The Zanzibar to Victoria Falls 16-day journey links the spice-scented streets of Zanzibar with the thunderous spectacle of Victoria Falls, combining coastline, lake shores and classic safari landscapes across Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. Begin on Zanzibar Island with guided exploration of historic Stone Town and visits to fragrant spice plantations, followed by time along white-sand beaches on the Indian Ocean. Travelling inland, pause on the tranquil shores of Lake Malawi, where clear waters and vibrant local communities offer a striking contrast to the savannah that follows. In Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, open-vehicle game drives reveal elephant, lion, leopard and prolific birdlife in one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife regions. The journey concludes near Victoria Falls in Livingstone, where the Zambezi plunges in mist and thunder. Blending tropical coastline, freshwater landscapes and exceptional safari encounters, this 16-day overland route captures the diversity of south-central Africa in one seamless adventure.

Highlights

This Zanzibar & Vic Falls route is available in two travel styles: Explorer (camping) and Classic (accommodated). Both follow the same expertly guided itinerary, travelling through Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia while offering different accommodation experiences.

Explorer is our authentic camping option, providing a spacious dome tent (2.4m x 2.4m) with a 5cm-thick mattress. Travellers will need to bring their own sleeping bag and participate in certain camp duties, creating a hands-on overland adventure.
Classic offers greater comfort, with accommodation in permanent tents, guesthouses, lodges and hotels along the route, while maintaining the same immersive safari and overland experience.

Classic Tents

 

Permanent Tents

 

Hotels & Resorts

 

Lodges & Guesthouses

 

Golden shores and spice-scented breezes greet you as your East African odyssey begins on the idyllic island of Zanzibar. From the very first step, the island’s vivacious blend of cultures and coastal warmth steals away your worries. Wander the mystifying alleys of Stone Town on a guided tour, where carved wooden doors whisper tales of sultans and sailors. Later, you’ll be immersed in the island’s delectable soul on a Spice tour, as farmworkers climb cinnamon trees and peel back the leaves of cloves for fresh samples straight from the source.

After basking on sun-kissed beaches and enjoying water activities from snorkelling to sailing, we bid farewell to the Indian Ocean and ferry across to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s animated metropolis, where the journey inland begins.

Our next destination is Mikumi National Park, where the Tanzanian savannah stretches across your vision, dotted with acacia trees and abundant with roaming wildlife. Before arriving, we pause in the Baobab Valley, where ancient, twisted giants rise from the earth as sentinels of time gone by. Threading deeper into Tanzania, the fields yield to coffee plantations, a visit explaining how the beans are harvested, roasted, and transformed into flavourful local brews.

The next leg carries us into Malawi and the Great Rift Valley, where Lake Malawi gleams, its shoreline beckoning with alabaster sands against cobalt water. With more fish species than any lake on Earth, snorkelling here feels like swimming through a living kaleidoscope of the endemic cichlid fish. An optional guided hike to the stunning Dwanbazi Waterfall and cultural village walks enrich your understanding of this peaceful lakeside paradise.

Passing into Zambia, we reach the magnificent South Luangwa National Park. Be treated to a sunset safari, where you’ll watch golden rays of the sun sink into the evening sky, revealing the nocturnal creatures roaming in the dark. A stop at Mulberry Mongoose reveals artisanal jewellery crafted from reclaimed snare wire, blending art with conservation.

As we journey west through Petauke and Lusaka, the Luangwa Market bursts into view with colour and character, offering the fantastical red bananas, fresh produce, and local crafts. Our journey is marked by the sight of “Musi oa Tunya”, or known globally as Victoria Falls, “The Smoke that Thunders.” Revelling in the spray, we bid farewell in a thunderous uproar from the Zambezi River tumbling over the cliffs, echoing the African rhythm you will carry in your brilliant memories of this trip.