12 Day The Best of Zimbabwe Tour: Victoria Falls, Hwange & Mana Pools

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Victoria Falls River Lodge was the first private game lodge established within Zambezi National Park. This elegant tented retreat enjoys a spectacular riverside setting, with the mist of Victoria Falls often visible on the horizon.

The lodge features 13 spacious luxury tents, each elevated on wooden decks beneath expansive thatched roofs. Beautifully furnished in warm natural tones, every suite includes an oversized king bed, a comfortable lounge area, and an open-plan bathroom complete with a freestanding bath, as well as indoor and outdoor showers. Private viewing decks overlook the river and surrounding bush, each with its own plunge pool. Family suites are also available, while every tent is equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fans, mosquito nets, tea and coffee facilities, electronic safes, and international power adapters.

Marvel at the magnificent Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia. Standing before the world's largest curtain of falling water, you'll experience the legendary "Mosi-oa-Tunya" — the Smoke That Thunders.

Between February and May, the Falls reach their most dramatic levels, with around 500 million litres of water plunging into the gorge every minute. Accompanied by an expert guide, you'll stroll along the 1.7-kilometre rainforest pathways, pausing at numerous viewpoints to admire one of Africa's greatest natural wonders.

Complete your visit with an unforgettable 22-minute helicopter flight over the Falls. Often referred to as the "Flight of the Angels," the experience was inspired by David Livingstone, who described the scene as "a sight so wonderful that Angels must have gazed down on it in flight."

From the air, admire breathtaking panoramic views of Victoria Falls before following the winding Zambezi River and soaring above Zambezi National Park, offering a spectacular perspective of this extraordinary landscape.

Wilderness Linkwasha Lodge – Hwange National Park

Situated within a private concession in the highly productive south-eastern region of Hwange National Park, Wilderness Linkwasha offers an exceptional safari experience overlooking the renowned Ngamo Plains. The camp enjoys uninterrupted views across open grasslands and a permanent waterhole that attracts wildlife throughout the year, particularly during the dry winter season.

Contemporary design blends effortlessly with the surrounding wilderness, creating a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. The camp features nine spacious en-suite tents, including eight twin suites and one family unit, all offering sweeping views across the plains. The central guest area includes expansive viewing decks, a swimming pool, and a cosy winter lounge with a library overlooking the busy waterhole.

Game drives explore Zimbabwe's largest national park, traversing diverse landscapes that include vast savannahs, mopane woodlands, seasonal pans, and riverine habitats. Morning and afternoon safaris provide opportunities to encounter large elephant herds, lion, leopard, African wild dog, and numerous antelope species, while the park's exceptional birdlife delights keen birdwatchers.

As wildlife gathers around the park's many waterholes, especially during the dry months, experienced guides ensure relaxed and rewarding game-viewing experiences with ample time to appreciate every sighting.

Wilderness Little Ruckomechi Lodge – Mana Pools

Wilderness Little Ruckomechi captures the spirit of traditional African safaris while delivering an intimate and authentic wilderness experience. Set beneath towering ana trees along the banks of the Zambezi River, the camp enjoys magnificent views across the river towards Zambia's distant escarpment.

Open during the dry winter season, this seasonal camp combines classic game drives with guided nature walks and boating excursions, creating an immersive safari in one of Africa's last truly wild destinations.

Mana Pools National Park lies within the heart of the Lower Zambezi Valley and is renowned for its remarkable concentrations of wildlife. Elephant, waterbuck, hippo and crocodile thrive along the riverbanks, while bird enthusiasts can look forward to sightings of colourful carmine bee-eaters, white-fronted bee-eaters, collared palm-thrushes, racket-tailed rollers, and many other species. Scenic river cruises offer outstanding opportunities to observe wildlife from the water, subject to seasonal river levels.

For adventurous travellers, canoeing along the Zambezi provides a unique perspective of Mana Pools. Drifting quietly downstream allows close encounters with wildlife while revealing the fascinating smaller inhabitants of the river, from colourful birds to frogs and insects.

Wilderness Chikwenya Lodge – Mana Pools

Overlooking a pristine stretch of the Zambezi River in the eastern reaches of Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Chikwenya enjoys one of Zimbabwe's most scenic and remote settings. Sweeping views extend across open floodplains to the river and the distant Rift Valley escarpment, while dense woodland surrounds the camp, creating an idyllic wilderness retreat.

Comfortable canvas tents are positioned on low wooden platforms and connected to the raised central lodge by timber walkways. The welcoming main area features a lounge, dining room, bar, swimming pool, and outdoor firepit, providing inviting spaces to relax while watching wildlife pass by.

The surrounding floodplains support impressive numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo, and eland, particularly during winter when animals gather along the river. Predators are also frequently encountered in the area.

Your stay includes twice-daily game drives in open safari vehicles through private concession areas, where low visitor numbers allow for peaceful wildlife viewing and excellent photographic opportunities.

One of Mana Pools' greatest highlights is exploring on foot with highly experienced guides. Walking safaris offer the chance to track wildlife while learning about animal behaviour, tracks, and the intricate details of the bush. Depending on seasonal water levels, guests can also enjoy boating and canoeing excursions on the Zambezi River or try catch-and-release fishing while surrounded by one of Africa's most spectacular wilderness landscapes.

Package Includes:

• All safari accommodation & meals
• Twice daily safari activities
• Park fees and concession fees
• Laundry service
• Airport and inter-camp transfers as specified.

Package Excludes:

• International flights
• Gratuities
• Personal purchases
• Travel insurance
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Visa fees.