Classic Zimbabwe Safari Package: Hwange and Mana Pools
Stay in small, authentic bush camps in some of Zimbabwe’s best game viewing regions: Matapos, Hwange National Park and Mana Pools. Enjoy day and night game drives, Zambezi River cruising, bush walks, and more!
This Classic Zimbabwe Safari Package: Hwange and Mana Pools vacation was designed for 2 friends from Tennessee who had recently retired. This was their second trip to Africa (the first time around, they visited South Africa and Victoria Falls), so they wanted to go a bit off the beaten path and experience some remote, authentic bush camps. We sent them to some intimate camps in Zimbabwe’s most famous wildlife parks, Hwange and Mana Pools.
They started their Classic Zimbabwe Safari Package: Hwange and Mana Pools vacation in Lake Kariba. This area offered the friends a unique safari experience with water-based activities like boat cruises, fishing, and houseboat safaris that bring visitors close to wildlife in a lake setting. Its stunning scenery, including remarkable sunsets and submerged tree silhouettes, sets it apart from traditional safari landscapes. Proximity to Matusadona National Park also allows for a blend of water and land-based wildlife experiences.
The next stop on their Classic Zimbabwe Safari Package: Hwange and Mana Pools vacation was John’s Camp in the world-famous Mana Pools National Park. Located on the Zambezi River, this area is famous for huge herds of elephants and a wide variety of wildlife. In addition to game drives, they enjoyed an afternoon cruise on the Zambezi River and even a canoe safari!
From there, they continued down to Matapos. Amalinda Lodge, located in Zimbabwe’s Matobo Hills (Matapos), offered the friends a unique safari experience within a landscape of ancient granite formations and rock art sites. Matobo National Park is famous for its cultural significance, as it’s home to ancient San rock paintings, the burial site of Cecil Rhodes, and a rich concentration of rhinos. The lodge combines luxury with rustic charm, offering sweeping views of the dramatic hills, excellent hiking, and wildlife sightings amidst one of Zimbabwe’s most culturally significant regions. The friends even had a chance to track white rhinos on foot!
Their next stop on their Classic Zimbabwe Safari Package: Hwange and Mana Pools vacation was at Hwange National Park. They loved feeling as though they were completely off the grid in this small, remote camps! They stayed at two different properties in the park, Nehimba Lodge for two nights and Camelthorn for four nights. They even took a classic rail car to transfer between the two.
Their last stop on their Classic Zimbabwe Safari Package: Hwange and Mana Pools was at the world famous Victoria Falls, where they spent one night enjoying the roar of the waterfall.
At last, it was time to say goodbye to Zimbabwe and its spectacular wildlife. They boarded a flight in Victoria Falls airport, where they caught their connecting flight back home.
Accommodation
- 3 Nights Changa Safari Camp
- 3 Nights John’s Camp
- 3 Nights Amalinda Lodge
- 2 Nights Nehimba Lodge
- 4 Nights Camelthorn Lodge
- 1 Night Palm River Hotel
Transportation
- All road transfers between lodges
- Elephant Express Rail Car
- All flights between lodges
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Zimbabwe! Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport and catch a light aircraft flight to Lake Kariba. Lake Kariba offers a unique safari experience in Zimbabwe with water-based activities like boat cruises, fishing, and houseboat safaris that bring visitors close to wildlife in a lake setting. Its stunning scenery, including remarkable sunsets and submerged tree silhouettes, sets it apart from traditional safari landscapes. Proximity to Matusadona National Park also allows for a blend of water and land-based wildlife experiences. You will be transferred for your lodge for the next three nights, Changa. You will enjoy the lakeside luxury with breathtaking views of Lake Kariba, intimate wildlife encounters, and a serene connection to nature.
Changa Safari Camp
Days 2 – 3
You will spend these days doing activities on Lake Kariba; a variety of water-based activities, including houseboat safaris, fishing (notably for tigerfish), and scenic boat cruises ideal for wildlife viewing along the shore. You can also enjoy birdwatching, sunset cruises, and nearby game drives in Matusadona National Park.
Changa Safari Camp
Day 4
Today, your safari adventure continues in the famous Mana Pools National Park! Enjoy a scheduled light aircraft flight to Mana Pools, located in the north of the country on the border with Zambia. Your next safari camp, John’s Camp, boasts a scenic location that epitomizes Mana Pools National Park in all its abundance. The camp offers an authentic, off-the-grid safari experience, where you will enjoy close encounters with wildlife, guided walking safaris, and rustic, comfortable tents set in a pristine wilderness.
John’s Camp
Days 5-6
Spend the next 2 days on safari in the world-renowned Mana Pools National Park, known for its large herds of elephant and buffalo. You’ll encounter impressive numbers of game on day and night game drives and guided bush walks. Plus, your camp is ideally located near the Zambezi River, which allows for river cruises, canoe safaris, and even fishing! Getting on the water to see elephants, hippos, and crocs is a fantastic opportunity you won’t want to miss.
John’s Camp
Day 7
After breakfast, it is off to your next location. You will fly from Mana Pools to Matopos. Amalinda Lodge, located in Zimbabwe’s Matobo Hills (Matapos), offers a unique safari experience within a landscape of ancient granite formations and rock art sites. Matobo National Park is famous for its cultural significance, as it’s home to ancient San rock paintings, the burial site of Cecil Rhodes, and a rich concentration of rhinos. The lodge combines luxury with rustic charm, offering sweeping views of the dramatic hills, excellent hiking, and wildlife sightings amidst one of Zimbabwe’s most culturally significant regions.
Amalinda Lodge
Days 8-9
You spend these days in the area. Matopos National Park in Zimbabwe offers a range of unique activities centered around its stunning granite landscapes and cultural heritage. You will love rhino tracking on foot, providing rare, close-up experiences with these endangered animals in the wild. The park is also famous for its ancient San rock art, and guided tours reveal the intricate paintings left by these early inhabitants. Hiking and climbing among the park’s distinctive rock formations, like balancing rocks and domes, offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, you can explore historical sites such as World’s View, the resting place of Cecil Rhodes, which provides a dramatic lookout over the hills. Birdwatching is also popular here, as Matopos is home to a large population of black eagles and other bird species.
Amalinda Lodge
Day 10
Today, your safari continues, and you will travel to the famous Hwange National Park, renowned for its vast elephant herds, diverse ecosystems, and rich wildlife sightings, offering visitors an authentic safari experience across sweeping savannas and dense woodlands. Your first stop is at Nehimba Lodge, blending seamlessly into the bush with elevated thatched chalets overlooking a waterhole frequented by elephants. Known for its exceptional game viewing from the lodge itself, you will witness wildlife up close, creating unforgettable moments in a true wilderness setting.
Nehimba Lodge
Day 11
Spend the next day on safari in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s most famous wildlife concession. Large herds of elephants are often seen on safari, along with lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and much more!
Nehimba Lodge
Day 12
Today travel in syle on the Elephant Express Rail Car. This is a unique and scenic way to experience the country’s wildlife, providing a comfortable and leisurely journey within the park. You will enjoy panoramic landscape views, including sightings of elephants and other wildlife, while traveling in a vintage rail car equipped with modern amenities and a charming atmosphere. You will arrive in the afternoon at your next camp, Camelthorn Lodge, with spacious, eco-friendly chalets set amidst towering camelthorn trees. The lodge is renowned for its exceptional game drives, walking safaris, and a close connection to nature.
Camelthorn Lodge
Days 13-15
You will spend your days exploring the region of your lodge. You can embark on thrilling game drives that offer close encounters with the park’s diverse wildlife, including large elephant herds and predators. The lodge also offers guided walking safaris, allowing you to explore the bush on foot and gain deeper insights into the smaller ecosystems and animal tracks. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the lodge provides the chance to unwind by the waterhole, where guests can observe wildlife coming to drink in a peaceful, natural setting.
Camelthorn Lodge
Day 16
It’s time to say goodbye to the bush and you will travel to Victoria Falls for your last night. The Palm Hotel in Victoria Falls is situated just a short distance from the iconic Victoria Falls. You can enjoy your last night in a beautiful garden setting and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for unwinding all of your safari adventures.
The Palm Hotel
Day 17
It’s time to say goodbye to Zimbabwe. You will transfer to Victoria Falls Airport, where a representative will meet you and escort you to your international flight. Return home with incredible stories to remember forever!
About this vacation
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