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. See the power of Victoria Falls, visit a workshop where local women transform snares into beautiful jewellery and spend two nights camping on Dar es Salaam’s South Beach. If safaris, sea breezes and a zest for exploration are your thing, jump aboard this overland adventure to the wilds of East Africa!
- 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.
Special information: It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent know. Ask reception or look for a note for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Your campsite tonight has shared facilities and wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
Intrepid recommends not taking part in any ‘walking with lions’ experiences as they are contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many itineraries, we strive to view animals in their natural habitats and with the greatest level of respect. Walking with lions directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.
If you decide to go on a scenic helicopter flight, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), which is the only operator Intrepid endorses.
- Day 2 - Victoria Falls
Today is a free day for you to choose your own adventure! Perhaps take an optional helicopter flight for a breathtaking view of the falls from above, visit one of the local breweries for a taste of the region’s craft scene, or enjoy a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Or you may want to spend the day exploring the magnificent Victoria Falls itself. This thundering curtain of water is 1.5 km wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise an incredible 400 m, 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.
Special information: Your campsite tonight has shared facilities and wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
The Victoria Falls entrance fee is not included, as group bookings must be accompanied by a local guide. By leaving it optional, you can choose how you want to experience this natural wonder at your own pace.
Intrepid has not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in Optional Activities are recommended. It is against policy for leaders to help book any activities that do not adhere to our Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to these activities.
- Day 3 - Lusaka
This morning, travel to Lusaka. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it’s the perfect chance to get stuck into a good book or catch up on your favourite podcasts. After crossing the border from Zimbabwe into Zambia, continue to your campsite on a private farm surrounded by the natural bushland, just outside of the city. When you arrive, set up camp, settle in, and spend some time exploring the camp, stretching your legs as you try to spot impala, giraffes, or even zebras wandering through!
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
Tonight’s camp has shared facilities, a swimming pool and wi-fi for a token. Accommodation upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
- Day 4 - Lower Zambezi National Park
After breakfast, you’ll travel to Lower Zambezi National Park – located on the Zimbabwean border and famous for its spectacular Zambezi River valley and abundant wildlife, including fish eagles, buffalo, and elephants. Tonight, you’ll camp in the wildlife-rich Chiawa area, surrounded by native bush with animals roaming freely through the camp.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Tonight’s camp has shared facilities, and wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
- Day 5 - Lower Zambezi National Park
Set off on a full-day safari through one of Zambia’s best wildlife viewing areas – Lower Zambezi National Park. This park is set along a wide floodplain of the Zambezi River, dotted with acacias and towering trees, and framed by a dramatic slope to the north, covered in thick miombo woodland. Across the river you'll see Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park - the two parks forming one of Africa’s most amazing wilderness areas. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, leopards, lions, cheetahs and birds along the way.
- Day 6 - Petauke
Wake up early 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. Tonight, enjoy a well-earned rest at your camp, under the African night sky.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 12 hours.
Tonight’s camp has shared facilities, and wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
- 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. When you arrive, maybe set out on a game walk or river trip to see South Luangwa’s beautiful scenery as the sun slowly sets – just ask your local leader for more details!
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Your camp tonight has optional accommodation upgrades (subject to availability).
The optional game walk listed for today is seasonal and requires a 24-hour pre-booking notice. Please let your leader know if you're interested.
- Day 8 - Chipata
After breakfast, you’ll spot iconic African wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, leopards, Thornicroft’s giraffes and lions, on a 4WD safari with a local guide. Learn about the region’s diverse landscapes and animals, then make tracks to your next camp near Chipata for the night.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Tonight’s camp has shared facilities and wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
- Day 9 - Lake Malawi
Cross the border into Malawi 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 todays drive.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 11 hours.
There are upgrades available at tonight’s campsite (subject to availability), but there is no wi-fi.
- Day 10 - Lake Malawi
Enjoy a free day to soak up the lake’s sandy shores. Maybe take a refreshing dip in the lake, explore the surrounding area by bike, or join a guided snorkelling trip. Lake Malawi’s high alkalinity has created an abundance of brightly coloured fish and relatively few plants, resulting in a tropical, ocean-like snorkelling experience within a landlocked freshwater lake. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations!
- Day 11 - 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.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Tonight’s camp has shared facilities and wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
- Day 12 - Iringa
This morning you can take an optional walk in the nearby village, an opportunity to meet some local Malawians-easily some of the friendliest people in Africa. Enjoy a free afternoon chilling out on the lake’s sandy shores, time to soak up your idyllic surroundings you can take a dip in the lake or try out cycling to the hilly villages. Perhaps cool off with an optional snorkelling trip with a local guide. Lake Malawi's high alkalinity has resulted in an abundance of brightly coloured fish and relatively low levels of plants. What you end up with is a tropical ocean-like snorkelling experience within a landlocked freshwater lake.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 11 hours.
Tonight’s camp has shared facilities, and wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are possible (subject to availability).
- Day 13 - Mikumi National Park
Today you'll 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. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for dinner.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
- Day 14 - Mikumi National Park
Journey off-the-beaten-track today as you explore Mikumi National Park – a landscape of baobab-studded plains and open savannahs. Mikumi is the fourth largest national park in the country, located near Morogoro. Join an expert guide on a 4WD safari, where you’ll see herds of buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, elephant, and zebra.
- Day 15 - Dar es Salaam (South Beach)
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. Once you arrive, 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 unwind and take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your camp tonight has optional accommodation upgrades (subject to availability) and beach access.
- Day 16 - Dar es Salaam (South Beach)
Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Enjoy a day at the beach or head into Dar es Salaam to explore Tanzania's largest city and cultural centre. Maybe start your morning at Kivukoni Fish Market, where fishing dhows unload their fresh catch and the city buzzes to life with the day’s first light. In the city centre, tea vendors wander the streets, shops sell spicy samosas, and the mix of African, Arabic, Indian, and German architecture tells the story of Dar es Salaam’s rich cultural blend.
- Day 17 - Stone Town
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.
Special information: As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
The Zanzibar portion of your itinerary may have more passengers than the maximum group size of 22 as we have a crossover of trips starting and finishing in Zanzibar.
- Day 18 - Zanzibar Northern Beaches
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.
Special information: If you choose not to book in on the optional Zanzibar spice tour this morning, you will be transported directly to the island's Northern Beaches.
- Day 19 - Zanzibar Northern Beaches
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.
- 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).
Special information: If you’re flying out today, the most convenient option is to depart from Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). If your flight departs from Dar es Salaam, ferries to the mainland depart at 7.30 am, 9.30 am, 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm. Be sure to allow plenty of time to reach the airport, and speak with your leader earlier in the trip for advice or assistance with arrangements.
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