Nairobi To Harare (22 Days) Savanna Dawn
Nairobi To Harare (22 Days) Savanna Dawn
22 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Harare, Zimbabwe
Visiting: Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
442
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 22-day adventure from Nairobi to Harare with the "Savanna Dawn" tour, exploring the heart of Africa across Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Experience the thrill of a 4x4 safari in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, and immerse yourself in Maasai culture. Discover the natural beauty at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar Island. Journey through Mikumi National Park, enjoy water sports on Lake Malawi, and shop for local crafts in Lilongwe. This tour offers a blend of camping and simple hostels, with the Oasis Expedition Truck as your mobile base, ensuring a comfortable and secure adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Welcome to Nairobi, today you can get up close to Africa's tallest mammal when we visit the Langata Giraffe Centre in Nairobi. You will also have free time to visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where Oasis sponsor Kamboyo, an orphaned elephant.
DAY 2-5: NAIROBI TO ARUSHA
We depart Nairobi early morning and immediately find ourselves in hot savannah grasslands with acacia trees providing the only shade. Various game, usually zebra and giraffe can be seen as we head south and cross into Tanzania - where we camp on the outskirts of Arusha town.
Here you have the option to use a local African safari travel company to guide us through the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. You'll head down into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. On the crater floor you will have the opportunity to view the abundant wildlife including Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, White Rhino, Buffalo, Hippo, Antelope, Crocodile and Pink Flamingos. From here you go into the Serengeti for a day where vast herds of wildebeest roam the plains. For those who wish - there is an option to visit a local Maasai Village and learn about their culture and way of life.
DAY 6-13: ARUSHA TO DAR SALAAM
After leaving Arusha we pass several small towns and villages along the way and, if we are lucky, we may see the towering peak of Kilimanjaro. We will stop off at Marangu where you can climb to Kilimanjaro base camp or take a walk through the lush surroundings passing through coffee plantations, rivers, waterfalls, caves and visiting a local blacksmith. A day’s drive brings us to Dar Es Salaam where our truck is based for around 4 nights in a campsite on a beautiful Indian Ocean beach. From here we take the ferry out to Zanzibar for four full days, and venture into the narrow bustling streets of Stone Town and its famous spice markets, old slave forts and dungeons. There is also time to relax on Zanzibar's famous white beaches, scuba dive or snorkel and swim with dolphins.
DAY 14-19: DAR ES SALAAM TO LAKE MALAWI
After meeting the Zanzibar ferry, we begin the journey through the interesting and mountainous hinterland of Tanzania. In the afternoon, after negotiating some appalling roads, we pass through the peaceful Mikumi National Park. African safari travel is synonymous with wildlife, and in this national park we usually see Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra and Antelope from the roadside. Passing through lush mountainous landscape and plantations - we enter Malawi which is dominated by its huge freshwater lake.
Camping in Malawi sums up the spirit of an Africa overland trip with Oasis. We spend 4 to 5 days at friendly laid-back campsites where most people choose to relax on the sandy beaches or try their hand at scuba diving, snorkelling, or windsurfing as we follow the lakeshore south. If you are more inclined to just relax - then there is no better place than on the shores of Lake Malawi. This really is a warm friendly country - making it easy to wander off and meet up with your local hosts in one of the many villages or schools nearby. You can view firsthand the talent of the local artisans and purchase some exquisite pieces of furniture and carvings out of ebony and mahogany.
DAY 20-22: LAKE MALAWI TO HARARE
From here we continue to the capital Lilongwe in the south of the country where you can check out the local markets.
Our African Overland trip leaves Lilongwe to cross into Mozambique and head for Zimbabwe. We follow the infamous Tete Corridor which was well known in the days of Mozambique's long running civil war as the Gun Run. Thankfully these days things are a lot different! We enter Zimbabwe and travel via the capital, Harare. Arriving at Zimbabwe's cosmopolitan city, you can enjoy many of the sights in and around the city centre, there are many markets throughout the city from craft markets to the hectic local Mbare market, stroll through the botanical gardens, or enjoy the nightlife in one of the many bars throughout the city.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation includes approximately 85% camping and 15% simple hostels/hotels.
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Giraffe Centre
Visit to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi.
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Return Ferry to Zanzibar
Return ferry tickets to Zanzibar are included.
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Zanzibar Accommodation
4 nights accommodation on Zanzibar.
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Lake Malawi Village Walk
A village walk at Lake Malawi.
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Meals
Approximately 60% of meals are included.
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Transport
All transport on the Oasis Expedition Truck.
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Camping and Cooking Equipment
Camping and cooking equipment are provided.
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Oasis Crew Services
Services of the Oasis Crew are included.
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Local Payment
A local payment of USD 570 (2023-24) is payable at the start of the trip.
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Serengeti Excursion
The Serengeti Excursion is bookable as an add-on and not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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Flights
Flights are not included.
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Airport Taxes and Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Meals
Approximately 40% of meals are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
More Info
On this overland tour you have the opportunity to get up close to the amazing wildlife in the Serengeti National Park, home to Zebra and the migration site of 1.5 million Wildebeest. Then, we move on to the World Heritage Site of the Ngorongoro Crater. As well as sight-seeing, you can chill out on the beautiful white sandy beaches of Zanzibar (home to turtles and dolphins) and Lake Malawi, the waters of which boast the largest number of fish species in the world. Option to finish in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Mode of Transport
The Oasis truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable, secure base with which to experience your trip. As part of the adventure you will be expected to have an active involvement in the day to day running of the trip, be part of the group and get stuck in and help with various tasks, whether it’s cooking meals over open fires, pitching your tent or keeping the truck clean and tidy. Seatbelts All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a 'beach area' which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Camping - Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an overland trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed. Lodges / Hostels - At some locations we will stay in lodges and hostels that are small, locally run establishments. The accommodation will vary depending on the rooming available, from dormitory style rooms, to twins/doubles or triple rooms. Upgrades may be available on arrival, but cannot be reliably pre-booked. Please refer to the individual trip inclusions for the percentage break up of your accommodation.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of involvement is expected from participants during the trip?
Participants are expected to have an active involvement in the day-to-day running of the trip. This includes tasks such as cooking meals over open fires, pitching tents, and keeping the truck clean and tidy.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation includes approximately 85% camping and 15% simple hostels or hotels. The camping involves roomy three-person tents shared between two people, with mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Some nights will be spent bush or desert camping, while others will be at campsites with varying facilities. In certain locations, there may be opportunities to upgrade to private rooms at your own expense.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Approximately 60% of meals are included in the tour package. The remaining 40% of meals are not included and will need to be covered by the participants.
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What kind of transport is used during the tour?
All transport is provided on the Oasis Expedition Truck, which will serve as a comfortable and secure base for the trip. The truck is equipped with seatbelts and has a 'beach area' for chilling out when the vehicle is not moving.
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Is there an option to upgrade accommodation during the tour?
Yes, at certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed. However, these upgrades cannot be reliably pre-booked and are subject to availability upon arrival.
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What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are a visit to the Langata Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, a return ferry to Zanzibar, 4 nights of accommodation on Zanzibar, and a village walk at Lake Malawi. Optional excursions such as the Serengeti Excursion can be booked as add-ons.
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What should I expect in terms of facilities at campsites?
Facilities and standards at campsites vary. Some campsites are well-equipped and managed, while others are very basic. At bush camps, you will be living off the truck with no showers or en-suite facilities.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are visas, a local payment of USD 570 (2023-24) payable at the start of the trip, optional excursions, flights, airport taxes and transfers, travel insurance, approximately 40% of meals, drinks, and tips.
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, cheetahs, white rhinos, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes, crocodiles, pink flamingos, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests, especially during the 4x4 safari through the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, and while driving through Mikumi National Park.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
Cultural experiences include learning about Maasai culture and their way of life, visiting local villages and schools in Malawi, and exploring the bustling streets and spice markets of Stone Town in Zanzibar.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.