0203 019 3722
Highlights of Zimbabwe Classic Safari
Luxury tailor-made safari combining Mana Pools, Lake Kariba, Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls
12 nights from £7,500, including accommodation, guides, flights and transfers
Best time to go: June to September
Our Highlights of Zimbabwe Safari includes many of the country's classic destinations and activities, from exploring the scenic waterways of Mana Pools National Park to experiencing the mighty Victoria Falls. Naturally, no Zimbabwe holiday would be complete without the wildlife, and this safari itinerary features plenty. You’ll get up close and personal with the largest elephant herd in Zimbabwe in Hwange National Park and there’s also an enviable range of game-viewing opportunities around Lake Kariba - all led by expert guides.
Days 1 & 2: UK to Zimbabwe
Your Zimbabwe adventure begins with an overnight flight to Johannesburg, connecting with a flight to Harare, and then onwards by light aircraft to Mana Pools. You’ll be staying at the highly regarded Ruckomechi Camp, set in an idyllic grove of acacia and mahogany trees on the game-rich flood plains beside the flowing waters of the Zambezi River.
Days 3 & 4: Mana Pools
Ruckomechi Camp (images below) is always a popular and memorable hideout for our clients as there’s first class game viewing and a host of other activities to enjoy on and around the Zambezi. When not out looking for lion, elephant or leopard in the private concession, you can sit back and relax gazing out across the beautiful landscape of the Lower Zambezi from your luxury safari tent or the camp’s thatched viewing deck.
Ruckomechi Camp from the river | Aerial view of the camp | Sundowner deck |
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Luxury safari tent | View of the Zambezi from your tent's deck | Swimming pool |
Luxury accommodation | Spacious tented accommodation | Dining under the stars |
Day 5: Mana Pools to Lake Kariba
Today, a scenic light aircraft flight takes you south west to Changa Safari Camp (images below), located in a remote part of Matusadona National Park, on the shores of Lake Kariba. Set on a 4km finger of private shoreline jutting out in to the lake, this relaxed camp (with just 8 luxury safari tents) is very well positioned to maximise your Lake Kariba experience.
Main lodge | Kariba views from the infinity pool | Relaxing beside the pool |
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Luxury safari tent | Enjoy the view from your tent's private deck | Spacious accommodation |
Bath with Lake Kariba views | Campfire at Changa Safari Camp |
Day 6: Lake Kariba
Even though it's man-made, Lake Kariba is a genuine African wilderness, providing amazing game viewing by boat, 4x4 vehicle or on foot. On any given safari you can expect to view elephant, buffalo, crocodile, lion, hippo, monkey, impala and zebra. You may be lucky enough to spot the occasional elusive leopard too. Overnight at Changa Safari Camp
Lake Kariba | Wildlife scene | Nile crocodile |
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Hippo plunging back in to the lake | Game viewing boat excursion | Game drive |
Day 7: Lake Kariba to Hwange National Park
Today, another short flight takes you to Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve and home to a range of different camping options, from the traditional to the modern, including the superb Davison's Camp with 9 en suite tented rooms. Hwange is home to one of the densest concentrations of game in Africa and Davison's Camp is one of the few camps within the park, offering complete luxury and utter privacy while surrounded by incredible wildlife.
Swimming pool | Dining deck at Davison's Camp | Main lodge at night |
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Main Lodge lounge area | Camp fire | Luxury tented accommodation |
Wonderful views from your bed |
Days 8 & 9: Hwange National Park
Covering an expanse of over 14,000km2, Hwange National Park will make an entrancing home for the next two days. Activities at the camp are extensive with plenty of opportunities to get up close to the wildlife. You can choose to explore Hwange by foot or head out in an open sided 4WD with an expert safari guide. Look out for the Big Five as well as other animals such as Burchell's zebra, hippo and warthog. In total there are over 100 mammal species in the park and it's also home to more than 400 species of birds. Overnight at Davison's Camp
Wildlife congregating around a water hole | Game drive | Hippo and monkeys coming for a drink |
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Elephant progressing through the park | Well spotted! |
Day 10: Hwange to Victoria Falls
At any time of year, no holiday in Zimbabwe would be complete without a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls. You’ll stay within mist view and earshot of their roaring waters at the relaxed Victoria Falls River Lodge. Set within the Zambezi National Park, the Lodge has thirteen spacious, luxury tents, all complete with plunge pool and all on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Aerial view of River Lodge | Aerial view of the Falls | Luxury thatched tent |
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Dawn mist on the Zambezi | Luxury bedroom | River views from your bath |
Elephant strolling past tent plunge pool | Swimming pool | Main Lodge lounge and dining area |
Dining deck | All tents enjoy river views |
Day 11: Victoria Falls
The town of Victoria Falls has in recent years become a hotbed of adrenaline-fueled activities. You can white water raft through one of the world’s toughest stretches of river or bungee jump from the bridge that traverses the gorge between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Naturally, less fearsome sightseeing tours by plane, helicopter or microlight are also available, as well as safaris on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle. Whatever your preference, we'll tailor your Victoria Falls experience to suit you! Overnight at Victoria Falls River Lodge
Days 12 & 13: Victoria Falls to UK
Say good bye to the Victoria Falls as your Zimbabwe adventure is complete. We’ll transfer you to Vic Falls airport to fly back to Jo'burg for your connecting overnight return flight to the UK.
Time to Start Planning?
Please call us on 0203 019 3722 or send us an email. We look forward to arranging the perfect Zimbabwe safari for you and our destination specialists will gladly refine and adapt the proposal until you are 100% happy.
Think of us as your private travel concierge, at no extra cost. With expert knowledge, ATOL protection and 24/7 on-the-ground support.
International callers should dial +44 203 019 3722