Activity: Serengeti Full Day Game Drive
• Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 29: Serengeti to Arusha – Tanzania

We leave the Serengeti behind and return to Arusha, reminiscing about our incredible safari experiences on the Johannesburg to Nairobi & Gorillas Safari route.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 30: Arusha to Nairobi – Kenya

Crossing the border into Kenya, we journey to Nairobi where we conclude the final leg of this epic African overland adventure. Enjoy the city’s energy, shop local crafts, or consider a short visit to Nairobi National Park for a final safari fix.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch