Lake Malawi and Victoria Falls Expedition

(Approx. 640kms and 12 hours of travel) 05:00 AM - Wake up and freshen up, have breakfast, break camp, pack up, and load up. Make sure you have sufficient snacks, and refreshments for the road. 06:30 AM - We depart for Iringa, 640 km away. On this day 2 morning, we leave Manyara area and continue south to Iringa past Dodoma. We pass through Dodoma, the official capital of Tanzania and its administrative capital, while Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s commercial and maritime capital. We will spend the night at the outskirts of Iringa, camping in a beautiful rustic campsite. The area is filled with natural bush land, which can make it a bird-watching paradise. Make the most of this rural setting by doing some stargazing before you retire for the night. ** Please note: This is the longest single day stretch in the entire Expedition. 12 hours of driving! With numerous 50 km/h sections. ** Please note that the timings are approximate and may vary based on road conditions, drivers' co-operation, no major vehicle breakdowns happening, abiding by trip leader's health breaks times, and no time-wasting.

(Approx. 300kms and 6 hours of travel) 6:00 AM - Rise and shine! Wake up early, pack up your campsite, and prepare for the day ahead, enjoy a hearty breakfast. Make sure to gather all your belongings and secure your luggage before leaving Iringa. 0800: On this 3rd day, we head off to Mbeya, the biggest southern Tanzanian town! An easy day drive after the hard slog of day 2. Mbeya will give us an easier time to handle border formalities at Songwe border crossing into Malawi. 3:30 PM - Proceed to the campsite. Once you arrive, set up your campsite and get settled. Enjoy some downtime and relaxation, have dinner, and share stories around the campfire.

(Approx. 450kms and 6 hours of travel) 05:00 AM - Wake up and freshen up, and prepare for the day's journey. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the campsite, gathering energy for the day's adventure. 06:30 AM - Pack up and check-out: Ensure all your belongings are properly packed and check out of Mbeya Campsite. Hit the road to Songwe Border. 08:00 AM - Arrive at the Border and begin border crossing formalities from Tanzania to Malawi. 11:00 AM - Depart the border and enter into Malawi. Stop for lunch and stretch. 12:00 PM - Stop for a 30-minute picnic lunch and stretch, then proceed to our beach campsite. 03:00 PM - Arrival at our beach campsite and settle in. 06:00 PM - Sundowner: Unwind and enjoy the beautiful sunset at your beach campsite with the sight of Lake Malawi, capturing the mesmerizing views. 07:30 PM - Dinner: Prepare and savor a well-deserved dinner at the campsite, followed by relaxing around the campfire. 09:00 PM - Campfire Stories: Gather around the campfire for stories, laughter, and bonding with your fellow nomads. 10:00 PM - Retire for the Night: Wind down and get a good night's sleep, preparing for another exciting day the following day. ** Please note that this itinerary is subject to change based on road conditions and border crossing times.

On day 5, we drive further south of Lake Malawi for 3 hours to Kande area, following the lake. We will be spending two days and two nights at a beach campsite right next to the shores of Lake Malawi. Enjoy free time by the beach and soak up the views and tranquil, and idyllic surrounds. As well as chilling out on the lake’s sandy shores, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians – easily some of the friendliest people in Africa. - Free Time: Spend your evening as you please, whether it's playing games, or simply lounging at the campsite at the beach, or take some quiet time for yourself.

Today will be our full rest day! *A Little About Malawi:* A variety of attractions can be found in this exquisite country such as forests, mountains and quaint villages but there is one major attraction – Lake Malawi. There are many small rustic beach resorts along this fresh water lake where you can kick back on the sand, and enjoy the perfect sunset over this lake (we will be staying in one such beach resort/campsite). Some of the things that make Lake Malawi so unique are its golden sandy beaches that are like Kenyan ocean beaches, blue clear waters, some the most beautiful and colourful fishes you will find anywhere in the world – Cichlids, almost perfect sub-tropical climate, allowing you to soak up the sun. Lilongwe is the capital and largest city in Malawi. Malawi plays host to just over 12 million people, with English and Chichewa being the main languages. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. The lake dominates the country! *Lake Malawi - Our Time in Malawi:* Most our time in Malawi will be spent driving parallel to the lake and enjoying the white beaches and warm waters of Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi is also known as “the lake of stars”, offering an abundance of water activities. With the staggering amount of 500 species of fish, this lake makes for an excellent spot for fresh water diving and swimming. Spend the day relax on the pristine beaches or go scour the markets for a bargain or visit to a local village, plus so much more. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle "Bwato" (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) yourself! At night, you’ll see the ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermen out on the lake. 07:00 AM - Wake up at your pleasure -groom and prepare yourself for a day filled with adventure or relaxation. For sun-lovers, wake up early about 5.40am to catch the ‘most beautiful sunrise’ you will have ever seen! Lake Malawi is known for epic sunrises, same way Lake Turkana is known for fiery beautiful sunsets! 08:00 AM - Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the exciting activities ahead. 09:30 AM - For the adventurous Nomads enjoying snorkeling and scuba diving tto check out the most beautiful Cichlids that call the lake, home, horse riding by the beach or take a boat ride to the Chizimulu or Likoma Islands, among many other interesting activities. Enjoy free time by the beach and soak up the views and tranquil, idyllic surroundings. As well as chilling out on the lake’s sandy shores, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians – easily some of the friendliest people in Africa. 05:30 PM - For those who will have been up and about exploring Lake Malawi islands or horse riding or scuba diving or snorkeling or visiting local villages etc., come back and relax by the beach, relax and unwind after a day full of adventure. 07:00 PM - Dinner: Make and delight in a delicious (barbecue) dinner under the starry Malawian sky on the Malawian Beach. 07:30 PM - Campfire: Gather around the campfire with your fellow travelers for stories, banter, and to savor your favorite sundowner drinks. 9:00 PM - Stargazing and rest: Spend some time stargazing, enjoy campfire tales around the campfire, stories, laughter, and banter, all while embracing the excitement of the Expedition. 10.30 AM - Rest and Relax: Wind down and retire for the night, recharged and ready for the adventures that await in the following day journey to Zambia via Lilongwe, Malawi's capital. ** Remember, this day is all about relaxation and cultural enrichment, so feel free to make the most of it at your own pace. ** Please note that this itinerary may be subject to change based on weather conditions, local arrangements etc.

(Approx 470kms and 10 Hour Journey) Our last morning in Malawi before we swing more inland to Zambia via Lilongwe, a long journey. 4:00 AM: Rise and shine! Begin your day packing up followed by a hearty breakfast. Make sure to have your packed belongings ready in your vehicle. 6:00 AM: Depart from the campsite and commence your journey to Zambia. 12:00 PM: Arrive at the city of Lilongwe. Stop for lunch at Malawi's biggest Mall and savor some delicious Malawian cuisine or some fast food, fuel up and pick provisions. Strictly 1-hour stop. 1:00 PM: Continue your drive towards Mchinji border. Along the route, you'll encounter various landscapes, villages, and towns that offer glimpses into local life. 4:00 PM: Arrive at the Zambian border and commence border formalities as stretch your legs and perhaps a quick snack or refreshments. 5:30 PM: As the sun begins to set, we enter Zambia and proceed to our border campsite. 6.00 PM: Check-in, unpack, settle down and unwind after the long journey. 8:00 PM: Conclude your day with a well-deserved dinner, either at the campsite restaurant or made by yourself. This itinerary ensures a comfortable and leisurely 10-12 hour journey from Kande back to Zambian border, allowing you to soak more of the beautiful Malawian landscapes and cultures along the way. ** Please note that time will be of the essence so that we finish with border formalities and proceed to Chipata and arrive early.

(Approx. 590kms and 9 Hour Journey) An early start will be required to enable us make it to Lusaka. As we drive, we will pass through a few of the villages and towns of Zambia along the way. This itinerary is subject to changes based on road conditions and traffic.

(Approx. 470kms and 8 Hour Journey) Day 9: Heading further south, we journey through the southern Zambian farming towns on our way to Livingstone and the greatest natural wonder in Africa, and one of the top 10 in the world, the Victoria Falls. The 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 major bucket list experience! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia, a fantastic photo opportunity. If we arrive early, those who may wish, can enjoy an optional sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.

(Approx. 10kms) Victoria Falls the attraction is split between two towns: Livingstone in Zambia and Victoria Falls the town in Zimbabwe. We leave Zambia and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Once we’ve completed the border formalities, we continue to the town of Victoria Falls, to check out the views of the Falls from Zimbabwe, and get that Zimbabwean stamp on our passports 😊. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. At Victoria Falls, Zimbabwean side, adrenaline 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! You can also take a flights in a light aeroplane or helicopter to get an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. The crazy ones can enjoy white water rafting on the Zambezi’s Grade 5 rapids, which is world class. The activities are legion, including taking a floating boat raft called the "floats," down the Zambezi to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks, sunset dinner cruise along Zambezi, and more.

(Rest Day) Day 11: This will be a day of rest and chilling, and exploring Livingstone. This Zambian town is a small, charming border town that’s easily walkable during the day. You could visit the banks, supermarkets to get some provisions, services, fuel and eat out from many of the best restaurants. You can also check out the town’s quaint historical buildings. For the adventurous Nomads, they will visit the Kazungula Quadripoint, the only place in the world where 4 countries meet at a single point. They will make a quick dash (140kms to and fro) from Livingstone, Zambia, to the Kazungula Quadripoint, the unique meeting point of four African countries: Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. They will enjoy a unique photo opportunity at the "Four Corners" monument marking the Kazungula Quadripoint. Capture memories at the intersection of four nations! The return to Livingstone, enjoying the scenic drive back to Livingstone, reminiscing on their incredible day trip. Late Afternoon (5:00 PM Onwards): * Freshen up and unwind at our Livingstone accommodation. * Celebrate your adventure with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, sharing stories and photos with your fellow Nomads.

(Approx. 470kms and 8 Hour Journey) We turn back for home after witnessing a wonder of the natural world, and after crossing off two huge bucketlist experiences. An early morning departure from Livingstone will ensure we arrive back at Lusaka in good time. We camp for the night at Lusaka’s outskirts.

(Approx. 366kms and 7 Hour Journey) We proceed further north through rural Zambia past Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi to Serenje. Early Start: 6:00 AM: Wake up, enjoy breakfast, and pack up camp in Lusaka. 7:00 AM: Depart Lusaka, stop to top up fuel tanks and buy snacks for the journey, top up on supplies (water, snacks) or use ATMs if needed. Morning: 10:00 AM: Pass through Mpika, the largest town in the Northern Province. Afternoon: 1:00 PM: Lunch Break (pre-packed picnic lunch) at a scenic spot along the way. Enjoy the beautiful Zambian countryside. 3:00 PM: Negotiate potentially challenging road sections due to highway repairs. Drive cautiously and be prepared for slower speeds. Arrival and Relaxation: 5:00 PM: Arrive at the Makupula area campsite. 5:30 PM: Set up camp, relax, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. 6:30 PM: Delicious group dinner prepared over a campfire (ingredients pre-purchased). Share stories and experiences from the day's journey. 10:00 PM: Lights out and prepare for a restful night's sleep under the stars.

(Approx. 450kms and 8 Hour Journey) We continue proceeding further north through rural Zambia, past Mpika to Makupula. Our goal on this day is to reach Makupula by nightfall and enjoy the campsite with hot springs. 6:00 AM: Rise and shine! Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventure. 7:00 AM: Depart Serenje after a vehicle check to ensure everything is in tip-top shape. 10:00 AM: Comfort Break and Snacks: Stop at the designated spot to stretch your legs, use the restroom facilities, and enjoy some refreshing snacks and drinks. Take in the beautiful Zambian scenery! 12:00 PM: Lunch Break (Mpika): Arrive in Mpika, a bustling town known for its vibrant markets and friendly locals. Enjoy a delicious Zambian lunch at a local restaurant at Mpika. 2:00 PM: Continue the journey towards Makupula. Be prepared for some challenging road conditions and adjust your driving speed accordingly. Enjoy the scenic rural landscapes of Zambia. 5:00 PM: Arrive at Makupula Campsite: Set up camp at the beautiful campsite in the Makupula area. Take a refreshing dip in the inviting hot spring pool – a perfect way to unwind after the journey! 6:30 PM: Dinner Time: Gather around a crackling campfire and enjoy a delicious group dinner under the stars. Share stories and laughter as you reminisce about the day's adventure. 8:00 PM: Relaxation and Stargazing: Settle around the campfire, enjoy the peaceful ambiance, and gaze at the breathtaking night sky. Share stories, stargaze, and unwind under the vast African sky. Optional: Take a night dip in the hot spring pool for a truly unique and relaxing experience. Rest up and get a good night's sleep for the adventures that await tomorrow!

(Approx. 430kms and 11 Hour Journey) **Estimated Travel Time: 11 hours (including border crossing delays). **Goal: Minimize travel time by avoiding the notorious Makupula-Tunduma road while navigating the Tunduma border crossing efficiently. **Goal: Minimize travel time by avoiding the notorious Makupula-Tunduma road while navigating the Tunduma border crossing efficiently. Early Departure (Before Sunrise): Morning: 5:00AM: Wake up early so that we get suffient time to tackle the very bad road to Tunduma and insane delays at Tunduma border crossing 6:00 AM: Depart Makupula for Tunduma-Nakonde border crossing. Enjoy the Scenery: Take breaks to appreciate the landscape and stretch your legs. Packed Lunch: Enjoy your pre-packed lunch at a scenic spot along the way. Afternoon: 1:00 PM (Estimated): Arrive at Tunduma. **Border Crossing: Be prepared for potential delays at customs and immigration. Utilize this time for bathroom breaks and refreshments (snacks, water). 4:00 PM (Estimated): Complete border formalities and proceed towards Mbeya. Evening: Sunset (Estimated): Enjoy the beautiful Tanzanian sunset while driving to the campsite. 7:00 PM (Estimated): Arrive at campsite in Mbeya. Dinner and Relaxation: Enjoy a delicious dinner and unwind at the lodge after a long day of travel, bad roads and crazy border clearance. Note: * Be patient and prepared for delays at the notorious Tunduma border crossing. * Take extreme care of the road (giant potholes) and your car, while watching out for big trucks and buses going to and coming back from Tanzania. **This itinerary is an estimate and may vary depending on actual road conditions, border wait times, and unforeseen circumstances.

(Approx. 355kms and 7 Hour Journey) Early morning: 6.00 AM: Wake up, enjoy breakfast, pack up and get ready to depart for Iringa. 7:30 AM: Depart Mbeya after a relaxing breakfast for a quick detour to visit to a true visual treat. To a geographical marvel near Mbeya. 8.30 AM: We get to the most amazing viewpoint in Tanzania and one of the best along the entire Rift Valley from Jordan to Mozambique. A view of the great Rift Valley and mountains that surround Mbeya. (Approx. 1-hour stop into the drive). * Enjoy the scenic views, Stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy the fresh air. * Enjoy breakfast if you had packed one. 9.30 AM: Depart for Iringa. 12:30 AM: After conquering the Mbeya Mountain Pass, stop for Lunch Break. Stop for lunch or to grab a refreshing drink and a snack (packed or purchased from a local vendor). Or, sample some delicious Tanzanian cuisine like Chapati mayai". IMPORTANT! * Take your time navigating the winding Mbeya mountain pass with stunning views. * Be mindful of the speed limits and watch out for other vehicles, especially trucks and buses. Early Evening: Arrive in Iringa 6:00 PM: Arrive in Iringa (Estimated). Check back into our previous campsite in Iringa. 6.30 PM: Set-up, relax, enjoy a delicious dinner, and share stories about the day's adventure. IMPORTANT! ** Because of the very long distance of the next day's journey, and the need for a very early departure, pre-prepare breakfast (unless you will opt to get breakfast at Iringa as we fuel the cars), pack non-essentials, ensure you have enough snacks, drinks and water etc. ** Check the vehicle to confirm that everything is in order.

(Approx. 640kms and 12 Hour Journey) Very early departure: 4:30 AM: Rise and shine (with coffee in hand!) We're hitting the road early to make the most of daylight hours. 5:30 AM: Lights On, Let's Go!: It's still dark, but the adventure begins! Since it's still dark, enjoy some singalongs or podcasts to keep the energy high. 6.30 AM: Fuel stop: Stock up on breakfast snacks and drinks at a gas station in Iringa, as we fuel our vehicles. (30-minutes stop). 7:00 AM: Depart Iringa and proceed with our journey towards Dodoma. Buckle up and enjoy the sunrise over the Tanzanian landscape. 11:00 AM: Arrive in Dodoma and stop for lunch. (Strictly 30 mins for lunch) 11:30 PM: Depart Dodoma for Manyara and soak in the Tanzanian scenery. 2:30 PM Break: Stop for a short health break to stretch, relax the muscles etc. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint! 3:00 PM: Proceed with the journey as you watch out for speed limits, police and wildlife crossing the road since there are national parks on both sides of the road. We do not wish for collision with an elephant or road kill due to how dangerous such can be. Keep your eyes peeled also for the stunning scenery! Snacks & Entertainment: Keep your energy levels up with some afternoon snacks. Games, music, audiobooks, or podcasts can help pass the time during slower stretches. 6:00 PM: Arrive finally at our campsite, tired like donkeys but grateful, ready to unwind and share stories under the stars. 6:30 PM: As darkness descends, unpack and set up, and thereafter enjoy your own camp-cooked meal. Enjoy the starry sky and reflect on the day's adventure. 9.00 PM: Go to bed early to relax those tired muscles.

Approx. 370kms and 7 Hour Journey) **Farewell, Tanzania! 6:00 AM: Enjoy a well-deserved sleep-in after yesterday's long journey. Savor a leisurely breakfast at the campsite, knowing it's a smooth ride back to Nairobi today. 8:00 AM: Hitting the Road - The Farewell Group Tour: Depart Manyara and embark on your final leg of the expedition. Take this opportunity to soak in the final sights of the Tanzanian landscape and reminisce about the adventure. 10:00 AM: Arrive in Arusha to top up fuel tanks. Take this opportunity to grab souvenirs, stock up on snacks for the remaining drive. (30-minutes stop). 10:30 PM: Head towards Namanga for a smooth border crossing back into Kenya. Remember to have your passport and any necessary documentation readily available. 12:30: Arrive at Namanga border crossing. After clearing with the authorities and entry back to Kenya, we stop for a well-deserved lunch break to fuel us up before the final push to homeland! 2:30 PM: Cruising into Nairobi: Enjoy the final stretch of the journey, reminiscing about the incredible memories made during the expedition. As you approach Nairobi, get ready for the familiar sights and sounds of the Kenyan capital. 4.00 PM: We stop in Kajiado Town to stretch our legs and capture some final group photos with our Victoria Nomads as a lasting memento. 6:00 PM (Approx.): Welcome Back to Nairobi! Arrive in Nairobi, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure. It's time to say your goodbyes, exchange contact information, and cherish the memories you've created together. **Note: * Ensure all your belongings are packed and ready for easy access at the border. * Take a moment to reflect on the amazing experiences you've had during the expedition. CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations on completing your expedition! We hope you had an unforgettable time and will cherish these memories forever.