Victoria Falls and Malawi Overland Tour

Day 02   Petauke 

This morning we drive through Zambia’s busy capital Lusaka before turning east towards Petauke, our destination for the night. As an important link between Lusaka and neighbouring Malawi, the Great East Road winds through rural Zambia and we will cross the mighty Luangwa River along the way. Dotted with villages and subsistence farms, today’s landscapes serve as a stark contrast to the developed countries so many of us call home.

Route

Lusaka to Petauke

Day 03    South Luangwa National Park

With two days of travel behind us we look forward to the tranquility of South Luangwa and this morning we make our way to the banks of the Luangwa River. Our first stop though is the town of Chipata, home of Chipata Cotton and an important centre for the cotton famers of the region. Tribal Textiles represents the creativity of the African culture and those interested can enjoy a tour of their workshops (March to December). One of the finest sunsets is surely that enjoyed on the banks of the Luangwa River, so grab a cold drink and watch the day fade away.

Route

Petauke to South Luangwa National Park

Included activities

Textile project visit

Day 04  South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park is a world-class safari destination and we have a full day to explore the park in search of the variety of wildlife found in the park. This morning you can partake in an optional morning safari or during the dry season (April to December) you can join one of the iconic walking safaris on offer in the park. This afternoon we will enjoy a Sunset Drive in the park, we split our time between day and night with a sundowner stop in between. The unique opportunity to explore the park at night gives us a chance to spot the elusive nocturnal species that are rarely seen in the day.

Optional activities

Morning Game Drive in South Luangwa

Safari Walk (seasonal)

Activity package

Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park

Day 05     Lake Malawi

This morning we board our truck and set off for Malawi, the warm heart of Africa. Our destination tonight is the shores of Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system. As one of the ten largest lakes in the world, the lake stretches for over 500km along the western boundary of Malawi and is home to more species of fish than other lake. We spend the night on the shores of this natural wonder.

Route

South Luangwa National Park to Lake Malawi

Day 06       Northern Lake Malawi

Taking our time this morning we enjoy the charms of sunrise on the Lake, we head out this afternoon and come to rest on the northern reaches of the lake shore. Here we spend a few days indulging in the many attractions that underlie the charm of the Lake and its people. Our base for the next three nights offers a range of opportunities to satisfy every wish.

Route

Southern Lake Malawi to Northern Lake Malawi

Day 07      Lake Malawi

Amongst the myriad of optional activities to fill your days, we will pay a visit to a local community this morning to meet the people of the lake. Hikers will find a selection of trips, including a rather strenuous outing to the mission village of Livingstonia, set high above the lake. Snorkelling in the crystal waters offers the chance to see first-hand the brilliantly coloured tropical cichlids, tiny fish often found in colourful aquariums around the world. Your guide will assist you to plan your activities for the coming days, or you can simply slow your clock to Africa time relaxing on the lake shore.

Optional activities

Community Volunteering

Livingstonia day trip (hike)

Snorkelling Lake Malawi

Included activities

Local Village Visit

Day 08      Lake Malawi

This morning we set aside some time for a visit to Karonga, this interesting town has a turbulent history as a centre Malawi’s slave trade. Home to a museum that boasts a dinosaur amongst its displays, we learn more of the rich history of both people and the natural world. We return for a final afternoon of relaxation and a final sundowner on the shores of this great lake.

Included activities

Museum Visit

Karonga Town

Optional activities

Community Volunteering

Livingstonia day trip (hike)

Snorkelling Lake Malawi

Day 09      Tanzania – Iringa

Today as we leave Malawi, we ascend the Great Rift Valley and make our way into Tanzania. We round the northern extremes of the lake as we turn east and continue to our overnight stop in Iringa.

Route

Northern Lake Malawi to Iringa

Day 10   Mikumi

This morning we complete our journey to the doorstep of Mikumi National Park. Mikumi ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania, but forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. Abutting the northern border of this vast wilderness, Mikumi offers us an opportunity for an afternoon of game viewing.

Route

Iringa to Mikumi

Activity package

Mikumi National Park game drive

Day 11    Dar es Salaam

Today we continue onwards to the bustling port of Dar es Salaam.  Dar es Salaam grew from a humble fishing village and today is one of the largest cities in Africa.  You tour comes to an end upon arrival in Dar es Salaam.

route

Mikumi to Dar es Salaam

optional activities

Dinner

Activity Package

Listed below are activities and highlights that form part of an “Optional Activity Package”.  You will need to purchase this package if you would like to partake in what we consider to be “essential activities” on our tours.  The Activity Package has been written into the itinerary of the tour so please keep this in mind as if you don’t book the package, the activities won’t be included.

We suggest that you prebook and prepay for your Activity Package to ensure availability.

• Sunset Game Drive in South Luangwa National Park
• Mikumi National Park game drive