Highlights of Zimbabwe: Big-Game Safari, Victoria Falls & Ancient Culture

Herd of elephants at Mana Pools in Zimbabwe

What to expect on this itinerary

Zimbabwe always enchants as black and white rhinos elegantly move past your safari vehicle, hippos emerge upriver from Victoria Falls, and zebras wander past as you admire ancient San rock art. Home to far more than the Big Five, Zimbabwe is Africa’s often overlooked gem as the country is packed full of unique experiences and the ambiance of authentic Africa. Exploring the highlights on this 2-week safari and you will uncover one of the world’s most evocative travel destinations.

Countries Visited

Zimbabwe

Places Visited

Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Matopos Hills, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Mana Pools National Park

Suggested Duration

14 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve – The Big Five and the Little Six

The wildlife of Malilangwe comes in all shapes and sizes. The Big Five are usually at the top of most safari wishlists and it does not take long to spot them in their realm, but there is so much more. Eagles and owls will soar overhead, a pack of wild dogs will provide one of Africa’s most elusive sights, and it will not be long before you can identify the park’s little six antelopes. On the northern boundary of The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, this compact private reserve will ease you into your safari experience. There is a lot to discover, yet you will not need long and bumpy journeys to find it all. After arriving on a light aircraft from Harare, you will check into your luxury lodge and find a procession of animals in the lake below. An afternoon game drive will then provides an idyllic introduction to the wild animals of Zimbabwe.

What's Included:

Accommodation
Transfer
Activity
Dinner
Day 2

Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve – Private Safari in Zimbabwe’s Forgotten Corner

Day 3

Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve – Full Day Safari in Gonarezhou National Park

Day 4

Matopos Hills – The Origins of a Nation

Day 5

Matopos Hills – Fabulous San Rock Art

Day 6 - 8

Hwange National Park – Evocative Safari Adventure

Day 9

Victoria Falls – Cruise Past the Hippos of the Zambezi

Day 10

Victoria Falls – Relaxed Day at Victoria Falls

Day 11

Mana Pools National Park – Follow the Curves of the Ancient Zambezi

Day 12 - 13

Mana Pools National Park – Iconic Safari Under Canvas

Day 14

Harare – Departure

Trip Highlights

  • Safari through Zimbabwe’s forgotten corner with several nights in the private Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, where the Big Five are joined by the Little Six and many more
  • Spend a day exploring the enormity of Gonarezhou National Park, where the mystique of the wild is at its finest
  • Uncover the secrets of Southern Africa’s history as you visit the ancient rocks of Great Zimbabwe, and are guided through the San rock art of Matopos Hills
  • Enjoy time in Hwange National Park, one of the continent’s finest safari destinations and an evocative haven that celebrates the best of big game Africa
  • Take numerous cruises along the Zambezi River and pass hundreds of hippos as a burning orange sun sets into the water
  • Explore the wonder of Victoria Falls and open all your senses to the “smoke that thunders”
  • Lose yourself in the wilderness atmosphere of Mana Pools National Park, a remarkable big game destination that offers an iconic safari under canvas experience
  • Meet the friendly locals that make Zimbabwe such an inspiring travel destination and enjoy privately guided safari activities throughout
  • Discover that a safari in Zimbabwe provides a fully immersive journey through the raw authenticity of Africa
  • Combine flexible game drives with walking safaris and excursions into nocturnal worlds for a very diverse safari experience

Starting Price

$22,100 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 545 reviews

Carolyn T.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Wildlife, Local Cuisine, 13-Day Trip

Wow, I ran out of superlatives–fantastic, awesome, amazing. Everything was well organized and the recommended accommodations were all top-notch. The guides were so expert in their field. Every activity was well worth the time. Every meal was delicious.

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Anil M.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Tour Review: 10 Nights

Our first trip to southern Africa was amazing, exceeding all expectations. We saw everything we came to see, and more. The game rides were well structured and safe, the visuals were unbelievable, and taking a side trip to Victoria Falls was a great idea. The accommodations were quite luxurious, despite being considered mid-range. There was always someone there to greet us and guide us at every travel point.

Zicasso's tour operator tailored our itinerary to our wishes and was wonderful to work with. Things couldn’t have gone better.

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Nancy H.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Tour Review: Cape Town, Franschhoek, Wine Tasting, Elephant Experience, River Cruise, Wildlife, Nature, Scenery, 13 Nights

Zicasso's trip planner arranged the most fabulous trip for my family. She knew exactly what I wanted and delivered a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa! She always answered my questions promptly. She chose memorable experiences for us, our lodgings were top-notch, and she "kept in touch, behind the scenes," to ensure all elements were going smoothly. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone planning a trip to Africa!

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LESLIE W.
Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique Trip Review: Gorilla Trek, Bush Camps, 3 Weeks

It was very well planned. Zicasso's travel specialist was responsive and flexible in the planning process and throughout the final details.

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Catherine R.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Vacation Review: Safari, 11 Nights

The trip was amazing. Zicasso's trip expert did an awesome job planning the trip. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and exceeded all of our expectations. The “in-country” travel was seamless. Our accommodations and tours were all top-notch. I can‘t thank her enough for planning this awesome experience.

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bonnie A.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe: Safari, 13 Nights

The service before, during, and after our trip was totally "white-glove," and there were extra perks that we were surprised with each day of our trip. Zicasso's travel company listened to our goals and met and exceeded every one. We recommend them in every way and will be using them in the future!

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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