zimbabwe
falls, plains & the zambezi
Thirteen nights across Zimbabwe, from the Zambezi at Victoria Falls to Mana Pools, Lake Kariba, Hwange and Malilangwe.
- Private Safari
- From $23,105 pp
- 4 guests
- 13 nights
trip highlights
- Elephants, buffalo, hippo and crocodile work the sandbanks below the deck at Chilo Gorge, close enough to watch without a vehicle.
- Full-day drives run to the Chilojo Cliffs, a long red sandstone wall above the Runde River.
- Guides in the Sango Wildlife Conservancy track black and white rhino on foot.
- In the dry months the Mzaise riverbed becomes a road the elephants use.
Scroll for the full itinerary
Zimbabwe's South-Eastern Lowveld
This nine-night route runs through the Lowveld of south-eastern Zimbabwe. It opens on the red sandstone cliffs above the Save River, which forms the boundary of Gonarezhou National Park, then gives its middle days to the Chipinda Pools and the Chilojo Cliffs above the Runde River. It closes north of the park in the Sango Wildlife Conservancy, on the seasonal Mzaise River.
The first seven nights are spent at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, a double-storey building of local stone, timber and thatch with ten chalets facing the water. Days run on drives into Gonarezhou and long trips to the Chilojo Cliffs. The last two nights move to Sango Expedition Camp, three canvas tents for six guests, where guides track rhino on foot and drives go off-road and after dark.
Daily Itinerary Breakdown
The Save River and Gonarezhou's Elephants
You are on red sandstone cliffs above the Save River, which forms the boundary with Gonarezhou National Park. Elephants, buffalo, hippo and crocodile work the sandbanks below the deck, close enough to watch without a vehicle, and at night the hippo calls carry up the gorge. Gonarezhou means place of many elephants, and its herds include bulls that still carry old, heavy ivory; visitors are few enough that a morning drive can pass no other vehicle. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge stands on land the Mahenye community set aside for wildlife, with ten chalets facing the river and a pool at the lip of the gorge.
- Accommodation at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Chilojo Cliffs and the Runde River
Still based above the Save River, these days give over to full-day drives into Gonarezhou. When the Runde River allows, you can reach the Chilojo Cliffs, a long red sandstone wall above the water. After the rains, crossing into the park can involve a short boat crossing before transferring to vehicles on the far bank. Nights return to Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, where the doors were carved by hand, the headboards cut from jacaranda and the walls lined with woven reed.
- Accommodation at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Tracking Rhino at the Mzaise Riverbed
Moving north of Gonarezhou into the Sango Wildlife Conservancy, you reach a 60,000-hectare private reserve on the seasonal Mzaise River. As private land it allows what the parks cannot, so drives go off-road and on into the dark, and guides track black and white rhino on foot. From June to October the game draws tight on the shrinking waterholes and the dry riverbed, which the elephants use as a road. Sango Expedition Camp is three canvas tents for six guests, with lamplight after dark and hot water by the bucket, running from April to October.
- Accommodation at Sango Expedition Camp
Ed Charles, BBC Producer
Fitzroy are true specialists in accessing the wilderness. They know where to go and importantly, when to go there. Highly recommended.
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- Private Safari
- From $22,955 pp
- 2 guests
- 12 nights
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- Private Safari
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rated five stars by our clients
our approach
remote, exclusive
& personal
Every journey starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand your vision before we start planning.
Whether by phone or in person, we work with you directly to shape something that is considered, personal, and expertly delivered.
Every journey starts with a conversation. We favour a direct, personal approach: understanding your vision before anything else.
Whether by phone or in person, we work with you directly to shape a journey that is both thoughtfully considered and expertly delivered.
Get in touch to start planning yours.