Zimbabwe Explorer

The best time to travel to Zimbabwe is between April/May and August, when you will experience sunny days and pleasant daytime temperatures between 15 - 25 °C.

In June and July, nights can get chilly - don't forget to pack some warm clothes. Between September and November, daytime temperatures rise slowly. The rainy season starts in November and lasts until March/April, when daytime temperatures are around 30 - 40 °C.

Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will receive a warm welcome from a representative of our local partner agency. Your African adventure begins in Victoria Falls, where the ground opens up to swallow the mighty Zambezi River, forming the widest continuous waterfall in the world - Victoria Falls. When the water below meets the narrow Batoka Gorge, it forms a cloud of mist that rises to the sky, giving the waterfall its indigenous name, 'Mosi-oa-tunya' ('The Thundering Smoke'). When the Zambezi is in flood, the haze forms a permanent rain cloud over the waterfall that can be seen for miles, giving visitors a shower even on the sunniest of days.

Through the rocky walls of Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi below the waterfall offers a chain of world-class rapids - a prime whitewater rafting opportunity.

Whether you're looking for relaxation while drinking tea in colonial surroundings or adrenaline from a thrilling bungee jump off a bridge, it's entirely up to you. In Victoria Falls, no one gets bored - not even adrenaline junkies after several days.

On the Zambian side, you are offered a side view of the falls and a view of the Batoka Gorge. However, on Livingstone Island you can also venture to the very edge of the falls at dizzying heights.

Travel time airport - Ilala Lodge: approx. 30 minutes / approx. 20 km

2 nights at Ilala Lodge**** with breakfast in Standard Room, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Drive to the northwest of Zimbabwe today. It takes about one hour going south from the mystical Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park .

Hwange National Park is named after a Nhanzwa tribal chief and is Zimbabwe's largest national park, covering approximately 14,650 square kilometres (the size of Northern Ireland). The park borders Botswana to the west and the National Railway tracks to the east. Hwange is home to a large concentration of wildlife, with over 100 different species of mammals and nearly 400 species of birds.

Hwange's elephants are world famous and the park's elephant population (of 35,000) is one of the largest in the world. Therefore, in the dry season, elephants can be seen at almost every waterhole. In addition, lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, buffalos, imapala, kudu, sable and eland antelopes, waterbucks, zebras, giraffes, baboons, and wild boars can also be spotted in the park.

Due to the vastness of the park, the landscape is very diverse, ranging from deep Kalahari sands in the south to a rocky landscape in the north. The open savannah in the southeast leads the way to dense teak forest, which in turn merges into mopane forest. In many habitats, there is an abundance of wildlife, birds, and general flora.

Drive duration from Lllala Lodge to Somalisa Expeditions: approx. 3.5 hours / approx. 250 km

3-night accommodation at Somalisa Expeditions***+ with full board, local drinks and activities in Standard Room, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Today you will fly from the Manga Airstrip to Mana Main Airstrip in Mana Pools National Park.

Mana Pools, located in northern Zimbabwe, is a unique oasis often described as a “Garden of Eden” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The name of Mana Pools National Park comes from the four pools that were created when the Zambezi River dug a new river bed and left the pools. As a result, the landscape of the park is diverse and water-rich. The banks are overgrown with ana, mahogany, liverwurst trees, and baobabs. The park is a habitat for waterbucks, buffalos, impalas, lions, leopards, baboons, crocodiles, hippos, and other animals. However, it is the huge bull elephants that make the park so popular. The pachyderms can often be seen standing on their hind legs to get at the fruit of the giant trees on the plains. A special feature of the park is that you are also allowed to explore the open landscape on foot without a guide (and at your own risk).

Mana will give you goosebumps and leave you with very vivid memories - experience it for yourself.

Drive time to the airstrip: approx. 30 minutes

3 nights at Zambezi Expeditions Camp***+ with full board, selected drinks, and activities in a Standard Room, Mana Pools National Park.

Today you will leave. Depending on the time of your flight, you will have time for a last African breakfast at your lodge. Afterwards, you will fly from Mana Main Airstrip to Harare.

Would you like to explore Zimbabwe longer or perhaps visit the Chobe National Park in Botswana? Our travel consultants will be happy to inform you about your options and help you put together a custom trip that is perfectly suited to your needs.

itravel - for that moment.

Ilala Lodge****, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (2 nights)

Ilala Lodge is located just a ten-minute walk from Victoria Falls and very close to the city centre of Victoria Falls. Wild animals are often spotted on the grassy area, as the national park borders directly on the property.

Ilala Lodge has 32 air-conditioned rooms: 24 twin rooms, 8 double rooms and 2 suites, all with views over Victoria Falls National Park. The rooms have en-suite bathrooms and separate showers, ceiling fans and satellite TV, and are furnished with furniture made from old teak railway planks. Patio doors lead out onto either a lawn or balcony overlooking Victoria Falls. Early morning tea, coffee and fruit are brought to the room. The a la carte restaurant serves not only breakfast, lunch and dinner, but also cocktails and sundries from the wine cellar.

Somalisa Expeditions, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (3 nights)

Somalisa is an authentic safari camp with African magic, elegance and unique game viewing opportunities. Its hidden location on an acacia-covered tree island on the edge of ancient floodplains, affords breathtaking views of the Kennedy Vlei savannah.

Only six elegantly furnished tents with en-suite bathrooms, flush toilets and an open-air shower are part of the camp. The décor is inspired by everything from colonialism to the tribes of Africa. The tastefully designed main building and pool overlook a pan where wildlife congregates in large numbers - a star moment for animal lovers.

Solar energy provides lighting and comfort without negatively impacting the environment. The lounge and dining area are under shady giant trees and the rooms are connected to the main building by well-trodden elephant trails.

Activities on offer include walking safaris, led by qualified and passionate guides who are happy to share their knowledge and love of the wild with guests, and game drives, some of which are conducted in the dark with spotlights.

Zambezi Expeditions***+, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe (3 nights)

Zambezi Expedition is a mobile safari camp on the banks of the Zambezi River.

The camp consists of 4 tents on slightly raised decks. These are equipped with an en-suite bathroom, flush toilet and shower with running water and the luxury of a 12 volt charging facility for any camera equipment.

The main tent is also located on a slightly raised deck and provides a dining and lounge area for you to enjoy. A satellite phone is always available in case of emergency.

The camp is open from May to October.

Duration of the trip: 9 days / 8 nights

Including

• 8 overnight stays according to programme
• Meals and activities as per programme
• Flight on day 6 and day 9
• Transfers

Excluding

• International flights
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services
• Visa, if required
• Personal expenses, such as tips
• Insurance

Services & Notes

• Unfortunately, credit cards are rarely accepted, so we recommend making any payment in cash (in USD).
• Road transfers, flights, and activities take place with other guests unless otherwise requested and specifically stated. You may make several stops en route to your destination. The transfer or charter companies reserve the right to set departure and arrival times. Private charter flights can be requested for an additional charge.
• Baggage including camera equipment and hand luggage is limited to 20 kg per traveller. Only soft bags are accepted - hard-sided suitcases, inflexible luggage, or bags with wheels are not accepted as they will not fit through the loading hatches of the aircraft.
• The maximum dimensions of soft bags that can be carried are: 25 cm/10 inches wide x 30 cm/11 inches high and 62 cm/24 inches long. Please remember that the baggage compartments of the small aircraft are only 25 cm high. Pilots must be able to slide the bags into the compartments.
• Passengers weighing more than 100 kg should please indicate this at the time of booking as we will need to book an additional seat due to prevailing security regulations.
• Please inform us of the age of travellers under 18 years old (including dates of birth) when enquiring about the trip, as not all lodges allow children and policies or conditions may come into play that affect the price of the trip.