Victoria Falls

The mighty Victoria Fallls, shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia, is an awe-inspiring sight, as the widest sheet of falling water on earth.  It is claimed to be the largest waterfall in the world, being 1,708 m (5,600 ft) wide and 108 m (360 ft) high. The thundering falls create an impressive spray of water as an average of 550,000 cubic metres of water plummet over the falls per minute.

Victoria Falls is classified as one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Victoria Falls is recognised as the adventure capital of Africa, offering a wide variety of adrenaline pumping activities, including riverboarding, white water rafting, bungee jumping, skydiving, microlight flying, helicopter flips and bridge swinging. Other activities include walking with lions, boat cruises, elephant back safaris and game viewing in one of the national parks in the area.

The Zambezi River’s annual flood season is from February to June, reaching its peak in April or May. The thundering Victoria Falls is at its biggest and most impressive at this time of year, with its spray reaching over 400 m (1,300 ft) and even higher. The dry season is however the best time to go to Victoria Falls for white water rafting and other water activities, and visibility through the spray is also better. Keep in mind that during low water season, especially in October and November, the falls on the Zambian side are just a trickle. The upside of the Zambian side is that it provides access to the famous Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool on the edge of the falls. Livingstone Island is only accessible from the Zambian side during the low water months.

Day 1: Arrival

Meet and greet with the Africa safari Extra team at the Airport and proceed to Arusha, at the base of Mount Meru.

• Meals included: Lunch/ Dinner

Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

Today we travel to the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania, the most famous safari region in this East African country.

First up – the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, a safari destination of epic proportions. This trip is conducted in 7-seater 4×4 safari vehicles with experienced local guides. The safari vehicles feature large sliding windows and pop-up roofs providing great views and photo opportunities.

Entering the big game country of the Serengeti, we lookout for wildlife en route to our camp in the central region of the park. Look out over the rolling savannahs where wildlife roams freely, taking in the wide horizons and abundance of animals in this quintessential African wilderness.

• Travel: Arusha – Serengeti National Park (8h/320km)
• Included Activity: Serengeti Game Drive (en route to camp)
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3: Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro – Tanzania

Wake up bright and early this morning, setting off into the wilds of Serengeti on a morning game drive. Scanning the seemingly endless rolling savannahs we encounter a host of wild animals, experiencing one of the best game parks in Africa.

If you pre-booked the hot-air balloon safari in Serengeti then this morning you will drift over the savannahs instead of taking the game drive. Your guide will confirm when the balloon safari takes place as the timing changes.

Then we pack up camp and drive out of Serengeti National Park, into the fertile Ngorongoro Highlands. This afternoon we arrive at our camp at the lip of the crater, enjoying stunning views over the world’s largest unflooded caldera. Ngorongoro Crater is considered one of the best places for game viewing in Africa, given the high density of wildlife found here.

• Travel: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro (4h/160km)
• Included Activities: Serengeti Morning Game Drive
• Optional Activities: Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4: Ngorongoro to Arusha – Tanzania

Early this morning we drive down the steep crater walls in a 4×4 safari vehicle for an action-packed morning of game viewing. The high concentration of wild animals inhabiting the crater ensures superb wildlife sightings. Ngorongoro Crater is a good place to spot lions, rhinos, buffalos, elephants, wildebeest, hyenas, hippos and cheetahs, along with an abundance of other large mammals.

After roaming the game-rich crater floor we drive out of the crater and back to Arusha. Those who booked the Zanzibar Express will fly to Zanzibar Island the following morning, instead of driving from Arusha to Bagamoyo. The Zanzibar Express option includes transfers, breakfasts, flights and accommodation overnight in Arusha tonight and Stone Town tomorrow.

• Travel: Ngorongoro – Arusha (4h-5h/200km)
• Included Activities: Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Safari Drive
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5: Arusha to Bagamoyo – Tanzania

Today we drive south through Tanzania to Bagamoyo on the East Coast of Africa. We pass Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa, continuing through farmlands and varied landscapes until we reach the Indian Ocean coastline.

Recently declared a World Heritage Site, Bagamoyo served as a key trading port on the coast of East Africa in the late 19th century.

• Travel: Arusha – Bagamoyo (12h/590km)
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Please note: Those opting for the Zanzibar Express transfer to the Arusha airport, fly to Stone Town in Zanzibar and spend the afternoon exploring on their own. The Zanzibar Express option includes an extra night of accommodation in Stone Town, rejoining the group tomorrow afternoon.

Day 6: Bagamoyo to Nungwi – Zanzibar Island

This morning we travel down to the chaotic port city of Dar es Salaam, which was once a small fishing village. From the Dar es Salaam we catch a ferry across to Zanzibar Island where we drive from Stone Town to Nungwi village in the north.

Nungwi Beach is our picturesque beachside base for exploring the tropical island of Zanzibar, so kick off your shoes and take it easy. Take a swim in the gentle waves of the warm Indian Ocean and lie back on the white sands of the beautiful beaches. Walk into the village to see the island life of Zanzibar, or jump straight into the marine world on a scuba dive or snorkel.

• Travel: Bagamoyo – Dar es Salaam (1h30m-2h/60km), Dar es Salaam – Stone Town (Ferry 2h) & Stone Town – Nungwi (1h30m)
• Optional Activities: Snorkelling & Scuba Diving at Nungwi
• Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7: Nungwi – Zanzibar Island

Hello, beach time! After your adventures in the rugged bush, a bit of rest and relaxation on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar Island is just the right thing.

Go swimming, take a nap and stroll on the sandy beaches – take time out in this tropical paradise. For those with more energy to burn today, there are snorkelling and scuba diving boat trips and shore reefs to explore. Other options include visiting Jozani Forest Reserve or embarking on a village or cultural tour. You can also take a sailing trip in traditional dhow for a uniquely East African experience.

• Optional Activities: Sailing trips, diving, snorkelling, island hopping boat trips, village tours, cultural tours and more.
• Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8: Nungwi to Stone Town – Zanzibar Island

Head back down to historic Stone Town and spend some time getting to know this unique and culturally diverse East African city. On day nine we do a spice tour that takes us to nearby plantations to see, taste and smell the exotic spices of Zanzibar. Find out more about the spices that are grown on the island – black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, breadfruit, jackfruit, vanilla and lemongrass – learning more about the central role the spice trade has played in the history of Zanzibar and its ancient slave trade.

When in Stone Town, roam the winding streets of the old town where Arabic influences linger strongly, musing at the old buildings and places of worship. Visit the vivid markets, drink super strong coffee sold by street vendors, sample sweetmeats at quaint cafes and browse the shops filled with art, antiques, beautifully printed sarongs, curios, spices and other treasures.

• Travel: Nungwi – Stone Town (1h30m)
• Included Activity: Spice Tour
• Optional Activity: Stone Town Guided Walking Tour
• Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9: Stone Town to Baobab Valley – Tanzania

Catch the ferry boat back to Dar es Salaam where we hop back onto our adventure vehicle and drive west to Baobab Valley.

In Baobab Valley we camp on the banks of the Ruaha River, on the outskirts of the Udzwungwa Mountains National Park.

• Travel: Stone Town – Dar es Salaam (Ferry 2h/200km) & Dar es Salaam – Baobab Valley (6h/360km)
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 10: Baobab Valley to Iringa – Tanzania

On the road again, we drive south into the tea-growing region of the Tanzanian Highlands.

Our stop for today, Iringa. Arriving in a pleasant city we visit a community project where local artists with disabilities make crafts. Browse and get some souvenirs and have a quick cup of coffee in the cafe at the centre.

• Travel: Baobab Valley – Iringa (5h/180km)
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 11: Iringa to Chitimba – Malawi

On day 12 we cross into the third country on our journey – Malawi. Travel straight to the scenic shores of Lake Malawi, one of the African Great Lakes of the East African Rift Valley.

Our first destination in Malawi is Chitimba Beach, a lovely sandy stretch of Lake Malawi’s shores, flanked by mountains in the distance. Watch the flickering lights of the fishermen’s boats to see why Lake Malawi is known as ‘the Lake of Stars’.

• Travel: Iringa – Chitimba (9h/235km)
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 12: Chitimba to Kande Beach – Malawi

Drive south along the shoreline of massive Lake Malawi, stopping at Kande Beach. Unwind and take a stroll on the lakeshore, enjoying the sub-tropical climate and pretty scenery. Enjoy a drink at the local bar, have fun with your group and mingle with other travellers.

• Travel: Chitimba – Kande Beach (5h)
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 13: Kande Beach – Malawi

Spend the whole day at Kande Beach meeting local people in the village, lazing on the beach or taking a walk. Swim in the clear blue waters, or snorkel to see the cichlids and other marine creatures of Lake Malawi.

This evening we have dinner at a local home, getting a taste of traditional Malawian food and warm hospitality.

• Optional Activities: Snorkelling, Village Walks & Swimming
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 14: Kande Beach to Chipata – Zambia

Travel into a new African country today – Zambia. We make our way through rural farmlands and bushveld to Chipata in Eastern Zambia.

Formerly called Fort Jameson, Chipata is a busy town often visited en route to South Luangwa National Park.

• Travel: Kande Beach – Chipata (7h/400km)
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 15: Chipata to Mfuwe & South Luangwa – Zambia

Today we take the relatively short drive to Mfuwe, near South Luangwa Park. Along the way, we stop at a local initiative, the Tribal Textiles Market and Courtyard Cafe. First, we visit the workshop and browse the local crafts, finding out how the initiative benefits local communities and wildlife conservation. After our quick tour, we have a tasty lunch at the locally-run Courtyard Cafe before continuing to our camp.

Later this afternoon you can embark on an optional game drive in the beautiful South Luangwa National Park, which hosts numerous wild animals and over 400 bird species.

• Travel: Chipata – Mfuwe (2h30m/150km)
• Included Activity: Textile Market Visit & Cafe Lunch
• Optional Activity: South Luangwa Game Drive
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 16: South Luangwa Park – Zambia

Day 16 is set aside for exploring the South Luangwa National Park area of the scenic Luangwa Valley.

This is one of Africa’s finest safari destinations – an untouched haven inhabited by high concentrations of game and some 400 species of birds. Big herds of elephant and buffalo are drawn to the Luangwa River, which hosts an abundance of hippos and crocodiles. Other wildlife in South Luangwa includes sizeable populations of Thornicroft’s giraffes, zebras and a variety of antelopes such as kudus.

You can embark on an optional walking safari in season, with South Luangwa being famous for its game viewing walks. You can also head into a local village for a cultural experience. Then there is also the option of setting off on a night game drive in search of nocturnal animals, including leopards.

• Optional Activities: South Luangwa Game Drives, South Luangwa Walking Safari (seasonal) & Village Visits
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 17: South Luangwa to Lusaka Area – Zambia

Soak up the scenery as we drive through Zambia to a private game farm near Lusaka, capital of Zambia. We set off early in the morning, following rough roads to the game park, where zebras, buffalos and antelopes are often spotted.

Relax at the pool and unwind in the bar at the end of a long day on the road.

• Travel: Mfuwe – Lusaka (12h/750km)
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 18: Lusaka to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

On day 18 we continue further southwest in our adventure vehicle, crossing into Zimbabwe where we head to Victoria Falls.

You can begin by visiting one of Africa’s most unforgettable natural wonders – the spectacular Victoria Falls. Fill your senses and feel the power of the falls as you stand in the spray of this thunderous curtain of water. End your day off with a relaxing optional cruise along the Zambezi River, watching a serene sunset and looking out for wildlife and birds.

• Travel: Lusaka – Victoria Falls (7h/543km)
• Optional Activities: Visit Victoria Falls, Zambezi Sunset Cruise
• Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 19: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Our Serengeti to Victoria Falls Safari Adventure ends this morning. Time to say your goodbyes, taking with you memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

We recommend spending some extra time at Victoria Falls in order to take advantage of the exhilarating array of optional activities on the go. If you didn’t visit Vic Falls yesterday, don’t miss a visit to the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ today, after the safari has finished. Optional post-safari adventure activities include bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, flights over Victoria Falls and many more.

• Optional Activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Bridge Bungee Jump, Vic Falls Helicopter or Microlight Flights, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Tram Rides, Gorge Swinging and more.