This epic 29-day overland adventure offers incredible value and a rich taste of Africa, journeying through six diverse countries. With a mix of superb wildlife viewing, cultural encounters, historical insights, and comfortable lodge stays, this tour is the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation.
Beginning on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls, the tour explores Namibia’s lush Caprivi Strip and Botswana’s top wildlife destinations, including the Okavango Delta's Khwai River Region & Moremi, as well as Chobe National Park. Enjoy unique experiences, such as a traditional mokoro ride through the delta waterways, ancient rock art in the Kalahari Desert, and the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans. Travel onward to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park for exceptional wildlife and birding, then unwind along Lake Malawi, wind your way through Tanzania's highlands and Great Rift Valley before ending on Zanzibar’s sun-drenched beaches.
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Your epic Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Safari departs Zimbabwe, heading west into Namibia’s Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), a lush area rich in wildlife. After settling into our tranquil riverside lodge, enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
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We continue along the Caprivi Strip, taking a leisurely drive through verdant landscapes to the banks of the Okavango River at Divundu. Wildlife sightings along the route may include elephants and rare species of antelope. Settle into a riverside lodge for a two-night stay.
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Today, our budget Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Safari tour takes a slow cruise upriver to the cascading rapids of the beautiful Popa Falls, keeping a lookout for wildlife along the way. Return to the lodge to relax before embarking on a 4x4 game drive in Mahangu National Park, known for elephants, buffalo, sable, and roan antelope.
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Crossing into the third country on our tour, Botswana, we make our way to a remote lodge that is a haven on the lush northern edge of the Okavango Delta. Enjoy a peaceful sunset boat cruise among the delta's winding waterways.
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Our Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Safari heads into the remote reaches of the Kalahari Desert today for a fascinating visit to Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO heritage site often dubbed the "Louvre of the Desert." Take a guided walk looking out for the 4,500 rock paintings offering a fascinating 100,000-year record of human activity.
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Traveling from the delta through the Kalahari to Maun, we pass the Orapa Diamond Mine and skirt the Makgadikgadi Pans. Relax at the comfortable lodge in Maun before our adventure into the heart of the Okavango Delta.
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After an optional Delta scenic flight, we are collected in 4x4 safari vehicles to travel into the delta and our rustic tented camp in the Khwai River region, which will be home for two nights. Enjoy a sunset mokoro (canoe) excursion through the delta waterways for a serene immersion into this incredible place.
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Today features one of the highlights of our Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Safari, spending a full day exploring the Moremi Game Reserve, considered one of Africa’s most beautiful wildlife areas. Take a 4x4 safari game drive through Moremi’s diverse wetlands, grasslands, and savannah woodlands in search of abundant wildlife, from Africa's Big Five to the endangered African Wild Dog, and an incredible array of birdlife.
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Take a final drive through the Okavango Delta looking for wildlife on the way back to Maun. After reuniting with the overland safari vehicle in Maun, head out into the Kalahari Desert and the vast beauty of the Makgadigadi Pans. Overnight at a lodge in Nata frequented by wild elephants, often seen drinking at the waterhole at the lodge.
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Begin the day with an early bush walk, offering a close-up encounter with nature and a chance to spot animal tracks and hidden signs often missed on game drives. Then, your Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Tour travels towards Kasane and the Chobe River. Arrive in time for lunch and a rest before heading out on a game-viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River, spotting the incredible wildlife of the Chobe National Park, known for large elephant herds.
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Your Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Safari crosses once again into Zimbabwe, and takes the short ride back to Victoria Falls. The rest of day 11 and day 12 are yours to enjoy as you wish. Explore the mighty Victoria Falls – known as “The Smoke That Thunders” by locals for the mist that rises with the power of the waterfall. There is a host of optional activities available, from a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, Scenic helicopter flight, adrenaline activities like bungy jumping and bridge swings, a Theatre show, or a game drive in Chobe National Park. Alternatively, relax at the lodge or explore the shops and markets in Victoria Falls village.
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Tonight we stay in Livingstone on the Zambia bank of the Zambezi River. You may choose to transfer across the border to Livingstone in the morning or afternoon and are free to spend another day as you wish.
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A full travel day through Zambia’s rural heartland, arriving in Zambia's capital city, Lusaka, by evening.
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Your epic Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Safari continues eastward along Zambia's Great East Road, passing farms and rural villages. Cross the Luangwa River before reaching the town of Petauke, where we overnight.
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We make our way to the Luangwa River, stopping at Mulberry Mongoose to view handcrafted jewellery made from organic local materials. Settle into your tented camp on the banks of the Luangwa River, a short distance from renowned South Luangwa National Park. Enjoy one of Africa’s best sunsets along the riverbank.
Travel Highlights:
Your Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Tour has the day to explore the world-renowned South Luangwa. You have the option to make an early start with a game drive or walking safari, or you may wish to visit the Mulberry Mongoose workshop. Later in the day, set off on a sunset game drive, stopping to enjoy another spectacular sunset and continuing after dark in search of the fascinating nocturnal creatures not seen during the day.
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We continue east, crossing into Malawi and heading to the southern shores of Lake Malawi, home to more freshwater fish species than any other lake, including the tiny cichlid fish popular in fish tanks around the world. We stay at a beautiful lakeside lodge for the next two nights. Your time is free to relax, soaking up the sunshine and swimming in the lake, stroll along the shores, or embark on an optional guided walk to a nearby waterfall.
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Today, your Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Safari is back on the overland vehicle, headed north following the lake. Settle into your beautiful lodge on the northern shores of Lake Malawi and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the lake.
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We cross into Tanzania and overnight at a lodge nestled at the foot of the Mbeya mountain range, on the edge of the East African Rift Valley in Southern Tanzania’s renowned coffee-growing region.
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Begin the day with a visit to the nearby coffee plantation to learn about bean production and sample some of the coffee. Then your Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Safari is back on the road, ascending the Great Rift Valley to Iringa, where we overnight.
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Your Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Safari continues east, making a stop at iconic Baobab Valley, a stunning landscape of ancient, towering baobab trees that provide a dramatic backdrop for a group photo. Arrive at your safari lodge near Mikumi National Park, Tanzania's fourth largest national park, in time to take an optional afternoon game drive. Day 24 is yours to spend as you wish. You may opt to relax at the lodge or embark on a game drive in Mikumi National Park or go on a cultural tour to learn more about Tanzanian local life.
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We travel to the coast to overnight in Dar es Salaam or Bagamoyo ahead of our journey to Zanzibar in the morning.
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Today, your Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Safari makes an early start to catch the ferry to boat to Zanzibar Island. For your first night, you will stay at a centrally located hotel in historic Stone Town, the bustling main town on the island.
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After breakfast, head out to explore Stone Town on foot, visiting its historic landmarks (including the birthplace of Queen singer, Freddy Mercury). You are then collected to drive to the beach resort that will be home for the next two nights. En route, stop for a spice tour to walk through local spice-growing farms that made the island famous. Then, settle into your beach resort to relax in the sunshine and enjoy a host of water activities like snorkelling, dhow boat trips, or tours around the island.
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Your unforgettable Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Safari concludes after breakfast today. You may choose to end your tour at the beach or take the transfer back to Stone Town.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Lodge Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Stone Town, Zanzibar, 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 tour combines two styles of our tours, operating on two vehicle types:
This tour combines two styles of our tours, with meal preparation as follows:
This Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland Lodge Safari from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) to Zanzibar is also available as a camping safari. This cost-effective option follows the same route, but much of the accommodation is camping in standard campsites rather than lodge accommodation. Speak to your travel consultant for more details.
For more details, contact African Budget Safaris
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