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Vic Falls to Stone Town

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Vic Falls to Stone Town

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Now From $ 3,097 AUD
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Description

Travel from the mighty Victoria Falls through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania – to experience all the incredible sights, sounds and cultures Eastern Africa has to offer. Track rhinos on foot and spot lions and leopards on 4×4 game drives. Explore World Heritage-listed sites like the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Meet locals to gain insight into the enduring cultures of these communities. Wind up on the shores of the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar after an unforgettable 17-day journey full of local knowledge and epic adventures.

Trip Name
Vic Falls to Stone Town
Last Updated
2024-04-23
Days
17
Capacity
22
Highlights
  • Track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna including warthogs, leopards, and klipsingers. Learn about the park's cultural significance and San rock paintings.
  • Spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest, impalas and more on not one but two included 4WD safari game drives in Tanzania and Zambia.
  • Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about the rehabilitation of wildlife from poaching and get the chance to meet some rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care.
  • Discover the magic of South Luangwa National Park on a morning and afternoon 4x4 safari game drive with local expert guides, and visit a workshop where local women transform poaching snare wire into jewellery to raise funds for conservation.
  • The east of Africa isn’t all just roaming wildlife and open plains. Along the way, get to know some of the region's vibrant cities, including Lusaka, Harare and Bulawayo.
  • Journey from the interior plains out to some idyllic Indian Ocean hotspots. Stroll along the shores in Dar es Salaam and consider extending your stay in paradisiacal Zanzibar.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure.

Day 1 - Victoria Falls
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and travel group. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Your campground is centrally located in the town of Victoria Falls. After the meeting, your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer, and you can consider booking experiences for tomorrow.
Day 2 - Victoria Falls
Use your free day today to visit the magnificent Victoria Falls. This thundering curtain of water is 1.5 km wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 m and the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and you can see little islets in the river below. Be sure to ask your local leader for their tips and advice on what to do in Victoria Falls.
Day 3 - Bulawayo
Depart Victoria Falls and travel to Bulawayo via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of The Intrepid Foundation’s projects. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the trusts role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. After, arrive in Bulawayo – known locally as the 'City of Kings', Zimbabwe's second-largest city has an interesting history and some impeccable colonial architecture.
Day 4 - Bulawayo
Wake up early and get ready to track rhinos in Matobo National Park. Home to a significant population of black and white rhinoceros that can be tracked on foot. As your expert guide takes you through the park, look out for other game like leopards, warthogs, and springhares. You'll also learn about the local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, and discover San paintings and the fascinating rock formations. The Matopos area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.
Day 5 - Masvingo
Drive to Masvingo today. This settlement – the oldest in Zimbabwe – makes for the perfect base from which to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The ruined city, now a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, was first constructed in the 11th century. It's thought to be the former royal palace of the Zimbabwean monarch. Spend a few hours exploring this intriguing site before heading off to camp for the evening.
Day 6 - Harare
Travel to Harare today. You'll arrive at your destination in time for lunch. You only have an hour or two to explore Zimbabwe's capital city, so if you're feeling active and up for a stroll, get out and make the most of it. Perhaps head to the National Gallery, the museum, the botanical gardens or simply wander the city centre and visit the colourful markets.
Day 7 - Lusaka
Today, you'll cross into Zambia and drive to your campsite just outside Lusaka, Zambia's capital. Your journey begins with a nice scenic drive to the border. At some point during the day there will be an opportunity to stop at an ATM and stock up on any supplies you might need at a shop or market.
Day 8 - Petauke
Spend some time checking out Lusaka before a long day of travel today. You'll see that it's a modern city but still retains a traditional African feel. After, travel on to Petauke, where you'll spend the night.
Day 9 - South Luangwa National Park
After breakfast, travel to a workshop in South Luangwa where local craftswomen take snare wire recovered from poaching traps and transform it into jewellery inspired by the African bush. The women will show you around their purpose-built workshop and give you a chance to try coiling or hammering the wire yourself. For each sale made, a donation is given to anti snare patrols dedicated to the conservation of the region. After, make your way through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River and its lagoons is among the highest in Africa. Many elephants, buffaloes, leopards, Thornicroft’s giraffes and lions are known to roam here. There are also some 400 species of birds inhabiting the area. A great way to experience South Luangwa and its beautiful scenery is to take an optional river trip – ask your group leader for more details.
Day 10 - South Luangwa National Park
Rise early with a light breakfast and get ready for an exhilarating morning game drive in a 4WD with a local guide, then head back to the camp for an early lunch. During the hottest part of the day between safaris, you can either rest in the shade or take an optional village walk to get a glimpse of daily life in the local community. Return to the park for another game drive in the evening.
Day 11 - Lake Malawi
Cross the border into Malawi and continue straight to your camp on the shores of Lake Malawi. Malawi is dominated by its lake, which covers almost a fifth of the country and provides a livelihood for many local people. Fishermen, fish traders and canoe and net makers all ply their trade on the lake. A common sight is that of a fisherman in a bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk) fishing on the still lake at the break of day. Your campsite at Kande Beach is right on the shore, so take some time to rest and relax.
Day 12 - Lake Malawi
This morning you can take an optional walk in the nearby village, an opportunity to meet some local Malawians-easily some of the friendliest people in Africa. Enjoy a free afternoon chilling out on the lake’s sandy shores, time to soak up your idyllic surroundings you can take a dip in the lake or try out cycling to the hilly villages. Perhaps cool off with an optional snorkelling trip with a local guide. Lake Malawi's high alkalinity has resulted in an abundance of brightly coloured fish and relatively low levels of plants. What you end up with is a tropical ocean-like snorkelling experience within a landlocked freshwater lake.
Day 13 - Chitimba
Drive to your camp in Chitimba, which lies along the coast of Lake Malawi and has lovely beaches, friendly locals and a laidback atmosphere. When you arrive, perhaps take a stroll and acquaint yourself with this different part of the lake. Enjoy the scenery of banana palms, papaya trees and the Livingstonia and Nyika mountains looming nearby.
Day 14 - Iringa
Today is a long travel day into Tanzania and its southern highlands. Sit back, relax and watch as the countryside passes by. When you arrive, you'll set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse situated on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement. The area is filled with natural bush land which can make it a bird watchers paradise. Make the most of this rural setting by doing some stargazing before you retire for the night.
Day 15 - Mikumi National Park
Today you'll drive to the edge of Mikumi National Park. Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi is Tanzania's fourth largest national park. In the afternoon we head off on 4WD Game Drive with a local expert guide.This less touristed park is home to impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest and impalas – and maybe even a predator or two if you're lucky!
Day 16 - Dar es Salaam
Settle in for the drive to Sunrise Beach, just south of Dar es Salaam. Be sure to make the most of it – perhaps take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in. Your camp today is on the grounds of a hotel situated next to the beach. You'll have the option to enjoy the warm waters of the ocean and the swimming pool around the campsite.
Day 17 - Stone Town
Catch a ferry to Africa’s 'Spice Island' – Zanzibar. Filled with pristine white-sand shores, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast suggests what the island must have been like in Livingstone's day. The best way to see this exotic port town and its old city (Stone Town) is on foot. When the sun is setting, perhaps enjoy a drink at a nearby bar overlooking the seafront, then a seafood curry at a local restaurant. With no further activities planned on arrival, this trip comes to an end in Stone Town.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-05-202421-05-2024AUD $ 3,385-
26-05-202411-06-2024AUD $ 3,360-
14-07-202430-07-2024AUD $ 3,725-
28-07-202413-08-2024AUD $ 3,455-
04-08-202420-08-2024AUD $ 3,385-
11-08-202427-08-2024AUD $ 3,420-
25-08-202410-09-2024AUD $ 3,385-
01-09-202417-09-2024AUD $ 3,325-
08-09-202424-09-2024AUD $ 3,097-
15-09-202401-10-2024AUD $ 3,295-
29-09-202415-10-2024AUD $ 3,260-
13-10-202429-10-2024AUD $ 3,097-
03-11-202419-11-2024AUD $ 3,135-
01-12-202417-12-2024AUD $ 3,135-
26-01-202511-02-2025AUD $ 3,290-
09-03-202525-03-2025AUD $ 3,290-
20-04-202506-05-2025AUD $ 3,290-
04-05-202520-05-2025AUD $ 3,290-
18-05-202503-06-2025AUD $ 3,425-
15-06-202501-07-2025AUD $ 3,425-
29-06-202515-07-2025AUD $ 3,555-
13-07-202529-07-2025AUD $ 3,555-
27-07-202512-08-2025AUD $ 3,555-
10-08-202526-08-2025AUD $ 3,555-
24-08-202509-09-2025AUD $ 3,555-
31-08-202516-09-2025AUD $ 3,555-
07-09-202523-09-2025AUD $ 3,555-
14-09-202530-09-2025AUD $ 3,425-
28-09-202514-10-2025AUD $ 3,425-
12-10-202528-10-2025AUD $ 3,425-
26-10-202511-11-2025AUD $ 3,425-
09-11-202525-11-2025AUD $ 3,290-
23-11-202509-12-2025AUD $ 3,290-
07-12-202523-12-2025AUD $ 3,290-
28-12-202513-01-2026AUD $ 3,425-
18-01-202603-02-2026AUD $ 3,120-

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (16 nights)

Transport

Overland vehicle,4WD Safari Vehicle,Ferry

Map