safaris for photographer

21 Day Southern Discoverer
Nairobi to Victoria Falls
(Trip Code: NV21) - Departs every 2nd Sunday
2007 Price: R6 690 & Local payment: US$290

Frequently asked questions
This trip starts in Nairobi and travels south through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and finishes in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. One of our most popular trips, which incorporates the best of both worlds. Game parks, an island paradise, the warm heart of Africa and the adrenaline pumping adventure that Victoria Falls is. This trip is responsible for more people being drawn back to this amazing continent. It has obviously touched the raw nerve of many a traveller and once hit by it, it will stay with you until you return to further your interests and try and satisfy your thirst for a more intimate knowledge of the people and differing countries, you have travelled through.

Please note that this trip departs Nairobi on a Sunday, early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation booked.

Pre Departure Meeting: Held at departure point at 5:00pm the day before your departure.
Departure Point: Nairobi, Boulevard Hotel, Harry Thuku Road.
Check In Time: 8:45am
Departure Time: 9:30am

HIGHLIGHTS

Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Arusha
Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar
Mikumi National Park
Lake Malawi
Lusaka
Lake Kariba
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

ITINERARY

DAY 01: Nairobi to Arusha:

We depart Nairobi and drive south, crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga and continue to Arusha. This is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for your optional excursion to Ngorongoro Crater and/or Serengeti.

We conduct these excursions in locally operated Land Rovers, which are specially adapted for safari use. Depending on which option you choose, you will be away from the Arusha campsite for either one or two nights. (L, D)

DAY 02: Serengeti (Optional)

If you take up the two night/three day option you will depart Arusha in the morning with your vehicles and guides. The drive to the Serengeti National Park takes us through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) and up into the Ngorongoro Reserve for a glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater before descending down onto the plains of the Serengeti. The abundance of plains game in this area is truly astounding. The afternoon will be spent game viewing before setting up camp in the midst of the national park. With some luck we will be able to listen to the nighttime noises of the wildlife! (B, L, D)

DAY 03: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

After a full morning game drive in the Serengeti we will return to pull down camp and head back towards the Ngorongoro. Here we travel up to Ngorongoro Crater’s edge for our campsite for the evening. We suggest you pack your winter woollies as it can get very cold on the rim of the crater during night times.

For those taking the one night/two day option you will be collected from Arusha today in the afternoon and transferred to the town of Karatu for the evening. Tomorrow we will join the rest of the group for your Ngorongoro game drive. (B, L, D)

DAY 04: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

This morning we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 metre walls and 20 kilometre width is a natural wonder, and offers a spectacular view from the rim. The true size of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself and 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 full morning in the crater you will return to the campsite near Arusha for another night. Both optional excursions will follow the same schedule today. (B, L, D)

DAY 05 Arusha to Pangani

We leave Arusha and head towards the warm Indian Ocean. Travelling through the town of Moshi we cross the southern slopes of the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro. There is also an opportunity to view the snowy summit, weather dependant. This calls for a photo stop! Continuing south we pass the Usambara Mountains where we encounter vast sisal plantations on our way to Dar es Salaam. (B, L, D)

DAY 06: Pangani to Dar es Salaam

Today is another long days drive through beautiful lush scenery and palm trees. We sent up camp for the night. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, we spend the night at a beach hotel/campsite that is situated to the north of the city, and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning. (B, L, D)

DAY 07: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island", where we will spend three nights on this legendary island. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. (B)

Please note: Our crew can organise accommodation for you whilst on Zanzibar, although from our experience our clients have felt the need to explore the island on their own. thereforee accommodation and food is for client’s own account whilst on Zanzibar.

DAYS 08 & 09: Zanzibar

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is still famous for its spices, and tours around a spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a trip to the nearby Prison Island with its giant tortoises, and beautiful beaches to enjoy. Or perhaps you would enjoy the opportunity to hire a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of the island.

Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - giant lobsters being a popular speciality. Alternatively, joining the locals for dinner in the waterfront market is an experience not to be missed. The market stalls offer an unusual selection of fast food African style at a very reasonable cost.

DAY 10: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam

Leaving Zanzibar we take the ferry back to mainland for an overnight in Dar es Salaam. There may be an opportunity to visit one of the craft markets offering an extensive range of exquisite ebony products (where prices depend on your bargaining skills) and where the goods are made on-site. It is possible to observe the carvers at work and understand the skill, which has gone into making even the simplest trinket. (D)

DAY 11: Dar es Salaam to Iringa

Leaving Dar es Salaam we head for Iringa, passing through Mikumi National Park. It is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to humans and their vehicles. Tonight we camp at the Old Farmhouse, a beautiful rustic campsite in rural Tanzania. Try one of the signature Amarula Hot chocolates! (B, L, D)

DAY 12 to 15 Iringa to Lake Malawi

The next morning we head for Malawi passing through the beautiful tea plantations of Tikuku before exiting Tanzania. We enter Malawi through the border post of Songwe and head to Chitimba Beach campsite in Malawi for the night.

The newly democratic Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area being the beautiful Lake Malawi. The country's temperate climate allows for swimming in these clear blue fresh-waters all the year round. We travel the full length of western side of lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets for the next 4 days. This is the time for rest and relaxation. Lake Malawi offers a variety of water sports from various beachside campsites. Alternatively, you can go wandering along quieter shorelines where you can see the fishermen sorting their daily catch. Traditional methods are still used in their fishing techniques and you can appreciate their boating skills by trying to paddle in a dugout canoe yourself.

Visit the nearby villages and schools as well as dine in the local village, haggle for a bargain at the local markets, learn the game of bao with some locals … or simply relax on the pristine white beaches. (B,L,D)

DAY 16: Lake Malawi to Chipata

We cross the border into Zambia, heading to a beautiful little campsite just 10kms before the Zambia/Malawi border, where we spend the night. (B, L, D)

DAY 17: Chipata to Lusaka

The landlocked country of Zambia is quickly crossed, passing through the capital Lusaka for one night. The campsite is home to some local wildlife and has beautiful facilities. (B, L, D)

DAY 18 & 19: Lusaka to Lake Kariba

This morning we will pack up camp early and head south for Lake Kariba. We head to the western waters of Lake Kariba and our base camp for the next 2 nights. The lake is one of the largest man made lakes in the world, boasting a wide variety of African game, bird life and unique flora and fauna.

Here you have the option to take a 2 night trip on the House Boats on Lake Kariba. For those of you who do not want to partake in the House Boats there are many activities you can do at the campsite such as fishing, canoeing, hikes, explore the local village or just relax on the tranquil banks of Lake Kariba. The campsite also has a swimming pool where you can enjoy soaking up the sun. (B,L,D)

House Boat option 2 night/2 day:

We board the House Boats at approx. 1pm and have lunch after you have settled yourself in. We depart the harbour at approx. 2pm and sail out to the Maaze River for a beautiful sunset and overnight on the House Boats. Lake Kariba is famous for its spectacular sunsets. (B; L, D)

The next day you can relax the entire day on the deck of the House Boat and enjoy the on board Jacuzzi. House Boats on Lake Kariba are truly one of the most relaxing ways to spend a few days. For those of you feeling a bit more active in the early morning we take a Fishing/Game Cruise on tender boats or you have the option to do a game walk on the island in the Maaze area. There is opportunity to see plains game and many different species of bird life. After lunch and head to Maaze Island where we do a tour of the Crocodile Farm. Dinner is prepared on the boat while we sit back and enjoy our sundowners over the lake. (B, L, D)

DAY 20: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Today we cross the border into the town of Victoria Falls. 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, Victoria Falls are one of the most memorable sights on your African safari. A couple of days are spent here to enable you to experience the sights and the many activities available. All year round, flights can be taken which give you a panoramic view of the Falls, Batoka Gorge and the islands above the Falls. Flights can be taken in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters. Back on the ground, the Falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls Park. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities. (B)

White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats" where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

Bungi jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. The leap into the Batoka Gorge is one of the latest activities at Victoria Falls and is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Other optional activities around Victoria Falls include day trips into the Zambezi National Park, horse riding safaris, a visit to the Crocodile Ranch, Snake Park, golf at the Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, the Falls Craft Village.

DAY 21: Victoria Falls

Our tour will end in the morning after breakfast. (B)

Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations, and group decisions. Due to new tourism laws in some of the countries we operate in there may be a truck and crew change during the trip. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change, without prior notice.

.Local Payment: US$290

Optional Excursions: