Vic Falls to Dar es Salaam Safari

A wild 15 day Vic Falls to Dar es Salaam Safari to East Africa's Botswana, Malawi and Zanzibar Island.

Experience the adventure capital of Africa, at mighty Victoria Falls, one of the world's seven natural wonders. Try some of the numerous adventure activities on offer in and around the mighty Zambezi River, including white water rafting and elephant back Safaris.

Our African Camping Safari continues northwards to the peaceful shores of Lake Malawi, a freshwater lake, dotted with islands and surrounded by a mass of green vegetation that is home to an array of wildlife and birds. Fishing villages are scattered along the length of the lakeshore and the traditional cultural  practices are a highlight for any visitor to this inland Lake.

Next we travel to Zanzibar Island off the coast of Tanzania, via Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar is also known as the ‘Spice Island' and is a cultural melting pot of African and Arab influences. You can explore the alleyways and cobbled roads of old Stone Town and enjoy the exotic palm-backed beaches and azure Indian Ocean waters.

A fabulous Budget African Safari combining rich wildlife, tropical beaches,mighty Vic Falls and vast Lake Malawi, with the cultural delights and breathtaking scenery of East Africa!

DAY 1: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is the setting for the first day of this Vic Falls to Dar es Salaam Safari and is spent either relaxing or making the most of all the adventure activities available at Victoria Falls.

You can take a flight over the Vic Falls in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters, or you can view the Falls from the Victoria Falls National Park, which has plenty of viewing points.

Named after the famous World Heritage Site and Waterfall, the town of Victoria Falls is located along the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by the explorer David Livingstone and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and about 100 m high. An awesome and memorable sight on any African Safari!

Optional Excursions include day trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks; elephant back safaris and horseback safaris. Other optional outings include a visit to the crocodile ranch; boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort nearby.  Serious adventure seekers can bungee jump over the roaring waters from the Victoria Falls Bridge running between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Adrenalin seekers can also brave an abseil down the Batoka Gorge. Scenic flights in micro light and ultra light or fixed wing aircraft or helicopters provide an eagle view of this World Heritage Site year-round. The Zambezi offers world-class white water rafting with a mix of Grade 5 rapids and the quiet stretches. The calm waters known as "floats" give you time to gaze at the surrounding cliffs and spot some wildlife on the banks of the Zambezi River.

DAY 2: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)

After breakfast we depart from Vic Falls crossing into Botswana and making our way to Kasane, where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. 

Listen out for the resident hippos enjoying the waters of Chobe River, the major water source in Chobe National Park. The Chobe River forms a natural border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia.  Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large herds of elephant. 

We take a relaxing boat cruise along the Chobe River after lunch.

After the boat cruise we return to Kasane and prepare for our Chobe National Park Overnight Trip into the wilderness of Botswana.

Arriving in Chobe Park we spend the afternoon in search of African wildlife on a game drive to our bush camp inside this top Botswana Game Park.

We spend the evening listening to the night-time noises of the local wildlife in the surrounding bush. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their impressive backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s swooping by!

After our night in the Botswana bush, we head out early on a game viewing drive in Chobe Park, before packing up the safari camp and heading back north to Kasane.

DAY 3: Chobe National Park to Livingstone – Zambia (Brunch / D)

On our return to the camp in Kasane, we get back on our safari truck and continue to the Zambian town of Livingstone.

This afternoon we have the opportunity to view Victoria Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia or partake in a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River. Enjoy more fantastic photo opportunities!

DAY 4: From Livingstone to Lusaka – Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we make an early start and head northwards, passing through villages and towns in southern Zambia en route to our next campsite. The night is spent camping on the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia's capital city. 

Zambia prospered during the copper boom in the 60’s and was able to establish extensive infrastructure in its main mining and farming communities. Today Zambia is again starting to prosper, due to foreign investment and a resurgence in the mining industry. The rising prosperity can be seen in the cities of Zambia where foreign stores, banks and imported cars are increasing, but the villages and smaller towns are less cosmopolitan.

Some of the local wildlife such as the Eland, Africa's largest antelope, share the safari campsite with us!

DAY 5: Lusaka to Chipata – Zambia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Travelling on the old "East Road" we drive in a northeasterly direction from Lusaka, finding our way to a stunning campsite a mere 10 km from the border between Zambia and Malawi.

We follow what was once the route from Cape Town to Cairo that passes through Lusaka on its way to Malawi. While most of today is taken up by driving, we do cross the impressive Luangwa River Bridge which is closely guarded due to its close proximity to the Zimbabwean & Malawian borders.

We’ll also stop to stock up on some fresh produce and supplies from the local sellers along the way. We overnight at our lovely campsite, before driving into neighbouring Malawi.

DAYS 6 - 9: From Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches – Malawi (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Malawi is known as the 'Warm Heart of Africa' and next our safari takes us to find out why. We stop in the administrative centre and capital of Malawi, Lilongwe. 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 Lake Malawi, 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 as they sort the fresh catch of the day. The fishermen still bring in their catch using traditional fishing techniques. The ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermens' boats twinkle out on the lake at night.

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 10: Lake Malawi to Iringa – Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we say goodbye to Lake Malawi, utterly relaxed after four days here, and enter Tanzania via the border post at Songwe. 

On our drive we take in the beauty of the Tukuyu banana and tea plantations of the area as we head for our next overnight safari stop, Iringa.

The rustic 'Farmhouse' campsite in Iringa is famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy showers, worth savouring.

DAY 11: Iringa to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After a good night's rest in Iringa we continue to the seaside town of Dar es Salaam. 

We pass through the Mikumi National Park of Tanzania seeing a wide range of wildlife from the roadside. The wild animals of Mikumi are accustomed to the passing cars, which makes for fantastic game viewing.

Upon our arrival in Dar es Salaam, we find our lovely campsite set at the seaside and busy ourselves with preparations for the next stretch of our African journey. The next morning we embark on the trip to Zanzibar Island.

DAY 12: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Archipelago (Breakfast)

On day 12 we travel to Zanzibar on our optional island excursion. From Dar es Salaam we take a ferry across to the "Spice Island," where we spend three nights.

Zanzibar has a colourful past once serving as one of the major departure points for most of the explorations into new territories of East Africa. New passengers may join us on our Zanzibar Trip

Kindly Note:

The Zanzibar accommodation and meals costs are for 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 in Zanzibar.

If you choose not to visit the island of Zanzibar, you spend the next 3 days relaxing at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam. There are various optional activities available from the camp; including diving, snorkelling and fishing trips. The driver and cook stay in Dar es Salaam during the Zanzibar Trip.

DAYS 13 & 14: Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar Island has a great range of activities to offer visitors, from quiet sightseeing to exciting water activities.

Explore a spice plantation, an interesting experience on Zanzibar, which is famous for its spices. The quaint streets of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar reveal traces of their Arabic history, from Medina-style shops to the impressive palaces that once belonged to powerful Sultans.

Other interesting activities include a day trip to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, to see its giant tortoises. A full day of scuba diving in Nungwe is well worth it, as is the experience of fishing in a traditional saiing dhow.  

There are a variety of restaurants offering a fantastic array of fresh seafood straight from the ocean, with crayfish being a popular speciality. You can mingle with the locals at the seafront market of Forodhani Gardens, where inexpensive yet delicious seafood is available.

DAY 15: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania (Dinner)

Departing from Zanzibar Island in the afternoon our relaxing beach trip comes to a close. We return to the shores of Tanzania by the early evening, bringing this Vic Falls to Dar es Salaam Safari to a close.

Please Note:

This Budget African Safari begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and travels north through Zambia, Malawi and Zanzibar, ending in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

The budget camping safari departs from Victoria Falls on Sunday mornings. Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, an earlier arrival is recommended. Accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris. 

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the safari trip.