16 Days Zimbabwe Safari: From Victoria Falls to Mana Pools, Kariba, Matobo Hills, and the Eastern Highlands

From $7,850 per person (based on two travelers)
16-Day Zimbabwe Safari Through Iconic National Parks, Rivers, Mountains, and Historic Landscapes

Zimbabwe Safaris | Hwange National Park | Victoria Falls Holidays | Mana Pools Expeditions | Lake Kariba Tours | Matobo Hills | Eastern Highlands Travel Packages

Day 1: Arrive in Victoria Falls – Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi

On arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your lodge near the falls. Later in the day, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, with chances to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife while sipping sundowner drinks.

Dinner and overnight at Ilala Lodge or similar.

Day 2: Victoria Falls – Guided Tour and Optional Excursions

After breakfast, join a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, stretching more than 1.7 km wide and over 100 meters high. Walk through rainforest trails to key viewpoints like Devil’s Cataract and Main Falls.

In the afternoon, choose from optional activities: helicopter flight, bungee jump, cultural village visit, or local art market.

Overnight at Ilala Lodge or similar.

Day 3: Transfer to Hwange National Park – First Game Drive

After breakfast, travel by road (approximately 4 hours) to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most wildlife-rich reserve. After settling in at your lodge and lunch, depart for your first afternoon game drive in the park’s teak forests and open plains.

Overnight at The Hide, Somalisa Camp, 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 opportunities to see elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, lions, leopards, and possibly African wild dogs. Between drives, relax at your lodge with views of nearby waterholes.

Overnight at The Hide or similar.

Day 5: Bush Walk and Night Game Drive in Hwange

Start the day with a guided walking safari, focusing on tracking, animal signs, and smaller creatures of the bush. Later, after your afternoon rest, enjoy a night drive in the private concession, increasing your chance to see nocturnal wildlife such as civets, porcupines, and owls.

Overnight at The Hide or similar.

Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kariba – Boat Safari

After breakfast, travel to Lake Kariba, either via road and boat combination or by charter flight. Lake Kariba spans 5,580 square kilometers and is ideal for scenic exploration and water-based wildlife viewing.

After check-in, set out on a sunset boat safari, gliding past islands and inlets where elephants and hippos gather at the shoreline.

Overnight at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge or similar.

Day 7: Lake Kariba – Walking Safari and Scenic Cruising

In the morning, head out for a walking safari with experienced guides along the lake’s edge. Later in the afternoon, explore the lake further on a boat safari, where crocodiles sun themselves and fish eagles swoop for tilapia.

Optional visit to a local fishing village available.

Overnight at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge or similar.

Day 8: Fly to Mana Pools – Game Drive Along the Zambezi

After breakfast, board a light aircraft to Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO-listed wilderness famous for walking and canoe safaris. Check into your riverside camp and embark on a game drive, often rich with elephant, buffalo, and lion sightings.

Overnight at Zambezi Expeditions or Nyamatusi Camp.

Day 9: Mana Pools – Walking Safari and Canoe Excursion

Join a morning walking safari led by licensed guides to explore floodplains and riverine forest. Later in the day, take a canoe safari along the Zambezi River, passing hippos and watching for animals at the water’s edge.

Overnight at Zambezi Expeditions or similar.

Day 10: Mana Pools – Full Day Wildlife Viewing

Today offers flexibility: choose between more walking safaris, game drives, or a longer canoeing expedition. Mana Pools is known for close encounters and minimal vehicle traffic, making it ideal for photographers and naturalists.

Overnight at Zambezi Expeditions or similar.

Day 11: Fly to Matobo Hills National Park – Cultural Excursion

Board a morning flight to Bulawayo, followed by a drive to Matobo Hills National Park. This region features dramatic granite outcrops, balancing rocks, ancient cave paintings, and strong cultural heritage.

Visit Rhodes’ Grave, take in views over the valley, and explore San Bushman rock art sites. Matobo is also home to rhinos and rich birdlife including black eagles.

Overnight at Amalinda Lodge or similar.

Day 12: Matobo Hills – Rhino Tracking and Cultural Visit

Start your day tracking white and black rhinos on foot, led by expert trackers and park rangers. In the afternoon, visit a local Ndebele village to learn about traditional ways of life, crafts, and community projects.

Overnight at Amalinda Lodge or similar.

Day 13: Transfer to Eastern Highlands – Scenic Drive

After breakfast, drive east to the Eastern Highlands, passing farms, villages, and mountain vistas en route. Settle into your lodge in Nyanga or Chimanimani. The region offers cooler temperatures, mountain views, and peaceful forest settings.

Overnight at Aberfoyle Lodge or similar.

Day 14: Eastern Highlands – Hiking and Waterfalls

Spend the day hiking through Nyanga National Park or Chimanimani Mountains, visiting waterfalls such as Mutarazi Falls or Bridal Veil Falls. These misty, forested highlands are home to samango monkeys, orchids, and rare bird species.

Optional activities include zip-lining, forest walks, or visiting tea estates.

Overnight at Aberfoyle Lodge or similar.

Day 15: Eastern Highlands – Leisure Day in Nature

Enjoy a slow-paced day in the cool, clean mountain air. Walk nature trails, read by the lodge fireplace, or explore nearby villages. Photographers will enjoy sunrise and sunset over the escarpment.

Overnight at Aberfoyle Lodge or similar.

Day 16: Transfer to Harare – Departure

After breakfast, transfer by road to Harare International Airport (approx. 4–5 hours) for your international flight. A charter flight is available at an additional cost. This concludes your 16-day Zimbabwe safari through waterfalls, forests, lakes, mountains, and legendary wildlife habitats.

Included

• All airport transfers and scheduled domestic flights
• 15 nights’ accommodation in selected lodges and camps
• All meals except breakfast only in Victoria Falls
• Guided game drives, walking safaris, boat cruises, and canoeing
• Cultural visits and heritage tours
• Park and conservation fees
• Professional English-speaking guides

Not Included

• International airfare
• Travel insurance
• Visa fees
• Optional activities at Victoria Falls
• Personal expenses, gratuities, and drinks (unless specified)

Let me know if you’d like to customize this for photography, family travel, or honeymooners.