Skip to main content
Trip Inspiration

*12 Days of Zimbabwe Exploration (with Katie)

Remote Beauty + Abundant Wildlife

Enjoy the best of Zimbabwe on a 12-day journey that takes you into and through the country's most notable landscapes. Visit some of Zimbabwe's iconic parks, from Mana Pools to Lake Kariba and enjoy a multitude of intimate safari experiences, each of which is led by expert guides. The abundance of wildlife is sure to astound while various cultural encounters serve as an excellent compliment. You'll be equally as awed by Victoria Falls, a Zimbabwe highlight, and its roaring waters. You'll undoubtedly leave with stories and memories to last a lifetime.

Trip Highlights

Locations

  • 2 nights at Gorges near Victoria Falls
  • 3 nights in Hwange National Park at Camp Hwange
  • 3 nights at Musango Safari Camp on the shore of Lake Kariba
  • 3 nights in Mana Pools at Goliath Camp

Activities

  • Appreciate Zimbabwe’s natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes
  • Immerse in local culture through visits to villages and schools
  • Encounter Africa’s wildlife from both the water and land, on foot or in a vehicle
  • Learn about Zimbabwe’s history, flora and fauna from expert guides
What does “Trip Inspiration” mean?

At Travel Beyond, we believe your trip should be designed just for you, not for the masses. Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client, offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. The itinerary below was planned for a past client, but we’re sharing it for travel inspiration and as an example of what a trip to Zimbabwe might look like. Let us know when we can design a trip just for you!

Day 1

Arrive Victoria Falls

Welcome to Zimbabwe! Upon arrival in Victoria Falls, you will be met for your transfer to Gorges Lodge, your home for the next two days. After settling in, spend the afternoon enjoying one of the many activities on offer, including a tour of the majestic Victoria Falls, visits to the local town to learn about their crafts or meet school children, dance shows, an adventurous gorge-edge walk and eagle viewing. This evening, watch the sun set while savoring a delicious dinner in the main lodge.

Perched 600 feet above the mighty Zambezi River, Gorges offers visitors not only areal views of its surroundings, but also the perfect opportunity to escape. Take in the indigenous gardens on property or spot the local wildlife living on the cliffside. Venture to town to immerse in culture, be it dance or other crafts. Your access to nature, to local traditions, and even adrenaline activities guarantees fun-filled days.

Gorges Lodge Meals: Dinner

Day 2

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Enjoy your day exploring the activities on offer.

Home to numerous species of birds, use the strategically located telescopes to spot the Verreaux Eagles that nest nearby. Watch their courtship rituals or catch them mid-hunt. Soak in the pool or try your hand at fishing in the Zambezi River.

Off property, consider an excursion into the gorge. Zipline to river-level and get a new perspective while satisfying the urge for excitement. Visits to craftsmen and local schools are the perfect opportunity for cultural connection and to learn about the lifestyle of those who live in the area.

And of course, there’s Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall. Spend time walking the paths and appreciating the various vantage points they afford. As the thundering water and its spray encircle you, you come to feel a part of the falls themselves. Prepare to get wet and keep your eyes open for the ever present rainbows.

Gorges Lodge Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3

Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your shared light aircraft flight to Camp Hwange in Hwange National Park. You will stay three nights, and enjoy safari activities such as game drives, walking safaris and visits to the photographic hide. This afternoon, meet your guide and other guests for a shared activity. Dinner will be served at the lodge.

Camp Hwange Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Days 4-5

Hwange National Park

On safari! Enjoy your morning and afternoon shared safari activities. Alongside your guide, you will discover the area’s stunning wildlife on foot or in a vehicle.

Camp Hwange sits within its own private concession deep in the Sinamatella area of Hwange National Park. Removed from the more frequented roads, here you have the opportunity to truly immerse in Zimbabwe’s pristine nature. Each thatched chalet has its own veranda from where you can appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. And the camp’s expert guides create unforgettable animal encounters, bringing you up close and personal with elephants, lions, and the other Big 5. Exploring the bush morning, afternoon, and night, be it walking or driving, you can expect the ultimate safari experience.

Camp Hwange Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6

Hwange National Park to Lake Kariba

This morning after an early game drive and breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your shared light aircraft flight to Musango Safari Camp on the shore of Lake Kariba. You will spend three days here delighting in gourmet food and the wide variety of safari activities available, from rhino tracking to visiting dinosaur fossils. This afternoon, you will meet your guide and other guests for a shared game drive, followed by dinner.

Musango Safari Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Days 7-8

On safari! Choose from a plethora of activities or take some time to simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Musango Safari Camp sits along the shores of Lake Kariba and within Matusando National Park. Near both water and protected land, it offers visitors unparalleled access to varied wildlife and ecosystems. Whether in a vehicle, on foot, or in a boat, you will find yourselves in close proximity to Africa’s most notable animals, including elephants and lions. You even have the opportunity to track black rhinos. Led by expert guides, experiencing the landscape from the ground is sure to foster an equal appreciation for the flora as for the mammals, and an intimate understanding of nature’s fragile balancing act.

Consider spending an evening fishing on Lake Kariba. Cast into its calm waters as you watch the sun sink below the horizon and hope to catch the famous tiger fish. Or, stay on land, grab a pair of binoculars and set off to spot some of the many bird species that inhabit the park.

Historical and cultural excursions are also readily available and an excellent compliment to your animal encounters. In the nearby town of Musampa, you can meet the local Tonga people and learn how they utilize the surrounding land and water systems. You can also travel back in time with a visit to a nearby dinosaur fossil.

Musango Safari Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9

Lake Kariba to Mana Pools

This morning after an early game drive and breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your shared light aircraft flight to Mana Pools. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Goliath Camp, where you will stay for for three nights. Owned by Stretch Ferreira, a world renowned guide, your days at this exclusive property will include all meals and various safari activities. This afternoon, meet Mr. Ferreira himself as you embark on your first wildlife adventure!

Goliath Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Days 10-11

Mana Pools

Enjoy two days of intimate animal encounters in Mana Pools, on foot or in two-person canoes.

Goliath Camp is a small and exclusive camp that provides every visitor with a truly immersive African experience. Its seven tents sit right along the water, blending in and making you feel as though you are part of Zimbabwe’s landscape.

Every morning and afternoon, you can set off to explore your surroundings by water or on foot, and always in the company of Stretch Ferreira himself, winner of numerous awards for being the best walking guide on the continent. Utilizing his expert knowledge and experience, Stretch takes you directly into the world of the African animals he loves.

Goliath Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12

Depart Africa

This morning after an early game drive and breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your shared light aircraft flight to Harare. Upon arrival in Harare, you will make your way to your connecting flights home.

N/A Meals: Breakfast