Wild Zimbabwe, a Journey of Wonder and Discovery
A Wild Safari Adventure: Some of Zimbabwe’s Best Wildlife and Nature Destinations
Zimbabwe does not reveal itself all at once. It opens gradually, beginning with the raw, overwhelming spectacle of Victoria Falls, then drawing you deeper and deeper into wilderness areas that most travellers never reach, through landscapes that shift and surprise at every turn.
This is Zimbabwe at its fullest, a carefully sequenced journey through some of southern Africa’s most compelling wild spaces, designed for those who understand that the best safaris are not about ticking destinations but about immersion, continuity, and the cumulative effect of days spent entirely in the wild.
Two opening nights at The Palm River Hotel ease you in gently; the hotel sits directly on the Zambezi, and the river sets the tone immediately.
A guided walk to Victoria Falls, lunch at The Lookout Café above the gorge, and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi as the water turns copper and the elephants come down to drink, it is an introduction that would satisfy many travellers as a complete journey in itself.
But this is just the beginning. A light aircraft carries you into the wilderness proper first to Verney’s Camp, where the rhythm of the bush takes over and days are shaped by early mornings, expert tracking, and the particular stillness that only deep wilderness delivers.
Then to Fothergill, where a change of landscape brings a change of atmosphere entirely. Finally, three nights at Kavinga Safari Camp bring the journey to a close in a setting of quiet beauty, big skies, unhurried game drives, and the kind of sightings that arrive when you have stopped looking for them.
Zimbabwe, properly experienced, stays with you. This is how to experience it properly.
Experience The Highlights
Itinerary Overview
Quick Summary
| Day 1 | Arrive Victoria Falls & settle in at The Palm River Hotel | The Palm River Hotel |
| Day 2 | Victoria Falls highlights: guided Falls tour, Lookout Café lunch & sunset cruise | The Palm River Hotel |
| Day 3 | Fly to Hwange & arrive at Verney’s Camp | Verney’s Camp |
| Day 4 | Safari days at Verney’s Camp | Verney’s Camp |
| Day 5 | Another day in Hwange’s wilderness | Verney’s Camp |
| Day 6 | Fly onward to Fothergill | Fothergill |
| Day 7 | Exploring from Fothergill | Fothergill |
| Day 8 | Another day in the wild | Fothergill |
| Day 9 | Fly to Kavinga Safari Camp | Kavinga Safari Camp |
| Day 10 | Safari immersion at Kavinga | Kavinga Safari Camp |
| Day 11 | Final full day on safari | Kavinga Safari Camp |
| Day 12 | Depart for Harare |
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Victoria Falls & Settle in at The Palm River Hotel
Victoria Falls Palm River
Arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport and transfer by road to The Palm River Hotel. Once you’ve checked in, ease into the rhythm of the Zambezi — a relaxed afternoon by the river or a wander into town sets the tone beautifully for the days ahead.
- Accommodation: The Palm River Hotel
Day 2: Victoria Falls highlights: Guided Falls Tour, Lookout Café Lunch & Sunset Cruise
Victoria Falls Highlights
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Victoria Falls, including entrance fees — a wonderful way to understand the geology, history, and local stories behind “Mosi-oa-Tunya”. Later, head to The Lookout Café for lunch (food included; drinks excluded) with those iconic gorge views.
As the day cools, step aboard your Zambezi sunset cruise (including river usage fees) — one of the great simple pleasures in Africa.
- Accommodation: The Palm River Hotel
- Meals: B
Day 3: Fly to Hwange & Arrive at Verney’s Camp
Fly to Hwange & Arrive at Verney’s Camp
After breakfast, transfer by road back to Victoria Falls International Airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Verney’s Camp.
On arrival, settle in and head out for your first safari activity in the Hwange region the perfect introduction to Zimbabwe’s famed big-game country.
- Accommodation: Verney’s Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Safari days at Verney’s Camp
Safari at Verney’s Camp
Wake to the sounds of the bush and enjoy a full day of safari experiences based from camp.
Expect classic game viewing, unhurried time in the wild, and the sort of guiding that brings Hwange’s stories to life, from elephants and predators to the smaller details that make each drive special.
- Accommodation: Verney’s Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Another Day in Hwange’s Wilderness
Hwange Wildlife
Today is yours to soak up the rhythm of the bush: early activity, a relaxed midday pause back at camp, and a final afternoon out as the light turns golden.
Evenings are for sundowners, a good dinner, and listening for the night sounds drifting through camp.
- Accommodation: Verney’s Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Fly Onward to Fothergill
Fly To Fothergill
This morning, you’ll take a scheduled light aircraft flight from Verney’s Camp to Fothergill. On arrival, settle in and begin exploring this new landscape, a wonderful shift in scenery and safari style as you move deeper into Zimbabwe’s wild spaces.
- Accommodation: Fothergill
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Exploring from Fothergill
Exploring Fothergill
Enjoy a full day based at Fothergill, with activities arranged by the camp and guided team.
This is a chance to slow down and really connect with the place, whether that’s on the move seeking wildlife, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of camp and its surrounds.
- Accommodation: Fothergill
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Another Great Day in The Wild
A Great Day in The Wild
A second full day here lets you go deeper: follow the wildlife patterns, take the best opportunities as they arise, and enjoy the easy balance between time out exploring and time back at camp.
- Accommodation: Fothergill
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Fly to Kavinga Safari Camp
Kavinga Safari Camp
After breakfast, board your scheduled light aircraft flight from Fothergill to Kavinga Safari Camp.
Arrive, settle in, and head out for your first activity in this spectacular final safari region, often the point in the journey where you feel you’re truly “in it”.
- Accommodation: Kavinga Safari Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Safari Immersion at Kavinga
Kavinga Safari Camp Safari
These are prime safari days: early starts, beautiful light, and time to follow whatever the bush delivers.
Your guide will tailor the day to the conditions and sightings, with a relaxed break back at camp before heading out again in the afternoon
- Accommodation: Kavinga Safari Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Final Day On Safari at Kavinga Camp
Final Day of Safari at Kavinga Camp
Make the most of your last full day in the bush. Whether you’re chasing those final wish-list sightings or simply enjoying the privilege of being out here, it’s a fitting finale capped off with a last sundowner and a final evening under African skies.
- Accommodation: Kavinga Safari Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Depart To Harare for Flights
Departure Day
Enjoy your last breakfast in the bush before departing for Harare International Airport to connect with your international flights.
- Accommodation: N/A
- Meals: B
Do You Have Questions About This Tour?
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Accommodation on This Tour
Accommodation overview: Where you will be staying on this tour.
The Palm River Hotel
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Nestled along the serene banks of the Zambezi River, the Palm River Hotel offers a luxurious retreat just 4 kilometers upstream from the majestic Victoria Falls.
This 5-star hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with the timeless charm of its surroundings. Guests can choose from 73 elegantly appointed rooms, including Deluxe Rooms, Suites, and a private Villa, each with a private balcony offering stunning river or garden views. The hotel's design draws inspiration from Queenslander architecture, featuring high ceilings and expansive verandas that invite the outdoors in.
Dining at the Palm River Hotel is a delightful experience, with an à la carte restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced cuisine in both indoor and al fresco settings. Guests can unwind by the 34-meter infinity pool overlooking the river, indulge in spa treatments, or embark on exclusive river cruises from the hotel's private jetty. Committed to sustainability, the hotel employs eco-friendly practices such as solar power usage and on-site vegetable gardens.
Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, the Palm River Hotel provides an idyllic base to explore the wonders of Victoria Falls and the rich wildlife of the Zambezi region.
Verney's Camp
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Verney's Camp, nestled in a secluded private concession within Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, offers an authentic safari experience that seamlessly blends classic charm with modern comforts.
Overlooking a bustling waterhole frequented by Hwange's renowned elephant herds, the camp offers guests unparalleled wildlife-viewing opportunities right from their tents.
The camp features ten spacious canvas tents, including two family units, each thoughtfully positioned under the shade of teak trees to ensure privacy and tranquillity. Every tent boasts an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, flush toilets, and a private veranda that offers sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.
Guests can indulge in a variety of activities, such as morning and evening game drives, guided walking safaris, and birdwatching excursions, all led by experienced guides.
The camp's commitment to sustainability is evident through its use of solar power and eco-friendly practices, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. With its combination of luxury, exclusivity, and proximity to abundant wildlife, Verney's Camp promises an unforgettable African safari adventure.
Fothergill
Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe
Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Kariba within Zimbabwe's Matusadona National Park, Fothergill offers a unique blend of luxury and wilderness.
The camp comprises two distinct yet interconnected areas: the Lake Suites and the Island Suites. Guests can choose from five spacious luxury suites and two family suites in the Lake Suites, or opt for the three exclusive Island Suites, which can be booked individually or combined for larger groups.
Each suite is thoughtfully designed with natural hues and materials that harmonise with the surrounding landscape, accented by vibrant African colors that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage.
The camp's public areas provide Wi-Fi connectivity, inviting lounges, dining spaces, and swimming pools, ensuring comfort amidst the wild.
Culinary experiences at Fothergill are crafted with passion, offering freshly prepared meals served in various picturesque locations around the camp, along the lake's edge, or even within Matusadona National Park.
Activities abound, including game drives, guided walking safaris, fishing excursions, and boat tours, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery.
Fothergill's commitment to conservation and community engagement ensures a sustainable and enriching safari experience for all visitors.
Kavinga Safari Camp
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Kavinga Safari Camp provides a secluded and exclusive safari experience on a private concession at the southern border of Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park.
The camp is strategically perched on a cliff, offering stunning vistas over the Ruckomechi riverbed and the majestic Zambezi Escarpment.
Housing eight semi-tented rooms that blend comfort and privacy, each comes equipped with two beds, an en-suite bathroom, and a personal verandah with panoramic views of the sunrise across the Zambezi Valley floor.
Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in diverse activities such as game drives, walking and night safaris, as well as bird watching.
The camp's standout feature is its underground photographic hide, modeled like a termite mound, which allows a 180-degree view of the wildlife-rich waterhole.
The communal dining and lounge area is designed with two decks to maximize scenic views across the riverbed and surrounding wilderness.
Dedicated guides and staff ensure an immersive and exceptional safari experience for guests looking to explore the natural beauty of Mana Pools.
Price Includes
Fully inclusive of internal flights, accommodation, scheduled wildlife viewing activities, all meals as stated, and laundry services.
This is a sample itinerary – POA, depending on your type of accommodation and time of year. One of our African Specialists can tailor this itinerary to your needs. We look forward to being of service to you.
Price Excludes
International flights
Visa fees
Optional Activities
Personal expenses
Premium drinks
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
All items not listed as specifically included
All rates are based on current taxes, fees, and costs. We reserve the right to change our rates without prior notice if base fees, taxes, and expenses change.
Why African Signature
Curated Destinations
The Right Place We don’t do "everywhere." We focus on the corners of Africa where the fences are down and the wildlife is still truly wild. From the floodplains of the Zambezi to the dry pans of the Kalahari, we only send you to regions where the land is vast enough to get lost in and the sightings are worth the journey.
Tailored Experiences
The Ground Level Safari isn't just about sitting in a vehicle. It’s about the crunch of grass under your boots on a walking safari, the silent glide of a boat through a reed bed, or the patience of sitting at a waterhole for three hours. We design your days around the rhythm of the animals, not the schedule of a hotel.
Sustainable Stewardship
The Real Impact Travel here has to mean something. We partner with people who are actually on the front lines—the ones running anti-poaching units, protecting habitat, and ensuring local communities see the value in keeping these lions and elephants alive. Your trip is what keeps those boots on the ground.
Do You Have Questions About This Tour?
We Are Here To Help
Connect with an Africa Specialist to discuss this Signature Experience.
Travel Insurance
Protect your investment and don’t forget Travel Insurance! This is mandatory for all our bookings.
In addition to trip cancellation and interruption, most travel insurance plans include coverage for trip delay, missed connection, lost or delayed baggage, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation with repatriation of remains. 24-hour assistance services are included to help the traveller with things such as emergency medical assistance, lost baggage tracking, emergency cash transfer, emergency or last-minute travel arrangements, assistance with replacing lost travel documents and much more.
Why Buy a Travel Insurance Plan? Because Travel Mishaps Occur Every Day! No matter how hard you try, there are some things you just can’t plan for:
If a family member gets sick. If your baggage is lost. If your trip is delayed. Your passport is lost or stolen. If the weather prevents your travel. You need to see a doctor for a sudden injury – your health insurance may not be valid overseas, and medical evacuations can be really expensive. If you miss a flight connection (- e.g. only 80% of US flights arrive on time) You don’t want to lose all your money if you have to cancel your trip. Sometimes, even expert travellers need a little help.
Whilst we will provide you with a Temporary Membership to the Flying Doctor’s Emergency Evacuation scheme in Tanzania, this has to have a corresponding international insurance to cover hospital and emergency cover when you land at the nearest available medical facility.
Please be sure that the travel insurance that you have is right for you!
Explore Our African Signature Experiences
Our Concierge Is Here To Help
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our concierge in the bottom right corner. They will assist you or put you in contact with one of our African Specialists.
