This exclusive tailor-made safari ventures to Zimbabwe’s finest national parks to enjoy the wonderful wildlife, authentic camps and exemplary guiding.
On this comprehensive tailor-made safari, you visit Zimbabwe in April as the country moves into the dry season after the rains, enjoying four nights in two of the country’s premier national parks, Hwange and Mana Pools. In Hwange you can find a landscape of open savannah, sporadically broken by islands of thornbush, mopane and teak, whilst Mana Pools is more enclosed, a forest of mahogany, fig, tamarind and sausage trees with small clearings, adjacent to the mighty Zambezi River.
At this time of year, the national parks burst into life as newborn animals become increasingly more evident. Young elephants, zebras, antelopes and other plains species can be seen and this profusion of life subsequently attracts an array of predators. Hwange is most notable for its prides of lion, and in particular Cecil's pride which continues to grow despite his loss, but it is also possible to see cheetah and leopard. In Mana Pools you again have the opportunity to encounter the big cats, but your time here is likely to be focused on trying to see one of Africa’s rarest predators, the iconic African wild dog. A species now synonymous with this beautiful park.
Suggested Itinerary
Day1: Depart UK
Today, you depart the UK on overnight flights to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (via Johannesburg).
Day2: Arrive Victoria Falls & transfer to Hwange National Park
On arrival in Victoria Falls, you make our way to the domestic terminal to board your light aircraft flight to Hwange National Park. Once you have touched down at the airstrip in Hwange, you are met and transferred to your camp. Later in the afternoon, you head out for a vehicle safari, your first opportunity to observe Zimbabwe’s incredible wildlife.
Over the next three days you explore Hwange on guided excursions in the early morning and late afternoon. Primarily you explore through vehicle safaris, but you may be able to undertake a guided walk on one of the mornings to get a different perspective of the park.
Your drives should provide encounters with Hwange's larger mammals including African elephant, lion, hippo, sable, roan, greater kudu and spotted hyena. Some of the rarer species that you may spot with a slice of luck are black rhino, leopard and cheetah. The birdlife is also excellent in Hwange as martial eagle and Cape vulture are often seen soaring in the skies, whilst secretarybirds and kori bustard can be seen roaming the savannah.
Day6: Fly to Mana Pools National Park
This morning you transfer back to the airstrip where you board a light aircraft which will take you to Mana Pools National Park (via Victoria Falls). The two and a half hour flight will take you along Zimbabwe's northern border with Zambia and should provide beautiful vistas of Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park.
On arrival in Mana Pools, you're driven to our camp overlooking the mighty Zambezi River, one of Africa's great waterways. You should arrive in time for lunch and are able to enjoy some downtime before heading out later in the afternoon for your first drive in the park.
For the next three days, you explore Mana Pools on guided excursions in the early morning and afternoon. Again you will mostly head out in vehicles and keep an eye out for kudu, eland, African elephant and leopard as well as hopefully enjoying further encounters with the park's wild dogs.
Being in Mana Pools, you may also wish to head out on to the Zambezi for a boat safari. Not only will this provide a completely different view of Mana Pools, but also provide excellent chances to see hippo and Nile crocodile. The birding is good both on land and from the river with 380 species recorded here and many of the summer migrants will still be here in April.
Day10: Departure from Harare
After breakfast, you drive back to the airstrip to board your light aircraft flight to Harare, Zimbabwe's capital city. On arrival in Harare, you continue to the international terminal for your onward flights back to the UK (via Johannesburg).
Day11: Depart UK
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: 11 daysfrom £5,195 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 9 daysfrom £4,495 pp
Single supplement:
On request – please contact us.
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.
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Where: Matabeleland North Province
Ideal for viewing: African wildcat, honey badger, leopard, sable, wild dog
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.
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Where: Mashonaland West Province
Ideal for viewing: Cape buffalo, African elephant, lion, Nile crocodile, roan
Excellent for: Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris, River safaris
Suggested accommodation is shown below.
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Set on the banks of the mighty and iconic Zambezi River, Zambezi Expeditions Camp is the perfect place to explore the waterways and flood plains of Mana Pools National Park. With canoe, vehicle and walking safaris all on offer, you can enjoy this region of Zimbabwe in every way possible.
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