Vic Falls to Zanzibar

Intrepid Travel · 20 days

4.4

13 Reviews

Duration

20 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Explore Africa's eastern lands on this 20-day adventure from Zimbabwe to Zanzibar. Search for prides of lions and herds of zebra in South Luangwa National Park, swim in one of Africa’s most tranquil freshwater lakes in Malawi, and relax on the shores of Zanzibar's northern beaches.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (19), Lunch (12), Dinner (13)
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (16 nights), Hotel (1 night), Bunglow (2 nights)

Highlights

Spot iconic African wildlife, including hippos, buffalo and lions and more on 4WD safaris through three national parks – South Luangwa, Mikumi, and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Visit a workshop where local women transform snares set by poachers into beautiful jewellery inspired by the African landscape, with proceeds supporting conservation efforts.
Wander around Stone Town’s bustling bazaars and fragrant spice markets, and consider heading on an optional guided tour of the island’s spice plantations.
Explore the mountain-ringed plains of Mikumi National Park, known for its baobab trees, predators and large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, elephants and zebra.
Enjoy a free day in Vic Falls to view the falls however you like. Maybe take an optional helicopter ride or sunset boat cruise to see the falls from all angles.

Trip Details

Duration

20 days

Transportation

Overland Vehicle, 4WD Safari Vehicle, Ferry, Minibus

Guide Language

English

Starts

Victoria Falls, Malawi

Finishes

Stone Town, Malawi

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Overland Expedition, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Victoria Falls

Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon in Victoria Falls – a town in western Zimbabwe and the gateway to the massive waterfall of the same name. If you arrive early, you might take a helicopter flight over the falls, stroll through the town centre or check out the restaurant and brewery scene. After your meeting, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Victoria Falls

Today is a free day for you to choose your own adventure! Maybe spend the day exploring the magnificent Victoria Falls. This thundering curtain of water is 1.5 km (1 mi) wide, falling 108 m (354 ft) into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise an incredible 400 m (1312 ft), and the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray, and you can see little islets in the river below. Be sure to ask your local leader for their tips and advice on what to do in Victoria Falls.

Optional Activities:

Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Entrance Fee (58 USD)
Victoria Falls - Rafting & River Boarding (Half Day) (218 USD)
Victoria Falls - Village & Township Tour (61 USD)
Victoria Falls - Canoe Trail & Wine Route (55 USD)
Victoria Falls - Canoe Trail (Full Day) (185 USD)
Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$29 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (173 USD)
Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes USD39 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (328 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Livingstone

This morning, visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, an Intrepid Foundation partner working to protect wildlife and support communities in the region. Learn about the Trust’s conservation work, including wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, anti-poaching initiatives and efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Afterwards, cross the border into Zambia and continue to Livingstone, your base for the next two nights. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Included Activities:

Victoria Falls - Visit Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Intrepid Foundation Partner)

Optional Activities:

Victoria Falls - Guided Tour (minimum 2 people) (60 USD)
Livingstone - Town Tour (minimum 2 people) (60 USD)
Mosi-oa -Tunya National Park - 4WD Safari (minimum 2 people) (75 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Livingstone

Rise early this morning and head to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for a walking safari to get a different perspective on the landscape and its wildlife. After a safety briefing, set off with an experienced guide, who will share their knowledge of the plants, trees, birdlife and animals you encounter along the way. Keep an eye out for giraffes, zebra, buffalo, warthogs, elephants and more, plus the park’s protected white rhinos – a major highlight of the walk. Finish with some homemade cake and light refreshments by the riverside, then return to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax or choose from one of Livingstone’s optional activities – perhaps a sunset cruise to get a feel for the surrounding landscape at dusk.

Included Activities:

Mosi-oa -Tunya National Park - Guided Walking Safari

Optional Activities:

Livingstone - Sunset Cruise (minimum 4 people) (75 USD)
Livingstone - Lunch Cruise (minimum 4 people) (55 USD)
Livingstone - Early Morning Bird Cruise (minimum 4 people) (50 USD)
Livingstone - Town Tour (minimum 2 people) (60 USD)
Mosi-oa -Tunya National Park - 4WD Safari (minimum 2 people) (75 USD)
Victoria Falls - Guided Tour (minimum 2 people) (60 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Lusaka

This morning, travel to Lusaka. When you arrive, set up camp on a private farm just outside the city, surrounded by bushlands. Settle in, then spend some time exploring the camp, stretching your legs and trying to spot the local impalas, giraffes and zebras.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Petauke

Wake up early this morning and begin your journey to Petauke – a town in the Eastern Province of Zambia. Along the way, watch the ever-changing scenery shift from open plains to rural villages and bustling roadside markets, offering a glimpse into daily Zambian life. It’s a long travel day, so a book, podcast, music or some fun car games will be your best friend. Tonight, enjoy a well-earned rest at your camp, under the African night sky.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: South Luangwa National Park

After breakfast, travel to a workshop in South Luangwa where local craftswomen transform snare wire – recovered from poaching traps – into jewellery inspired by the African bush. When you arrive, the women will show you around their purpose-built workshop. Then, try your hand at coiling or hammering the wire yourself. After, continue your journey through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park.

Included Activities:

South Luangwa - Anti-Poaching Jewelery Project

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: South Luangwa National Park

After breakfast, head out on a morning 4WD safari with a local guide to try and spot iconic African wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, leopards, Thornicroft’s giraffes and lions. After, spend the afternoon relaxing, or maybe head out on an optional evening safari to try to spot any animals that you may have missed this morning.

Included Activities:

South Luangwa National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

Optional Activities:

South Luangwa National Park - Evening 4WD Safari (85 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Chipata

Head out on another morning 4WD safari for a second chance to spot South Luangwa’s remarkable wildlife. After, you’ll make tracks to your next camp near Chipata for the night.

Included Activities:

South Luangwa National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Lake Malawi

Cross the border into Malawi today and continue straight to your camp on the shores of Lake Malawi. The country is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many local people. Fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers all ply their trade on the water. Your campsite sits right on the shore, so you can relax on the beach after today’s drive.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Lake Malawi

Enjoy free time today to soak up your 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! You can also hire canoes, bikes or pedalos (paddle boats) to enhance your time here.

Optional Activities:

Lake Malawi - Bike Hire (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Chitimba

Drive to your camp in Chitimba, which lies along the coast of Lake Malawi and has lovely beaches, friendly locals and a laidback atmosphere. When you arrive, perhaps take a stroll and acquaint yourself with this different part of the lake. Enjoy the scenery of banana palms, papaya trees and the Livingstonia and Nyika mountains looming nearby.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Tukuyu

Today you'll cross the border into Tanzania and travel through its southern highlands as you make your way to Tukuyu. Along the way, enjoy a guided visit to a local tea farm, hosted by the farm owner. You’ll be taken through each step of tea cultivation – from planting and nurturing the bushes to harvesting the leaves. Learn about the seasonal rhythms of the farm, the processing stages that shape the final product, and the vital role tea farming plays in the local community and regional economy.

Included Activities:

Tukuyu - Tea Farm Visit

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Iringa

Today you'll head towards Iringa and set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse situated on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement. The area is filled with natural bush, which makes it a bird watchers' paradise. If it's a clear night, make the most of this rural setting by stargazing before you turn in for the night.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Mikumi National Park

Head on to Mikumi National Park today. Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi is Tanzania’s fourth largest national park. When you arrive, join an expert guide for a 4WD safari, where you’re likely to see buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes and elephants.

Included Activities:

Mikumi National Park - 4WD Safari

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Dar es Salaam

Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic drive to Kipepo Beach, located on the white sandy beaches on the south coast of Dar es Salaam. When you get there, set up camp and take some time to unwind – maybe enjoy a stroll along the shore. Your camp for the night is set on the grounds of a hotel right next to the beach, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Zanzibar

Catch a ferry to Zanzibar, Africa’s famous ‘Spice Island.’ On arrival, enjoy some free time to discover Zanzibar City at your own pace. Lose yourself in the maze of cobblestone alleyways in Stone Town, admire the mix of Arabic, African and European architecture, or soak up the bustling atmosphere of Darajani Bazaar. This afternoon, you’ll have another welcome meeting at 2 pm to meet the new travellers joining you on the next leg of your adventure. After your meeting, perhaps head out together for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.

Optional Activities:

Stone Town Tour - Dharajani Market, Joseph's Cathederal, Palace Museum, Forodhani Food Market (20 USD)
Zanzibar - Prison Island Tour (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Zanzibar

Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations, learning all about the history of this town's spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.

Optional Activities:

Zanzibar - Spice Tour (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Bungalow (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Zanzibar

Ease into the day with the sound of gentle waves and soft ocean breezes. With a full day free to enjoy Zanzibar’s coastline, you might choose to take a refreshing swim, stretch out on the beach beneath the palms, or savour the flavours of the island with a seafood dinner by the water. However you spend it, today is all about slowing down and letting the rhythm of island life take over.

Accommodation:

Bungalow (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Stone Town

After checking out of your accommodation this morning, you will make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a centrally-located hotel around 11 am. With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn't mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to stay on in Zanzibar, either at the Northern Beaches beach resort or in Stone Town, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $3,985

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 20 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 31 Jan 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

3.5

Darcey

Traveled, December 2023

01/08/2024

I booked vic falls to Gorillas as a trip, and this Vic falls to Zanzibar section was a small part of it. I wouldn’t book this section of trip by itself, as it includes lots of long drive days and a small number of activities, however if you have come from the Cape Town to vic falls leg, or are continuing on from Zanzibar as I am, it is is a great trip to see lots of Zimbabwe. Zambia and Malawi you otherwise would miss. Be prepared for the longndrive days but be expected for the beach days in Malawi and Zanzibar. My chef Simon was an absolute god in the kitchen, I hope he quits soon to open his own restaurant because I got fed sooo well on this trip. All staff are wonderful and overall a great relaxing Leg!

4.5

Lucy

Traveled, December 2023

12/19/2023

If you're thinking of doing this trip just do it you'll never regret it and it's the most amazing experience.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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