22 Day Nairobi to Livingstone/Victoria Falls Overland Tour

The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well-known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!

Zanzibar to introduce mandatory insurance fee. Please ensure you hold a paper copy of your Travel Insurance to show to the immigration officer as the Mobile phone signal at Zanzibar airport is very poor.

Zanzibar officials have announced that from 01 October 2024, all travellers to Zanzibar will be required to purchase their inbound travel insurance at a cost of USD $44.00 per person (adult and child). Coverages is valid for 92 days and only valid during the time in Zanzibar. However, it does remain valid for multiple stays in Zanzibar during the 92 day period. 

The insurance coverage can only be purchased through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation and is mandatory, even if travellers have other travel insurance. The government will provide a QR code to the link (not yet available) where the insurance can be purchased. Travellers will have to provide proof of purchase on arrival. The policy will be sent to travellers by email. We will update you when the QR Code is ready for use. Travellers who fail to purchase the insurance policy may be denied entry to Zanzibar.

Currency

Local currency: Tanzanian Shilling
Symbol: TSh
ISO code: TZS
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10 000 shillings
Coins: 50, 100, 200 and 500 shillings

Banking

Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes, in major cities
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: No
Diner’s club: No

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: Generally 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturdays: Generally 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air:
Main airlines: Air Tanzania
International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha), Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
Domestic Airports: Arusha Airport, Dodoma Airport

Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes

Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes

Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No

Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes

Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, with strict precaution
Ice: No
Meat: Yes, when cooked thoroughly and served hot
Street food: No

Local cuisine: Tanzanian cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, offering a blend of Indian, Arab, and European flavors. Staple foods include ugali (maize porridge), nyamachoma (grilled meat), pilau (spiced rice), and chapati. Traditional dishes like mshikaki (marinated meat skewers) and samosas are popular street foods. Don't miss trying the Swahili cuisine with its rich seafood dishes.

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Tangawizi (ginger soda), Tembo (local beer), and Konyagi (a spirit).

Tipping: 10-15%

Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging around 1,000 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing in national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro is optimal. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

As you will be travelling in vehicles and aircraft with limited space, luggage is required to be packed in a soft bag weighing a maximum of 15kg (33 lbs) which includes hand luggage and camera equipment. Type of luggage & dimensions: Soft bags with maximum dimensions of 35cm (13.7 inches) wide x 40 cm (15.7 inches) high and 70 cm (27.5 inches) long.

No hard suitcases are allowed, and oversized bags may not be carried on your lap. An additional seat can be booked for extra luggage, subject to availability. Airline luggage requirements will vary slightly between airlines – some will allow rigid frames or wheels according to strict internal guidelines. We recommend soft bags with correct dimensions as a default but can provide specific and up-to-date luggage rules on request.

These rules are often updated without notification so are best checked nearer departure. When travelling to any of our destinations in Africa, please remember that possession of wildlife trophies is illegal. A wildlife trophy is defined as “any protected animal, game animal, or game bird, alive or dead and any bone, claw, egg, feather, hair, hoof, skin, tooth, tusk or other durable portion whatsoever of that animal or bird or fish or other aquatic life whether processed, added to or changed by the work of man or not, which is recognizable as such a durable portion”. Any person found in possession of these restricted items, without the necessary permits, will be liable to a fine and/or prison term, with the said item being confiscated. In Kenya, certain items made from the ostrich and crocodile skin, both of which are being reared for the purpose, would be permitted as proper permits are issued by the dealers.

Plastic Bags Banned in Kenya and Tanzania Kenya and Tanzania join over 40 countries that have made plastic bags illegal, in a positive effort to reduce the impact on our environment. The ban applies to carrier bags with handles (and with or without gussets), and flat bags without handles and without gussets. The only exception is for re-sealable ‘Zip-Lock’ type bags remaining in guest luggage through the trip – only applicable to Tanzania. If you are travelling to Kenya and Tanzania, plastic bags that match the above description, including duty free bags, will be confiscated at the airport. However, there is a bigger risk that if anyone is caught using these plastic bags, the fine is KS h4 000 000 (approximately USD 38 000) or a prison sentence of up to four years. If you are travelling to these countries, please refrain from using all forms of ‘disposable’ plastic bags in both main luggage and hand luggage, to avoid inconveniences and possible prosecution. While we are aware that certain countries require carry on liquids to be packaged in clear bags for security reasons , we recommend purchasing a clear, non-disposable toiletry bag, as an alternative to zip-lock bags, when travelling to Kenya and Tanzania

Dubbed the 'Warm Heart of Africa' for its good-natured charm, the tiny, landlocked country of Malawi in southeastern Africa is a famously hospitable little nation brimming with touristic abundance. Its exuberant landscape is a breathtaking natural kaleidoscope of verdant countryside, sweeping plateaux, soaring highlands, and river valleys. Malawi's share of the vast Great Rift Valley encompasses the country's must-see eco-destination, the emblematic Lake Malawi, several national parks and game reserves, while the Central African Plateau's undulating terrain is defined by a series of dramatic escarpments, punctuated by lakes, dramatic hills and dense forests. A wealth of outdoor activities is open to outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, sailing, kayaking, parasailing and boating. Game viewing at the reserves offers a chance to see crocodiles, lions, elephants, hippos and leopards. For the more culturally curious, browse the many bustling markets, visit traditional villages and dig into the treasure trove of the country's history at The Society of Malawi in Blantyre.

Open for international travel via:

• Airports
• Land borders (visas cannot be obtained on arrival)

Visas:

On 7 February 2024, the Malawi government removed the requirement for entry visas for more than 79 nationalities around the world. This means, with immediate effect, that visitors who no longer need a visa can enter Malawi without any charge for entry.

Health screening & COVID-19 protocols (pre-departure & on arrival)

• Fully vaccinated travellers with a digital vaccination certificate do not require a PCR test.
• All unvaccinated travellers must present a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours on the day of arrival, and authorised by the Trusted Travel Framework.
• All children younger than 1 year are exempt from PCR test requirements.

Mandatory quarantine

• Not required.

Health screening & COVID-19 protocols on departure

• Dependent your airline, destination or transit country regulations.

Currency: 
Local currency: Kwacha  
Symbol: Mk 
ISO code: MXK 
Central bank: Reserve Bank of Malawi 
Subunit: tambala 
Banknotes: Notes are in denominations of Mk500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 
Coins: Coins are in denominations of Mk1 and 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tambala 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: Available in hotels in major cities 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s Club: Yes 
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 08:00 – 14:00 
Weekends: Closed 
Sundays: Closed 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Ulendo Airlink 
International Airports: Kamuzu International Airport 
Domestic airline: Ulendo Airlink 
 
Road: 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
Uber available: No 
 
Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 
 
Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, when thoroughly peeled and cooked
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: No

Local cuisine:  
Malawians enjoy traditional and rustic cuisine specialising in starchy carbohydrates sourced from maize flour, fresh local produce, fresh fish from Lake Malawi, and locally grown vegetables.  
 
Drinks:   

Mawehu- Refreshing unsweetened non-alcoholic drink made from maize meal 

Chibuku- Served in a milk carton, this beer is made from fermented maize and has the consistency of porridge. 

Kuche kuche– A light local beer 

Malawi Gin – Serve with tonic and a slice of lemon 
 
Tipping: No 

Annual rainfall: Varies from 725mm to 2500mm  
Average temperature: 27°C  
 
Dry Season 
Average in highs: 27°C 
Average in lows: 20°C 
 
Wet Season 
Average in highs: 29°C 
Average in lows: 17°C 
 
Best time to visit:  
Early May to late October is the best time to visit Malawi and make the most of game viewing and trips to the beach in sunny weather on the shore of Lake Malawi.   

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

This unique, peanut-shaped country, once known as Northern Rhodesia, offers visitors an authentic African experience complete with adrenalin pumping adventure sports, a variety of fascinating cultural activities, and an abundance of indigenous wildlife, which finds refuge in Zambia’s vast national parks. Spend your evenings enjoying the spectacular site of the world’s largest waterfall, the Victoria Falls, while sipping on sundowners after an exhilarating day of whitewater rafting down the rapids of the mighty Zambezi River. If that sounds a little too adventurous for your taste, take a houseboat cruise along the exquisite Lake Kariba while watching wild elephants drink at the riverbank as you try your hand at catching the elusive tiger fish. However you choose to spend your time in this unique country, you are bound to leave with a heavy heart and a desire to return again soon to this exceptionally beautiful Southern African country.

It should be noted the current visa regime remains in place.  Importantly, nationals who do not require visas in advance can still purchase visas on arrival. Those nationals who require visas in advance are still required to apply at least 30-working days before visiting Zambia.

Open for international travel via:

• Airports
• Land borders

The Zambian Department of Immigration wishes to announce the waiver of all visa fees (including day trip visas), for Australia, Canada, China, European Union, Gulf States (Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom and United States of America, effective 1st November 2022. This visa policy adjustment is pursuant to Statutory Instrument Number 68 of 2022. 

The waiver only applies to the visa ‘fee’ requirement. All other visa requirements, including the need to apply for visas before travelling and obtaining visas on arrival, as the case may be, shall still apply, the only change being that nationals of the above-listed countries will not pay for the visas. 

With regards the KAZA UNIVISA, the fee will still be applicable.

 

Currency 

Local currency: Zambian Kwacha 
Symbol: ZK 
ISO code: ZMW 
Subunit: Ngwee 
Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 kwacha 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 ngwee, 1 kwacha 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Limited 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Zambia Airways 
International Airports: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) 
Domestic Airports: Yes 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Zambian cuisine features a variety of dishes, including Nshima (maize porridge), which is often served with meat, vegetables, or fish. Other popular dishes include Ifisashi (vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) and Biltong (dried meat). 

Drinks: Mosquito (fermented maize), Chibwantu (traditional beer), and Munkoyo (fermented drink made from maize or millet). 

Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season from June to August when wildlife viewing is at its best. However, the wet season from November to April offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: No 

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Limited 
Libraries: Limited 

Plug Type: Type C, Type D, Type G 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.