Africa trip: Victoria Falls, Serengeti & Gorilla trekking

Early in the morning, we depart from the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and take one last look at the mighty waterfalls before embarking on a long journey. Through the window of our truck, we get our first impressions of East Africa: colorful markets, bustling villages, and pastoral scenes form the backdrop of our journey through Zambia. Upon our arrival, we enjoy a prepared meal while our guides inform us about the upcoming days.

This morning, we drive through Zambia's bustling capital, Lusaka, before turning east towards Petauke, our overnight destination. The Great East Road winds through rural Zambia, serving as an important link between Lusaka and neighboring Malawi, and we will cross the mighty Luangwa River along the way. Lined with villages and subsistence farms, today’s landscapes contrast sharply with the developed countries that so many of us call home. We make a charming stop at Luangwa Market, a busy hub where local Zambian traders display their goods. Treasures include Masau and Masaku, seasonal fruits available year-round and known for their great taste.

We look forward to the tranquility of South Luangwa and make our way to the banks of the Luangwa River this morning. We stop at Mulberry Mongoose to browse their local jewelry and curios. These accessories are made by local women from South Luangwa using organic materials sourced from the African bush. The Chipata region is a significant cotton producer, and we get a glimpse of the creativity of African culture. One of the most beautiful sunsets can surely be enjoyed on the banks of the Luangwa River. So grab a cool drink and watch the day come to an end.

South Luangwa National Park is a premier safari destination, and we have a whole day to explore the park and seek out the diversity of wildlife it hosts. This morning, you can join an optional morning safari or partake in one of the iconic walking safaris in the park during the dry season (April to December). In the afternoon, we enjoy a sunset drive in the park, including a sundowner stop. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives us the chance to discover the rare nocturnal species.

This morning, we board our truck and head towards Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our destination for tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system. As one of the ten largest lakes in the world, the lake stretches over 500 km along Malawi's western border and is home to more fish species than any other lake. We spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder.

Today is all about the lake, and this day is reserved for your relaxation by the lake. Use the time to read a book, soak up the sun, or experience the many attractions available. If you wish, you can undertake an optional hike with a local guide to the nearby Dwanbazi waterfall. The waterfall offers a stunning panoramic view from the top. Depending on the weather, we may even have the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush greenery and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Today we are on the road for the majority of the day, continuing our journey northward. We will again spend the night on the shores of Lake Malawi. Our guide will take us on a village walk through a nearby village in the afternoon. After the walk, enjoy the sunset over the lake from the beach.

We set off this morning and continue our journey north to stay overnight at the Utengule Coffee Lodge.

Before driving to Iringa, we make a stop at a local coffee plantation, where we have the chance to see the growing and harvesting of coffee beans and sample some of the beans. Then we ascend into the Great Rift Valley and continue our journey into Tanzania.

This morning we conclude our journey at the threshold of Mikumi National Park. We make a short stop in the Baobab Valley in Tanzania—a charming landscape characterized by ancient, towering baobab trees that have withstood the test of time. These iconic trees create a surreal and breathtaking scene, casting dramatic shadows over the African savanna—a perfect backdrop for a group photo. We then reach Mikumi, the fourth largest park in Tanzania, which is part of a 75,000 square kilometer wilderness that includes the Selous Game Reserve, the largest game reserve in Africa. Today you have the opportunity to book a safari in Mikumi National Park.

Today you have the option to book additional safaris in Mikumi National Park or partake in various cultural tours.

We stay overnight in Dar es Salaam before setting off early the next morning to catch our ferry to Zanzibar.

We set off early to catch our ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at the ferry terminal, we proceed to our hotel in Stone Town.

This bustling port city has a rich history and was once a significant milestone on the slave and spice trade routes. Our morning begins with a city tour of Stone Town to discover the more well-known sights, including the birthplace of Freddy Mercury. After our city tour, we drive to our base for the next two nights. Before our arrival, we take a guided walk through spice plantations that weave through villages and spice fields.

Today is a free day to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities. Water sports are the highlight today. Whatever you choose to do today, you have ample opportunity to create island memories. Explore the many attractions available or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

We say goodbye to the island and take the return ferry. After arriving at the Dar es Salaam port, we meet up with our truck again and drive back to Bagamoyo, where we spend the night.

This morning we head north, crossing the northern outskirts of Tanzania. Our destination is the bustling town of Arusha. Northern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Although it is only a short distance to Karatu, we will spend the majority of the day approaching the Ngorongoro Crater. Before arriving in Karatu, we visit the Mto wa Mbu market, located in the small village of Mto wa Mbu. This evening our guide will inform us about our two-day excursion.

We rise early and are picked up from our camp and transported in 4x4 safari vehicles to the Ngorongoro Crater. We spend the morning searching the crater floor for the animals roaming the plains. In the afternoon, we arrive at our camp in the Seronera region in the heart of Serengeti National Park. The camp is surrounded by spectacular views and an abundance of wildlife, and tonight we enjoy the sights and sounds of nature passing right in front of your Meru-style tent while sipping on a cool drink.

This morning we rise early to enjoy a full day safari through Serengeti National Park. Renowned for the abundant wildlife that exists here, we spend most of our day in search of the animals that live here.

We leave Serengeti National Park with amazing memories and take the return drive to Arusha, where we spend the night reminiscing about our experiences in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Today we cross the border into Kenya and make our way to Nairobi, where we will spend the night.

We leave the capital, Nairobi, and travel to Maasai Mara, renowned worldwide for its endless plains of wildlife and spectacular beauty. The visit to Maasai Mara will be in safari vehicles and not with the overland truck. Hence, you will be asked to take a small overnight bag.

The expansive grasslands of Maasai Mara provide ideal opportunities for game viewing and photography. Some of the wildlife you can encounter here includes elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles abound in the muddy brown waters of the rivers that traverse this reserve.

This morning we say goodbye to the Mara before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park, where we enjoy a safari through the park in the afternoon. Lake Nakuru is home to large flocks of flamingos and pelicans, as well as black and white rhinos, leopards, lions, and numerous antelopes.

This morning we cross the border into Uganda and head for Jinja. Jinja is Uganda's second-largest city and is most well-known as the point where the Nile (officially the Victoria Nile) flows out of Lake Victoria and begins its 6,695-kilometer journey to Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.

After a short stop in the city of Kampala, we drive towards Murchison Falls National Park. Also known as Kabaraga Falls, Murchison Falls is a waterfall on the course of the great Nile and is located in Murchison National Park. The park is considered one of the best national parks in Uganda.

Budongo Forest is the largest mahogany forest in East Africa and is home to the largest number of chimpanzees in Uganda. It is believed that there are between 600 and 700 chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, and this morning we meet our chimpanzee guide who will accompany us on our trek through the forest in search of the chimpanzees.

This morning we leave Masindi and head to the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our accommodation for the night is on a hill overlooking Lake Kikorongo.

Again we cross the equator and continue south towards the beautiful landscape of Lake Bunyonyi. With eager anticipation, we prepare for the upcoming gorilla trekking expedition, and this evening we will receive a briefing on what to expect.

The mountain gorilla is critically endangered, and although the exact numbers vary, it is generally believed that there are only about 650 left. Visiting the gorillas is a great opportunity to support their future on earth, as the funds raised for the permits go towards their protection.

Although two days are allocated for gorilla trekking, we will spend only one day on the trek. The other day is to ensure there is a large enough time window to receive permits and to allow the entire group to trek, if more than six people participate in the tour.

We leave the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi and head to another stunning waterbody of Uganda – Lake Mburo. Lake Mburo is located in the Ankole sub-region of Uganda near the town of Mbarara.

This morning we leave the Ankole region and make our return trip to Jinja. Jinja offers many exciting optional activities focusing on the waters of the Nile.

Jinja offers many optional activities for adventure seekers and less adventurous ones. Today you have the day at your disposal, and your guide will assist you in planning this day.

We return to Kenya and visit Eldoret, the fifth-largest city in the country. The Great Rift Valley is still the dominant geographical feature of this region.

We return to Nairobi this afternoon, reflecting on the many memories we have collected together and preparing for our return to the bustling streets of Nairobi. Your tour ends with the arrival in Nairobi.