Embark on an unforgettable wildlife safari from Zambia through to the heart of Zimbabwe, blending the dramatic beauty of Victoria Falls with the vast wilderness of Hwange National Park and the pristine landscapes of Mana Pools. Begin your journey in Zambia in Mosi oa Tunya National Park, where we track endangered (and thankfully well-protected) rhino before visiting Victoria Falls, where the thundering cascades of the world's largest waterfall set the stage for our adventure. Here we walk paths through the surrounding rainforest, home to vibrant birdlife and epic views of the cascade.
In Hwange National Park, we'll encounter one of Africa's largest elephant populations as we traverse diverse habitats teeming with game. Thrilling game drives bring sightings of lions, buffalo, and zebra in open grasslands, while optional guided bush walks offer an intimate connection to the land.
Our journey culminates at Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unspoiled beauty and abundant wildlife. Here we can opt to take to pontoon boats on the serene Zambezi River, drifting past hippos and crocodiles, or set out through the bush for up-close encounters with elephants, wild dogs, and other wildlife drawn to these rich floodplains. Whether tracking animals through acacia forests or savoring sunsets over the river, this safari offers a rare opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form, far from the crowds.
We'll explore with a small group (no more than 8 participants) and an experienced naturalist guides whose commitment to the conservation and caretaking of Zimbabwe's wild places is a great source of inspiration.
Arrival to Livingstone, Zambia
Upon arrival the international airport in Livingstone, Zambia ( LVI), you will be met and assisted to your transfer to our first camp, tucked on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River upstream from Victoria Falls in Mosi oa Tunya National Park. After time to settle in, we will meet as a group to embark on a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi before a welcome dinner back at camp.
Toka Leya CampMosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia
Toka Leya consists of 12 spacious ensuite safari-style tents, connected by wooden walkways to the main area. Tent interiors boast tasteful and uncluttered African decor in earthy colors, climate control for cool summer sanctuary, and expansive wooden decks. The camp’s dining, lounge and bar areas offer ample space for relaxation and are complemented by an infinity pool, with meals served on the sundeck, the pool deck or dining room—all of which overlook the mighty Zambezi River.
Rhino Tracking in Mosi Oa Tunya
This morning we awaken with the sun, joining Africa's natural rhythms to get out when the day is fresh and animals and birds are most active. Mosi of Tunya - meaning the "smoke that thunders" - is not huge, but it packs a punch has home to a healthy population of zebra, and where hippos and Nile crocodiles can be seen basking on the sandy banks of the river. Diverse birdlife, including the life-list worthy African skimmer, abounds. But what sets this park apart is the opporunity to track the local while rhino population on foot. Led by an expert park ranger, we'll track down these rare and endangered (and closely monitored) white rhinos, ultimately disembarking from our vehicle to approach quietly on foot. Our guides explain their behavior and thi all-important conservation efforts that protect this iconic species.
After lunch back at camp, we'll have the option to visit a nearby local village where we can catch a glimpse of contemporary Zambian culture.
Victoria Falls and into Hwange
After breakfast, we depart camp and make our way over the iconic Victoria Falls bridge, which stands at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. After immigration fomalities, we continue into the town of Victoria Falls named for Zimbabwe's most famous attraction: the ''smoke that thunders'' remains one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Here we walk along forested pathways leading to unforgettable viewpoints of the cascade.
After our tour of the falls we enjoy lunch at a local cafe before heading to the local airport for our bushflight to our camp for the next three nights, nestled in a private corner of southestern Hwange National Park.
This evening, after enjoying our first game drive to explore the area, we'll enjoy a traditional, festive boma dinner out under the stars.
Davison’s CampHwange National Park, Zimbabwe
A classic tented camp in one of the best game viewing areas Hwange National Park, Davison’s Camp features eight comfortable tents and one family unit, all with ensuite bathroom, and views overlooking an open plain and waterhole. The main area offers a lounge, bar, and dining room which leads onto a fabulous deck and a campfire area. A pool looks out over the waterhole, while a small upper deck is an ideal location from which to watch wildlife by day and startgaze by night.
Exploring Hwange
Situated on the easternmost edge of the Kalahari Desert a few hours south of Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park is the largest park in Zimbabwe and one of the densest havens for wildlife in Africa. Because of its blend of habitats that range from forests to desert sands, Hwange features a variety of wild animals rarely found in one region — where lion, leopard, cheetah, honey badger, spotted hyena and wild dog are the often-sighted predators among huge herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra, and sable, as well as a large concentration of giraffe.
Our days here will include game drives and nature walks in areas of the park seen by few others. We'll also make a visit to the Scorpian Anti-Poaching Unit, to learn about the important work they do to protect wildlife in the area. Our camp is named after the first warden of Hwange National Park, and offers a timeless, classic safari experience - in the evenings, enjoy fireside chats and incredible stargazing.
Into Mana Pools
This morning, after a final game drive or early morning nature walk in Hwange, we'll pack up and make our way to the airstrip for our bushflight to our next epic destination - Mana Pools National Park.
At Ruckomechi, our home for the next three nights, elephants are frequent visitors, tempted by the nutritious albida trees that shade the camp. From our camp, we'll enjoy access to one of Zimbabwe's most productive game-viewing regions, the riverine belt of iconic Mana Pools. We'll find adventure in the floodplains on a game drive in search of wildlife, or exploring by boat on the Zambezi River. Or even on foot, taking in the pristine beauty of this wild, wonderful place. We'll end our days the way they have ended in Africa for centuries; around a camp fire, under the stars, listening to nature's soundtrack of frogs, crickets and jackals...
Ruckomechi CampMana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
On a large private concession Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi Camp offers spectacular views of the broad Zambezi River and the mountains beyond. Shaded by graceful trees, the camp accommodates guests in ten beautifully decorated ensuite tents, all of which overlook the river and offer both indoor and outdoor showers. The dining, library, and lounge areas are complemented by an infinity pool, and a cushion-strewn stargazing deck.
Exploring Mana Pools
One of Zimbabwe's 'Big Five' parks, Mana Pools is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's easy to see why. Remote and beautiful, with stunning views of the broad Zambezi river, floodplains, woodlands, all set before the backdrop of the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment, Mana Pools offes superb wildlife viewing.
Large concentrations of elephant and buffalo - and predators such as lion, wild dog, and leopard - are often sighted. There is also a variety of aquatic wildlife, and over 350 bird species, including the Red-necked Falcon and Black-throated Wattle-eye. We'll take it all in over the next few days on game drives, nature walks, and getting out one the river in pontoon boats (water levels permitting).
Departure
This morning we board our final bushflight, saying goodbye to the wilds of Zimbabwe. By late morning, you'll arrive to Harare, where you are free to depart on onward flights. Alternatively, with advance notice, you have the option to return to Victoria Falls at no additional cost.
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.
9 Days
May 10-18, 2025
Jul 12-20, 2025
Oct 13-21, 2025
From $9,995 Per Person
$1,795 Per Person
Light Air Transfers (Vic Falls-Harare or Vic Falls)
First one reserved:$1,895
Additional:$2,395
See single supplement policy below.
MAKE IT PRIVATE
Call for pricing: 1-800-941-8010 or email info@boundlessjourneys.com
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.
Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).
Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.
Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Our Zambia & Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Mana Pools Safari is rated 1, easy, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). Our primary activities require little aerobic fitness, but some agility for getting in and out of vehicles and walking on uneven terrain.
This trip can be enjoyed by anyone who is in reasonably good health. We will walk where possible, but this is often determined by the local regulations and animal behavior. NOTE: These optional walks are at your own risk, and can take you close to potentially dangerous wild animals.
Livingstone, Zambia
Harare or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls option may require booking an additional overnight in Victoria Falls)
Most Convenient Airport:
Meeting Time and Place: Upon arrival of your flight to Livingstone, Zambia, we suggest planning your arrival for early afternoon to allow you time to rest after your travels, before meeting as a group for our pre-safari briefing in the later afternoon.
Departure Time and Place: By 11:30 a.m., Robert Gabriel Mugabe Int'l Airport, Harare, Zimbabwe. We will be flying from our final camp to Harare on Day 9, in time to meet international flights departing 1:30 p.m. or later. Alternatively, there is the option to return to Victoria Falls on Day 9; however, this later requires a stop en route to re-fuel, and arrival to Victoria Falls will be around 5 p.m. This will likely require an overnight in Victoria Falls before departing the next day.
The winter season begins in May and ends in August. This is also the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are generally sunny and cool to warm; however, during cold snaps, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing in some areas. Please be prepared for chilly weather in the evening/night/morning and bring plenty of warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, long pants, fleece/wool top, and a windbreaker jacket.
September and October bring warmer days and balmy evenings, and seasonal rains resume toward the end of October or November.
Tents and public areas are not heated, though the public areas do have fire pits, and beds are warmed with hot water bottles on cold nights. Ponchos are available for use in the safari vehicles.
Hwange National Park
High: 82 Low: 48
High: 77 Low: 43
High: 79 Low: 54
High: 86 Low: 61
High: 91 Low: 66
Victoria Falls
High: 82 Low: 51
High: 78 Low: 45
High: 84 Low: 51
High: 90 Low: 59
High: 94 Low: 65
There are excellent reasons to visit Zimbabwe at any time of year. In May, the green season has ended but foliage remains on the trees and dust levels are low; water levels are high in the Zambezi River and coming over the Victoria Falls. By August and into September, the dry winter season has begun to have an impact on both the landscape and the wildlife. The landscape is more arid in appearance, and the animals congregate in large numbers near the remaining watering holes. Predator and prey are often in close proximity in their intense need for water, leading to some memorable encounters.
A variety of activities are included on this safari, but the primary activity is game driving. The wildlife is typically most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon (these times also provide the best light for photography), and therefore we plan our activities accordingly. Typically, the group will gather for a quick, light breakfast and coffee or tea before departing camp as the sun rises. We move slowly, and even when animals are not present, the landscape and sounds of the bush are entrancing. We spend a few hours exploring and observing animals at watering holes or on the move from one region to another. As we come upon groups of animals, we allow plenty of time to simply observe and also take photographs. Our guides are experienced naturalists and will add greatly to your understanding of the animals. We keep a respectful distance — although the same cannot always be said about the animals, and it is not unusual to come nose-to-car with baboons, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and elephants. By mid-late morning, we return to camp where a delicious brunch awaits.
After brunch, we enjoy a few hours of down time, enjoying the amenities of camp, resting, birdwatching, taking photos, or perhaps reading about the region you are visiting.
In the afternoon, we gather for hors d'oeuvres and drinks before heading out for the afternoon activity. Some days this will be another game drive, while in Mana Pools we may board the pontoon boat for a quiet exploration of the waterways near camp or explore the area on foot in the company of our guide and a ranger. "Sundowners" — a light snack and cocktails in the bush, are an African safari tradition, and a great way to enjoy unforgettable African sunsets. We then make our way back to camp, sometimes driving with a spotlight to look for nocturnal animals.
In the evenings, dinner is enjoyed as a group, and will vary from seated meals ordered from the daily menu, to dining in the camp boma (a traditional protected outdoor dining area) with a feast of traditional African foods and entertainment by the camp staff. These are joyful performances where it is often difficult to tell who is having more fun — the staff or the camp guests!
In the camps, the food is healthy, varied, and delicious, a feat when considering the logistics involved in servicing these remote areas with fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and meats. To accommodate our morning and late afternoon activity schedule, several small meals and a few large ones are served daily. The pre-game drive early breakfast typically includes porridge, cereals, yogurt, fruit, coffee and tea; brunch includes typical breakfast fare accompanied by more savory items like sausage tarts, spring rolls, light lasagnas, and other eclectic choices; afternoon tea offers cakes, cookies, and savory items; "sundowners" are light appetizers and cocktails often taken at a scenic spot in the bush; and finally, dinner, ordered from a menu with two or three daily choices. Beef, pork, and chicken are the basis of most main dishes (along with good vegetarian options), with occasional opportunities to try indigenous meats like farm-raised springbok.
Vegetarians and other dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice, though choices tend to be more limited.
While in the bush, transportation is provided in open-sided safari vehicles. Around town, and for airport transfers, a shuttle van is used.
Camps on this safari are reached by small aircraft that may be shared with other travelers. This is typically in a 12-seater Cessna Grand Caravan, although the exact plane size and type can vary based on group size.
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
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