From the Lower Zambezi to Lake Kariba and Hwange’s waterholes, see the best of Zim and end at Victoria Falls.
EnquireAll the details you need to know about your journey
Starts
HarareEnds
Victoria FallsVisits
ZimbabweDuration
11 nightsStyle
Fly-inBest time
Jul – OctPrice From
$12650Board basis
Fully-Inclusive
Zim’s a bit of a charmer. 12 day ultimate Zimbabwe safari starts in the meandering stretches of the Lower Zambezi, you’ll spend 12 days exploring its hippo-filled rivers and lakes. You’ll head up stream to the foothills of the Matusadona on the elephant-lined shores of Lake Kariba, detouring to Hwange’s thronging waterholes, and then on to Zimbabwe’s true sweetheart: Victoria Falls.
In between all the game drives and walking safaris, there’s a ton to be done. You’ll spend your mornings on a game drive or paddling your way past hippos and flat dogs* in Mana Pools, while afternoons are perfect for a spot of catch-and-release tiger fishing. (Pack your muscles, these guys love a good fight.) Lake Kariba offers sunrise boat cruises and stunning views, and you’ll get up close and personal with Hwange’s elephants from the cover of the hide. To top it all off, you’ll get to gaze down on Victoria Falls on a thrilling helicopter flip. By the end of 12 day ultimate Zimbabwe safari you’ll be walking on water.
*Those are crocodiles, in layman’s terms.
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EXPLORE The adventure begins! You’ll catch a small bush plane in Victoria Falls and follow the Zambezi downstream, past Lake Kariba, and on to Nyamatusi in Mana Pools. Here’s where you’ll spend the next three nights, in one of just four luxury tents bang on the water’s edge. Talk about views! You’ll canoe on the Zambezi and game-view on a sunset booze cruise.
Today you’re up and away on your second charter flight. Next stop: Bumi Hills. On the shores of Lake Kariba, life slows down to a delicious hum. You’ll hear the heart-warming tale of Bumi’s most famous resident, Ben the elephant – prepare yourself – and you’ll drain your batteries taking photos of Kariba sunsets. And when you’re not out on a game-drive, fishing for bream or watching buffalo graze along the shoreline, there’s always time for a massage and a refreshing G&T.
It’s time to swap muddy red elephants for Hwange’s grey ones. You’ll board another tiny bush plane (the scenic transfers never get old) and scoot off to the award-winning Somalisa, with its golden grasslands and oversized copper bathtubs. Over the next three nights, you’ll head out in search of the Big Five, get swept away by some serious predator action, and peer out of the hide at the waterhole’s endless stream of visitors.
Leaving Somalisa won’t be easy, but at least you’ll do it Out of Africa-style. Your final bush plane hop brings you back to where it all began: Victoria Falls, where you’ll enjoy two romantic nights at the Victoria Falls River Lodge. You can opt to take a thrilling helicopter flip above the Falls and explore the area by boat and on a game drive.
This is when the post-safari blues start to kick in. It's your last morning in the bush! Go for one last game drive or soak up the view from your suite before heading to the airport.
Book a scenic heli flip for an angel’s-eye view of Victoria Falls.
| Green Season | Shoulder Season | Peak Season | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | $12650 per person sharing | ||
| Single Supp | |||
| Local Flights |
All Accommodation All Activities as per Itinerary All Airport Transfers All Meals & Selected Drinks All Scheduled Flights Conservation Fees Wifi in Camp Where Available You’ll tick off Zimbabwe’s finest: Mana Pools National Park on the Lower Zambezi, Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park, Hwange National Park, and Victoria Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World).
It’s the mix. You’ll experience river, lake, bush, and waterfall in one seamless journey! From canoeing past hippos in Mana Pools, to sipping sundowners on Lake Kariba, tracking big cats in Hwange, and flying over Victoria Falls. Every leg of the trip is chosen for variety, exclusivity, and wow factor.
A hand-picked blend. Think waterfront hideaways, and stylish tented camps that put you in the heart of the bush. Every stay offers comfort, drool-worthy food, and an incredible front-row seat to Zim’s wildlife.
Both! First-timers will love the variety and high standard of guiding. At the same time, seasoned safari-goers will appreciate the diversity of habitats, activities, and the chance to explore Zimbabwe’s less-travelled corners.
You can expect to see huge herds of elephants, big cats, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 species of birds. Each region brings something unique — like Mana Pools’ on-foot elephant encounters or Hwange’s predator action.
Absolutely! Mana Pools offers legendary guided walks and canoe trips, Lake Kariba is perfect for boat cruises and fishing, and you’ll explore the Vic Falls area on foot and by boat too!
The Winter (dry season) from June to October offers the best wildlife viewing, as the thicket thins out and animals gather around water sources. The Summer (green season) from November to April brings lush landscapes (making animal sightings a bit harder) but is excellent for birding, and makes for a beautiful photographic safari.
Your safari begins in Harare, which is easily accessible by direct flights from Johannesburg and other African hubs.
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