Classic Zimbabwe

9 days, 8 nights
Price Range: $8,440 – $16,784
(all-inclusive price per person, depending on dates & camps selected)

Start Planning Your Custom Safari
Sidebar_zim_classic view larger image

Zimbabwe is a bit of a secret as brilliant safari destinations go—off the well-trod routes, big on genuine wilderness, small on crowds—unless they’re crowds of elephants, like those that lumber through Hwange, or hippos, like the noisy pods that fill the channels in Mana Pools. This immersion in Zimbabwe’s remote wildlife meccas features three days in each national park, plus a visit to Victoria Falls, arguably the most extraordinary waterfall on the planet.

Photo of Aly Jacobsen

Our Expert Says

Zimbabwe has fallen off the radar for many travelers, but the wildlife here is truly not to be missed. Scout for the Big Five amid genuine wilderness, and add the majesty of Victoria Falls--this is a country that will not disappoint!

– Aly Jacobsen


Photo: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side) view image gallery

Days 1-2: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side)

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water on earth: over a mile wide as it plunges 350 feet into the Zambezi Gorge. The thundering cataract straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, churning up a deluge of spray. This is adventure country: see the falls from a helicopter or microlight, raft the rapids, canoe the placid current or enjoy a sunset cruise above the falls.


Photo: Hwange Nat'l Park view image gallery

Days 3-5: Hwange Nat'l Park

Bordering the Kalahari Desert on Zimbabwe’s western edge, Hwange is the country’s largest national park. Its 5,600 square miles of desert sand, sparse woodland, grasslands and granite outcrops shelter vast herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and a vital predator population, including lion, leopard and cheetah. You may even see one of Hwange's select few resident white rhinoceros. Other endangered residents include gemsbok, brown hyena and African wild dog.


Photo: Mana Pools Nat'l Park view image gallery

Days 6-8: Mana Pools Nat'l Park

Mana Pools lies on the southern bank of the Zambezi River, bordering Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. Together the two parks protect a riverine environment that supports an intense concentration of wildlife, ideal for exploring by canoe safari. “Mana” means four in the Shona language, referring to the four large pools, remnants of ancient oxbow lakes, which sustain great numbers of hippo, crocodile, elephant, buffalo, waterbuck and aquatic birds on islands and sandbanks.


Photo: Harare/Home view image gallery

Day 9: Harare/Home

Your safari adventure ends today in Harare, Zimbabwe.


Notes

  • iSafari.com's Africa safari planner cannot precisely calculate the costs of air and land transfers to all camps and lodges as the locations and travel distances vary slightly. With this in mind, your final quote may increase or decrease by a small amount.
  • The estimated rates given for these itineraries are adult rates, but many properties offer reduced rates for children. Please contact our office for more information.
  • Holiday surcharges may apply for travel in late December and early January, and occasionally over the Easter holiday.
  • A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the trip fee per person is required upon booking to confirm your reservation.

Inclusions

  • All accommodation on a double occupancy basis
  • Meals at camps and lodges
  • Excursions and transfers unless listed as optional
  • Services of the lodge guides and staff unless a NHA Safari Expedition Leader is booked
  • Relevant park fees
  • Alcoholic and soft drink beverages are included at some camps and lodges
  • Laundry service is available at most permanent camps/lodges and hotels; in some cases this service is included in the tariff quoted
  • Air transfers within countries as specified
  • Accommodation taxes, the applicable Tourism Levies and all relevant Value Added Tax (VAT) or Government Sales Tax (GST)

Exclusions

  • Travel to the start and end point of the route
  • Generally lunch and dinner in city hotels
  • Alcoholic and soft drink beverages at some camps and lodges
  • Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance
  • Staff gratuities
  • Any newly-implemented government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control
  • Visa fees where relevant
  • International airport departure taxes applicable from manned airports only, which is to be paid in US$ cash on departure unless included in your ticket cost
  • Any items of a personal nature