Today, enjoy a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. To the locals, this incredible formation is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or ‘the Smoke that Thunders’ – an accurate description of how the waters of the Zambezi River plunge over a 1,708-metre-wide and 100-metre-deep chasm, creating a mist of spray and a mighty roar.
This evening, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable sunset cruise along the mighty Zambezi River. Relax as you enjoy views of the waterland vegetation and wildlife, including unique birds like the collared palm-thrush and long-toed lapwing, hippos and crocodiles. Return to the hotel for the evening.
After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Victoria Falls and transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) for your light aircraft flight to Robins Airstrip in the Hwange National Park. You’ll be transferred to Hideaways Nantwich Lodge, an outpost overlooking wide-open grasslands with resident crocodiles and hippos.
Here, game drives operate morning and afternoon, with your expert guide tailoring each journey to your interests. If you’d prefer to watch from a distance, the lodge features a safari hide – a concealed shelter near the waterhole that offers an unrivalled vantage point for observing game while remaining in the comfort of the lodge.
Alternatively, enjoy guided walks through the flat plains of Nantwich, where the easy terrain and open landscape make wildlife exceptionally viewable. When you’re craving downtime, the lodge offers luxurious spa treatments blending African and Western techniques.
Tonight, savour sundowners and a delightful fireside dinner to welcome in your first night in Hwange.
Travel time: Driving – one hour / Flight – 30 minutes
Wake to another day in untouched wilderness.
Set out for morning and afternoon safaris, or perhaps guided walks, with time in between to relax by the lodge pool or take in the sweeping views across the plains. Look for elephant herds at waterholes, predators – lions, leopards and hyenas – and vast open landscapes alive with birdlife, from raptors to kori bustards. Make the most of photo opportunities along the way.
Evenings are spent around the fire, listening to stories from your guide beneath the stars.
Rise to another day of discovery in this quiet corner of Hwange, where your guides may offer longer exploratory drives, predator tracking from fresh spoor, coffee stops at remote viewpoints, or optional bush walks when conditions permit.
Between adventures, retreat to the lodge’s relaxed atmosphere, indulge in a spa treatment, or settle into the safari hide to watch wildlife at the waterhole.
After breakfast, transfer to Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp, a rustic bush camp tucked away among rocky outcrops and ancient stone ruins, offering a fresh perspective on Hwange National Park.
As the sun sets, head to a rock formation for sundowners. This ancient site offers the perfect perch for a gin and tonic as the landscape transforms in the fading light. Then enjoy dinner amid the untouched beauty of the bush.
Start the day with a guided bush walk, learning about tracks, flora, birdlife, and smaller details often missed from a vehicle. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive through this rich wildlife corridor, home to elephants, sable antelope, buffalo and predators.
This evening, you’ll gather around the fire for dinner, listening to stories from your guide beneath the stars.
Enjoy a final day in Bumbusi’s peaceful and exclusive wilderness, where activities may include a morning walk or drive to search for wildlife, visiting the natural pools that draw game throughout the day, or simply relaxing in camp with a book or binoculars.
As evening approaches, set out on a sunset drive before returning for drinks around the campfire, savouring the region’s unmatched tranquillity.
Return to the airstrip and fly to Mana Main Airport (MNF), the gateway to Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, famed for intimate wildlife encounters.
Arrive at Camp Mana, a private 12-canvas-tent camp on the banks of the Zambezi River, complete with bucket-style showers for the complete safari experience. One of the best locations for both walking and canoeing safaris, the camp is known among wildlife photographers.
Spend your afternoon going on a sunset walk along the river, taking part in a gentle game drive or learning the basics of canoeing (weather permitting) before settling down for dinner.
Travel time: Driving – 45 minutes
Awake to the wilderness and make the most of one of Africa’s premier walking safari destinations. After breakfast, set out on expertly guided walks; glide along the Zambezi by canoe to spot hippos, crocs and elephants; explore the floodplains on afternoon game drives; or relax in the camp as elephants often wander past.
After a morning activity at Camp Mana, travel by open safari vehicle to Hideaways Mhara River Camp, your second rustic retreat in the Mana Pools National Park. This comfortable six-tent camp has offers incredible views of wildlife – from elephants to baboons – gathering for water.
Explore Chitake Gorge, where giant boulders frame natural springs; glide along the river by canoe when conditions allow; or head out on game drives through diverse landscapes.
If you’re not ready to end the day, join a night drive where you may spot leopards, lions, servals and genets, or watch owls sweep silently overhead. In the evening, savour sundowners as you gaze out over the awe-inspiring floodplains.
After breakfast, get ready for a full day of adventure in paradise.
Activities may include a morning walk, keeping an eye out for elephants and wild dogs; afternoon game drives in hopes of spotting lions, leopards or rhinos; or photography sessions at golden hour.
Wake to your final day in the wild heart of Zimbabwe. Your guide will tailor activities to your interests – birdlife sighting, walking, photography or relaxed game drives.
Finish the evening around the campfire under a sky full of stars and toast to your adventure of a lifetime.
This morning, transfer to the Ruckomechi Airstrip for your scenic light aircraft flight to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE), where your journey comes to an end.
Travel time: Driving – 1.5 hours / Flight – one hour