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Big Five in Hwange

6 Day Zimbabwe Safari Adventure (Overland Camping Tour)

Tour Length6 days
Priced from pps $1374 R26000 £1089 1274 A$2109 C$1860 NZ$2301 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Camping Overland Tour

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  • Max. Group Size 20 Travellers
  • Departs from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  • Ends at Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Accommodation Standard Camping / Lodge & Camping Combo
  • Transport Large Overland Vehicle / Open 4x4 Game Viewing Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
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Quick Itinerary Overview

An affordable 6-day Zimbabwe Safari Adventure departing from Victoria Falls. Our overland camping tour starts with a full day of game viewing in Hwange National Park. Zimbabwe’s biggest game reserve, Hwange is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations and all of Zimbabwe’s endangered wild animals.

Then we visit the unique landscapes of the Matobo National Park, exploring the historic Matobo Hills and embarking on a game drive. Next, we go to the famous Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a World Heritage Site, to travel back in time. Lastly, our Zimbabwe Safari crosses into South Africa, stopping at a private reserve that shares a border with the great Mapungubwe. This adventure-packed camping overland tour comes to an end in the vibrant city of Johannesburg.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

Our Best of Zimbabwe Safari departs from Victoria Falls, famous not only for the awe-inspiring waterfall but also for its many adventure activities. Before we leave the unofficial Adventure Capital of Africa be sure to visit Victoria Falls, the largest sheet of falling water on the planet. The local name for Vic Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya which means 'the Smoke that Thunders', a name you'll fully appreciate when standing before the falls.

From the natural wonder that is Victoria Falls, we drive south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's flagship national park. Hwange is home to a diverse array of large animals such as lions, leopards, and rhinos, and has one of Africa's highest concentrations of elephants.

We will spend our first two nights camping at a Safari camp inside Hwange National Park. Tonight, we have dinner at camp and spend our first evening around the campfire under a myriad of stars.

  • Optional activity: Victoria Falls National Park Entry, Sunset Game Drive in Hwange
  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Overland Tour Note:

We recommend spending a day or two at Victoria Falls before this lodge safari begins, in order to participate in some of the many exciting adventure activities available at Victoria Falls. Activities include Zambezi sunset cruises, bungee jumping, helicopter flights, gorge swinging, and white-water rafting. Pre-tour accommodation can be arranged through us.

Day 2: Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

Day 2 of our Zimbabwe Safari is set aside for game viewing in Hwange. This morning you are collected bright and early for your full-day Hwange safari. The whole day is spent exploring the African bush in open 4x4 safari vehicles, searching out wildlife and birds with the help of your expert guide.

Hwange National Park is home to Africa's Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant), plus all of Zimbabwe’s endangered species. This leading Zimbabwe national park is renowned for hosting one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. The game park is home to more than 100 mammal species, including one of the world’s largest populations of endangered wild dogs, living alongside cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, and giraffes. Excellent game viewing awaits!

  • Included Activity: Full-day Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Hwange to Matobo National Park & Bulawayo – Zimbabwe

Today our Best of Zimbabwe Safari heads further south. Leaving Hwange National Park behind us we travel to Matobo National Park, south of Bulawayo. The park is located in the culturally important Matobo Hills, exposed granite boulders that were formed millions of years ago making for a mysterious and surreal landscape – the Ndebele word “Matobo“ means “bald heads”. The Matobo Hills are regarded as a sacred site by the local Shona, who perform rituals in these ancient hills, and the rain shrine of the Ndebele, dedicated to the god of the ancestors, is also found here.

This afternoon we embark on a game drive in Matobo National Park. Established in 1953, Matobo Park covers some 44,500 hectares. Highlights of this Zimbabwe national park are the possible leopard and black eagle sightings. Matobo National Park is home to one of the world's highest concentrations of black eagles. Black and white rhinos have been introduced to the national park and we are sure to spot them on our game viewing adventure.

After exploring Matobo Hills we head to a charming lodge in Bulawayo where you can take a refreshing dip in the pool and have a drink at the bar.

  • Included Activity: Afternoon game drive in Matobo National Park
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Bulawayo to Great Zimbabwe Ruins & Masvingo – Zimbabwe

This fascinating country is home to many treasures, one of which is the world-famous Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the next destination on our camping overland tour. Once a royal palace and capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, research has shown that this World Heritage Site was once home to Iron Age settlements, but the remains there today date back to the 11th century and later. Legend has it that the ruins were once used by the Queen of Sheba.

There has been much debate and speculation regarding the origins of these ruins, but the consensus is that the structures were constructed by the forefathers of the Shona. The building was constructed without the use of mortar, serving as a testament to the skill of the builders. This extensive complex includes walls that tower up to 11 meters high.

The renowned bird carvings, out of soapstone, were found here at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Today these 8 carved birds are featured on the Zimbabwean National Flag and replicas are often carved by locals.

After visiting the Great Zimbabwe Ruins this afternoon, we head to the nearby town of Masvingo and our comfortable campsite overlooking Lake Mutirikwi.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Included Activity: Great Zimbabwe Ruins Visit

Day 5: Masvingo to Mapesu Private Game Reserve – South Africa

Day 5 of our budget Zimbabwe Safari takes us across the border into South Africa. Entering the country, we drive through the rural Limpopo Province of South Africa to Mapesu Private Game Reserve, that borders UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mapungubwe National Park. Witness breathtaking vistas of the Limpopo and Sashe Rivers uniting to form the meeting point of Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. The region is home to fascinating historical monuments of prehistoric rock art & Mapungubwe, in addition to being a well-liked spot for birdwatchers.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Mapesu Private Game Reserve to Johannesburg – South Africa

On the final day of our overland camping safari, we drive south along the Great North Road to Johannesburg. This dynamic city is the economic heart of South Africa, and one of the strongest commercial centers in Africa. Johannesburg, commonly known as Jo'burg, is a great place to gain insight into the cultures and history of this colorful nation.

Arriving in Johannesburg late afternoon, our 6-Day Best of Zimbabwe Safari comes to a close.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overland Tour Note:

We recommend arriving in Victoria Falls a day or two before your overland camping tour starts and departing from Johannesburg the day after the overland tour ends. We can arrange accommodation for before and after your safari on request.

This Overland Camping Tour is also available as a Lodge Overland Tour – 6 Day Best of Zimbabwe Safari (Lodge Overland Tour) which follows the same itinerary and stays at comfortable lodges instead of camping.

For more details contact African Budget Safaris

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

Victoria Falls Activities (pre-tour):

  • Full-day Zambezi Riverboarding 
  • Zambezi Sunset Cruise
  • Bungee Jump 
  • Dinner Out Victoria Falls
  • Helicopter Flights
  • White Water Rafting 

Zimbabwe Safari Activities:

  • Sunset Game Drive in Hwange National Park

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

There is a minimum age limit of 8 years of age, for travelers on scheduled departures, however, children aged 8 and 9 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 10 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date. Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.

Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.

Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.

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For confirmed pricing on these optional items, please drop us an enquiry

Victoria Falls Activities (pre-tour):

  • Full-day Zambezi Riverboarding 
  • Zambezi Sunset Cruise
  • Bungee Jump 
  • Dinner Out Victoria Falls
  • Helicopter Flights
  • White Water Rafting 

Zimbabwe Safari Activities:

  • Sunset Game Drive in Hwange National Park
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Camping accommodation
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Registered tour guides
  • Overland tour transport (safari truck)
  • Safari activities as shown
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • Flights, airport taxes & visas
  • Personal items, snacks, souvenirs & tips
  • Drinks (alcohol, soft drinks & bottled water)
  • Optional activities
  • Sleeping Bag & Pillow
+Departure Dates

Scheduled Tour Departures
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If you do not see departures listed for your dates, please do contact us for further info.

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