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Male lion Bumbusi, Hwange

13-Day Zimbabwe Fly-In Safari – Victoria Falls, Hwange…

Tour Length13 days
Priced from pps $7322 R119103 £5456 6321 A$10392 C$10238 NZ$12551 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Lodge Safari

  • Max. Group Size 10 Travellers
  • Departs from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  • Ends at Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Accommodation 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

Discover Zimbabwe’s most iconic wilderness destinations on this 13-day fly-in safari, combining the power and beauty of Victoria Falls, the vast savannas of Hwange National Park, and the untouched wilderness of Mana Pools. This journey is designed for travelers seeking both spectacle and solitude, with a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation in Zimbabwe’s most celebrated parks.

Your adventure begins at Victoria Falls, exploring the iconic “Smoke that Thunders” and a host of activities on offer around the Zambezi River. Continue to Hwange National Park, renowned for its predator populations and immense elephant herds, before flying to the wild, remote Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its walking safaris and close encounters with wildlife. Enjoy intimate, eco-friendly lodges, expert-guided safaris, and unforgettable starlit dinners at three of Africa’s greatest natural treasures.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1 – 2: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Your excellent-value 13-Day Zimbabwe Fly-In Safari – Victoria Falls, Hwange & Mana Pools begins on your arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to Ilala Lodge Hotel, your base for exploring magnificent Victoria Falls. Set within walking distance of the Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Ilala Lodge offers elegant comfort and views of the misty spray from your veranda. During your stay, enjoy a guided tour of Victoria Falls and a serene Zambezi River sunset cruise, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and elephants at dusk. In your free time, explore the town’s craft markets, cafés, and galleries. Optional adventures include helicopter flights, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and game drives in nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Ilala Lodge Hotel – Two sharing in a Classic Room with garden views
  • Included Activities: Guided Victoria Falls Tour, Zambezi Sunset Cruise
  • Optional Activities: Helicopter flight, microlight flight, Gorge Swing, white-water rafting, game drive, and more.

About Ilala Lodge Hotel – Victoria Falls

Located in the heart of Victoria Falls town, Ilala Lodge is the closest hotel to the Falls on the Zimbabwean side - just an 8-minute walk away. The 73 rooms and suites feature private patios and balconies overlooking the gardens and the adjacent national park. Facilities include two swimming pools, a lounge, and the award-winning Cassia Restaurant, renowned for fine dining under African skies. Guests can book local excursions directly through the in-house activity desk.

Day 3 – 5: Northwest Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

After breakfast, your Zimbabwe Fly-In Safari heads to Robins Airstrip. On your arrival in Hwange National Park, enjoy a game-drive transfer to Nantwich Lodge, located in a quiet corner of Hwange known as “Lion Country.” This exclusive eco-lodge offers panoramic views of the savannah and a private waterhole frequented by elephants, buffalo, and lions. Spend your days on guided game drives and optional bush walks, learning about Hwange’s complex ecosystems. Between safaris, relax by the pool or in the underground hide that is ideal for close-up photography. After sunset, embark on night drives to spot leopards and other nocturnal species before returning for dinner under the stars.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Nantwich Lodge – Two sharing in a Suite overlooking a private waterhole
  • Included Activities: Game drives, night drives, bush walks (seasonal)

About Nantwich Lodge – Northern Hwange

An intimate eco-lodge reclaimed from a bygone era, Hideaways Nantwich Lodge overlooks a dam frequented by wildlife. It features only a handful of suites, a swimming pool, a lounge with panoramic views, and a photographic hide.

Day 6 – 8: Northern Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

Your Victoria Falls, Hwange & Mana Pools Fly-In Safari heads into Northern Hwange to Bumbusi Wilderness Camp, surrounded by rocky outcrops and lush woodlands. Its remote location near a permanent spring attracts abundant wildlife, particularly elephants and buffalo. Explore on guided game drives and walking safaris through the Bumbusi Gorge and along the Deka River. Visit the ancient ruins and San rock art of Bumbusi National Monument which tells stories of the first peoples. Evenings are relaxed, with open-fire dining and stargazing beneath the Hwange sky.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Bumbusi Wilderness Camp – Two sharing en-suite Stone-and-Canvas Chalet
  • Included Activities: Game drives, guided bush walks, cultural visit to Bumbusi Ruins

About Bumbusi Wilderness Camp – Northern Hwange

Tucked away among mahogany and jackalberry trees, Bumbusi Wilderness Camp offers a blend of wildlife and heritage. The camp’s stone-and-canvas chalets overlook a spring-fed waterhole that is a magnet for wildlife, and its proximity to archaeological sites makes it a unique cultural and safari experience. The camp features a comfortable lounge, dining area, and viewing deck overlooking the bush.

Day 9 – 12: Mana Pools National Park – Zimbabwe

Your Zimbabwe Fly-in Safari flies from Hwange to remote Mana Pools National Park, landing at Ruckomechi Airstrip before transferring to Mhara River Camp, on a private concession nestled beside the Chitake River. The unfenced camp offers an authentic wilderness experience with elephants and antelope roaming freely between tents.

Enjoy walking safaris, game drives in search of wildlife along dramatic escarpments, dry riverbeds, and lush forests, while birdwatching for rare species such as the African Pitta. Night drives are a delight, where you might glimpse elusive predators like leopards or servals, owls and nightjars. Evenings are spent dining under the stars and sharing stories around the campfire.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mhara River Camp – Two sharing Luxury Tent overlooking the Chitake River
  • Included Activities: Game drives, walking safaris

About Mhara River Camp – Mana Pools

Set above the Chitake River within a private section of Mana Pools, Mhara River Camp is an intimate off-grid bush camp with six strategically placed tented suites overlooking the river with shaded decks, private bathroom and shower. The main area has a central reception and dining area built on a raised wooden deck for dining under the stars.

Day 13: Harare – Zimbabwe

After breakfast, transfer to Ruckomechi Airstrip for your flight to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, where you’ll connect with your onward journey. Here, your unforgettable Zimbabwe Fly-In Safari – Victoria Falls, Hwange & Mana Pools comes to an end.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Zimbabwe Fly-In Safari Tour Notes

We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this 13-Day Zimbabwe Fly-In Safari – Victoria Falls, Hwange & Mana Pools Tour 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, and to take advantage of the many activities on offer in and around Victoria Falls. Speak to your friendly travel advisor to add pre- and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.

Zimbabwe Fly-In Safari Flights

  • 3 x shared light aircraft flights are included in the tour price.
  • Pricing is subject to the availability of the aircraft at the time of confirmation. Fuel price changes affect flight costs, which are subject to change without prior notice.
  • The daily flight schedule is subject to change due to weather and airstrip conditions or mechanical issues beyond our control
  • Luggage restriction: only soft luggage, maximum 20kg. Speak to your travel advisor for further details on the luggage policy.

For more information, contact African Budget Safaris.

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

  • This tour welcomes children 7 years and older.
  • Children under 7 years will be considered on request, but some smaller camps may be required to be booked on an exclusive use basis.
  • Children occupying their own tent pay the full adult rate.
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+Where does the tour go to?
Countries
Zimbabwe
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Accommodation as indicated
  • Selected drinks
  • All meals as indicated
  • 3 x shared light aircraft flights
  • Road transfers as indicated
  • Activities as specified in the itinerary
  • Services of an English-speaking guide for included activities
  • Park entrance, river usage fees, and Grow Africa levies, unless specified otherwise
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • Pre and post tour accommodation
  • International and regional flights and transfers
  • Optional activities
  • Imported and premium brand drinks
  • Personal expenses such as gratuities, telephone calls, curios 
+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.

Explore the Route

Map

1. WV32+FGV Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), A8, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

2. A8, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

3. National Park, Zimbabwe

4. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

5. Mana Pools National Park, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

6. Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Airport Rd, Harare, Zimbabwe

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