Hello fellow Fodorites! I am traveling to the dark continent 07/10. There will be three of us. We will fly into Nairobi. I want to spend time in the crater, see Vic falls and see (not climb) the snows of Kilimanjaro. A safari in between. we have 8 days. I cannot find flights from nairobi to Vic falls. Any regional carriers? Help! Advice on all facets including 4 stars places to stay, how to best explore crater, best viewing of Mt Kil, and Vic falls activities.

Thanks in advance.

Phil

I am looking for similar flight connections and it appears you may have some difficulty here. From Nairobi the quickest way will probably be to fly to Harare with Kenya Airways and then with Air Zimbabwe to the falls, but that is available only twice a week...or to fly to Jo'burg with either SAA or Kenya Airways, and then fly to Livingstone or Victoria Falls airports. Timing will be a problem though, as you'll need to spend the night before your flight in Nairobi and probably won't arrive until the afternoon. Getting back...? I haven't got that far yet.

Anyway, I think it's all way too much for 8 days, given that this is Africa. Miss a connection due to engine trouble and your plans are toast.

I hope someone proves me wrong as that would probably be very good news for me!

From Nairobi Kenya to Ngorongoro in Tanzania, seeing Kili and then to Vic Falls (Zimbabwe or Zambia) - all in 8/days. That's crazy.

If in Tanzania, there might be flights from Dar-es-Salaam/DAR (southern Tanzania) to Harare or Johannesburg, both then requiring another flight to Vic Falls or Livingston.

Or as kimburu states... same as if from Nairobi.

Too many flights, weird schedules, overnight hotel requirements and then back to NBO for homebound. Generally, it's not recommended to visit East and Southern Africa with less than 3/weeks total.

The cost of flights within Africa are high; flight time is minimum 4/hrs, not including the 2/hr flight to the Falls, plus Visa for entry to Zimbabwe or Zambia.

Wow Thanks. Do you think We can see Kili and Vic Falls and skip crater? Obviously Africais new for me. I have flown five other continents and have used regional carriers. Did not realize the complications here. That is why we give each other advise . Once again thank you!

Trying to do a quick visit to Vic Falls from East Africa is like trying to do a quick visit to Niagara Falls from California. If you've only got eight days, stick with Kenya Tanzania. Here's a sample itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive in Nairobi (usually in the evening) Overnight at the Fairview Hotel

Day 2 - Morning flight via Precision Air to Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania (Great view of Mt. Kili off the left side of the plane, IF there is no cloud cover.) Travel by road to Ngorongoro Crater Rim and overnight at Serena or Sopa Lodges, or Lemala Camp

Day 3 - Visit Ngorongoro Crater - overnight at Serena, Sopa, or Lemala Camp

Days 4 & 5 - Drive to the Serengeti - the Migration herds can be in the northern Serengeti. Stay in a mobile camp in the north for two days

Days 6 & 7 - Move to a camp or lodge in the Central Seronera area of the Serengeti for the resident game

Day 8 - Fly back to Arusha, then transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for a return flight back to Nairobi. You should get more views of Mt. Kili

Are you locked in to flying through Nairobi? If not, fly directly to Kilimanjaro Airport via Amsterdam.

Thanks for the great suggestion. I still want to see Vic falls.

This is going to sound out of left field but after safariing days 3-5 could days 678 be spent getting to Vic falls. I am not sure I need 5 days out in the bush. I can appreciate seeing wild life and then i would like to see something different. Make sense. Any ideas? Thanks!

How about doing your safari in southern Africa then? Do you have to fly into Nairobi? Must you see Kili?

If you absolutely have to fly into Nairobi and see Kili, I would suggest a 2 night safari to Amboseli from Nairobi (4 hour drive or 1/2 hour flight each way). Kili is actually in Tanzania and you'll still be in Kenya but you'll be able to see Kili from Amboseli plus you don't have the logistics of yet one more country. Head back to Nairobi and fly to Vic Falls (probably via Johannesburg).

You're good Patty

From NBO to VFA will be 4/hr flight requiring o/n in Johannesburg/JNB which I believe arrives around midnight.
Next morning flight to VFA or LIV; see the Falls - o/n
(Spend a 2nd day at VFA if you wish)
Next day fly back to JNB and homebound flight or back to NBO for homebound, but depends on flight schedules.

As above, there are flights on Kenya Air into Harare Zimbabwe, but then you need regional flight to the Falls which apparently isn't daily.
Unfortuntely, this destination (from East Africa) can often be one of those "you can't get there from here" unless you jump thru hoops. And, flights can be quite expensive.

Good luck!

Good suggestion, Patty. Amboseli is a good viewpoint for Kili, if the clouds don't cover it up (often happens, so it doesn't matter what viewpoint you've got.) Phil might get an aerial view of the mountain on the flight from Nairobi to Jo'burg, as well. The Crater isn't part of the itinerary, but trying to work in places located in four African countries in 8 days is almost impossible. The question of whether landing in Nairobi is a must is still valid... Phil?

Landing in NBO is not a must. I like Pattys Idea I actually have 9 days on the ground. My fear is I may not ever get back and there are 3 things on our list. safari seeing giraffes elephants lions and hippos, vic falls and a look at kili from the ground with maybe wildlife in forefront (idyllic).
My fellow Fodorites you are wonderful and I greatly appreciate your experiences and continued ideas.
Phil