Experience an adventurous journey through the very best of Zimbabwe, combining small privately-owned safari camps with a short canoe safari on the Zambezi, before finishing at the impressive Victoria Falls. The big-five destination of Hwange offers fantastic and diverse game viewing, before you proceed to the land of dramatic sunsets – Matusadona National Park – where black rhino can be tracked on foot. Perhaps the highlight of the trip is a four night canoeing and walking safari in Mana Pools – not for the fainthearted but a truly outstanding wilderness experience.
Days 1-3: You will be met at Victoria Falls Airport for a light air charter to Somalisa Camp in the heart of Hwange National Park.
Three nights are spent at this authentic and intimate bush camp, comprising six elegantly furnished canvas tents with en suite bathrooms, flush toilet and alfresco bush shower. The stunning main area and pool overlook the pan where large numbers of game congregate, allowing you to relax and enjoy game viewing from the comfort of camp. Activities include guided walks led by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you, game drives and spot lighting as well as game viewing from hides.
This is a big five area and wildlife includes elephant, kudu and sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, white rhino, lion, leopard and hyena.
Days 4-6: A charter flight and boat transfer to the remote Rhino Island Safari Camp - a small, owner-managed camp situated within the Matusadona National Park near the mouth of the Ume River on Lake Kariba.
You spend 3 nights at this rustic camp, comprising six twin bedded en-suite rooms on stilts overlooking the lake. The rooms are situated discreetly along the shoreline and offer magnificent views.
The Park has been designated an “Intensive Protection Zone” for the endangered black rhinoceros, and the camp’s sighting rate for these special animals on safaris within the last year is 90%. Elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo are found in the area, as are hippo, crocodile, zebra, waterbuck, impala, warthog, kudu and bushbuck. In addition there are over 350 recorded bird species. The area is well known for exquisite sunsets and 360 degree scenery, making it the best walking area in Zimbabwe.
Days 7-10: A charter flight to Mana Pools National Park, where you stay for 2 nights at Vundu Tented Camp and 2 nights on the Zambezi Canoe Trail.
Vundu Tented Camp is nestled in a grove of riverine trees along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Walk-in tents have en-suite facilities, flush toilets and traditional bucket showers. The dining room is on a patch of sand under the spreading branches of a tamarind tree, just a few feet away from the river.
The camp is perfectly situated for abundant game viewing. Game drives and bush walks around the mopane woodland and the game rich flood plains are a great attraction, as is canoeing from camp along the Zambezi River.
The area is home to elephant, buffalo, lion, wild dog, eland, kudu and waterbuck to name a few, in addition to over 350 species of birds.
The Zambezi Canoe Trail is a walking and canoe safari beginning at the west end of Mana Pools National Park, canoeing downriver to finish at the eastern end of the Park. All supplies are carried in a back-up Land Rover. Your mobile-tented camp is set up for your arrival each night with all meals and camp chores provided by a camp crew. There are private ensuite shower/toilet tents for each sleeping tent.
We normally recommend combining 2 nights at Vundu with 2 nights on the canoe trail, but this is totally flexible to suit your individual requirements.
Days 11-12: After your last morning activity in Mana Pools, you transfer by light aircraft charter to Victoria Falls for a road transfer to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge where you will spend two nights.
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is set high on a plateau, which forms a natural boundary to the unfenced Zambezi National Park, and is just four kilometres from the majestic Victoria Falls.
This deluxe lodge prides itself on hospitality and food, rivalled only by uninterrupted views and magnificent sunsets. Created with a keen eye for detail with hardwoods, thatch and vibrant colours - the effect is dramatic. Each bedroom has its own balcony, air-conditioning and modern bathroom. An on-site waterhole attracts a wide variety of game, including elephant, buffalo, impala and kudu.
In addition to visiting the Falls, other exciting optional activities include white water rafting, bunji-jumping, elephant rides and walking with lions. A great highlight is the ‘Flight of the Angels’ - a spectacular helicopter, fixed wing or micro-light flight over the Falls.
Day 13: After breakfast on your final morning you transfer by road to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note that all of our itineraries are tailor-made to suit the particular interests and requirements of our guests. The itinerary shown above is just one recommended combination of camps. Please contact us for a bespoke proposal.
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