The Best of Zimbabwe in Luxury

The Best of Zimbabwe in Luxury 12 Days

Prices From £11,396pp
April to November | 11 nights
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The Best of Zimbabwe in Luxury 12 Days

Discover the highlights of Zimbabwe in superior style on a deluxe safari designed for travellers who want outstanding wildlife, beautiful camps, and a wealth of unforgettable activities. Using fly-in transfers to maximise time in the bush, you’ll journey from the legendary floodplains of Mana Pools on the Zambezi to the lake-and-escarpment scenery of Matusadona, then into the big-game heartland of Hwange National Park.

Your finale is a barefoot-luxury stay on a white-sand stretch of the Zambezi in Zambezi National Park, close enough for easy access to Victoria Falls while still feeling wonderfully wild. Expect excellent chances of classic safari wildlife throughout, especially elephant and buffalo, along with hippo and crocodile on the river, and predators such as lion and leopard (with luck cheetah and African wild dog in Hwange). A half-day Victoria Falls tour rounds out the journey in iconic style.

This upgraded itinerary includes stays in high-end accommodation throughout, on a fully-inclusive basis. Similar itineraries are available with lower standard accommodations and even more luxurious accommodations. Please enquire for full details.

Highlights

  • Experience four of Zimbabwe’s top wilderness areas on one unforgettable trip
  • Enjoy a fully upgraded itinerary with luxury accommodations and a wealth of activities included, such as safari adventures, cultural excursions and tours
  • Take thrilling walking, driving and river safaris in search of the “Big 5” in four incredible National Parks: Hwange, Lower Zambezi, Matusadona and Mana Pools
  • Search for sightings of an abundance of other iconic African wildlife including endangered African wild dog and rare antelope such as sable, roan and eland
  • Admire the striking beauty of Lake Kariba and Matusadona’s escarpment backdrops, perfect for photography and birding
  • Unwind in barefoot luxury at Mpala Jena, with regular hippo and crocodile sightings right on the river
  • Experience an included half-day Victoria Falls tour
  • Expert guides who will show and tell you all there is to know about these enchanting destinations


What's Included

  • 3 nights at Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp on a fully-inclusive basis with all meals, local drinks and activities as per itinerary included
  • 3 nights at Fothergill Island on a fully-inclusive basis with all meals, local drinks and activities as per itinerary included
  • 3 nights at Wilderness Linkwasha Camp on a fully-inclusive basis with all meals, local drinks and activities as per itinerary included
  • 2 nights at Mpala Jena Camp on a fully-inclusive basis with all meals, local drinks and activities as per itinerary included
  • All domestic air and road transfers throughout

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Mana Pools
1 - 3Days

Mana Pools

Arrive independently into Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and take your shared charter flight to Ruckomechi. On arrival, settle into the beautiful Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp for a three-night stay. Set on the western edge of Mana Pools National Park on the banks of the Zambezi River, the camp sits in the shade of acacia and mahogany trees, with sweeping views across to Zambia and the distant mountains of the Great Rift Valley.

Over the next three days, explore this UNESCO-listed wilderness in wonderfully varied ways, including open 4x4 game drives, guided walks, motorised pontoon boat cruises, and canoe excursions on the river. Fishing is also available by arrangement, at extra cost and subject to boat availability and your own equipment. Mana Pools is famous for its dramatic floodplains, giant albida trees and the “classic” sight of elephants stretching up on their hind legs to reach seedpods, while the river draws in elephant, buffalo, hippo and eland, especially in the drier winter months. Alongside plentiful plains game, keep an eye out for the predators that shadow the herds. Keep in mind that sightings are always wild and never guaranteed.

Accommodation: 3 nights at Wilderness Ruckomechi on a Fully Inclusive basis with all meals, local drinks, activities, laundry and park fees included

Activities Included: game drives, walks, boat cruises, canoe trails

Matusadona National Park
4 - 6Days

Matusadona National Park

On Day 4, fly by shared charter to Kariba Airport, then continue on another flight to Fothergill Island Airstrip. You’ll check in to the fabulous Fothergill Island Camp for a three-night stay, tucked into mopane woodland on the floodplains of Matusadona National Park, where the lake meets wild shoreline and the escarpment rises beyond.

These next days are all about varied wildlife viewing in a spectacular setting around Lake Kariba where golden grasses and green shrubs are framed by the purple Zambezi Escarpment. Expect excellent photography opportunities and the chance to see elephant and buffalo gathering at the water’s edge, crocodiles along the shoreline, and, with luck, lions following the herds (Matusadona is well known for lion viewing). Guided walks and game drives will bring the bush wonderfully close, while birdlife is a constant highlight, from abundant African fish eagles to herons, storks, cormorants and a wide range of raptors.

Accommodation: 3 nights at Fothergill Island on a Fully Inclusive basis with all meals, local drinks, selected activities, laundry and park fees included

Activities Included: game drives, walking safaris, bird watching and fishing (weather dependant)

Hwange National Park
7 - 9Days

Hwange National Park

On Day 7, transfer back to Kariba Airport for your flight to the Wilderness Little Makalolo airstrip, then continue to the excellent Wilderness Linkwasha Camp for a three-night stay. The camp is set in Hwange’s south-eastern corner on the private Linkwasha Concession, close to the Ngamo Plains, a wonderful year-round game-viewing area famed for its wide horizons and reliable wildlife around waterholes.

Across these days you’ll head out on day and night game drives, with the option of walking safaris and an authentic village experience. Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and a heavyweight for wildlife. Expect strong chances of elephant (often in huge numbers), buffalo, lion, spotted hyena, and plains game such as giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, impala, waterbuck and more, plus rich birdlife. You may also be lucky with leopard, cheetah, endangered African wild dog, and rarer antelope including sable, roan, eland and occasionally oryx (gemsbok). For something extra special, a half-day rhino experience is available at an additional cost in the Camelthorn Sanctuary, supporting a community-led conservation initiative.

Accommodation: 3 nights at Wilderness Linkwasha Camp on a Fully Inclusive basis with all meals, local drinks, selected activities, laundry and park fees included

Activities Included: day & night game drives, walks and village visit

Zambezi National Park
10 - 11Days

Zambezi National Park

On the morning of Day 10, take your shared charter flight to Victoria Falls International Airport, then transfer by road to Mpala Jena Camp for a two-night stay. Set on a white sandy beach overlooking a beautiful stretch of the Zambezi River, this is a wonderfully relaxed finish to your family safari, and is close enough for easy access to Victoria Falls town, yet tucked away in wild surroundings around 16km inside Zambezi National Park.

Your time here includes morning and evening game drives, guided walks, and boat cruises on the river, plus a half-day Victoria Falls tour. The Zambezi is a constant wildlife draw, so expect regular sightings of hippo and crocodile, along with chances of elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard, plus plenty of plains game such as giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, waterbuck, eland and sable antelope. If you’d like to add more, Victoria Falls also offers a big range of optional activities at extra cost, from white-water rafting and gorge/zip-line style adventures to cultural tours, high tea experiences and time to browse the lively town.

Accommodation: 2 nights at Mpala Jena Camp on a Fully Inclusive basis with all meals, local drinks, park fees & levies, in-house activities & laundry included

Activities Included: Morning and evening game drives, safari walks, morning or afternoon boat cruises, and a half-day tour of the Victoria Falls

Departure
12Day

Departure

After one last activity this morning, your unforgettable luxury Zimbabwe safari will sadly come to an end. A transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport will be provided, in time for your onwards or homewards flights.

See All Itinerary

A view from Above

Accommodation Options

Wilderness Linkwasha, Hwange

Linkwasha Camp lies in Hwange’s south-eastern corner, on the private Linkwasha Concession. The camp is close to the Ngamo Plains, which offers fantastic game viewing year round.

Linkwasha Camp’s open design is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors with the original spirit and essence of safari.

The main area, seven en-suite tents and one family tent look out over a pan that is a magnet for game across all seasons. The main area includes various multi-level decks, a pool area and a winter lounge complete with a library.

Wildlife frequently encountered includes lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, leopard, spotted hyena, giraffe, sable, blue wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, reedbuck and numerous bird species. In summer, wildebeest, zebra and eland are found in abundance on the open plains, while in winter elephants congregate in large numbers around the waterholes.

Activities offered include day and night game drives, walking safaris with one of the experienced camp guides or an authentic village experience

Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools

Situated on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi Camp lies on the banks of the Zambezi, shaded by a large grove of acacia and mahogany trees and with a superb view of the mountains of Africa's Great Rift Valley across the river in Zambia.

Ruckomechi Camp accommodates guests in ten spacious en-suite tented units, including a honeymoon suite, all of which overlook the Zambezi River. Each tent has both indoor and outdoor showers, and the camp boasts a favourite amongst guests: its outdoor 'bath-with-a-view' in a secluded, scenic spot. The central dining, bar, library and lounge areas face the escarpment and are connected to the rest of the camp by walk-ways. There is a separate deck with infinity pool for swimming and sun bathing, and an inviting, cushion-strewn star gazing deck. The camp is as environmentally friendly as possible - hot water and lighting for each unit is provided by solar power.

The area is renowned for large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and eland, especially in the winter when they concentrate along the river. Activities include wildlife viewing in open 4x4 vehicles, on motorised pontoon boats, on foot and in canoes

Fothergill Island, Matusadona NP

Luxury Fothergill Island is a contemporary safari retreat set in mopane woodland on the floodplains of Matusadona National Park, with sweeping views over Lake Kariba and the surrounding wilderness. This “island oasis” marries colourful Zimbabwean heritage with modern, barefoot-luxury style, and offers excellent game viewing, rich birdlife and superb photographic opportunities across lake, plains and mountain backdrops.

Two linked camps house just 10 spacious, beautifully designed tented suites, including lakefront suites with private plunge pools and generous decks, and expansive family suites with two bedrooms and a central lounge. Elevated walkways wind between the suites and a stylish main area with lounge, bar, dining spaces and pool, all looking out over the water. For even more exclusivity, three intimate Island Suites come with four-poster beds, nature-inspired décor and access to a private vehicle, guide and chef. Days are filled with game drives, walking safaris, birdwatching and fishing (weather permitting), before evenings of lantern-lit relaxation under big Kariba skies

Mpala Jena, Zambezi National Park

Mpala Jena is a barefoot-luxury hideaway set on a stretch of white-sand beach along the Zambezi River, inside the 56,000-hectare Zambezi National Park. Just far enough from Victoria Falls to feel wonderfully remote yet close enough for easy day trips, it’s a place of soft sand floors, scalloped thatch roofs and a relaxed, toes-in-the-sand atmosphere. Hippos and crocodiles are regular neighbours on the river, while elephant, buffalo, lion and a wealth of birdlife move through the surrounding bush.

With only three tented guest suites and two family suites, the camp feels intimate and calm. Each canvas suite is tucked under sausage and jackalberry trees, with a private deck and both indoor and outdoor bathrooms, including an alfresco tub for river-view soaks. The main area brings together a thatched lounge with fireplace, bar with swings, indoor–outdoor dining spaces and a pool right on the riverbank. Powered entirely by solar, Mpala Jena offers game drives, boat cruises, walking trails, catch-and-release fishing and superb year-round birding, along with guided visits to Victoria Falls and the area’s famous adventure activities

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Zimbabwe adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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Outside the uk
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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43 + 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

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