Vic Falls to Zanzibar
Experience Overview
Unlock the mysteries of Africa's eastern lands on a 20-day trip from Zimbabwe to Zanzibar. Passing through Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania, visit fertile national parks, remote highland communities, savannas with endless horizons and the sparkling Indian ocean coastline. Safari past lion and zebra herds in South Luangwa National Park, watch local fisherman haul in their daily catch on Lake Malawi, and wind up on the idyllic shores of Zanzibar's northern beaches in search of a seafood curry and sundowner. Your African adventure sets the pace, with plenty of time to make your adventure special through independent activities, plus a local crew joining you each step of the way to give you all the local low-down. If safaris, sea breezes and a zest for exploration are your thing, jump aboard this overland adventure to the wilds of East Africa.
Highlights
- Track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna including warthogs, leopards, and klipsingers. Learn about the park's cultural significance and San rock paintings.
- Experience the rumble and roar of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side, which gives you the broadest view. You'll have the opportunity to see the cascades from multiple angles, perhaps treating yourself to an unforgettable scenic flight.
- Explore the largest ruins in sub-Saharan Africa – the World Heritage-listed Great Zimbabwe – said to once be home to a Zimbabwean monarch!
- Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about the rehabilitation of wildlife from poaching and get the chance to meet some rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care.
- Discover the magic of South Luangwa National Park on a morning game drive. This park is a highly concentrated arena of noble African beasts and exotic wildflowers.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3176
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Overland vehicle,4X4 safari vehicle,Ferry,Minibus
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Overland Expedition
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: YXOSC
Starts: Victoria Falls, Malawi
Finishes: Stone Town, Malawi
Duration: 20 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (19), Lunch (10), Dinner (14)Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (16 nights),Hotel (1 night),Bunglow (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,145 ($157 /day)
Itinerary
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and travel group. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Your campground is centrally located in the town of Victoria Falls. After this important meeting, your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer, and you can consider booking experiences for tomorrow.
Optional Activities:
- Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) (185 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (150 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (284 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)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Use your free time to visit the magnificent Victoria Falls. This thundering curtain of water is one-and-a-half kilometres wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 metres 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 (50 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Victoria Falls and travel toward Bulawayo (approximately 7 hours) via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of The Intrepid Foundation’s projects. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the trusts role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Onwards to Bulawayo – known locally as the 'City of Kings', Zimbabwe's second-largest city has an interesting history and some impeccable colonial architecture.
Included Activities:
- Victoria Falls - Visit to Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up early and get ready to track rhinos in Matobo National Park. Home to a significant population of black and white rhinoceros that can be tracked on foot. As your expert guide takes you through the park, look out for other game like leopards, warthogs, and springhares. You'll also learn about the local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, and discover San paintings and the fascinating rock formations. The Matopos area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.
Included Activities:
- Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking, Park Visit & San Rock Paintings
Optional Activities:
- Bulawayo - Railway Museum (5 USD)
- Balawayo - Natural History Museum (10 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive the short stretch to Masvingo (approximately 5–6 hours). This colonial settlement – the oldest in Zimbabwe – makes for the perfect base from which to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The ruined city, now a World Heritage-listed site, was first constructed in the 11th century. It's thought to be the former royal palace of the Zimbabwean monarch. Spend a few hours exploring this intriguing site before heading off to camp for the evening.
Included Activities:
- Masvingo - Great Zimbabwe Ruins guided visit
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Harare today (approximately 5–6 hours). You will arrive at your destination in time for lunch. You only have an hour or two to explore Zimbabwe's capital city, so if you're feeling active and up for a stroll, get out and make the most of it. Perhaps head to the National Gallery, the museum, the botanical gardens or simply wander the city centre and visit the colourful markets.
Optional Activities:
- Harare - National Archives (3 USD)
- Harare - National Botanical Gardens (5 USD)
- Harare - National Gallery (10 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you will cross into Zambia and drive to your campsite just outside Lusaka, Zambia's capital (approximately 8 hours). Your journey begins with a nice scenic drive to the border. At some point during the day there will be an opportunity to stop at an ATM and stock up on any supplies you might need at a shop or market.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend some time checking out Lusaka before a long day of travel. You'll see that it's a modern city but still retains a traditional African feel. Afterwards, travel on to Petauke (approximately 8 hours).
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, travel (approximately 4 hours) to a workshop in South Luangwa where local craftswomen take snare wire recovered from poaching traps and transform it into jewellery inspired by the African bush. The women will show you around their purpose-built workshop and give you a chance to try coiling or hammering the wire yourself. For each sale made, a donation is given to anti snare patrols dedicated to the conservation of the region. Afterwards, make your way through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park (approximately 2 hours). The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is among the highest in Africa. Many elephants, buffaloes, leopards, Thornicroft’s giraffes and lions are known to roam here. There are also some 400 species of birds inhabiting the area. A great way to experience South Luangwa and its beautiful scenery is to take an optional river trip – ask your group leader for more details.
Included Activities:
- South Luangwa - Anti-Poaching Jewelery Project
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early for an exhilarating morning game drive in a 4WD vehicle. Enjoy classic savanna scenery while keeping your eyes peeled the parks abundance of wildlife. There’s every chance you may spot a herd of zebra grazing on parched grass or a pride of lions passing by. Midday is the hottest part of the day here, so seek refuge from the sun and return to the camp for lunch.
Return to the park for another Game Drive late this afternoon. Alternatively, perhaps head out on a village walk for a snapshot of daily life in the local community.
Included Activities:
- South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Afternoon Game Drive
- South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Dawn Game Drive
Optional Activities:
- South Luangwa National Park - Game Walk (50 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Cross the border into Malawi and continue straight to your camp on the shores of Lake Malawi (approximately 9–10 hours). Malawi 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 lake. A common sight is that of a fisherman in a bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day. Your campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore, so take some time to rest and relax.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy free time today to soak up your idyllic surrounds and take a refreshing dip in beautiful Lake Malawi. 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.
Optional Activities:
- Lake Malawi - Guided village walks (15 USD)
- Lake Malawi - Bike Hire (25 USD)
- Lake Malawi - Snorkelling (25 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive to your camp in Chitimba (approximately 8 hours). Chitimba 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)
Today is a long travel day into Tanzania and its southern highlands (approximately 11 hours). Sit back, relax and watch as the countryside passes by. On arrival you will set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse situated on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement. The area is filled with natural bush land which can make it a bird watchers paradise. Make the most of this rural setting by doing some stargazing before you retire for the night.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today we drive to the edge of Mikumi National Park. Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi is Tanzania's fourth largest national park. In the afternoon we head off on 4WD Game Drive with a local expert guide.
This less touristed park is home to impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas – and maybe even a predator or two if you're lucky!
Included Activities:
- Mikumi National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Settle in for a 7-hour drive to Kipepeo Beach, just south of Dar es Salaam. Be sure to make the most of it – perhaps take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in. Your camp today is on the grounds of a hotel situated next to the beach.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Catch a ferry to Africa's 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar. Filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has had a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in centuries ago. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town, and the best way to see this is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. When the sun is setting, why not grab a drink from a bar overlooking the seafront. A seafood curry at a local restaurant is also a great choice. You'll spend the night in Stone Town at a basic inn.
Optional Activities:
- Stone Town Tour - Dharajani Market, Joseph's Cathederal, Palace Museum, Forodhani Food Market (20 USD)
- Zanzibar - Prison Island Tour (25 USD)
- Stone Town - Handicraft & Music Urban Adventure (50 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
Enjoy free time in this beautiful archipelago today. There are many ways you can spend your day – perhaps talk to your leader for any recommendations they might have. Snorkelling in search of exotic fish is an excellent option, or you could take a traditional dhow boat on the water. You might also like to feast on a sumptuous lunch of grilled local seafood, or just relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book. It's totally up to you!
Optional Activities:
- Zanzibar - Snorkelling (50 USD)
- Zanzibar - Dhow Trip (35 USD)
Accommodation:
- Bungalow (Number of Nights: 1)
After checking out of your accommodation this morning, you will make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a centrally-located hotel around 12 pm. 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).
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
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
Reviews
Darcey - Traveled, December 2023
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!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
Lucy - Traveled, December 2023
If you're thinking of doing this trip just do it you'll never regret it and it's the most amazing experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Shirley - Traveled, December 2023
Don't think twice - book it ! I was jealous of those doing longer trips that connected up to this one. From having never camped before I am a complete convert - mainly because we were so incredibly well looked after by our crew. This is definitely a "journey" rather than a typical "holiday" - fantastic to visit less visited national parks - our sittings felt very special and unique.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Chelsea - Traveled, November 2023
I really enjoyed this trip. Tip: make sure you purchase a Kaza Visa for Zimbabwe if you plan on viewing the Vic falls from both sides! Our group leaders were excellent, as was our group. I so enjoyed my first Africa trip, and I know I will be returning.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Ashleigh - Traveled, October 2022
I’ve loved this trip, the office staff and the crew have been amazing. I can’t recommend it enough
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2022
Andrew - Traveled, October 2022
Mambo, Jackson, and Dan were a fantastic crew from Vic falls to Zanzibar. Would highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2022
Michael - Traveled, August 2022
Excellent trip where we saw a bunch of big cats, elephants and zebras. Was also fortunately enough to have a special performance by the top Kenyan dancer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2022
Pearson Jacob - Traveled, December 2023
Fun times, kind people, unforgettable experiences. Would be nice if the truck had air conditioning. Driver, cook and guide made for a great trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Alexandra - Traveled, August 2023
Fantastic way to experience africa!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Bosco - Traveled, May 2023
This trip gives a good blend of culture and history. Watch out for the landscapes too
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2023
Robert - Traveled, July 2022
In my opinion: Ground staff served needs of participants beyond the call of duty. Do NOT depend upon Intrepid office staff in New York, London, or Australia to provide accurate, up-to-date information. Expect contradictory info from time to time. Ground personnel: Outstanding. Corporate personnel: Incompetent. Caveat emptor!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2022
Michaela - Traveled, May 2024
Excellent trip that open your eyes to the world if you allow it. Offers everything from scenery to cultural experiences and of course some amazing animal viewing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2024
Charlotte - Traveled, June 2024
The driving days are (very) long but so worth it! The game drives were phenomenal, as were our wonderful crew of Mambo, Chalo and Ken. Amazing food, amazing company, amazing trip through some largely unvisited spots in Africa.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2024
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