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Waterbuck Lake Kariba

9-Day Ultimate Zimbabwe Safari: Victoria Falls to Mana Pools

Tour Length9 days
Priced from pps $6643 R107847 £4928 5707 A$9246 C$9183 NZ$11199 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Lodge Safari

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  • Max. Group Size 10 Travellers
  • Departs from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  • Ends at Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Accommodation Hotel / Lodge / Safari Lodge
  • Transport Fly-in Safari / Game Viewing Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Exceptional Birding, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

Experience Luxury for Less on this 9-day fly/drive Ultimate Zimbabwe Luxury Safari through Zimbabwe’s most iconic destinations — Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, and Mana Pools National Park. Discover a seamless blend of wilderness, comfort, and exclusivity as you stay in handpicked luxury camps and lodges that offer a genuine bush experience away from the crowds. Short scenic flights between destinations allow you to enjoy Zimbabwe’s best landscapes and wildlife without long overland transfers. 

Your adventure begins along the tranquil banks of the Zambezi River to witness the awe-inspiring power of Victoria Falls. Fly on to Lake Kariba, where dramatic sunsets, water-based safaris, and abundant wildlife await. Then, conclude your journey in the remote wilderness of Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for game drives, walking safaris, canoeing excursions, and close-up encounters with elephants and wild dogs. 

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1 - 2: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Your 9-Day Ultimate Zimbabwe Luxury Safari begins on your arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, where you will be transferred by road to your luxurious 5-star riverside hotel. Nestled among towering indigenous trees along the banks of the legendary Zambezi River, your retreat offers a tranquil sanctuary just 4 kilometres from the thundering Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Enjoy two nights of refined elegance where world-class hospitality meets the warmth of a family-run atmosphere. Relax on your private balcony overlooking the river, take a dip in the sparkling pool, or unwind with a cocktail as hippos and elephants roam the riverbanks below. Your days are free to explore the many activities on offer at Victoria Falls.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast & afternoon tea
  • Accommodation: Palm River Hotel. 5-star riverfront suite with private balcony and ensuite bathroom; twin sharing.
  • Included Activity: Shuttle to Victoria Falls Town
  • Optional Activities: Guided tour of Victoria Falls, Zambezi sunset cruise, cultural visits, scenic helicopter flight, white-water rafting, gorge swing, bungee jump, Boma dinner and drum show, and more.

Day 3 - 5: Lake Kariba – Zimbabwe

After breakfast, take a road transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Bumi Airstrip, near Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes and a haven for both wildlife and tranquillity. Your safari guide will greet you for a game drive transfer to your lodge set high on a remote hilltop offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding bushveld.

Enjoy morning, afternoon, and night game drives through a private concession teeming with wildlife — from elephants and lions to leopards and buffalo. Embark on water safaris and sunset cruises aboard the elegant Lady Jacqueline, where crocodiles bask and hippos wallow. For those who prefer quiet reflection, birdwatching, catch-and-release fishing, or simply lounging by the infinity pool are perfect options. Evenings are for stargazing, fine dining, and soaking in the wild serenity of Lake Kariba.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Luxury suite with air-conditioning, freestanding bath, indoor and outdoor showers, minibar, and private viewing deck overlooking Lake Kariba; twin sharing.
  • Included Activities: Morning, afternoon & night game drives, walking safaris (16+), water safaris, sunset boat cruises, community visits, birdwatching, stargazing, seasonal catch-and-release fishing

Day 6 - 8: Mana Pools – Zimbabwe

After breakfast, your Ultimate Zimbabwe Luxury Safari enjoys a final morning game drive transfer back to the Airstrip, where you board your scheduled safari aircraft to Mana Main Airstrip. As you descend over the Zambezi Valley, the vast floodplains of Mana Pools National Park unfold below — a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its pristine wilderness and exceptional wildlife encounters.

On arrival, a short game drive transfer brings you to your luxury tented safari camp, set beneath ancient trees along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Your days here are filled with adventure and discovery. Enjoy game drives at dawn and dusk, venture out on a walking safari with expert guides to track elephants, wild dogs, and other iconic species on foot, glide silently along the river on a canoeing safari (16+), all followed by evenings around the campfire or a fine wine in the cozy cellar.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Nyamatusi Camp. Luxury tented suite with air-conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, private plunge pool, minibar, and viewing deck with river views; twin sharing.
  • Included Activities: Early morning & afternoon game drives, walking safari (16+), canoeing safari (16+), shore fishing (catch & release), birding expeditions, sundowners by the Zambezi
  • Optional Upgrade: Families with children under the age of 12 may opt for Mahogany Camp, a Signature Experience featuring two family luxury suites and three private tented suites, each with its own plunge pool and viewing deck. Children are welcomed through the Ngwana Club, offering fun, educational safari activities designed for younger explorers.

Day 9: Harare – Zimbabwe

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive through Mana Pools, soaking in the last sights and sounds of this extraordinary wilderness. You’ll then transfer to Mana Main Airstrip for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Harare International Airport, where your unforgettable budget-friendly Ultimate Zimbabwe Luxury Safari adventure comes to an end.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast
  • Included Activities: Morning game drive transfer

Ultimate Zimbabwe Luxury Safari Notes

  • We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this excellent-value 9-Day Ultimate Zimbabwe Luxury Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before the tour starts in Victoria Falls, and fly out the day after the safari tour ends in Harare, to allow for delays and changes. Speak to your friendly travel advisor to add pre- and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.
  • Canoeing and walking safaris are restricted to guests aged 16 and older.
  • Guides are armed for safety during walking safaris.

Ultimate Zimbabwe Luxury Safari Flights

  • Scheduled inter-camp air transfers (helicopter or fixed-wing) are included in the tour price. Note that flight rates are subject to change at any time.
  • Luggage restriction: only soft luggage, maximum 20kg. Speak to your travel advisor for further details on the luggage policy.

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

Canoeing and walking safaris are restricted to guests aged 16 and older.

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Browse Similar Trips

+Where does the tour go to?
Countries
Zimbabwe
Top Destinations
Victoria Falls
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Accommodation as indicated
  • Meals: All meals and beverages 
  • Shuttle to Victoria Falls
  • Conservation and community levy
  • Scheduled inter-camp air transfers (helicopter or fixed-wing)
  • Airport departure taxes
  • Return road transfers from airstrips
  • Laundry service
  • Twice daily shared safari activity at Lake Kariba and Mana Pools
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • International Flights
  • Transfers not stipulated
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa Fees
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities
  • Single Supplements
+Departure Dates

Please view the Digital Itinerary for This Safari on The following Links:

Scheduled Tour Departures
Click on a departure date to enquire

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

Explore the Route

Map

1.

2. Lake Kariba

3. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

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