Experience Overview
Embrace the wilds of Eastern Africa on a 16-day adventure. Track rhinos on foot, discover the winding alleyways of Stone Town, journey through epic landscapes in search of zebras and elephants, explore ancient Zimbabwean ruins and gaze at the sweeping plains of the savanna. With a local leader and crew on hand to sweat all the small stuff, you can focus on exploring. This is your chance to spot the Big Five and escape the chaotic pace of the city for the quiet of villages Africa’s pride lands.
Highlights
- Join an expert guide to track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park. Discover black and white rhinos and other game while learning about the cultural and spiritual importance of the many ceremonial sites, San paintings and rock formations.
- Spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas on not one, but three included 4WD safari game drives in Tanzania and Zambia.
- Discover the magic of South Luangwa National Park on morning and afternoon 4WD safari game drives, and visit a workshop where local women transform poaching snare wire into jewellery to raise funds for conservation.
- Explore the largest ruins in sub-Saharan Africa, the World Heritage-listed Great Zimbabwe, and discover the history and heritage of local communities with your knowledgeable local leader.
- Choose from a range of optional activities at Victoria Falls to see the cascades the way you want, and maybe treat yourself to a helicopter ride.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3173
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Overland vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Overland Expedition
Supplier Code: YXOR
Starts: Stone Town, Malawi
Finishes: Victoria Falls, Malawi
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (15), Lunch (11), Dinner (13)Accommodation: Hotel (1 night),Camping with facilities (14 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2352 (CAD 147 /day)
Itinerary
Karibu! Welcome to Zanzibar. Your adventure begins in Stone Town, the old part of Zanzibar’s city, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Filled with beaches, cobblestone alleyways and bazaars, Zanzibar has much to explore if you arrive early. The best way to see this port town is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. When the sun sets, maybe grab a sundowner from a bar overlooking the seafront front and tuck into a seafood curry at a local restaurant.
Optional Activities:
- Stone Town - Handicraft & Music Urban Adventure (50 USD)
- Stone Town - Culinary Urban Adventure (29 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Embrace an early start this morning with a 7.30 am ferry to the mainland, then make tracks for Mikumi. Watch the Tanzanian landscape pass you by along the way, as this long drive is a great chance to soak up the scenery. Gaze out at vast plains dotted with baobab and tamarind trees and maybe catch a glimpse of some of the elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and leopards that call the park home. When you arrive at your camp, your leader will show you the ropes (literally) and help you set up and get comfortable for your night in the tent.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up early this morning to head off on a 4WD game drive into Mikumi National Park with local expert guides. This less touristed park is home to impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas – you may even spot a predator! After, you'll drive to Iringa and set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse on the outskirts of the settlement. The area is filled with natural bush land and native birds. Make the most of this rural setting with some stargazing before you retire for the night.
Included Activities:
- Mikumi National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Enter Malawi this morning and travel to your campsite at Chitimba. Malawi, the ‘warm heart of Africa,’ is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many Malawian people. Fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers all ply their trade on Lake Malawi. A common sight is a fisherman in a bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel from Chitimba to Kande Beach today, on the shore of Lake Malawi. There will be a chance to stop at a shop or market for any supplies you might need along the way. Enjoy a relaxing getaway from the commercialism and crowds with a few days on the lake’s more peaceful beaches. Your campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore of Lake Malawi.
Optional Activities:
- Lake Malawi - Guided village walks (15 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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 - Pedalos (25 USD)
- Lake Malawi - Canoe Hire (10 USD)
- Lake Malawi - Bike Hire (25 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Journey through southern Malawi and enter Zambia today, continuing to South Luangwa National Park. There will be border crossing formalities on the way, and a chance to stock up on goods or visit an ATM at a local shop or market. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is some of the highest in Africa, so when you arrive, take in the beautiful scenery and the abundance of wildlife, watching out for colourful birds and herds of elephants.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early this morning, grab a light breakfast and get ready for a morning game drive in a 4WD with a local guide. Then, you'll head back to the camp for an early lunch (as this is the hottest part of the day). Rest in the shade or take an optional village walk if you'd like a snapshot of daily life in the local community. Return to the park for another game drive in the evening, looking out for the local wildlife as the sun sets.
Included Activities:
- South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Dawn Game Drive
- South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Evening Game Drive
Optional Activities:
- South Luangwa National Park - Game Walk (50 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, you'll visit a workshop 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. After your visit, you'll jump back in the vehicle and head further south to Petauke.
Included Activities:
- South Luangwa - Anti-Poaching Jewelery Project
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you'll be back on the road, heading for your next camp just south of Lusaka City. When you arrive, stretch your legs and take a stroll to discover the town on foot. Though it's fast developing, Lusaka retains a strong African feel, and the locals are usually up for a chat. Your local leader will also give you some insight into the area. Tonight, you're free to chill out under the stars at camp.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Harare today. The first part of your journey takes you to the border with Zimbabwe. After crossing and going through border formalities, you'll continue to Harare. There will be a chance to explore the town when you arrive, as well as stock up on whatever you need at a market or local shop.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, it's onto Masvingo. This colonial settlement – the oldest in Zimbabwe – makes the perfect base for exploring the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. The ancient city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was first constructed in the 11th century and is believed to have been the seat of power for a monarch. Spend a few hours exploring this intriguing site before heading off to camp where your night is free to relax.
Included Activities:
- Masvingo - Great Zimbabwe Ruins guided visit
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Bulawayo today. Known locally as the 'City of Kings', Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second largest city. There is some impeccable historical architecture to take in here, so feel free to walk around at your own pace when you arrive. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore town or ask your local leader for some optional activities. You might like to browse some local markets or chat with the locals. The Natural History Museum and National Art Gallery are also worth checking out.
Optional Activities:
- Balawayo - Natural History Museum (10 USD)
- Bulawayo - Railway Museum (5 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime today – tracking rhinos on foot with an expert guide! Matobo National Park, known for its black and white rhinos, is also home to other wildlife like klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. You'll learn all about these unique animals from your guide and gain insights into the local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark. Discover San paintings and the fascinating rock formations of the area, too. Matobo National Park is an important site of spiritual and cultural significance for the local people, and there are many places in the park where important ceremonies still take place.
Included Activities:
- Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking, Park Visit & San Rock Paintings
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Bulawayo this morning and make the drive towards Victoria Falls. Stretching 1.6 km wide and falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below, the falls are a sight to behold. Although a visit to the falls themselves is optional, it's highly recommended. In the wet season, the spray created from this feat of nature can rise 400 m and can often be seen from far in the distance. It’s no wonder that the local name for Victoria Falls is Mosi oa Tunya, or the 'Smoke that Thunders'. If you’re travelling in the dry season, you’ll get an unobstructed view of the falls and the chance to see the islets in the river below. Your leader will take you to a local activity centre today, where a range of activities will be on offer.
Optional Activities:
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance (50 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave the camp at any time. You may like to try some of the optional activities on offer here, so it's recommended you schedule any flights for later in the day. If you would like to spend more time in Victoria Falls, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Optional Activities:
- Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) (185 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Flying fox (50 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Gorge swing (103 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 - Whitewater rafting (full day) (130 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (half day) (130 USD)
Similar Experiences
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
Thomas - Traveled, October 2023
Absolutely outstanding trip, leader, crew. Deep memories and experiences of animals, people, culture, history. Incredible moments with animals (Rhino tracking/walking safari), local people (Lake Malawi, …), places (Great Zimbabwe, …), hikes and walks. Group came together in the best of ways, lifetime friendships.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2023
Bob - Traveled, October 2023
Fantastic trip! So many surprises and learning opportunities. Great Zimbabwe could be renamed Fantastic Zimbabwe, and all other spots were eye-opening. This is the warm heart of Africa.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2023
Leysan - Traveled, August 2023
This was my first ever solo trip and a dream destination, I am so happy I followed my friend's footsteps and did through Intrepid. Such an amazing combination of wild life and cultural experience. We had the best crew (Laban, Willie and Jackson) and a very lovely group of travelers, I loved everything!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Ian - Traveled, July 2023
This is a great way to see Zanzibar to Victoria Falls at a good price . It has long day driving but you get to see the country side at a very good price Most the food is included as you don't need to spend any money except for snacks and drinks and upgrades if you want
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2023
Eric - Traveled, June 2023
An excellent adventure. Will definitely be traveling with Intrepid again in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2023
Renata - Traveled, November 2023
This trip is not for the impatient. The drives are extremely long gets even longer with traffic. Thankfully the bus is very comfortable. Download some tunes, movies books ect to help pass the time. With that being said there’s a lot to see along the way.I think intrepid could have done better with some of these camp grounds especially the one in Harare. It was all bad. Thankfully we only spent one night there. I enjoyed Bulawayo but the accomadtion could have been a 3 hotel stay in the city center. While the camp grounds in Bulawayo was not all that bad the camp site was run down and it was just too remote, we were there for 3 days. Thankfully we had an awesome group of people and an even more awesome crew. Edwin the awesome driver, Dan the most amazing chef and Dan the team leader were all a joy t travel with. Honorable mention Raymond who was in training. I think intrepid needs to re evaluate some of these campsites. A few tweaks here and there and this could be an 5 star tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2024
Candace - Traveled, June 2023
Excellent tour leader, driver, and chef; thank you Nash, John, and Ibrahim! Campsite quality varies but is generally very good and upgrades were available at all our stops. Itinerary is very ambitious, with several long drives/early starts but the scenery and camaraderie made it worthwhile. Bring light-weight clothes for days and warm jacket/layers for evenings and early starts. Overall a wonderful trip; highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/14/2023
simona - Traveled, May 2023
it was a great trip, at the national park in Zambia we saw 2 Leopards very close, one in the morning and one during the night safari.that was the highlight of my trip. i really wanted to see them up close.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2023
Elena - Traveled, May 2023
A great adventure with a very supportive crew and a group of like-minded people. Long drives with "African massage" on bumpy roads were forgotten once amazing sunsets started and delicious meals were served:-) Good mix of culture and nature. Certainly got me out of bore-out caused by working from home. And as they say - Africa it isn't for sissies!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2023
David - Traveled, March 2023
Mambo, Challo and Sam were great fun and a great team. Really hard working and well organised. Nothing was too much trouble. A lot of early starts and long travel days but overall a great experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2023
Andrew - Traveled, February 2023
Very good experience learnt a lot. The rhinos were the best .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2023
Nikki - Traveled, December 2022
Mumbo aka Stanley is a professional guide. He has the ability to integrate a diverse group create engagement and connect people to culture of multiple countries. What a great trip made by a passionate guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2022
Olivia - Traveled, December 2022
This is a really great trip. The driving time and border crossings are long, but any challenges there enhance the time off the road enjoying each country visited.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2022
Daniel - Traveled, August 2022
The tip was amazing. We staff were all so approachable and made us feel completely safe whilst we enjoyed our trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2022
Scott - Traveled, August 2022
Be prepared for very long travel days, very early starts, and slow border crossings. But if you accept those you will see some amazing sights, great wildlife, and meet fascinating people. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and was sad to leave it after making lifelong memories and friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2022
Theo - Traveled, June 2022
An absolutely amazing experience and trip overall. The team was great and the group leader (Erellah) was very knowledgeable, helpful and outstanding going above and beyond to make sure the trip was unforgettable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2022
Christian - Traveled, June 2022
Overall; Almost great. I think the itinerary needs a bit of tweaking to make the ultimate trip from Stone Town to Victoria Falls. Bit too transport heavy and activity light. Our team was fantastic and couldn’t ask for a better crew! Thanks Erellah, Simon and Dan! Don’t expect internet, expect it to be very cold in the winter (bring warm clothes!!)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2022
Mark - Traveled, June 2022
Intrepid is a reliable company for Africa tours . The vehicle that they used was in excellent condition with individual locker for all of us to use. Unlimited supply of clean drinking water.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2022
Olivia - Traveled, June 2024
This trip is incredible. Not for the faint of heart, due to the long drives, but it provides ample time to get to know your fellow travellers and amazing crew. The campsites were all amazing and I always felt safe. I enjoyed every second of this trip and will always miss Dan, Oti and Erico.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2024
Caroline - Traveled, July 2024
Having been on overland trips 3x, I will be honest is saying this is a hard trip. It involves long days driving which required waking up at 3-5am to get into camp as late as 6-8pm. The accomodations are very basic with majority having cold showers, no power and poor wifi access at most - whether this is worse post covid, I felt Intrepid could do better in encouraging and supporting the accomodations to improve their standards. The safari drives in Tanzania and Zambia were fantastic and worth the hard days. Overall, I feel this trip is for people who want to get from Zanzibar to Vic Falls but other areas of Africa are far easier and more comfortable to travel which I would recommend over this "section".
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2024
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