Discover the beating heart of Zimbabwe on this immersive safari that delivers a truly unique perspective into one of Africa’s most beautiful countries

Begin your African odyssey at the breathtaking Victoria Falls before immersing yourself in the beauty of the Hwange National Park. Meet some of the amazing people working tirelessly to protect Zimbabwe’s endangered wildlife, and enjoy privileged, behind-the-scenes access to the conservation and community empowerment projects they champion.
 
Then spend time amongst Africa’s majestic animals at Mana Pools and enjoy the expert company of renowned guide Nick Murray as he shares his passion for this truly magical place.
 
This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is just a few months away, and only 12 spaces are available, so contact Leonie today to reserve your place.

What's Included:

  • Park fees
  • Wayfairer Tour Leader
  • Conservation fees on safari
  • All transfers and regional flights
  • Private safari activities
  • Professional local staff and concierge service
  • All accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary

What’s not included:

  • Any meals, drinks and activities not specified in your itinerary
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Any items of a personal nature. 
  • International flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas

Trip Itinerary

Two people in a canoe opposite elephants.

Day 1: Victoria Falls

Day 1 - Arrive in Victoria Falls

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by your Wayfairer representative, who will be ready to transfer you to the Nkosi Lodge.

Conveniently located near the iconic Victoria Falls, Nkosi Lodge is the perfect location for the adventurous traveller looking for a little luxury.

Why not take advantage of your free afternoon to cool off in the hotel’s beautiful pool before your adventure begins? Breakfast is included, and you’re sure to find plenty to tempt your palette in the hotel's wonderful restaurant.

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Days 2: Hwange National Park

Day 2 – Transfer to Hwange National Park

After a sumptuous breakfast, you’ll transfer to Dete, where you’ll board Imvelo Safari’s unique train, the Elephant Express, that will take you to Bomani Camp in Hwange National Park.
 
The train features open sides and a canopied top, providing unobstructed and expansive views of the diverse landscape. You’ll travel through open grasslands, teak forests, and areas rich in African wildlife, where you can spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and various species of birds.
 
Your knowledgeable guide will accompany you, providing valuable insights about the wildlife and vegetation, as well as some of the history of Hwange National Park.
 
Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge.

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Days 3-6: Hwange National Park

Days 3-6 – Bomani Tented Lodge

Situated on a private reserve in the Ngamo Plains, which borders the park, Bomani is an eco-lodge that sits very gently on the wild and unspoilt landscape. Surrounded by nature, a key feature of the camp is the large watering hole – a reliable draw for many of the Park’s animals.
 
Accommodation at the Lodge is available in a family suite or raised tents.
 
The spacious Sable Family Suite is located on a raised deck, surrounded by the picturesque Hwange landscape. Offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large lounge area, there is also space for two additional beds if required.
 
The raised Saddlebill Tents are simple but luxurious. Comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms and traditional wooden furniture create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. For your well-being and comfort, fans and mosquito nets are also provided.
 
While at Bomani Camp, all meals, eaten al fresco and made following traditional recipes using local ingredients, and the region's best wines and beers, are included in your package.

 
Activities during your stay:


Your three days at Bomani will be exciting and action-packed, combining activities focussed on wildlife conservation and community involvement with the camp’s regular safari activities.
 
Initiatives from Imvelo Safari Lodges have resulted in the successful reintroduction of white rhinos to Hwange after nearly 20 years! You’ll see this amazing project in action for yourself as you spend the morning with the Cobras Community Wildlife Protection Scouts. Enjoy a glorious sunrise walk as they escort a group of protected rhinos from the sanctuary of their night boma into the bush for the day.
 
You’ll also have the opportunity to spend more time with the Scouts during your stay, accompanying them for the day as they carry out their vital anti-poaching dog training work. As part of this activity, you’re also welcome to visit the children from the local Mlevu Village as they spend time with the Scouts, learning about rhinos and conservation, and having a bit of fun!

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Days 7-8: Victoria Falls

Days 7-8 – Explore Victoria Falls

After 4 nights and 3 transformative days at Bomani, you fly back to Victoria Falls and the Nkosi Lodge for 2 nights.
 
Over the next two days, you’ll have the time to experience everything this UNESCO World Site has to offer. After exploring Victoria Falls, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Lookout Cafe with breathtaking views, and later, for dinner, you will go on a spectacular Zambezi dinner cruise on the Zambezi Reflections. Enjoy delicious gourmet food on the floating restaurant whilst cruising down the Zambezi River and enjoying a spectacular sunset.

There’s also the opportunity to enjoy a half-day visit to Giving Circle, a local initiative working with local community changemakers to provide girls in Southern African countries with education, mentorship, and emotional support. The ultimate goal is to break the cycle of deep poverty by empowering girls and young women and creating a foundation they can build on to enjoy a life of dignity and opportunity.

Optional activities include:

  1. Guided tour of Victoria Falls - $90 per person, minimum two people (excludes $50 entrance fee).
  2. A 13-minute helicopter flight over the Falls- $200 per person (excludes $30 entrance and heli fee).
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Days 8-11: Mana Pools National Park

Days 8-11 – Transfer to Mana Pools National Park

We’ll conclude our amazing trip by flying to Mana Pools National Park, where you’ll spend 4 nights at the stunning Vundu Camp. 

Luxuriate in one of 8 spacious thatched chalets, each one intimately located beside the mighty Zambezi River. Wash away the heat of the day in your indoor or outdoor shower, relax on your comfortable sofa, or admire the serenity of the view from the privacy of your outdoor seating area.   

After settling in and enjoying a delicious dinner and a peaceful night’s rest, you’ll experience the remainder of your trip in the company of respected guide, and founder of Vundu Camp, Nick Murray. Nick and his wife, Desiree, have been running Bushlife Safaris in Mana Pools for over 20 years, and their guiding teams have won numerous awards. 

Wildlife documentary enthusiasts may recognise Nick as the guide who worked with renowned wildlife filmmaker Sir David Attenborough and the production crew of the acclaimed BBC Earth series. 

In an exclusive experience only available as part of this tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to accompany Nick and his team as they track and dart selected elephants to collect vital data for ongoing research projects. The project involves looking at elephant calves that have birth defects, you will get to venture out with one of Zimbabwe's lead vets as they find the mother and calf to dart the calf to be able to collect further samples to analyse to understand what the problem is. 

Other activities you can enjoy during your stay include a canoe safari down the Zambezi River taking in all the incredible game sightings, fishing off the river banks, venturing out on endless day & night game drives and enjoy a beautiful sundowner cruise to end your day. Immerse yourself in the wild on a guided game walk through one of Africa's best parks for walking.

Nick has been guiding in Mana Pools since 1997 and is a qualified Zimbabwean Professional Guide, one of the most prestigious game-guiding qualifications in Africa. He has worked throughout Southern Africa, spending a lot of time in Zimbabwe but also travelling through Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania. 

All of this means you can completely relax, knowing you’ll be in the very best hands for your last few days in Zimbabwe. 

Your stay at Vundu is fully inclusive of your accommodation, private safari activities, all meals, and most drinks. 

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Day 12: Harare

Day 12 – Harare and home

Say a sad goodbye to Mana Pools and fly to Harare to connect with your flight(s) home.

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