Dar es Salaam to Victoria Falls Safari (South)

Drive from the historical port city of Dar es Salaam to Iringa, through Mukumi National Park in Tanzania.

Relax on the tropical beaches of the vast Lake Malawi, scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing and horse riding if you choose to.

Cross the border into Zambia for game viewing in South Luangwa National Park and visit a community-run tribal textile project and a local village to experience Zambian culture.

Travel to Lusaka's local markets via Chipata, before reaching the final destination of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe - where the mighty Victoria Falls is located.

Explore untamed East African game parks, natural wonders and culture on this accommodated safari trip from Dar es Salaam to Victoria Falls on a shoestring budget!

Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park – Tanzania

On the first day of this Dar es Salaam to Victoria Falls Safari we set off for the Mikumi National Park, in Tanzania. Mikumi Park is home to lion, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo, elephant and more.

Today we have the opportunity to enjoy an optional afternoon game drive in Mukumi National Park, Tanzania's 4th largest National Park.

Optional Activity:  Afternoon game drive in Mikumi NP.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Iringa – Tanzania

Today we leave the humid Indian Ocean coastline of East Africa, traveling inland and up to Iringa.

Iringa is located in the tea growing highlands of Tanzania at 1550m above sea level, which means this pleasant town can get quite cool between June and August.

In the evening we enjoy a traditional Tanzanian experience, eating in a local Masai Hut.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Northern Lake Malawi, Chitimba Beach – Malawi

Departing from Iringa in Tanzania we cross into Malawi making our way to the northern beaches of Lake Malawi, via scenic mountain passes.

We descend to our next stop the small lakeside village of Chitimba. Here we get to relax on the sandy beaches of beautiful Lake Malawi and participate in optional activities.

If you are feeling more active then you can take a short hike to the 50m high Manchawe Falls covering a cave where locals hid from slave traders in colonial times. 

Lake Malawi is known for its friendly locals and fresh fish, in addition to the excellent water activities at this scenic lake. The third largest and second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Malawi is an impressive inland body of freshwater that covers one fifth of Malawi.

Optional Activities: Hiking, Abseiling, Water sports etc.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - 5: Central Lake Malawi, Kande – Malawi

Next we take a short drive south along the idyllic shores of this African Great Lake to Kande Beach, near Kande Island. In Kande we have time to relax on the unspoiled white sand beaches and swim in the clear blue waters of Lake Malawi. There are plenty of optional water sports activities to choose from, as well as activities such as horse riding.

On day two at Kande Beach we take a guided walking tour of one of the local villages lead by a local resident. This cultural excursion (included in the tour price) gives us a chance to meet some of the friendly locals and get a glimpse of life in Malawi, the "Warm Heart of Africa".

Optional Activities: Scuba diving, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding and craft shopping.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Lilongwe – Malawi

Day 6 on the southbound Dar es Salaam to Victoria Falls Safari sees us traveling to Lilongwe, Malawis capital and largest city. Here we visit the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Malawi’s only sanctuary for rescued, orphaned and injured wild animals. 

The Wildlife Centre is set in 180 hectares of beautiful woodland, Lilongwe’s only protected wilderness.  

Optional Activities:  City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - 8: South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

Early in the morning we drive to the South Luangwa National Park in neighbouring Zambia where we spend the next two nights at our safari camp right on the banks of the Luangwa River.

You can often see Hippo and other wild animals from the camp bar. The game park is known for its high concentration of leopards and hippos. Later this afternoon we enjoy a guided afternoon to sunset game drive.

The following morning you can take an optional morning game drive in South Luangwa Park and in the afternoon we visit the community run tribal textile project and a local village. 

Optional Activities: Morning Game Drive and Game Walk in South Luangwa Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Chipata – Zambia

We leave South Luangwa National Park today taking a relatively short drive to Chipata where we will relax in the afternoon. Zambia is truly African and an adjustment from the more western ways of Southern Africa.

There are many rural villages and farming communities dotting the lush vegetation of this unique African country.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Lusaka – Zambia

The journey towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route. If we arrive on time, and on a week day, there may be opportunity to visit one of the interesting local markets of Lusaka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls

We drive from Zambia's Lusaka, across the Zimbabwean border and into Victoria Falls. In the afternoon there will be time to plan any optional activities you may want to experience on the following day. 

This Budget Dar es Salaam to Victoria Falls Safari south ends on day 11 at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. We highly recommend spending a few extra days here after the safari ends to participate in some of the adventure activities available and to witness the mighty Victoria Falls!

White water rafting is always popular, but you can also walk with Lions, visit the Elephants or take a scenic flight over Victoria Falls.

Optional Activities: Dinner out in Victoria Falls

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Please Note:

This southbound Dar es Salaam to Victoria Falls Safari is also available in the opposite direction as the Victoria Falls to Dar es Salaam Safari (North), starting in Victoria Falls and ending in Dar es Salaam.