This Zimbabwe Safari to Hwange, Zambezi National Park and Victoria Falls offers 4-star comfort at a reasonable price. Begin with three nights in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest reserve and home to a vast array of wildlife, including one of the world’s largest elephant populations, endangered wild dogs, black rhinos, and rare antelope, along with exceptional birdlife. Next, spend two nights on Chundu Island, very near Zambezi National Park, enjoying guided walks, canoe safaris on the mighty Zambezi River, and game drives in the national park. Conclude your affordable African safari at the iconic Victoria Falls, where you’ll stay just an eight-minute walk from the famous waterfall.
This 7-day Hwange, Zambezi & Victoria Falls Zimbabwe safari begins with a scenic flight from Victoria Falls International Airport to Robins Airstrip in northern Hwange National Park. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your Bumbusi guide and set off on a game drive through the park en route to Bumbusi Wilderness Camp, our secluded safari retreat for the next three nights.
Hidden among rocky hills and sandstone outcrops in a remote corner of northern Hwange, the camp overlooks a permanent spring that draws a steady flow of wildlife. Elephants are frequent visitors, often seen wandering below the main deck. At the same time, the camp’s small collection of stone-and-canvas chalets creates an intimate and peaceful atmosphere far from the busier areas of the park.
Our stay combines exceptional wildlife encounters with the rich cultural history of the region. Guided game drives and bush walks take you along the Deka River and into the dramatic Bumbusi Gorge, where experienced rangers lead you on foot in search of wildlife tracks and hidden details of the bush. We’ll also explore the ancient ruins and rock engravings of the Bumbusi National Monument, one of the few places in Hwange where the area’s natural and human history are so closely intertwined.
Back at camp, life moves at a gentler pace. Spend time on the deck watching elephants gather at the spring, enjoy tea brewed over the ever-present fire, or soak up the stillness of the wilderness. As night falls, evenings are relaxed and unhurried, with wholesome dinners and stories shared beneath a canopy of stars.
Bumbusi Wilderness Camp offers one of the most exclusive and distinctive safari experiences in Hwange National Park. Set in a remote and reclaimed corner of the park, the camp combines exceptional wildlife viewing with fascinating cultural heritage, creating a safari experience unlike any other in Zimbabwe.
Surrounded by dramatic gorges, riverine landscapes, and rugged hills, the area is particularly well suited to guests who enjoy immersive safari activities, especially guided bush walks.
Nestled beneath mahogany and jackalberry trees, the camp offers a cool, tranquil retreat where wildlife, including elephants during the dry season, is often seen nearby. The intimate camp features just seven chalets, each accommodating two guests, with one chalet able to accommodate families with two children on bunk beds. Carefully restored to preserve the original stonework, the rooms combine warm, earthy tones, bold African-inspired patterns, and natural textures that reflect the spirit of the surrounding bush.
Game drives and walking safaris reveal the diversity of this lesser-explored region of Hwange, while a visit to the nearby Bumbusi National Monument adds a fascinating historical dimension to your safari. Located just a short drive from camp, the monument’s ancient ruins and rock engravings offer a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural past, perfectly complementing the wilderness experience.
After breakfast on day four, we’ll travel through Hwange National Park to Robins Airstrip for our flight to Victoria Falls International Airport. From there, we continue by road to Chundu Island, our tranquil riverside retreat for the next two nights.
Here, the mighty Zambezi becomes the heart of our safari experience — broad, peaceful, and teeming with life. Hippos wallow in the channels, crocodiles bask along the banks, and elephants are sometimes seen crossing between the islands. Your elegant thatched suite is tucked within the riverine forest, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings while offering a comfortable and secluded escape.
During our stay, we may enjoy a variety of activities, including sunset cruises, guided walks on the island, and game drives in nearby Zambezi National Park. Along the way, we may encounter elephants feeding along the shoreline, spot antelope in the forest, or watch pied kingfishers hovering above the water.
As evening settles over the river, the pace slows naturally. Relax with a drink as the Zambezi reflects the colours of the setting sun, before enjoying dinner beneath a starlit sky.
Set on a secluded island along the Zambezi River, Chundu Island offers a quiet escape immersed in nature, where prolific birdlife and roaming wildlife are part of everyday life. The island’s varied landscapes — from grassy floodplains and wetlands to sandy riverbanks — create a beautiful setting just upstream from Victoria Falls.
Hidden beneath towering riverine trees, the lodge’s palm-thatched suites are designed to blend naturally into their surroundings, each opening onto a private deck with sweeping views across the river.
Its location also provides easy access to Zambezi National Park, allowing guests to experience the area through game drives, guided walks, canoeing excursions, sunset cruises, and fishing trips on the Zambezi.
The six river-view suites are available as either double or twin rooms, and each features an en-suite bathroom, a comfortable living space, and a private deck overlooking the water.
Today, after breakfast, we start the morning with a guided visit to Victoria Falls, where forest pathways lead to dramatic viewpoints overlooking one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Mighty Victoria Falls is one of the world’s widest waterfalls at 1,708 meters across the Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The sound of rushing water, drifting spray, and sweeping views make for an unforgettable experience.
Following our guided visit, we continue by road to Ilala Lodge Hotel, a charming lodge conveniently located close to the Falls. Set within lush gardens, the lodge offers a peaceful atmosphere and comfortable rooms, with the distant mist of the Falls often visible from the property.
In the afternoon, we enjoy a unique conservation-focused Black Rhino Experience at the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. After an introductory talk on the protection of endangered black rhinos and an afternoon tea at the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel, we venture into the reserve with experienced guides to track and observe these endangered animals in the wild.
The last accommodation used on our Zimbabwe Safari is the Ilala Lodge Hotel. Here you have a family-run luxury retreat just an eight-minute walk to Victoria Falls, making it the closest hotel to the iconic waterfall on the Zimbabwean side. Nestled in lush gardens, the lodge features 73 stylish en-suite rooms with balconies or garden access, offering views of the mist rising from the falls and frequent wildlife sightings. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining at the award-winning Cassia Restaurant, which serves alfresco meals under the African sky. The hotel is an ideal base for exploring the area's attractions, including historical sites and adventure activities. For a unique experience, guests can embark on a sunset cruise aboard the Ra-Ikane riverboat fleet, reliving the journeys of early explorers along the Zambezi River.
Our budget Zimbabwe Safari ends after breakfast this morning. You will be driven to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your onward flight.
This Zambezi, Hwange & Victoria Falls Safari departs daily with a minimum of 2 people to guarantee departures.
The itinerary is just a sample and can easily be tailored to suit your specific needs. Speak to our travel experts who are very happy to discuss your requirements and options.
Our friendly travel consultants are happy to arrange pre- and post-tour accommodation and transfers should you wish to arrive the day before, or leave the day after your Rhino, Hwange & Vic Falls Safari. Victoria Falls, in particular, has a host of activities to be experienced and it is advisable to spend more time to fully take advantage of everything on offer. Speak to an experienced consultant who will gladly assist you.
For more details, contact African Budget Safaris.
This tour does take children.
This safari welcomes children 7 years and older.
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