Day 1 Kenya – Tanzania, Arusha
Today we depart the bustling capital of Kenya and cross the border into Tanzania. This afternoon we make our preparations for the optional excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2/3/4 Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater
These 3 days are set aside for the optional 3-night excursion into the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. This area has one of the most densely inhabited large animal populations in Africa. The excursion is in open topped 4x4 safari vehicles in order to tackle the challenging side roads in the parks. For those not going to the parks, take this chance to absorb some of the fascinating local culture. Optional Activities: Various Serengeti & Ngorongoro Excursion packages, Lake Manyara game drives, day hiking & village tours and many more various day trips.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Kenya - Tanzania, Karatu
Today those that went into the Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro will meet up with the truck in Karatu, where there will be time to share stories of the wonderful African animals seen in the park. In the afternoon we visit the local Masai Mara Museum and Snake Park.
Africa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Dar es Salaam
On route to Lushoto, we will stop in Arusha to visit the local Masai Mara Museum and the snake park. Lushoto is the major town and district centre, albeit small, in the Usambara Mountains, halfway between the coast and the parks. The popular pot plant Saintpaulia has its only wild occurrences in Tanzania, and particularly in the Usambara Mts
Here you will have the chance to hike in the surrounding area, or just relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7/8/9 Zanzibar
Today we leave Lushoto and head for Dar es Salaam where a local ferry will take us from Dar es Salaam (where we leave the truck) to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. We spend the first night exploring the historical and unique architecture. There are also spice and seafood markets to be explored. The following day we take a transfer to the northern part of the island where we will spend 2 days relaxing on the beach. Optional Activities: Lunch & Dinner, Swimming with Dolphins, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling etc.
Meals: Breakfast x 3
Day 10 Dar es Salaam
Today we leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry back to Dar es Salaam and return to our truck and campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 Mikumi
Our journey today leads us to Mikumi National Park. Mikumi is home to lion, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo and elephant and today we have the opportunity enjoy an optional afternoon game drive through the park. Optional Activity: Afternoon game drive in Mikumi NP.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Iringa
Leaving Today we leave the humid Indian Ocean coastline and travel inland and up to Iringa in the highland tea growing area. This evening our dinner is in a local Masai Hut where we enjoy a traditional Tanzanian evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 Malawi - Northern Lake Malawi
We Leaving Tanzania we descend though scenic mountain passes to our lakeshore camp at Chitimba. Lake Malawi is a beautiful destination and for those wanting more variety there is a short hike to the Manchawe Falls. Optional Activities: Hike to Manchawe Falls, watersports, abseiling etc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14/15 Kande Beach
We will spend the next 2 days enjoying the many optional activities available, such as horse riding and different water sports. We will go on a guided village walk in order to meet the local people and learn more about Malawian life. Optional Activities: 2 hour morning city tour in Lilongwe, Water Sports, Horse Riding, Craft Shopping etc.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 Lilongwe
Today we visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Malawi’s only sanctuary for rescued, orphaned and injured wild animals. The Centre is set in 180 hectares of beautiful woodland, Lilongwe’s only protected wilderness. Optional Activities: City Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 Zambia - South Luangwa National Park
Early in the morning we drive from Malawi and cross in to Zambia and continue to the South Luangwa National Park where we spend the next two nights right on the banks of the Luangwa River. You can often see hippos and other animals from the camp bar. This afternoon we enjoy an included sunset game drive in the South Luangwa NP.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18 South Luangwa National Park
In the morning you have the opportunity to take another game drive. The park is known for its high concentration of leopards and hippos. After lunch we visit the community run tribal textile project and a local village. Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive and Game Walk.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19 Chipata
We leave South Luangwa and have a relatively short drive through to Chipata where we will relax in the afternoon. Zambia is truly Africa, with its lush, sub-tropical vegetation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20 Lusaka
The journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route. On week days there may be the opportunity to visit one of the interesting local markets of the Zambian capital city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21 Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
On the last day of the journey we drive from Lusaka, across the Zimbabwean border into Victoria Falls. Although your tour ends here we do recommend that you spend another 1-2 nights in this area to experience Victoria Falls and many exciting adrenaline activities here, such as white water rafting or walking with lions. Optional Activities: Dinner out in Victoria Falls
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
≈AFRICA ADVENTURE TOURS (AAT)'Since 2002.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you make a booking with Africa Adventure Tours (AAT) we will send you a Tour Dossier and a Pre-Departure Information document. This is a brief overview of the information contained in these documents
Food and Meals. Included are three hearty meals a day, (unless otherwise specified). Vegetarians are easily catered for and they're always impressed by our varied menu. Our guides can produce miracles on a camp-stove. Special dietary requirements can be catered for, but only by special request. In East Africa it is more difficult to cater to certain requirements.
Accommodation. On our camping tours you will be staying in two-man dome tents. We supply a mattress and you supply your own sleeping bag. The accommodated tours stay in traditional huts, permanent tented camps and hostel-style rooms.
Health. All people who join an adventure tour need to be in good health. Medical facilities are not always available. If you have a specific medical condition it is compulsory for you to advise us before departure.
Malaria. Malaria is a real concern in many areas of Africa, especially during the rainy season. Our advice is simple, prevent getting bitten by using an insect repellent and use an effective prophylactic. Speak to your doctor before selecting your Malaria medication.
Vaccinations. Please ensure you have the relevant vaccinations. Proof of inoculation is required on certain tours.
Terms & Conditions. All travellers will be required to sign our indemnity form on departure. Any person refusing to do so will not be allowed on the tour.
Currency, Money and Banking. This is covered comprehensively in the pre-departure dossier. South African Rand and Credit Cards work in Southern Africa. In East Africa (incl. Zimbabwe and Zambia) USD cash is best.
Age Restriction. Passengers under the age of 18 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Passengers over the age of 65 require a medical clearance certificate from their doctor stating they are fit enough to travel.
What to Bring? A sense of fun and a flexible attitude! A full checklist of essential items is included in the pre-departure info document.
What to Leave Behind. Your watch, cell phone, laptop, work, stress, concept of time, pre-conceptions about anything and any attitude that is not pure adventure.
Changes to Routes/Schedules. Although we will do our best at all times to ensure that the tour remains on schedule we want to make it very clear that this is not always possible. There is always something unexpected on a tour, sometimes the truck gets stuck in mud, or sand, sometimes it rains... Anything can happen, but nothing that a good sense of humour cannot overcome.
How to Make a Booking. You need to complete our booking form and pay a 25% non-refundable deposit to secure your seat. Full payment is due 28 days prior to departure.
Do I Need Travel Insurance? YES! Make sure your insurance covers being airlifted in case of serious illness/injury as good hospital facilities are often a long way from where our tours travel. Free credit card insurance is often insufficient, so a separate policy is recommended. As travel insurance is compulsory, you will be asked for the policy number before being allowed to board our vehicle.
How Many People Can Go On This Tour? The average number of passengers on a tour is 18. On the camping tours there is a maximum of 24 and minimum of 4. On the Accommodated tour the minimum is 4 and the maximum is 18. The maximum number on Gorillas, Serengeti and Masai Mara tours is 18. Single Supplements are limited to 4 per tour on all tours.
Do I Have To Help With Camp Chores? Of course not, but you will not make many friends! On our tours our guides do most of the work. On a camping tour your participation in camp chores is limited: taking turns to assist with washing-up duties, putting up and taking down your tent and loading your bags. On some of our accommodated tours we include a camp assistant.
Who Is Responsible For My Visas? You are responsible for your own visas. Please check the itinerary of your tour carefully and if you need a multiple entry visa be sure to get one. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after your departure date from Africa and you must have at least 3-4 blank pages available. Some countries will not allow you to enter without 2 blank pages in your passport.
What Are Local Payments (LP) For? The Local Payment is a USD cash portion of the tour payment that needs to be paid directly to your guide in Africa. This payment covers fluctuating expenses such as flights, National Park Fees, entrance fees etc. and also ensures that we have a reliable amount of hard currency on each tour. Our Local Payment is not a kitty, your food and accommodation are included in the tour price. All Local Payment amounts are subject to change without notice. Changes are very rare and are normally due to a sudden or unexpected price increase by a local service provider or National Park.
What Is a Single Supplement? All of our tours are priced on twin share accommodation. The single supplement is not compulsory on our camping tours but if you want your own tent you need to pay the single supplement. If you are booking one of our accommodated tours alone you have to pay the single supplement. There are a maximum of 4 single supplements available on all tours.