Safari in 3 iconic destinations in Zimbabwe, going from Hwange to Vic Falls & Mana Pools, a sought-after destination for walking safaris.
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Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > Hwange to Vic Falls & Mana Pools Safari
Throughout Zimbabwe’s turbulent history, one thing has always remained true – the country’s combination of welcoming culture, Big 5 wildlife and diverse landscapes has kept visitors coming back for more. This 9 day LuxVenture® takes you to 3 iconic destinations in Zimbabwe, starting off in one of the ten largest parks in Africa, Hwange National Park – home to the biggest population of elephant in the world. With safari lodge Elephant’s Eye, Hwange as your base, spend 3 days on exhilarating game drives and walking safaris. Next up, you’ll journey into a private concession within the Mana Pools National Park for the ultimate armchair safari experience at Kanga Camp. With a waterhole directly in front of the camp, feel free to sit back and let the wildlife come to you. A sought-after destination for walking safaris, you will have the opportunity to track lions on foot alongside your expert guide before heading off to your third destination – Victoria Falls. Based along the banks of the Zambezi River, Old Drift Lodge will be your base for the following 2 nights. Its close proximity to the Falls offers an array of activities to choose from – from sunset river cruises to guided walking safaris along the mighty Zambezi.
Touch down at Victoria Falls International Airport, the starting point of your 9 day Hwange to Vic Falls LuxVenture®. Your dedicated Ker & Downey® Africa representative will be waiting for you at arrivals to transfer you to the eco-lodge Elephant’s Eye, a mere 2-hour drive away. The lodge is located in a 6000-acre private concession within Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest national park. Elephant’s Eye features 8 tented chalets, blending seamlessly into their natural environment. Each chalet has a private wrap around deck and secluded outdoor shower, boasting panoramic views of the local waterhole frequented by herds of elephant. After a hassle-free check-in, you’ll have time to unpack and settle into the lodge before embarking on your first game drive through the private concession alongside an expert guide. Originally an illegal poaching ground, the private concession has experienced a return of wildlife due to conservation efforts and there is a healthy number of lion, buffalo and leopard sightings each month. Return to the lodge’s boma for an African-inspired bush dinner under the stars as your first day in Zimbabwe draws to a close.
Wake up and give that outdoor shower a try before making your way to the main lodge for breakfast. Today you will head out into the diverse landscapes of Hwange National Park alongside your expert guide and ranger. The park is renowned for its large elephant population, with herds numbering up to 350 elephants as well as being one of the best places to spot the endangered Painted Dogs. Today, a picnic lunch today will be served out in the park, packed and prepared by the kitchen at the lodge. Return to Elephant’s Eye for time at leisure at your chalet or unwind at the lodge’s swimming pool or the open-air Jwapi Spa which offers a range of treatments including a combination of African and Western massages. In the evening you can choose to embark on another game drive through the private concession or enjoy a private sundowner experience at the main lodge’s watering hole before making your way to dinner in the boma.
Make sure to have a good breakfast this morning as your experienced guide invites you to get closer to nature on a 3-hour walking safari through the private concession. As you traverse the terrain by foot, your guide will be sure to point out smaller sightings sometimes overlooked when on a game vehicle. This will allow you to experience an array of smaller fauna and flora while you track wildlife in the bush. Return to the lodge for a light lunch before visiting a nearby village and local school to connect with the local people of the area to learn about their traditions and the challenges they face on a daily basis. The experience is focused on positive solutions as visitors are invited to visit the upliftment enterprises that the locals have established to improve their living conditions. Return to the lodge to freshen up for an early dinner. Still got the spirit of adventure in you? Embark on an exhilarating night drive with your guide after dinner and witness hyena’s on the hunt and other nocturnal species come to life.
After breakfast and a simple check-out, your driver will meet you for your transfer to Hwange National Park Airport. Here you will embark on your flight to Bumi Hills and journey onwards to the Mana Pools airstrip. Your guide will be awaiting your arrival to transfer you to the remote inlands of the Kanga Pan within Mana Pools National Park. Located in a private concession in Kanga Pan is home to the only known water source in the area year-round, bringing wildlife right to your doorstep. Kanga Camp, your base for the next 3 nights, features 6 meru style luxury tents. Raised on a wooden platform, each tent features a private wrap around terrace and ensuite bathroom with an outdoor shower overlooking the waterhole. The main lodge boasts a relaxing lounge and dining area under the shade of the mahogany trees with uninterrupted views of the active waterhole frequented by an array of wildlife – the ultimate armchair safari. After check-in, you’ll have time at leisure to unpack and reboot at the main lodge’s pool while watching elephants come and go at ease. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to traverse the game-rich region of Kanga Pan in a 4×4 game vehicle with your expert guide in search of leopard, wild dog, hippo and elephants along the way. Return to Kanga Camp for dinner at the main dining area or opt for a private dinner on your veranda overlooking the bustling waterhole.
For the next two days, you can choose to fill your day according to your mood. Wake up early for a game drive through the Mana Pools private concession or choose to sleep in before making your way to breakfast. Feeling active? Join your expert guide on a 2-hour walking safari, tracking lions on foot and learning about the fauna and flora of the region. A light lunch will be served at the camp with time at leisure in the afternoons. Grab your camera and sit back under the shade of the mahogany on the upper deck lounge and let the wildlife come to you. Capture an up-close shot of the resident elephants before dinner at the main dining area overlooking the active pan.
Wake up and enjoy a filling breakfast surrounded by nature before your guide escorts you back to Kanga Camp. After check-out, your driver will meet you to transfer you to the Mana Pools airstrip for your onward journey to Victoria Falls. Your guide will be waiting at arrivals to transfer you to the Old Drift Lodge located in Zambezi National Park. Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, upstream from the crashing waters of Victoria Falls, Old Drift Lodge’s 14 tented canvas suites blend naturally into the surrounding environment. With views of the Zambezi River, each suite features a private plunge pool on a secluded wooden deck, with an outdoor shower and bath. In the afternoon, join your game ranger on a 4×4 game drive through the Zambezi National Park where elephant, lion, wild dog and buffalo can often be seen.
Your ranger will stop at a viewpoint for you to enjoy the sunset over the park with a gin and tonic in hand before returning to the lodge for an African inspired fine dining experience for dinner.
Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, Old Drift Lodge’s 14 tented canvas suites blend naturally into the surrounding environment. With views of the Zambezi River, each suite features a private plunge pool on a secluded wooden deck, with an outdoor shower and bath.
After an early breakfast, you will set out on a morning walking safari along the Zambezi River alongside your professional guide. Become fully immersed in your safari experience as you feel, hear and smell Africa on foot. Once back at the lodge, your driver will meet you to transfer you to the Lookout Café for lunch, a 4.5km drive from the lodge. Perched 120 meters above the turbulent waters of Batoka Gorge, the café has one of the most iconic views of Victoria Falls. After lunch, join your guide on a walking tour through the rainforests to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World up close. On return to the lodge, you will have the opportunity to board an exclusive 10 seater pontoon and cruise down the Zambezi on a sunset river safari. This is an excellent game viewing opportunity and elephant can often be seen drinking from the banks and hippo and crocodile swimming in the water below.
Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, Old Drift Lodge’s 14 tented canvas suites blend naturally into the surrounding environment. With views of the Zambezi River, each suite features a private plunge pool on a secluded wooden deck, with an outdoor shower and bath.
Day 9 marks the final day of your Hwange to Vic Falls & Mana Pools Safari. After a hearty breakfast and a seamless checkout at Old Drift Lodge, your driver will meet you to transfer you to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward journey home.
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Head office:
7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
[email protected]
United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
[email protected]
United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.