The Ultimate Zimbabwe Safari (12 Days)

Note: Two Options - May or August 2026

Accommodation Type Destination Start End Basis Duration
Vundu Camp Tent Mana Pools 20 May 24 May FI 4 Nights
Camp Hwange Tent Central Hwange 24 May 28 May FI 4 Nights
→ The Hide  (Hwange Alternative) 24 May 28 May FI 4 Nights
Palm River Hotel Hotel Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) 28 May 31 May B&B 3 Nights

 

Flight Information

Date

Flight

Airline

Departure Airport

Time

Arrival Airport

20 May

Charter Flight

TBA

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport [HRE]

TBA

Vundu Camp

 

 

 
+++  Click here to view your Digital Itinerary +++

Day 1-5:           Vundu Camp, Mana Pools National Park         (Tue, 20 May to Sat, 24 May)

 Located in northern Zimbabwe, the life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most lush and flourishing regions. Characterized by a diversity of landscapes including floodplains, forests, and baobab trees, the park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty; providing a fantastic destination for photographers. It is an Important Bird Area and is also one of the continent’s premier game-viewing locations, known for its good chances of seeing elephants, wild dogs, lions, and leopards. Visitors can look forward to an array of activities such as canoe trips, guided walks, game drives, river cruises, nature walks, bird watching, and catch-and-release fishing.

 

Overnight: Vundu Camp        View iBrochure - Click Here

 With a magnificent combination of wildlife and wilderness, Bushlife Safaris has created the perfect portfolio of safari experiences for you. These include Vundu Camp built on the banks of the Zambezi River, Little Vundu – an intimate camp, the Ruwezi Canoe Trail which is ideal for adventurous travellers and lastly a tented camp set in the wild Chitake springs area.

Note the very famous guest – Sir Richard Attenborough!
Vundu Camp offers accommodation in tented chalets under thatch and lies amongst a cool grove of ebony and tamarind trees on the banks of the Zambezi River. Each chalet has a lounge area and an outside seating area overlooking the river. nd indoor and outdoor bathrooms.
 
The main lounge and dining area are under thatch and elevated providing guests with picturesque views of the Zambezi River. A very animal-active-camp, Vundu Camp is within the Vundu private concession in the heart of Mana Pools National Park and has 5km of river frontage, giving guests an exclusive and immersive experience in the wilds of Africa with the additional opportunity of night game drives.

 

Activities:-

 Game Drives
Walking Safari
Game Viewing
Bird watching
Fishing

Mana Pools National Park is just over 200 square kilometers and life here is governed by the rhythm of its seasons.  During a game drive, you will have a chance to see a variety of terrain and wildlife - an ever-changing feast for the eyes, and food for the soul! We also offer night game drives within our own private Vundu concession. Vehicles are open-aired, which allow for comfortable photography and game viewing. Private vehicles can be arranged when making your booking.

Walking Safari

 One of the best ways to see Mana Pools is not by a vehicle as you would assume, but by taking a walk on the wide side instead with a walking safari.
 


It’s the slow and natural pace of a walk that connects you to the ground; it’s the sounds of the bush as you pause and listen; it’s the ability to stop at a moment’s notice and look at a footprint and decide what animal left it there and where it was heading. It also enables a photographer the opportunity for some incredible close encounters with rare animals that haven’t been scared away by the sound of vehicles.The Bushlife Safaris Team won Best Walking Safari in 2019 in Zimbabwe. In essence, there’s simply no better way to see the wilds of Africa like you can on foot with our team!Mana Pools is one of a kind. It has a distinctive landscape of floodplains, acacia forests, islands, pans and pools on the south banks of the Zambezi River. Mana means "four" in Shona - the local dialect in Zimbabwe - for the four permanent pools in the Lower Zambezi Valley.

Bird watching

With almost 400 bird species recorded, Mana Pools is any birder's dream destination. The range of habitats includes woodland, riverine and savannah. There are many predatory birds, as well as an abundance of waterbirds that can be found along the shore of the Zambezi River.

Fishing

 Fishing on the Zambezi River is fun!  You can look forward to catching chessa, tilapia, catfish and nkupi. Of course, there is the legendary Tiger Fish too - it is an excellent sports fish that puts up a great fight and makes for memorable stories if you are lucky enough to land one.  We have a catch and release policy.

Game Viewing

Game viewing is, of course, one of the main reasons for visiting this paradise - often termed as Magical Mana for good reason.  Hippos splashing and snort in the rivers, elephants stand on their hind legs to reach branches, zebra and large herds of buffalo drink at waterholes and predators are many - leopard, lion and of course Africa's most efficient hunters - the painted wolf.  Mana Pools is home to the famous painted wolf packs of the BBC Earth Dynasties Painted Wolf series, on which Nick Murray was the lead guide. A truly extraordinary destination with plentiful game viewing every day!

Basis

Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Includes parks & conservation fees

Day 5-9:           Camp Hwange, Central Hwange National Park            (Sat, 24 May to Wed, 28 May)

Flight Information

Date

Flight

Airline

Departure Airport

Time

Arrival Airport

24 May

Charter Flight

TBA

Vundu Camp

 TBA

Camp Hwange

Central Hwange National Park, encompassing Sinamatella / Camp Hwange is a sanctuary of Zimbabwean wilderness. Flowing rivers, natural springs, and dams sustain its vibrant ecosystem, drawing a rich diversity of wildlife. A network of waterholes, bustling with game, punctuates the landscape, offering captivating wildlife encounters. Sinamatella's elevated vantage point provides breathtaking views, while the park's intricate water sources create a thriving oasis.

This region is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic African safari experience amidst the untouched beauty of Central Hwange's untamed landscapes.Overnight: Camp Hwange A rustic, traditional camp of 8 canvas-walled units beneath cooling thatch, Camp Hwange overlooks one of the natural waterholes that make this part of Hwange National Park special. Aside from fantastic game viewing, especially in the drier months from April through to November, Camp Hwange offers an excellent guided experience with a strong emphasis on walking and tracking.

Overnight: Camp Hwange     View iBrochure

A rustic, traditional camp of 8 canvas-walled units beneath cooling thatch, Camp Hwange overlooks one of the natural waterholes that make this part of Hwange National Park special. Aside from fantastic game viewing, especially in the drier months from April through to November, Camp Hwange offers an excellent guided experience with a strong emphasis on walking and tracking.

Activities:

Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with fully qualified professional guides comprise the primary activity in search of wildlife.  Night drives in open 4x4 vehicles with fully qualified professional guides offer a glimpse into the lives of nocturnal creatures.  Walking safaris being on foot with a tracker and fully qualified professional guide allows for perspective changing experiences with large  mammals.Logpile Hides -  observing wildlife close up from strategically positioned logpile hides is a unique experience. Lesedi Schools & Clinic  -  Camp Hwange works with Lesedi Schools and Clinic in the village of Ntabayengwe outside Victoria Falls Airport. Its location makes it a convenient place for guests at Camp Hwange to visit on either their way in or out of Hwange.

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OR  ALTERNATE: The HIDE Safari Camp - instead of Camp Hwange   -  View iBrochure

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Day 5-9:           Camp Hwange, Central Hwange National Park            (Sat, 24 May to Wed, 28 May)

The Hide Safari Camp (Hwange National Park) Zimbabwe - www.PhotoSafaris.travel

 

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, The Hide Safari Camp is perfectly situated within Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest game reserve. Guests are accommodated in 10 beautifully-furnished deluxe tents, all boasting en-suite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the busy waterhole. Keep your binoculars on hand, as elephant, lion and buffalo can often be seen satisfying their thirst.

Adventures include day and night game drives, guided bush walks and exceptional game viewing in the seclusion of the camp’s unique underground hides. For those who are a little more adventurous, The Dove’s Nest Treehouse is available at no extra charge.

Located 10 minutes away from camp, this rustic gem sleep out has the perfect vantage point from which to view wildlife safely, quietly. After an exhilarating day of game viewing, guests can retreat to the cool refuge of the camp’s swimming pool and can enjoy delectable meals savored al fresco or in the elegant dining room. You may want to consider embroidering your name on your sleeve before you leave, because your heart is bound to remain at the Hide!

 

Basis

Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Includes parks & conservation fees

Day 9-12:         Palm River Hotel, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)    (Wed, 28 May to Sat, 31 May)

Flight Information

Date

Flight

Airline

Departure Airport

Arrival Airport

28 May

Charter Flight

TBA

Vundu Camp or The Hide

Vic Falls Airport

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 metres in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.Overnight: Palm River Hotel    View iBrochure - Click Here!The 5 star Palm River Hotel offers 73 rooms of unparalleled luxury situated along the banks of the iconic Zambezi River, among towering indigenous trees and only 4 kilometers from Africa’s Natural World Wonder, Victoria Falls.

The 5-star hotel offers the discerning traveller luxury accommodation with easy access to explore Africa’s Natural World Wonder of Victoria Falls. Guests may enjoy a plethora of activities on offer within the historical town of Victoria Falls or soak in the magic of the Zambezi River and the abundant wildlife that inhabits the popular destination.The Palm River Hotel embraces sustainable practices and environmentally aware initiatives where possible and is committed to protecting local wildlife and the rich cultural heritage of Victoria Falls.

Activities

Guided tour of the Falls collection time is @ 09:00am by Silver ToursA view of the Victoria Falls is something you will never forget and the best way to see them is on a guided tour. Discover how the Falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them. These tours are extremely informative and end with a visit to the local art and crafts center.  Please ensure you are wearing trainers or sneakers, you have a hat, sunblock, your refillable water bottle and a plastic bag to put your phone into to keep if dry from the Spray of the Victoria Falls.

Ra-Ikane River Cruises

Absorb the splendor of being on the mighty Zambezi River and relive the historical journey taken by David Livingstone with a cruise aboard one of the Ra-Ikane luxury boats. A variety of cruises are offered, including breakfast, lunch and sundowner cruises, as well as private charter cruises. Each Ra-Ikane boat has its own crew, made up of a friendly and knowledgeable captain, guide and waiter to ensure that you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

Cruise along the mighty Zambezi River, upstream of the Victoria Falls. Minimum 2 & Maximum of 16 passengers. Small and easy to navigate close to the banks for enhanced bird and wildlife viewing.- Breakfast cruises - continental breakfast, tea, coffee, juice
- Lunch cruises - cold meats, cheeses, breads, salads & drinks.
- Sunset cruises - drinks, snacksRiverside Dining ExperienceDelight in a fully-immersive dining experience on the tranquil and serene banks of the Zambezi River, sheltered under a twinkling canopy of stars. The riverside dining experience offers an authentic African barbecue-style dinner surrounded by the wilderness of the Zambezi National Park.

Expect an array of delicious items on the menu, with a touch of traditionally Zimbabwean flavours, all freshly prepared on open coal fires. The hotel’s extensive range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is served by attentive waiters set to ensure an unforgettable experience. Guests often get the opportunity to dine in the company of meandering hippos,

Day 12: End of Itinerary  (Sat, 31 May) – transfer after breakfast to Vic Falls airport for your outward flight.

Date

Flight

Airline

Departure Airport

Time

Arrival Airport

28 May

Charter Flight

TBA

Camp Hwange

TBA

Palm River Hotel

Basis

Bed and Breakfast
1 x Dinner at Palm River Hotel – no drinks

Day 12:

End of Itinerary (Sat, 31 May) – transfer after breakfast to Vic Falls airport for your outward flight  

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SAFARI COSTS:

Option 1 – Vundu Camp – Mana Pools, Camp Hwange – Hwange & Palm River Hotel

 May & June 2026
  • USD 9,520 per/person sharing

August 2026
USD 11,720 per person sharing

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Option 2 - Vundu Camp – Mana, The Hide – Hwange & Palm River Hotel

  May & June 2026
 U$8,940 per person sharing

August 2026
 USD 10,695  per person sharing

Included in quoted costs:

Light aircraft flight from Harare to Mana Pools
4 x nights Vundu Camp - all inclusive of all meals, local drinks, activities, laundry , parks & conservations fees .
Light aircraft flight Mana Pools to Hwange.
4 x nights Hwange - all-inclusive of all meals, local drinks, activities,laundry , parks & conservations fees .
Light aircraft flight from Harare to Vic Falls
Trf from VFA to Palm River Hotel
3 x nights at Palm River Hotel on B&B basis
1 x Guided tour of the Victoria Falls with transfers
1 x Sunset cruise on the Ra-Ikane with drinks and snacks
1 x 3 course A-la-carte dinner at Palm River Hotel
Transfer back to Vic Falls airport for your onward flightIncluded from quoted costs:

Excluded from quoted costs:

Visa's
Departure tax at Harare airport for the light aircraft flight U$20 per/person
U$50 national parks fees into the Victoria Falls
Additional meals and drinks whilst in the Vic Falls
Additional activities whilst in the Vic Falls
Gratuities
Items of a personal nature
Premium brand drinks at Mana Pools and Hwange

IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTES

Money

Please bring U$ in cash and small denominations, as change is a problem. Visa cards are good to use in Vic Falls.
Old clothes, sneakers, bras, babies’ clothes, coloring pencils /crayons, pens, and pencils are gratefully received by communities.
Bring your refillable water bottle – which you can refill with water at the camps as well as at Ilala Lodge / Palm River Hotel.

A 35% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a booking 

 All Safari Lodges, Safari Camps, Hotels, B&B's & Service providers cancellation policies will be implemented, should you cancel. 
Travel Insurance is imperative; no booking will be confirmed without proof of travel insurance.

Passport

Visitors to South Africa must have a passport that is valid for at least 30 days after the intended departure date from South Africa and 6 months after the intended departure date for the rest of Southern Africa. Passports should also have a minimum of two blank passport pages per country visited. The blank pages cannot include the endorsement page at the back of the book. If there is insufficient space in the passport, entry into a country could be denied. If you require a visa, you must ensure that your passport has two blank facing pages - one for the visa and one for the entry stamp. Visitors who intend on travelling to South Africa's neighboring countries and back are advised to apply for multiple entry visas. Visitors must have a return ticket. It is essential that you check current visa and medical requirements at your local embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit, prior to travelling. Please make a copy of your front and back pages of your passport.  Have a copy in your luggage and one at home.

Checked Baggage

The following important rules for checked baggage will be applied at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg:
1)       Only regular-shaped bags will be allowed to be checked in. This means that the bags must have at least one flat surface to be accepted
2)       Round or irregular-shaped bags will not be allowed
3)       Bags with longs straps will not be allowed

These rules are implemented in order to prevent blockages and breakdowns in the baggage-handling system caused by bags that do not have any flat surfaces or that have long straps or grips. Passengers who try to check in bags that do not conform to these rules will have the option of having their baggage wrapped with one flat side at airport-approved baggage wrapping stations.(Any additional cost for this wrapping service will be for the passengers’ own account)Travel InsuranceWe consider adequate travel insurance to be essential. Travel insurance is widely available to purchase. It is the personal responsibility of each traveler to ensure that they have adequate travel insurance cover. Please read the policy details carefully. It is each traveler’s personal responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover purchased is suitable and adequate for their particular needs. African Safaris and Travel not be responsible or liable for any consequence of any nature arising from the failure to comply with the responsibility of providing for adequate travel insurance cover