9-day Zimbabwe Classic Safari Circuit

Day 1: Arrival in Victoria Falls—The Smoke That Thunders

Upon arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, you are transferred to your riverside lodge. The afternoon introduces you to Victoria Falls with a guided walking tour through rainforest pathways facing the falls.

During high water season, mist rises dramatically above the gorge, while lower water months reveal detailed rock formations and deeper views into the chasm below.

The day concludes with a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, where hippos surface and elephants often gather along the riverbanks.

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

Day 2: Victoria Falls – Adventure & River Leisure

Today remains flexible for exploration. You may choose optional activities such as a helicopter flight over the falls, white-water rafting (seasonal), or a guided cultural visit to local communities.

Alternatively, relax at your lodge overlooking the Zambezi River. Wildlife frequently moves through riverside areas, and birdlife is abundant.

The combination of adventure and natural beauty defines Victoria Falls as more than just a scenic stop.

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

Day 3: Transfer to Hwange National Park—Elephant Territory

After breakfast, transfer by road or light aircraft to Hwange National Park. The landscape shifts into teak woodland and open plains dotted with waterholes.

An afternoon game drive introduces Hwange’s signature wildlife—large elephant herds, often numbering in the hundreds during dry months. Buffalo, zebra, and giraffe gather near pumped waterholes that sustain wildlife through arid periods.

The atmosphere feels vast and untamed.

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

Day 4: Hwange – Full Day Big Game Safari

An early morning drive maximizes wildlife encounters when predators remain active. Lions are frequently seen near water sources, and Hwange is also known for strong populations of African wild dogs.

The park’s varied habitats—open grassland, woodland, and seasonal pans—support a wide range of species. Extended drives allow deep exploration into less-traveled sectors.

Afternoon relaxation at camp is followed by another sunset drive, when wildlife often returns to drink.

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

Day 5: Hwange – Predator Tracking & Wilderness Immersion

Today focuses on deeper tracking experiences. Your guide may follow fresh spoor to locate lions or wild dog packs.

Hwange’s elephant population remains one of the largest in Africa, and close encounters often occur at waterholes in late afternoon light.

The park’s relatively low vehicle density enhances exclusivity and uninterrupted viewing.

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

Day 6: Fly to Mana Pools—Zambezi River Wilderness

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for a scenic light aircraft flight to Mana Pools National Park.

Upon arrival, the environment changes dramatically. Albida trees line the Zambezi River floodplain, and wildlife moves freely between riverbank and woodland.

An afternoon game drive introduces Mana Pools’ unique atmosphere—open floodplains, elephant bulls feeding on fallen pods, and hippos resting in calm river channels.

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

Day 7: Mana Pools—Walking Safari Experience

Mana Pools is internationally respected for its guided walking safaris. Accompanied by professional guides and armed scouts, you explore floodplain and woodland areas on foot.

Elephants are frequently encountered at safe distances, and large bulls often stand upright to feed from albida trees—one of Mana Pools’ iconic images.

The afternoon may include a canoe safari along a quieter stretch of the Zambezi, offering a peaceful water-level perspective.

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

Day 8: Mana Pools – Predator Focus & River Exploration

An early morning drive focuses on lion and wild dog movement across open floodplains. The visibility here is exceptional, allowing extended observation of predator-prey interactions.

Midday relaxation at camp provides scenic views across the Zambezi River. Crocodiles bask along sandbanks while elephants cross shallow channels.

Your final evening is spent under clear African skies with the sounds of the river echoing softly.

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

Day 9: Morning Safari – Departure

Enjoy a final early morning activity before breakfast. The cool dawn often brings heightened wildlife movement along river corridors.

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

Your 9-Day Zimbabwe Classic Safari Circuit concludes, having combined one of Africa’s greatest waterfalls, iconic elephant plains, and intimate river wilderness into one comprehensive safari experience.

Overnight Stay: Not applicable
Meal Plan: Breakfast