13 Days Zimbabwe Safari: Victoria Falls, Hwange, Lake Kariba, Mana Pools & Eastern Highlands

From $6,350 per person (based on two travelers)
13-Day Safari Package Through Zimbabwe’s Iconic Parks and Wild Landscapes

Zimbabwe Safari Tours | Hwange National Park | Victoria Falls Packages | Mana Pools Safari Holidays | Lake Kariba Wildlife Tours | Eastern Highlands Scenic Travel

Day 1: Arrival at Victoria Falls – Zambezi Sunset Cruise

Your adventure begins as you arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport. After immigration and luggage claim, you’ll be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your lodge. Spend the afternoon at leisure before heading out for a relaxing sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, offering up-close sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants near the banks.

Dinner and overnight at Ilala Lodge or similar.

Day 2: Explore Victoria Falls – Guided Tour & Cultural Visit

After breakfast, go on a guided tour of Victoria Falls. This natural wonder stretches over 1.7 kilometers with water plunging more than 100 meters into the gorge. Learn about the area’s geology, wildlife, and local legends as you move between various viewpoints.

In the afternoon, visit a nearby traditional village to meet community members and learn about local crafts and daily life. Optional activities include helicopter flights or bungee jumping.

Overnight at Ilala Lodge or similar.

Day 3: Transfer to Hwange National Park – Game Drive

Today you head south by road (approx. 4 hours) to Hwange National Park, covering over 14,000 square kilometers of savannah, woodland, and seasonal pans. After lunch and check-in, embark on your first game drive, searching for elephants, buffalo, and the park’s renowned predator species.

Overnight at Somalisa Camp, The Hide, or similar.

Day 4: Full Day Safari in Hwange National Park

Spend the day exploring Hwange’s diverse ecosystems. Morning and afternoon game drives offer chances to see giraffes, zebras, lions, hyenas, and possibly wild dogs. The park supports over 400 bird species, making it ideal for birdwatchers.

Midday will be spent relaxing at your lodge, possibly overlooking a waterhole visited by wildlife.

Overnight at Somalisa Camp or similar.

Day 5: Walking Safari & Optional Night Drive in Hwange

Begin your day with a bush walk led by a licensed walking guide and ranger. Learn to identify tracks, animal behavior, and plants traditionally used in medicine or survival. This is a quieter, more detailed encounter with the bush.

Later in the evening, take a night drive in the concession area, where nocturnal species like aardvark, civet, and genet may be seen.

Overnight at Somalisa Camp or similar.

Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kariba – Afternoon Scenic Boat Safari

After breakfast, transfer to Lake Kariba, either by road or light aircraft depending on logistics. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge overlooking the lake. Lake Kariba spans 5,580 square kilometers and supports a thriving ecosystem.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari to explore the islands and shoreline, watching for hippos, elephants, and crocodiles while enjoying panoramic views of the escarpment.

Overnight at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge or similar.

Day 7: Lake Kariba – Walking Safari & Island Exploration

Start your morning with a walking safari near the lakeshore or in the nearby bush areas. These walks offer excellent chances to see bushbuck, waterbuck, and birds like fish eagles and kingfishers.

Later, enjoy a guided boat cruise exploring hidden channels and sandy bays, with opportunities for photography and sunset views.

Overnight at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge or similar.

Day 8: Fly to Mana Pools National Park – Game Drive

After breakfast, board a charter flight to Mana Pools National Park, one of Africa’s top wilderness areas along the Zambezi River. This park is known for elephants standing on two legs to reach tree branches, as well as frequent lion and wild dog sightings.

Arrive and settle into your riverside camp before heading out for a game drive.

Overnight at Zambezi Expeditions or Nyamatusi Camp.

Day 9: Mana Pools – Walking Safari & Canoe Safari

Start the day with a walking safari into the open floodplains and riverine woodland, guided by a licensed ranger. Mana Pools is one of few parks where walking safaris among big game is a central activity.

In the afternoon, take a canoe safari on the Zambezi River, drifting past pods of hippos, crocodiles, and flocks of bee-eaters nesting along the banks.

Overnight at Zambezi Expeditions or similar.

Day 10: Mana Pools – Full Day Wilderness Exploration

Today is dedicated to in-depth wildlife viewing. Enjoy a combination of walking, game drives, and optional canoe trips. The park’s isolation and low visitor numbers create a real sense of wild seclusion.

Wildlife includes large herds of elephant and buffalo, frequent lion sightings, and rich birdlife across the floodplains.

Overnight at Zambezi Expeditions or similar.

Day 11: Fly to Eastern Highlands – Mutarazi Falls Visit

After breakfast, fly east to the Eastern Highlands, a mountainous region known for its cool climate, scenic vistas, and waterfalls. Transfer to your lodge in Nyanga or Chimanimani region. In the afternoon, visit Mutarazi Falls, Zimbabwe’s tallest waterfall at 762 meters.

Walk along forest trails and possibly try the optional skywalk or zipline across the gorge.

Overnight at Troutbeck Resort, Aberfoyle Lodge, or similar.

Day 12: Eastern Highlands – Forest Walks and Village Encounters

Spend your final full day exploring the region. Hike through montane forests, visit viewpoints overlooking Mozambique, or explore botanical gardens filled with orchids and cycads. Cultural encounters with local farming communities can be arranged.

This is a slower-paced day for reflection and nature immersion.

Overnight at Troutbeck Resort or similar.

Day 13: Transfer to Harare – Departure

After breakfast, transfer by road to Harare International Airport (approx. 4–5 hours) for your outbound flight. Alternatively, a charter flight can be arranged at additional cost.

Your 13-day Zimbabwe safari ends with a deeper appreciation of the country’s variety , from wild savannahs and big game to lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and mountain ranges.

Included

• Airport transfers and all domestic flights
• Accommodation at mid-range to luxury camps and lodges
• All meals outside Victoria Falls; breakfast only in Victoria Falls
• Guided activities: game drives, walking safaris, boat safaris, canoeing
• Park entrance and conservation fees
• Professional English-speaking guides

Not Included

• International airfare
• Travel insurance
• Entry visas and vaccination requirements
• Optional activities in Victoria Falls
• Drinks (unless included), tips, personal expenses

Let me know if you need a luxury, honeymoon, or photographic version of this itinerary.