Vic Falls to Stone Town





Safari through East Africa to the shores of the Indian Ocean
Travel from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, through Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania, where you’ll discover some of the best sights, sounds and cultures Eastern Africa has to offer. On this 17-day adventure, you’ll spot iconic African wildlife such as hippos, giraffes, buffalo, lions on 4WD safaris through three national parks, including Lower Zambezi National Park, meet the local women who transform snares set by poachers into beautiful jewellery in South Luangwa National Park and journey off-the-beaten-track to Mikumi National Park. Spend two nights on the beaches of Dar es Salaam, take in the magnificent Victoria Falls and enjoy the variety of experiences that overland travel in East Africa offers!
4.5
50 reviewsStart: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
End: Zanzibar, Africa
- Duration
- 17 days
- Group size
- 1 to 22
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Basix
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Overland, Wildlife
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Spot iconic African wildlife such as hippos, giraffes, buffalo, lions and more on 4WD safaris through three national parks – South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Mikumi.
- Visit a workshop where local women transform snares set by poachers into beautiful jewellery inspired by the African landscape, with proceeds supporting conservation efforts.
- Spend two nights camping under the stars on the shores of Lake Malawi and take in sweeping views of clear blue water and golden-white sand. In your free time, maybe explore the surrounding area by bike or simply relax on the beach with a book in hand.
- Explore the mountain-ringed plains of Mikumi National Park, known for its baobab trees, predators, and large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, elephants and zebra.
- Soak in the white sands and turquois waters of South Beach – a long stretch of pristine beaches in Dar es Salaam. During the day, maybe journey into the city centre and learn about its rich culture and trading history.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
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.
Accommodation upgrades and wi-fi are available.
You may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all Intrepid travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry 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.
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 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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance - USD50
- Victoria Falls - Rafting & river boarding (half day) - USD218
- Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61
- Victoria Falls - Canoe trail wine route - USD55
- Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
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. If you are interested in the optional helicopter flight (12 minutes or 25 minutes) we only endorse Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe.
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, you’ll continue to your private farm accommodation just outside the city. When you arrive, set up camp, surrounded by the natural bushland. Once you’ve settled in, maybe stretch your legs as you explore camp further – you might spot impala, giraffes, or even zebras wandering nearby!
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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).
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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).
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Lower Zambezi National Park - Full Day Safari
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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).
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!
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- South Luangwa - Anti-Poaching Jewelery Project
- South Luangwa National Park - Game Walk - USD50
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.
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- South Luangwa National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
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).
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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.
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!
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Lake Malawi - Bike Hire - USD25
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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).
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, which makes it a bird watcher’s paradise. If it's a clear night, make the most of this rural setting by stargazing before you retire for the night.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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).
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Mikumi National Park - 4WD Safari
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Your camp tonight has optional accommodation upgrades (subject to availability) and beach access.
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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Dar es Salaam - Kivukoni Fish Market - Free
Catch a ferry to Africa’s 'Spice Island' – Zanzibar, known for its white-sand shores, winding cobblestone alleyways, and busy bazaars. With no further activities planned today, your trip comes to an end on arrival in Stone Town. If you’d like to extend your stay in Zanzibar, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
- Breakfast
The ferry from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town takes approximately 2 hours and usually departs at 9 am, arriving at 11 am. Occasionally, you may travel on the earlier departure (7 am), which arrives at 9 am.
If you're planning on flying out today after the trip ends, it's recommended you depart from Zanzibar Airport, as the trip finishes on arrival in Stone Town. However, if you've arranged to fly out of Dar es Salaam Airport, please allow enough time to travel back to the mainland. Please speak to your group leader early on in the trip for more information on logistics and timings.
Inclusions and activities
16 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 14 dinners
Overland vehicle, 4WD Safari Vehicle, Ferry
Camping (with facilities) (16 nights)
- Lower Zambezi National Park - Full Day Safari
- South Luangwa - Anti-Poaching Jewelery Project
- South Luangwa National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
- Mikumi National Park - 4WD Safari
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance - USD50
- Victoria Falls - Rafting & river boarding (half day) - USD218
- Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61
- Victoria Falls - Canoe trail wine route - USD55
- Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
- South Luangwa National Park - Game Walk - USD50
- Lake Malawi - Bike Hire - USD25
- Dar es Salaam - Kivukoni Fish Market - Free
This trip generates 18 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent (unless you’re on an Original or Comfort style trip), occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of the ‘big five’. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The driving days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/africa/overland
- There are many excellent optional activities on this trip. We recommend taking this into consideration when budgeting for your adventure.
- As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
- Please note that some passengers on this trip will have been travelling together prior to the start of your trip. To see what you're missing out on check out our Cape Town to Zanzibar trip – search trip code UXOBC on the Intrepid website for more information and how to book.
Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied.
The type and variety of accommodation are determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some, we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others, we also use hotels. In Africa, it's not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities, so we use hotel accommodations and eat out in local restaurants.
There may be the occasional night stop when we stay on the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite, which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case, there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD 40-100 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly, and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the night's accommodation. The day-by-day itinerary advises when upgrades may be possible (subject to availability).
Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same-sex rooms.
Campsites do have facilities, but they usually aren't to the same standard you would find in Western countries. For example, the bathroom facilities can be very basic. Toilet paper is rarely provided, and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all.
At times, there may be spare tents in the vehicles. Unfortunately, these cannot be used without the purchase of a single supplement. This is to ensure the tents avoid wear and tear or are clean and ready for the customers arriving on the next section of the trip.
Rest Camp Victoria Falls
Stand 5 Parkway Drive
Victoria Falls
ZIMBABWE
Phone: +26 3773463173
Description
Victoria Falls Rest Camp is located in the middle of Victoria Falls town, with just about everything you need within walking distance.
The rest camp has all the facilities you should need for your stay, including a pool and access to the internet.
Instructions
If you have pre-booked a transfer, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs. Please look for our driver who will be holding a card with your name on it. The driver will wait for an hour after your scheduled arrival time.
If you are unable to find your driver please make your way to the ‘Wild Horizons’ desk which is located in the arrivals terminal. Wild Horizons operate our ground transfers and a representative will be able to help you. If you are still unable to find your driver you can call +27 11 4717400 during business hours, or +27 82 822 9407 after hours. If you are delayed beyond one hour after your scheduled arrival time, please make your own way to the hotel.
If you are making your own way to the hotel, there is a taxi stand outside the airport building. A taxi should cost approximately 20USD.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip starts in Victoria Falls on Day 1 at 4pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Victoria Falls. This trip finishes upon arrival in Stone Town on Day 17. Please allow enough time to get back to the mainland if you are flying out of Dar es Salaam. Speak to your leader about the best way to do this.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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