Overland participation camping safari from Victoria Falls and travelingnorth through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and finishing in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. .
Trip rating 5.0/10 from 1 trip review
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Overall operator rating 9.3/10 from 53 trip reviews
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This trip: 15-days Victoria Falls to Zanzibar Overland
Rating:
rating 5/10
Comment:
I was in the vic falls-dar trip and had a wonderful time.
The food was great, accomodation as expected and the sightswonderful...
Two things i just wanted to mention:
we were all very disappointed with our tour leader Belinda. She was very unapproachable and didnt really seem to want to help. She was ill for the most of the time but told us that she never took holidays so was always run down and catching illnesses. She also didnt seem to have much knowledge of the places we went to, and many of the group had more answers to questions than she did. She was tired and grouchy for most of the time and many of us felt like a burden to her!!
Secondly we thought the house boats on lake kariba were pretty over-priced for what they were. I assume the high price is set by the South African owner, but we were a little shocked especially as we had to take all our own food from the truck onto the boat!!
BUT other than these two things, the trip was amazing, and i hope you dont think i am one the complaining types!!
We made lots of wonderful friends and saw such amazing sights.....i would def do it again.
i was also very impressed by the efficiency and regular contact made by the operators (in particular Robyn) before and after the trip.
Tour Operators Reply:
I have noted the client’s comments in regard to Belinda – I am not making excuses for her but I can only conclude that she was feeling very ill on this section of the trip. I know she was getting over a bad case of malaria just prior to departure & I think she probably did fail to exceed the client’s expectations because of this.
We did manage to replace her a the end of this trip and give her some much needed rest & have received email below from a recent client on her Gorilla Safari to say
"Belinda was utterly brilliant : it was not easy to cope with the 31 people as some had quite different views to others and she managed to keep us all under control. We were travelling with other people who were experienced Overlanders and they commented on how we always ran to shedule and how she coped with the puncture and the truck breakdown. We also had a problem with a taxi driver trying to over charge us and she sorted it out straight away."
We take responsibility for the negative feedback from Bee, it was peak season and we simply was not able to replace her for that section of the trip.
Itinerary
This trip offers scenic landscapes, tranquil lakes, mighty waterfalls and tropical beaches. Victoria Falls is one of the world’s natural wonders, and there are plenty of adventure activities on offer based around the mighty Zambezi River. Lake Malawi is a peaceful inland freshwater sea where it’s impossible not to relax on the sandy beaches, while Zanzibar is a cultural melting pot where you can explore the intriguing alleyways of old Stone Town and enjoy the exotic palm-backed beaches.
This trip begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and travels north through Zambia, Malawi and Zanzibar, before ending in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
This trip departs from Victoria Falls on Sunday morning. Should you wish to explore Victoria Falls, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation can be booked through us.
Day 1: Victoria Falls Today is spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. AT 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, the Victoria Falls are one of the most memorable sights on this African safari. All year round, flights can be taken in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters. Back on the ground, the falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points or from the Zambian side. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats", where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
Optional Excursions include trips into the Zambezi National Park; 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 2: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park, Botswana (B / L / D) We head out from Victoria Falls to the border crossing to Botswana. Once we’ve completed the border formalities, we continue to the town of Kasane, situated on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia and is the main water source to the Chobe National Park. After lunch, we take a boat cruise along the Chobe River. Once we return and are packed and prepared, we leave for our Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile excursion – an overnight experience in the wilds of the Chobe National park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their majestic backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s that swoop by! After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and heading back to Kasane.
Day 3: Chobe National Park to Livingstone (Zambia) (Brunch / D) Once returning to the camp at Kasane, we get back on our truck and continue to the town of Livingstone. This afternoon we have the opportunity to view The Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia or partake in a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River. Another fantastic photo opportunity!
Day 4: Livingstone to Lusaka (B / L / D) An early morning start sees us head north through southern Zambia to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka. As we drive, we pass through a few of the villages and towns of Zambia along the way. Prosperous during the copper boom in the 60’s, Zambia was able to build infrastructure at the main mining and farming communities. After the fall of the copper industry, the country was left virtually bankrupt and existing infrastructure was left to fall to ruin. Due to foreign investment and a rise in the mining industry, Zambia is today once again starting to prosper. The difference is evident in the cities with the availability of foreign stores, banks and imported cars, while the villages and smaller towns are still to catch up. Our campsite is home to some local wildlife including the largest antelope – Eland.
Day 5: Lusaka to Chipata (B / L / D) From Lusaka we head north east on the old ‘East Road’ to a beautiful little campsite located just 10 km before the Zambia/Malawi border. In the days of old, the route from Cairo to Cape Town passed through Lusaka and it’s along this route to Malawi we travel today. While today is mostly spent driving, we do cross the impressive Luangwa River Bridge which is heavily guarded due to its close proximity to the Zimbabwean & Malawian borders. We’ll also stop off to purchase some fresh produce and coal from the local sellers along the way. Mamarula’s campsite is where we spend the night before heading into Malawi.
DaysS 6 to 9: Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches (Malawi) (B / L / D) Leaving Zambia we cross into Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. We stop off in the capital, Lilongwe, a small city distinctively divided into the old town and the new administrative centre. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We camp first at the central Lake, and then in the northern area over the next 4 days.
Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine 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 dugout canoe yourself! At night you’ll see the ‘fairy’ lights of the fishermen out on the lake. The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horseback rides and a visit to the local village and school (see pricing guide at the end of this document).
Day 10: Lake Malawi to Iringa (Tanzania) (B / L / D) After a relaxing 4 days, we leave Malawi, entering Tanzania through the border post at Songwe. Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Iringa where we spend the night in the beautiful rustic ‘Farmhouse’ campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!
Day 11: Iringa to Dar es Salaam (B / L / D) This morning we head off early and make our way to Dar es Salaam. 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. Today’s drive time is extended due to the heavier amount of traffic heading in to the city, but the sights and sounds of Dar’s vibrant outer suburbs are sure to keep you entertained. Look out for the colourful shop-fronts with their sometimes humorous ‘catch phrases’. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.
Day 12: 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. New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.
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, and in accordance with their own budget. The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants. There are also a wide variety of optional excursions on offer – please see the price guide on the end of this document for more details.
For those not opting to visit the island of Zanzibar, the next 3 days are spent at leisure at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam. There are various optional excursions available from the camp including diving, snorkelling and fishing trips. The driver and cook remain behind in Dar es Salaam during the excursion.
Days 13 & 14: 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 15: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam Leaving Zanzibar in the afternoon, we return to the mainland arriving back to camp in the late afternoon, or early evening. On arrival, where we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
Price: GBP 445 plus Local Payment US$ 390
Optional Excursions Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip. - these prices are approximate and are subject to change - where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - White Water Rafting on the Zambezi US$ 130 Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - Bungee Jump US$ 135 Zambia, Livingstone - Sunset Dinner Cruise US$ 80 Malawi, Lake Malawi - Water Skiing US$ 45 Malawi, Lake Malawi - Village Walk & Meal US$ 15 Tanzania, Zanzibar - Accommodation p/p/p/n From US$35 to US$50 Tanzania, Zanzibar - Stone Town - Spice Tour US$ 30 **Please note that all accommodation & activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash (GBP & ZAR also accepted at a lower rate).
Please Note: 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 & Local Payments 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 trip.
Your arrival transfer and pre-trip accommodation in a dorm bed is included in your trip price. Should you choose not to make use of these, or in the event that we are not updated with your arrival details, no refund will be paid for services not used.
