7 Days Hwange | Mana Pools | Victoria Falls Tour

Begin your adventure along the journey to Hwange National Park, the country’s largest and most diverse game reserve. Home to over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species, Hwange offers exceptional game viewing, especially of elephants, lions, and wild dogs. Experience thrilling game drives, walking safaris, and evenings around the campfire in classic African bush camps.

Accomodation:
Miombo Safari Camp or similar

Sunrise Safari (05:30 – 09:00)
Your day begins with the golden hues of dawn spilling across the savannah. As the sun rises, you set out on a morning game drive, the best time to witness predators like lions and leopards returning from their nightly hunts. Elephants, zebras, and giraffes emerge from the bush, and the air is alive with birdsong. Your guide shares insights into animal behavior, tracks, and the delicate balance of this vast ecosystem.

Bush Breakfast (09:00 – 10:00)
After an exhilarating drive, you stop at a scenic spot for a bush breakfast. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee, fruit, and pastries while overlooking a waterhole where wildlife often gathers to drink—an unforgettable moment of peace and connection with nature.

Midday Rest & Camp Life (10:30 – 15:00)
Return to your lodge or tented camp for a few hours of relaxation. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy lunch, or simply unwind on the deck with binoculars in hand—Hwange’s camps are often situated near waterholes, offering excellent armchair game viewing.

Afternoon Game Drive (15:30 – 18:30)
As the heat of the day fades, you head out again for an afternoon safari. This is prime time for elephants, which Hwange is famous for—massive herds often gather at pans and waterholes. You might also spot buffalo, kudu, and the elusive cheetah. The drive ends with a sundowner, a classic safari tradition where you toast the day with a drink as the sun dips below the horizon.

Evening Around the Fire (19:00 onwards)
Back at camp, a three-course dinner awaits under the stars. Share stories with fellow travelers around the campfire, listen to the distant roar of lions, and soak in the magic of the African night. Some camps offer night drives, giving you a chance to see nocturnal creatures like civets, genets, and owls.

Next day, take a flight on a light aircraft to the remote and breathtaking Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its raw beauty and rich biodiversity. Nestled along the Zambezi River, Mana Pools is famous for its canoe safaris, close-up encounters with elephants, and tranquil riverside scenery. It’s a paradise for photographers, birders, and those seeking a deeper connection with nature.

Early Morning Canoe Safari (05:30 – 09:00)
As the first light touches the Zambezi River, you glide silently through the water on a guided canoe safari—Mana Pools’ signature experience. Hippos grunt in the shallows, crocodiles bask on the banks, and elephants wade across channels, sometimes just meters away. The stillness of the morning, broken only by birdsong and the splash of paddles, offers a deep sense of connection to the wild.

Bush Breakfast on the Riverbank (09:00 – 10:00)
After your paddle, enjoy a bush breakfast under the shade of acacia trees, with panoramic views of the river and the distant escarpment. Fresh fruit, eggs, and coffee are served as impala and baboons pass nearby—unbothered by your presence in their world.

Midday Rest & Wildlife Viewing (10:30 – 15:00)
Return to camp for a few hours of rest during the heat of the day. Many camps overlook waterholes or the river, so you can often spot elephants, buffalo, and even lions from the comfort of your tent or lounge area. Enjoy lunch, take a siesta, or simply watch the wilderness unfold.

Afternoon Walking Safari (15:30 – 18:00)
In the cooler afternoon, set out on a walking safari with an experienced guide and armed ranger. Mana Pools is one of the few parks in Africa where walking among big game is not only allowed but encouraged. Track elephants on foot, observe birds and insects up close, and learn about the ecosystem from the ground level—an exhilarating and humbling experience.

Sundowners & Campfire Tales (18:00 onwards)
As the sun sets, gather for sundowners by the river, watching the sky turn gold and crimson over the Zambezi. Back at camp, a hearty dinner is served under the stars. The night comes alive with the sounds of hyenas, owls, and distant lion calls. Share stories around the campfire before retreating to your tent, where the wild lullaby of Mana Pools serenades you to sleep.

Conclude your adventure at the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Marvel at the sheer power and beauty of the Zambezi River as it plunges into the Batoka Gorge, creating a misty spectacle visible from miles away. Enjoy guided tours of the falls, sunset cruises on the Zambezi, and optional adrenaline activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, or helicopter flights.

Accommodation:
Cresta SprayView Hotel or similar

Sunrise at the Falls (06:00 – 08:00)
Begin your day with a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders.” As the morning mist rises and rainbows dance in the spray, explore the rainforest trails and viewpoints that offer breathtaking perspectives of one of the world’s largest waterfalls. The thunderous roar and sheer power of the Zambezi River plunging into the gorge is a humbling and unforgettable experience.

Breakfast with a View (08:00 – 09:00)
Enjoy breakfast at a café or lodge overlooking the Zambezi River or the Batoka Gorge. Fresh local fruits, Zimbabwean coffee, and warm hospitality set the tone for the rest of your day.

Mid-Morning Adventure (09:30 – 12:00)
Choose your thrill:

• Helicopter flight over the falls for a bird’s-eye view of the gorge and river.
• White-water rafting for adrenaline seekers (seasonal).
• Zip-lining or bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge.
• Or a cultural village tour to learn about local traditions and crafts.

Lunch & Leisure (12:30 – 14:00)
Relax with lunch at a riverside restaurant or lodge. Many offer shaded decks with views of wildlife along the riverbanks—elephants, hippos, and crocodiles are often spotted.

Afternoon Exploration (14:30 – 16:30)Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust or Elephant Sanctuary, where you can learn about conservation efforts and interact with rescued animals. Alternatively, explore the local craft markets for handmade art, textiles, and souvenirs.

Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi (17:00 – 19:00)End your day with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Sip on sundowners and enjoy light snacks as the sky turns gold and crimson. Watch hippos wallow, crocodiles glide, and elephants drink at the water’s edge—an iconic African sunset experience.

Dinner & Evening Entertainment (19:30 onwards)
Return to town for a traditional dinner with live music and dance at a local restaurant or lodge. Enjoy Zimbabwean cuisine—sadza, game meat, and local vegetables—while soaking in the rhythms of African drums and storytelling.

After a memorable journey through Zimbabwe’s iconic wilderness and natural wonders, your final day begins with a relaxed morning at your lodge or hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take in the last views of the Zambezi River or surrounding bush.

Your private transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) will be arranged in advance, ensuring a comfortable and timely journey. The drive typically takes 15–30 minutes from most accommodations in Victoria Falls town.

Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will assist with luggage and guide you to the check-in area for your international flight home. As you depart, carry with you the unforgettable sights, sounds, and stories of Zimbabwe’s wild beauty.