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 The Hide Safari Camp 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
Standard 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 Standard 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 at 08:15 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 at 15:00 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
THE HIDE SAFARI CAMP, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Deluxe Safari Tent – Full Board
This morning you will be transferred by road (3 hours) to Hwange Main Camp where your guide from The Hide will meet you. You will then game drive through Hwange National Park and stop at a pan or waterhole where your guide will have a packed lunch ready for you. Then continue to The Hide Safari Camp.
The Hide is located in a private concession within Hwange National Park and offers an incredible diversity of wildlife and scenery. The Main Lodge overlooks a game-rich waterhole and has 10 Deluxe Tents that have different configurations with indoor and/or outdoor bathtubs and showers. The tents have fans for the summer months and have extra warm blankets and hot water bottles for the cooler winter months. Each has a private veranda for watching game coming to slake their thirst at the waterhole.
Lodge facilities include a dining room, downstairs sun lounge, upstairs lounge/viewing area and a plunge pool. A huge attraction is the Underground Hide which is accessible from the Main Lodge through a tunnel. Here you can watch game at the waterhole without the animals being aware of your presence.
Activities include morning and afternoon game drives as well as night drives and game walks. Walks on the Concession or in the Park with Professional Guides offer an excellent opportunity to learn about the bush and its flora and fauna in general. A large variety of animals can be encountered on these walks. The Guides are trained to an extremely high standard in Zimbabwe and regardless of the amount of game seen, these walks are made into a memorable and informative occasion..
Included : Accommodation, all meals and snacks, all beverages including teas and coffees, activities (up to 4 per day), laundry, wifi, National Park Fees, Conservation Fees, road and air transfers.
DAYS 6 – 10
CAMP MANA, MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK
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.
Activities include game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, fishing, bush breakfasts and lunches. Multi-day excursions to Chitake Springs can be arranged.
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 Apr – 31 May 2026 – USD 5,910 per person sharing
- 1 Jun – 30 Jun 2026 – USD 6,525 per person sharing
- 1 Jul – 31 Oct 2026 – USD 7,885 per person sharing
- 1 Nov – 30 Nov 2026 – USD 5,600 per person sharing
Rates based on 2 people sharing
Rates include charter flights
Single supplements may apply
Accommodation subject to availability
Inclusions
- ILALA LODGE – Dinner, Bed & breakfast, Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi Royal, guided tour of the Victoria Falls, Elephant encounter
- THE HIDE SAFARI CAMP – Accommodation, all meals and snacks, all beverages including teas and coffees, activities (up to 4 per day), laundry, wifi, National Park Fees, Conservation Fees, road and air transfers.
- CAMP MANA – Accommodation, all meals, drinks (excluding premium brands), limited laundry, guided safari activities, Park Fees, return airstrip transfers
