Kenya
We’ve designed this itinerary to give you a real feel for Zimbabwe’s diversity, from the elephant-rich plains of Hwange to the shores of Lake Kariba and the remote wilderness of Mana Pools.
It’s a brilliant option for those looking for a slightly more off-the-beaten-track safari, with a strong focus on guiding and experience.
Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, known for its huge elephant herds and diverse mix of habitats.
Hwange National Park is one of those places that quietly delivers some of the best game viewing in Africa. It’s a vast, varied landscape of open plains, teak forests and waterholes that attract wildlife year-round. The park is particularly well known for its elephants, and it’s not unusual to see large herds gathering around the waterholes, especially in the dry season.
Time in Hwange is all about getting out on game drives and, where possible, exploring on foot. The mix of habitats means there’s always something to see, from large herds of buffalo and elephant to predators like lion and wild dog.
One of the things we really like here is spending time at the hides overlooking waterholes – it’s a more relaxed way to watch wildlife come and go, and great for photography. Early morning walks and sundowners out in the bush are all part of the experience here.
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Lake Kariba is the world’s largest manmade lake, offering a completely different, more relaxed safari experience on the water.
Lake Kariba is a nice change of pace in the middle of this itinerary. After the game viewing in Hwange, it gives you time to slow things down a bit while still being surrounded by wildlife. The lake itself is vast, with beautiful open views, scattered islands and some of the best sunsets you’ll see anywhere.
Activities here are a mix of land and water-based experiences. Game drives and walking safaris are still on offer, but what really stands out are the boat trips out on the lake. Seeing elephants along the shoreline, hippos in the water and birdlife overhead is something a bit different from the usual safari routine.
Fishing is also popular here, especially for tigerfish, and there’s plenty of time built in to just relax back at camp and enjoy the setting.
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Mana Pools is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, known for its walking safaris and remote, untouched feel.
Mana Pools is a place we often describe as one of the wildest safari areas left in Africa. Set along the Zambezi River, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feels completely untouched in parts. The floodplains, river channels and forests attract a huge concentration of wildlife, particularly in the dry season.
What really makes Mana special is the way you experience it. Walking safaris are a big focus here, giving you the chance to get much closer to nature and understand the smaller details of the bush. Game drives are also part of the mix, along with time spent near the river watching elephants, hippos and plenty of birdlife.
Fishing is another option, and like the rest of the itinerary, the pace is flexible and shaped around what’s happening in the bush each day.
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