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Summary

Checkout

Zimbabwe Explorer

Love

Duration

12 Days

Starts In

Victoria Falls

Route

Lake Kariba, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Victoria Falls

Experience the ultimate Zimbabwe adventure on a 12-day journey through the country’s most iconic destinations. Begin at Victoria Falls, marveling at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Continue to Hwange National Park for thrilling Big Five safaris, then unwind on the tranquil waters of Lake Kariba, where sunsets paint the horizon gold. End in Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its walking and canoe safaris along the Zambezi River. This itinerary blends natural wonder, luxury lodges, and authentic African experiences—perfect for travelers seeking adventure, photography, and connection to the wild. Discover Zimbabwe’s untamed beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich culture on an unforgettable safari from waterfall to wilderness.

WILDLIFE SAFARI - 12 Days / 11 Nights featuring Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba and Mana Pools National Park . Includes private transfers, your choice of guided excursions, and wildlife encounters as indicated in the itinerary. This itinerary is fully flexible and can be amended to suit your activity level and interests

Includes

Accommodations as per itinerary
Meals as per itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
Select alcoholic drinks as per itinerary
Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
Private arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary
Sightseeing tours and/or activites of your choice

Excludes

Items of a personal nature
All other items not mentioned as included
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts

Itinerary

Day
1

Day 1: Arrival at Victoria Falls

Arrive in Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders. After settling into your hotel, take a leisurely walk through Victoria Falls National Park to witness the roaring cascade known locally as “The Smoke That Thunders.” Feel the cool mist as rainbows shimmer above the gorge. In the afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, where you’ll spot hippos and crocodiles along the banks while sipping sundowners. Dine at a riverside restaurant or experience The Boma Dinner & Drum Show, a lively introduction to Zimbabwean culture and cuisine. Your adventure begins surrounded by nature’s power and local warmth.

Day
2

Day 2: Exploring Victoria Falls

Spend the day discovering the adventure capital of southern Africa. Begin with a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls from several viewing points for unforgettable photographs. Visit the Victoria Falls Bridge, where daring travelers can bungee jump 111 meters into the gorge. For a different perspective, take a helicopter “Flight of Angels” over the falls for breathtaking aerial views. Wander through the local craft markets or enjoy high tea at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel overlooking the spray. As the sun sets, relax at your lodge or join a cultural village visit to learn about local traditions. Victoria Falls blends adrenaline, beauty, and culture in perfect harmony.

Day
3

Day 3: Journey into Hwange National Park

Depart early for Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier safari destination and one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. The journey takes about four hours through rural landscapes and traditional villages. Upon arrival, settle into your safari lodge near a watering hole, where elephants often gather. After lunch, embark on your first afternoon game drive with an expert ranger. Watch giraffes, zebras, and antelope roam the plains as the golden light fades. As darkness falls, enjoy dinner under the stars followed by stories around the campfire. The sounds of the African bush—roaring lions, calling hyenas, and chirping crickets—create an unforgettable first night in Hwange.

Day
4

Day 4: Hwange Safari Adventures

Wake before dawn for a morning game drive, the best time to spot predators returning from their nightly hunts. Lions bask in the sun, elephants wander gracefully, and cheetahs patrol the savanna. Return to camp for brunch and relaxation by the pool or veranda, watching wildlife come to drink at nearby pans. In the afternoon, join a walking safari, learning to identify animal tracks, plants, and bird calls. As evening falls, enjoy a sundowner on the plains before returning to a candlelit dinner. Hwange’s vast landscapes and abundant wildlife make it one of Africa’s most rewarding safari experiences.

Day
5

Day 5: Final Day in Hwange

Spend your last day in Hwange soaking up the tranquility of the bush. Choose between another game drive or a visit to a nearby community conservation project, learning how locals protect wildlife and benefit from sustainable tourism. Enjoy a bush brunch under acacia trees, surrounded by grazing impala and distant elephant herds. In the afternoon, relax in your lodge’s hide for close-up views of animals at the watering hole. As night falls, gather for a farewell dinner and share stories from your safari. Hwange’s balance of untamed wilderness and warm hospitality makes it a place that stays in the heart.

Day
6

Day 6: Travel to Lake Kariba

After breakfast, journey to Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe’s serene inland sea, created by damming the mighty Zambezi River. The drive or light aircraft transfer offers scenic views of rugged hills and river valleys. Upon arrival, board your houseboat or check into a lakeside lodge with sweeping water views. Spend the afternoon cruising along the shoreline, where elephants and buffalo come to drink. The lake’s calm beauty and endless horizon invite total relaxation. As the sun sets, enjoy cocktails on deck, followed by a candlelit dinner under a canopy of stars. Lake Kariba’s tranquil waters mark a peaceful contrast to the excitement of safari life.

Day
7

Day 7: Exploring Lake Kariba

Wake to the gentle rocking of your houseboat or birdsong over the lake. Today offers a mix of adventure and serenity. Set out for tiger fishing, known for its thrilling challenge, or take a smaller boat into hidden inlets for close-up wildlife sightings. Visit the shores of Matusadona National Park, where antelope graze against a backdrop of wooded hills. The afternoon is perfect for swimming or relaxing on deck as fish eagles call overhead. As the sun melts into the horizon, capture golden reflections on the lake—one of Africa’s most peaceful scenes. End the day with dinner and storytelling by lantern light.

Day
8

Day 8: Leisure on Lake Kariba

Enjoy a slow morning with coffee on deck as the sun rises over the shimmering lake. After breakfast, join a guided walking safari on one of Kariba’s islands or enjoy a boat excursion to explore its secluded bays. Watch for hippos, crocodiles, and herds of elephants bathing along the shoreline. The afternoon invites total leisure—read a book, take photographs, or simply float beneath the vast African sky. A sunset cruise marks your final evening, complete with sundowners and soft breezes. Lake Kariba’s rhythm of water and wildlife creates an atmosphere of pure calm before your next wilderness adventure.

Day
9

Day 9: Journey to Mana Pools

Depart for Mana Pools National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s most remote and breathtaking wildlife sanctuaries. You may fly from Kariba or take a scenic road transfer along the Zambezi Valley. Upon arrival, check into your riverside safari camp overlooking the Zambezi River. Enjoy lunch before your first afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, kudu, and hippos. As the day cools, watch the sky glow pink and orange over the floodplains. Dinner is served beneath the stars, with the distant roar of lions as your soundtrack. Mana Pools’ wild, untamed beauty welcomes you into the heart of authentic Africa.

Day
10

Day 10: Walking Safari in Mana Pools

Rise early for a guided walking safari, one of Mana Pools’ signature experiences. Track wildlife on foot with expert guides who interpret animal signs and behavior. Get thrillingly close to elephants and buffalo, always with safety and respect for the animals’ space. After brunch, relax at camp or photograph the riverine scenery. In the afternoon, take a canoe safari along the Zambezi River—one of Africa’s most intimate wildlife encounters. Glide past pods of hippos, crocodiles, and colorful birdlife. As the sun sets, enjoy a campfire dinner while elephants roam nearby. Mana Pools combines adventure, serenity, and raw natural wonder.

Day
11

Day 11: Mana Pools Exploration

Spend your final full day exploring more of Mana Pools National Park. Join a 4x4 game drive through the floodplains, keeping an eye out for lions, painted dogs, and large herds of eland. The park’s open spaces and acacia forests create stunning backdrops for wildlife photography. After a picnic lunch along the river, embark on a leisurely canoe or walking safari. The afternoon light paints the landscape gold as animals gather at the water’s edge. End your journey with a sundowner on the banks of the Zambezi, followed by a farewell dinner. Mana Pools is the perfect finale—wild, peaceful, and utterly unforgettable.

Day
12

Day 12: Farewell Zimbabwe

Savor your final morning in the wilderness with coffee overlooking the river. Take a short nature walk or relax as the first rays of sun light the valley. After breakfast, transfer to Harare or Victoria Falls Airport for your onward flight. Reflect on twelve days of incredible landscapes and wildlife—Victoria Falls’ thunderous beauty, Hwange’s untamed savannas, Lake Kariba’s shimmering calm, and Mana Pools’ raw wilderness. This journey captures the essence of Zimbabwe: dramatic, diverse, and deeply moving. As your adventure ends, you leave with not just photographs—but the soul of Africa in your heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What destinations are included in the Zimbabwe Explorer package?

The Zimbabwe Explorer package includes four iconic destinations: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba, and Mana Pools National Park. This 12-day journey allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty of Victoria Falls, the thrilling wildlife of Hwange, the serene waters of Lake Kariba, and the wild landscapes of Mana Pools, culminating in an unforgettable adventure through Zimbabwe's diverse ecosystems.

How long does the Zimbabwe Explorer itinerary last and what is included in the package?

The Zimbabwe Explorer itinerary lasts for 12 days and includes accommodations, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner as specified), select alcoholic drinks, private arrival and departure transfers, and your choice of guided excursions and wildlife encounters. Additionally, Keytours provides 24-hour emergency assistance throughout your journey, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Can I customize the activities and accommodations in this itinerary?

Yes, this itinerary is fully flexible and can be customized to suit your interests and activity level. You can choose from various guided excursions, accommodations, and even the pace of your safari experiences. Keytours Vacations can assist you in tailoring the Zimbabwe Explorer package to create a personalized adventure that meets your specific preferences.

Are transfers between destinations included in the Zimbabwe Explorer tour?

Yes, private transfers between destinations are included in the Zimbabwe Explorer tour as per the itinerary. This ensures a comfortable and convenient travel experience as you move from Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park, then to Lake Kariba, and finally to Mana Pools National Park. However, any transfers not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

What types of wildlife experiences can I expect during this tour?

During the Zimbabwe Explorer tour, you can expect thrilling wildlife experiences, including game drives in Hwange National Park, walking safaris in Mana Pools, and canoe safaris along the Zambezi River. You'll have opportunities to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) and other diverse wildlife in their natural habitats, providing unforgettable moments for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

What is not included in the Zimbabwe Explorer package?

The following items are not included in the Zimbabwe Explorer package: personal expenses, travel insurance, gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts, and any transfers not mentioned in the itinerary. It's advisable to budget for these additional costs and inquire about travel insurance options with your Keytours travel consultant.

What should I know about the best time to take the Zimbabwe Explorer itinerary?

The best time to take the Zimbabwe Explorer itinerary is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to October. This period offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is less dense. However, the ideal time may vary based on specific interests, such as birdwatching or photography, so consult with your Keytours travel consultant for personalized recommendations.

Book Your Trip

Include Flights?

Yes

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