Hidden Wonders of Zimbabwe Safari (with Victoria Falls)
This journey explores Zimbabwe beyond the usual safari circuit, combining some of its most remote and rewarding parks. From Hwange’s classic game viewing to the wild, river-driven landscapes of Mana Pools and the lesser-visited Gonarezhou, this itinerary is designed for travelers seeking depth, diversity, and a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Victoria Falls adds a natural highlight along the way.
DURATION
8 Nights
LOCATIONS
• Johannesburg Arrival • Hwange National Park
• Victoria Falls • Mana Pools National Park
STYLE
• Comfortable camps and lodges
• Road + regional transfers
• Classic safari experience
Day 1
Arrive in Johannesburg and settle in for an overnight stay.
Stay at hotels such as City Lodge OR Tambo / Southern Sun OR Tambo or similar.
Days 2-5
Classic game drives around waterholes define the experience here, with consistent wildlife sightings. Hwange offers strong elephant herds and classic game viewing across varied terrain.
Stay at camps such as Miombo Safari Camp / Ivory Lodge / Gwango Lodge or similar.
Days 5-6
A short stop to experience the falls and surrounding viewpoints.
Stay at properties such as Shearwater Explorers Village / A’Zambezi River Lodge or similar.
Days 6-9
Stay at camps such as Mana Pools Safari Lodge / Nyati Lodge / Vundu Camp (entry-level tents) or similar. Mana Pools offers a more remote and immersive safari experience, known for walking safaris and river-based wildlife.
What THIS REALLY MEANS
- More raw, less commercial safari experience
- Strong wildlife with fewer crowds
- Simpler camps in remote locations
- More logistical movement between regions
Starting From
- Peak Season (June – Sept | Dec 15 – Jan 2): ~ USD $4,800 per person (8 Nights) (~ $600 PPPN)
-
Off-Season (Oct – Early Dec | Jan – March):
~ USD $3,000 per person (8 Nights) (~ $375 PPPN)
DURATION
8 Nights
LOCATIONS
• Johannesburg Arrival • Hwange National Park
• Victoria Falls • Mana Pools National Park
• Gonarezhou National Park
STYLE
• High-quality safari camps
• Mix of flights + transfers
• Remote park acces
Day 1
Arrive in Johannesburg and settle in for an overnight stay before continuing into Zimbabwe.
Stay at hotels such as InterContinental OR Tambo / Davinci Hotel Sandton or similar.
Days 2-4
Stay at camps such as Camp Hwange / Somalisa Explorer Camp / Nantwich Lodge or similar. Expect excellent guiding and access to less crowded areas.
Days 4-5
Stay at properties such as Victoria Falls Safari Lodge / Ilala Lodge or similar.
Days 5-7
Known for exceptional walking safaris and close wildlife encounters along the Zambezi River. Stay at camps such as Zambezi Expeditions / Kanga Camp / Vundu Camp or similar.
Days 7-9
A remote and lesser-visited park offering dramatic landscapes and low visitor density. Stay at camps such as Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge / Mahove Camp / Chipinda Pools Camp or similar.
WHAT THIS REALLY MEANS
- Access to more remote and less crowded parks
- Stronger guiding and more immersive experiences
- Better located camps
- Higher logistical complexity but more rewarding
Starting From
- Peak Season (June – Sept | Dec 15 – Jan 2):~ USD $8,400 per person (8 Nights) (~ $1,050 PPPN)
-
Off-Season (Oct – Early Dec | Jan – March):
~ USD $6,800 per person (8 Nights) (~ $850 PPPN)
DURATION
8 Nights
LOCATIONS
• Johannesburg Arrival • Hwange National Park
• Victoria Falls • Mana Pools National Park
• Gonarezhou National Park
STYLE
• Luxury safari camps
• Fully fly-in safari
• Remote, exclusive concessions
Day 1
Arrive in Johannesburg and settle in for an overnight stay before your onward safari flights.
Stay at hotels such as Saxon Hotel / InterContinental OR Tambo or similar.
Days 2-4
Stay at camps such as Linkwasha Camp / Somalisa Camp / Davison’s Camp or similar. Premium locations with exceptional guiding and exclusive access.
Days 4-5
Stay at properties such as Victoria Falls Hotel / Old Drift Lodge or similar.
Days 5-7
This is one of Africa’s finest safari experiences with highly exclusive camps and exceptional wildlife encounters. Stay at camps such as Tembo Plains / Nyamatusi Camp / Ruckomechi Camp or similar.
Days 7-9
Stay at camps such as Singita Pamushana Lodge / Malilangwe House or similar. Highly exclusive, with vast private wilderness areas and minimal guest numbers.
Starting From
- Peak Season (June – Sept | Dec 15 – Jan 2):: ~ USD $18,400 per person (8 Nights) (~ $2,300+ PPPN)
-
Off-Season (Oct – Early Dec | Jan – March):
~ USD $14,400 per person (8 Nights) (~ $1,800+ PPPN)
Season & Timing
June – September (Peak Season)
Cool, dry weather with crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons makes this the most popular time for safari. Vegetation is sparse, so visibility is excellent, and wildlife tends to gather around water sources, leading to more consistent and rewarding sightings.
October – December (Hot & Dry Season)
Temperatures gradually rise from October onwards, bringing warmer and drier conditions. Wildlife viewing remains excellent, as animals continue to gather around limited water sources, making sightings more frequent. Days can be warm, particularly in the afternoons, so planning activities accordingly ensures a comfortable experience.
January – April (Green Season)
This is the rainy season, transforming the landscape into lush, vibrant greens. It’s an excellent time for photography and birdlife, though wildlife sightings can be more dispersed as water and food become widely available.
Victoria Falls – Seasonal Experience
May – July/August (High Water Flow)
The falls are at their most powerful, with dramatic volumes of water and heavy spray. Visibility can be partially obscured in some sections due to the mist, but the scale and intensity are unmatched.
August – January (Lower Water Levels)
Water levels drop, revealing more of the rock face and allowing clearer views of the falls. This is when you can better appreciate the structure of the falls and even see sections behind the cascade.
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- All meals as indicated (Fully Inclusive basis at camps)
- Soft drinks, beer, house wines, and selected spirits at camps
- Transfers and local flights
- Shared game drives (day and night) and walking safaris
- Park fees, conservation charges, and emergency support cover
- Laundry services at camps
Exclusions
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Premium spirits, champagne, and cellar wines
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Optional activities (e.g., Balloon Safaris)
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