Why this safari works…
Although we do allow you a couple of days at Vic Falls to catch your breath when you arrive, this is all about pure, unadulterated wildlife viewing, combined with some of the very best guiding in Africa.
A starting point for your bespoke itinerary:
RELAX AND RECOVER at Victoria Falls (1-3 nights)
After a long, dry, uncomfortable international flight, spending a day or two getting your bearings at Victoria Falls is a great way to start your Zimbabwe safari. Ease yourself in with a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi, or ramp up the excitement with a heli flight over the falls. If you don’t want to be amidst the hustle and bustle of Vic Falls town, we have plenty of options along the river or in the nearby national park.
START SAFARI WITH A BANG in Hwange National Park (3-5 nights)
Hwange is particularly well known for its mighty herds of elephants, but the all round standard of game viewing is good so it’s rare you’d be disappointed- and did we mention Zimbabwean guides are amongst the best in Africa? We’d spend an absolute minimum of 3 days here trying out game drives and walking safaris.
WATERY WONDERLAND at Mana Pools (3-5 nights)
We’d easily rate Mana Pools as one of the most beautiful national parks in Africa. The river frontage and legendary pools mean there is always water to attract the wildlife, and the combination of fairly relaxed animals and excellent guides makes it a great place to do a walking safari. There are game drives at Mana Pools too, and a camp to suit everyone, whether you’re a wild-dog addict, keen to try a canoe safari, or prefer the privacy of a concession.
Other ideas for your adventure… Die-hard safari goers might ditch Victoria Falls and add more safari time- perhaps staying in two different camps in both Hwange and Mana Pools – with such varied terrain this is fantastic way to have a true immersion in your surroundings. Or you could add a bit more time on the water with a few days relaxing on Lake Kariba. If you have longer to spare, extend your trip to Gonarezhou or Matobo National Park.
Make your trip extraordinary by… taking the Elephant Express for the final leg of your journey into Hwange. Or, consider a fly camp or sleepout during your safari- not for the faint-hearted, but utterly magical.
When to go… Camps in Mana Pools tend to open up during March/April as the land dries out, and close in mid-late November as the heat and rainstorms start building. The peak of the game viewing season probably falls around August/September, though the best time to see Victoria Falls would usually be before then- by September the flow is often so diminished it can dry up on the Zambian side.
Want to know more about how we can customise this trip for you?
EXTRAORDINARY AFRICA 