tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Basix

Overland

Wildlife

Vic Falls to Zanzibar

20 days • 4.5

4.5

Excellent

20 reviews

20 days

Start

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Finish

Zanzibar, Africa

Trip Code

YXOSC

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 22

Physical Rating

Meals

19 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 14 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, 4X4 safari vehicle, Ferry, Minibus

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (16 nights), Hotel (1 night), Bunglow (2 nights)

From £2,173(20 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

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.

Experience the rumble and roar of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side, which gives you the broadest view. You'll have the opportunity to see the cascades from multiple angles, perhaps treating yourself to an unforgettable scenic flight.

Explore the largest ruins in sub-Saharan Africa – the World Heritage-listed Great Zimbabwe – said to once be home to a Zimbabwean monarch!

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 game drive. This park is a highly concentrated arena of noble African beasts and exotic wildflowers.

Is this trip right for you?

This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of the Big Five. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.tuuur.com/africa/overland https://www.tuuur.com/africa/overland (https://www.tuuur.com/africa/overland)

There are many excellent optional activities on this trip. We recommend taking this into consideration when budgeting for your adventure.

Some passengers on this trip will have been travelling together prior to the start of your trip. To see what you're missing out on check out our Cape Town to Zanzibar trip. Search trip code UBOXC on the Tuuur website for more information and to book.

There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

Itinerary

DAY 1
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 this important 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
Victoria Falls - Rafting & river boarding (half day) - USD218
Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61
Victoria Falls - Canoe trail wine route - USD55
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent know. Ask reception or look for a note for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Accommodation upgrades and wi-fi are available.
Tuuur has not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in Optional Activities are recommended. It is against policy for leaders to help book any activities that do not adhere to our Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to these activities. If you are interested in the optional helicopter flight (12 minutes or 25 minutes) we endorse the following operator only: Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Victoria Falls
Use your free time to visit the magnificent Victoria Falls. This thundering curtain of water is one-and-a-half kilometres wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 metres 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance - USD50
Special information
The Victoria Falls entrance fee is not included in the price of the trip as groups are required to have a local guide and we feel that seeing these waterfalls for the first time should be an uninterrupted sensory experience.
You may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all Tuuur travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Bulawayo
Depart Victoria Falls and travel toward Bulawayo (approximately 7 hours) via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of The Tuuur 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. Onwards to Bulawayo – known locally as the 'City of Kings', Zimbabwe's second-largest city has an interesting history and some impeccable colonial architecture.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Tuuur Foundation partner) visit
Special information
In Bulawayo you will stay in a campground with shared facilities and wi-fi. Upgrades are also available (subject to availability).
DAY 4
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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking, Park Visit & San Rock Paintings
Optional activities
Bulawayo - Railway Museum - USD5
Balawayo - Natural History Museum - USD10
DAY 5
Day 5 • Masvingo
Drive the short stretch to Masvingo (approximately 5–6 hours). This colonial settlement – the oldest in Zimbabwe – makes for the perfect base from which to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The ruined city, now a 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Masvingo - Great Zimbabwe Ruins guided visit
Special information
Your campground in Masvingo has shared facilities. Accommodation upgrades and wi-fi are available.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Harare
Travel to Harare today (approximately 5–6 hours). You will 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Optional activities
Harare - National Archives - USD3
Harare - National Botanical Gardens - USD5
Harare - National Gallery - USD10
Special information
Tonight, accommodation upgrades are offered at your camp (subject to availability).
DAY 7
Day 7 • Lusaka
Today you will cross into Zambia and drive to your campsite just outside Lusaka, Zambia's capital (approximately 8 hours). 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Tonight’s camp has shared facilities. Accommodation upgrades are available (subject to availability).
DAY 8
Day 8 • Petauke
Spend some time checking out Lusaka before a long day of travel. You'll see that it's a modern city but still retains a traditional African feel. Afterwards, travel on to Petauke (approximately 8 hours).
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Tonight’s camp tonight has facilities, wi-fi and accommodation upgrades possible (subject to availability).
DAY 9
Day 9 • South Luangwa National Park
After breakfast, travel (approximately 4 hours) 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. Afterwards, make your way through the heartland to South Luangwa National Park (approximately 2 hours). 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
South Luangwa - Anti-Poaching Jewelery Project
Special information
Your camp tonight has basic facilities.
DAY 10
Day 10 • South Luangwa National Park
Rise early for an exhilarating morning game drive in a 4WD vehicle. Enjoy classic savanna scenery while keeping your eyes peeled the parks abundance of wildlife. There’s every chance you may spot a herd of zebra grazing on parched grass or a pride of lions passing by. Midday is the hottest part of the day here, so seek refuge from the sun and return to the camp for lunch.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Afternoon Game Drive
South Luangwa National Park - 4x4 Dawn Game Drive
Optional activities
South Luangwa National Park - Game Walk - USD50
DAY 11
Day 11 • Lake Malawi
Cross the border into Malawi and continue straight to your camp on the shores of Lake Malawi (approximately 9–10 hours). 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
There are upgrades available at tonight’s campsite, but there is no wi-fi available.
DAY 12
Day 12 • Lake Malawi
Enjoy free time today to soak up your idyllic surrounds and take a refreshing dip in beautiful Lake Malawi. As well as chilling out on the lake’s sandy shores, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians – easily some of the friendliest people in Africa.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Optional activities
Lake Malawi - Guided village walks - USD15
Lake Malawi - Bike Hire - USD25
Lake Malawi - Snorkelling - USD25
DAY 13
Day 13 • Chitimba
Drive to your camp in Chitimba (approximately 8 hours). Chitimba 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Special information
Tonight’s camp has facilities and wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are available.
DAY 14
Day 14 • Iringa
Today is a long travel day into Tanzania and its southern highlands (approximately 11 hours). Sit back, relax and watch as the countryside passes by. On arrival you will 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Tonight’s camp has facilities and wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are available.
DAY 15
Day 15 • Mikumi National Park
Today we 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Mikumi National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
Special information
Today's travel time is approximately 5hrs
DAY 16
Day 16 • Dar es Salaam
Settle in for a 7-hour drive to Kipepeo 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Special information
At tonight’s campsite, upgrades are usually possible (subject to availability). There is a swimming pool as well as access to the ocean.
DAY 17
Day 17 • Stone Town
Catch a ferry to Africa's 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar. Filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has had a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in centuries ago. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town, and the best way to see this is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. When the sun is setting, why not grab a drink from a bar overlooking the seafront. A seafood curry at a local restaurant is also a great choice. You'll spend the night in Stone Town at a basic inn.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Stone Town Tour - Dharajani Market, Joseph's Cathederal, Palace Museum, Forodhani Food Market - USD20
Zanzibar - Prison Island Tour - USD25
Stone Town - Handicraft & Music Urban Adventure - USD50
Special information
As this is a combination trip the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travellers. Please note the Zanzibar portion of your itinerary may have more passengers than the maximum group size of 22 as we have a crossover of trips starting and finishing in Zanzibar.
DAY 18
Day 18 • Zanzibar Northern Beaches
Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations, learning all about the history of this town's spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.
Accommodation
Bungalow (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Zanzibar - Spice tour - USD25
Special information
If you choose not to book in on the optional Zanzibar spice tour this morning, you will be transported directly to the island's Northern Beaches.
DAY 19
Day 19 • Zanzibar Northern Beaches
Enjoy free time in this beautiful archipelago today. There are many ways you can spend your day – perhaps talk to your leader for any recommendations they might have. Snorkelling in search of exotic fish is an excellent option, or you could take a traditional dhow boat on the water. You might also like to feast on a sumptuous lunch of grilled local seafood, or just relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book. It's totally up to you!
Accommodation
Bungalow (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Zanzibar - Snorkelling - USD50
Zanzibar - Dhow Trip - USD35
Special information
To book optional activities, please contact Zanzibar Watersports, located at Kendwa Rocks Beach Resort. Zanzibar Watersports is the only provider we have risk assessed and recommend using. However, please keep in mind that we have not risk-assessed all their activities, and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended.
Zanzibar Watersports
Phone or WhatsApp: +255 622 474 444
DAY 20
Day 20 • Stone Town
After checking out of your accommodation this morning, you will make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a centrally-located hotel around 12 pm. With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn't mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to stay on in Zanzibar, either at the Northern Beaches beach resort or in Stone Town, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
If you wish to organise onward transfers today, please note that the easiest option is to fly out of Zanzibar Airport. However, if you have arranged to fly out of Dar es Salaam Airport, ferries depart Zanzibar at 7.30 am, 9.30 am, 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm. It's important to allow enough time to get back to mainland Africa if you need to catch your departing flight from Dar es Salaam. Speak to your group leader earlier in your trip for more information.

Inclusions

Meals

19 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 14 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, 4X4 safari vehicle, Ferry, Minibus

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (16 nights), Hotel (1 night), Bunglow (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Sunday Mar 09, 2025

Friday Mar 28, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 10 spaces left

£2,415£2,173

Sunday Apr 20, 2025

Friday May 09, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 16 spaces left

£2,415

Sunday May 04, 2025

Friday May 23, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 17 spaces left

£2,415

Sunday May 18, 2025

Friday Jun 06, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 16 spaces left

£2,415

Sunday Jun 15, 2025

Friday Jul 04, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 5 spaces left

£2,530

Sunday Jun 29, 2025

Friday Jul 18, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 7 spaces left

£2,585

Sunday Jul 13, 2025

Friday Aug 01, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 7 spaces left

£2,739

Sunday Jul 27, 2025

Friday Aug 15, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 11 spaces left

£2,607

Sunday Aug 10, 2025

Friday Aug 29, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 18 spaces left

£2,607

Sunday Aug 24, 2025

Friday Sep 12, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 17 spaces left

£2,607

Sunday Aug 31, 2025

Friday Sep 19, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 18 spaces left

£2,607

Sunday Sep 07, 2025

Friday Sep 26, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 16 spaces left

£2,607

Sunday Sep 14, 2025

Friday Oct 03, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 20 spaces left

£2,607

Sunday Sep 28, 2025

Friday Oct 17, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 14 spaces left

£2,508

Sunday Oct 12, 2025

Friday Oct 31, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 21 spaces left

£2,508

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. This trip is a combination of YXON and YXOS of our most popular itineraries. As such the make up of your group and your leader may change on Day 17.

3. The Zanzibar portion of your itinerary may have a few more passengers than the maximum group size of 22 as we have a crossover of trips starting and finishing in Zanzibar.

4. This trip starts in Victoria Falls on Day 1 at 4pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Victoria Falls. This trip finishes upon arrival in Stone Town on Day 20. Please do not book any flights until after 2pm this afternoon.

Reviews (23)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Rebecca

Jan 15, 2025

Our 3 weeks in Southern Africa will now on my list of all time favourite roadtrips! The scenery, wildlife, and communities we saw were outstanding. felt very well cared for by Intrepid.

Jean

Dec 19, 2024

Victoria Falls to Stone Town was a fantastic trip. The crew were wonderful, always smiling and helpful and informative. We saw lots of varied landscapes, lots of animals, including the big five, the ugly five, a pack of painted dogs, black backed jackal, lots of giraffes and zebras, impalas, etc.

Rebecca

Oct 17, 2024

Had the best experience of our lives, it was our first trip to Africa and definitely not the last. All of the included trips are amazing, the accommodation and campsites were so beautiful. Definitely stay longer in the last hotel in Zanzibar afterwards, you’ll thank me later!

Matthew

Oct 15, 2024

What a fantastic overland tour of Southern-Eastern Africa. There's lots of driving but if you like watching the world go by, it's awesome. Activities and destinations great and our crew of Erellah, Wilson and John went above and beyond. Higjky recommend this trip

Lucy

Sep 04, 2024

This trip was fantastic. The animal encounters we had were incredible. A leopard encounter so special even the safari drivers were taking photos and we got to watch it hunt. We also saw lots of lions both in the day sleeping and at night looking for prey. The rhino tracking was spectacular - you almost certainly see them and very close. All the encounters also felt pretty ethical - we didn’t get so close as to disturb them and when we saw the lions looking for prey we left them to it so we didn’t scare off the prey. Our guide was excellent, our chef made amazing food (some local dishes for us to try and some more western food)and I made plenty of friends with the amazing people on this trip. The tents were very good quality and let in no light. The only part of this trip that could be improved is some sets of long travel days (three days full on travelling from Great Zimbabwe to South Luanga) could be separated by another activity and there could be a few more authentic cultural experience such as local lunches in villages. Be prepared for long travel days (sometimes longer than in the trip notes thanks to the state of the roads) but the activities in between will be once-in-a-lifetime.

Michaela

Jun 15, 2024

Excellent trip that open your eyes to the world if you allow it. Offers everything from scenery to cultural experiences and of course some amazing animal viewing.

Charlotte

Jun 14, 2024

The driving days are (very) long but so worth it! The game drives were phenomenal, as were our wonderful crew of Mambo, Chalo and Ken. Amazing food, amazing company, amazing trip through some largely unvisited spots in Africa.

Lucy

Dec 19, 2023

If you're thinking of doing this trip just do it you'll never regret it and it's the most amazing experience.

Shirley

Dec 19, 2023

Don't think twice - book it ! I was jealous of those doing longer trips that connected up to this one. From having never camped before I am a complete convert - mainly because we were so incredibly well looked after by our crew. This is definitely a "journey" rather than a typical "holiday" - fantastic to visit less visited national parks - our sittings felt very special and unique.

Chelsea

Nov 25, 2023

I really enjoyed this trip. Tip: make sure you purchase a Kaza Visa for Zimbabwe if you plan on viewing the Vic falls from both sides! Our group leaders were excellent, as was our group. I so enjoyed my first Africa trip, and I know I will be returning.

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS

TRIP STARTS

TRIP ENDS