Embark on a thirteen-day safari, immersing yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Kenya and Tanzania’s finest National Parks with Adrenaline Victoria Falls Rainforest. We begin our adventure safari with famous Victoria Falls and next you border a plane to Kenya and proceed to Amboseli National Park, nestled on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is renowned for its breath-taking landscapes and massive herds of African Elephants, Amboseli sets the stage for a spectacular safari experience. Crossing into Tanzania, encounter the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest intact caldera. This natural wonder shelters a breath-taking wildlife haven, making it a must-see destination with a visit to Serengeti National Park, a home to the illustrious Big Five and the mesmerizing annual wildebeest migration. Experience the pulsating energy of the wildlife in action amidst the vast Serengeti plains. Our adventure then takes us to the world-renowned Masai Mara National Park in Kenya, where the great migration unfolds between July and October. Track wild cats and witness other plains animals in dynamic displays within the expansive savannah grasslands of the Mara. Finish off our safari by marvelling at the spectacle of millions of flamingos in Lake Nakuru, alongside encounters with rhinos and various other game animals. As your journey comes to an end, we will return to Nairobi, captivated by the diverse landscapes and extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Detailed Itinerary Daily Information
MAUYA! Our Africa adventure safari starts when we touch down at Victoria Falls International Airport and after we have collected our baggage, we will meet our driver-guide at the arrival hall with our name on a signboard, so we must keep our eyes peeled and then we will be escorted and transferred to our hotel in Victoria Falls for check-in.
Later afternoon at 16h20 you will be picked from our Lodge and we will enjoy the best of Victoria Falls, on a spectacular Zambezi Sunset Dinner Cruise with a four-course meal, freshly prepared on-board, and served to us while cruising along the Zambezi River with the melody sounds of birds and wildlife from the African bush providing a background lyrics music, as the light fades over the untouched landscape, and keep our camera close by to capture the incredible view.
NB: The KAZA UniVisa is a single, US$50 visa for tourists from eligible countries, granting access to both Zambia and Zimbabwe for up to 30 days and allowing for day trips into Botswana at the Kazungula border. Available at major border posts and airports, and also online for certain entry points, it simplifies travel within the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) by eliminating the need for separate visas for these two countries.
Excursions & Visits: Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Zambezi River
Accommodation At: Victoria Falls Oasis or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Zambezi Sunset Dinner Cruise and Beverages on-board
Witness the full power and beauty of Victoria Falls on both sides of the border. Whether you begin in Zambia or Zimbabwe, this guided tour seamlessly connects two distinct perspectives - Zambia’s intimate paths and striking gorges, and Zimbabwe’s sweeping vistas and iconic viewpoints. This dual-nation journey gives you the most complete and compelling way to witness the majesty of the Falls. Guests are recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a waterproof bag for valuables.
The Boma dinner at Victoria Falls is an enchanting culinary experience that tantalizes the senses and celebrates the rich traditions of Zimbabwean culture. As guests enter the open-air Boma, they are greeted with the rhythmic beats of traditional music and the warm glow of crackling fires. The atmosphere is vibrant and inviting, with the scent of grilled meats wafting through the air. Seated around a central fire pit, adorned with tribal artefacts and decor, diners are treated to a feast for both the palate and the soul.
Excursions & Visits: Unguided tour the spectacular Victoria Falls both Zambia and Zimbabwe
Accommodation At: Victoria Falls Oasis or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast and Boma Dinner will be provided (lunch own guest account)
After a hearty breakfast, we will be transferred to the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary for an opportunity to interact with the elephants that live there! The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage has been a safe-haven to a myriad of orphaned and injured elephants since its conception in 1992. Whilst hand rearing these orphans we have come to understand that the best way to appreciate these magnificent creatures is to watch them living wildly and freely. The Elephant Encounter will give guests the opportunity to unobtrusively interact with some of the biggest personalities in Africa, in a pristine environment overflowing with raw natural beauty.
Guests will venture out into the bush to spend time with the elephant and the sight of the gentle grey mammals up close and personal will be imprinted on guests minds long after they have returned home. Witness the special relationship our keepers share with the elephants and become a part of it. You will have the opportunity to take photographs with the elephants. Marvel at their size and watch them behaving normally; browsing and interacting with one another.
After check-out, we will have lunch at Dusty Road Township Experience. Located in the heart of Chinotimba township, Victoria Falls. Dusty Road Township Experience offers an authentic taste of Zimbabwean culture and cuisine. Set in a vibrant, recycled home, the restaurant serves traditional dishes cooked over open fires in cast iron pots, creating a soulful, earthy dining experience. Founded by Sarah Lilford, the initiative champions female empowerment and community upliftment, with a strong focus on sustainability and local engagement. Guests are immersed in the sights, sounds and flavours of township life, while supporting meaningful social impact. Dusty Road is a celebration of heritage, hospitality and the transformative power of shared meals.
Later day, we depart Victoria Falls International Airport for Kenya, as you walk out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your personal African Bushwalker Tour specialist driver-guide greets you with a big smile: 'Karibu Kenya - welcome to East Africa!' The guide will take you to the hotel, where you can relax and take in the African atmosphere. The rest of the day is ours to acclimate to our new time zone.
Optional: 15 minutes Helicopter flight
Excursions & Visits: Elephant Interaction
Accommodation At: Tamarind Tree Hotel or similar
Meal Plan and Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
After delicious breakfast, we will check out and meet our driver guide who will transfer us for excursions in the surrounding Karen Suburbs. Our first stop is Giraffe Centre where we will spend about an hour. The centre offers guests the unique experience of hand-feeding these gentle giants at eye level from a raised platform, while watching the warthogs below snuffle around looking for titbits. Thereafter drive a short distance to Daphne Sheldricks’ Elephant Orphanage where we will have an opportunity to visit the many baby elephants that have been rescued from threatening situations in Kenya’s various national parks and even get a chance to see the calves being fed and playing with the staff.
We will then visit the Karen Blixen Museum: a chance to go back in time and discover the famous Karen Blixen’s house exactly as it was when she lived in Kenya. Located in an area which was once part of Karen Blixen’s vast coffee estate, ‘bogani’, the museum was Karen’s home from 1917 until 1931.The house and grounds were made famous by the film ‘Out of Africa ’and have been restored by the Danish community of Kenya. Visitors have a glimpse of typical colonial life in Kenya at the turn of the twentieth century.
After lunch at the lovely Karen Blixen Coffee Gardens, we will depart on the next part of our adventure that takes us from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city to the small but beautiful soda ash lake located in the famous Great Rift Valley, named Lake Elementaita for dinner and overnight.
Excursions & Visits: Visit Daphne Shedricks’ Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum
Accommodation At: Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, dinner will be provided (drinks own guest account)
After a satisfying breakfast we will set out on a half day game drive to Lake Nakuru National park. The lake is situated in the middle of the national park to which it gives its name. Teeming with wildlife the park has so much to offer. Lions, buffalos as well as the many rhinos that call this corner of Kenya home, if we are lucky you may even spot a leopard relaxing in a tree beside the lake. After a game-packed day we will drive back to Lodge in time to enjoy the sun set over the lake, before sitting down for dinner and toasting to the day’s adventures.
After a hot lunch, we travel to Masai Mara National Reserve in the southwest corner of Kenya, renowned for its game viewing. Have lunch at the camp before going out on the afternoon game drive. The vast savannahs are a backdrop to the diverse and abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos, as well as antelopes, gazelles, and hippos.
Excursions and Visits: Morning Game drive and Game viewing
Accommodation At: Jambo Mara Lodge or similar
Meal Plan and Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
Wake before the dawn for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a Maasai Mara sunrise. After a quick cup of coffee, we will head out into the park to watch as the sun sets fire to the savannah and the big cats take advantage of the morning cool to search for a meal. Alternatively, we can take to the skies with a hot air balloon safari that will see us soar above all of the action before setting down on the plains for a champagne breakfast among the wildlife. Ask our safari expert about adding a hot air balloon adventure to your safari. We will then return to our lodge for a late breakfast before packing a picnic lunch and heading back out into the park for a day-long exploration of the Maasai Mara.
The reserve is world-renowned for the annual Great Migration when over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate in a circular route from the Serengeti in Tanzania. The best time to see the Great Migration in Kenya is between July and October.
Excursions & Visits: Morning and Afternoon Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation: Jambo Mara Lodge or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
Today we will journey from the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, two of Africa’s most highly-regarded national parks. After a satisfying breakfast, check out with a packed picnic lunch for a scenic journey to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania via the Isibania Border. Complete immigration formalities before entering the renowned Serengeti National Park. We will be switching vehicles at the border, so make sure all your belongings are organised and ready for your vehicle switch. I would also recommend having your passport, visa and yellow fever certificate accessible to make your border crossing as smooth as possible. Arrive at your lodge for check-in, and engage in game drives en route, soaking in the diverse landscapes. Complete, offering glimpses of the Big Five and the richness of the Serengeti's plains. Arrive at the lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful night's rest.
Excursions & Visits: Afternoon Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation: Mara Heritage Tented Camp or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, packed lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
Rise before dawn for the optional Sunrise Balloon Safari that includes a champagne breakfast at the end of the journey. Continue game viewing around the biodiverse region is the best to start the day proceeding to Northern Serengeti National Park. We will spend our two nights driving through this distinct and beautiful region of the park in search of the Wildebeest Migration and the Big Five. The world-famous Mara River crossing of the Great Migration is a sight to behold in the northern section of Serengeti National Park every year from July to October. If you think watching the herds seek out better pastures is nerve-wracking, wait till you hear about the big cats waiting on the opposite side, ravenous for meat.
Optional Activity: Serengeti Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast (AM)
Excursions & Visits: Morning and Afternoon Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation: Mara Heritage Tented Camp or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
We will start our day immediately after breakfast, driving through the plains of Togoro and the Mbuzi Mawe kopjes on our way to cross the Banagi River into the Seronera region of the Central Serengeti. Along the way, you'll spot everything from the enigmatic dik-diks to towering elephants, and everything in between. The Seronera is often known as 'big cat country', and its kopjes and acacias provide an excellent opportunity to spot prides of lazy lions, sleek cheetahs out on the hunt, and leopards overseeing everything from their lofty perches. The region's hippo pools and wide-open spaces provide ample opportunities for game viewing. Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti National Park according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.
Excursions & Visits: Morning and Afternoon Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation: Osinon Camp Serengeti or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
Today you will depart early after your delicious breakfast to Ngorongoro crater with a game drive en-route. The Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtakingly beautiful setting and the best place in East Africa to see the Big Five. It is one of the most beautiful natural wildlife safari sites in the world and an exceptional place to interact with people from the Maasai tribe. On reaching the crater’s edge, the 20 km diameter caldera opens up before you in all its stunning glory and you will descend into the crater on an adventurous trail. This World Heritage Site is seasonally home to over 25,000 animals in including a wide range of birds’ species, hyenas and the endangered black rhino. Hot Lunch will be served at a picnic spot at the hippo pool and after that you will continue to explore the crater. After exploration you will ascend the crater and drive straight to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
Excursions & Visits: Full Day Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge or similar
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
After a hearty breakfast, we head to the underrated gem that is Tarangire National Park which is known for its ancient baobabs and huge elephant herds, Tarangire is a quieter alternative to the busier parks and ideal for unhurried game viewing. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch in the shade before continuing our journey towards Ngorongoro. From here, the road begins to ascend, and the elevation changes as we climb the steep walls of the Great Rift Valley before arriving in Karatu. This bustling town lies in the shadow of the Ngorongoro Crater and is surrounded by beautiful, lush farmlands.
Excursion & Visits: Morning and afternoon game drives
Accommodation At: Sangaiwe Tented Camp or similar
Meal Plan and Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
As your safari comes to an end, savour a final leisurely breakfast before checking out. leaving behind the memories of diverse birdlife and captivating wildlife. Your journey takes you to Kilimanjaro, traversing scenic landscapes. Be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your outbound flight to your next destination, cherishing the memories of an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
Meal Plan & Drinks: Breakfast, lunch provided (dinner and drinks own guest account)
DETAILED TOUR INFORMATION:
In a Nutshell
– A true African experience (wild and free)
– All detailed inclusive Itinerary with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
Know Before You Go – Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
Trip Preparation – A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver’s license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag colour and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you’ll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhoea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks.
Trip Rating & Style – Easy and Moderate and cater to adventure enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences.
Countries visited – Kenya and Tanzania.
Activities – Animal Tracking | Cultural Mozaic Experience | Scenic Drive | Game drive
Transportations – transport for most of this safari you will travel in 4×4 jeeps/safari vehicles – see your tour itinerary for details. These may be open-roofed or enclosed. You must not leave the vehicle or lean out through windows without express permission from the guide.
Accommodation Considerations – while we make every effort to stick to the accommodations listed, please note that they serve as guidelines, and adjustments may occur. We recommend obtaining the latest version of the itinerary at least one week before departure to stay informed of any changes.
Tour leaders – a fully qualified driver/guide will run the tour and do both the driving and guiding. The guides have a wealth of knowledge about the places you will be visiting and travelling past, and many travellers note them as one of the highlights of their tour.
Group Size – small groups of not more than 6 travellers per safari vehicle, guaranteed with an African Bushwalker Tours Team Leader escorting the group for the entire trip
Travelling Responsibility – remember you are more than a tourist in this place. You are part of the team of global citizens, embracing diversity and committed to lifelong learning. Stay open to opportunities, contribute where you can, and connect with the many people you meet along the road.
Plan Ahead – now your chance to book any optional activities, chat with the reservation team and get planning
Life on Land – contribute to any initiative that aims to halt biodiversity loss and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems
Experience – we have more than 23 years’ experience touring throughout East and Southern Africa. As such, our itineraries and routes have been perfected over many years ensuring that your tour will run smoothly. We visit the highlights of East and Southern Africa but ensure that you do not follow the well-trodden tourist track. All of us at African Bushwalker Tours have extensive travel experience in Africa, and throughout the world. Being adventure travellers ourselves, we know how to plan trips that give you a broad experience of the countries that you will visit.
Credit Card Payments:
– Credit card payments will attract a 4% handling fee of the value of the transaction.
Based in Africa – probably the most important part of an African Bushwalker Tours is that we are an African company with offices in Tanzania and Zimbabwe. We live in Africa; we travel in Africa and it is our passion for this amazing continent that makes African Bushwalker your best travel option.
Age Policy – on all small group scheduled tours, we accept children 12-17 with accompanying adult and tailor-made tours, we accept children 5 – 17 with accompanying adult. We have no upper age limit. Clients older than 65 years of age at the time of travel require a medical certificate stating the client is fit and healthy to join an adventure travel group tour. We have many clients over 65 years of age, who are perfectly capable of enjoying every aspect of an African Bushwalker tour.
Drugs & Alcohol – please be aware that drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are illegal in most countries in Africa and they could enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession. NEVER carry illegal drugs on your person or on the vehicle during this tour as you would not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group if you are caught in possession. If you are caught in possession of illegal drugs on this tour you will be asked to leave the tour immediately and no refund will be given. Any such inconsideration can lead to the tour being cancelled and innocent people arrested. We will not hesitate to remove someone if we have to. Aggressive or abusive drunk behaviour will not be tolerated during this tour and if anyone is constantly abusing alcohol and causing trouble we will not hesitate to remove them from the tour and no refund will be given.
Travel Insurance – it is compulsory that every person who travels with African Bushwalker Tours obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.
Visas and Passports – please ensure you have 6 blank pages in your passport in order to accommodate all the visas and stamps, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your tour end date.
Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
What do I need to bring? – comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, headtorch, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, first aid kit, yellow fever vaccination certificate, a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly – a sense of adventure, It is recommended to bring mosquito spray with high mint!
About Drones– Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones.
Suggested Tipping
Gratuities – Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. On some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers and local guides throughout. We recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping.
Please be aware that many locals consider tipping to be a customary part of their compensation, and some may approach you for additional “compensation.” There is no need to feel intimidated by these requests, nor should you feel pressured to tip beyond the suggested amounts. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager, or contact our office (numbers are provided in your documents).
Tour Manager/Driver: US $5 per person per day
Note: Tips for hotel porters, wait staff, and for activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists, as well as on safaris. Hotels and restaurants that are frequented mostly by tourists will often add a gratuity to your bill and additional tipping is at your discretion.
BOOKING – To make your booking, please make sure you have the correct names, nationalities and date of birth of all travelers – as per their passport. African Bushwalker Tours will hold an option of 14 days from the time African Bushwalker Tours have confirmed a tour, before the cancellation rules apply. If our service or a tour is booked less than 14 days prior to the service is rendered or the tour commences, cancellation rules will apply immediately. If you need longer time, please let us know. If a tour or hotel is fully booked African Bushwalker Tours will try to offer you an alternative property of a similar standard and location.
PRICES – All prices are based on costs at the time of publication. African Bushwalker Tours reserves the right to change the prices, in reasonable circumstances, at any time before a booking is made. African Bushwalker Tours will confirm price changes, if any, together with our confirmation of your booking.
For trips in Namibia & South Africa rates given in a currency other than respectively NAD (Namibian Dollar) and ZAR (South African Rand) are subject to change in case of substantial variation of the exchange rate. For trips in Kenya & Tanzania rates given in a currency other than in USD (American Dollars) are subject to change in case of substantial variation of the exchange rate.
PAYMENTS – 40% of the total booking value within 14 days of African Bushwalker Tour’s confirmation of the booking. The remaining 60% no later than 60 days from the trip starting date.
CANCELLATION – If the customer cancels a tour up to 61 days prior to departure the deposit will be lost. If cancellation is made within 60-31 days prior to departure, a penalty fee of 65% of the total price of the tour will be levied. For any cancellation made within 30-16 days before departure, a penalty fee of 85% will apply. In the case of cancellations made less than 16 days before the start of the tour we are unable to offer any reimbursement. No refunds will be given by African Bushwalker Tours for no-shows.
The payment of bank fees for bank transfers are the responsibility of the customer and are strictly non-refundable.
The trip may be cancelled with no penalty charge should war, a life-threatening epidemic, or any other natural catastrophe or similar event occur within 14 days prior to departure. This will however be on the condition that your government advises against travelling to the specific area, and that the situation in question has arisen after the booking of the tour was made.
Cancellations must be made in writing and delivered either by hand, post, fax or electronic mail.
In the case of death or serious illness, of the person for whose benefit the tour has been arranged, no cancellation fee will be charged if African Bushwalker Tours is presented with an officially-approved death/sickness certificate.
What’s Included/Excluded
What’s Included
- -Airport transfers (Roundtrip) For Arrival and Departure
- -Private vehicle 4×4 Safari Landcruiser transport with professional Safari Guide
- -Accommodation in Mid- Range Lodge & Tented Camp
- -All meals according to the itinerary
- -Mineral water provided in the Safari Vehicle
- -All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- -All park entry fees and Concession Fees
- -First Aid Kit Box and Flying Doctors Air Ambulance Rescue (AMREF)
- -Drinking water during safari drives (Guest will receive a reusable steel water bottle (supporting “TOSCO” – Tourism supporting Conservation)
What’s Excluded
- - Gratuities, Baggage Handling
- - Personal, Medical and Travel Insurance
- - All International Flights tickets and applicable airport fees and taxes
- - Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- - Visa fees if applicable to Tanzania
- - Extra Entrance fees to tourist attractions, activities or attractions not mentioned in itinerary
- - Extra optional activities while in the game reserves
- - All costs of a personal nature: Telephone calls, bar bills, drinks, room service, laundry, refreshments, snacks, curios, gifts, etc. unless otherwise stated as included in the daily itinerary