Zambezi River Expedition & Mana Pools

Your Zimbabwe adventure begins with a road transfer from Victoria Falls to Msuna Island, a journey of approximately three hours.

On arrival, board the Zambezi Trader, where the friendly crew will welcome you aboard and show you to your cabin. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a short introduction to the journey ahead before settling in for lunch. Your expedition begins as the vessel cruises along the mighty Zambezi River, passing through the dramatic Batoka Gorge towards Elephant Bay. Relax on deck and admire the rugged escarpments, beautiful river scenery and peaceful surroundings.

This afternoon, visit a remote fishing village for an opportunity to learn about the Tonga people, who have lived in this region for generations. Enjoy a guided visit, meet local residents and gain an insight into everyday life along the river.

Return to the Zambezi Trader for dinner as the vessel begins its overnight cruise towards Matusadona National Park. Spend your first evening relaxing beneath the stars, surrounded by the tranquillity of the African wilderness.

Overnight: Zambezi Trader

Wake to a spectacular sunrise over Lake Kariba, one of Africa's largest man-made lakes. Enjoy breakfast onboard while admiring the expansive views across the water. Spend the morning relaxing on deck, taking a refreshing dip in the onboard pool or watching for wildlife along the shoreline. Elephants, buffalo, impala and hippos are among the animals that may be spotted around the lake's floodplains and waterways.

Head out by tender boat for a scenic excursion along the Bumi Hills floodplains, where the quieter waterways offer wonderful opportunities to observe wildlife and birdlife. Return to the vessel for lunch as you continue towards the Matusadona region, where the Zambezi Trader will moor for the evening.

This afternoon, choose between a guided fishing excursion, with opportunities to catch tiger fish, bream and catfish, or a scenic wildlife cruise exploring the shoreline.Matusadona National Park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, predators and a wonderful variety of birdlife.

Return to the vessel for dinner and another peaceful evening on Lake Kariba.

Overnight: Zambezi Trader

Enjoy breakfast onboard before setting out to discover more of the beautiful waterways and wildlife-rich landscapes surrounding Matusadona National Park.

This morning, choose between a guided fishing excursion or a scenic tender boat safari along the shoreline. Watch for elephants arriving at the water's edge, antelope grazing on the floodplains and colourful birdlife amongst the vegetation. For those wanting to explore the wilderness on land, an optional guided game drive into Matusadona National Park can be arranged for a supplement. Accompanied by an experienced guide, this 2.5–3 hour safari offers a different perspective on the park's wildlife and landscapes.

Return to the Zambezi Trader for lunch as the vessel continues its journey across Lake Kariba. Spend some time relaxing on deck, enjoying the scenery and the gentle rhythm of life on the water.

Later in the afternoon, venture out once more by tender boat for a final fishing excursion or scenic wildlife cruise. The golden light of late afternoon creates wonderful photographic opportunities as the sun begins to set over the lake. Tonight, enjoy a traditional African braai-style dinner beneath the stars, a memorable way to celebrate your final evening onboard.

Overnight: Zambezi Trader

Enjoy your final breakfast onboard the Zambezi Trader, taking in the peaceful lake scenery before saying farewell to the crew.

Travel by speedboat from Matusadona to Kariba, followed by a road transfer from Kariba Harbour to the airport. From here, board a light aircraft flight to Mana Pools National Park, one of Zimbabwe's most extraordinary wilderness areas. Located along the mighty Zambezi River, Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its spectacular floodplains, ancient woodlands and exceptional wildlife encounters.

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to Machaba's Mana River Camp, your home for the next three nights. Settle into your safari surroundings and soak up the atmosphere of this remote wilderness. Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity to join an afternoon safari activity before returning to camp for dinner.

Overnight: Machaba Mana River Camp

Wake to the sounds of the African bush and prepare for a day of unforgettable wildlife encounters in Mana Pools National Park. Renowned for its exceptional walking safaris, Mana Pools offers a rare opportunity to explore the wilderness on foot with experienced professional guides. Discover the smaller details of the bush, learn to identify animal tracks and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural environment.

The park's open floodplains and woodlands attract an incredible diversity of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and African wild dogs. Its position along the Zambezi River also makes it a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers.Spend the day enjoying your scheduled safari activities, with time between adventures to relax at camp and take in the peaceful surroundings.

As evening approaches, enjoy the magical atmosphere of the Zambezi Valley before returning to camp for dinner beneath the African sky.

Overnight: Machaba Mana River Camp

Another wonderful day awaits in Mana Pools, with opportunities to discover more of this remarkable wilderness.

Head out on a guided game drive across the floodplains, searching for elephants, predators and the many other animals that call this extraordinary landscape home. The open terrain and beautiful natural light make Mana Pools particularly rewarding for wildlife photography. Walking safaris offer a completely different perspective, allowing you to experience the sights, sounds and scents of the African bush beyond the confines of a safari vehicle.

Between activities, enjoy some downtime at camp, surrounded by the tranquillity of the wilderness. As your final afternoon draws to a close, savour the spectacular scenery and the unforgettable experience of being immersed in one of Africa's most celebrated safari destinations.

Overnight: Machaba Mana River Camp

Enjoy a final morning in the beautiful surroundings of Mana Pools National Park. After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Harare.

Your Zimbabwe adventure concludes on arrival in Harare, with unforgettable memories of cruising the Zambezi River, exploring the vast waters of Lake Kariba and discovering the spectacular wildlife of Mana Pools.