[ Print This Page ]
26-Nights East Africa to South Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping - Classic from $3,839
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1688095
East Africa to South Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping
Traverse Serengeti National Park, camp on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, search for the “big five” in Kruger National Park, chill out on the sandy beaches of Zanzibar, and see the power behind the thundering Victoria Falls on this complete Africa adventure. There will be wildlife safaris, cultural contact, rugged landscapes, and natural landscapes across six diverse countries. Spend time with supremely knowledgeable CEOs (Chief Experience Officers), sit down for meals prepared from fresh local produce, and enjoy starlit camping stays, gaining a kinship with this land and its people you won’t find anywhere else.
Highlights
Snorkel in Zanzibar’s crystal-clear waters, Admire the intense power behind the thundering Victoria Falls, Search for wildlife in Kruger National Park, Savour local flavours over a traditional dinner, Discover the charm of the lesser-visited Zimbabwe
Accomodation
Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, flush toilets, showers (generally outdoors, some with simple reed enclosures), washing facilities and telephones available. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may to walk a short distance. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors. We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals. Please be aware that where we use multi-share accommodations, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area. The campsite in Serengeti National Park is extremely basic, with no electricity, simple bathing facilities (no showers), and both seated and squat flushing toilets. While camping at the Ngorongoro Crater rim, there is very limited electricity, occasionally warm showers, and squat flushing toilets. The campsites for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are open sites, where the wildlife can wander into the area, but they are safe. Despite the challenge that a few days “roughing it” may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the African stars, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime. In Zanzibar, we stay in standard, twin-share accommodation in Stone Town and on the beach. Please note that our Zanzibar Beach Resort location is subject to change due to availability. Please note that due to the high demand for accommodation in the parks, sometimes we will arrange alternative accommodation outside of the park. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic/Standard Travel Style.
Group Leader
On this tour, you will be accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). The Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will be the group manager and leader, cook and driver. They will provide information on the places where we are travelling, offer suggestions for things to do and see, and introduce you to our local friends. They will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. All of our CEOs in Southern and East Africa are experienced group leaders, with a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife. Your leader will be from either southern or East Africa depending on which part of the tour you are on. All of our overland adventure vehicle (OAV) drivers are experienced in the routes travelled, and highly skilled in dealing with different terrains. All of our cooks will organize and lead the meal preparation, and have experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups. In the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to round out the team, along with your CEO, you will be accompanied by a local safari crew consisting of an expert driver/guide and camp cook. Your driver/guide is skilled and experienced driver and a certified safari guide, and is an integral part of the team. As well, your cook will prepare the camp meals to add some further local flavour to the trip. We also use local guides for some included activities where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.
Group Size Notes
Max 22, avg 18.
Meals Included
25 breakfasts, 21 lunches, 19 dinners
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe, Mfuwe
26 nights from $3,839 per person
G Adventures: East Africa to South Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping
Day 1: Nairobi
Arrive at any time.Tonight after a brief welcome meeting, choose to get to know your group members with an optional group dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 2: Nairobi/Arusha
Climb aboard the Lando and travel across the semi-arid lands of the Maasai people to Arusha, Tanzania and take in the views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
Day 3: Arusha/Serengeti National Park
Travel into the wild lands of the Serengeti on a safari drive. Ride past vast golden plains dotted with thorny acacia trees and animals galore. It’s here that the group will begin a 3-day, 2-night excursion into the park and Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro
Enjoy a final morning safari in the Serengeti while the sun rises and the animals come to life in this grassy savannah. Break down camp and travel onwards to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for wildlife viewing. Set up camp in the late afternoon at a site near the crater rim and spend the rest of the day soaking in your surroundings.
Day 5: Ngorongoro/Arusha
Today the group will venture down to the crater floor for a final safari in Ngorongoro. Search for animals amid the grasslands, swamps, acacia forests, and Lake Makat. Exit the crater in the late morning to begin the journey back to Arusha, and enjoy the scenery as you cruise along in the Lando.
Day 6: Arusha/Bagamoyo
Begin the drive early and take in the varied landscapes along the way to the Indian Ocean. Today’s final stop will be in the town of Bagamoyo, recently named a World Heritage Site, it was once a very important trading port on the central coast of East Africa in the late 19th century. Upon arrival, you will have free time to wander around the narrow, unpaved streets on your own.
Day 7: Bagamoyo/Zanzibar Beach Resort
Start the morning in Bagamoyo and then drive to Dar es Salaam to catch the ferry to Zanzibar. Few places are as entrancing and exotic as this Tanzanian archipelago. The group will spend a few days relaxing on its sandy shores.
Day 8: Zanzibar Beach Resort
Spend a full free day exploring the cultural crossroads of Zanzibar. Choices for optional activities in the area include, snorkelling, a sailing trip, or plenty of beach time to sit in the sun.
Day 9: Stone Town
Travel back to Stone Town today from our beach resort on the other side of the island. Visit a spice plantation on the way and then spend time wandering the historic alleyways of the oldest part of Zanzibar.
Day 10: Stone Town/Baobab Valley
Leave paradise behind and travel further inland and back towards the mountains. Catch the ferry to Dar es Salaam and climb into the Lando again. Finish the day at the group campsite in the Baobab Valley under a sky of stars.
Day 11: Baobab Valley/Iringa
After packing up camp the group will spend the majority of the day on the road in the Lando travelling to Iringa. Upon arrival enjoy a visit to a crafts centre that supports the local community.
Day 12: Iringa/Chitimba
Cross the border and pass from Tanzania into Malawi. Finish the journey at Lake Malawi in Chitimba with gorgeous views of the mountains from the lake’s beach and view Tanzania from just across the water.
Day 13: Chitimba/Kande Beach
Head to the picture-perfect Kande Beach today where you will have free time to get out on the lake, or hike along its shores.
Day 14: Kande Beach
Take advantage of another day to enjoy this idyllic lakeside location. Wander the shore on foot, choose to snorkel and see the resident underwater life. Or take a leisurely swim before an optional village walk to nearby Tonga Village. Sit down for a traditional dinner at a local home.
Day 15: Kande Beach/Chipata
Cross the border into Zambia today and travel in the Lando to Chipata, the capital of the Eastern Province.
Day 16: Chipata/South Luangwa
Hit the road to South Luangwa National Park for some wildlife viewing. Along the way the group will have lunch and visit the Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Café, a G Adventures—supported craft workshop. Then, there will be free time to choose an afternoon or night wildlife safari in the park.
Please note that the South Luangwa Wildlife Safari Drive is an optional activity that is not included and will be an additional cost on tour should you choose to partake.
Day 17: South Luangwa
Spend a full free day in the wildlife haven of South Luangwa National Park. Choose between a walking safari, a night drive, or a local village visit.
Please note that the South Luangwa Wildlife Safari Drive and the South Luangwa Walking Safari are optional activities that are not included and will be an additional cost on tour should you choose to partake.
Day 18: South Luangwa/Lusaka
Spend the day travelling across rough and bumpy roads to a private farm 29km (18 mi) outside the capital of Zambia. Marvel at the wildlife that wanders the property and opt to grab a cold drink at the camp’s bar, or relax by the pool.
Day 19: Lusaka/Victoria Falls
Cross another border today between Zambia and Zimbabwe; home of the thundering Victoria Falls. Upon arrival choose to get close to one of the largest waterfalls in the world on an optional visit.
Day 20: Victoria Falls
Spend a full free day on your own exploring the Victoria Falls area. Opt to try activities in the area like whitewater rafting, a scenic helicopter flight over the falls, or bungee jumping with the thundering falls in sight.
Day 21: Victoria Falls/Matobo National Park
Begin the day early with Victoria Falls thundering in the distance. Then, climb into the Lando and enjoy the scenery along the way to Matobo National Park. It will be a full travel day.
Day 22: Matobo National Park
Set off in an open wildlife safari through Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe. Visit a Khoisan cave with historic paintings, learn about edible plants, and wildlife conservation efforts.
Day 23: Matobo National Park/Tshipise
Spend most of the day travelling in the Lando before crossing the border into South Africa. In the evening, relax at the campsite and opt to enjoy the mineral pool located nearby.
Day 24: Tshipise/Kruger National Park
Spend the full day on a wildlife safari drive within the 5 million acres of Kruger National Park. Search for the “big five” and travel through the vast savannah stopping at prime viewing areas like Hippo Pool, the Kruger Tablets, and the Red Rocks.
Day 25: Kruger National Park/Greater Kruger Area
Spend another day on a safari drive through Kruger National Park. Please note there is also the option to embark on the safari in a 4x4 vehicle instead. Later, sit down for a traditional dinner with the group and take part in some local dancing.
Day 26: Greater Kruger Area/Johannesburg
Spend the day in the Lando enjoying the scenery en route to Johannesburg, which is also South Africa’s largest city. There will be some free time in the evening to find a place for dinner on your own.
Day 27: Johannesburg
Depart at any time.If you aren't ready to go home just yet, simply talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know more of South Africa or beyond!
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
Signal Travel & Tours, Inc.
Nile's: Local: (269) 684-2880
Toll Free: (800) 811-1522, MI 00000
USA