Compare Beach & Bush Ramble by Acacia Africa vs Safari in Kenya and Zanzibar Tour by Discovery Nomads

Day 1-7: Johannesburg - Kruger National Park, South Africa - Xai-Xai - Tofo, Inhambabe - Vilanculos, Mozambique

From cosmopolitan Johannesburg we head east to South Africa’s premier wildlife region; the Kruger National Park where we hope to spot the ‘Big 5’ – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – on the acacia-studded savannahs. From here we cross the border into tropical Mozambique and head north to enjoy a few days relaxing at the rustic resorts between Xai Xai and Vilanculos. These feature sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, a balmy climate and the azure and warm Indian Ocean alive with marine-life. Optional snorkelling trips are on offer, or simply relax in a hammock, take a long walk on the near-deserted bleached-white sand or feast on a seafood lunch.

Day 8-12: Great Zimbabwe Monument - Motobo National Park - Bulawayo - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

We cross into Zimbabwe and head to Masvingo where we visit the nearby ruins of the intriguing ancient city of Great Zimbabwe – after which the country is named. Then on to Zimbabwe’s second biggest city, Bulawayo, where the nearby Matobo National Park shelters ancient rock paintings and the last significant population of the endangered white rhino in Zimbabwe; both of which we can visit on an optional foot safari. Our next Big Game encounters are in Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife reserve, Hwange National Park, famous for its large concentration of elephant that congregate around the waterholes as well as rarer species like African wild dog.

Day 13-20: Victoria Falls - Livingstone - South Luangwa National Park

The next three days are spent in the Victoria Falls area, the town named after Africa’s most wondrous waterfall. There’s time to see the Falls themselves and to do some of the adventure activities that give the town the name of the ‘adrenalin capital’ of Africa. Choose from white water rafting or canoeing on the Zambezi, or gorge-swinging or bungy jumping over the gorge, and viewing the Falls from above from a helicopter. Alternatively enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverbank or shop in the curio market. From here we head north into Zambia and on to South Luangwa National Park before continuing onto the border with Malawi.

Day 21-28: Lake Malawi - Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar, Tanzania

We spend a couple of relaxing days on the beaches of Lake Malawi; ‘The Lake of Stars’, where we can enjoy the crystal clear fresh water and perhaps go snorkelling or sailing, and visit the lakeside villages on informative cultural walking tours to meet the friendly people. Then we head into Tanzania and drive northeast to the capital Dar es Salaam, from where we get the ferry to the exotic island of Zanzibar. Here we spend our days exploring the intriguing historic alleyways of Stone Town and head to one of the tropical palm-fringed beaches to enjoy the Indian Ocean at its best.

Day 29-36: Arusha - Serengeti National Park - Nairobi, Kenya

Back on the mainland, from Dar es Salaam we drive past the foothills of Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain and if lucky we will catch a glimpse of its snow-capped peak – to Arusha where we can shop for curios, visit a snake park, and meet the people of a Maasai village. From here we transfer to 4x4 vehicles for an optional excursion to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park; both World Heritage Sites with spectacular scenery and home to an impressive array of wildlife including the ‘Big 5’. After an exciting safari, we return to Arusha and then head north to Kenya where our tour ends in the country’s vibrant capital, Nairobi.

Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya

Arrive at any time. No special activities planned for today and you will have free time exploring the capital of Kenya.

Day 2: Arusha/Manyara

You will pass through the savanna and semi-arid lands of Masai people in Tanzania to Arusha town. Your safari continues at Lake Manyara, where you will see hundreds of flamingos and other animals of African wild fauna.

Day 3: Arusha/Ngorongoro

After breakfast you will travel to the crater of Ngorongoro, amazing natural monument under the protection of UNESCO. Here, an incredible number of animals and birds, you can easily meet the lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos and flamingos. You will climb to the top of the crater, where you spend the night among the beautiful scenery in the atmospheric lodges near the crater itself.

Day 4-5: Serengeti

You go down from the top of Ngorongoro and visit one of the largest and richest parks of Africa - Serengeti. These days you will spend in a maximum immersion into the wild chasing the Big Five. Overnight stay in a lodge in the park.

Day 6: Arusha

After a morning safari, you will return to Arusha where can enjoy dinner and relax after a busy days. Transfer to Nairobi and flight to Zanzibar in noon/evening.

Day 7-10: Zanzibar

Enjoy warm azure sea, white beaches and fresh seafood.