Compare Golden Trails of East Africa by AMA Waterways vs Johannesburg to Nairobi Overland: Waterfalls & Beaches by G Adventures

Day 1: Arrive In Johannesburg

Welcome to Africa! Upon arrival, you will be met by an AmaWaterways Representative and transfered to your hotel.

Day 2: Johannesburg – Zambezi Queen – Embarkation

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, fly to Kasane, Botswana where you’ll board the elegant Zambezi Queen on the Chobe River. Late this afternoon, enjoy the riverside scenery before your Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board.

Day 3: Zambezi Queen

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning embark on a boat safari to explore the Chobe River’s spectacular game viewing. Then journey back to the Zambezi Queen for lunch and time to relax on board. Later today, enjoy a slightly different version of a river safari aboard a special double decker barge which will allow you to venture into the southern channels. This excursion will offer you an unusual viewpoint to observe hippos and elephants in their natural habitat

Day 4: Zambezi Queen

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Join a full day safari of Chobe National Park in open-top 4x4 vehicles. Chobe National Park is home to one of the most dense populations of wildlife in Africa. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffe, zebra, sable, warthog and cape buffalo. Prides of lions, hyenas and more rarely cheetahs, are normally visible along the way. Lunch will be a delicious picnic served up under the trees.

Day 5: Zambezi Queen

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, enjoy an unforgettable visit to a typical African village to experience the local culture first hand. Spend time with the children of the village as well as its elders and learn about their day-to-day life. After lunch on board, you can choose your afternoon activity including an afternoon safari by boat, bird watching or fishing. Tonight your crew hosts an African themed dinner complete with singing and dancing.

Day 6: Zambezi Queen – Disembarkation – Victoria Falls

Meals: Breakfast  and Dinner

Transfer to legendary Victoria Falls, one of the nature’s greatest natural wonders. Settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the town or experience one of the many activities offered at your hotel. This evening you have a special dinner and an encounter with Africa’s “gentle giants.”

Day 7: Victoria Falls

Meals: Breakfast

Join a local guide for a tour of remarkable Victoria Falls, more commonly referred to as the smoke that thunders. The afternoon is free for independent activities. Relax and enjoy the amenities of your iconic hotel, walk into town or perhaps take an optional outing including a helicopter ride or wildlife trail walk. Tonight, embark on a private and festive Sundowner cruise complete with drinks, tapas and music.

Day 8: Victoria Falls – Johannesburg

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, a flight to Johannesburg brings you to the largest city in South Africa. After arriving at your hotel, settle into your suite and relax in the park-like setting. Before dinner, gather for an informative discussion on the day-to-day life

Day 9: Johannesburg

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Head out this morning for a fascinating look at Johannesburg and the rich history it has to share, from colonialism to apartheid, and finally democracy. Get an in-depth look at Soweto, the center of the uprising against the apartheid state. Walk the footsteps of Nelson Mandela and explore the colorful neighborhoods, parks and squares of Soweto. A visit to the Apartheid Museum is also on the agenda. Enjoy a delicious “township” lunch along the way.

Day 10: Johannesburg – Arusha

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Fly to Arusha, via Dar es Salaam, Tanzania where you will be met by an AmaWaterways Representative at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfered to the Arusha Coffee Lodge. The lodge provides a peaceful and calming retreat before you start your Tanzanian safari.

Day 11: Arusha - Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Enjoy a scenic drive to Tarangire. Take an afternoon safari drive, followed by a visit to Masai village. Spend two nights in a Tree House that rests on the branches of thousand-year old marula and baobab trees overlooking Treetops’ private reserve.

Day 12: Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Enjoy a full day of activities including game-drives, and a sunset drive in the bush. The meals at Treetops are also their own unique experiences to be enjoyed.

Day 13: Tarangire - Ngorongoro, Tanzania

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a game-drive and picnic lunch. Then on to the renowned Ngorongoro Manor.

Day 14: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You’ll enjoy a full day of exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater. Once a gigantic volcano, it is the largest intact caldera in the world and shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth. A picnic hamper lunch will be served on the crater floor. After lunch, explore more of the crater before heading back to the Manor for evening cocktails, dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 15: Ngorongoro - Serengeti, Tanzania

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast you will be transfered to Manyara Airstrip for your Serengeti flight. Upon your arrival you’ll enjoy a game drive en route to the luxurious camp where your lunch will be served. This afternoon, it is time for another drive.

Day 16: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you’ll have two game drives exploring the vast Serengeti, one in the morning and another after lunch. It is not possible to say with any accuracy where the Great Migration of the Wildebeest will be located at any one time. There are a number of determining factors; however, one can be assured that if there is a good chance of seeing it, then this can be accomplished from the Pioneer Camp or Migration Camp.

Day 17: Serengeti - Arusha, Tanzania

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

This morning take your final safari drive. Then transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. Lunch will be served in the gardens of the lodge before your final transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Do not schedule onward flights before 6:00 pm.

Day 1 Johannesburg

Arrive at any time. Tonight, get to know your group on your first night out together in Johannesburg. After your welcome meeting at the hotel, choose to enjoy an Amarula cocktail at the bar or go to Emperors Palace with a wide array of restaurants and bars to choose from. Sit back, relax, eat some grub, sip a cocktail, and get to know your fellow travel buddies as the adventure begins.

If you arrive a day or two early, we recommended booking an excursion to Soweto or the Apartheid Museum.

Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to make sure you have all visas you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain visas upon arrival at the border.

Day 2 Johannesburg/Serowe

Get ready to check another country off those travel lists as you and the group pass across the border into Botswana. We’re not going to lie, today will be a lot of driving, but use this opportunity to talk with your group, swap stories, and watch as the landscape changes around you from the desolate scenery of central-eastern Botswana to the wild bush within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The group will stop here for the night to set up camp, enjoy each other's company around a fire, and fall peacefully asleep beneath the stars.

Today's travel takes us through a very desolate part of central-eastern Botswana. We cross into Botswana and finish the day at a campsite within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a unique community-based initiative in wildlife conservation.

Day 3 Serowe/Maun

You didn’t think the group was leaving before taking part in a wildlife drive through the Khama Sanctuary did you? Good, because there’s not a chance. Get out there in an open air vehicle with a guide to spot some wildlife. Jump in the Lando and continue on to Maun. Scroll through your camera roll checking the pictures you've already snapped while the land outside your window becomes more fertile as you approach the area of the Okavango Delta.

Day 4 Maun/Okavango Delta

Today is going to be busy, but fun, and man do we wish we were going with you on this epic adventure. You’ll wake to the sounds and smells of the bush around you. Later, dive right into some nature with a wildlife walk. The cool thing about being on foot is that you will get to learn about tracking the animals and gain insight into their movement patterns and behaviour on a much more intimate level. From there the group will begin an exciting excursion deep into the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) to do some birdwatching on the way to our basic bush camp for the evening (get ready to completely unplug). Set up camp, sing with the locals, and simply unwind with a sundowner around the campfire… cheers!

Pack a small bag for this overnight excursion; we'll leave our big bags with the Lando. Please note that there are no showers or running water for toilets. Bring along 5 litres of water for both drinking and cleaning.

Day 5 Okavango Delta/Gweta

Africa is home to some of the most beautiful sunrises in the world and today (if the weather is just right) you will get to experience the almost too vibrant colours of that quintessential sunrise that we all picture when we think of going on safari to Africa. Then, tip your heads back, take a deep breath, and feel the mokoro cut through the crystal clear channels as you ride out of the Okavango Delta. The group will take some time to freshen up in Maun (showers everyone!) before embarking in the Lando to Gweta where the group will camp under massive baobab trees for the night.

Enjoy the towering baobab trees found around tonight's campsite and go for a dip in the pool if you need to cool off.

Day 6 Gweta/Kasane

Travel to Kasane and choose to embark on a river cruise through Chobe NP, home to the largest elephant population in southern Africa. Drive through the verdant lands between Gweta and Kasane. Witness how rain brings life to the salt pans, awakening the dormant fish and aquatic shrimps in the mud. The surrounding grasslands also teem with life and are home to many antelope, which attract a wide variety of predators. Keep your eyes focused as the world passes you by and then reward yourself with a group toast as you camp under the great big African sky.

Today we journey to Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in southern Africa. The best way to appreciate one of Botswana's national parks and its thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles, and hippos is on an optional sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. You can pre-book this on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.

Day 7 Kasane/Victoria Falls

Buckle those seat belts and cross the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe; home of epic Victoria Falls. All that driving is bound to make you hungry and we have a treat for you today! The group will be having a traditional lunch at the G Adventurers supported Lusumpuko Women's Club. With full bellies and even more full hearts, get ready to feel the mist in the air as you enter the town of Victoria Falls. Get up close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world. For the adventurous we recommend going whitewater rafting, taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?), or taking the plunge (literally) while bungee jumping with the waterfalls in sight. (Oh man... just thinking of that makes our heads spin and our palms sweat!) Not looking to turn your hair gray today? That’s okay, we understand. Either way the choice is yours, but remember you’re here now so why not escape those comfort zones?

Opt to prebook the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and head out early into the park before crossing the border into Zimbabwe, then continue on to the town of Victoria Falls. Opt to get up close (and wet from the spray) to the awesome Victoria Falls, or bungee jump (with the waterfall in sight).

Your accommodation is in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT Livingstone (Zambia). Please make sure you have the necessary visa.

Day 8 Victoria Falls

Get up close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world on this free day in Victoria Falls. Feel the strength of the water splashing your skin on the observation deck, taking in the sound of tons of water thundering in over the edge of the falls in the distance, and make your day as relaxing or hair-raising as you like. Opt to try whitewater rafting. Maybe take a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?), or take the plunge (literally) while bungee jumping with Victoria Falls in sight.

Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise. You can pre-book on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent. Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.

Day 9 Victoria Falls/Lusaka

Buckle those seat belts, set off early around 6am, and cross the border from Zimbabwe into Zambia. The long journey across rough and bumpy roads will take you to a private farm 29km (18 mi) outside the capital of Zambia and will have you feeling so accomplished because we all know now that driving on rough terrain is no picnic! Get out, stretch those legs and marvel together at the zebras, buffalo, and antelope that freely roam the property. Then grab a cold drink at the camp’s bar (cheers!) or relax by the pool to celebrate the success of your long journey.

This is an overnight stop in between two long driving days, so we will not have time to explore Lusaka.

Day 10 Lusaka/South Luangwa

Rise and shine and begin today’s journey. We have a lot of ground to cover so be prepared to set off early and arrive late. Use this time to get to know the members of your group better, swap stories, share some laughs, or even sit quietly and reflect, there’s time for both. The group will travel across the Zambian countryside before arriving at the campsite along the banks of the Luangwa River.

Day 11 South Luangwa

Guess where you’re going today! South Luangwa National Park. The day is yours to spend in this wildlife haven. Choose to go on a walking safari (just remember it’s seasonal), a night drive, or visit a nearby local village. No matter what you decide to do remember to have fun and be in the moment because life’s more fun that way in general and hey, so is travel. Get rid of those expectations and let this place dazzle you for what it is.

Day 12 South Luangwa/Chipata

It’s another day in the wilds of Africa so have those cameras at the ready as you head out on an optional morning safari drive. Try to snap some pictures of giraffes, elephants, and Cape Buffalo in this hidden gem of a place that also happens to be home to the largest populations of these creatures. Then the group will stop for lunch and visit the Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard a G Adventures-supported craft workshop. In the afternoon you will continue onwards to Chipata.

Day 13 Chipata/Kande Beach

Check another country off your travel lists as you pass into Malawi and head to Lake Malawi affectionately known as “Lake of Stars”. The group will spend four nights relaxing on the shores of this massive lake; think clear shimmering waters with schools of colourful cichlid fish swarming in the depths of a place where nature is king and the people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet. Beach walks, leisurely swims, and snorkeling are what’s in store for you over the next few days. The locals depend on the lake for fishing as well as survival by using dugout canoes to fish from and setting out long nets. There are many different ethnic groups all speaking their own language; most are Christians and the rest have traditional beliefs.

Please note that conservative dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered in public, but inside of camp boundaries, it is ok to wear beach clothes.

Day 14 Kande Beach

Imagine this; you wake to the sound of birdsong around you, the sun is shining, and the waters of Lake Malawi are calling your name begging to be set upon. Grab your camera and swim suit and head out for some fun. Wander the shore on foot, grab a snorkel and see what life under the shimmering surface is all about, take a leisurely swim, or choose to experience a village walk at the nearby Tonga Village. Then the group will get to take part in a traditional dinner at a local home in the evening before falling asleep under the stars.

Day 15 Kande Beach/Chitimba

It’s off to another beautiful destination along Lake Malawi today. From oceans to mountains to lakes you’re getting to see some of the best scenery that Africa has to offer. The group will head north to picturesque Chitimba Beach where there are gorgeous views of the mountains in the background and you can see Tanzania from just across the lake. Once here you can choose to get out onto the lake or you can hike along the shores and enjoy the scenery that surrounds you.

Day 16 Chitimba

Enjoy a final day at Lake Malawi. Now that you have gotten a feel for this area take the day to further experience your surroundings and appreciate them. Bask in the sun, take a swim, walk to the local village that you didn’t visit yesterday or hike to Livingstonia along the Nyika Plateau for wonderful views of the lake. Along the way cool off under the Manchewe Falls (we know we would if we were there with you). In the evening, relax along the lake and rest up as the journey continues tomorrow.

Day 17 Chitimba/Iringa

Another day, another country; you’ll be a pro at border crossings in no time. Today the group will head into Tanzania en route to Iringa. Gaze out the window as the Lando climbs out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, viewing tea plantations and highlands as you go. You could also use this time to journal, take a nap, or share inside jokes with the rest of the group (you’re bound to have some by now).

Day 18 Iringa/Dar es Salaam

After the jam packed first few days of this trip where you are going next is going to be just what you needed. Wake in Iringa before driving to Dar es Salaam. Watch as the Tanzanian countryside passes by and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean make their debut. The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century before becoming a port and trading centre. The group will spend the night here before embarking for the island beaches of Zanzibar.

Day 19 Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar Beach Resort

Today is the day your group will discover true paradise. Hop on a ferry and transfer to Zanzibar. Get ready for picturesque island beaches that will make you contemplate staying here and living off the grid. Few places on this planet are as entrancing and exotic as this Tanzanian archipelago so get ready to enjoy it, take loads of pictures, and relax in a place that has long lured backpackers and adventurers to it’s sandy shores.

Zanzibar is a Muslim society. Immodestly dressed women or men in shorts will get harassed and cause great offence in Stone Town. At the beach, customs are a little more relaxed, but our travellers are encouraged to be respectful of the island's culture and still cover up when walking around. Never try to take a photograph without asking permission.

Day 20 Zanzibar Beach Resort

Wake up in this island paradise and get ready to seize the day. You’ll be exploring one of the world’s great cultural crossroads… think Africa meets Arabia and add the Indian Ocean into the mix as the cherry on top. The day is yours to spend as you choose; grab some goggles and go snorkelling, hop aboard a sailing trip, or just lounge on the beach and relax. Zanzibar’s tropical setting, unique culture, and active beach-party scene make this place a very enjoyable East African Indian Ocean experience.

Day 21 Stone Town

Your most difficult task today is going to be pulling yourself away from the beauty that surrounds you in Jambiani. But, if it makes you feel any better you still have one final night to spend on this enchanted island just in a more local spot. Travel back to Stone Town from the other side of the island, enjoy a guided tour of a local spice plantation on the way, and explore the heart of Zanzibar. Wander the winding historic unpaved alleyways of Stone Town passing by balconies and gigantic wooden carved doors along the way. Get lost and spend hours exploring the streets and squares, drinking potent coffee from pavement vendors and buying sweetmeats from tiny cafes. Keep an eye out for tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautifully printed cloths (kangas and kikois worn by local people), little carved chests with copper inlays, and spices – all beautiful presents or memories to take home.

Day 22 Stone Town/Bagamoyo

It’s time to kiss this underrated paradise good-bye as you catch the ferry back to the mainland and head north to the historic coastal town of Bagamoyo. This town was recently named a World Heritage Site and used to be one of the most important trading ports of the central east African coast in the late 19th century. Stroll through Bagamoyo’s narrow, unpaved streets on your own and feel as if you stepped back in time.

If you have booked the Zanzibar Express, you will stay in Stone Town when the group heads for the ferry. You have a free day in Stone Town for shopping, relaxing or seeing the sights. (Ask your CEO if you want to book any tours) Tomorrow you fly to Arusha to meet the group. Included: transfers, flight, one night Stone Town (Tausi Palace, or similar). Only breakfast included.

Day 23 Bagamoyo/Arusha

Hit the road for a long day of driving. Enjoy the varied landscapes on the way to Arusha. Be on the lookout for views of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. Consider yourself lucky if you are able to see the mountain as it is hidden behind a veil of clouds most of the time.

Arusha sits at the foot of rugged Mt Meru, Africa's fifth highest mountain.

Use the afternoon to prepare a small day-pack for the three-day excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Take something warm for the night on the crater rim and enough insect repellant, sunscreen, and water. Bedding is provided, but you can take your sleeping bag along to make sure you're warm enough at night. Zanzibar Express; transfer this morning from your Stone Town hotel to the airport for the flight to Arusha. Arrive in Arusha and transfer to the camp to meet back up with the group. Only breakfast and dinner included.

Day 24 Arusha/Serengeti National Park

Well folks it’s time for the Africa you have all imagined; the experience that has been depicted over and over again in books, movies, and television. So grab those cameras, purchase a quirky bucket hat, and head out on a wildlife safari drive into one of the most famous national parks in Africa; the Serengeti. Get ready for abundant wildlife, vast golden plains dotted with thorny acacia trees, and hippo-filled rivers as you begin a 3-day and 2-night excursion into the park itself and the great Ngorongoro Crater.

Changing to specialized 4x4 7-seater safari vehicles, we are met by experienced safari driver/guides, who will ensure us wonderful wildlife encounters. Our safari vehicles each have sliding windows and a large pop-up roof, perfect for wildlife viewing. They are smaller than the Lando and will allow us to maneuver easily through the wildlife areas. As the vehicles are smaller than the Lando, our group will split up among several vehicles.

Day 25 Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro

Grab your buddies and jump aboard for one last morning safari in the Serengeti. As the sun rises higher in the sky watch the animal kingdom come to life in this grassland savannah before returning to break down camp. Then it’s on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa’s best wildlife viewing. Experience epic views from the crater rim and watch as animals meander around below drinking water from the permanent supply on the crater floor. You’ll be setting up camp in the late afternoon at a site near the crater rim and then you can spend the rest of the day enjoying one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on the planet.

Please note: if you have pre-booked the Serengeti Balloon Safari, today's likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change. You will miss the included morning wildlife safari drive with the group, but you will have a much better view from above! If you have not yet pre-booked, add it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance. Please note that due to the high-altitude location of our camp, temperatures can drop at night. We recommend bringing extra layers to wear during the evening and following morning.

Day 26 Ngorongoro/Arusha

It’s time to experience “Africa’s Garden of Eden” on a more personal level. Today, venture down to the crater floor where the group will embark on a final safari experience. Have those cameras charged and at the ready because, let’s face it if you are going to see any wildlife this would be the place (and we are so excited for you)! The animals are bound to this area by the crater walls and the enclosed nature of the crater means that its own ecosystem has been created think; rich grasslands, swamps, acacia forests, and Lake Makat; so get ready to see some magic. With full camera rolls the group will exit the crater in the late morning and travel back to Arusha. Swap stories along the way, pick those favourite photos from earlier, or simply sit back and let yourself enjoy the passing scenery as you cruise along.

Day 27 Arusha/Nairobi

Depart Arusha as the sun rises in the morning and travel overland to Nairobi; Kenya’s capital city. The tour ends upon arrival to Nairobi. In order to avoid any unnecessary issues with timing, please book ongoing travel from Nairobi in the evening. Not ready to go home just yet? That’s ok, stay for a few extra days to explore more of Kenya and beyond.

There is no included accommodation for this night in Nairobi. You may choose to pre-reserve post-tour accommodation through G Adventures.