Best of Zimbabwe Safari in 12 Days

You will clear through customs and immigration on arrival in Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe, meet your private transfer, and head for a kitted-out safari lodge tucked away in the bushveld overlooking the Zambezi River. This luxurious lodge is situated around the corner from Victoria Falls amongst the sprawling natural wilderness that encompasses unspoiled Zimbabwe. As you unpack your things, you will be treated to backdrops of buffalo, zebra, and eland roaming the pastures beneath your patio. You will also relish your first safari drive this afternoon that will welcome you to untamed Africa.

You will appreciate the breathtaking forested scenery en route to the falls this morning and soon arrive at the summit of the massive gorge. An enormous sheet of falling water will thunder into the Zambezi River below, spraying the air with a thick mist responsible for the fall’s nickname, The Smoke that Thunders. Rainbows will reveal themselves in the spray, and you will feel the refreshing showers from your lofty observation point. You will return to camp afterward and enjoy an afternoon cruise across the Zambezi River, showcasing the spellbinding orange African sunset.

You will meet your specialist guide after breakfast at the airport and catch a charter flight to a quiet airstrip in Mana Pools National Park. As you touch down, you will jump into a decked-out 4x4 vehicle and partake in a safari drive en route to camp. Typical African highlights such as zebras, buffaloes, and warthogs gathering around waterholes, herds of elephants plodding across the green pastures, and lions lounging in the shade of acacia trees await your discovery in Mana Pools. You will arrive at your glamorous camp this evening for an open-fire-cooked Zimbabwean dinner.

There are several ways to explore Mana Pools National Park that you may revel in during your stay, with morning and afternoon game drives being the archetypal method of venturing quickly through the bushveld in search of significant animal sightings. Your journey will allow you to absorb the diverse wilderness scenery from many angles and appreciate the moments of peace and quiet amongst the untouched Zimbabwean landscapes. You will hear the cackle of wild dogs and moans of wallowing hippos as you peruse the park, hoping to spot the Big Five and much more.

Nature walks along forest trails and canoeing trips across the Zambezi’s web of waterways are unique safari experiences you will relish today. In the morning, an armed ranger will lead you through the bushveld, and you will encounter the natural environment closer than ever before. You will spot the tracks of big cats moving across the dirt paths and catch wafts of fragrant flowers blooming between the shrubbery. Your tour will bring you to the banks of the Zambezi, where you will climb into a canoe and glide across the blue ribbons of the river.

You will spend another two nights in Mana Pools National Park, only this time on the banks of the Zambezi River in glamping style tents set up for you once you arrive by canoe at each stop-off point on the adventurous Ruwesi Canoe Trails. After a safety briefing in the morning, you will head off across the Zambezi onboard your canoe and paddle gently along sparkling streams with views of Mana Pool’s breathtaking scenery. Arriving at camp, you will soak up your campsite’s bewitching backdrops and savor a delectable dinner under the stars.

You will galavant across more of the Zambezi River today from camp, enjoying the remarkable wilderness scenes and game viewing opportunities presented along the banks of the sapphire channels. You may spot elephants wandering to the river for a sip of water, birds of prey circling the sky in search of food, and hippos standing on little isles rising above the water’s surface during your paddle across the Zambezi. You will return to camp in the afternoon and listen to enrapturing wildlife stories from your knowledgeable guide while you gaze upon the crystal clear night sky.

After a morning game viewing stroll and breakfast, you will transfer to the local airstrip and catch your charter flight to the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. You will retreat to a stunning lodge in one of Zimbabwe’s most alluring natural environments, boasting suites that overlook the rolling emerald hills and glistening strips of water. You may spend your afternoon adoring the first-class amenities at your accommodation, from wallowing in your private plunge pool to admiring the local Shangaan art and culture.

There is an abundance of game viewing activities available to you in Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, and you will be thrilled to partake in several safari drives during your stay. You will cross the plains in state-of-the-art Land Cruisers during day and night drives, each sharing unique encounters with the wildlife. During the day, you will spot an abundance of diurnal creatures, including elephants, hippos, zebra, wildebeest, buck, and more. When night envelopes the reserve, you will capture Malilangwe’s nocturnal activity, including hunting predators, bright-eyed bush babies, and wandering civets, to name a few.

Today, you may learn more about the local Zimbabwean heritage and culture during a community visit to a local Shangaan village. You will witness the impressive conservation efforts of the indigenous people as well as their distinct lifestyles first-hand during your tour. Afterward, you may visit world-famous ancient San bushmen settlements revealing the country’s significant past through cave paintings and fascinating fables. You may also partake in ethical catch and release fishing to discover what it may have been like as a hunter-gatherer centuries ago.

Beyond safari experiences, Malilangwe offers guests plenty of time to sit back and unwind in one of Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife paradises. Today, you may savor the delectable flavors of some of the world’s best wines imported and stocked at your lavish lodge. Your private sommelier will guide you through the tasting, sharing their knowledge of wines and qualities that constitute the best vintages. Afterward, you may lap up a sundowner cruise across the river with canapés and decadent cocktails. As the stars pierce the night sky, you will relish some incredible stargazing in Malilangwe.

A morning game drive across Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve once you have packed your bags after breakfast will punctuate your enchanting African escape in Zimbabwe. You will enjoy your final few hours capturing more phenomenal wildlife scenes and appreciating each new game sighting as you venture to the reserve’s exit and continue to the airport to catch your flight home. You will board your plane, soar into the Zimbabwean sky, look back down on the sprawling wilderness sanctuary, and reminisce about your stunning safari experience.