Zimbabwe’s iconic safari destinations
BEST OF ZIMBABWE SAFARI
Embark on this 8 night Best of Zimbabwe Safari with Wilderness Safaris. Showcasing not only the mighty Victoria Falls but the wild and game-rich Mana Pools and Hwange National Parks and in style! This is a luxury fly in safari to Zimbabwe.
You will start your Zimbabwe tour off at the Old Dame, The Victoria Falls Hotel. From there you will fly on a charter flight to Hwange National Park and spend 3 nights exploring the area. Predators are particularly prolific, as are the elephants. With over 50000 elephants last recorded, I would say your chances are excellent at seeing them! From there you will fly on to the far north of Zimbabwe and the very pretty Mana Pools National Park. You will spend 3 nights uncovering the secrets of Mana Pools by canoe, by boat, by safari 4×4 and on foot. The game here is incredible and the area is so far off the beaten track you may think you are alone out there!
Wilderness Safaris in Zimbabwe have a range of wonderful safari camps, including the two safari camps on this itinerary. You can be assured of impeccable hospitality, outstanding guiding and a wonderful holiday with Wilderness Safaris.
Best of Zimbabwe Safari rates for 2022
The rate is per person sharing and includes bed and breakfast in Vitoria Falls and on safari the following: accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks. Excluded are all other meals and drinks in Victoria Falls, premium imported brands and champagne on safari, gratuities, travel insurance, international flights to Zimbabwe and items of a personal nature.
Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools is closed from mid November to 31 March each year. It is a seasonal camp that operates annually between variable dates in April and mid November. This is as a result of access restrictions during the summer months. Hwange and Victoria Falls are still open and welcoming guests so we can tailor this trip for you.
Families are welcome on this safari.
Let’s chat about your safari to Zimbabwe
Day by Day itinerary
Days 01 to 03 – The Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls
On arrival in Victoria Falls you will be collected and transferred to The Victoria Falls Hotel. The quintessential old-world charm of hotels and safaris shines here from the moment you drive up to the entrance. Not to mention the amazing gardens and gorgeous views beyond. You can see the Victoria Falls Bridge from the hotel with the thundering noise of the falls itself in the background. After you settle in you will then embark on an intimate sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, complete with delicious snacks and a great selection of drinks.
Also included is a walking tour of Victoria Falls with a guide. The rest of your time can be spent at the incredible markets of Vic Falls, where the stone statues are so remarkable you will be hard pressed to not pick up a souvenir. Take in the delectable high tea at Stanleys Terrace and enjoy fine dining at The Livingstone Room while staying at The Victoria Falls Hotel.
The Classic room has been included in this safari. These rooms are ensuite with elegant decor. There are upgrades available to the Central Deluxe Rooms, Stable rooms and suites.
Days 03 to 06 – Linkwasha Camp, Hwange National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to the Victoria Falls Airport for your charter flight to Hwange National Park. Your game viewing starts as you land! Wilderness Safaris Linkwasha Camp overlooks the prolific Ngamo Plains, which sees a parade of elephants, buffalo, antelope and of course the predators! Likwasha is on a private concession and has traversing rights on the neighbouring Makalolo concession, also part of the Wilderness Safaris family.
Linkwasha with its panoramic views of the Hwange plains is a contemporary safari camp with ringside seats to the action. The waterhole attracts a prodigious array of wildlife and birdlife. One of the best features is the game viewing hide, sunken in the ground overlooking the waterhole. Animals are oblivious to your presence there and the eye-level view is certainly unique. Game drives and evening drives along with walking safaris are the main activities at Linkwasha. A star bed sleep-out experience will have you sleeping up on a platform away from camp, under the dazzling stars.
Each huge ensuite tent combines contemporary with classic decor, and all overlook the waterhole. Glass and mesh sliding doors enhance the panoramic views. There is a central lounge area and the bathrooms boast a glass-fronted shower so you are never far from the action at the waterhole! There is a deck area to sit outside as well. The main areas at Linkwasha has a fire pit area, outdoor dining spaces and a plunge pool.
Days 06 to 09 – Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools National Park
From Hwange, you will fly to the far north of Zimbabwe and to a private concession in the heart of the Mana Pools National Park. Wilderness Safaris Ruckomechi Camp nestles in a forest on the shores of the Zambezi River. The camp is perfectly positioned to catch the golden hour of sunset. The wide floodplain behind camp teems with game and the river in front is home to a plethora of birdlife and aquatic animals.
Enjoy a wide range of activities at Ruckomechi. Morning and afternoon game drives and guided bush walks are popular, while a canoe trip on the Zambezi is an activity not to miss. Try your hand at fishing for tiger fish, bream and more. Fishing at Ruckomechi and Little Ruckomechi Camps is possible on a catch and release basis from the bank or by boat. Basic tackle and gear are kept in camp however serious fishermen can hire a private boat and gear by the day and enjoy a serious fishing excursion.
Each of the luxurious and spacious tents at Ruckomechi overlooks the river, each with a private deck and viewing area. Large mesh windows ensure you are connected to the surrounding wildlife and the bathroom is ensuite. The main areas of the camp offer alfresco dining, a lounge area and a plunge pool overlooking the river. A unique feature at Ruckomechi is a “bath with a view” – an outdoor bath set up in a secluded spot for you to enjoy a soak. Ruckomechi also has a star bed, the platform overlooks a busy waterhole away from camp so you could spend much of the night alternatively star gazing or watching the nocturnal animals come to drink.
This trip ends with a charter flight back to Vicotria Falls or to Harare for onward travel.
