From Nairobi to Livingstone a thrilling 18-day overland adventure across seven countries

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Imagine a thrilling overland escapade across seven East, Central, and South African countries - Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa is explosive! 

Having been to these countries by air, I can vouch that such a trip is a winner for travel lovers. This epic journey will leave you questioning why you have not tried it yet!

The thrill of taking such an adventurous trip in 22 is astounding and a worthwhile investment for lovers of ultimate adventure. Many tour operators are offering such road trips over the festive season at a pocket-friendly budget (approximately Ksh165,000) for the months of December and January. 

The road trip starts from Nairobi, and cuts across the seven countries (I have been to all these countries) on an itinerary that will leave you soaked with memoirs. If you wish to proceed to South Africa, you can catch a bus and return to Nairobi by air. The average recommended day for such a trip is 22 days. 

From Nairobi, you drive southwards across rural Kenya through magnificent landscapes and scenic views, including the majestic Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest rooftop. 

At the Namanga border point, you stop for swift clearance, (and other borders), thanks to your travel agent. After crossing to Tanzania, you drive through a more spectacular landscape dotted with the majestic presence of the Maa people and culture. 

Arusha, your probable base for the night, is located at the base of Mount Meru, Africa's fifth-highest peak. This growing town is set in a lush and hilly area of Tanzania, the base for people climbing Kilimanjaro and embarking on the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania including the world-famous Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater Area. 

Day 2&3

You leave Arusha for the Serengeti National Park for two days at the Seronera region at the heart of the park. The Seronera region is known as the 'cat capital' of Africa due to its high density of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Serengeti, too, is the starting point of the Great Migration. The great trek of millions of gnus and other herbivorous wildlife starts their journey from here to Masai Mara. 

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater and Karatu – Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera is a colossal bowl, 20 kilometres wide and over 600 metres deep, with a microcosm of Africa's wildlife living within its walls. The area is home to Olduvai Gorge, where some of the earliest evidence of human existence has been found. 

Day 5: Karatu to Arusha – Tanzania

The trip takes you back to Arusha, via the scenic Great Rift Valley with stopovers at the village of Mto wa Mbu to visit the market of this vibrant agricultural town. 

Day 6: Arusha to Bagamoyo – Tanzania

From the cool highlands of Tanzania, you drive down to the humid Indian Ocean coastline. The drive takes you through spectacular and scenic landscapes scattered with bustling towns and markets offering a glimpse of life in rural Tanzania. 

The next stopover is Bagamoyo just north of Dar es Salaam, a perfect starting point for the trip to Zanzibar Island. Founded in the late 1700s, Bagamoyo provides insight into Tanzania's history, particularly the 19th century when it was a major trading port for ivory and slaves. 

The former German East Africa, capital, Bagamoyo includes interesting German colonial, Swahili, Arabic, and Christian missionary influences. Today dhows and boats are built in Bagamoyo, which translates as “lay down your heart” a moniker dating back to the cruel slave trading days in East Africa. 

Day 7: Zanzibar Island

The trip is getting adventurous as you set out for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city. From Dar es Salaam a local ferry will take you to Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar Island on the eastern shores of the main island for some laid-back beach time. 

Day 8&9: – time to explore Zanzibar Island at your leisure and its white sand beaches while enjoying optional water sports and activities. 

Zanzibar is renowned for its idyllic tropical beaches for you to unwind in paradise, exploring the spice farms, the former slave market, a stark reminder of Zanzibar's dark past, now home to the stunning Anglican Cathedral, the Palace Museum – time limits you to explore this magnificent jewel. 

Walking through the narrow streets and paths of Stone Town is adventurous, with every twist and turn down the labyrinthine streets bringing something new: a bustling bazaar here, an aromatic coffee house there, and a beautifully carved wooden door just around the corner. 

Day 10: Back to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania

You will catch the ferry back to Dar es Salaam where your safari truck awaits you to take you back to Dar es Salaam to explore the city, from the National Museum displays of early human fossils, tribal artifacts, and colonial memorabilia, or brace yourself for a sensory overload at the Kivukoni Fish Market, and later dine out at one of the many restaurants Dar es Salaam has to offer. 

 Day 13: Mikumi National Park to Iringa – Tanzania

A journey to the historic small city of Iringa is quite revealing. Located on a cliff overlooking Ruaha River Valley in the highlands of southern Tanzania at 1550m above sea level, this pleasant town features old German colonial buildings, a popular market, and a memorial to soldiers who died in local battles during the world wars. 

Day 14: Iringa to Mbeya

Southern Tanzania is awesome. The trip takes you through the rolling tea plantations of Southern Tanzania to the Mbeya Mountains, a major coffee-growing region. Here you get to sample the delicious coffee beans and see how they are grown and harvested. 

Day 15: Malawi

From Mbeya, you cross to Malawi and drive down into the Great Rift Valley heading south to Lake Malawi, known as 'the Lake of Stars' due to the flickering lights of the fishing boats out on the vast lake at night. The third-largest lake of Africa’s Rift Valley, Lake Malawi stretches 580km from north to south, covering about 75% of Malawi's eastern border. 

The highlights are walking tours along the northern shores of Lake Malawi and exploring the local village on a walking tour. Here you will encounter the local Malawians as they go about their daily lives and gain insight into rural life in Malawi. 

Day 16& 17 – Lake Malawi – Malawi

Your safari will take you further south, following the shores of Lake Malawi, the ninth-largest lake in the world, and one in a string of lakes following the Great Rift Valley. You will spend two days exploring the treasures of this magical place. 

Day 18: Lake Malawi to South Luangwa Park - Zambia

From Malawi, you set off for the wild South Luangwa National Park in neighbouring Zambia. Just before the border, you will enjoy a game drive through the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, one of Malawi’s premium wilderness areas. Having watched the sunrise in Malawi, we watch an equally spectacular sunset in Zambia. 

Day 19&20: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

This day is set aside for game viewing in the unspoiled South Luangwa National Park. This untamed game reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, including buffalos, leopards, zebras, hippos, giraffes, antelopes, and crocodiles. Alternatively, you can join a walking safari in the dry season, a thrilling way to get up close and personal with nature. 

Day 20: South Luangwa to Petauke – Zambia

After leaving South Luangwa National Park, a short drive brings you to Petauke. Here,  you will visit a Mulberry Mongoose textile initiative in Chipata, Petauke, where colourful African creations are produced with local materials like cotton, feathers, and even the wire retrieved from poaching snares. 

Zambia is truly rural with many local villages and farming communities dotting the lush vegetation.  

Day 21: Lusaka – Zambia

By now you are building excitement as you drive along the Great East Road, stopping at the bridge over the Luangwa River and visiting the vibrant Luangwa Market. 

Day 22: Lusaka, Zambia

On the last day, a short journey through southern Zambia towards the Zambezi River and Livingstone brings you to Lusaka, Zambia’s adventure capital and the launchpad for experiencing Mosi-ao-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) as the locals call the spectacular Victoria Falls. 

It is recommended that you spend a few extra days here after your overland safari, in order to experience adventurous activities such as white-water rafting bungee jumping, game viewing, swimming in Devil's Pool, visiting Livingstone Island, or taking scenic flights over Victoria Falls by helicopter, micro-light, or small plane.