Incredible Wildlife Experiences of Zimbabwe – Eight Days

Overview

Countries visited: Zimbabwe

This safari seamlessly combines three of the most diverse and spectacular areas in Zimbabwe.

You will visit the Hwange National Park, the largest reserve in Zimbabwe, which is renowned for incredible concentrations of wildlife. Explore the majestic Lake Kariba by boat and have the chance to canoe on the mighty Zambezi River. Pristine wilderness and an abundance of wildlife await you at the Mana Pools National Park, where you will experience game drives and bush walks.

This tour really has the best of everything and ideally suited for solo travellers, groups of friends, couples, wildlife and photographic enthusiasts.

Itinerary

Day 1-2: Davison’s Camp, Hwange National park, Zimbabwe

On arrival at Victoria Falls, connect by scheduled charter flight to Hwange for 2 nights accommodation at Davison’s Camp on a fully inclusive basis.
Davison’s Camp is situated in the Linkwasha Concession, a remote north-eastern corner of Hwange National Park. Named after the founder of the Park and its first warden, Ted Davison, the camp overlooks an extremely productive waterhole that attracts a variety of plains game and predators.
Activities at Davison’s Camp include game drives or guided walks in the early mornings and evenings, while during the siesta hours, guests can view game from their tent verandas, as thirsty wildlife comes down to the waterhole to drink.

Day 3-4: Changa Safari Camp, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Depart Hwange by light aircraft to Lake Kariba, where you will be met by a Changa Safari Camp Representative. A 20-minute boat transfer across the lake will deliver you to Changa Safari Camp for 2 nights’ accommodation on a fully inclusive basis.
Changa Safari Camp is a luxury tented camp situated on the shores of Lake Kariba in a private 5km2 concession in the north-eastern section of the Matusadona National Park, with magnificent views looking out across Hydro Bay towards the Matusadona Mountains.
Activities in  the area is a walker’s paradise: early morning or late afternoon walks in the company of one of the camp’s professional guides are a special feature. Game drives or cruises also take place; fishing on Kariba is also available.

Day 5-7: Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools National park, Zimbabwe

A short flight with wilderness Air from Kariba to Mana west Airstrip and a short road transfer will take you to Ruckomechi Camp. This camp is idyllically located, overlooking the Zambezi River and the imposing Great African Rift Valley.
Ruckomechi Camp is situated in an exclusive concession of Mana Pools National Park, in the heart of the Zambezi Valley. The setting of Ruckomechi, located amongst a large grove of acacia and ebony trees, allows for exploration of the rich and varied wildlife.
Activities include early morning walks with an experienced guide, morning and afternoon game drives, night drives and canoeing.

Day 8: Departure

Return to Victoria Falls by light aircraft for your onward arrangements

Accommodation

Davison’s Camp is nestled in a grove of beautiful false mopane trees and consists of eight twin-bedded en-suite tents and one family unit, along with a main area comprising a lounge and dining room, which altogether offers the quintessential Hwange safari camp experience.

Accommodation at Changa Safari Camp is in four large east African-style luxury canvas tents, all overlooking the lake. each tent has its own en-suite bathroom, with indoor shower, flush toilet, his and hers basins, outdoor bath tub and outdoor shower. The central area consists of several thatched structures linked together by raised wooden walkways and decks, and includes a lounge library, dining room, bar, beautiful deck and swimming pool, all overlooking Lake Kariba.

Ruckomechi Camp consists of ten spacious en-suite tents, including a honeymoon suite and family room, maximise views of the Zambezi River and the escarpment beyond. each has both indoor and outdoor showers, and the camp boasts an outdoor ‘bath-with-a-view’ in a secluded, scenic spot. A central dining, bar, library and main area complete the camp offerings. There is a separate deck with infinity pool for swimming and sun bathing, and an inviting, cushion-strewn sundowner and stargazing deck.

Wildlife

Hwange National park, Zimbabwe

Wildlife: Game viewing is productive year-round in the Linkwasha Concession and wildlife frequently encountered here includes lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, leopard, white rhino, spotted hyaena, southern giraffe, sable, blue wildebeest,
impala, common waterbuck and reedbuck. There are a number of large, open plains areas which make for excellent game viewing; in summer, wildebeest, zebra and eland are found in abundance here, while in winter the waterholes are magnets
around which elephant in enormous numbers congregate to drink. Birdlife in the area is prolific and varied, with over 400 species to be seen.

Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Wildlife: There are a host of mammals and birds present in this diverse habitat. Leopard, lion, hyaena and cheetah are found here, as well as elephant, hippo and a multitude of antelope species. The birdlife here is prolific – over 350 species have been recorded, which include many waterbirds.

Mana Pools National park, Zimbabwe

Wildlife: An intoxicating blend of wildlife and bird species abound. The dry season sees large herds of elephant and buffalo together with hippo, waterbuck, kudu, nyala and eland all seeking to slake their thirst along the banks of the mighty Zambezi. Predators follow with lions frequenting the floodplains and adjacent woodland, while leopard stalk the thickets. Cheetah and endangered wild dog are also often seen. The area is equally famous for its superb birdlife, offering over 350 species including collared palm-thrush and African skimmer.

More Info

Daily departures from, and returning to Victoria Falls Airport. Onward connections from Ruckomechi to Harare are also possible. This programme features 2 nights at Davison’s Camp in Hwange, 2 nights Changa Safari Camp on Lake Kariba and 3 nights at Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools.

Depending on nationality, visas may be required to enter Zimbabwe, and will either need to be obtained in advance or at the border/airport. Costs are for guests’ own account.