Ultimate Zimbabwe

There is much more to Zimbabwe than Victoria Falls and this itinerary was especially designed for the intrepid explorer or seasoned safari goer. Your journey begins at the cascading beauty of Victoria Falls, followed by an iconic wildlife safari within the wonders of Hwange National Park. Continue deeper into Zimbabwe and further away from the crowds by next visiting Lake Kariba while ending your trip in the wild and remote Mana Pools. This safari experience covers the best of Zimbabwe!

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Victoria Falls Arrival

Victoria Falls Arrival
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfers
  • Accommodation: Old Drift Lodge
  • Meals: D

Welcome to Zimbabwe! Upon arrival at the Victoria Falls Airport, you will be greeted by a local representative. They will transfer you to the Old Drift Lodge, for a smooth and comfortable start to your safari adventure. Check into your room, relax and make yourself at home. (This service is on a group basis.)

Victoria Falls

The enchanting Victoria Falls features the largest sheet of falling water on earth. This mesmerizing spectacle is something that simply cannot be missed on an authentic discovery of Africa. The sheer mass of water cascading down the 100 meter drop across nearly 2 kilometers, generates a thunderous roar and a magnificent spray of water that can be seen for miles. This world renowned attraction promises to captivate you from your very first glimpse of the "smoke that thunders".

Day 2: Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Lodge Activities
  • Accommodation: Old Drift Lodge
  • Meals: B, L, D

Lodge Activities

Upstream from the iconic Victoria Falls in the Zambezi National Park lies the family-friendly Old Drift Lodge, nestled on a pristine piece of land on the banks of the Zambezi River. Making the most of the natural environment, the lodge area boasts panoramic river views, over an area frequented by wildlife. Go in search of the animals which inhabit this region on day game drives, river safaris or guided walking safaris. Children under 16 are not permitted on walking safaris and under the age of 7 need a private game vehicle. A guided tour of the falls is also included in your visit to Old Drift Lodge, possibly with lunch at Lookout Café (on request).

Day 3: Victoria Falls - Hwange

Victoria Falls - Hwange
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Internal Transfer
  • Accommodation: The Hide Safari Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Today, your journey will continue to the next destination. After a hearty breakfast you will be picked up from the Old Drift Lodge and transferred to The Hide via Hwange Main Camp. (This service is on a group basis.)

Hwange National Park

From what used to be royal hunting grounds before it was declared a National Park in 1929, Hwange is now Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve. This diverse landscape of mopane and teak forests, semi-desert scrubland and granite hills, is teeming with a wide variety of mammals and birds. Although it is a year round destination, Hwange is particularly appealing during the winter months of April to October, when large concentrations of animals flock to artificially pumped waterholes, as the seasonal pans dry out. The park’s network of waterholes sustains life when natural resources are unavailable. Massive herds of elephant make their presence felt during the dry period. Everything from buffalo, zebra, sable and roan antelope, to lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog, can be seen.

Days 4 - 5: Hwange

Hwange
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Lodge Activities
  • Accommodation: The Hide Safari Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Lodge Activities

Situated in a prime position in Hwange National Park, The Hide offers a life enriching safari experience. The warm and welcoming staff will make you feel at home from the moment you arrive. Enjoy lazy mornings on your private veranda, and sip on a sundowner, while admiring the scenery each evening. In between activities, you can soak up the glorious sights and sounds of the bush from the large central lodge that features an upstairs viewing area and sun lounge. The Hide is idyllically set on the edge of an active waterhole, ensuring constant wildlife encounters. Your fully inclusive stay covers all meals, tea & coffee, snacks, local brand drinks, up to 4 safari activities daily, Wifi connection and laundry services. The camp activities include morning and afternoon game drives, bush walks, hide sits and birding excursions.

Day 6: Hwange - Lake Kariba

Hwange - Lake Kariba
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Accommodation: Changa Safari Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D
Domestic Flight
Umtshibi Airstrip - Fothergill Island Airstrip
Flight #: Light Aircraft
Departs: TBD
Arrives: TBD

After breakfast you will meet your driver and be transferred to the Umtshibi Airstrip, where you will take a light aircraft to the Fothergill Island Airstrip. Upon arrival at the Fothergill Island Airstrip, you will be transferred to Changa Safari Camp. (This service is on a group basis.)

*Luggage is restricted to 20kgs (44lbs) per person including ALL hand luggage. This must be in a soft bag whose dimensions must not exceed 25cm (10in) wide, 30cm (12in) high and 62cm (24in) long.

Lake Kariba

Located in the North of Zimbabwe, along the border with Zambia, the dammed Lake Kariba holds a larger volume than any other man-made lake on Earth. Rising from the southern bank of the lake, Matusadona National Park is an area of approximately 135,000 hectares and is said to have a density of lion second only to that of Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Kariba has been a playground for local Zimbabweans and international visitors since its creation with many traveling there to relax, view game and fish.

Days 7 - 8: Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Lodge Activities
  • Accommodation: Changa Safari Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Lodge Activities

Perfectly set in a remote and secluded part of the Matusadona National Park located in the heart of Lake Kariba. Boasting nearly 4km of lakeshore frontage, Changa Safari Camp offers a unique and authentic safari experience. You can choose from a range of exciting and relaxing activities; including both morning and afternoon game drives, fishing for the famed fighting Tiger fish and stunning game walks on the concession with an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

Day 9: Lake Kariba - Mana Pools

Lake Kariba - Mana Pools
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfers
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Accommodation: John's Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D
Domestic Flight
Fothergill Island Airstrip - Mana Main
Flight #: Light Aircraft
Departs: TBD
Arrives: TBD

This morning you will be picked up from Changa Safari Camp and transferred to the Fothergill Island Airstrip in good time to board your light aircraft to Mana Main. Upon arrival, you will meet your driver and be transferred to your John's Camp. (This service is on a group basis.)

*Luggage is restricted to 20kgs (44lbs) per person including ALL hand luggage. This must be in a soft bag whose dimensions must not exceed 25cm (10in) wide, 30cm (12in) high and 62cm (24in) long.

Mana Pools National Park

The name 'Mana' means 'four' in the local Shona language - there are four large pools inland from the Zambezi River. These pools are the remnant ox-bow lakes that the Zambezi River carved out thousands of years ago as it changed its course northwards. This wild and beautiful park is the only game park in Zimbabwe to be granted a World Heritage Status. The legendary park is known for its wildlife rich flood plains and magnificent views of the Zambezi River. The river boasts of some of Africa’s most amazing tiger fishing and adventure canoeing safaris.

Days 10 - 11: Mana Pools

Mana Pools
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Lodge Activities
  • Accommodation: John's Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Lodge Activities

Situated within the beautiful Mana Pools National Park and offers an intimate safari experiences and superb game walking. Your stay at John's Camp includes two scheduled safari activities daily. You can embark on a game drive in a Toyota Landcruiser, enjoy a game walk lead by professional, armed and licensed guides, or even enjoy land based fishing.

Day 12: Mana Pools - Harare Departure

Mana Pools - Harare Departure
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Meals: B
Domestic Flight
Mana Main - Harare Airport
Flight #: Light Aircraft
Departs: TBD
Arrives: TBD

Sadly, your epic journey through Zimbabwe must come to an end today; however, you will be leaving with unforgettable memories and the experience of a lifetime! After checking out of John's Camp, you will be taken to Mana Main to board a light aircraft to Harare Airport in time for your international departure home.

*Luggage is restricted to 20kgs (44lbs) per person including ALL hand luggage. This must be in a soft bag whose dimensions must not exceed 25cm (10in) wide, 30cm (12in) high and 62cm (24in) long.

We hope you had an incredible trip and we wish you safe and pleasant travels onward!

Accommodation

Old Drift Lodge

Old Drift Lodge

Upstream of the iconic Victoria Falls, on the banks of the Zambezi River, lies Old Drift Lodge. The lodge boasts luxury accommodation overlooking the pristine Zambezi National Park, a mere 7 kilometers from the mighty Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Old Drift Lodge is nestled within a wild paradise frequented by elephant, buffalo, herds of sable, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala. The main lodge area has 360 degree views, North facing onto the Zambezi and South facing onto a water hole. The Old Drift Lodge is the closest lodge within the National Park to Victoria Falls. Relax in the attractive main lodge, enjoying the majestic vistas and tranquil scenery, watching the world go by from a comfortable spot.

The Hide Safari Camp

The Hide Safari Camp

Nestled under a canopy of shady trees, the Hide is situated in a private concession within Hwange National Park. Ideal for game viewing, it is set on the edge of an active waterhole, which is the only water source for miles. The property's 10 canvas safari tents feature spacious, deluxe accommodation and various combinations of indoor and outdoor showers and baths. Private verandas overlook the vast surrounding landscape and a waterhole where zebra, kudu, giraffe and elephants frequently stop by to drink. Meals are served in the main dining room, and accompanying wines may be selected from the underground wine cellar.

Changa Safari Camp

Changa Safari Camp

Lapped by the waters of Lake Kariba, shaded by Mopane woodland and hidden from the world, Changa Safari Camp is an oasis of tranquility and an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Changa has been designed to blend in with the environment using natural materials. The camp furniture has been built using Zimbabwe’s finest teak and the bar has been fashioned around the hull of an old boat. All tents are a classic safari olive canvas and have been mosquito proofed with specialized netting, allowing you to comfortably fall asleep with a gentle breeze and the distant call of the wild.

John

John's Camp

Situated within the beautiful Mana Pools National Park John's Camp offers an intimate safari experiences and superb game walking. The camp sleeps 12 guests in 6 twin/double en-suite Meru-style canvas tents under fly sheets. Each tent has large gauze windows, flush loos, bucket showers and a running water basin and are generously spaced out along the floodplain, adjacent to the Zambezi River. Tents use solar lighting, but the camp also boasts the romance of paraffin and candle-lighting. The central dining area is positioned in thick shade, and there is a campfire, around which you can settle in after a busy day.

Pricing and Details

Starting from $ 7,985 per person

*Pricing is based on two persons traveling together, based on availability, subject to change.

Price Includes

  • Full support before, during & after your trip
  • Meals as mentioned
  • Accommodation as mentioned
  • Tours/activities as mentioned
  • Transport as mentioned

Price Excludes

  • International & domestic flights
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Entrance visas when applicable
  • Other services not mentioned
  • Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers
  • Taxes and fees

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