Enjoy a relaxed day at The Palm River Hotel, with time to explore Victoria Falls or unwind beside the Zambezi. No matter how you choose to spend your first full day in Africa, it’s sure to begin with a generous a la carte breakfast serving all your favourites from a full English to eggs Benedict or strawberry pancakes.
Later, you may choose to follow the rainforest paths and viewing points on the Zimbabwean side of the falls, or join a local guided tour covering the area’s history, geology and cultural significance. Other activities available nearby include helicopter flights, high-wire adventures, white-water rafting and wildlife viewing.
Alternatively, remain at the hotel and enjoy its pool, gardens and riverside setting. Boat cruises can also be arranged from the hotel jetty, including birdwatching, breakfast, lunch and sunset departures.
After another sumptuous breakfast, transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport for your scheduled flight to Bumi Airstrip.
On arrival, begin your Lake Kariba experience with a short, approximately five-minute game-drive transfer from the airstrip to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Set on a private wildlife conservancy, the lodge occupies a ridge overlooking the shimmering reservoir and its game-rich shoreline.
Settle into your Luxury Suite, each featuring air-conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, a private viewing deck and expansive lake views. Spend the afternoon taking in the scenery from the infinity pool or viewing deck before joining your first safari activity. Depending on the schedule, you may head out on a game drive or enjoy a boat excursion across the lake.
Return to the lodge for dinner overlooking one of Zimbabwe’s most memorable landscapes.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 25 minutes / Flying – approx. 90 minutes
Wake above Lake Kariba and set out on your first full day at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. The private conservancy supports lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and abundant birdlife, with morning, afternoon and night game drives offering different perspectives on the bush.
During the day, take to the water for a boating safari or lake cruise, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the shoreline. Sunrise, midday and sunset cruises may be arranged according to the daily schedule, while catch-and-release fishing offers a slower way to experience the lake.
You may also join a guided walking safari, accompanied by an armed guide for safety. Between activities, return to the lodge’s infinity pool, gym or viewing deck, where the horizon stretches across the water.
For dinner, join fellow travellers in the canvas-covered bar and open dining area where the onsite chef provides tasteful introductions to local cuisine.
As darkness settles over the conservancy, a night drive reveals a different side of Lake Kariba, with nocturnal wildlife becoming active after sunset.
After breakfast overlooking Lake Kariba, continue exploring the Bumi Hills Conservancy on a further day of land and water-based safari activities.
Set out on a morning game drive in search of elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards, or follow the shoreline by boat to look for hippos, crocodiles and birdlife. Catch-and-release fishing and guided walking safaris provide quieter alternatives, while an additional night drive may reveal species that remain hidden during daylight hours.
You may also have the opportunity to visit African Bush Camps Foundation projects, including a local primary school and wildlife coexistence initiative. Cultural tours may be available during your stay, subject to the daily schedule and any applicable surcharge.
Return to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge between activities to enjoy the private deck of your suite, the infinity pool or the views from the open-air dining area.
After breakfast, check out from Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and enjoy a final game-drive transfer to Bumi Airstrip.
Fly by scheduled light aircraft to Mana Main Airstrip, where a further game drive introduces you to Mana Pools National Park. Continue to Nyamatusi Camp, set on the banks of the Zambezi within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The camp’s solar-powered design and organic materials reflect the surrounding wilderness, while your luxury tented suite provides air-conditioning, a private plunge pool and views of the bush.
Settle into your suite and take in views of the river and escarpment before gathering for your first sunset at camp.
Spend your first full day exploring Mana Pools by 4WD, on foot and along the Zambezi.
Morning and afternoon game drives may reveal elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and a wide variety of birdlife. Mana Pools is also known for its walking safaris, which offer the chance to follow tracks, identify calls and observe wildlife from ground level.
A canoe safari provides a quieter way to travel through the waterways, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles and elephants near the riverbanks. Fishing and birdwatching can also be arranged.
Between activities, return to Nyamatusi Camp to relax in your private plunge pool, enjoy a drink at the bar or watch the wilderness from your elevated deck.
Continue discovering Mana Pools on a further day of guided safari activities.
Set out at first light for a game drive or walking safari, watching for elephants moving across the floodplain and wildlife gathering near the river. Later, you may choose a further canoeing excursion, catch-and-release fishing trip or seasonal birding safari.
During the emerald season, sunrise, midday and sunset boat cruises may also be available, providing a relaxed way to appreciate the Zambezi and its surrounding wildlife. Availability depends on seasonal conditions and the daily camp schedule.
Back at Nyamatusi, take time to enjoy the camp’s solar-powered design, private plunge pool and views across the river and escarpment. As evening falls, gather for a final sunset before dinner beneath the stars.
After breakfast, check out from Nyamatusi Camp and enjoy a final game drive as you travel to Mana Main Airstrip.
Board your scheduled flight to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare, where your Zimbabwe safari concludes.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 30 minutes / Flying – approx. 60 minutes