Overland Tours Africa Victoria Falls to Dar Es Salaam Zimbabwe Zambia Malawi Tanzania Africa Gap Year Career Break Africa

EAST AFRICAN DISCOVERER – 15 DAYS
VICTORIA FALLS TO DAR ES SALAAM or DAR ES SALAAM TO VICTORIA FALLS

This trip begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and travels north through Zambia, Malawi and Zanzibar before ending in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. It 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 with sandy beaches, while in Zanzibar the intriguing alleyways of old Stone Town can be explored and the exotic palm-backed beaches enjoyed. The trip leaves Victoria Falls early on Sunday mornings. Those wishing to explore Victoria Falls should plan an earlier arrival and accommodation can be booked through Amanzi Travel. In the reverse direction, the trip leaves Dar Es Salaam early on Saturday mornings and anyone wishing to explore Zanzibar should plan an earlier arrival. Accommodation can be booked through Amanzi Travel.

Location:

VICTORIA FALLS TO DAR ES SALAAM or DAR ES SALAAM TO VICTORIA FALLS

Dates:

Departs twice a month

Fees:

£485 - 15 days
USD 280 - Local Payment

Payment:

£180 deposit at time of booking – balance payment of project fee due 12 weeks before departure

Reference:

AT022

Special Offer:

Join the 3 day Hwange Community Experience OR 2 day Chobe Mobile Safari with this trip - 180 USD local payment only

General Information

Please note: This tour operates in both directions

Start and Finish Points: Victoria Falls to Dar es Salaam or Dar Es Salaam to Victoria Falls
Countries visited: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania
Departure Point: Victoria Falls Rest Camp, Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls
Check in time: 8.45 am (Departure time to be advised at pre-departure meeting)
Departure Point: Kipepeo Beach Camp, Plot 4, Mjimwema, Kigambo, Dar Es Salaam
Check in time: 7.30 am (Departure time to be advised at pre-departure meeting)
Pre-Departure Meeting: 5.00 pm the day before at the departure point

Itinerary

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, 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 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!

DAY 2: Victoria Falls to Livingstone (Zambia) (B / L / D)

To-day the expedition leaves Zimbabwe and crosses the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River before entering into Zambia at the town of Livingstone. There will be an opportunity to view the Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - another fantastic photo opportunity. The day affords the opportunity to participate in the activities available in Zambia and in the evening there will be the option to enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi.

DAY 3: Livingstone to Lusaka (B / L / D)

An early morning start sees the group heading north through southern Zambia to the campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife including the largest antelope – Eland.

DAY 4: Lusaka to Chipata (B / L / D)

From Lusaka the expedition will head north east to a beautiful little campsite just 10 km before the Zambia/Malawi border where the night will be spent before heading into Malawi.

DAYS 5 - 9: Chipata to Lake Malawi Beaches (Malawi) (B / L / D)

Leaving Zambia to-day and crossing into Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. the group will 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. The full length of the western side of the lake will be covered, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next five days when it will be possible to learn 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 and see the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and their boating skills will be appreciated by anyone who tries to paddle a dug out canoe themselves! 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 10: Lake Malawi to Iringa (Tanzania) (B / L / D)

After a relaxing five days, the group will leave Malawi, entering Tanzania through the border post at Songwe and take in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations before heading towards Iringa where the night will be spent 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)

The next morning the expedition will make its way to Dar es Salaam passing through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, the group will make its way to the lovely seaside campsite and prepare for departure to Zanzibar the next morning.

DAY 12: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (B)

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes the group to the "Spice Island,” where there is the option to spend the next three 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 the group here to replace those leaving at the end of the excursion to Zanzibar.

PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation and meals are not provided whilst on Zanzibar, as it is felt that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader is available and can arrange accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants. For those passengers not opting to visit the island of Zanzibar, the next three days are spent at leisure at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam.

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 for those who would 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, the group returns to the mainland where addresses are exchanged and goodbyes said, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

Please note that this itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road and weather conditions. All prices and payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries visited there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.

Optional Excursions

Zimbabwe:
Victoria Falls National Park Entry (for viewing the Falls) - $20

Victoria Falls :
White Water Rafting on the Zambezi (full day) - $110
Bungee Jump (111 m) - $105
Tandem Bungee Jump - $145
River Boarding combo Raft and Board - $140
Canoeing on the Zambezi - half day/full day - $90/$105 + $10 park fees
Half Day Adrenaline - Gorge Swing, Zip Line and Flying Fox - $105
Full Day Adrenaline - as above + Abseil and Rap Jump - $140
Elephant Bank Safari - $110
Walk with Lions - $115
Micro Light over the Falls - 15 mins - $120
Micro Light over the Falls - 30 mins - $230
Helicoptor Flight over the Falls - 12 mins - $115
Helicoptor Flight over the Falls -19 - 25 mins - $175 - $220
Zambezi Sunset Cruise - $45
Horse Safaris - 2 hour Novice/3 hour Experienced - $60/$70
Hwange National Park (2 nights/3 day safari) - $450
Chobe Botswana - full day - $170

Please note that all accommodation and activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash

Zambia, Livingstone:
Zambezi Sunset Dinner Cruise (including meal and drinks) - $50

Malawi:
Freshwater Diving at Kande Beach - $40 (additional dives $25 each)
Horse Riding at Kande Beach 2 hour/3 hour (Bush, Beach and Swim) - $50/$70
Village Walk at Kande Beach - from $5
Village Walk at Chitimba Beach - $2
Witch Doctor/Personal Reading - $2/$2
Livingstonia Mission Hike - 30 km return - $5
Carving Lessons and Local Fishing - price to be negotiated on arrival

Tanzania, Zanzibar:
Zanzibar Fast Ferry Return - $10
Transfer to Nungwi - $8
Zanzibar Accommodation - from $20 - $50 per day
Spice Tour including lunch - $20
Prison Island Snorkelling Trip - $20
Dolphin/Jozani Forest - $30/$8
Diving, Snorkelling and Fishing - from $30
Dhow Sunset Cruise - from $20
Motorbike/Car Hire -0 $25 - $30/$50 - $70 + local drivers licence/insurance at $5

All prices are in US dollars. For a more comprehensive list of things to do before, during or after your trip, please email or call Amanzi Travel on 0117 904 1924.
Please Note - these prices are approximate and are subject to change, and where activities occur away from base, there may be an additional transfer cost.

Support

Support and advice is available from Trip Guides whilst on the expedition and from the UK Amanzi Travel Team.
Find out more about Amanzi Travel support.

Orientation

A comprehensive information pack will be sent upon booking the trip and our staff are always on hand to offer further advice and information provided via telephone and email before departure. The day before the trip begins, there will be a full orientation at 5pm at the departure point by the project coordinator including information on the current status of the overland trip. The pre-departure meeting is not essential but it is recommended, and is a great opportunity to meet trip companions.

Accommodation and Meals

These trips are camping trips, and spacious 2-person tents with sewn in ground sheets and a separate fly sheet are provided. Most nights will be spent in organised campsites which usually have hot water showers and extra facilities such as a bar or swimming pool. Increasingly these places have simple roomed accommodation, so on occasion there may be the choice, at extra cost, to upgrade to a bed if wished. Occasionally, when it is not possible to drive any further or when there is no local campsite available, it may be necessary to bush camp. The vehicles are completely self-sufficient for this and camping out in the middle of the African bush can be a memorable experience.

The safari cook does all the cooking on the trip, although it may be necessary to participate in the preparation of the meals on a rota basis. Meals and menus vary depending on what is available locally, but three healthy square meals a day on the road are provided. Fresh fruit and vegetables are purchased from market stalls, supported by a bulk purchase of supplies prior to departure. In the towns and cities there is the optional alternative of sampling the local restaurants.

Getting There

International flights should be arranged into Victoria Falls or Dar Es Salaam Airport. Please arrive in plenty of time for this trip, to allow for flights delays, as the truck will leave early on the day of departure.

(There may be a number of ways to reach your destination airport – for further information or advice please contact Amanzi Travel)
Let Amanzi Travel arrange your flights for you