Tour itinerary
DAY 1: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (B)
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we have the option to spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation and Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants.
DAYS 2 & 3: Zanzibar
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is famous for its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the island. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.
DAY 4: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam (D)
Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland and another night in Dar es Salaam.
DAY 5: Dar es Salaam to Iringa (B / L / D)
This morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south. We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. We travel towards Iringa where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!
DAYS 6 to 10: Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (B / L / D)
Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ through the border post at Songwe. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 5 days.Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine white beaches. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dug out canoe yourself! The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horse back rides and a visit to the local village and school.
DAY 11: Lake Malawi to Chipata (Zambia) (B / L / D)
From Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia where we spend the night in a beautiful little campsite just 10 km after the Malawi/Zambia border.
DAY 12: Chipata to Lusaka (B / L / D)
From Chipata, we head south to Lusaka to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife including Africa’s largest antelope – Eland.
DAY 13: Lusaka to Livingstone (B / L / D)
An early morning start sees us head south to Livingstone. Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity. Tonight we have the OPTION of enjoying a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.
DAY 14: Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (B)
We leave Zambia and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering into Zimbabwe at the town of Victoria Falls. Here in Africa’s adventure capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite. The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe - a fantastic photo opportunity. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!
OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
DAY 15: Victoria Falls (B)
After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
We suggest you extend your stay by a few days to participate in some of the exciting activities available here.