Experience Overview
Travel from the mighty Victoria Falls through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania – to experience all the incredible sights, sounds and cultures Eastern Africa has to offer. Track rhinos on foot and spot lions and leopards on 4x4 game drives. Explore World Heritage-listed sites like the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Meet locals to gain insight into the enduring cultures of these communities. Wind up on the shores of the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar after an unforgettable 17-day journey full of local knowledge and epic adventures.
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.
- Spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest, impalas and more on not one but two included 4WD safari game drives in Tanzania and Zambia.
- 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 and afternoon 4x4 safari game drive with local expert guides, and visit a workshop where local women transform poaching snare wire into jewellery to raise funds for conservation.
- The east of Africa isn’t all just roaming wildlife and open plains. Along the way, get to know some of the region's vibrant cities, including Lusaka, Harare and Bulawayo.
- Journey from the interior plains out to some idyllic Indian Ocean hotspots. Stroll along the shores in Dar es Salaam and consider extending your stay in paradisiacal Zanzibar.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3175
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Overland vehicle,4WD Safari Vehicle,Ferry
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Overland Expedition
Supplier Code: YXOS
Starts: Victoria Falls, Malawi
Finishes: Stone Town, Malawi
Duration: 17 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (16), Lunch (10), Dinner (14)Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (16 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2840 (CAD 167 /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 the 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 day today to visit the magnificent Victoria Falls. 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 up 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.
Optional Activities:
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance (50 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Victoria Falls and travel to Bulawayo 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. After, arrive in 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 to Masvingo today. This settlement – the oldest in Zimbabwe – makes for the perfect base from which to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The ruined city, now a UNESCO 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. You'll 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'll cross into Zambia and drive to your campsite just outside Lusaka, Zambia's capital. 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 today. You'll see that it's a modern city but still retains a traditional African feel. After, travel on to Petauke, where you'll spend the night.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, travel 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. After, make your way through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park. 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 with a light breakfast and get ready for an exhilarating morning game drive in a 4WD with a local guide, then head back to the camp for an early lunch. During the hottest part of the day between safaris, you can either rest in the shade or take an optional village walk to get a glimpse of daily life in the local community. Return to the park for another game drive in the evening.
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. 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)
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.
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, 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)
Today is a long travel day into Tanzania and its southern highlands. Sit back, relax and watch as the countryside passes by. When you arrive, you'll 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 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. 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 the drive to Sunrise 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. You'll have the option to enjoy the warm waters of the ocean and the swimming pool around the campsite.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Catch a ferry to Africa’s 'Spice Island' – Zanzibar. Filled with pristine white-sand shores, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast suggests what the island must have been like in Livingstone's day. The best way to see this exotic port town and its old city (Stone Town) is on foot. When the sun is setting, perhaps enjoy a drink at a nearby bar overlooking the seafront, then a seafood curry at a local restaurant. With no further activities planned on arrival, this trip comes to an end in Stone Town.
Optional Activities:
- Stone Town - Culinary Urban Adventure (29 USD)
- Stone Town - Handicraft & Music Urban Adventure (50 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
Alison - Traveled, January 2024
If you like sitting on a truck and watching the world go by, ticking countries off your bucket list and crossing borders this could be the trip for you. The travel times were much greater on average than the trip notes suggested which meant that for days on end it would be tent down/eat/drive/tent up/eat/sleep and very little else. The included activities were great but too much sitting on the truck compared to really experiencing each country. The amazing intrepid crew made the trip a lot better though, despite a tricky itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Jose Manuel - Traveled, December 2023
It was a wonderful trip, everything was very well organized and the game drives were just amazing. Nash, Simon, and John did it great. A lifetime experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Kate - Traveled, November 2023
This trip was fantastic! The food was amazing and healthy and the experiences were great! I saw the Big 5 over the course of the trip. There are long travel days but the truck is quite comfortable. Just be prepared for lots of sitting down. Our guide/chef and driver were all from Kenya and they were a blast! So much fun with them!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2023
Kevin - Traveled, November 2023
An excellent adventure for all your senses!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
karen - Traveled, October 2023
Great safe and enjoyable way to see the real Afrika..wonderful circuit and camping is the only way to really do it. Isn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did but it was so amazing. Very grateful for the experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/03/2023
Naomi - Traveled, October 2023
Intrepid staff were excellent and extremely helpful. Visited some amazing places and scenery. Some of the travel days are quite long and there is little down time. This trip was more adventure than holiday. Would definitely recommend this journey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023
Lesley - Traveled, September 2023
Fantastic Trip, great group of people I travelled with and the crew were amazing. Don’t hesitate just do it. So much awesome things to see and do.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Nathan - Traveled, August 2023
My tour with Intrepid was a fantastic experience. The Intrepid customer service in UK were always in hand to answer queries and support me. Also the 3 man team who came on the tour were brilliant. Positive, kind and helpful people always looking out for us and providing everything we needed. My 20 day trip round Africa was a phenomenal experience. Great campsites, upgrades always available, tasty food and a lovely group of travellers. I saw so much if Africa and think that only by driving through all the different countries do you get an authentic feel about African life. The safaris were breathtaking with informative guides. The cultural sites were also impressive and there was also the chance to do more physical activities if you wanted something more challenging/exciting. Zanzibar in particular was a highlight in beautiful beach bungalows and I also enjoyed seeing the big rock of Zimbabwe. Thank you Intrepid for an unforgettable experience that is sensitive to the needs of the communities we visited. I learnt a lot and think it changed my perspective in a number of ways as well as teaching me more about another continent. Where next?..........
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2023
May - Traveled, May 2023
Highly recommend Intrepid! Really great itineraries led by amazing guides, drivers, and cooks. If you’re thinking of a longer trip, don’t worry if you don’t see reviews - look at the reviews for each section. This section was especially amazing because of the relationships built throughout the trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2023
Shannon - Traveled, March 2023
Overall, this trip feels like a wander off the beaten-path. It’s an enriching experience to see animals in their natural habitat. Im grateful to the team that made it possible!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2023
Lisa - Traveled, November 2022
This is a great trip for seeing many of the African animals As a stand-alone trip it’s a few long days to get to the next destination. Adding to tot he capetown to Vic falls trip is ideal Finishing in Zanzibar is perfect
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2022
Lillian - Traveled, November 2022
Intrepid is always an excellent company to travel with. I have done 3 solo trips with them so far and have loved every one. I would recommend it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2022
Hannah - Traveled, November 2022
An amazing trip encompassing 4 beautiful and interesting countries. Everyone should do the optional Mikumi game drive - it was a highlight of the trip. However, prepare yourself for long travel days to get to the many destinations you will visit along the way. You’ll wish to continue your trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2022
Jennifer - Traveled, November 2022
An interesting trip with the amazing Vic Falls to start and finish at the stunningly beautiful Zanzibar Northern Beaches. Traveling through some varied landscapes the change in scenery from the low elevation of Lake Malawi to the heights of South Tanzania makes for some lovely changes in wildlife as well as climate.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2022
Eliska - Traveled, August 2022
Great trip. A lot of long rides but the scenery is beautiful and you cross 4 countries. It's worth it! The Intrepid staff was amazing as usual.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2022
Aaron - Traveled, July 2022
The trip was amazing, such a great way to explore some of East Africa. It was made extra special by our fantastic crew Stanley, Henry and Patrick.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/02/2022
Sally - Traveled, May 2022
Excellent trip covering a long route and much variety. Really interesting to see the differences in the neighboring countries
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2022
Jemma - Traveled, May 2024
Could not have been more blown away by this trip. Ray, Ibrahim and John were a crew that put the cherry on top. Please be mindful that this is very much a camping trip with some long days to get to the destinations. But if you didn’t do it this way - then you’re missing out on experiences you could only dream about. Loved this trip so much, I’m looking into booking the next leg!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Abel - Traveled, May 2024
This leg of the entire cape town to nairobi trip is probably the worst on terms of itinerary, activities amd drive times. intrepid needs to add 4 to 5 days to this leg of the trip to cut the drive times (many days with more than 10 hours drive times) and provide more meaningful interaction with locals (walking around villagea, eating local food instead of dinner every single day at campsites) specific suggestions would be adding an entire day after long drive days at Iringa and chitimba (there is activities to be done and no time to do anything at all) and break up drive times with more stops. Crew members were fine
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2024
Sue - Traveled, May 2024
Highly enjoyed this overland tour through east Africa. There is alot of driving but it is fascinating to see rural African countryside through the truck window. You will tour amazing parks, stay in lovely campsites, tour rural villages and visit cities, eat great food and meet wonderful locals and fellow travellers. Once in a lifetime trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
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