This flying safari is a seamless combination of three of the most diverse and spectacular wildlife areas in Zimbabwe – Hwange, Matusadona and Mana Pools - as well as a stay at the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Your 10-day adventure starts in Hwange, Zimbabwe’s foremost national park, which lies along the border with Botswana and is renowned for its concentrations of wildlife, including lion, leopard and wild dog. You then continue to the relatively unknown wilderness of Matusadona National Park, before heading to the mighty Zambezi River and Mana Pools National Park, famed for its scenery and magnificent wildlife viewing.
The journey begins and ends at Victoria Falls, which offers the unforgettable spectacle of nature’s raw power, and one of the world’s great natural wonders.
Suggested Itinerary
Day1: Depart UK
Days2-3: Arrive Victoria Falls & fly to Hwange National Park
On arrival at Victoria Falls airport, continue by scheduled light aircraft to your accommodation in the eastern sector of Hwange National Park.
Days4-5: Fly to Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park
Fly by light aircraft to Lake Kariba, where you will be met and transferred by boat (20 minutes) across the lake to your camp, situated on a private concession within Matusadona National Park.
A short flight by scheduled light aircraft takes you to to Mana West Airstrip, followed by a short vehicle transfer to your camp in an idyllic spot, overlooking the Zambezi River.
During your time at Mana Pools, enjoy early morning walks with an experienced guide, morning and afternoon game drives, night drives and canoeing.
Fly back to Victoria Falls by scheduled light aircraft (via Lake Kariba and Hwange) in time to connect with your overnight international flight back to the UK.
Day10: Arrive UK
Please note: There is so much to see and do in Victoria Falls that we highly recommend adding a night or two here, so you can fully appreciate this natural spectacle. Alternatively it may be possible to fly from Mana Pools National Park to Harare (instead of Victoria Falls) at the end of your trip. Or why not consider extending your stay (at additional cost) to visit the Matobo Hills in Matobo National Park close to Bulawayo, yet another of Zimbabwe’s wonderful highlights?
Key info
Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 10 daysfrom £5,995 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 daysfrom £4,795 pp
Bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe’s largest park is a haven for over 100 mammal and 400 bird species. Formerly occupied by San bushmen, it became a national park in 1928. The diverse landscapes of teak forests, sandveld, ilala palm islands, savannah and woodland offer a rewarding and interesting wildlife safari.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Matabeleland North Province
Ideal for viewing: African wildcat, honey badger, leopard, sable, wild dog
Excellent for: Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris
This relatively unknown wilderness bordering Lake Kariba, dates from 1958, when the Kariba Dam flooded the Zambezi Valley to create a huge man-made lake. Matusadona has a varied habitat, attracting more than 400 bird species. Black rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard and elephant populations are also healthy in the area.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Mashonaland West Province
Ideal for viewing: Cape buffalo, cheetah, African elephant, leopard, lion
Excellent for: Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris, River safaris, Birdwatching
This UNESCO World Heritage Site beside the Zambezi has fine views towards Zambia’s Lower Zambezi and the Rift Valley escarpment. Its woodland and open plains contain a huge variety of wildlife, including large herds of elephant. It is famed for walking and canoe safaris, and offers a secluded experience.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Mashonaland West Province
Ideal for viewing: Cape buffalo, African elephant, lion, Nile crocodile, roan
Excellent for: Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris, River safaris
Combining perfectly with a safari in Zambia, Botswana, Namibia or Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls are not only a wonderful place from which to begin or end a trip, but offer enough interest to be a safari destination in their own right. The wildlife in the tributaries is active all year round, and the birdlife is superb.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Matabeleland North
Ideal for viewing: waterbuck, African elephant, hippo, black eagle, Taita falcon
Excellent for: Vehicle safaris, River safaris
Suggested accommodation options are shown below.
Please
contact us
for further recommendations.
Situated on a private concession within Matusadona National Park, with its own four kilometre stretch of lakeshore, this stylish camp has stunning views of Lake Kariba and the Matusadona Mountains. Accommodation is in eight large East African-style, luxury, fan-cooled tents.
Find Out More about Changa Safari Camp
Located in a remote north-eastern corner of Hwange National Park, this classic tented camp is tastefully concealed within a grove of false mopane trees. It has an extremely productive waterhole that attracts a variety of plains game and predators and offers a wonderful bush experience.
Find Out More about Davison’s Camp
This small camp lies in a grove of teak trees at the heart of Hwange National Park, overlooking a busy waterhole. Activities centre on guided day and night game drives in the Makalolo Concession, one of the best areas to see herds of buffalo and elephant, as well as lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah.
Find Out More about Little Makalolo Camp
This camp nestles in a grove of acacia and mahogany trees on the western boundary of Mana Pools. Ten spacious tents with full en suite facilities include a honeymoon suite and a family room, all with views of the Zambezi River and the mountainous escarpment of the Great Rift Valley beyond.
Find Out More about Ruckomechi Camp