Complete Zimbabwe
11 Days - Departs daily
On this 11-day trip you will experience one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls and also visit Zimbabwe's National Parks featuring impressive scenery and wildlife. Mana Pools National Park on the might Zambezi River is renowned for its walking safaris whilst Hwange National Park is the largest National Park in Zimbabwe and is home to over 100 mammal species, including lion, leopard and rhino, and a large population of elephant. Finally you will visit Matopos which contains some of the region's most spectacular scenery as well as offering the chance to see Rhino.
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Itinerary Highlights
- Mana Pools National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s smallest National Parks which makes the concentration of game tremendous
- Visiting one of the 7 wonders of the world - Victoria Falls
- Cruising the mighty Zambezi River at sunset, a photographers dream
- Enjoying night drive activities in Hwange and cycling through local Zimbabwean villages
Tailor-made Suggestions for this Itinerary
- Extend your stay and discover more of the Africa with our 8 day highlights of Kenya and Tanzania.
- Add in a 2 day train tour and explore the region of South Africa aboard the Blue Train
- Take an optional tour to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and encounter chimpanzees and other primates
International Airport to Domestic Airport
Upon arrival at the international airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to the domestic airport.
Flight to Mana Pools
Board your light aircraft flight to Mana Pools.
Mana Pools National Park is a relatively small National Park, only 219,600 hectare of wildlife conservation. It is a region of the lower Zambezi River in Zimbabwe where the flood plain turns into a broad expanse of lakes after each rainy season. As the lakes gradually dry up and recede, the region attracts many large animals in search of water, making it one of Africa's most renowned Game-viewing regions.
With Mana Pools National Park being so small, the chances of getting close to the wildlife is a very real option. Walking safaris are the preferred method of Game viewing in Mana Pools with no vehicles allowed off road in Mana Pools National Park. 4 wheel drive Game drives are also used in Mana Pools National Park with canoeing the Zambezi a favourite activity.
4 Day Zambezi Expeditions Safari
Zambezi Expeditions showcases one of the most magnificent settings in Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools National Park. Comfortable yet classic, the camp offers the kind of intimacy with nature that can only be achieved by immersing yourself in the heart of the wild. Fall asleep to the sound of the flowing river and chuckles of hippo and wake-up with the dawn chorus to a spectacular African sunrise.
Set under the shade of winter thorn and ebony trees, each tent has en suite bathroom facilities with hot bucket showers and the main area has charging facilities for your all-important cameras. With unique access to the Zambezi River, your days will be filled with adventurous canoeing safaris, tracking game along the shorelines by foot, and fishing for the iconic tiger fish. An absolute must, however, is a game drive in an open 4 x 4 along the flood plains and into the heart of the Mana Pools UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, local beverages, laundry, national park fees, 2 shared activities per full day, airstrip shared transfers.
Arrival Day
Upon arrival at the airstrip today you will be met by Zambezi Expeditions staff and transferred to your accommodation. Get settled in to your accommodation and, time permitting, you may have the opportunity to partake in an afternoon game activity.
Lunch and Dinner included.
Activities
The legendary Mana Pools is known for its wildlife rich flood plains and magnificent views of the Zambezi River, with the Zambezi Escarpment in Zambia as a dramatic backdrop to the scenery. The river boasts some of Africa’s most amazing tiger fishing and adventure canoeing safaris, creating the perfect combination of beauty and fun and making this World Heritage site a must-visit national park.
Activities include game drives, walking safaris, canoeing safaris, fishing and bird watching.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Departure Day
Pack up your belongings today and bid farewell to Mana Pools and Zambezi Expeditions camp as you are transferred back to the airstrip. Depending on your departure time, you may have the opportunity to head out on one final game activity.
Breakfast included.
4 Day Mana Pools Safari
Arrival Day
On arrival into the local airstrip you will be met by a camp guide and transferred to your camp to get settled into your room. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to head out on an afternoon game viewing activity before returning to the camp for a delicious dinner.
Dinner included.
Camp Activities
Enjoy two full days of safari activities in the Mana Pools National Park today.
Mana Pools National Park is a relatively small National Park, only 219,600 hectare of wildlife conservation. It is a region of the lower Zambezi River in Zimbabwe where the flood plain turns into a broad expanse of lakes after each rainy season. As the lakes gradually dry up and recede, the region attracts many large animals in search of water, making it one of Africa's most renowned Game-viewing regions.
With Mana Pools National Park being so small, the chances of getting close to the wildlife is a very real option. Walking safaris are the preferred method of Game viewing in Mana Pools with no vehicles allowed off road in Mana Pools National Park. 4 wheel drive Game drives are also used in Mana Pools National Park with canoeing the Zambezi a favourite activity.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Departure Day
Depending on your departure time, you may have the opportunity to head out on one final morning game viewing activity before breakfast at the camp and a transfer back to the local airstrip.
Breakfast included.
Flight to Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Tour
Today you will be collected from your hotel for your 2-hour guided tour of Victoria Falls. Throughout your tour, you will be accompanied by a guide who will be sure to point out all of the interesting flora, fauna, bird and wildlife as well as an interesting history of the falls. You will be provided with a raincoat when necessary and at the end of the tour you will be taken back to your hotel.
Zambezi Sundowner Cruise
This evening you will enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise on the Zambezi River which is a superb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the river. Known as the fourth longest river in Africa, the Zambezi River also offers opportunities for activities such as kayaking, canoe trips, river cruises and daily floats on both the Zimbabwe and Zambian sides. Throughout your cruise you will have the opportunity to see a variety of game including hippo, crocodile, elephant and sometimes even rhino as well as a range of bird species. Included in your cruise are finger snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks.
Transfer to Hwange
At the scheduled time today you will be transferred by our representative to your accommodation in Hwange National Park for the start of your safari adventure. The transfer should take around 2 hours.
4 Day Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge is located outside the Hwange National Park on a private concession of 6,000 squared acres. This well appointed lodge is situated in the key home range of the Presidential Elephant herd, made famous by Alan Elliot in the 1980s. This safari lodge comprises of seven elevated thatched tree house style rooms, as well as two grand tented presidential suites, all commanding great views of a private and extremely active waterhole. Guests have the opportunity to view some of Hwange’s most prolific wildlife species from the comfort of their room or the main dining area. The most commonly viewed species from camp range from big cat carnivores to plains game to herds of buffalo and elephant, sometimes up to 500 strong.
At Ivory Lodge, the rooms are fitted with mosquito nets and each unit is fairly open, offering an intimate bush experience. Ivory Lodge takes children of all ages.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 2 x activities per day, and airport transfers. Please note, this package excludes parks fees and monument fees.
Arrival Day
Arrive to the lodge and check-in. Time permitting you may have the chance to participate in an activity offered by the lodge.
Dinner included.
Activities
Choose from a variety of experiences offered including:
- Guided game walks: Walking safaris include approaching big herds and cats, and the chance to get up close to small and large creatures within
the park
- Dete cultural tour: Visits to rural schools and clinics nerby Dete Village
- Pan sits: Relax in a secluded hide and let the animals come to you, fully immersing yourself in the wonder of the African bushveld.
- Guided game drives: Early morning game drives set out at the crack of dawn with experienced guides and into the 6000 acre concession.
Afternoon and evening game drives leave at 3pm.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Departure Day
After breakfast, check out of your room for your next tour arrangement.
Breakfast included.
4 Day Hwange Safari
Arrival Day
Today you will transfer overland from your accommodation in Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park where you will be dropped at your accommodation and have the opportunity to get settled in. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to head out on an afternoon game activity but if not, sit back, relax and take in this spectacular part of the world with a refreshing beverage.
Dinner included.
Hwange National Park Safari
Covering over 14,600 square-kilometres, Hwange National Park is home to more animals and a greater variety of species that any other park in ZImbabwe. You will spend two days exploring Hwange by safari vehicle keeping an eye out for wild dog, lion, leopard and cheetah, but by far the mammal that Hwange is most famous for is the elephant with populations sitting around 50,000.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Departure Day
Today marks your final day in Hwange as you pack your bags following breakfast and bid farewell.
Breakfast included.
Transfer to Matobo Hills
At the scheduled time today you will be transferred from your lodge to the next lodge in Matobo.
3 Day Camp Amalinda
Camp Amalinda is an African inspired refuge, where world-class facilities combine with the spiritual energy, allure and unique beauty, for which the Matobo Hills is so celebrated. This exclusive, privately owned safari lodge is adjoining the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Matobo Hills, situated only 45kms from Bulawayo. The granite domes and castle kopjes of the Matobo Hills echo the essence of tranquility and the majesty of untamed Africa, where mammal and bird species are prolific. Included here are the highest concentrations of Leopard and Black Eagle in the world, as well as a healthy population of the endangered Black and White Rhino.
Day 1: Arrive
Upon arrival, friendly staff will assist you to check in. Time permitting, join in on an activity offered by the lodge.
Dinner included.
Day 2: Activities
Lodge Walks/Hikes:
Walking on the property is entirely safe - you could bump into warthog, zebra, klipspringer, kudu, impala, wildebeest, reedbuck, duiker, steenbok, hyrax and a vast variety of bird life. Watch out for the elusive leopard, although he'll see you first...
Tomb of Cecil John Rhodes:
Drive through the footsteps of Cecil John Rhodes. Visit his world famous tomb known as 'View of the World', a historical experience not to be forgotten. Leander Starr is also buried here and together with the spirits of the soldiers killed in battle by Matabele warriors, they gather around at sunset, and there is a definite spiritual presence. This 'dwala' is known as the 'dwelling place of the spirits', and the view will leave you breathless.
Rhino Tracking:
The Matobo Hills is one of the last bastions of both black and white rhino in Africa. Rhino tracking, by vehicle or foot, with our skilled and knowledgeable guides is one of the most unforgettable safari experiences you will encounter.
Cultural and Village Tours:
Take a tour to an African homestead and get down to earth with the local Matavele people. Enjoy their gracious hospitality as they show you around their 'pole and dagga' huts. Use this opportunity to get an insight into the local way of life ad to experience their culture.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3: Depart
After breakfast this morning, depart the lodge.
Breakfast included.
Transfer to Bulawayo
Today you will be transferred from your lodge to Bulawayo airport for your departing flight.
Comfort
Mana Pools, Zimbabwe - Zambezi Expeditions
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Phezulu Lodge
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe - Ivory Lodge
Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe - Camp Amalinda
Superior
Mana Pools, Zimbabwe - Nyamatusi Camp
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Ilala Lodge
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe - Somalisa Expeditions
Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe - Camp Amalinda
Deluxe
Mana Pools, Zimbabwe - Ruckomechi Camp
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - The Victoria Falls Hotel
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe - Little Makalolo
Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe - Camp Amalinda
Whats included?
- Accommodation based on the selected hotel category
- Internal airfares
- Meals as specified*
- Entrance fees*
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages*
- Activity packages*
- Hotel taxes
- Transfers
- English speaking guided tours
What’s not included?
- International airfares
- Flight from Victoria Falls to Hwange (applicable for deluxe package only)
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Entrance fees*
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages*
- Activity packages and optional activities*
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
*Please note: Most of the camps in Mana Pools are closed between Nov - March. Please contact us for alternative properties.
**Please note, each property has different inclusions/exclusions.
***Hotel rates are based on lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.
****To save time there is an option of flying from Hwange to Bulawayo, please contact us for more details.