Classic Option
The Ultimate Zimbabwe Safari
from
USD 5 800 p/p sharing – classic option /
USD 7 500 p/p sharing – premier option
Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is simply unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveler, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.
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Vacation Style Adult Group
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Group Size Medium Groups
All about the classic The Ultimate Zimbabwe Safari
On Arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, guests will be met by a highly professional guide who will assist you to your light aircraft transfer for your flight to your luxury bush camp situated in the Hwange National Park (Formerly Wankie Game Reserve),which is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. It is home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species. The park is as absolute wonderland for animal lovers. Several protected animals 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. Adventurers can look forward to guided bush hikes, game drives, and horse-riding safaris, all of which offer excellent photographic opportunities. Hwange boasts several unique natural features, most notably the natural seeps such as Nehimba and Shakwanki animals.
Upon arrival at camp, guests will be met by the friendly staff before being shown around the lodge. You will then have time to relax and unpack before setting off on your first safari experience with the hope of spotting the big five! You will then return to the lodge for an amazing dining experience that is sure to satisfy all palettes.
Enjoy three amazing days of morning and afternoon game-viewing activities while in the Hwange National Park before boarding your light aircraft transfer to Mana Pools which will be home for the next three nights.
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. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its natural beauty and as one of the continent’s premier game-viewing areas. Visitors can look forward to an array of activities such as year-round canoe trips which provide a unique and memorable way for visitors to experience the area’s striking scenic beauty and diverse fauna, while guided walks are a great way to see its pristine riverside forests. Other popular activities include, game drives, river cruises, nature walks, bird watching, catch-and-release fishing, and searching for dinosaur tracks.
Guests will arrive at camp where they will be met with a warm welcome and provided with a tour of the lodge. Meet this afternoon for high tea before venturing out on your game viewing experience. Watch out for elephants roaming around the camp at all times during the day and night. This is one of the major selling points of Mana Pools the sheer abundance of African Elephants.
After three amazing nights, guests will return to Victoria Falls Airport for your homebound flight.
The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
Whats included in this tour
Items that are covered in the cost of tour price.
- All scheduled aircraft transfers throughout the itinerary as specified based on a per person seat rate, times subject to change. The number of passengers carried on each leg of the circuit flights are dependent on aircraft used, time of year, passenger and luggage weights, routing, fuel required etc.
- Qualified English-speaking guides at camps
- Three nights accommodation in Hwange National Park, this includes all meals, scheduled game-viewing activities, laundry and local drinks
- Three nights accommodation at Mana Pools, this included all meals, scheduled game-viewing activities, laundry and local drinks
- All accommodations are quoted on a shared basis and single supplements are available on request
- Relevant park fees and entrance fees in Hwange and Mana Pools
Whats not included in this tour
Items that are not covered in the cost of tour price.
- Scheduled flights to/from Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls Airport)
- Drinks – all premier brands, champagne, etc. are not included
- All porterage at the airport and lodges throughout the program
- All gratuities for guides, rangers, trackers, drivers, camp staff, etc.
- Any park fees, entrance fees, tours/excursions and transfers not specified in the quote
- Any scheduled or commercial flights and related taxes
- All airport departures taxes at Victoria Falls Airport – these need to be paid directly in cash on departure from Victoria Falls unless included in your airfare. Credit card and travelers’ checks are not accepted. Small denominations are advised.
- Visa’s for entry into Zimbabwe
- Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance – this is highly recommended if you are travelling in Africa.
- Any new Government Taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
- Any items of a personal nature
Mana Pools accommodation
Chikwenya- Premier option
Situated on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools National Park, Chikwenya is a photographer’s paradise as it looks out over an open floodplain and the broad Zambezi River, with a backdrop provided by the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment.
The newly built seven-tented camp (including two family units) is surrounded by a dense forest of Albida and Natal mahogany trees, which provide deep shade in the heat of the day. The tents perch on low wooden decks and pine walkways link them to the raised main area. The lounge, dining and bar area are places of hospitality and relaxation, and a pool, deck and fireplace offer alternate spaces to enjoy the scenery and passing wildlife.
Purpose: As a private-access area neighboring Mana Pools National Park, Chikwenya plays an important role in protecting what is one of the great wildlife spectacles on the continent while preserving a feel of real wilderness – an effort that is recognized by its World Heritage Site status.
NOTE: Chikwenya is open seasonally between 1 April and 15 November.
Ruckomechi – Classic option
Ruckomechi rises along the banks of the Zambezi River, gazing out towards Zambia’s evocative escarpment. Its broad-canopied albida trees create glorious shade throughout the camp and are much loved by the elephants for their rich, nutritious seeds. Our concession is explored by vehicle or on foot, while boating and canoeing allow for a different perspective of the area.
Ten spacious and beautifully decorated tents (including two family rooms), along with a generous main space, look out to the broad vista of the Zambezi River. There is a separate pool area, a unique outdoor “bath with a view” in a secluded, scenic spot, and a romantic Star Bed by a busy waterhole.
NOTE: Ruckomechi is open seasonally between April and mid-November.
Hwange National Park options
Little Makalolo – Classic Option
A charming, intimate camp in the south-east of Hwange, “Little Mak” features prominently on the mental maps of local wildlife, all drawn to its reliable waterhole. A log-pile hide affords unique, thrilling close-up views of elephants, and habitat diversity ensures year-round wildlife.
Activities focus on game drives and morning nature walks. The many waterholes produce amazing sightings, or guests can relax in camp and wait for wildlife to come to them. The six spacious en-suite tents (including a family tent) are only surpassed by the opportunity to sleep out at the Madison Pan star bed.
INSIDER'S TIP: Visit the log-pile hide between game drives to enjoy close up viewing of wildlife at the productive waterhole. Elephants are often the star attraction so make sure you have your camera read!
Linkwasha Camp- Premier Option
Linkwasha is a luxurious camp that lies in a private concession in the enormously productive south-eastern corner of Hwange National Park. Situated on the edge of the famed Ngamo Plains, which offers fantastic summer game viewing, the camp looks over a magnificent plain and a pan that is a magnet for game year-round, especially in the dry winter months.
The fresh, open and airy design of Linkwasha Camp is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors. Nine luxurious en-suite tents (eight twins and one family unit) offer incredible views, while the main area - including multi-level decks, a pool area and a winter lounge complete with library - overlooks the prolific waterhole.
INSIDER'S TIP: Enjoy the thrill of getting your feet on the ground on a walking safari in the company of Linkwasha’s knowledgeable and highly experienced safari guides.
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THE ULTIMATE ZIMBABWE SAFARI
Victoria Falls Airport
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THE ULTIMATE ZIMBABWE SAFARI
Hwange National Park
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THE ULTIMATE ZIMBABWE SAFARI
Ultimate Zimbabwe Safari Game drive
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THE ULTIMATE ZIMBABWE SAFARI
Mana Pools National Park
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THE ULTIMATE ZIMBABWE SAFARI
Water based activities
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THE ULTIMATE ZIMBABWE SAFARI
River activities
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THE ULTIMATE ZIMBABWE SAFARI
Guided Bush walk
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THE ULTIMATE ZIMBABWE SAFARI
Break on a wild drive
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THE ULTIMATE ZIMBABWE SAFARI
Zimbabwe