Breathtaking Victoria Falls, Hwange & Mana Pools Safari

Arrive in Victoria Falls

On arrival in South Africa, board a flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world and is a must-visit site for any traveler. The local people call it "Mosi-oa-Tunya", the smoke that thunders and the Zambezi River and its epic waterfall forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Victoria falls is 1 708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world.

On arrival you will be met by our experienced ground crew and transferred to Victoria Falls River Lodge, the first private game lodge to be built in the Zambezi National Park. Situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River – the lodge is so close to the world-renowned Victoria Falls one can see the spray in the distance.

On arrival, check in and enjoy a drink on the deck before departing on a Zambezi sunset cruise, one of the best ways to soak in the magnificence of the mighty Zambezi.

Sit back and let the gentle ebb and flow of the Zambezi lull and relax you. Join in on Mother Nature’s Happiest Hour by sipping on a sundowner whilst viewing her creatures, big and small, coming to the water’s edge.

Explore Victoria Falls

After breakfast, you will make your way to Victoria Falls town for your morning guided tour of the Falls.

During this 2 – 3-hour tour guests will be accompanied through the rainforest and your guide will give you a brief history of the Falls as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. You will make your way along the designated path which takes you to the 16 viewpoints along the edge. The heart-pounding sensation of actually standing on the edge of the precipice above the raging Zambezi waters is something quite unforgettable. Raincoats are provided when needed.

After your guided tour the rest of the day will be at leisure, with lunch being enjoyed at the lodge.

Additional activities can be arranged for you on request. The Victoria Falls River Lodge offers morning and afternoon game drives and river cruises, which you can enjoy today as well.

Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park

After breakfast you will check out and be collected at your lodge.

You will enjoy a direct road transfer from Victoria Falls to your lodge in Hwange National Park. The transfer is approximately 2 hours in duration.

On arrival at the main gate of the Park you will be met by a representative of The Hide and will travel by open 4x4 vehicle to the lodge. You can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife during this drive, so have your camera ready!

The Hide has set a bar of excellence and luxury for Hwange National Park accommodation and is consistently voted as one of the “Best Safari Lodges” in Zimbabwe. Located in a prime position in the Park, The Hide offers a life-enriching safari experience for its guests.

On arrival, check in, relax and unwind. Lunch can be enjoyed at the lodge, after which you will enjoy your first afternoon safari activity. The lodge offers morning, afternoon and evening game drives and bush walks. Furthermore, you can also enjoy fantastic birding and access to hidden, waterhole-facing hides for a close-up view of the animals.

The waterhole in front of The Hide is particularly special, being the only source of permanent water for a good-sized area. So even if you don’t feel like venturing out, you will still be able to enjoy seeing the daily visitors to the camp.

Explore Hwange National Park

Enjoy a full day of safari activities, including morning and afternoon game drives and bush walks. All meals and drinks are included.

The lodge offers morning, afternoon and evening game drives and bush walks. Furthermore, you can also enjoy fantastic birding and access to hidden, waterhole-facing hides for a close-up view of the animals.

The waterhole in front of The Hide is particularly special, being the only source of permanent water for a good-sized area. So even if you don’t feel like venturing out, you will still be able to enjoy seeing the daily visitors to the camp.

Hwange game drives and bush walks

Enjoy a full day of safari activities, including morning and afternoon game drives and bush walks. All meals and drinks are included.

The lodge offers morning, afternoon and evening game drives and bush walks. Furthermore, you can also enjoy fantastic birding and access to hidden, waterhole-facing hides for a close-up view of the animals.

The waterhole in front of The Hide is particularly special, being the only source of permanent water for a good-sized area. So even if you don’t feel like venturing out, you will still be able to enjoy seeing the daily visitors to the camp.

From Hwange to Mana Pools National Park

After breakfast, check out and make your way to the nearby airstrip for your charter flight transfer to Mana Pools National Park via Lake Kariba. On arrival you will be met by a representative of Ruckomechi Camp and transferred to the lodge, situated in a lush forest on the banks of the majestic Zambezi River.

Check in and enjoy a welcoming drink and lunch/afternoon tea before departing on your first safari activity in the National Park or on the Zambezi River.

Ruckomechi offers exciting adventures that include morning and afternoon game drives, guided bush walks, afternoon canoe trips, boat cruises and excellent tiger fishing during the warm months.

Return to camp and freshen up before enjoying pre-dinner drinks and a sumptuous dinner around the campfire or on the riverside deck with views of the river and mountains beyond.

Explore Mana Pools National Park

After breakfast, depart on your morning game drive with your ranger. The camp offers morning and afternoon game drives, boat cruises, canoeing safaris, walking safaris and fantastic bird watching. Guests can also try their hand at catch-and-release fishing.

Mana Pools is made up of numerous water sources, in addition to riverbanks, sandbanks, islets, and forests. Four of the Big Five are in residence – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. The smaller carnivore count includes cheetah, hyena, and wild dog, while among the herbivores you can expect to see are zebra, warthog, waterbuck, eland, impala, monkey, and baboon. The rivers, streams, and pools are very popular with hippopotamus and crocodile, and you’ll be able to observe these species particularly closely during canoe trips from camp.

Walking safaris will also present great opportunities for scrutiny of wildlife, not least the concession’s plants, insects, and hundreds of types of birds!

Back at camp enjoy a hearty lunch and some siesta time before heading out on your afternoon boat cruise, canoe trip or game drive.

In the evening, why not spoil yourself with a fragrant soak in the outdoor ‘bath-with-a-view’, secluded in a scenic spot?

Land and water-based activities

Rise early and enjoy your last day exploring this beautiful Park, during morning and afternoon game drives, boat cruises, canoeing safaris and walking safaris on offer.

Back at camp enjoy a hearty lunch and some siesta time before heading out on your afternoon boat cruise, canoe trip or game drive.

In the evening, why not spoil yourself with a fragrant soak in the outdoor ‘bath-with-a-view’, secluded in a scenic spot? Or, why not book the nearby Ruckomechi treehouse for a romantic dinner and night sleeping under the stars?

Departure

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the local airstrip. From here you will fly back to Victoria Falls for your onward flight to Johannesburg.

You will remember this amazing Zimbabwe experience for years to come!