7-Day Best of Zimbabwe Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Victoria Falls—Introduction to the Zambezi

Arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport followed by transfer to your lodge set along the Zambezi River or within the falls’ forest zone. The afternoon begins with a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls.

You explore rainforest pathways facing the falls, stopping at multiple viewpoints that reveal the scale and power of the cascading water. During peak flow (typically March to June), the spray rises dramatically into the sky. In lower water months, the gorge and rock formations become more visible.

In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Hippos surface between channels, crocodiles bask on sandbanks, and elephants often approach the river’s edge.

Overnight Stay: Old Drift Lodge / Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Half Board

Day 2: Victoria Falls—Adventure or Relaxation

The second day allows flexibility depending on your preference for adventure or leisure. Optional activities include a helicopter flight over the falls, white-water rafting (seasonal), or guided cultural experiences in nearby communities.

Alternatively, relax at your lodge overlooking the Zambezi. Wildlife frequently moves along riverbanks, and birdlife is abundant.

The blend of natural wonder and riverside relaxation defines Victoria Falls as more than just a scenic stop.

Overnight Stay: Old Drift Lodge / Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Half Board

Day 3: Transfer to Hwange National Park—Elephant Country

After breakfast, transfer by road or light aircraft into Hwange National Park. The landscape shifts into open grassland and teak woodland, punctuated by pumped waterholes that sustain wildlife during dry months.

Your first afternoon game drive introduces Hwange’s signature residents—large elephant herds that often gather in impressive numbers. Buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and antelope are commonly sighted, while predators patrol waterhole perimeters.

The vast scale of Hwange enhances the wilderness experience.

Overnight Stay: Somalisa Camp / The Hide Safari Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Hwange – Full Day Big Game Safari

An early morning departure places you in prime wildlife territory at first light. Lions are often located resting after nighttime hunts, and Hwange is well known for African wild dog populations.

Extended drives explore varied habitats—from open plains to mopane woodland. The park’s relatively low vehicle density ensures private sightings and uninterrupted observation.

Afternoon drives focus on productive waterholes where elephants, buffalo, and occasionally predators gather before dusk.

Overnight Stay: Somalisa Camp / The Hide Safari Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Fly to Mana Pools—Riverine Wilderness

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for a scenic light aircraft flight to Mana Pools National Park. Upon arrival, the landscape shifts dramatically to river floodplains lined with albida trees.

The Zambezi River forms the northern boundary, attracting elephants, buffalo, and hippos. Afternoon activities may include a game drive or short river excursion introducing Mana Pools’ unique ecosystem.

The atmosphere feels raw and intimate compared to broader plains.

Overnight Stay: Ruckomechi Camp / Nyamatusi Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Mana Pools—Walking & Canoe Safari

Mana Pools is internationally renowned for guided walking safaris. Accompanied by professional guides and armed scouts, you explore floodplains and woodland areas on foot, observing elephant bulls feeding beneath albida trees and tracking wildlife through fresh spoor.

In the afternoon, a canoe safari along a calmer stretch of the Zambezi offers a water-level perspective. Hippos surface nearby, crocodiles rest along sandbanks, and elephants cross shallow channels.

The combination of walking and canoeing creates a deeply immersive wilderness experience.

Overnight Stay: Ruckomechi Camp / Nyamatusi Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Morning Safari – Departure

Your final morning includes a short game drive or river excursion before breakfast. Cooler dawn temperatures often increase wildlife movement along river corridors.

Transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Harare or Victoria Falls for onward international departure.

This 7 Days Best of Zimbabwe Safari concludes with a rich combination of iconic waterfall scenery, elephant-dominated savannah, and intimate river wilderness—a true cross-section of Zimbabwe’s finest safari regions.

Overnight Stay: Not applicable
Meal Plan: Breakfast