Public Transport Holidays
Discover another side of Southern Africa
Travel by public transport from Nairobi to Victoria Falls in an adventure packed 35 days.
35 day East African public transport holiday
£595.00 plus local payment of US $600
This is a fantastic opportunity to spend 35 days travelling East Africa by public transport. Your trip will begin in Nairobi, Kenya, from where you will travel south through Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia before ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Using African public transport, with your trip leader you will stay in a combination of dorms, bungalows, camping and permanent tents, meeting locals and getting an authentic African experience.
You will be visiting capital cities, famous ports, Maasai warrior country, national parks twice the size of Wales, the warm shores of the Indian Ocean and much, much more!
Trip Round up
Beginning in Nairobi you’ll start this trip with one of the world’s most epic railway journeys through the Tsavo National Park to Mombasa on Kenya’s balmy coast. Then kick back in the sand for a few days on some dazzling white sand beaches, before heading south into Tanzania. Here you’ll explore the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, which offers excellent game viewing in pursuit of the ‘big five’ and spend some time on the island of Zanzibar to enjoy more gorgeous beaches and the intriguing alleyways of Stone Town. Another great African train ride takes you south to Malawi and the warm and inviting freshwater Lake Malawi, dubbed the ‘lake of stars’ by explorer David Livingstone. You’ll spend a few days exploring the tranquil beaches and islands and take the famous ferry to the extreme south of the lake. You will cross into Zambia, where the highlight is the little visited South Luangwa National Park, which is well known for its high concentration of elephant and leopard. Passing through Zambia’s lively capital of Lusaka, the trip will end at Victoria Falls, to see the impressive ‘smoke that thunders’ and enjoy the many optional activities on offer.
Day 1: Nairobi
We will spend today in Kenya’s capital city, making the final preparations for your adventure. There is the option of visiting the Giraffe Manor in Langata and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant and Rhino Nursery, or of spending a half day exploring Nairobi National Park. There are also the local city markets, which have plenty for you to see!
Day 2: Nairobi to Mombasa
After packing up, we will make our way to Nairobi’s train station and board the overnight train bound for the coastal city of Mombasa. Accommodation on board the train is in shared cabins. As we will be travelling at night there isn’t much opportunity for taking in the Kenyan landscape However, we’ll get a glimpse of the local villages and inhabitants in the evening and early morning and we’ll even have the chance of spotting some of Africa’s magnificent game grazing beside the railway. As we near Mombasa, the landscape changes from the desert brush we wake up to, to lush tropical palm trees and increasing heat and humidity. We’re also afforded the opportunity of meeting some of the locals who use this route to travel between Kenya’s two largest cities.
Days 3 to 5: Mombasa
Colonised by the Portuguese in the mid 1600s because of its vital role in the trade of gold, ivory and spices, as Kenya’s largest port, Mombasa is still a major centre of trade today. Situated on the warm Indian Ocean and blessed with beautiful white sandy beaches, it is also the centre of Kenya’s coastal tourism. We spend two nights in bandas (traditional huts made of wood and covered in palm fronds) on a picturesque stretch of coast just north of Mombasa. Here we have the option of a variety of activities like snorkelling and diving, or a cruise on a traditional dhow. There is also the option of visiting the restored quarry at Haller Park, home to a Crocodile Farm and Reptile Park as well as a group of hippos and Rothschild giraffes. Watch the hippos being fed or feed the giraffes yourself! Alternatively you can wander around the “Old Town” where the Arabic influence is clearly evident, or visit Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, which houses various archaeological finds and an exhibition depicting the culture and history of the coastal people.
Day 6: Mombasa to Arusha (Tanzania)
Today we bid farewell to Kenya and its sunny beaches and head across the border to Tanzania. On the way to our next stop, weather permitting, we may catch a glimpse of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. The next two nights will be spent at a lovely campsite in the small village of Meserani, a few kilometres outside Arusha.
Day 7: Arusha
Situated at the base of Mount Meru, Arusha is best known as the safari capital of Tanzania. Today we’ll explore the local markets and visit the local Maasai Cultural Museum to learn a little more about these amazing people. There is the optional excursion to the Serengeti/Ngorongoro area, and if you decide on this you will prepare for your next day departure.
Arusha Market
Day 8 - 10: Arusha to Serengeti National Park (OPTIONAL)
The Serengeti (Maasai for “endless plains”) is famous for its enormous concentration of game (especially the big cats) and for the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelles. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact caldera. The area teems with game throughout the year as the lush crater floor is able to sustain its population, making it unnecessary for them to join their Serengeti cousins on the annual migration.
For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next 2 days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Maasai Cultural Museum and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is close by to explore.
The optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Maasai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park, and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. The evening will be spent at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we will depart early for the Ngorongoro conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino.
After our game drive in the Crater, we’ll head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park, crossing the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we camp in the bushveld, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, we’ll head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’!
After our morning drive, we will head back across the plains and the lush Crater rim to our camp at Meserani, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.
Day 11: Arusha to Dar es Salaam
Mount Kilimanjaro
Leaving Arusha behind us, we’ll head south towards Dar es Salaam. On the way we pass through the town of Moshi. Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions and, weather permitting, you may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit. We will pass through vast sisal plantations surrounded by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching our traditional banda on the shores of the warm Indian Ocean. New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.
Day 12: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we spend the next 5 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands.
PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation and meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.
Days 13 to 16: 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 an optional excursion around a spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to 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, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.
Day 17: Zanzibar to Mbeya
Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland where we board our overnight train bound for Mbeya. The route we follow is off the beaten track and we get to glimpse rural Tanzania. We’ll travel through Morogoro at the base of the Uluguru Mountains before passing through the Selous Game Reserve where it’s possible to view a range of wildlife from your cabin. The train itself is fairly comfortable (by African standards) and affords us a great opportunity to meet the friendly local people.
Day 18: Mbeya/Tikuyu
Mountains from Mbeya
On arrival in Mbeya we board local transport and head to the small town of Tikuyu on the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The locals in this area farm the slopes of the Mbeya and Poroto mountains, producing bananas, coffee, tea and cocoa, which are bought into Mbeya town to be packaged and transported all over the world. Tonight you’ll get a real taste of rural village life.
Day 19: Mbeya/Tikuyu to Chitimba (Malawi)
Passing down the Rift Valley Escarpment, we head to the border post of Songwe where we enter the “warm heart of Africa”, Malawi. We make our way to Chitimba Beach Camp on the shores of tranquil Lake Malawi, where we’ll spend the next 2 nights.
Lake Malawi
Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue freshwater lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore, where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practised and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dugout canoe yourself! The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer optional excursions, including a variety of water sports.
Day 20: Chitimba
You can spend today at your leisure and hike to the Livingstonia Mission. Established in 1875 by Dr Robert Laws, to honour the Scottish missionary David Livingstone, this mission relocated several times before settling in its current position. Dr Laws decided to move the mission, which was plagued by hardship and disease, from the shores of Lake Malawi to the fertile Khondowe Plateau 900m above the lake. This higher altitude reduced the risk of malaria, and it is here that many Malawians have received their education. For the less energetic, there is the option to enjoy a tour into the local village with a visit to the local school. Others can spend the day learning the game of bao from the locals, scouring the markets for a bargain, or simply relaxing on the pristine white beaches.
Day 21: Chitimba to Nkhata Bay
Today we head to Nkhata Bay via the inland town of Mzuzu. This area has the ideal climate for growing crops, and much coffee and rubber is grown. It is here that we spend the next 2 nights in shared dorm accommodation.
Day 22: Nkhata Bay
Nkhata Bay is a beautiful lakeside town straddling the lush mountains of Malawi’s Rift Valley, about 50 km from Mzuzu. It overlooks Lake Malawi like a Lord overlooks his manor, and it’s not hard to see why it’s a hugely popular destination amongst tourists visiting the north of Lake Malawi. In days gone by it had the dubious history of being the port from where many Malawians began their long journey into slavery. You can spend the day relaxing on the lake’s shores or visiting the local Chichewa market. There is the option of participating in various water sports or hiking in the surrounding hills. A visit to the local brewery or witchdoctor can also be arranged.
Days 23 & 24: Ilala Ferry
Today we board the MV Ilala to cross the ‘Lake of Stars.’ The next couple of days are spent calling in at various ports in Tanzania and Mozambique along the edge of Lake Malawi, before reaching our destination in Cape Maclear. The ferry is used by the locals to reach the opposite side of the lake, and this is a great opportunity to meet these warm hearted people. We will spend the next couple of nights sleeping under the stars on the main deck.
Please note: Should the ferry be unavailable, we will follow the coastal road south via Salima Bay to Cape Maclear.
Day 25: Cape Maclear
Today we arrive at picturesque Cape Maclear, on Lake Malawi’s southern shores. After checking in to our dorm accommodation, we will visit the local market. Here, those visiting Domwe Island stock up on their supplies for the next 2 days which they’ll spend on this tropical paradise.
Day 26 & 27: Cape Maclear/Domwe Island
With an 11 km perimeter, Domwe Island is the biggest uninhabited island in Lake Malawi. It is separated from the mainland by the Ilala Gap, which occasionally dries up due to the fluctuations in the lake’s level, enabling various mammals to cross from the mainland.
For those doing the 2 Night Domwe Island optional excursion, we’ll transfer via boat to this beautiful island. Accommodation is in shared 2 person tents. Meals are prepared in the self-catering kitchen (equipped with crockery, cutlery, pots and pans and fridge). We’ll spend the next two days just relaxing or exploring the island. You can enjoy the myriad of non-motorised water sports on offer; take a kayak around the island, snorkel and swim in the Lake’s warm waters or hire some scuba gear and search for the beautiful Cichlid fish. Spend an afternoon hiking 400 m to the island’s highest point or just enjoy the sunshine on the pristine white beaches. Included in this option are a return transfer to Cape Maclear, park entry fees and all non-motorised water sports and camping for 2 nights.
For those who’d prefer to spend the next 2 days relaxing in Cape Maclear, various activities are available. Hike up the mountain in Lake Malawi National Park, haggle with local vendors for a famous Malawi Chair or just relax on the beach.
Day 28: Cape Maclear
After reuniting with the rest of our group, we’ll spend one more day relaxing on Lake Malawi’s shores, before heading to Zambia tomorrow.
Day 29: Cape Maclear to Chipata (Zambia)
Today we leave the “warm heart of Africa” and head towards Zambia. We cross the border and make our way to Chipata where we make the final preparations for our trip into the South Luangwa National Park.
Day 30 & 31: South Luangwa National Park
At 9050 km2, twice the size of Wales, the South Luangwa National Park is famous for its large concentration of wildlife. It is said that for every oxbow in the Luangwa River, there is a leopard. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo are often seen. There are no rhino in the park due to poaching, but efforts are underway to re-introduce this pre-historic beast! So while looking out for the remaining members of the Big 5, look out for the Small 5 - Elephant Shrew, Rhino Beetle, Buffalo Weaver, Ant Lion and Leopard Tortoise and for the Green 5 - Elephant Grass, Rhino Thistle, Buffalo Thorn, Lion’s Ear and Leopard Orchid. Our camp for the next two nights is on the edge of this magnificent park. Keep an eye open for the Crawshay zebra, Cookson wildebeest and Thornicroft giraffe - all species unique to this area!
Day 32: Chipata
After spending 2 wonderful days enjoying Zambia’s wildlife, we will return to Chipata via the Kawaza Village. This project was set up by the local community with the help of the Zambian Wildlife Authority and some of the tour operators in the Luangwa valley, to offer visitors a glimpse into Kunda Culture. The belief is that the best way to get to know the local people and their way of living is to take part in their daily life. We have the opportunity to visit the Chief’s Palace or the local health clinic, or attend a class at the nearby school. Zambia itself has 74 different cultural groups and although they are different, collectively Zambians are a very friendly and welcoming people.
Day 33: Chipata to Lusaka
Today we head to the nation’s capital, Lusaka. Zambia prospered when copper prices were at their peak. However, when these prices declined in the late 1970s, the country was plunged into debt. In recent years, copper prices have improved and the government has embarked on a diversification programme to move away from it’s reliance on this precious metal. Agriculture and tourism have begun to play a much larger role in contributing to Zambia’s GDP. Tonight we overnight in dorm accommodation.
Day 34: Lusaka to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Our last road journey sees us travelling south west, via Livingstone to Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Each offers fantastic photo opportunities. On arrival, we have the opportunity to participate in a myriad of excursions available in Africa’s adventure capital.
OPTIONAL excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, microlight and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
Our last evening together sees us looking back and celebrating the completion of our memorable journey.
Day 35: Victoria Falls
After breakfast, you can exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
FREE TRIP
When you book this trip, you are entitled to receive both a FREE 3 Day Maasai Mara Safari the Thursday before your trip begins and a FREE 3 Day Hwange Safari the Monday after your trip ends. A local payments is still applicable for each trip. This fantastic offer must be taken up at the same time you book this trip. Conditions apply.
Optional Excursions
Kenya Nairobi – Giraffe Centre – entry fee - $20
Kenya Nairobi – Nairobi National Park – half day tour (min 2 people) - $20
Tanzania, Arusha – 3 Day Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion - $380
Tanzania, Arusha – Camel Ride to Maasai Village - $65
Tanzania, Zanzibar – Accomodation p/p/pn from - $20
Tanzania, Zanzibar – Stone Town – Spice Tour - $25
Malawi, Domwe Island – camping p/p/pn (min 2 people) - $110
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls – Bungee Jump - $90
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls – White Water Rafting on the Zambezi - $95
Price is in US dollars
Quick Links
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