An Africa Overland Tour that departs from Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia. Travel overland via the lush Zambezi River basin to wildlife-rich South Luangwa Valley and enjoy exceptional game viewing in South Luangwa National Park.
Next, cross into Malawi to visit serene Lake Malawi and laze on the beaches of this vast freshwater lake, visit local villages, and do optional activities, like hiking and snorkeling. Then it's time for our Tanzania Safari which takes us over pretty mountain passes, via the coffee & tea plantations of the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, to the plains of Mikumi National Park. Then we travel overland to Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean and take a ferry to exotic Zanzibar, Africa's Spice Islands, for a relaxing beach holiday.
This Zambia, Malawi & Tanzania Safari (with comfortable lodge accommodation) is a great way to explore East Africa on a very reasonable budget!
During this trip you are likely to come across activities that encourage tourists to participate in lion, elephant or other wildlife interaction. This includes walking with lions, riding elephants and any other tourist operation putting travelers in close contact with animals that would normally live wild and separate from human contact.
We absolutely do not encourage or endorse this type of wildlife interaction operation. For more information on why this is not good for Africa's wild animals, please see our detailed blog post on the subject.
__large.jpg "Luangwa by Joachim Huber")
Departing from Livingstone, on the Zambia side of Victoria Falls, we get a last glimpse of the magnificent falls before our Africa Overland Tour heads into the rural Southern Province of Zambia. We cross dry scrubland dotted with majestic acacia trees and thatch hut villages. The landscape becomes lusher as we head back towards the Zambezi River basin, with leadwoods, ebonies, acacias, and fig trees resting on a carpet of rich grassland with the Zambezi River flowing lazily through. We are headed for the border town of Chirundu situated on its banks. Our accommodation for the first two nights of this overland adventure is nearby, nestled on the serene banks of the Kafue River, a mere 6 kilometers (4 miles) from where it merges with the mighty Zambezi River.
Here you are free to enjoy some R&R by the pool, relax on the deck with stunning views over the Kafue River, take to the river on a canoe, or book some adventures on the river and surrounds. The Zambezi River is home to various fish species, including the famous tigerfish, which attracts sport fishing enthusiasts from around the world. Relaxing River safaris are the perfect way to take in the magnificent wildlife of the mighty Zambezi. Join a half-day excursion through the neighbouring Baobab Forest or hike to a nearby cave in the mountains that will reveal an array of bats and elevated views over the valley. Birders are in for a treat, particularly during the green season when you may spot the rare African Pitta, Livingstone’s flycatcher, or African broadbill. There is also the option to take a game drive in the Lower Zambezi National Park
Today our Africa Overland Tour travels via capital city, Lusaka, to Petauke, the main hub for safaris to South Luangwa National Park.
This long drive takes us along the Great East Road, the main artery crossing Southern Zambia. We cross the bridge over the Luangwa River as we head towards South Luangwa Valley. Near the bridge is the vibrant Luangwa Market where we make a stop. The market is a feast of color, with brightly hued textiles, fruits, vegetables, and crafts on display. Interact with locals, sample traditional foods, and purchase unique handcrafted items. We overnight at a comfortable lodge in the town of Petauke, en route to South Luangwa National Park, our next destination.
Early this morning, we make our way to the South Luangwa National Park, known for its outstanding game viewing. Along the way, we stop at a local craft initiative, the Mulberry Mongoose, where women from the surrounding area craft stylish accessories from locally sourced materials. Jewelry is even made from wire retrieved from poachers’ snares. We will spend the next two nights staying at a beautiful tented camp right on the banks of the Luangwa River. We end the day with sundowners and a beautiful sunset over the river. Keep an eye out for animals strolling past the camp.
On Day 5, early risers can take an optional walking safari, which was pioneered in South Luangwa. (Only possible during the dry season). Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the African bush as your knowledgeable guides lead you on a leisurely walk and point out animal tracks, identify plants, and share their knowledge of the park's flora and fauna. You may come across elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelope species. South Luangwa is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 400 bird species recorded in the park. If you are out of season, it is possible to take an optional morning game drive instead.
In the late afternoon, we will enjoy a sunset game drive in search of the abundance of wildlife in South Luangwa. The park is home to 4 of the Big 5 - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard (rhino are sadly absent) – while hippo, Nile crocodile, warthog, puku, impala, spotted hyena, greater kudu and eland are all commonly sighted. Unique to the Luangwa are Thornicroft's giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra, which are found nowhere else. We stop for sundowners in the bush, enjoying a view of animals wandering over the plains as the setting sun puts on a display. The game drive continues into the dark when we hope to spot the elusive nocturnal animals of South Luangwa, particularly leopards that thrive here.
Continuing our Zambia, Malawi & Tanzania Safari we cross the border into Malawi, fondly known as the Warm Heart of Africa. Entering Malawi we make our way to Lake Malawi, the third largest of Africa's Great Rift Valley lakes and also one of its deepest. It is known for its exceptionally clear and clean water, and for its incredible fish diversity with over 1,000 different species of cichlid fish, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
We make our way to the historical town of Ngala Beach in the central Nkhotakota Region. Our lodge for the next two nights is located on the shores of the lake. It enjoys a pleasant climate for swimming year-round. You are free to relax on the sandy shores of Lake Malawi, explore the area and participate in optional activities. Enjoy various water activities on Lake Malawi, including snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and fishing. The lake's calm and warm waters make it an ideal spot for water sports. Take a hike to a nearby Forest Reserve and Waterfall or walk along the lake shores past villages and friendly locals.
Day 8 of our Africa Overland Tour takes us a little further north along the shores of Lake Malawi. We stop at one of the fishing villages dotted along the shoreline and your safari guide will lead a walking tour of the local village. Here you'll encounter the local Malawians as they go about their daily lives and gain insight into rural life in Africa. By late afternoon we arrive at the lakeside lodge in Chitimba where you can relax with a cold drink and enjoy the sights as the sun sets over the lake.
Today we head north, away from the shores of Lake Malawi and crossing into our next African country, Tanzania. We make our way through the beautiful Southern Highlands with plateaus, valleys, mountains, and fertile plains. It is considered the ‘breadbasket’ of Tanzania, producing various crops, including beans, coffee, tea, bananas, and other tropical fruits. The next overnight stay on our Africa Overland Tour is a scenic lodge on the lush mountain slopes of a coffee plantation near the town of Mbeya.
We begin the day with a visit to a coffee plantation. Learn about the growing and harvesting of this ever-popular delicacy. You will also get a chance to sample some of the coffee for yourself. Then we are back on the overland truck and our Zambia, Malawi & Tanzania Safari continues through the beautiful Southern Tanzania Highlands, over some spectacular mountain passes, past rolling tea plantations, and rural Tanzanian vistas. We will spend another night in the Tanzanian Highlands, at a lodge outside the town of Iringa.
From Iringa, we drive northeast to our next safari lodge, on the outskirts of the Mikumi National Park. The park forms part of a vast wilderness area that encompasses the larger Nyerere (Selous Game Reserve) ecosystem, and is home to a great diversity of animals, including lion, zebra, wildebeest, impala, buffalo, and elephant, and over 400 bird species. You have the option to take an afternoon game drive in Mikumi National Park (own expense), where the open Mkata Floodplains host large herds of herbivores enjoying the juicy grazing.
Today our epic East African Safari journeys out of the cool highland region of Tanzania and down to the humid Indian Ocean coastline. We travel to the coastal city of Dar es Salaam, “Place of Peace” and bustling port city of Tanzania. We spend the night in a comfortable, centrally located hotel and you have the rest of the day free to explore this vibrant city and enjoy some of its diverse cuisine. We will make an early start in the morning to catch the ferry for our visit to the exotic Zanzibar Spice Islands.
Today we make an early start to catch the ferry to Zanzibar Island - our home for the next three nights. Arriving on the main island of Zanzibar we head to our overnight hotel in historic Stone Town, Zanzibar’s main port known for its significance on the Indian Ocean slave and spice trade routes. For the rest of the day you are free to explore this fascinating town of narrow roads and old coral buildings with ornately carved doors. A surprise awaits around every corner. Visit the colouful, bustling markets, watch the traditional wooden dhow sailing boats from the harbour and sample the beautiful fresh fish and spices that the island is famous for.
Zanzibar’s east coast beaches are the next destination on our overland lodge safari. Before we leave Stone Town, your guide will lead a walking tour pointing out significant landmarks and places of interest (including the birthplace of Freddy Mercury, famous singer of Queen). En route from Stone Town, we stop to do a Spice Tour. Visit a spice plantation and take a guided walking tour to hear all about the modern spice trade and see how spices like cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper are grown and harvested. You have the chance to purchase some fresh spices for yourself.
We will stay at a beautiful beach resort for the next two nights, where you are free for you to enjoy the tropical beaches, swim in warm turquoise waters and try some of the incredible activities on offer. Go snorkeling to seek out coral reefs and hosts of colorful fish, sail on a dhow, visit the colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, hire a scooter to go exploring or take a guided tour. Zanzibar Island is sure to enchant!
This morning there is still some time for a final exploration of Stone Town on Zanzibar Island as we await the ferry for our journey back to Dar es Salaam. On arriving back in the bustling port city of Dar es Salaam, this memorable Overland Africa Tour comes to an end.
Overland Tour Notes:
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Zambia, Malawi & Tanzania Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Livingstone and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Dar es Salaam to allow for delays and changes.
Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre-tour and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.
This northbound Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Tour also runs in the opposite direction as the Zanzibar to Victoria Falls Africa Overland Tour, starting in Dar es Salaam and ending in Livingstone, Victoria Falls.
This Lodge Overland Tour is also available as a Camping Overland Tour - Zambia, Malawi & Tanzania Safari (Camping Overland Tour) which follows the same itinerary and accommodation is camping at campsites instead of staying in lodges.
For more details contact African Budget Safaris
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
Tanzania & Zanzibar Tour Activities
This tour does take children.
There is a minimum age limit of 8 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departures, however, children aged 8 and 9 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 10 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.
Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
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