Zimbabwe Safari IP9D

Three of Zimbabwe’s best loved destinations Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Mana Pools, combined into one incredible 9-night safari. Offering a diversity of adventure and activities that are sure to satisfy even the most seasoned Safari goer! Charter flights included.

3 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
3 Nights Hwange National Park
3 Nights Mana Pools National Park
10 Days / 9 Nights
Reference: IP-9D
Starts Victoria Falls Airport / Ends Harare International Airport

Total Price 9 Nights (2024): US$ 6733 (low season) | US$ 9196 (high season)
per person sharing

*This package is only available from April and November*

Safari Overview

Three of Zimbabwe’s best loved destinations Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Mana Pools, combined into one incredible 9-night safari. Offering a diversity of adventure and activities that are sure to satisfy even the most seasoned Safari goer! Charter flights included.

This safari begins with three nights in one of the world’s most famous World Heritage Sites – Victoria Falls. Take part in unforgettable adventure activities, from cruises on the upper Zambezi River to wild adrenalin high wire action. Accommodation is in a beautiful suite at the renowned Victoria Falls Safari Lodge with views of their waterhole and the vast national park.

Your next three-night destination is in Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve - Hwange National Park. Well known for its huge herds of elephant and diversity of game species. Somalisa Camp is set on a spectacular private concession in the south of the park with excellent game viewing and guiding.

Your final three-nights are in Mana Pools National Park in the lower Zambezi valley. This national park is famous for its outstanding natural beauty; big acacia forests adorn huge floods plains filled with wildlife, all set against a back drop of the Zambezi river and Zambian escarpment. It has to be seen to be truly appreciated. Zambezi Expeditions, situated on the riverbank in comfortable yet not glamorous tents offer’s the perfect spot to experience this remarkable destination, with a range of water and land based activities.

Zimbabwe Safari IP9D Inspired Journey Overview

Notes: Day 1, 2 & 3

DAY 1
You will be met at Victoria Falls airport by one of our representatives and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge arriving by mid-afternoon. After settling into your beautiful waterhole facing suite you have time for an afternoon activity such as a sunset cruise or helicopter flight, or you may simply want to relax on the terrace, which has wonderful views of the national park and the busy waterhole below the lodge – the sunsets from here are incredible. We recommend dinner at the hotel as it has two award winning restaurants onsite. Although activities are not included in the package price, please contact us to help you to arrange an itinerary of activities suitable for you. Have a look at the Victoria Falls activities that are on offer.

DAY 2 & 3
You have 2 full days to soak up the wonderful atmosphere of Victoria Falls, it is the adventure capital of Africa and there are activities on offer to cater for everyone’s needs. View the mighty Falls, partake in the many activities on offer or wander around the streets to do a bit of curio shopping, then finish off at a café for refreshments and a bite to eat. You may want to have dinner at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge again but if not we can recommend other options in and around town or one of the great activities that include dinner. Please have a look at the available Victoria Falls Activities and contact us to arrange a suitable itinerary just for you.

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 Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is renowned as a supreme property at “Wonder of the World” destination Victoria Falls, and is showcased in numerous awards of high repute, including the 2012 Top 10 Resorts & Safari Camps in Africa as voted by the distinguished international Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

The 72-room Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is rich in ambience and offers sublime hospitality. With views of the waterhole and wild African bush, it's hard to beat this prime setting that is perfectly positioned to enjoy activities above and below the Falls. The staff are warm and personable providing faultless delivery to guests during their stay.

Notes: Day 4, 5 & 6

DAY 4
Today, you will be picked up after breakfast 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
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 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.

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, 9 & 10

DAY 7
Your charter flight to Mana Pools will leave some time in the late morning so you have time for another early morning activity and breakfast. This scenic flight takes you right across some of the wildest parts of Zimbabwe and is an absolute highlight. On arrival in Mana Pools you will be met by one of the game drive vehicles from Zambezi Expeditions and transferred to the camp, 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 8 & 9
The next two 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 10
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.

Mana Pools National Park

The life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most lush 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 take its pristine riverside forests.

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.

The camp has a minimum stay of two nights for a minimum of two people and is the perfect combination to include with Kanga Camp for an overall riverside and inland experience.

Activities at Zambezi Expeditions Camp

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 9 Nights (2024): US$ 6733 (low season) | US$ 9196 (high season)
Per person sharing

Included in this safari

VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE
• Accommodation in a comfortable modern suite with views of the National Park and the waterhole in front of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
• Daily breakfast
• Access to the Vulture Culture Experience

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

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

TRANSFERS
• All road transfers between lodges/hotels mentioned above and airports/airstrips
• Air transfers between Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools and Harare

Excluded

• Premium imported spirits and champagne
• All other meals and activities not specified
• Departure taxes

More Travel Information

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

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