Lioness and Cub | Safari | Africa
FROM: USD $3,875 pp

Starting in Nairobi and ending at the thunderous Victoria Falls, take in some of Africa's best known national parks, including Lake Nakuru, the wildlife rich Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater and Botswana's Chobe National Park. While enjoying some R&R basking on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar and Lake Malawi.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Campsites
COVID SAFE GUIDE

Trip Highlights

Kenya - start your tour in Nairobi, search for the iconic Big Five in the Masai Mara and spot rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park
Malawi - wind through colourful fruit plantations and journey along the western edge of Lake Malawi, which takes up one third of the country
Botswana - drive through Chobe National Park and camp out in the wilderness, surrounded by the nocturnal sounds of the animals
Tanzania - spot game in two of the world's most famous national parks - the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and relax on the beaches of Zanzibar
Zambia - explore South Luangwa National Park and marvel at the Zambian side of Victoria Falls from the town of Livingstone
Zimbabwe - end your adventure in the Zimbabwean town and participate in optional activities including bungee jumping and Zambezi river rafting

Included

22 breakfasts, 20 lunches and 21 dinners
1st night Kenya Comfort Hotel, 22 nights camping. Tents and sleeping mats provided
Services of 3 person crew (leader, driver, cook)
Park entry and game drives - Nakuru NP, Masai Mara, South Luangwa NP and Chobe NP
All road taxes and tolls
Arrival transfer from Nairobi Airport
A fully equipped overland truck for transportation and game drives
All camping fees and appropriate equipment
3 night Zanzibar Excursion including ferry transfer, accommodation, Spice Tour and Dhow Sunset Cruise

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Local Payment: $2040pp, paid in USD
Sleeping bag - please bring your own
Optional activities

Itinerary

Day 1

Nairobi

Monday. Welcome to Nairobi! We’ll be there to collect you at Nairobi Airport and transfer you to the Kenya Comfort Hotel. Tonight you will stay in shared dorms. There will be a pre departure meeting at 17.00.
Overnight: Nairobi

Day 2

Masai Mara

Nairobi - Masai Mara. We enter Masai land where these habitual pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle from the side of the road. We pass through the town of Narok, and continue our drive possibly getting a glimpse of some wildlife along the way. The main section of road between Nairobi and the Reserve is in a very poor state, so be prepared for a rough ride! We arrive at our campsite, Acacia Camp in the evening.

Acacia Camp looks on to the Meguarra hills and the stream that meanders by on the bottom end forms a natural border to the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Reserve remains unfenced, allowing wildlife to roam freely across into the surrounding area and if they choose – through our own camp! No need to be afraid, as the local ‘Askari’ will keep a look out for any unwanted predators.
Overnight: Masai Mara  |  Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Masai Mara

Masai Mara NP. We depart shortly after sunrise on our game drive into the Masai Mara Reserve. The Masai Mara is well known as one of East Africa’s best National Reserves and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. Most famous for the Annual Migration, that consists of the impressive herds of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle that cross over from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania; the Masai Mara is most popular between July and October when these vast herds feast on the fresh grazing here. Following these herbivores are Africa’s predators that are often seen at a kill during this period. We game drive through a section of the park in search of the ‘Big 5’- elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard; along with the many other species of animals, reptiles and birds who make call this wilderness home.

After our game drive, we have the option to visit one of the nearby Masai Manyatta’s – this is a traditional hamlet where the Masai still live in their traditional way. This evening we sit around the camp fire, and watch the sun set over this “Garden of Eden”.
Overnight: Masai Mara  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Lake Nakuru

Masai Mara - Lake Nakuru. Leaving Masai Mara we head towards our first overnight stop in the area of Lake Nakuru National Park, where our overnight campsite will be at EAMO; East African Mission Organisation. We will have the chance to interact with the local kids as well as a chance to learn more about this wonderful organisation.


Overnight: Lake Nakuru  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Lake Nakuru

This morning we begin our exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park. The park was established as a sanctuary for black and white rhino, which are often seen. We spend the day searching for these pre-historic looking beasts as well as the elusive leopard, encountering buffalo, giraffe, various antelope and the occasional hippo along the way. After our game drive, we head to our campsite, arriving in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Kisii & the Gusii Highlands

Masai Mara - Kisii/Kericho Area. After breakfast we leave Lake Nakuru and head to Kisii/Kericho passing through the picturesque tea plantations along the way. These towns are the main commercial centres in the Gusii Highlands, where cash crops like tea and coffee thrive because of its equatorial climate. We replenish our stocks before heading for Tanzania tomorrow.
Overnight: Kisii/Kericho Area  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Musoma

Kisii/Kericho - Musoma. We depart Kenya and head south into Tanzania. After border formalities, our drive takes us through the scenic granite landscapes adjacent to Africa’s largest lake – Lake Victoria. We spend the night at a campsite on the banks of Lake Victoria in the fishing town of Musoma.
Overnight: Musoma  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Serengeti National Park

Musoma - Serengeti. Today we head to the Serengeti National Park, entering the park after lunch. The Serengeti (Masai for “endless plains”) is famous for its enormous concentration of game (especially the big cats) and for the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelles. The abundance of plains game in this area is truly astounding. We enter the park through the lesser travelled western corridor and game drive en-route to our campsite in the centre of the park. Tonight we bush camp (no ablutions) in the wild surrounded by the sounds of the African bushveld, pierced only by the calls of the nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Serengeti National Park  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Ngorongoro Crater

Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater. After an early start we pack up our camp and continue our game drive through the Serengeti National Park in search of the resident wildlife and head to the southern part of the park where we have the chance to see the endless plains this park is renowned for. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’! We cross from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation area at lunch time and begin our climb up the steep Crater edge. Tonight’s camp (basic ablutions) on the crater rim sharply contrasts the warmer plains below - we suggest you bring your winter woollies as it can get very cold at night.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Arusha

Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. The Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 m high walls and 20 km width is a natural marvel. The Crater’s rim offers spectacular views, but the true scale of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself where the abundance of its animal inhabitants becomes apparent. It is home to nearly every species of African animal and offers a chance to view an incredible concentration of East African mammals, such as elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, lion and plain’s game. After spending the morning game driving in The Crater we continue to our campsite outside Arusha where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.
Overnight: Arusha  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Pangani

Arusha - Pangani. This morning we continue our journey towards Dar es Salaam. On the way we drive through the town of Moshi situated at the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain. Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting; we may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed! We pass through vast sisal plantations surrounded by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching our lovely campsite nestled between these mountains, midway between Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
Overnight: Pangani  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

Dar es Salaam

Pangani - Dar es Salaam. Today we continue on to Dar es Salaam. Travelling through lush scenery and palm trees, we near the warm Indian Ocean. Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.
Overnight: Dar es Salaam  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 13-15

Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. A ferry from Dar Es Salaam takes us to ‘Spice Island’, where we spend the next three nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and offers a wealth of experiences. Wander the streets of Stone Town, take an excursion around a spice plantation or simply laze on one of the pristine white sandy beaches, the choice is yours!
Overnight: Zanzibar  |  Breakfast x 1

Day 16

Zanzibar to Mikumi

Zanzibar - Mikumi. Leaving Zanzibar in the morning, we return to the mainland and head west, passing through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. We will stop in the town of Mikumi for our overnight stay. Arrival to camp is usually in the late afternoon, or early evening.
Overnight: Mikumi  |  Dinner

Day 17

Iringa

Mikumi - Iringa. This morning we continue towards Iringa where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers! Be sure to keep a good book, music and a pack of cards handy as we are covering around 200 km’s today.
Overnight: Iringa  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 18-20

Lake Malawi

Iringa - Lake Malawi (Malawi). Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we travel into Malawi, a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 3 days. Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine beaches.
Overnight: Lake Malawi  |  Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Days 21-23

Luangwa

Lake Malawi - Luangwa - Lusaka Area. Today we head towards South Luangwa National Park. This breath taking park is situated on the Luangwa River in the Eastern part of Zambia, and it is the southernmost of three national parks in this region. South Luangwa was founded in 1938 as a game reserve, 1972 was the year it was declared as a national park, and today it covers over 9000 kilometres squared. Animals such as Giraffe, buffalo and Elephants can be found in abundance. The Luangwa river is home to many a hippo and croc.

Leaving the park on day 23 we make our way down south. As we drive, we pass through a few of the villages and towns of Zambia along the way. Prosperous during the copper boom in the 60’s, Zambia was able to build infrastructure at the main mining and farming communities. After the fall of the copper industry, the country was left virtually bankrupt and existing infrastructure was left to fall to ruin. Due to foreign investment and a rise in the mining industry, Zambia is today once again starting to prosper.
Overnight: Luangwa (2) Lusaka Area (1)  |  Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Day 24

Livingstone

Lusaka Area - Livingstone. Heading further south, we journey through the southern Zambian towns mostly supporting local agriculture and farming on our way to Livingstone. The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight we have the option of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.
Overnight: Livingstone  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25

Chobe National Park

Livingstone - Kasane (Botswana). Today we cross the border into Botswana and continue to the town of Kasane, on the banks of the Chobe River which forms a border between Zambia, Namibia and Botswana. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife.
Overnight: Chobe National Park  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26

Victoria Falls

Chobe - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and heading back to Kasane. Crossing the border into Zimbabwe, a short drive takes us to the nearby Victoria Falls. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. We enjoy our last day in the adrenaline playground of Africa, where there are optional activities aplenty here including Zambezi white water rafting, bungy jumping from 111m and flights over the Falls in a variety of airborne machines!
Overnight: Victoria Falls  |  Breakfast

Day 27

Victoria Falls

Saturday. Our adventure ends after breakfast today. We suggest booking additional days after your trip to take advantage of the optional excursions available at Victoria Falls including bungee jumping, scenic flights over the falls and white water rafting.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 persons. Prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a tent. Solo travellers will be matched up and share a tent with another solo traveller of the same gender.

Local payment - $2040pp, paid in USD

Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.

New Year's departure - book early!
New Year's Departure
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $4,275
N/A
USD $4,535
N/A
USD $4,535
N/A
USD $4,535
N/A
USD $4,275
N/A
USD $4,275
N/A
USD $4,275
N/A
26 Dec - 21 Jan New Year's departure - book early!
New Year's departure - book early!
USD $4,535
N/A
2023
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $3,875
N/A
USD $4,275
N/A

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Kenya Comfort Hotel, Nairobi

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Comfortable dormitory accommodation in central Nairobi (upgrades available on request). The Kenya Comfort Hotel also features an outdoor pool, restaurant serving a good array of local and international dishes as well as a fully stocked bar - perfect for relaxing before or after your epic overland adventure.

Kipepeo Village , Dar es Salaam

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

The Tanzanian bush meets the blue waters of the Indian Ocean at Kipepeo Beach & Village, situated on the south coast of Dar Es Salaam. The campsite is right on the beach itself and is a popular destination for watersports adventures or simple relaxation. Facilities include a beach bar and restaurant.Upgrades are available to the twenty elevated ensuite chalets, built in the bush and decorated in traditional Swahili style, provide a stunning ocean views.

Croc Valley Camp, South Luangwa National Park

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Croc Valley Camp is located on the banks of the Luangwa River, and provides accommodation ranging from riverfront tents to ensuite chalets, built on stilts to avoid the off-season floods. Watch elephants roam across the campsite, experience a game drive through South Luangwa National Park, or relax with a gin & tonic at the bar. The camp also features a large outdoor pool, kitchen facilities, and daily laundry service.

Shearwater Explorers Village, Victoria Falls

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Mid Range Camp

Situated in the bohemian town of Victoria Falls, and 400m from the Falls themselves, the affordable accommodation at the Shearwater Explorers Village consists of 5 campsites with modern bathroom facilities, and 16 chalets with en-suite showers and A/C. Shearwater operates a range of activities at the Falls, from bungee jumping to river rafting - and when the day is over, guests can wind down with Wi-Fi in the lounge areas, a drink by the pool, or even a back rub in the massage tent.

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Nairobi
Ends
Victoria Falls
Departs
Mondays
Group Size
Min 6 / Max 30
Hotel Rating
Camping
Local Payment
$2040pp, paid in USD
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour leader
Meals
Breakfast: 22, Lunch: 20, Dinner: 21
Visiting
Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mikumi, South Luangwa National Park, Livingstone, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Zanzibar
Countries
Masai Mara tribespeople standing in a row wearing colourful clothes
Rhino standing in front of a flock of flamingos at a water hole at Lake Nakuru
Click to play videoFamily of elephants walking across the road in front of a jeep in the Serengeti National Park
mtKili_ttouristboard
Click to play videoZanzibar Highlight
Muddy elephant at Livingstone

Extra Tour Info

Tourist Visas
Visa requirements for Africa and info on getting your visa
Spotting Africa's Big 5
Our guide to the best places to see the BIG 5
About Overland Safaris
Information on travelling in Africa on an overland safari
Updated
3rd November 2021

Literally the most amazing experience of my life, joined 2 tours across the the experience and both were unreal. The crew on the trucks are absolutely fantastic, really knowledgeable guide, wonderful cook and a safe and accurate driver. More importantly they encouraged the group to create such a family unit that my friend and I both cried all the way to the airport because we had to leave them. The experience itself was an amazing mix of beaches, wildlife and falls and the itinerary provided was absolutely correct. Would recommend this trip to anyone and I certainly will be using on the go in the future

Katrina Tyson
OTG000982Wildlife, Falls and Beaches - 27 daysAfricaOverlandingAfricafalse0Tanzaniahttps://www.onthegotours.com/Tanzania/Wildlife-Falls-and-Beaches-27-dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Lioness-and-Cub--Africa-Overland-Safaris--Africa-Lodge-Safaris--Africa-Tours--On-The-Go-Tours-283151453895498_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgOverland_Camping_Safaris