Discover the best safari destinations in Zimbabwe.
This 12-night journey allows you to experience four showstopper wildlife reserves: Hwange National Park, Matusadona National Park, Mana Pools National Park and Gonarezhou National Park.
Highlights of this trip include exploring the desert dunes, savannah lands and mopane woodlands of Hwange National Park on guided game drives, nature walks or horseback safaris. Along the shores of Lake Kariba, boat cruise safaris in Matusadona provide unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Similarly, the life-giving force of the Zambezi River ensures an abundance of animals for excellent game viewing in Mana Pools. Gonarezhou National Park on the Mozambique border is known for the Chilojo Cliffs which tower over the scenic Runde River Valley – a haven for bird watching.
Classic safari experiences and sumptuous accommodation in bush lodges and luxury tented camps round off this extraordinary journey through Zimbabwe.
Your Itinerary
3 nights in Hwange National Park
As Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, Hwange National Park is home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40,000 elephants as well as endangered species such as a sizeable population of wild dogs. From your accommodation at The Hide, you’re invited to spend your days exploring the park’s magnificent terrain on game drives, guided walks or horse-riding safaris.
A true highlight here is the underground hide at the watering hole. Along a tunnel, you’ll walk under the surface of the earth and then emerge into a “window on the waterhole”, where you can observe the visiting wildlife up close. Along the same tunnel, you’ll be delighted to find a wine cellar stocked with a small selection of fine wines from around the world.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
The Hide Restaurant is the hub of the camp. Here, meals are served in unsurpassed elegance and style around a magnificent 22-seater.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
The Hide
Located in a prime position in Hwange National Park, The Hide offers 10 luxury tents, all boasting en-suite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the busy waterhole. After an exhilarating day of game viewing, you can retreat to the cool refuge of the camp’s swimming pool and enjoy delectable meals savored al fresco or in the elegant dining room.
3 nights in Matusadona National Park
Situated in northern Zimbabwe on the shores of Lake Kariba, the diverse landscapes of Matusadona National Park are home to abundant game, ensuring wildlife experiences. The entire northern boundary of the park is created by the lake’s grassy shoreline, providing excellent opportunities for boat cruise safaris. From game drives to walking and fishing safaris, you have the chance to view lion, leopard, hyena, and cheetah as well as elephant, buffalo, and antelope along the shoreline. Hippos and crocodiles are abundant, and birdlife is prolific, with 350 species having been identified in the area.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take a short boat ride across the lake to the scenic Sanyati Gorge to meander peacefully beneath the steep cliffs.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
Changa is renowned for its excellent cuisine, freshly prepared in camp everyday by the imaginative chef. Meals are served in the relaxed and laid-back dining room, under a canopy of trees on the vast wooden deck or on a private beach.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Changa Safari Camp
Set on the shores of Lake Kariba, with views of the Matusadona mountains, Changa Safari Camp blends seamlessly into its surrounds to provide an oasis of tranquility. Each luxury tent enjoys views of the breathtaking scenery and features a private deck with a seating area and a hammock under the trees and a romantic outdoor bathtub and shower, with candles and decorative tiles.
3 nights in Mana Pools National Park
Located in northern Zimbabwe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most sought-after wildlife destinations. The life-giving force of the Zambezi River ensures an abundance of animals for excellent game viewing in a lush and flourishing environment. As the only wild walking National Park in Africa, guided walks are a highlight and provide a great way to take in the park’s pristine riverside forests.
Explore the area’s striking beauty on canoe trips (offered year-round). Other popular activities include game drives, river cruises, bird watching, catch-and-release fishing, and searching for dinosaur tracks. Dine amidst herds of buffalo, gaze upon a pride of lions, enjoy sundowners with hippos on the banks of the Zambezi River and bird watch over 400 species of birds.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
Cuisine at John’s Camp is familial and lighthearted, hearty and healthy, always made using the freshest local produce.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
John’s Camp
Nestled beneath canopies of Trichelia and Mahogany trees, genuine bushcamp feel, John’s Camp is a fantastic option for those looking to get closer to nature in Mana Pools National Park. The focus is firmly on the surrounding wilderness with excellent guiding and friendly service rounding off the experience.
3 nights in Gonarezhou National Park
Heading south to the Mozambique border, your journey takes you into Gonarezhou National Park. Meaning ‘place of elephants’, Gonarezhou is Zimbabwe’s second-largest national park and one of the last great pristine wildernesses in Africa.
Highlights here include visiting the red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs on the banks of the Runde River for a picnic lunch. For the best birdwatching, the Tembahata and Machanu Water Pans offering unrivaled views. For adventurers, the hiking trail to the beautiful Chivalila Falls is a great way to start or end your day.
DINING SUGGESTIONS
Delicious creations and refreshing drinks are the order of the day. From breakfast to dinner, you can choose to take your meals on the terrace overlooking the river or in the covered dining area.
WHERE YOU'LL STAY
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
A luxury safari lodge on the edge of the Gonarezhou National Park in South-East Zimbabwe Chilo Gorge is a haven of elegant simplicity, with the great African wilderness always within reach. You can watch elephants, hippos and crocodiles cooling off in the waters of the river from the viewing deck. A haven to recoup and before your next big adventure, the main lodge at Chilo Gorge has everything you need. Cool down in the shaded swimming pool, lounge, library, bar and dining room while taking in the surrounding gardens.
Inclusions
Transfer from Victoria Falls to The Hide
3 nights at The Hide Safari Camp on a full board basis (all meals, select drinks, safari activities)
Charter flight from The Hide to Changa Safari Camp
3 nights at Changa Safari Camp on a full board basis (all meals, select drinks, safari activities)
Charter flight from Changa Safari Camp to John’s Camp
3 nights at John’s Camp on a full board basis (all meals, select drinks, safari activities)
Charter flight from John’s Camp to Harare
Charter flight from Harare to Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
3 nights at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge on a full board basis (all meals, select drinks, safari activities)
All internal road transfers from airstrip to camp / lodge
Exclusions
International flights
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Activities specified as additional / optional in the itinerary
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance
Gratuities
All items of a personal nature
Notes
Our rates are per person sharing unless expressly identified. Please treat all pricing as a guide only: All rates are an estimation, subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply. Enquire now or speak to one of our expert Travel Planners for updated rates.
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