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Journey from Victoria Falls to exotic Zanzibar on this exciting 16-day lodge overland tour. Experience the wildlife wonders of South Luangwa National Park, unwind on Lake Malawi's pristine shores, and traverse Tanzania's scenic highlands before discovering Zanzibar's historic Stone Town and tropical Nungwi beaches.
Combining comfortable lodge accommodation with outstanding game viewing, authentic cultural encounters, and Indian Ocean relaxation, this multi-country adventure delivers Africa's finest experiences at exceptional value.
On this overland tour, you may encounter tourist activities offering close interactions with wild animals, such as walking with lions or riding elephants. We do not encourage or endorse any operations that involve direct contact with wildlife.
To learn why these activities are detrimental to Africa's wildlife, please see our blog post: Things to Avoid in Africa & Helpful Alternatives
__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 join the Great East Road, crossing scrubland dotted with majestic acacia trees and thatch hut villages, watching people go about their daily lives. We overnight just south of Zambia's capital city, Lusaka. Our Safari Camp is a peaceful, shady oasis surrounded by natural bush where you may encounter animals such as impala, giraffe, zebra and fantastic birdlife!
Today, our Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Tour travels via the 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 that crosses 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 for the eyes, 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. Jewellery 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 4, 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 Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Tour, we cross the border into Malawi, often referred to 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 renowned for its exceptionally clear and clean water, as well as its incredible fish diversity, boasting 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 throughout the year. 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 7 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 cross 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 Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Tour 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. We stay at a comfortable safari camp for two nights. You are free to relax by the pool or book some optional activities like Mikumi Safari game drives (own expense), where the open Mkata Floodplains host large herds of herbivores enjoying the juicy grazing, or a choice of cultural tours.
Today, our epic Africa overland 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 the 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 colourful, 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 northern beaches of Nungwi 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 learn about the modern spice trade and discover how spices like cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper are cultivated and harvested. You have the chance to purchase some fresh spices for yourself.
Over the next two nights, we’ll be staying at a blissful beachfront resort, where you can unwind by the ocean, take a dip in the pool, or rent a bike to discover the local area. Spend these two days enjoying the various activities and attractions available. Whether you decide to venture out and explore or simply lounge on the beach and bask in the sun, you're sure to create unforgettable memories of the Zanzibar Beaches.
We savour our final breakfast at our Nungwi accommodation this morning, say goodbye to our fellow travellers, and head back to Stone Town, where our 16-day Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Tour will conclude.
Please note: You have the option to either end your safari at your Nungwi accommodation or join the group for the transfer to Stone Town.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this overland 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 Stone Town, allowing for potential 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 Overland Tour also runs in the opposite direction as the Zanzibar to Victoria Falls Africa Overland Tour, starting in Nungwi 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, with accommodation provided at campsites instead of 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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