
Embark on a bespoke journey through Zimbabwe’s most iconic landscapes—Victoria Falls, Mana Pools, and Southern Hwange National Park. Begin at Victoria Falls, where millions of gallons of water thunder over cliffs, creating a mist-filled spectacle. Guided rainforest walks lead to breathtaking viewpoints perfect for unforgettable photos. In Mana Pools, paddle along the Zambezi River on thrilling canoe adventures, offering unique wildlife encounters and stunning sunsets over the water. Conclude in Southern Hwange, one of Africa’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserves. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot the Big Five, along with over 100 animal species and 400 bird species. Prepare for an adventure that blends natural marvels with unparalleled wildlife experiences in Zimbabwe's most iconic destinations.
Highlights:
• Witness the thundering sound and misty spray of Victoria Falls
• Paddle along the meandering Zambezi River, in Mana Pools, on a thrilling canoe adventure
• Witness breathtaking sunsets in Mana Pools, over the Zambezi River
• Discover Hwange, one of Africa’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserves
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Victoria Falls (D)
Welcome to Zimbabwe. On arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, please clear customs and immigration and collect your luggage. Proceed to the Arrival Hall where you will be met by a lodge representation who will transfer you to your lodge (transfer time approx. 20 minutes).
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 metres in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers.
Day 2 & Day 3: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (BLD)
Two days to immerse yourself in the variety of exciting activities available at The Elephant Camp. The inclusive activities are designed to maximize your stay and immerse you in the beauty and culture of Victoria Falls. Explore the stunning Zambezi National Park on game drives, take a luxurious sunset cruise on the Zambezi Royal and visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about vital conservation efforts. Cultural experiences like a village tour and a guided tour of the iconic Victoria Falls (excluding park fees) provide deeper insight into the area’s heritage and natural wonders. Thrilling options such as the Victoria Falls Canopy Tour and cocktails at Batoka Gorge add adventure, while a relaxing lunch at The Lookout Café, complete with drinks, ensures a perfect balance of excitement and leisure. These experiences make every moment at The Elephant Camp truly unforgettable.
Day 4: Victoria Falls – Mana Pools National Park (BLD)
This morning you will be met by the lodge representative in the reception area and transferred to Victoria Falls International Airport. Depart Victoria Falls on your shared light aircraft flight to Mana Pools. Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will be met by a representative and transferred to the camp. The remainder of the day is at leisure to experience a game viewing activity.
Located in northern Zimbabwe, the life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most lush and flourishing regions. Characterised by a diversity of landscapes including floodplains, forests, and baobab trees, the park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty, providing a fantastic destination for photographers. It is an Important Bird Area and is also one of the continent’s premier game-viewing locations, known for its good chances of seeing elephants, wild dogs, lions, and leopards.
Day 5 & Day 6: Mana Pools National Park (BLD)
Two days to experience the activities on offer by the lodge. One of the many things Wilderness Ruckomechi are most proud to share with guests are the wide-open spaces and amazing viewing encounters with wild animals in their natural habitat. Explore the varying habitats within their private concession, as well as the National Park, accessing a diversity of habitats, and therefore a wide range of wildlife which resides in each one. Other activities available include guided nature walks, canoeing (water levels permitting), sunset cruise on the Zambezi river, catch and release fishing and birding.
Day 7: Mana Pools National Park – Southern Hwange National Park (BLD)
Time permitting, experience one last morning game viewing activity. You will be met by the lodge representative in the reception area (departure time will be advised locally) and transferred to the airstrip for your shared light aircraft flight to Hwange. Upon arrival at the airstrip, you are met by a representative and transferred to the lodge. Remainder of the day at leisure to experience a game viewing activity.
Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. Home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, the park is popular among animal lovers. Several protected species inhabit the awe-inspiring open landscapes, including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable - along with lion, cheetah, and around 500 bird species.
Day 8 & Day 9: Southern Hwange National Park (BLD)
Two days to experience the activities on offer at African Bush Camps Somalisa Camp. Embark on various safari activities including game drives, birding excursions, walking safaris, and cultural visits. Witness the Elephant Pool to experience remarkable, close-up encounters with elephants as they drink - all in a safe setting that forms a natural extension of the property. Additionally, experience an enthralling night under the starry sky at Somalisa Sleep-Out – a romantic treehouse retreat overlooking a watering hole just 25 minutes from Camp.
Day 10: Southern Hwange National Park – Victoria Falls International Airport (B)
Time permitting, experience one last morning game viewing activity. You will be met by the lodge representative in the reception area (departure time will be advised locally) and transferred to the airstrip. Depart Hwange by shared light aircraft flight to Victoria Falls International Airport. Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, collect your luggage and proceed to check in for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Private airport/hotel return transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking driver / driver guides
- 9-nghts' accommodation as specified (or similar)
- Meals and drinks as specified in itinerary
- Shared game viewing activities with English-speaking driver-guide
- Laundry at safari lodges/camps
- Seat in charter flights between Airports and Camps/Lodges as specified: Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA)/Wilderness Ruckomechi; Wilderness Ruckomechi/African Bush Camps Somalisa Camp; African Bush Camps Somalisa Camp/Victoria Falls International Airport
- VAT
- Tourism levy at 1%
- 24/7 service and full local backup throughout Zimbabwe
- Zimbabwe Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International and regional scheduled flights
- Transfers not specified in itinerary
- Any local/domestic flights not mentioned under inclusions
- Meals and beverages not specified in itinerary
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Items of a personal nature
- Visas Fees (where applicable)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Victoria Falls
Full Board Plus: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Drinks (excl. premium Brands) included
Experience an unparalleled safari adventure at The Elephant Camp, rated one of the best lodges in Zimbabwe. Situated on 4500 acres of private wilderness, this lodge offers more than just a destination; it's an immersive encounter with nature and culture, coupled with enlightening conservation excursions.
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Mana Pools National Park
Full Board Plus: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Drinks (excl. premium Brands) included
Situated in a large private concession in the heart of the Zambezi Valley’s Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Ruckomechi looks out from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. It is a remote, picturesque place with spectacular views of the broad flowing river, the adjacent woodland and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment.
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Southern Hwange National Park
Full Board Plus: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Drinks (excl. premium Brands) included
Nestled under the dappled shade of an Acacia Grove, Somalisa Camp blends elegant design with the organic elements of the bush. Enjoy luxurious amenities such as the inviting bar, the swimming pool with views of the Elephant Pool, the cozy firepit, and the serene, shared lounge area. Accommodation consists of seven elegantly furnished Luxury Sail Tents with gauze sliding doors, a glass wood-burner fireplace for the cold winter nights, and in-room fans 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.
Embracing sustainability, the Camp (which is run entirely on solar power and features a water purification system that recycles 80% of its water) proudly holds the first GOLD Green Tourism Certification to be awarded in Zimbabwe.
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Luggage on internal flights
Luggage on internal flights is restricted to 15kg per person (including hand luggage) and it is a requirement that bags are soft-sided. This is due to compartments in light aircraft being small and of an irregular shape, making soft-side/flexible luggage essential.
Entry Requirements - Zimbabwe
Travellers may be required to obtain a visa prior to arrival or on arrival depending on nationality.
Visa and entry requirements can change without prior notice and it is the traveller's responsibility to secure necessary visas for all countries travelling to. Prior to travel, ensure you verify the latest entry requirements for each country on your itinerary by consulting with your local embassy/consulate, or your travel agent/broker.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.