Zimbabwe Safari IP14A

This classic 14-night luxury safari allows you to experience the best of Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba and Mana Pools. The variety of scenery, wildlife and activities will leave you spellbound. This is a phenomenal life changing experience - if you have the time and the money, don’t hesitate! Charter flights included.

3 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
3 Nights Hwange National Park
2 Nights Lake Kariba
6 Nights Mana Pools National Park
15 Days / 14 Nights
Reference: IP-14A
Starts Victoria Falls Airport / Ends Harare International Airport

Total Price 14 Nights (2024): US$ 11567 (low season) | US$ 16062 (high season)
per person sharing

*This package is only available from April to November*

Safari Overview

This classic 14-night luxury safari allows you to experience the best of Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba and Mana Pools. The variety of scenery, wildlife and activities will leave you spellbound. This is a phenomenal life changing experience - if you have the time and the money, don’t hesitate! Charter flights included.

Start with one of the most famous World Heritage Sites and home to the largest waterfall in the world – Victoria Falls. Three nights at Victoria Falls River lodge, which is a 20-minute boat transfer from town, offers you a wildlife experience with a variety of activities but at the same time quick access to town and all that it has to offer. It’s hard to find a better place to stay in Victoria Falls than this!

Your next stop is three nights in Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife area – Hwange National Park, filled with huge herds of elephant and a plethora of other wildlife. Somalisa Camp is set on a magnificent private wildlife concession and offers one of the best opportunities to see this game, along with some of the best guides in the business.

Matusadona on the shores of Lake Kariba is your next destination for a quick 2-night stay and a chance to relax after your intense game viewing in Hwange - safaris can be tiring. This luxury accommodation, perched high on a hill has spectacular views overlooking the lake. There are also inclusive activities available such as game drives, cultural visits and various water-based activities.

Your final destination is Mana Pools National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty and another of Zimbabwe’s World heritage sites. For diversity of habit you begin with two nights deep within the national park at Kanga Camp, positioned overlooking the only waterhole for many miles, to sit and watch the game as it comes to you. Then move down to the Mana shoreline for four incredible nights on the Zambezi River and its floodplains. The iconic scenery, phenomenal game and bird viewing along with great guides and camp will supersede your expectations.

Zimbabwe Safari IP14A Inspired Journey Overview

Notes: Day 1, 2 & 3

DAY 1
On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met by one of our representative and transferred to Victoria Falls River Lodge. It is a 30-minute ride on tarred road to Victoria Falls town and then about a 20-minute boat transfer into Zambezi National Park and the riverside lodge. After settling into your magnificent room you can opt to join a sunset river cruise on the Zambezi River. After the cruise return to the lodge to freshen up and then enjoy a 3 course dinner in the main central area.

DAY 2 & 3
You have two full days at Victoria Falls River Lodge to enjoy the activities they have on offer. Please read below about these activities and arrange these with the lodge mangers onsite. During this time, you will also want to make a trip into town to see the magnificent Victoria Falls and possibly partake in some of the other activities that are available (not included). Typically, guests partake in early morning and late afternoon game drives or boat cruises, but you also might want to try your hand at a bit of fishing during the middle of the day. The camp is positioned perfectly on the river bank, with wonderful views so taking time to relax in your luxurious room is also highly recommended.

Meals consist of early morning tea / coffee and continental breakfast, followed by a big brunch after your activity. Afternoon tea offers a few delicious treats as well as hot and iced tea and coffee. A delicious 3 course dinner is served either in the main dining area or private dinners can be arranged on the Jetty. Drinks and snacks are provided on all activities.

Victoria Falls

One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine a game viewing and water sports. There is excellent fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world.

Overnight: Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge is the first private game lodge to be set in the Zambezi National Park. This newly built luxury tented lodge is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.

Uninterrupted panoramic views of African sunsets and good wildlife viewing makes this uniquely located lodge the ideal place from which to explore Victoria Falls as it combines the safari experience with one of the world's most famous tourist destinations!

The main lodge has an open plan design and has been positioned just back from the river – in view of the elephants' natural evening route. Sit back and sip on a cocktail, under the shade of the thatched roof, as the elephants graze along the river line. It's a cool escape from the African sun.

Activities At Victoria Falls River Lodge

Game Drive
Guests have choice of either a morning or evening game drive in the Zambezi National Park. For the ultimate bush safari experience, head out in a game-viewer to explore the Zambezi national Park early in the morning, armed with hot beverages and a delicious supply of traditionally baked rusks. Alternatively, track a magnificent elephant herd as they move silently through the bush, or admire stately giraffe as they effortlessly weave their way through spiky acacia thicket – stopping to enjoy the phenomenal sunset with sun-downers and a variety of scrumptious snacks before returning to camp for dinner.

River Cruise
Watch from the comfort of a private river cruiser as the world awakens and the sun’s first rays skip and dance across the shimmering surface of the mighty Zambezi River – A truly revitalising way to start any day! For the not-so-early birds, sit back and let the gentle ebb and flow of the Zambezi lull and relax you, while you sip on sundowners, viewing nature’s creatures, big and small, coming to the water’s edge.

Additional On-Site Activities (optional)

Half Day Canoe Safari
This can be a morning or afternoon 4 hours long activity with lunch or dinner back at the lodge.

Full Day Canoe Safari
For 8 hours on the Zambezi River, this safari comes with a packed picnic lunch and drinks which can be enjoyed on the Zambezi River bank or on one of the islands on the river. Dinner will be served back at the lodge.

Fishing Safaris
Guests have a choice between fishing off the boat and fishing off the jetty.

Walking Safaris
These are done with an armed professional and licensed guide.

Notes: Day 4, 5 & 6

DAY 4
Today, you will be transferred after breakfast to Victoria Falls airport for your charter flight to Hwange. Your flight takes about 50 minutes, then it’s a 30-minute game drive to Somalisa Camp. After lunch it’s siesta time during the heat of the day, so take time to relax in your room or the main lodge area and watch animals as they come down to drink at the waterhole. Then it’s your chance to see some fantastic wildlife on an afternoon and evening game drive with your experienced guide. Return to the lodge after sunset, freshen up and enjoy a delicious dinner and evening around the campfire, recounting stories of the afternoons wildlife sightings.

DAY 5
No two days are the same at Somalisa, game viewing experiences are tailor-made to guest’s preferences, please see details below of the activities available and arrange these with the lodge managers onsite to suit your individual needs. Whether you choose to track a herd of elephant on foot with your highly trained guide at dawn or spend the afternoon relaxing overlooking the waterhole on the deck by the pool, this wild and unspoilt bush paradise will guarantee you leave with memories to last a lifetime!

DAY 6
Another day of game viewing activities at Somalisa, tailor-made to suit your needs and influenced by what the wildlife at the time of your visit is doing. Hwange offers some of the best wildlife sightings available in Africa without the congestion of numerous tourists.

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides 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. Terrain ranges from desert dunes and savannah lands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests.

Overnight: Somalisa Camp

Somalisa Camp is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, and is known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds. Nestled in a stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain, Somalisa provides guests with breath-taking views of the savannah plains across the famous Kennedy Vlei line. Recently re-built, Somalisa Camp has upgraded its level of accommodation to that of complete comfort and luxury whilst still maintaining its focus on the guiding and hosting of guests to ensure the ultimate guest experience.

Consisting of seven elegantly furnished Sail Tents with gauze sliding doors, a glass wood-burner fireplace for the cold winter nights, and an overhead fan for the hot summer days, each tent has en-suite bathroom facilities including flush toilets, an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a copper slipper-style bathtub. The main decking area includes split level decking with a separate lounge and dining area, as well as a small splash pool for guests overlooking the “Elephant Pool” and a natural waterhole where herds of game congregate to drink and where guests can relax whilst soaking in the African bush.

Activities include guided walks lead by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you, game drives and night drives. Wildlife sightings include elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena, and many other wildlife species.

Activities at Somalisa Camp

Game Drives
Morning and afternoon game drives are by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you. The open land cruisers will accommodate six passengers on tiered seating so that views are not blocked and photographic opportunities are enhanced. Each of our vehicles are fitted with permanent canvas roofing to protect you from the varying weather elements, whilst still allowing an optimised up close and personal experience of wildlife.

Walking Safaris
Walking safaris are lead by armed and qualified guides. Because there is much more to an African safari than being driven around in a vehicle while passively viewing animals, Somalisa combines the ultimate itinerary with an expert guide, creating the complete journey, where experiences, knowledge and passions are shared and whereby a standard safari is transformed into an extra-ordinary one.

Bird Watching
Hwange National Park is known to have one of the highest diversities of wildlife and bird-life species than most National Parks in Southern Africa. There are over 470 birdlife species in the area.

Evening Game Drives
Evening Drives on Somalisa’s Private Concession within the Hwange National Park are done in open land cruisers that will accommodate six passengers on tiered seating so that views are not blocked and photographic opportunities are enhanced. Each of the vehicles are fitted with permanent canvas roofing to protect you from the varying weather elements, whilst still allowing an optimised up close and personal experience of wildlife. Guests who have booked a private vehicle can request for the roofing to be removed in advance of their safari.

Notes: Day 7 & 8

Day 7
Indulge in a final morning game activity on the Somalisa private game concession before being transferred after breakfast to the airstrip for your connecting charter flight to Bumi Hills. This scenic flight, over some rugged terrain takes about 1 hr 20 minutes followed by a short drive up to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. The views from the lodge are spectacular and you will most likely want to relax on the deck or by the infinity pool and soak it all in, whilst enjoying a drink and some lunch. In the afternoon you can go to one of the game viewing platforms, or enjoy a spa treatment (optional extra) to wind down the day or if you prefer a sunset boat cruise on the lake will guarantee an unforgettable day. Dinner will be served at the lodge restaurant.

DAY 8
Bumi Hills is not only a wonderful place to relax, it also offers a wide range of activities from game drives and boats cruises to fishing and cultural village visits. The scenery is just beautiful and the area contains a huge diversity of flora and fauna which is not to be missed. Please see details of the activities on offer below and arrange these onsite with the lodge managers to suit your individual needs.

Lake Kariba

The planet’s most voluminous man-made lake, Kariba is a popular tourist destination that was created in the 1950’s when the mighty Zambezi was dammed. It stretches for more than 200 kilometres along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, forming a natural boundary between the two countries. The lake’s waters are home to abundant crocodiles, hippos, fish and aquatic birds, while its shoreline and islands are rich with terrestrial game such as elephant and buffalo. It has become one of Zimbabwe’s main tourist attractions offering houseboat holidays, fishing safaris and wonderful game viewing experiences.

Overnight: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge boasts one of Africa’s finest wilderness locations with an elevated position on a range of remote hills overlooking the vastness of Lake Kariba. Bumi is situated near the North Eastern border of the Matusadona National Park and is easily accessible by light aircraft and boat, allowing you to be swiftly transported into paradise without the stress of a long journey.

The safari lodge has a total of 10 rooms, all with views over Lake Kariba. All rooms have balconies and uninhibited views over Lake Kariba. There are garden rooms available too, reserved for guides and tour leaders, with slated terraces, set a little way back. Taking centre stage is the beautiful infinity pool that seems to blend endlessly into the lake horizon. The pool is surrounded by intimate wine and dining terraces on different levels. The lodge interiors have been beautifully finished in a fusion of contemporary western and African styles.

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is situated on an extensive wildlife conservation area. Bumi Hills is home to lion, leopard, big herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as a multitude of different plains game. Guests can indulge in superb fishing in the lake waters surrounding the safari lodge with bream and the fighting tiger fish in abundance. Birding and cultural experiences (with the rich local Tonga culture) also abound.

Activities at Bumi Hills

Wildlife Game Viewing
Bumi is unique among luxury safari lodges because of the exquisite added dimension of the water - Kariba is among the world’s largest man-made lakes and a genuine African wilderness with far more animals than people. This allows for glorious game-viewing by boat as well as the traditional open 4 x 4 vehicles and walking in the wild with an armed professional guide.

Birding
The Bumi area offers truly incredible birdlife, especially water birds, and hundreds of species have been recorded. It is a thrilling location for photography of the majestic scenery and wildlife, but also the prolific bird life for enthusiasts.

Fishing
Bumi is the prime fishing region of Kariba and is a major attraction that sets it apart from any traditional luxury safari lodge. Here it is rated one of Africa’s Top 20 adventures. You’ll thrill to catching the razor toothed tiger, pound-for-pound one of the world’s most powerful freshwater species.

Cultural Excursions
The Bumi Hills Wildlife Area is bordered in the north west by the Chalala and Mola communities, which are home to the Tonga, a delightful and very spiritual people who have resided in this area and along the length of the Zambezi River for centuries. They have preserved ancient traditions and still live a largely subsistence lifestyle that is reliant on fishing, livestock and small scale farming. In the village of Chalala these customs have melted together with the inevitable infiltration of modern ways of life. However, the luxuries of a permanent electricity and water supply to homes are still absent, leaving the communities still largely reliant on the surrounding environment for their livelihood.

Lunch on Starvation Island
After a morning game drive, enjoy a delicious lunch on Starvation Island.

Notes: Day 9 & 10

DAY 9
Sometime during the morning, depending on the flight schedules of the day you will be transferred to airstrip for your charter flight to Mana Pools. This flight takes about 45 minutes, partly across the lake and then down the Zambezi valley arriving at Mana airstrip where a game drive vehicle meets you and transfers you into Kanga Camp. Kanga is situated on a waterhole deep inland, it being the only water around for miles, it attracts a continuous variety of game. The focus of this camp then is to sit and watch and see what comes to you.

A three course meal is served in the dining area on the main deck under the trees. Wind down with some drinks and stories before retiring for the night.

DAY 10
One full day at Kanga offers a completely different perspective to the Mana Pools you will be experiencing during the following 4 days at Zambezi Expeditions on the flood plains by the river. As said before, the focus is the waterhole in front of the camp but you might also feel like doing one game drive or walk to see the area.

If you wish to do the sleeping out experience (Kanga under the stars), your guide will walk you about a kilometre out of camp to the elevated sleeping platforms. Your drinks will be waiting for you around the campfire, and your dinner will be served while you are out there. Enjoy the sounds of the wild and the African night sky.

Please see below more detail of the activities and liaise with you camp managers site.

Mana Pools National Park

The life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s lushest and flourishing regions, designated as the country’s second World Heritage Site and known as one of the continent’s premier game-viewing regions. Canoe trips are offered year round and provide a unique and memorable way for visitors to experience the area’s striking scenic beauty and diverse fauna, while guided walks are a great way to see its pristine riverside forests.

Overnight: Kanga Camp

Kanga Camp is set within the most remote part of this World Heritage Site: Mana Pools. The camp is built around the Kanga Pan, the only permanent water source in the area available throughout the year, making it a hub for wildlife and a delight to explore on foot. Pristine and undeveloped, this area gives you a pure, unspoilt, private African safari experience. The diverse area has a multiple of open vlei lines, river systems of the Ruckomechi River, and mixed woodland types from Mopane woodland to Jesse bush and riverine forests. Pristine and undeveloped, this area gives you a pure, unspoilt, private African safari experience.

This 12 bedded luxury tented camp comprises of 6 luxury meru-style tents all furnished simply yet elegantly, with en-suite bathroom facilities which include flush toilets and running hot and cold water. Two of the tents are honeymoon units with a private deck for dining and relaxing in the afternoons. The honeymoon units can also be converted into a Family unit on special request. The main area has a comfortable lounge and dining area offering you uninterrupted views of a very active water hole. Relax in the upper deck lounge under the shade of a mahogany or sit on the deck below near the splash pool and enjoy Kanga − the old Africa in a new era.

Besides game drives and walking excursions, an hour’s drive brings you to the wild Zambezi River where guests are able to join additional activities such as canoeing and fishing excursions on special request. The major highlight during your stay at Kanga, is “Kanga Under the Stars” − an opportunity to sleep on an open platform and experience the magnificence of an African night lit up solely by a sky studded with stars.

Activities at Kanga Camp

Game drives
Game drives at Kanga Camp are always full of surprises. Safaris in this game-rich region of Zimbabwe means there are common sightings such as leopard and wild dog. During the dry season, game drives are often not needed as the game comes straight to the pan in front of Kanga where fresh water is pumped throughout the day. Being the only pan within a 10km radius, this brings the true meaning to an Armchair Safari.

Walking
Walking at Kanga Camp is absolutely superb with the guidance of one of our professional guides in camp, walking in Mana Pools is one of the closest things we can get to being in the complete wilderness. Get to know the flora of the region or track lions on foot. A walk in Mana Pools is something truly special.

Kanga Under the Stars
A more adventurous option from Kanga Bush Camp is a sleep out approximately a kilometre from camp, where four sleeping platforms have been erected high up on wooden stilts under large wild fig trees. These consist simply of a mattress, with pillows and duvets, laid on a wooden platform, and completely covered by a mosquito net. Down below, two platforms each share a flush toilet and a bucket shower. A late afternoon walk/ drive from Kanga, with your guide, will bring you to ‘Kanga under the Stars’, where staff will be waiting for you with ice-cold drinks around a campfire. Later there is a three-course dinner, and in the morning, breakfast is served before walking back to Kanga.

Notes: Day 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15

DAY 11
On your last morning at Kanga you will be picked up after breakfast for the hour long game drive to Zambezi Expeditions on the Mana Pools shoreline. This gives you your first glimpse to this area of outstanding natural beauty and the phenomenal wildlife that it contains.

Settle in to your comfortable walk-in Meru style tent and then enjoy lunch in the main area. Relax until the afternoon activities begin then join an afternoon game drive/walk which weaves you along this amazing Zambezi River flood plain, filled with iconic Acacia Albida trees and the inland pools from which this national park derives its name. Return to camp for dinner served under the mess tent or on the riverbank.

DAY 12, 13 & 14
The next three days are filled with excitement, adventure and outstanding game viewing. Zambezi Expeditions has a wide variety of activities available both land and water based which allows you to truly explore this wonderful area. Generally, guests do an early morning and late afternoon activity and then relax during the heat of the day savouring the beautiful vista from the camp itself. All-day trips, travelling further afield can also be arranged if this suits you. Please see details on the activities below and arrange these with the camp managers onsite to suit your individual needs and animal movements at the time of your visit. Whether it be walking, driving, canoeing or fishing the guides at Zambezi Expeditions are all highly trained and considered to be amongst the best in Africa.

Meals consist of early morning tea / coffee and continental breakfast, followed by a big brunch after your morning activity. Full day trips will take a packed lunch. Prior to the afternoon activity high tea is served. Dinner is a delicious 3 course affair. Drinks and snacks are provided on all activities.

DAY 15
On this final morning of your safari you have a last chance to pack in an early morning activity before being transferred back to the airstrip to catch your 1 hr 25-minute charter flight to Harare International Airport for your onward arrangements.

Overnight: Zambezi Expeditions Camp

The legendary Mana Pools is known for its wildlife rich flood plains and magnificent views of the Zambezi River, with the Zambezi Escarpment in Zambia as a dramatic backdrop to the scenery. The river boasts some of Africa’s most amazing tiger fishing and adventure canoeing safaris, creating the perfect combination of beauty and fun and making this World Heritage site a must-visit national park.

Zambezi Expeditions offers one of the best ways to experience Mana Pools on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. The 8-bed luxury mobile camp is set up prior to your arrival. Comprising of 4 twin bedded mini-meru style tents with en-suite bathroom facilities including flush toilets and al fresco bucket showers, the camp gives luxury camping a new definition by virtue of its simple yet elegant and comfortable furnishings. A 12-bedded camp consisting of six tents can be set up for a single group on special request.

Activities at Zambezi Expeditions

Game Drives
One of the main highlights is a game drive along the flood plain in an open 4 x 4 Land Cruiser that takes you into the heart of an Africa dream abounding with the continent’s unique animals − eland, elephant, African wild dogs, water buck, big herds of buffalo, kudu, lion and leopard.

Walking Safaris
Take a walk in the wild and encounter wild animals up close with Zambezi Expeditions Game Walks. Accompanied by one of our professional and highly-trained field guides, explore the banks of the Zambezi River on foot.

Canoeing
Zambezi Expeditions is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River and offers canoeing safaris. Accompanied by one of our professional guides, a canoe trip is as exciting as it sounds with opportunities to get up close to some of Africa's wild animals while slowly cruising down the Zambezi. Elephants, hippos and crocodiles are common sightings. At the end of the canoe safari you are met by one of our game vehicles and transferred back to camp in time for an afternoon siesta.

Fishing
The Zambezi River is well-known for some of the best tiger fishing spots in Africa. The slow flow of the Zambezi allows for great catch-and-release tiger fishing and our guides are on-hand to assist in some early morning or afternoon fishing.

Price

Total Price 14 Nights (2024): US$ 11567 (low season) | US$ 16062 (high season)
Per person sharing

Included in this safari

VICTORIA FALLS RIVER LODGE
• Accommodation in a roomy and open luxury room facing the Zambezi River
• All meals and local drinks, High tea
• Activities: Tour of the Falls; Two game activities (either a morning or afternoon game drive in the Zambezi National Park, or sunrise or sunset river cruise)

SOMALISA CAMP
• Accommodation in a large, elegantly furnished tented suite
• All meals and non-premium beverages
• Hwange National Parks Fees and Conservation levy
• Laundry
• Two game viewing activities per day: Bird watching; Game drives; Guided walks; Night drives

BUMI HILLS
• Accommodation in a premium room with breath-taking views of Lake Kariba
• Standard Beverages, teas and coffees; Meals as served
• Laundry
• National Parks fees and Conservation levy
• Up to three scheduled activities per night of stay: Game drive, platform sit, boat cruise, fishing, guided walking safari, cultural village tour

KANGA CAMP
• Accommodation in a large and spacious meru-style tent
• All meals and non-premium beverages
• Laundry
• Mana Pools National park fees and Conservation levy
• Two game viewing activities per day: Game drives, Game walks, Canoeing, Fishing

ZAMBEZI EXPEDITIONS CAMP
• Accommodation in an en-suite luxury tent facing the Zambezi flood plains
• All meals and non-premium beverages
• Mana Pools National Parks Fees and Conservation levy
• Laundry
• Two game viewing activities per day: Game drives; Game walks; Fishing; Canoe safaris

TRANSFERS
• Air transfers between Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba, Mana Pools and Harare
• All transfers between airports/airstrips and hotels/lodges in the circuit
• Optional daily transfer between Victoria Falls River Lodge and Victoria Falls town

Excluded

• Premium imported spirits and champagne
• Other unspecified activities
• Spa treatments and shop purchases
• Victoria Falls Rainforest, Zambezi National Park entry fees paid per person per day

More Travel Information

• Victoria Falls Travel Information
• Victoria Falls Activities
• Hwange National Park Information
• Mana Pools National Park Information
• Kariba Information

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