Elephant in Zimbabwe

10 Day Safari –

From USD 5,470 p.p.s.

Overview

For wildlife experiences, this Zimbabwe package is hard to beat. The diverse habitats and abundant wildlife in Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks makes for some of the best gameviewing in Africa. In addition, the walking and canoeing safaris in Mana Pools are the finest you will find in Africa. The combination of excellent gameviewing and the magnificence of the Victoria Falls will make your journey one you will never forget.

Spend 2 nights in Victoria Falls at Ilala Lodge, well located close to the Falls and all amenities, with activities that include a guided tour of the Victoria Falls, a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi Royal and an Elephant Encounter where you will meet some of Africa’s gentle giants and learn about their extraordinary intelligence, sensitivity and behaviour.
You will then be transferred by road to Deteema Springs in Hwange National Park where you spend 3 nights in this wonderful savanna region to enjoy the abundance and diverse wildlife on game drives and bush walks.

Now to Mana Pools National Park on a charter flight where you spend 4 nights at Camp Mana. Here you will experience some of the best guided gameviewing activities on game drives, walking safaris and canoeing on the Zambezi River. Mana Pools is a remarkable area for wildlife and will leave eternal memories.
Your safari ends with an air transfer back to Harare for your outbound flight.

Highlights

  • Guided Tour of the magnificent Victoria Falls
  • Zambezi Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi Royal
  • Elephant Interaction – meet the gentle giants
  • Awesome wildlife of Hwange & Mana Pools National Parks
  • Walking & Canoe Safaris in Mana Pools National Park
  • Beautifully located Hotels and Lodges
  • Charter flights included

Itinerary

DAYS 1 & 2

ILALA LODGE, VICTORIA FALLS
Classic Room – Bed & Breakfast

On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport you will be met by a driver from Wild Horizons who will display a Welcome Board with your names on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel.

Ilala Lodge is well located in the small town of Victoria Falls, the closest hotel to the The Falls, a mere 8 minute walk, and close to all amenities, restaurants and markets. Animals such as warthog and impala often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtimes.

Your accommodation is in a Classic Room with facilities that include ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, overhead fan, television, tea/coffee station, room fridge, safe, free wifi and a sliding door opening onto a lush garden.

Hotel facilities include The Palm Restaurant and a swimming pool.

Included : Bed and Breakfast, Free Wifi

DAY 1 – ACTIVITY

ZAMBEZI SUNSET CRUISE ON THE ZAMBEZI ROYAL

This afternoon you will be collected by Wild Horizons for your Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi Royal.
The luxurious Zambezi Royal is a single level cruise boat and offers a unique and intimate way to view the Zambezi River. During the premium two hour guided Sunset cruise, departing daily from the Wild Horizons Jetty Site, you will enjoy 5-star service on board, consisting of imported wines and spirits, gourmet hot & cold canapés. A variety of game is consistently spotted, such as elephant, hippo, crocodiles, as well as a vast plethora of bird species. The Zambezi Royal is the optimum way to view the beautiful stunning scenery and surrounds of the upper Zambezi River.
What to Wear : Comfortable attire, warm clothing in winter (April to August)
Things to Bring : Mosquito repellent, camera, binoculars

Included :  Imported wines and spirits, gourmet hot & cold canapés, return transfers, Park River Usage fee.

DAY 2 – ACTIVITIES

GUIDED TOUR OF THE VICTORIA FALLS

Today you have two activities included on your itinerary. You will be collected by Wild Horizons after breakfast for your Guided Tour of the Falls. En route you may be taken past the ‘Big Tree’ where you can stop and take photos. Then on to the magnificent Victoria Falls where you will be accompanied through the Rainforest on a 2 hour tour by a qualified guide who will give a brief history of the Falls as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist clients with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed.

What to Wear : Comfortable attire that provides sun protection, hiking/running shoes, warm clothing in winter (Apr to Aug)

Things to Bring : Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, camera

Included : Guided tour of the Falls, return transfers, Rainforest Entrance Fee, raincoats

ELEPHANT ENCOUNTER

This afternoon you will be collected by Wild Horizons for your Elephant Encounter activity. You will have the opportunity to unobtrusively interact with some of the biggest personalities in Africa in a pristine wilderness environment overflowing with raw natural beauty. You can spend time and connect with elephants in the most positive and natural way possible.

An open-design thatch Boma gives you an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Masuwe River and against this breathtaking back drop, you will be given an insightful and educational presentation on the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage. The sanctuary was founded on the principle of conservation, and one of the most effective ways to evoke a sense of environmental responsibility is to show what stands to be lost.

You will have an opportunity to talk to guides that have journeyed, physically and metaphorically, incredible distances with these elephants and learn more about the complexities of the individuals and the herd structures. You will learn about the elephant as well as their history and the threats facing elephant populations today, in an interesting and informative talk.

You will venture out into the bush to spend time with the elephant and the sight of the gentle grey mammals up close and personal will be imprinted on your mind long after you have returned home. Witness the special relationship the elephant keepers share with the animals and become a part of it. You will have the opportunity to take photographs with the elephants, marvel at their size and watch them behaving normally; browsing and interacting with one another.

After the encounter with these amazing creatures you will be offered a selection of refreshments in the cool of the Wild Horizons Elephant Wallow. A transfer back to your lodge concludes the experience.

What to Wear : Comfortable attire that provides sun protection, hiking/running shoes, warm clothing in winter (April to August)

Things to Bring : Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sun hat, camera, binoculars

Included : Return transfers, Elephant Encounter, soft drinks, local beer, wine, water, coffee, tea and a selection of hot & cold canapés.

DAYS 3 – 6

DETEEMA SPRINGS, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Luxury Safari Tent – Full Board

This morning you will be transferred by road (2.5 hours) to Deteema Springs in Hwange National Park. Close to the Deteema Dam, the camp is perched on a slight rocky rise above permanent water springs, offering magnificent views of large concentrations of animals, including elephants. While night safaris are not allowed due to park regulations, Deteema offers amazing opportunities for walking safaris and viewing wildlife from the comfort of the camp.
Inspired by a former historic picnic site, Deteema Springs camp offers an intimate safari experience. The canvas tents are positioned on raised wooden decks along the contour line of a hill and blend into the natural surroundings. Each tent affords privacy, views and complete eco-luxury comfort including an en-suite bedroom with modern bathroom, relaxation area and large private patio deck from where you can view the wildlife that comes to visit below. Each room is fitted with electrical lights, lamps and fans. The 240V International plug points can power charging stations, batteries and sleep apnoea machines but are not suitable for hairdryers and electric shavers.
The main lodge comprises an oversized tented deck area which forms the social hub where you can meet other safari goers at the bar, relax in the lounge or gather around the large fire pit to swap stories, fuelling the feeling of being on an authentic African safari in the bush. There is a pool where you can relax and swim after a game drive.
Activities include morning and afternoon game drives as well as walking safaris and birding.

Included : Accommodation, all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding imported and premium drinks) , safari activities, laundry, Conservation & Community Levies, road transfers from Victoria Falls, airstrip transfers.

DAYS 6 – 10

CAMP MANA, MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK
Luxury Safari Tent – Full Board

Today you have a charter flight to Mana Pools National Park where you will be met by your guide and transferred to Camp Mana, situated inside the Park with sweeping views across the Zambezi River and mountains of the northern escarpment.
Mana Pools is a world heritage site that is rated amongst the best wildlife destinations in Africa. The fertile floodplains support enormous concentrations of game and the area is renowned for its large numbers of elephants, buffalo, lions and especially painted dogs. This is undoubtedly the best destination for a walking safari. It also has a special status amongst wildlife photographers and is arguably the best place in Africa for canoeing safaris.
Accommodation is in a large Meru Tent with ensuite bathroom and a veranda. The central feature of the camp is a remarkable communal lounge and dining area with sweeping views across the Zambezi River and mountains of the northern escarpment.
Camp Mana’s philosophy of touching the earth lightly is immediately apparent on arrival. The camp operates almost completely on solar power, with a back-up generator for emergencies.
This seasonal camp is entirely disassembled and stored for four months every year. This ensures that they have very little impact on the environment and that the area has time to recover every year.
Activities include game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, fishing, bush breakfasts and lunches. Multi-day excursions to Chitake Springs can be arranged.
Camp Mana is situated in a particularly game-rich area of the park and it is not uncommon for more wildlife to be seen in the camp than on game drives or walks. The wild-dog pack featured in David Attenborough’s “Dynasties” pass through the camp frequently and the iconic elephant “Boswell” is a regular visitor. Waterbuck are constantly around the camp and later in the season Eland are a constant feature. Their local lion pride walks through camp several times per month and every so often makes a kill on the edge of camp. There is an almost daily parade of elephants through the camp and they often spend time around the dining area.
While they encourage guests to take advantage of their game activities, those who choose to remain in camp will appreciate the steady stream of wildlife passing in front and through Camp Mana.

Included : Accommodation, all meals, drinks (excluding premium brands), limited laundry, guided safari activities, Park Fees, return airstrip transfers

DAY 10

END OF SAFARI

This morning you will be transferred by light aircraft charter to Harare Airport for your outbound flight home.

We wish you a safe and thrilling journey that will leave lasting memories and a desire to return.

Rates

  • 1 Jun – 30 Jun 2026 – USD 5,470 per person sharing
  • 1 Jul – 31 Oct 2026 – USD 6,850 per person sharing
  • 1 Apr – 31 May 2027 – USD 5,610 per person sharing
  • 1 Jun – 30 Jun 2027 – USD 6,360 per person sharing
  • 1 Jul – 31 Oct 2027 – USD 7,240 per person sharing

Rates based on 2 people sharing
Rates exclude charter flights
Single supplements may apply
Accommodation subject to availability

ESTIMATED FLIGHT COSTS 2027
Hwange to Mana Pools  –  USD 835 per person
Mana Pools to Harare    –   USD 695 per person
Mana Pools to Vic Falls  –  USD 835 per person (alternative to Harare)

Inclusions

  • ILALA LODGE – Bed & breakfast, Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi Royal, guided tour of the Victoria Falls, Elephant encounter
  • DETEEMA SPRINGS –Accommodation, all meals, alcholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding imported and premium drinks) , safari activities, laundry, Conservation & Community Levies, road transfers from Victoria Falls, airstrip transfers.
  • CAMP MANA – Accommodation, all meals, drinks (excluding premium brands), limited laundry, guided safari activities, Park Fees, return airstrip transfers