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Serengeti to Victoria Falls Overland: Night Stars & Spices

20 days, Nairobi to Victoria Falls

Lioness on the move in the Serengeti
!

Please note - Malawi Visa cannot be obtained upon arrival at the border. To apply for a Malawi visa, please click here

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Southeastern Africa hits all the senses, from the fragrant perfume of Zanzibar’s spice plantations to the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls and spotting the elusive "big five" across the Serengeti. You'll uncover the diverse wonders of five African countries on this stellar 20-day adventure. Enjoy the vast wilderness and rural villages from the comfort of our Lando (overland adventure vehicle) and camp under the vast African sky for a new perspective of this majestic land and, perhaps, the world.

20 days

Nairobi to Victoria Falls

From$2549USD
was $3399
Valid on Apr 29 2024
Trip Code: DNV

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on Apr 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24SDT020ETT02
Expires on Mar 31, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV025ADV02

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Southeastern Africa hits all the senses, from the fragrant perfume of Zanzibar’s spice plantations to the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls and spotting the elusive "big five" across the Serengeti. You'll uncover the diverse wonders of five African countries on this stellar 20-day adventure. Enjoy the vast wilderness and rural villages from the comfort of our Lando (overland adventure vehicle) and camp under the vast African sky for a new perspective of this majestic land and, perhaps, the world.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Camping

Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 22, avg 20.

Age requirement: 18-39

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

Alternative Trips

20 days

Nairobi to Victoria Falls

From$2549USD
was $3399
Valid on Apr 29 2024
Trip Code: DNV

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on Apr 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24SDT020ETT02
Expires on Mar 31, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV025ADV02

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 20

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Map of the route for Serengeti to Victoria Falls Overland: Night Stars & Spices

Places visited

Africa Safari aboard the Lando

Introducing a new way to experience Africa. Get a closer look at the Lando, our purpose built OAV.

Learn more
Itinerary Notes

Want less travel time and more Zanzibar? Consider booking our ‘Zanzibar Express’ upgrade which includes a flight and an extra night in Stone Town.

Itinerary

Day 1Nairobi

Arrive at anytime.

Prepare for tomorrow’s early morning by checking out the hotel bar with your newest friends. Travelling can take a lot out of you so sit back, fill those food and drink needs, and spend a chill night becoming familiar with your group and CEO.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends

Day 2Nairobi/Arusha

Hop in the Lando and hit the road in style as you cross through the semi-arid lands of the Maasai people en route to Arusha, Tanzania. Marvel at the epic views of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance and swap stories with your road trip buddies!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3Arusha/Serengeti National Park

Well folks it’s time for the Africa you have all imagined, the experience that has been depicted over and over again in books, movies, and television. So grab those cameras, purchase a quirky bucket hat, and head out on a wildlife safari drive into one of the most famous national parks in Africa; the Serengeti.

Get ready for abundant wildlife, vast golden plains dotted with thorny acacia trees, and hippo-filled rivers as you begin a 3-day and 2-night excursion into the park itself and the great Ngorongoro Crater.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro

Grab your buddies and jump aboard for one last morning safari in the Serengeti. As the sun rises higher in the sky watch the animal kingdom come to life in this grassland savannah before returning to break down camp.

Then it’s on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa’s best wildlife viewing. Get ready for epic views from the crater rim and watch as animals meander around below drinking water from the permanent supply on the crater floor. You’ll be setting up camp in the late afternoon at a site near the crater rim and then you can spend the rest of the day enjoying one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on the planet.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Ngorongoro/Arusha

It’s time to experience “Africa’s Garden of Eden” on a more personal level. Today, venture down to the crater floor where the group will embark on a final safari experience. Have those cameras charged and at the ready because, let’s face it if you are going to see any wildlife this would be the place (and we are so excited for you)!

The animals are bound to this area by the crater walls and the enclosed nature of the crater meaning it’s own ecosystem has been created think; rich grasslands, swamps, acacia forests, and Lake Makat so get ready to see some magic.

With full camera rolls and even more full hearts the group will exit the crater in the late morning and travel back to Arusha. Swap stories along the way, pick those favourite photos from earlier, or simply sit back and let yourself enjoy the passing scenery as you cruise along.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6Arusha/Bagamoyo

There’s no time to stop and rest in a place as majestic as this. Hit the road early and enjoy the varied landscapes en route to the Indian Ocean. Be on the lookout for the mighty Mt Kilimanjaro in the distance on the road towards Bagamoyo.

This town was recently named a World Heritage Site and used to be one of the most important trading ports of the central east African coast in the late 19th century. Stroll through Bagamoyo’s narrow, unpaved streets on your own and feel as if you stepped back in time.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7Bagamoyo/Zanzibar Beach Resort

After the jam packed first few days of this trip where you are going next is going to be just what you needed. Wake in Bagamoyo before driving to Dar es Salaam, then hop on a ferry to the paradise of Zanzibar.

Get ready for picturesque island beaches that will make you contemplate staying here and living off the grid. Few places on this planet are as entrancing and exotic as this Tanzanian archipelago so get ready to enjoy it, take loads of pictures, and relax in a place that has long lured backpackers and adventurers to it’s sandy shores.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Zanzibar Beach Resort

Wake up in this island paradise and get ready to seize the day. You’ll be exploring one of the world’s great cultural crossroads… think Africa meets Arabia and add the Indian Ocean into the mix as the cherry on top.

The day is yours to spend as you choose; grab some goggles and go snorkelling, hop aboard a sailing trip, or just lounge on the beach and relax. Zanzibar’s tropical setting, unique culture, and active beach-party scene make this place a very enjoyable East African Indian Ocean experience.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Stone Town

Your most difficult task today is going to be pulling yourself away from the beauty that surrounds you in Jambiani. But, if it makes you feel any better you still have one final night to spend on this enchanted island just in a more local spot. Travel back to Stone Town from the other side of the island and explore the heart of Zanzibar. Wander the winding historic unpaved alleyways of Stone Town passing by balconies and gigantic wooden carved doors along the way.

Get lost and spend hours exploring the streets and squares, drinking potent coffee from pavement vendors and buying sweetmeats from tiny cafes. Keep an eye out for tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautifully printed cloths (kangas and kikois worn by local people), little carved chests with copper inlays, and spices – all beautiful presents or memories to take home.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Stone Town/Baobab Valley

It’s time to kiss this underrated paradise good-bye and head further inland back towards the mountains. Start by catching the ferry back to Dar es Salaam and watch as the islands get smaller and smaller, then hop in the Lando again to continue west to the group campsite in the Baobab Valley along the banks of the Ruaha River.

Set up camp and look to the skies as the light begins to fade and enjoy a spectacular sunset in the lush, fertile lands of Tanzania. Then search the sky for shooting stars and make some wishes before drifting off to sleep.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 11Baobab Valley/Iringa

Pack up camp and spend another day together on the road. Use this time to journal, take a nap, or swap inside jokes with the rest of your group (because let’s face it you’re bound to have some by now).

You will be journeying south to Iringa today, once there the group will visit a crafts centre that supports the local community. Buy a souvenir to take home and wander through town in search of cool overlooks.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 12Iringa/Chitimba

Get ready to check another country off your travel lists as you pass from Tanzania into Malawi. The group will stop at Lake Malawi in Chitimba where the beach has gorgeous views of the mountains in the background and you can see Tanzania from just across the lake.

Think clear shimmering waters with schools of colourful cichlid fish swarming in the depths in a place where nature is king and the people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 13Chitimba/Kande Beach

It’s off to another beautiful destination along Lake Malawi today. From oceans to mountains to lakes you’re getting to see some of the best scenery that Africa has to offer. The group will head to the picture-perfect enclaves of Kande Beach. Once here you can choose to get out onto the lake or you can hike along the shores and enjoy the scenery that surrounds you.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 14Kande Beach

Imagine this; you wake to the sound of birdsong around you, the sun is shining, and the waters of Lake Malawi are calling your name begging to be set upon.

Grab your camera and swim suit and head out for some fun. Wander the shore on foot, grab a snorkel and see what life under the water is all about, take a leisurely swim off the shore, or choose to experience a village walk at the nearby Tonga Village. Then the group will get to take part in a traditional dinner at a local home.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Local Living Moment Kande Beach Local Dinner

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 15Kande Beach/Chipata

Another day another adventure! Today the group will cross the border from landlocked Malawi into Zambia. From there the Lando will take the group to the capital of the Eastern Province, Chipata. This town used to be called Fort Jameson and today is a popular refuelling station for overlanders heading to South Luangwa National Park.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 16Chipata/South Luangwa

Guess where you’re going today! South Luangwa National Park for some wildlife viewing. But first the group will stop for lunch and visit the Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe a G Adventures-supported craft workshop.

Then you can choose to do an afternoon, or night, wildlife safari drive in the national park. Have those cameras ready to capture images of giraffes, elephants, and Cape Buffalo in this hidden gem of a place.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 17South Luangwa

The day is yours to spend as you please in the wildlife haven of South Luangwa NP. Choose to go on a walking safari (just remember it’s seasonal), or a night drive, or visit a nearby local village.

No matter what you decide to do remember to have fun and be in the moment life’s more fun that way in general and hey, so is travel. Get rid of those expectations and let this place dazzle you for what it is.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 18South Luangwa/Lusaka

Rise and shine and begin today’s journey. We have a lot of ground to cover so be prepared to set off early and arrive late in the afternoon in your next destination.

The long journey across rough and bumpy roads will take you to a private farm 29km (18 mi) outside the capital of Zambia and will have you feeling so accomplished because we all know now that driving on rough terrain is no picnic! Get out, stretch those legs and marvel together at the zebras, buffaloes, and the antelope that freely roam the property. The grab a cold drink at the camp’s bar (cheers!) or relax by the pool.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 19Lusaka/Victoria Falls

Buckle those seat belts and cross the border from Zambia into Zimbabwe; home of the epic Victoria falls. Get ready to feel the mist in the air as you enter the town of Victoria Falls and choose to get up close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world on an optional falls visit.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 20Victoria Falls

Depart at any time.

Alas all good things must come to an end... or do they? If you aren't ready to go home just yet talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know more of Zimbabwe or beyond!

View full itinerary

Reverse Itinerary

This trip also runs in reverse from Victoria Falls to Nairobi. See Victoria Falls & Serengeti Overland: Lakes & Landos

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe, Mfuwe
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Local Living Moment: Kande Beach Local Dinner, Kande Beach
  • Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater entrances and wildlife safari drives
  • Zanzibar excursion (3 days)
  • Spice plantation entrance and guided tour
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Participation camping (13 nts), full-service camping (2 nts) simple hotels (4 nts multi-share with up to 3 people).

Meals

18 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 14 dinners
Allow USD135-175 for meals not included.

Transportation

Lando (overland adventure vehicle), 4x4 safari vehicles, minibuses, ferry, walking.

Staff & experts

2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, certified safari guides/drivers, local guide.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park - From $202.00

Depart Victoria Falls in the morning for a full-day guided tour of Chobe National Park in Botswana - a wildlife-abundant region covering about 11,700km² of the Northern Kalahari. Begin your adventure with a cruise down the Chobe River, taking in the sweeping views and witnessing the wildlife grazing along the riverbank. Enjoy an included lunch on land before boarding 4x4 safari vehicles for an afternoon wildlife safari drive with an expert guide. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and buffalos. Transfer back to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, arriving in the early evening. Please note that this activity includes two border crossings between Zimbabwe and Botswana. The ordering of activities is susceptible to change. ** Please note that you need to get a double-entry visa or a Univisa when arriving in Zimbabwe to ensure you can return again without needing to pay an extra visa fee.

Serengeti Balloon Safari - From $579.00

Spirited aloft in a hot-air balloon, view the wildlife and terrain of the Serengeti that only the birds see. Enjoy a champagne breakfast and keep that shutter-finger good and limber—you’ll be using it plenty over the course of your hour in the air.

Zanzibar Express Southbound - From $485.00

Looking forward to your trip but not as much to the two-day road journey from Arusha to Zanzibar? Upgrade this part of your tour and fly instead! You’ll cut your travel time between the two cities to a fraction and enjoy an extra night in Zanzibar, where you can wait (nice and relaxed) for the rest of your group to join you. Includes all transfers, local flight, and one additional hotel night in Zanzibar.

My Own Room - From $539.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Serengeti to Victoria Falls Overland: Night Stars & Spices

| 20 days - Nairobi to Victoria Falls - from $2549 USD