This safari begins at Victoria Falls, then follows the Zambezi into Mana Pools, reaches Lake Kariba’s shore in Matusadona, crosses the plains of Hwange, and ends in the granite landscapes of Matobo Hills. Each region offers distinct terrain, from floodplains and oxbow lakes to teak woodland and rock formations.
Light aircraft and road transfers link each stage, with lodges chosen for location and access. Days hold guided walks, game drives, and boat safaris, tracking elephant, predators, and rhino on foot. Guides cover both large mammals and smaller ecological detail, alongside the cultural and historical heritage of each area.
Stay at River Island Suites, located upriver from the falls on the Zambezi. Take a half-day tour of the falls with historian and guide Clive Wakefield, learning about their geology and colonial-era history. Boat excursions on the river and walks in the surrounding forest round out your introduction to the area.
Fly to Mana Pools and stay at Little Vundu with a private guide and vehicle. The park’s floodplains and oxbow lakes hold dense populations of elephant, lion, and wild dog. Mana is also known for elephants that stand to browse from trees, a behaviour shaped by generations along the Zambezi. Guides at Little Vundu have fostered a long, respectful rapport with these elephants, allowing unusually close observation on foot and by vehicle.
Continue by light aircraft to Matusadona on Lake Kariba’s southern shore, staying at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Activities include boat safaris, fishing, and game drives. The combination of shoreline, grassland, and wooded hills supports buffalo, hippo, crocodile, and diverse birdlife, with chances to see lion and leopard within the park’s varied habitats.
Transfer to Hwange Bush Camp, set in the northern part of Zimbabwe’s largest reserve. Hwange is known for its vast elephant herds and more than 100 mammal species. Guided walks and game drives explore open grasslands and teak woodland, offering encounters with predators as well as smaller species adapted to this semi-arid environment.
Travel by private charter flight to Bulawayo, followed by a transfer to Matobo for a two-night stay. This area is renowned for its distinctive granite formations and deep historical and cultural significance. Explore Matobo Hills National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with activities including rhino tracking on foot and discovering ancient rock art amidst its dramatic granite landscapes.
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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zimbabwe & botswana
Twelve nights from Victoria Falls to the Okavango, by boat on the Chobe, a mobile camp from Khwai to Moremi and mokoro in the Delta.
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zimbabwe
Track rhino on foot, explore Mana Pools with a private guide and read ancient rock art across the Matobo Hills.
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zimbabwe & botswana
Track wild dog and lion across four ecosystems, from Mana Pools elephants to Okavango mokoro excursions.
rated five stars by our clients
our approach
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.
