7 Days Zimbabwe Safari: Hwange, Victoria Falls, Zambezi & Lake Kariba

From $3,620 per person (based on 2 travelers)
7-Day Wildlife Safari in Zimbabwe’s Top National Parks – Big Game, River Cruises & Natural Wonders

Zimbabwe Safaris | Victoria Falls Tours | Hwange Wildlife Holidays | Lake Kariba Boat Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Victoria Falls – Welcome to Zimbabwe

Upon arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, you’ll be met by your local driver-guide and transferred to your lodge just minutes from the falls. After check-in and some rest, spend the late afternoon on a guided walking tour to view the famous Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya , “The Smoke That Thunders.” Spanning 1.7 kilometers across and dropping over 100 meters, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s widest waterfalls.

In the evening, enjoy a Zambezi River sunset cruise with drinks and snacks served onboard. Watch hippos bob in the water and elephants gather along the banks as the sun dips below the horizon. Overnight at Ilala Lodge or similar.

Day 2: Victoria Falls – Optional Activities & Cultural Tour

After breakfast, choose from a variety of activities to personalize your day. Options include a helicopter flight over the falls (Flight of Angels), white-water rafting, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, or a visit to the local craft market.

In the afternoon, join a guided cultural village tour to meet local communities and learn about their traditions and day-to-day life. The evening is free to relax or enjoy dinner at The Boma Restaurant with live music and traditional drumming.

Overnight at Ilala Lodge or similar.

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

After an early breakfast, set off on a 4-hour drive to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most biodiverse protected area. Covering over 14,600 square kilometers, Hwange is home to over 100 mammal species, including one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.

Arrive in time for lunch and relaxation at your lodge, located on a private concession bordering the park. In the afternoon, set out for your first game drive, exploring the park’s open plains, woodlands, and seasonal pans that attract wildlife in abundance.

Overnight at Somalisa Camp, Ivory Lodge, or similar.

Day 4: Full Day Safari in Hwange National Park

Spend the entire day exploring different regions of Hwange on morning and afternoon game drives. The park supports large herds of buffalo, sable antelope, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, and wild dog. Birdwatchers will enjoy sightings of over 400 bird species including kori bustards, martial eagles, and secretary birds.

Your guide will help track wildlife based on recent sightings and explain animal behavior, ecology, and conservation efforts. Midday meals and siesta will be at your lodge or camp.

Optional: Night drive within the concession for a chance to spot nocturnal species like porcupine, genet, and bush baby.

Overnight at Somalisa Camp or similar.

Day 5: Drive to Lake Kariba – Afternoon Scenic Boat Safari

After breakfast, transfer to Lake Kariba, a 5–6 hour scenic drive with picnic stopovers. Kariba is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, covering 5,580 square kilometers and offering fantastic aquatic and terrestrial wildlife viewing.

Check into your lakeside lodge and board a sunset cruise to explore the islands and inlets. Spot crocodiles, hippos, and waterbuck along the shoreline, while birdlife includes African fish eagles and kingfishers. The calm, reflective waters of Kariba during sunset are a highlight for photography lovers.

Overnight at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge or similar.

Day 6: Lake Kariba – Walking Safari and Boat Game Viewing

Start your morning with a guided bush walk, tracking animals with an expert ranger and learning about spoor, vegetation, and survival skills. Lake Kariba’s shores and nearby reserves often host elephant, kudu, impala, and baboon.

Return for brunch and rest before heading out in the late afternoon for a boat safari, drifting closer to animals coming to drink at dusk. The relaxed pace and aquatic perspective offer a contrast to vehicle safaris.

Dinner served under the stars with the sounds of crickets and distant animal calls echoing across the water.

Overnight at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge or similar.

Day 7: Return to Victoria Falls – Departure

After a relaxed breakfast, check out and board a flight (or road transfer, depending on travel arrangements) back to Victoria Falls. If your flight is later in the day, you may have a final chance to shop for souvenirs or take a last walk along the rainforest trails by the falls.

Transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport for your onward journey.

Tour Includes:

• Airport transfers
• Accommodation on full board (except Victoria Falls: B&B)
• Park entry fees
• Game drives and boat safaris
• Professional English-speaking guides
• Zambezi River sunset cruise
• Lake Kariba boat excursions
• Cultural village visit

Excludes:

• International flights
• Optional activities at Victoria Falls
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities

Let me know if you’d like a version priced for a group, family, or luxury lodge upgrade.