REAL DEAL
11 DAYS
Zimbabwe
For those of you looking for a little bit of mild “adventure” – or simply a more active and immersive experience – this itinerary is for you! Get closer to nature and closer to the “real” Zimbabwe in a more authentic way. We’ve mixed a fun Zambezi canoe trip in Victoria Falls with an unforgettable walking safari in Mana Pools. The itinerary ends off with a relaxing Big 5 lodge experience in Hwange, where you can put your feet up and enjoy some down time after your thrilling and stimulating few days of activity.
Mana Pools is a seasonal destination and is closed during the rainy season between December – March. For travel during this time we will replace Mana Pools with an alternative walking destination. This is a fantastic trip for families with children or for a group of friends. It’s interactive, fun, and adventurous – not to be missed if you’re a true lover of the outdoors and nature!
This is simply an example itinerary that can be tweaked and changed to suit your needs. This is also why we don’t put prices on our itineraries – we specialize in tailor-making our trips for each individual client. If you like the sound of this itinerary, then send us a direct email enquiry, or fill out the detailed enquiry form below.
TIP
You can choose how active you want to be on this trip. The canoe safari provides back-up vehicles if you do not feel like paddling on a certain day, and although we recommend doing the multi-day trip, you can opt for just a day-trip too. The camps in Mana Pools also offer traditional game drives if you do not feel like walking. This is your safari, and you must choose how you wish to enjoy it!
GET EXCITED
ABOUT
Abundant birdlife and tranquillity on the Zambezi River.
Seeing elephants swimming from the comfort of your canoe.
Glamping in river-side-style.
Being on foot in a true wilderness.
Listening to the chorus of Africa’s night-time sounds.
Watching elephants drink from your camp’s pool in Hwange.
IN A NUTSHELL
DAY 1-2 – Victoria Falls
DAY 3-4 – Upper Zambezi Canoe Safari
DAY 5-7 – Mana Pools National Park
DAY 8-10 – Hwange National Park
DAY 11 – Victoria Falls International Airport
THE DETAILS
10 Days (excluding final travel day)
DAY 1-2: Victoria Falls
Arrive in the bustling town of Victoria Falls and check into your lovely bush camp or boutique lodge, set in Vic Falls’ surrounding wilderness. Over the next three days, choose which adventures fill your time! Visit the magnificent Falls and beautiful surrounding forest with your private guide. Try out white-water rafting or bungee jumping, or take a microlight flight over the Falls – highly recommended! Go on a sunset “booze” cruise on the mighty Zambezi River or enjoy a game drive through the Zambezi National Park.
There is a lot to do in “Vic Falls”, and we can help you best plan your time here, according to how busy or relaxed you want it to be.
DAY 3-4: Upper Zambezi Canoe Safari
Your private transfer will take you to the start of your canoe trail on the Zambezi River. For two days and two nights your highly skilled and expert guides will give you an eye-level experience of the breathtaking Upper Zambezi River.
Explore islands and riverbanks, and get close to elephants, buffalo and hippos. Swim in the shallow, crystal-clear waters on remote sand banks, or catch a tan in your canoe. “Glamp” in style on the edge of the mighty Zambezi and enjoy home-cooked meals over a camp fire and sundowner drinks as you watch the sun set over the Zambezi River. This is an unforgettable way to see this wildlife-rich part of Zimbabwe!
DAY 5-7: Mana Pools National Park
Return to Vic Falls for your light-aircraft flight to Mana Pools National Park. Arrive at your authentic, intimate bush camp, either on the Zambezi riverfront, or in the “bush”. For the next three days connect with nature on a deeper level. Game drives and more canoe trails are available here, but Mana is most famous for its phenomenal walking safaris.
Walk out each morning and afternoon and become a part of the environment around you. Let your expert guide get you within a few feet of elephants, lions, wild dogs, and hippos while on foot in this truly wild safari experience. Relax around the camp in the afternoon and enjoy evening chatter and stories around the camp fire. Enjoy a richer safari experience as you learn about ancient trees, unique birds, and colorful insects – all the things that are commonly overlooked on a traditional wildlife safari.
DAY 8-10: Hwange National Park
Your light-aircraft flight to Hwange is short and sweet, and you’ll be staying in a luxury, authentic bush camp either directly inside the park, or on the border of the park, depending on your preference.
Sleep under canvas and hear lions roar and hyenas howl. See Hwange’s famous elephant herds and Cape buffalo in their hundreds. Activities on safari include daily game drives and bush walks; or stay in your peaceful camp and catch up on some reading and relaxing. Put your feet up around the pool and enjoy the beautiful views, which are drastically different to those of Mana Pools and the Zambezi River.
DAY 11: Victoria Falls Airport, Depart
Return to Victoria Falls for your flight home, or extend your vacation to include Botswana, Zambia, South Africa or even the tropical islands of Mozambique!
WHAT NOW?
If you’re interested in this itinerary, then please help us tailor-make it for you by checking the specific details below. This will help us create your perfect adventure. If you’d like to fill out a generic Safari Builder enquiry form, then please click here, and we’ll plan your safari from scratch!
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