South East Adventure 24 Day

Yes! You’ve got another day to soak up the Mara’s rolling grasslands and broad horizons (heart eyes emoji). Watch out for wildebeest and zebras!

Leaving the incredible natural wonderland of the Maasai Mara behind us, today we’ll hit the road back to the chaotic city of Nairobi, where we’ll stay overnight.

After crossing the border into Tanzania, we’ll arrive at our next destination: Arusha. This place is Tanzania’s ‘safari capital’ – a bustling city with colourful markets, nestling in the shadow of Mt Meru. If we have time, we’ll take a guided walk in a Maasai village to learn about the local culture before heading to our camp (if not, we’ll do it on day seven). But first: anyone for an optional camel ride?

Today we’ll switch to smaller 4x4 vehicles as we head west to Serengeti National Park. Don your khaki greens, ‘cos we’re going all-out safari mode! Exciting. Passing into the park, we’ll drive around the crater rim and down onto the Serengeti plains, which are home to an huge variety of grazing animals and birdlife. Flatter and larger than the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti certainly lives up to its nickname: ‘the place where the land moves on forever'.

Rise and shine! This morning we’re heading out on a game drive beyond the plains – and after lunch, we’ll ascend the outer wall of the awesome Ngorongoro Crater. Tonight, we’ll stay on the rim of the crater (read: pack your warmest jacket).

Today, we’re headed inside the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning of game driving and wildlife spotting. It’s a tough life. Then: it’s back to Arusha. If we didn’t already do it on day four, we’ll visit a Maasai village this afternoon.

Next stop, Bagamoyo. If we’re lucky with the weather, we might even get to see an ah-mazing snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest peak) on the way.

Today we’re hitting the road south to Dar es Salaam, which is hot, humid and full of high rises, colourful markets and Arab-influenced architecture. Tonight we’ll set up camp on the beach (OMG). Feel that balmy sea breeze yet?

Hop on the ferry – we’ve got a beautiful palm-fringed island to get to! Fact: Zanzibar was once a major trading centre of spices. Did we mention this place has heaps of amazing optionals? We’re talking spice tours, visits to the Old Fort and more. Please note: As we leave the truck on the mainland, basic safari lodge/hotel accommodation and breakfast on Zanzibar is included. However, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We usually divide our nights in Zanzibar between accommodation in Stone Town and accommodation on one of the northern beaches, but there are no set activities – the time is entirely yours to do as you please.

After breakfast, why not head out on foot to explore Stone Town? You’re sure to find a whole bunch of souvenirs here. Wanna get aquatic? Then an optional snorkelling or scuba diving session has your name on it.

If it's white sand, sparkling sea and hot sun you're after, you’ve come to the right place! Later, indulge in some de-LISH seafood or simply relax beneath a coconut palm with a cocktail and a good book. #Bliss

It’s our final day in paradise! Soak up your tears with a bountiful breakfast and send your last few Snapchats before ferrying back to Dar es Salaam.

Today we’ll make our way east to Mikumi, where there’s an optional National Park visit on offer. Tonight: sip sundowners at the local bar before gathering around the open fire and stargazing at our camp.

Today we’ll climb through Tanzania’s Southern Highlands all the way to Kisolanza Farm House – a working farm famous for its hot showers and chocolate brownies. Home to the Ghaui family for over 70 years, Kisolanza provides beef, lamb, chicken and vegetables to the surrounding markets, as well as further afield in Dar es Salaam.

After our last night in Tanzania, we’ll head through lush mountain passes, rich grazing land and both banana and tea plantations on the way to Songwe, the border post into Malawi. For the next two nights we’ll stay at the Chitimba Beach campsite.

Got itchy feet? Then you may wanna take an optional hike to Livingstonia with a local guide. Be sure to rest up beforehand – the trek may take a while!

Today we’ll take a scenic drive through rubber plantations to Mzuzu, the capital of the northern region and the third largest town in Malawi. After stopping to grab supplies, we’ll head to Kande Beach – our home for the next two nights.

Wanna grab a slice of today’s optionals? Go for it! We’ve got horse riding, snorkelling and scuba diving on offer. It’s also worth taking the time to get to know some of the locals – they’re renowned for being some of the friendliest in Africa!

Chipata is a colourful town with a number of fruit and vegetable markets – and a handful of ornate mosques, thanks to its large Indian community. If time allows, we’ll make a stop in town before arriving at our campsite.

Today we’ll make tracks to Zambia's urban metropolis, Lusaka. A commercial hub and centre for the government, Lusaka is home to dusty tree-lined streets and bustling local markets that ooze African flair. Our campsite for the evening is set in a tranquil and relaxing spot on a farm, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Next up: adventure-loving Livingstone, where we’ll visit the thundering Victoria Falls. At over a mile wide, the falls form the largest curtain of falling water in the world, with spray visible from 20 kilometres away – hence the local name Mosi-oa-Tunya ('the smoke that thunders').

This is Africa’s adventure capital, so get out there and make the most of it! We’ve got optional whitewater rafting, gorge swinging and even bungy jumping to fulfil all of your adventure needs. If you want to take it easy, you could go fishing or take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi (both optional).

Noooo! The trip ends here. Dig into breakfast and make the most of those #views while you still can!