BOATS AND BUSH DRIVES

11 Days & 10 Nights | Zimbabwe
Mana Pools, Lake Kariba, Hwange & Victoria Falls

HIGHLIGHTS

GREAT FOR

Families – lots for older children to see and do (age restrictions may apply)

Honeymooners – a balance of romantic water and exciting bush activities

Photographers – all of Zimbabwe’s big hitters for wildlife photography

AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES

Sleepout (extra cost)

River cruises

Victoria Falls tours

Nature walks

Canoeing

Game drives

Birding

Seasonal catch-and-release fishing

Night drives

Cultural tours (extra cost)

BEST TIME TO GO

Safari High Season⊕:  June to October

Safari Green Season⊕:  November to April

Victoria Falls High Season⊕:  May to August

Victoria Falls Low Season⊕:  October to January

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OVERVIEW

All four of Zimbabwe’s best-known and most-loved wildlife areas are on the roster for this itinerary that expertly balances time on the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba with game drives in Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks. The cherry on the top is two nights at the Victoria Falls, a must-do for any visitor to this reach as the sight of this World Heritage Site literally has to be seen to be believed.

Your accommodation for 10 nights is very comfortable without being over the top. And everywhere you go, you will be treated to Zimbabwe’s famously easy hospitality. Activities include safari classics like big game drives and nature walks as well as special optional treats like sleepouts and night drives.

THIS ITINERARY WAS DESIGNED BY VERA

Having lived and travelled in Zimbabwe, it holds a special place in my heart. Mana Pools offers incredible wildlife experiences, adventurous walking safari, beautiful landscapes and unbeatable golden light. I’ve been to Vic Falls five times and still haven’t done everything there is to do! A real hidden gem is Nyanga in the Eastern Highlands, which comprises spectacular mountains, stunning rivers and dense forests, and is a birder’s paradise.

TRIP SUMMARY

DURATION

10 Nights / 11 Days

DESTINATIONS VISITED

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

ACCOMMODATIONS VISITED

Nyamatusi Mahogany

Bumi Hills

Somalisa Camp

Old Drift Lodge

DAILY ITINERARY

DAYS 1 TO 4

This itinerary is circular so you will finish up where you started, a helpful way to make your return flights more convenient. Your starting point is Victoria Falls International Airport from where you catch a short flight in a small fixed-wing plane to Mana Main Airstrip. Your guide from Nyamatusi Mahogany will be waiting for you.
Your three nights at Nyamatusi Mahogany are filled with the Mana Pools magic. Four large pools plus the Zambezi River make this a magnet for wildlife.

Why we love Nyamatusi Mahogany:

  • Simple luxury in the heart of Mana Pools
  • Air conditioned rooms for the hotter months
  • Piping hot pizza straight out of the wood-fired oven
  • Soaking off the day’s dust in the romantic clawfoot tub

On Day 4, you once again take to the sky, this time flying to Bumi Airstrip near Lake Kariba. Your aerial view lets you appreciate the length of the Zambezi and the sheer size of Kariba, the largest manmade lake in the world. Again, a team from Bumi Hills will be at the airstrip to welcome you.
Your two nights at Bumi Hills will be filled with boating, fishing and game drives. Or find a lounger and ‘flop’ down next to the pool!

Why we love Bumi Hills:

  • Watch elephants playing in the cool water below
  • Enjoying quality ‘me time’ in the spa
  • Sizable swimming pool with stunning views
  • Friendly staff and top-notch service

We hope you’ve re-energised at Bumi Hills for the bumper safari time that’s coming your way! Safaris are all about being up before dawn and nights around the campfire. Animals are most active at first light and dusk, and your game drives will be timed for then. Once again, a light aircraft wings you to Manga Airstrip in Hwange for three nights at Somalisa.

Hwange is Zimbabwe’s flagship park and is packed with game (except rhino) so bring your binoculars…

Why we love Somalisa Camp:

  • A paradise for elephant lovers with ellies regularly near camp
  • The waterhole is productive for sightings day and night
  • Very knowledgeable and experienced guides
  • Remote luxury with polished copper bathtubs!

Back to where it all began! You fly in from Hwange and back to VFIA – possibly catching a glimpse of Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, the world’s most famous and biggest waterfall. The team from Old Drift will ensure a safe arrival at the lodge, which often happens by boat with you alighting at the private jetty.

Your two nights here will be an exciting time as you see the Falls, visit markets and enjoy boating on the river.

Why we love Old Drift:

  • A perfect location between the river and national park
  • Seamless blend of classic and contemporary touches
  • All tents have starbeds and outdoor bathtubs
  • Upstream from the ‘busyness’ of Vic Falls Town

INCLUDED*

  • All activities specified
  • All transfers specified
  • All meals, drinks and sundowners specified

  • Laundry if specified

EXCLUDED*

  • International flights
  • Items from the safari shop
  • Pre- and post-itinerary accommodation
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical insurance, tests and vaccinations where stipulated
  • Tips / gratuities

* Subject to change. Your personal consultant will confirm all the details with you while helping you plan your safari to Africa so you have a full understanding of costs with no surprises.

PRICE IS IMPORTANT

This itinerary is here to inspire you and prices may change due to availability, season and the year that you plan to travel.
Contact us for a customised quotation

WHY BOOK WITH BIGGESTLEAF TRAVEL

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  • Established, Stable & Experienced: Founded in 2014, we are proud that we still have our first consultants working with us today. This continuity reflects the strength of our team culture, depth of experience and the long-term relationships we build with our staff, clients and safari partners.

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