Begin your journey in Livingstone, Zambia, the gateway to the iconic Victoria Falls. From there, venture to South Luangwa National Park, renowned for its abundant wildlife and walking safaris, offering an up-close experience of Africa’s natural wonders. Cross into Malawi to relax by the sparkling waters of Lake Malawi, where golden beaches and vibrant marine life create a paradise for swimmers and snorkelers. Continue into Tanzania, stopping at Mbeya and Iringa to discover charming towns and rolling landscapes rich with local culture. Embark on an exciting safari in Mikumi National Park, home to diverse wildlife and dramatic savannah scenery. Conclude your adventure on the enchanting island of Zanzibar, where white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and the historic streets of Stone Town await to create the perfect finale to your East African journey.
FALLS TO ZANZIBAR OVERLAND TOUR
Tour Highlights
Top Highlights of this Tour:
LAKE MALAWI
SOUTH LUANGWA
ZANZIBAR ISLAND
MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
STONE TOWN
Tour Destinations
Zambia | Malawi | Tanzania | Zanzibar
Begin your journey in Livingstone, Zambia, exploring the iconic Victoria Falls before heading northeast to South Luangwa National Park, where incredible wildlife and walking safaris bring you close to nature. Cross into Malawi and drive to the shores of Lake Malawi, where golden beaches and clear waters offer a tranquil retreat.
Travel north into Tanzania, stopping at the highland towns of Mbeya and Iringa to experience stunning landscapes and rich local culture. Continue northeast to Mikumi National Park for thrilling safaris amidst dramatic savannah scenery. Conclude your adventure with a ferry or flight to Zanzibar, where pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and the historic charm of Stone Town provide a spectacular finale to your East African journey.
16 Day Itinerary
Journey from Zambia through Malawi and Tanzania before arriving in Zanzibar.
DAY 1-2
Begin your journey in Livingstone, heading through Zambia’s bustling capital, Lusaka. Travel eastward to Petauke, a gateway to the country’s stunning wilderness and a tranquil spot to rest and recharge for the adventures ahead.
DAY 3-4
Travel from Petauke to the renowned South Luangwa National Park, known for its incredible wildlife and pristine landscapes. Spend your time exploring the park, with a thrilling game drive included to spot elephants, lions, and other iconic animals.
DAY 5-7
Depart South Luangwa and cross into Malawi, arriving at the serene shores of Lake Malawi. Relax by the water, enjoy swimming or kayaking, and immerse yourself in lakeside tranquility.
DAY 8-9
Journey from Lake Malawi to Mbeya for an overnight stay at the charming Utengule Coffee Lodge. Continue to Iringa, with a stop to explore a local coffee plantation and learn about the region’s rich coffee culture.
DAY 9-11
Depart Iringa and travel to Mikumi National Park, passing through the iconic Baobab Valley with its towering ancient trees. Settle into Mikumi, where you’ll embark on an exciting game drive to spot lions, elephants, and giraffes in the open plains.
DAY 12-16
Travel from Mikumi to Dar es Salaam for an overnight stay in this bustling coastal city. Take a ferry to Zanzibar, where you’ll spend your days exploring pristine beaches, historic Stone Town, and enjoying activities like snorkeling, spice tours, and sunset dhow cruises.
These overland tours are only available as an add-on to a project.
Contact us to add this to your trip.
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Important Logistics and Ground Support
Important information you need to know about this tour in one place!
Flights & Arrivals
You’ll need to fly into Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone. If you are doing this tour in reverse then you’ll need to fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). It’s recommended to arrive the day before your tour if you are not on a project before departure. If you are on project you will need to be near the meeting point in time for departure. We can help arrange your accommodation before and after the tour if necessary.
Accommodation
Your accommodation on tour will vary between lodges, permanent tents, and campsites. In most cases, you’ll share a room with another traveller. Bathrooms are either shared en-suites or communal, depending on the location and accommodation type. If you’re camping, you’ll need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow; camping mattresses are provided.
Meals
Meals are prepared by the tour cook and served buffet-style. Breakfast typically includes cereals, yogurt, fruit, and occasionally a hot option. Lunch is usually a picnic with filling sandwiches and salads. Dinner is the main meal, varying between BBQs, stews, Bobotie (a traditional minced dish), or a fish or chicken dish, typically served with vegetables and a carbohydrate. We can accommodate certain dietary requirements, but please inform us well in advance. In some areas, gluten-free, lactose-free, or vegan options may be limited, and you may need to bring your own or purchase your own on the road.
Communication
Travelling through Africa can be a breathtaking experience, but it’s important to be prepared for areas with limited or no cellular signal. While popular accommodations often offer Wi-Fi, it’s wise to invest in an eSIM for reliable internet access on the go. This will help you to stay connected, navigate, and share your adventures.
Safety
You will be accompanied by a professional guide throughout your tour. The guide holds ultimate authority on tour decisions, particularly those concerning the safety of all guests. It is crucial to inform the Tour Leader or a crew member before leaving any overnight accommodation. Given the remote nature of certain tour locations, comprehensive travel insurance, including helicopter evacuation coverage, is strongly recommended.
Tour FAQs
WHAT IS AN OVERLAND TOUR?
It is an off-the-beaten-track safari, and you will see and experience parts of Africa that most tourists never do. The route and accommodations may also change due to unforeseen circumstances, as conditions on the road can change rapidly. Instead of limiting the experience to transportation and accommodation, the tours aim to provide a more inclusive experience. This includes cultural immersion, safari experiences, social interaction, and opportunities to book adrenaline-pumping activities like white-water rafting and skydiving.
WHO IS THIS SUITABLE FOR?
These tours host people of all ages and backgrounds, and are a great way to meet and interact with new people who are like-minded. The average age of the campers is 20-45, and the accommodated guests vary between 35-65 years old. Travellers under 18 will need a letter of permission from their guardian.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EAST AFRICA AND SOUTHERN AFRICA?
The Southern Africa tours included more popular tourist destinations, and shorter drive times. The East Africa tours involve longer drive times and are generally more rustic in the experience.
WHAT ABOUT VISAS AND PASSPORTS?
Your passport must have enough pages for all visas, at least 2 pages free for every country that you’ll be visiting. South Africa insists having 2 clear pages available when you enter the country. Keep this in mind if you are going to fly home from South Africa after completing a tour to multiple African countries. As visa requirements vary considerably depending on your nationality, please contact the various embassies or visa service agencies to re-check visa requirements at least four weeks prior to departing for your tour. If your itinerary includes Mozambique and you require a visa, please ensure that you apply for this before coming on tour with us as this visa in particular takes a long time to process at the border. All visitors to Kenya are required to pre-apply for their visas online http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html.
