Toll Free Numbers: 1-888-414-6513 0-808-189-1052, All Other Countries - +27 21 791 0878
Zanzibar beach by Jenn

Vic Falls to Dar es Salaam Overland Family Safari

Tour Length16 days
Priced from pps $1500 R28438 £1179 1380 A$2288 C$2030 NZ$2466 Full pricing info
Change Currency

Summary of this Family Overland Tour

  • Max. Group Size 29 Travellers
  • Departs from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  • Ends at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  • Accommodation Standard Camping
  • Transport Ferry / Large Overland Vehicle / Open 4x4 Game Viewing Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

A wild 16-day Vic Falls to Dar es Salaam Family Safari from Zimbabwe to Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania, with an optional trip to Zanzibar Island.

Start at the mighty Victoria Falls where adventure activities abound, before exploring Botswana's Chobe National Park on an overnight camping trip. Then cross into Zambia for game viewing in the remote South Luangwa National Park and head to the pretty shores of Lake Malawi. Next up, travel through Tanzania to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar Island, where African and Arabic cultures mingle and idyllic palm-fringed beaches meet the warm Indian Ocean waters.

An exciting Budget Family Safari that visits diverse African countries known for their wild places, abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery. A truly African family experience that mixes beaches, natural wonders, the untamed bush and cultural highlights!

Responsible Travel Note

During this trip, you are likely to come across activities that encourage tourists to participate in lion, elephant or other wildlife interactions. This includes walking with lions, riding elephants and any other tourist operation putting travellers 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.

Enquire About This
Departure Dates
Send to a Friend

Itinerary for this Tour

DAY 1 & 2: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

It all begins at Victoria Falls where we spend the first two days of our budget-friendly African safari. Upon your arrival at Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), you are collected and transferred to our first camp.

On day two, we visit one of the natural wonders of the world - the mighty Vic Falls waterfall. Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning 'the Smoke that Thunders', is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and about 100 m high.

Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy numerous optional adventure activities at Victoria Falls, known as the Adventure Capital of Africa, and explore the historic town. Optional activities include scenic flights over Vic Falls by fixed-wing plane, helicopter or micro-light. Trips to Livingstone Island, horseback safaris, sunset boat cruises and swimming in Devil's Pool are also available. There is the bungee jump from Victoria Falls Bridge, or the abseil down the Batoka Gorge for thrill-seekers, as well as world-class white water rafting on the Zambezi River!

  • Included Activity: Victoria Falls National Park Entry

DAY 3: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park – Botswana

Grab breakfast before we drive across into Botswana, heading to Kasane, where we camp along Chobe River. We take a break and have lunch at our camp along Chobe River where you can spot hippos and hear fish eagles calling. Then we get ready for our overnight camping trip in Chobe National Park.

The rest of the afternoon in spent game viewing in Chobe National Park, en route to our bush camp in the reserve. Giraffes, buffalos and antelopes, such as kudu, impala, sable and roan, are often sighted, among other animals. There are also plenty of birds, including raptors, plovers and lilac-breasted rollers to be seen.

Tonight we camp in the middle of the bush, listening to the nocturnal noises of untamed nature and the wild animals of Chobe.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Included Activity: Chobe National Park Mobile Camping Trip

DAY 4: Chobe National Park to Livingstone – Zambia

This morning we take a game drive in Chobe Park and pack up camp before returning to Kasane. Back at the camp in Kasane, we board the safari truck and drive to Livingstone in Zambia.

In the afternoon you have time to go see Victoria Falls from Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the Zambian side. In the late afternoon, you can enjoy a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, a great way to spot animals and birds while relaxing at the end of an action-packed day.

  • Meals: Brunch & Dinner
  • Optional Activity: Zambezi Sunset Cruise

DAY 5: Livingstone to Lusaka – Zambia

We get up early today and drive north into Zambia, passing rural villages along the way to our next camp. Stopping just outside of the Zambian capital, Lusaka, we camp at a spot visited by eland, the biggest of Africa's antelope species.

Zambia is becoming more prosperous and its cities more westernized due to a resurgence in mining, but the country still largely retains its African feel and ways of life, free of major modern developments.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 6 & 7: Lusaka to South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

Today we drive to South Luangwa National Park, one of the finest game parks in Africa, known for its wild beauty. Today and tomorrow we explore this scenic and untamed wilderness area on game drives, immersed in nature.

The Luangwa River runs through this remote game park covering the lushest 9050 km² of the Luangwa Valley. The park is inhabited by some 60 animal species and 420 bird species, most conspicuously large elephant herds, numerous buffalos, hippos and crocodiles. Zebras, giraffes and a variety of antelope species are regularly sighted, and sometimes leopards.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Included Activity: Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park

DAYS 8 - 10: Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches – Malawi

Next, we drive into Malawi, best known for its massive fresh-water lake - Lake Malawi - and its friendly people. First stop, Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi.

Then we head to Lake Malawi, travelling up along the western shores of the 580 km long lake. Our trip takes us to the pretty bays and sandy beaches along the length of the southernmost of the Great Lakes in the East African Rift Valley. We visit fishing villages where you can meet the locals, eat fresh fish, shop at markets and even play the local game called bao. The climate in this part of Malawi is warm and mild, ideal for relaxing on the beaches, paddling in dug-out canoes and swimming in the clear waters of Lake Malawi. Other activities include village and school visits, horse riding, snorkelling and more watersports.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 11: Lake Malawi to Iringa – Tanzania

On day 11 we cross into Tanzania, travelling via the Tukuyu banana and tea plantations and the Songwe border post. Our scenic drive brings us to Iringa, where we stay at a farm-style guest house, known for its steamy showers and Amarula hot chocolate.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 12: Iringa to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania

Today we drive to Dar es Salaam, passing through Mikumi National Park en route to the coastal city. Driving through the national park gives us a chance to spot the relatively habituated wildlife up close along the road. Arriving at our lovely seaside campsite on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, we relax and get ready for our trip to Zanzibar Island.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 13: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Islands

This morning we catch a ferry to Zanzibar Island, off the coast of Tanzania. The next few days are free for you to explore the tropical islands of the Zanzibar Archipelago enjoying the idyllic beaches and cultural riches of these old trade route islands. Zanzibar was once a major stopover on trading voyages between the East and West, and colonial explorations of East Africa.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Included Activity: Zanzibar Islands Trip

Please Note:

On Zanzibar, meal and extra activity expenses are not included in the tour price. The safari guide accompanies the tour group to the main island and is there to assist you with activity and meal arrangements. Zanzibar is one of Africa's top beach destinations and as such features an array of restaurants, sights and activities.

New passengers may join the safari on the trip to Zanzibar.

DAYS 14 & 15: Zanzibar Island

The Zanzibar Islands are known as the 'Spice Islands' due to the aromatic spices that are grown here. We do a spice plantation tour to smell, see and taste the colourful spices, from cloves and nutmeg to cinnamon and pepper. Walk through old Stone Town to see the strong Arabic influences in Medina shopfronts, old palaces and mosques. Zanzibar is a culturally diverse and historically interesting destination, as well as being a superb beach getaway.

Spend blissful hours on the white-sand, palm-fringed beaches, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, sipping on cocktails and eating fresh seafood. Zanzibar is also one of Africa's top scuba diving destinations, with options including day trips to smaller islands like Nungwe. Traditional dhow sailing trips are a unique way of exploring the islands and visiting the pristine Prison Island to see giant tortoises.

Our safari also includes a dhow sunset cruise in a traditional East African sailing vessel.

  • Included Activity: Zanzibar Spice Tour & Dhow Trip

DAY 16: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam – Tanzania

On day 16 we leave Zanzibar Island in the afternoon taking the ferry back to Dar es Salaam. Early this evening our Vic Falls to Dar es Salaam Family Camping Safari comes to a close in Tanzania.

Please Note:

This Budget Family Safari begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and travels north through Zambia, Malawi and Zanzibar, ending in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Should you wish to spend a few extra days in Victoria Falls or Dar es Salaam, before and/or after your safari, 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 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.

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

ZIMBABWE ACTIVITIES:

VICTORIA FALLS ACTIVITIES:

  • White Water Rafting - Full Day
  • River Boarding combo Raft & Board 
  • Canoeing on the Zambezi - Half Day/ Full Day
  • Half Day Adrenaline - George Swing, Zip-line & Flying Fox 
  • Bungee Jump (111m)
  • Tandem Bungee Jump
  • Micro Light over Falls
  • Helicopter Flights over Falls 
  • Trip T-Shirt

MALAWI ACTIVITIES:

  • Freshwater Diving at Kande Beach
  • Horse Riding at Kande Beach (Bush, Beach & Swim)                             
  • Village Walk & Meal at Kande Beach 
  • Traditional Healer Visit 
  • Livingstonia Mission Hike
  • Carving Lessons & Local Fishing

TANZANIA: ZANZIBAR ACTIVITIES: 

  • Prison Island Snorkeling Trip
  • Diving, Snorkeling & Fishing
  • Motorbike/ Car Hire 
  • Local drivers license/insurance

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

Children of 6 years and older, travelling with accompanying parents or guardian, are accepted on this family-friendly tour.

Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.

Enquire About This
Departure Dates
Send to a Friend

Browse Similar Trips

Filter Tours by Price, Length & Destinations

+Where does the tour go to?
+Optional Activities & Day Trips
For confirmed pricing on these optional items, please drop us an enquiry

ZIMBABWE ACTIVITIES:

VICTORIA FALLS ACTIVITIES:

  • White Water Rafting - Full Day
  • River Boarding combo Raft & Board 
  • Canoeing on the Zambezi - Half Day/ Full Day
  • Half Day Adrenaline - George Swing, Zip-line & Flying Fox 
  • Bungee Jump (111m)
  • Tandem Bungee Jump
  • Micro Light over Falls
  • Helicopter Flights over Falls 
  • Trip T-Shirt

MALAWI ACTIVITIES:

  • Freshwater Diving at Kande Beach
  • Horse Riding at Kande Beach (Bush, Beach & Swim)                             
  • Village Walk & Meal at Kande Beach 
  • Traditional Healer Visit 
  • Livingstonia Mission Hike
  • Carving Lessons & Local Fishing

TANZANIA: ZANZIBAR ACTIVITIES: 

  • Prison Island Snorkeling Trip
  • Diving, Snorkeling & Fishing
  • Motorbike/ Car Hire 
  • Local drivers license/insurance
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Camping accommodation
  • Transport
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Activities as indicated
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • International flights and visas
  • Airport departure taxes
  • Departure transfer
  • Travel Insurance
  • Laundry, tips and personal Items
  • Sleeping bag and pillows
+Departure Dates

Scheduled Tour Departures
Click on a departure date to enquire

If you do not see departures listed for your dates, please do contact us for further info.

Explore the Route

Map

1. Unguja, Tanzania

Unsure of where, when or what to book? Talk to a friendly human!

Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.

The African Budget Safaris team

We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour. We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.

Talk to us today