Intrepid Travel
DealGorillas to Vic Falls
Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe · 42 days · Moderate5.0(2)
fromCAD 8,904
Next: 20 JunThe adventure
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. Visit a local tea farm to learn about the journey from planting to harvest, take in the magnificent Victoria Falls and enjoy the variety of experiences that overland travel in East Africa offers!
At a glance
Day by day
Your journey through
Zimbabwe
Day 1Victoria FallsMhoro! 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.
Victoria FallsMhoro! 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.
Day 2Victoria FallsToday 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.
Victoria FallsToday 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.
Your journey through
Botswana
Day 3Lower Zambezi National ParkAfter 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. 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 in the wildlife-rich Chiawa area, surrounded by native bush with animals roaming freely through the camp.
Lower Zambezi National ParkAfter 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. 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 in the wildlife-rich Chiawa area, surrounded by native bush with animals roaming freely through the camp.
Day 4Lower Zambezi National ParkBegin your wildlife adventure with a scenic boat cruise to Lower Zambezi National Park. As you glide past lush riverbanks, keep watch for wildlife before arriving at the park entrance. Then set off on a full-day safari through one of Zambia’s best wildlife viewing areas – 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, and birds before returning by boat back to camp.
Lower Zambezi National ParkBegin your wildlife adventure with a scenic boat cruise to Lower Zambezi National Park. As you glide past lush riverbanks, keep watch for wildlife before arriving at the park entrance. Then set off on a full-day safari through one of Zambia’s best wildlife viewing areas – 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, and birds before returning by boat back to camp.
Day 5LusakaThis morning, travel to Lusaka.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!
LusakaThis morning, travel to Lusaka.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!
Day 6PetaukeWake 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.
PetaukeWake 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.
Day 7South Luangwa National ParkAfter 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.
South Luangwa National ParkAfter 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.
Day 8South Luangwa National ParkAfter breakfast, head out on a morning 4WD safari to try and spot iconic African wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, leopards, Thornicroft’s giraffes and lions with a local guide. Learn about the region’s diverse landscapes and animals. In the afternoon, 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!
South Luangwa National ParkAfter breakfast, head out on a morning 4WD safari to try and spot iconic African wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, leopards, Thornicroft’s giraffes and lions with a local guide. Learn about the region’s diverse landscapes and animals. In the afternoon, 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!
Day 9ChipataHead out on another morning 4WD safari for a second chance to spot South Luangwa’s remarkable wildlife. After, you’ll make tracks to your next camp near Chipata for the night.
ChipataHead out on another morning 4WD safari for a second chance to spot South Luangwa’s remarkable wildlife. After, you’ll make tracks to your next camp near Chipata for the night.
Day 10Lake MalawiCross 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.
Lake MalawiCross 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.
Day 11Lake MalawiEnjoy 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.
Lake MalawiEnjoy 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.
Day 12ChitimbaDrive 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.
ChitimbaDrive 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.
Day 13TukuyuToday you'll cross the border into Tanzania and travel through its southern highlands as you make your way to Tukuyu. Enjoy a guided visit to a local tea farm, hosted by the farm owner. You’ll be taken through each step of tea cultivation – from planting and nurturing the bushes to harvesting the leaves. Learn about the seasonal rhythms of the farm, the processing stages that shape the final product, and the vital role tea farming plays in the local community and regional economy. Gain firsthand insight into daily life on a working tea farm and hear directly from a local producer about the industry and its challenges.
TukuyuToday you'll cross the border into Tanzania and travel through its southern highlands as you make your way to Tukuyu. Enjoy a guided visit to a local tea farm, hosted by the farm owner. You’ll be taken through each step of tea cultivation – from planting and nurturing the bushes to harvesting the leaves. Learn about the seasonal rhythms of the farm, the processing stages that shape the final product, and the vital role tea farming plays in the local community and regional economy. Gain firsthand insight into daily life on a working tea farm and hear directly from a local producer about the industry and its challenges.
Day 14IringaToday you'll head towards Iringa and 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 watchers paradise. If it's a clear night, make the most of this rural setting by stargazing before you retire for the night.
IringaToday you'll head towards Iringa and 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 watchers paradise. If it's a clear night, make the most of this rural setting by stargazing before you retire for the night.
Day 15Mikumi National ParkToday you’ll drive to Mikumi National Park. Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi is Tanzania’s fourth‑largest national park. On arrival, join an expert guide for a 4WD safari, where you’re likely to see buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and elephants.
Mikumi National ParkToday you’ll drive to Mikumi National Park. Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi is Tanzania’s fourth‑largest national park. On arrival, join an expert guide for a 4WD safari, where you’re likely to see buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and elephants.
Day 16Dar 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.
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.
Day 17Stone TownCatch 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.
Stone TownCatch 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.
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