Highlights of Zimbabwe safari

Leaving Victoria Falls behind (don’t worry, you’ll be back), you’ll catch a small bush plane to Linkwasha Camp in the south-east corner of Hwange National Park. Here you’ll spend three nights in one of just nine elegant tents, amid a steady stream of wildlife. You’ll head out in search of predators like cheetah, wild dog and lion, photograph the elephants and buffalo from the sunken hide, or hit the bush on foot. You might even be tempted to sleep out under the stars.

You’re up and away to Mana Pools for the next leg of your adventure. (Keep an eye out, you might spot Lake Kariba down below.) On the sandy banks of the lower Zambezi, three magic nights – and hundreds of elephants – await you at Ruckomechi. Watch as they balance on their hindlegs in search of seed pods, or grab a canoe and wind your way through the hippo pods instead. At night, fall asleep to hyena cackles and not-so-distant lion roars, while tiger fish dance in your dreams.

It’s time to hop back in a little plane and hit Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall (by volume, to be precise). You’ll have a full day of exploring, sandwiched between two exceedingly comfy nights, away from the crowds, at Stanley & Livingstone. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the Falls with a local guide, and if you like, hop into a helicopter for the scenic ride of your life. There’s a ton to see and do in what’s considered the adventure capital of Southern Africa, so expect to be spoilt for choice.