Dar es Salaam to Vic Falls Safari

A trip from the white sand beaches of Zanzibar to the mighty Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Zanzibar, also known as the ‘Spice Island' is a cultural haven where you can explore the  alleyways and cobbled roads of old Stone Town and enjoy the exotic palm-backed beaches.

From Zanzibar its back to the main land on onwared to Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi is a peaceful inland freshwater lake, dotted with islands and surrounded by a mass of green vegetation home to large variety of wildlife and birds. Fishing villages are scattered along the length of the lakeshore and the traditional industry and cultural practices are a major highlight for travellers.

From Malawi is a journey across Zambia and onwards to the Zimbabwian side of Victoria Falls is one of the world's seven natural wonders. There are plenty of adventure activities on offer based around the mighty Zambezi River including a lion encounter safari and white water rafting.

DAY 1 - From Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Archipelago

From Dar es Salaam we take a ferry ride to the "Spice Island," where we have the choice of spending 3 nights. Zanzibar has a rich history being one of the major starting points for the bulk of explorations undertaken to discover new territories in East Africa. New passengers may join us, as some travel companions might opt to leave once we return fro the Zanzibar excursion.

KINDLY NOTE:  The Zanzibar accommodation and meals costs go onto your own account, as experience has shown that visitors prefer exploring the island unguided. Zanzibar hosts a wide selection of restaurants offering a variety of tasty meals. The Trip Leader joins you and can help with arranging accommodation.

DAYS 2 and 3 - On Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar has a lot to offer visitors, from quiet sightseeing to pleasant activities. The quiet streets of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar have retained traces of their Arabic history, from Medina-style shops to the impressive palaces that once belonged to powerful Sultans.

An excursion on one of the spice plantation is an interesting experience in Zanzibar, famous for its spices.  Things to do include a trip to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, home to giant tortoises. A full days outing of scuba diving in Nungwe is well worth it as is the experience of fishing in a traditional dhow.  

The various restaurants offer a fantastic variety of the fresh seafood straight from the ocean, with crayfish being a popular speciality. You can mingle with the locals enjoying dinner at the seafront market of Forodhani Gardens, where inexpensive yet delicious seafood is available.

DAY 4 - From Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Dinner)

Leaving Zanzibar, we return to Tanzanian shores and spend the night in Dar es Salaam town.

DAY 5:  Dar es Salaam to Iringa (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

This morning we leave Dar es Salaam continue our journey in a Southerly direction.  We pass through the Mikumi National Park seeing a wide range of wildlife from the roadside.  The animals appear impervious to passing traffic, which makes for fantastic game viewing. We travcel to the town of Iringa where we overnight in the rustic 'Farmhouse' campsite located in Iringa which is famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy showers, both treats worth savouring.

DAYS 6 to 10:  Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We continue our journey in a southerly direction where we will travel through the Tukuya banana and tea plantations which are a beautiful site. We ender Malawi through the Songwe Border post. Welcome to the land of Africa' friendliest people!

Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area consisting of the beautiful, fresh-water Lake Malawi. Over the next few days we travel the full length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets. Days are spent relaxing on the unspoilt beaches, learning to play the game of bao from locals or bargain hunting at the markets. The temperate climate of Malawi is suited to swimming all year round, so you can always take a dip in the clear blue waters. Explore the picturesque shores of Lake Malawi meeting local fishermen they sort the fresh catch of the day. The fishermen still bring in the catch using traditional fishing techniques. You can gain insight into the skill involved in handling one of the fishing boats by trying your hand at paddling a dug out canoe yourself. Excursions offered at the beachside campsites along Lake Malawi's shores include options such as water sports, horse riding and visits to the local school and village.

DAY 11:  Lake Malawi to Chipata (Zambia) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

From Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia where we will set up camp in a great little campsite just over the border (10km's to be precise).

DAY 12:  Chipata to Lusaka (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

From Chipata, we begin our journey to our next campsite which is located on the outskirts of Zambia's Capital, Lusaka. If your lucky you will spot some wildlife at the campsite including Eland, Africa's largest Antelope.

DAY 13:  Lusaka to Livingstone (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Once again its an early morning wake up where we start our journey heading to the Town of Livingstone.  Victoria Falls is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya locally, which means "the Smoke that Thunders" . the falls is spectacular is is regarded as one of the seven wonders of the world.  At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's longest waterfall, and is simply magical to behold!  The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia  which allows for great photographic oppurtunities. If you feel up to it, you can decide to take an optional dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.

DAY14:  Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (Breakfast)

This morning we cross over the Victoria Falls Bride into Zimbabwe and the town of Victoria Falls. Vic Falls town is the undisputed heavyweight Adventure Capital of Southern Africa! Our campsite is located in the centre of the town. In Zimbabwe you can view the falls from the Victoria Falls National Park which has several viewpoints from where you can take some awsome photographs of the Falls. During the afternoon you can explore the town of Vic falls or simply choose to relax at the campsites swimming pool.

DAY 15 - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Breakfast)

After breakfast our trip comes to an end.