BackEmbark on a two-week conservation-focused Zimbabwe safari with Wayfairer, featuring incredible accommodations in the wilds of Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park.
Picture yourself landing in Zimbabwe, a landlocked country surrounded by Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa. Emerald-green mountains loom over vast savannas, and you feel the footfalls of lions and elephants as they walk past you at tantalisingly close proximity in Hwange National Park during a safari. An equally pulsating experience occurs at Victoria Falls, known as the "Smoke that Thunders," as its colossal cascading water creates a cloud of mist.
Excitingly, Wayfairer has just launched a two-week conservation-focused Zimbabwe safari. It offers travellers these aforementioned experiences, as well as participation in behind-the-scenes people empowerment and conservation projects. You can walk with rhinos alongside Wildlife Protection Scouts, participate in anti-poaching dog training, and more. For most of us, accommodation is vital for a memorable trip, and we've partnered with Bushlife Safaris at Mana Pools and Imvelo Safari Lodges in Hwange National Park.
Below, you’ll find an in-depth guide to each Zimbabwe hotel, detailing how they offer buckets of fun and an immersive African experience during this once-in-a-lifetime conservation safari.
1. Nkosi Guest Lodge
- Best For: Couples, families & groups
- Location: 3.5km from Victoria Falls
- Unique Selling Point: 5* service and serenity
The Property:
Nkosi Guest Lodge, an environmentally friendly establishment, is the newest member of the Bayete Collection. Its entire design is focused on providing a tranquil space for relaxation while you visit Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. There are 24 superior en-suite rooms, along with two entertainment areas. The two-storey, white-washed building has an indoor-outdoor plan, with its stone columns holding an exposed terrace. The downstairs lounge, bar and restaurant blend seamlessly with the outdoor swimming pool area.
The Rooms:
Each of the 24 rooms in this Victoria Falls hotel is surrounded by greenery, overlooking the exotic gardens and pool. Some rooms feature a private balcony for you to make the most of the African sunshine. Amenities include king or twin-sized beds, air conditioning, WIFI, a tea-and-coffee-making station, a safe, a hair dryer and en-suite bathrooms with a walk-in shower and bathtub. The Family Unit also offers a king and two twin beds; inter-leading rooms can be booked if you’d like privacy from your children.
Dining:
All guest bookings include a Full English Breakfast, which takes place in the restaurant. Lunch and dinner are available upon request, and evening meals (a set menu) must be booked before 14:00.
Activities:
There are many things to do in Victoria Falls. Wayfairer, in collaboration with the team at Nkosi Guest Lodge, can arrange private excursions that go way beyond traditional touristy pursuits. Start by exploring Victoria Falls Park with a local guide who can impart in-depth knowledge about the area’s fauna, flora, and history. Or why not view the falls from above in a private helicopter? High-wire activities, white-water rafting or viewing the rainforest’s untamed scenery from the comforts of a boat cruise are also must-try options.
2. Bomani Tented Camp
- Best For: Honeymooners, families, & adventurous travellers
- Location: Hwange National Park
- Unique Selling Point: Truly off-the-beaten-track
The Property:
Bomani Tented Camp, an Imvelo Safaris property with the motto 'connecting people and nature,' is a remote destination. It’s located in a 5,000-acre private concession on the Ngamo Plains, bordering Hwange National Park. Accessible via Imvelo Safari's Elephant Express train, the camp features a traditional safari lodge with a thatch roof and a teak viewing deck overlooking a waterhole. You can enjoy the wood-style bar, lounge, and dining area, knowing the lodge actively supports the local community by hiring staff from the area. They also contribute to conservation efforts for sustainable livelihoods and social services.
The Tents:
During your luxury safari holiday at Bomani Tented Camp, you’ll find several stylish tents; some are raised on teak platforms, while others are at ground level near the waterhole. Each tent boasts warm, neutral tones, wooden flooring, canopy beds with netting, and hanging lamps. The Sable Suite stands out for its spacious layout, offering two bedrooms, a cosy lounge, and two bathrooms – ideal for families!
Dining:
The timing of your dining experience depends on your safari activity. Start your day with an early breakfast by the campfire. Here, Bomani’s diligent team prepare a spread of cheese, fruit, cold meats, and pancakes. If you’re hoping for a sleep-in, opt for a leisurely brunch. We'd highly recommend partaking in the amazing burger brunches at one of their waterholes. The team will set everything up and cook your delicious burgers while you – the guest – sit back and watch elephants come and drink at the water. Once you’ve had your fill of the delicious food, you can head down into the hide and get an up-close experience with the wildlife.
The camp also never forgets your midday repast, providing delicious on-the-go bush lunches. As the sun descends, relax into an al fresco dinner featuring a three-course menu, perfectly complemented by the rich flavours of local wine or beer.
Activities:
Bomani Tented Camp offers top-notch amenities, from a splash pool overlooking a waterhole to blissful in-house spa treatments. However, the camp’s main allure is its setting. No safari in Zimbabwe would be complete without touring the Hwange National Park, which has more wildlife than any other Zimbabwean park. Look out for Zimbabwe’s Big Five during expert-led game drives and walks.
Beyond wildlife encounters, you can get involved in conservation and community-based activities by visiting the local Mlevu Village. Here, you’ll learn about the residents’ daily lives. Likewise, spend time with the Cobras Community Wildlife Protection Scouts, who have successfully reintroduced white rhinos to Hwange. You'll be able to stand mere metres away from these robust creatures, seeing their skin rise and fall as they take a breath! A rare moment you'll cherish long after your trip has ended!
3. Vundu Camp
- Best For: Couples, families & groups
- Location: Mana Pools National Park
- Unique Selling Point: Top-notch professional guiding
The Property:
Situated within the peaceful riverine forest, alongside the shores of the Zambezi River, is Vundu Camp. Its location in a private concession within Mana Pools National Park offers serenity and remoteness. The two-storey main tent lies beneath the canopy of an ancient ebony tree, which is known to attract curious elephants, while the sandy ground is an ideal locale for an authentic campfire. The camp’s viewing platform near a waterhole also offers prime wildlife sightings.
The Rooms:
There are eight spacious thatched chalets following the contours of the Zambezi River. Each is optimised for your comfort, featuring rustic, wooden interiors, canvas walls, twin or double beds decorated with African-style patterns, mosquito nets draped above the beds like a four-poster structure, en-suite bathrooms with an indoor and outdoor shower and a private terrace. The family room offers double and twin beds.
Dining:
Your stay at Vundu Camp is all-inclusive, so you can enjoy dining at no extra cost. The communal zone includes an open-air dining area with a long table, excellent for sparking fascinating conversations with your neighbours. Bushlife Safaris prides itself on serving quality wine and cuisine; mealtimes occur when wildlife sightings are at their best. However, guests can also arrange to eat according to their preferences.
Activities:
Vundu Camp’s guides are committed to conservation and were hand-picked for their expertise, meaning your Zimbabwe safari will be second to none. Nick Murray, founder of Vundu Camp, will lead your tours, and he’s a seasoned Zimbabwean guide with 30 years of experience under his belt. Your day might begin with a 4x4 game drive (also offered at night), trailing recent footprints made by buffalos, elephants, lions, and more. Alternatively, try the guided game walks, pontoon boat fishing, or canoeing along the Zambezi River, navigating crocodiles, hippos and elephants looking to cool off.
Book Now to Stay in These Incredible Lodges!
If you can picture yourself flying in a helicopter over Victoria Falls, seeing African Wild Dogs up close, walking with rhinos, treating injured elephants, and staying in these incredible lodges, then secure your spot on Wayfairer's brand-new, two-week conservation safari in Zimbabwe!
Click the button below to start planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip!
