Classic Zimbabwe

From Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Zimbabwe
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Embark on a remarkable safari adventure that takes you to three of Zimbabwe's most renowned national parks: Hwange, Matusadona, and Mana Pools. Prepare to be captivated by the untamed beauty, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes that await you.

Begin your journey in Hwange National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves. Here, you'll experience thrilling game drives in search of the park's incredible diversity of wildlife. Watch in awe as herds of elephants roam the plains, lions stealthily stalk their prey, and zebras and giraffes gracefully navigate their surroundings. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Next, venture to Matusadona National Park, situated on the shores of Lake Kariba. As you cruise along the water, take in the stunning vistas and keep an eye out for hippos, crocodiles, and a wealth of birdlife. On game drives, encounter majestic lions, elusive leopards, and herds of buffalo and antelope. Matusadona offers a unique blend of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife experiences, providing an unforgettable safari experience.

Lastly, immerse yourself in the raw and untouched wilderness of Mana Pools National Park. Known for its scenic beauty and remarkable biodiversity, Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the floodplains, woodlands, and the meandering Zambezi River, encountering wildlife along the way. Witness elephants as they quench their thirst at the river, marvel at the acrobatics of baboons and vervet monkeys, and keep an eye out for predators lurking in the shadows. Mana Pools offers exceptional opportunities for walking safaris, allowing you to get even closer to nature and appreciate the intricate details of the ecosystem.

Throughout your journey, you'll be accompanied by expert guides who possess a deep understanding and passion for the parks and their inhabitants. They will share their knowledge and insights, ensuring a truly enriching safari experience.

 

This is the perfect extension onto Botswana or Victoria Falls - let us curate your ultimate African Safari today!

Viva's Best Bits...

The Doves Nest provides you with a romantic African fairytale setting, where you can sleep out in the vast openness of the wild and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the bush that surround you.

Mana Pools National Park is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. It is a truly natural wilderness and the only wild walking National Park in Africa. Here you can walk with the giants - African Bull Elephants.

Matusadona National Park, set on the shores of Lake Kariba, comprises of pristine wilderness of large flat grassy plains and dramatic rugged mountains. There is much to do from Fishing and boat trips, to walking safaris.

Tour Itinerary

Customisable ? This tour can be customised to suit your tastes and timing. Enquire here for more information.
Day 1
Victoria Falls Hwange National Park

On arrival into Victoria Falls Airport, after clearing immigration and customs you will proceed to the domestic terminal for your scheduled flight to Hwange. On arrival into the airstrip you will be met by a guide from the Hide and transferred to the camp.

Located in a prime position in Hwange National Park, The Hide offers a life-enriching safari experience for its guests, from its fantastic game viewing right on your doorstep, to a variety of daily activities to suit everyone and the warm and welcoming staff, who make you feel like family from the minute you arrive.

Guests are accommodated in 10 beautifully-furnished deluxe tents, all boasting en-suite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the busy waterhole. As well as 2 exclusive use options for private groups or families. Keep your binoculars on hand, as elephant, lion and buffalo can often be seen satisfying their thirst.

Adventures include day and night game drives, guided bush walks and exceptional game viewing in the seclusion of the camp’s unique underground hides. For those who are a little more adventurous, The Dove’s Nest Treehouse is available at no extra charge. Located 10 minutes away from camp, this rustic gem sleep out has the perfect vantage point from which to view wildlife safely, quietly.

After an exhilarating day of game viewing, guests can retreat to the cool refuge of the camp’s swimming pool and can enjoy delectable meals savoured al fresco or in the elegant dining room.

Day 2-3
Hwange National Park

Enjoy your included scheduled game activities.

Situated in western Zimbabwe, the Hwange National Park is the country's biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides a sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species, including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent. The park’s magnificent terrain ranges from desert dunes, savannah lands and mopane woodlands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests. Visitors can look forward to game drives, guided walks or horse riding safaris. Other highlights include: the Bumbusi National Monument and the Nyamandhlovu Pan.

Game Walks
Morning and afternoon guided walks are offered at The Hide Safari Camp.

The Hide Safari Camp is fortunate to have the best of both worlds. While located within the Hwange National Park, it is also surrounded by a private concession which allows us to offer activities not otherwise permitted. Hwange is a vast playground worth exploring so you don’t have to worry about being bored. Early morning walks are there for the thrill of encountering wildlife on its own terms and exploring the little surprises of the bush.

Day and Night Game Drives
Morning and afternoon game drives as well as night drives with a spotlight are offered at The Hide Safari Camp.

Days can be spent further afield on game drives in search of predators and prey alike. We like to do things properly so sundowners are an important part of the experience. Enjoy the natural beauty with a cold drink in hand. The guides at The Hide are very much part of the family and have been with us for many years. They have undergone some of the most rigorous training in Africa and their passion for and knowledge of the bush is often what makes a safaris so special.

Underground Hide and Wine Cellar
You’re sitting on the deck at The Hide ‘A’ frame. The sun has just set, its residual warmth a soft tinge of pink in the sky. Just then, a family of elephants strolls into the scene and up to the waterhole. You watch, fascinated by their interactions. Now, here’s where you jump into action. Without the need for a guide or host, you can go directly from the deck into the underground hide and observe the elephant family from up-close. Just step off the deck and slip down the steps into a whole new world. Along a tunnel, you’ll walk for about 10 metres under the surface of the earth – and then emerge into a “window on the waterhole”, where you can sit quietly, the unobserved observing. It’s a special new addition and makes the experience of “game viewing” more intense and personal.

Along the same tunnel, guests are delighted to find, hidden away in the wall, a real wine cellar. Perfectly cooled at a steady 17 degrees Celsius, ambient-lit and stocked with a small selection of fine wines from around the world, this is a welcome addition to an already all-sensory experience at The Hide. Guests are invited to choose the wine they’d like with dinner – or suggestions are made based on wine pairing experts’ recommendations.

Doves Nest Treehouse
Our little secret, the Dove’s Nest, is just about the best way to get away from it all. There are few things more exciting than spending a night out in a tree house.

Overlooking the open tree-lined vlei and pan, this rustic gem is a perfect vantage point from which to view wildlife safely, quietly. Just the two of you. Kept simple, as a tree house should be, the bedroom of the Dove’s Nest is reached by a wooden stairway and with a closeable door. You won’t have to forego your hot shower and warm bed and the location is second to none.

Day 4
Hwange National Park Matusadona National Park

Today you will fly to Matusadona National Park. On arrival into the airstrip you will be met by a guide from Changa Safari Camp and transferred to the camp.

Set on the shores of Lake Kariba, with views of the Matusadona mountains, Changa Safari Camp is a place that captures the essence of natural beauty, with peace, seclusion and an unusual blend of landscapes. It was founded by a team who share a passion for the wild and the magnificent African wildlife, and the proximity to nature and true wilderness is unparalleled; here, you'll find yourselves in awe of the majestic and gentle elephants that you share the land with. Changa's hospitality is warm, welcoming and personal, and the team will be delighted to get to know you and ensure you get the most out of your safari experience.

This rich wilderness area offers exceptional game drives as well as walking and fishing safaris, all in the company of highly trained professional guides. Healthy populations of predators, including lion, leopard, hyena, and cheetah as well as elephant, buffalo, and antelope frequent the shoreline. Hippos and crocodiles are abundant in the cool waters. Birdlife is prolific, with 350 species having been identified in the area.

Day 5-6
Matusadona National Park

Enjoy your scheduled included game activities

Situated in northern Zimbabwe on the shores of Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park comprises a large expanse of pristine wilderness characterised by flat grassy plains and dramatic rugged mountains. From the vast woody escarpment to the dense bush of the Zambezi valley floor, the park features a diverse range of landscapes inhabited by abundant wildlife species. These include, among others: elephant, cape buffalo, black rhinoceros, hippopotamus, crocodiles and an impressive variety of birdlife. The entire northern boundary of the park is created by the lake's grassy shoreline, providing excellent opportunities for boat cruise safaris. Other popular activities include walking safaris and tiger fishing.

Game Drive
A leisurely drive in an open safari vehicle is a perfect way to discover the area, and provides an opportunity to see a wider variety of game and scenery as you cover much more ground than on a game walk. Accompanied by your guide, a game drive is a lovely way to spend the morning.

Game Walk
Arguably the best way to experience and feel in touch with the African bush. Our professional guides have a thorough knowledge of the area and, accompanied by them, you can experience Matusadona 'at its best'. Walks are conducted in the early mornings and late afternoons for your comfort.

Bird Watching
Climb on board our pontoon boat and, together with our guide, you can explore the multitude of bays and river inlets where the birdlife is prolific and elephants and antelope abound.

Fishing
Kariba is a fisherman’s paradise! Why not try your hand at fighting the renowned Tiger Fish for which people from all over the world return time and time again to catch. Alternatively bream fishing is always a pleasure and one's daily catch can be returned to you 'a la' snacks.

Sanyati Gorge Trips
A short boat ride across the lake will bring you to the scenic Sanyati Gorge, where you can meander peacefully through the steep cliffs for up to 10 km. The Sanyati Gorge is both unspoilt and undisturbed with an abundance of birdlife, the occasional sighting of antelope and great fishing. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars for this activity as the dramatic landscape will leave you speechless.

Boat Cruises
Relax and enjoy one of Lake Kariba’s most popular activities and a favourite at Changa. If you are interested in birding, then our boat cruise is perfect for you as it will provide a different vantage point to get up close and personal to numerous species of birds. Whilst drifting along the banks of the lake, you will also encounter some great wildlife sightings in their peaceful surroundings.

What better way to end your day in Kariba, than listening to the sounds of hippo around you and witnessing an unforgettable sunset on the lake.

Day 7
Matusadona National Park Mana Pools

Today you will fly to Mana Pools. On arrival into Mana Pools Airstrip you will be met by a guide from John's Camp and transferred to the camp.

Mana Pools National Park is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River where you will find John's Camp nestled amongst canopies of Trichelia and Mahogany trees. It is a truly natural wilderness and the only wild walking National Park in Africa. Across the vast floodplain, one can walk with the giants - African Bull Elephants, 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. The camp comprises of 12 beds, made up of 6 twins or double en-suite Meru-style tents, a common dining area and a star gazing sleep-out platform for the more adventurous safari traveller.

Day 8-9
Mana Pools National Park

Enjoy your scheduled game activities

Located in northern Zimbabwe, the life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most lush and flourishing regions. Characterised by a diversity of landscapes including floodplains, forests, and baobab trees, the park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty; providing a fantastic destination for photographers. It is an Important Bird Area and is also one of the continent’s premier game-viewing locations, known for its good chances of seeing elephants, wild dogs, lions, and leopards. Visitors can look forward to an array of activities such as canoe trips, guided walks, game drives, river cruises, nature walks, bird watching, and catch-and-release fishing.

Walking Safaris
Major highlight of Mana Pools is the walking experience in this remote wilderness.

Game Drives
Explore the Mana Pools on a game viewing vehicle

Day 10
Mana Pools Harare

Today you will fly to Harare and connect onto your outgoing international flight back home or to your next destination.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 9 nights in Luxury Meru style Tents
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals, local brand drink and game activities
  • Included Copy 7 Premium brand drinks
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 All transfers and light aircraft flights between the camps
  • Included Copy 20 Laundry and Park fees
  • Included Copy 7 Visa fees, gratuities, curios and any other items of a personal nature.

Activities

  • Included Discover abundant wildlife on thrilling day and night game drives
  • Included Enjoy exceptional game viewing from the camps unique underground hide with its own wine cellar!
  • Included Immerse yourself in night sounds from the Dove’s Nest Treehouse sleepout (subject to availabilty)
  • Included Walk with the giants on thrilling walking safaris while at Mana Pools
  • Included Enjoy sundowners with hippos on the banks of the Zambezi River
  • Included Enjoy boat cruises and witness an unforgettable sunset on Lake Kariba
  • Included Try your hand Tiger Fishing, Africans finest fresh water fighting fish.
  • Included Track animals on foot with an experienced guide beyond the constraints of the game vehicle
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

10 days

Price from

$6,978 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on low season

Daily, on request - from May-October