Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
A Safari Sojourn Through Zimbabwe From Victoria Falls to Kariba’s Wild Shores
Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls – Zambezi National Park – Lake Kariba
The fun kicks off at Victoria Falls, where you’ll settle into the nearby town before heading to the iconic waterfall (bucket-list moment, incoming). Hike between the viewpoints, admiring the tumbling waters... and playing a little game of dodge the spray along the way. Of course, visiting a natural wonder of this calibre deserves a toast, so we’ve arranged for you to enjoy a sunset aperitif overlooking the rushing rapids of the Zambezi River. Lucky you.
Following the course of the river upstream, you’ll wind up in the wilds of Zambezi National Park, where the safari fun involves four wheels, expert rangers and (hopefully) plenty of animal sightings. This is prime Big Five territory, so keep your eyes peeled for elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lions and leopards – you might just score a full house. And of course, you’ll find plenty of creature comforts (pardon the pun) back at the lodge, from lavish swimming pools to hearty dinners around the campfire.
After an exhilarating bush flight, you’ll reach the dreamy shores of Lake Kariba, where more safari adventures and lakeside activities await. And when you return from your game drives – with your wildlife wish list sporting plenty of new ticks – what better way to round things off than with a quintessential sundowner back at the lodge...
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
After plenty of daydreams and excited chatter, your adventure to Zimbabwe starts today. Head to the airport, whizz through security, then celebrate accordingly with a tipple in the lounge before boarding.
It’s a 14-hour overnight flight to Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Airport, with a stop in an African hub along the way, so cosy up in your seat and stick on a good film (or a wildlife documentary, perhaps?). And when the credits roll, reach for your eye mask to catch some sleep ahead of tomorrow’s arrival...
When you touch down in Zimbabwe this morning, you’ll be met at the airport and whisked away to your charming guesthouse in the heart of Victoria Falls Town – your home for the night. And if you’re battling a bout of jet lag, a refreshing dip in the pool followed by drinks and nibbles at a rooftop bar might be just the tonic...
Feeling revitalised, follow the roar of cascading water to the mighty Victoria Falls, where the Zambezi River plunges into the abyss below. Walk along vine-draped trails and across suspension bridges, stopping at viewpoints to admire the 310ft drop, which sends swirling clouds of mist through the air. Best keep those waterproofs at the ready…
Suitably wowed, saunter over to a local restaurant for a sunset drink overlooking the rushing rapids of the Zambezi River. And because we love to spoil you, we’ve already reserved you a table, so sit back and relax as the setting sun casts everything aglow. Cheers to that.
Rise and shine bright and early this morning, wolf down breakfast, then meet your local driver for the 45-minute journey west to Zambezi National Park. And if your safari partner suddenly starts excitedly pointing out of the window, there’s a good chance they’ve just clocked their first animal sighting...
Soon, the dusty tracks will lead you to your riverside safari camp – your wild little hideaway for the next three nights. The rest of the day is all yours, so perhaps spend some time basking in that oh-so-glorious Zimbabwean sunshine while making a solid dent in your holiday read. And as you’re slap bang in the middle of the national park, be sure to keep your binoculars to hand for any wildlife sightings.
As dusk settles, gather around the crackling fire for a traditional bush braai beneath the stars, complete with sundowners and plenty of flame-grilled fare. Between bites, your rangers will fill you in on what the next few days on safari have in store...
Swing your binoculars into position and charge the camera – the next two days are going to be rather wild...
Your lodge offers a range of activities each day, so perhaps bundle into a 4x4 one morning for a game drive. Zambezi National Park is home to (deep breath) elephants, hippos, antelopes, buffalo, giraffes and an abundance of bird species, so keep score of how many sightings you tick off each day.
As you trundle along, your rangers will tell you all about the lions and leopards that prowl these parts, making your dream of spotting the Big Five seem rather promising…
The more intrepid traveller can even opt for a walking safari, tracking animal prints in the dust and perhaps even learning how to identify a rhino by the age of its dung (yes, really). There’s also canoeing, fishing and birdwatching excursions to enjoy, before enjoying golden hour (and an obligatory sundowner drink) on a sunset river cruise.
Excitement levels are bound to be (literally) sky-high this morning as you’re privately transferred back to Victoria Falls Airport for the two-hour flight to Lake Kariba. Once in the air, feast your eyes on Zimbabwe’s sun-scorched savannahs as they give way to sparkling waterways below.
When you touch down, you’ll be whisked away to your peaceful lodge – your home away from home for the next three nights.
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the trails around Lake Kariba, or simply laze around at your lodge, taking intermittent dips in the pool to cool down.
For dinner this evening, perhaps consult our clued-up Concierge, who’ll tell you the best (and most authentic) Zimbabwean dishes to try. Then, turn all eyes to the skies, where minimal light pollution makes for stellar views of the cosmos. Spot a shooting star? Wish for a little extra luck on tomorrow’s safari to help you spot any animals that’ve been eluding you so far...
Don your explorer’s hat and your khaki clothes, because the next two days are all about discovering Lake Kariba’s wild side.
With a whole host of activities to choose from at your lodge, perhaps embark on another 4x4 safari or venture out on foot with your rangers. Along the way, you’ll learn how Lake Kariba, a vast man-made reservoir straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, has become quite the haven for wildlife.
Legend has it that this is even where Nyaminyami, the dragon-like God of the river, resides. And with positively dinosaur-esque crocodiles lazing along the banks, flashing their 60-plus razor-sharp teeth (gulp), it's not hard to imagine a dragon lurking in there too...
After plenty of whispered wows, your lodge can also arrange a private safari experience in nearby Matusadona National Park, home to an impressive population of hippos.
For your last evening, perhaps set sail on another sunset cruise, where animated retellings of your favourite safari moments from the trip are practically inevitable...
Time flies when you’re having fun and, sadly, your Zimbabwean adventure has come to an end.
After breakfast, you’ll be privately transferred to the runway, where you’ll catch a two-hour flight back to Victoria Falls Airport. Here, stock up on snacks and some last-minute souvenirs, before boarding your overnight flight back home, with a quick stop at an African hub along the way. You’ll spend around 14 hours in the air, plenty of time to flick through your wildlife snaps and relive all those pinch-me moments.
Already feel a bad case of the post-holiday blues coming on? There’s always another corner of the world – and more wild encounters – to start dreaming about...
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
AN ANTI-POACHING PATROL
Fancy meeting the heroes who work tirelessly to protect Zimbabwe’s wildlife? Join a member of the Victoria Falls anti-poaching unit, who’ll give you the lowdown on their mission and the ins and outs of their daily patrols. They’ll also share their inspiring animal conservation success stories (hearts are sure to melt), along with the challenges certain species still face. And you’ll be rather pleased to hear that you can lend a helping hand, too. Head into the reserve surrounding Victoria Falls with the rangers, recording animal sightings (duly celebrating any improving population figures) and helping to identify and destroy any traps found. And just by simply tagging along, you’ll also help deter any potential poachers. Safari superhero status – officially unlocked...MICROLIGHT FLIGHT OVER VICTORIA FALLS
If you’d like to take your adventure to (literal) new heights, board a microlight aircraft for a flight over Victoria Falls, where you can admire the spectacle from a whole new perspective. After meeting your pilot, you’ll soar above the thundering cascades – sure to spark a running commentary of oohs and aahs. You’ll then follow the winding route of the Zambezi River as it rushes through deep gorges, before continuing towards Zambezi National Park. Just be sure to snap plenty of photos – these views are prime holiday album material.ZIMBABWE: THE FAMILY EDIT
Looking to score some seriously cool parent points with your little adventurers? We can tailor this whole Zimbabwe itinerary with your children in mind. And with a minimal time difference, short transfer options and a multitude of activities sure to delight any animal-mad youngsters, Zimbabwe has family holiday written all over it. The lodges are also well attuned to keeping little guests happy, with some even offering kids’ clubs (date night for you grown-ups, perhaps?). And as for the adventures, think camping out in the wilderness, soaring over the bush in an air taxi and playing the ultimate game of ‘I spy’ on safari, with elephants, lions, hippos and other wonderful creatures to spot. Something tells us the little ones will have plenty to tell their friends back home...
Why visit Zimbabwe with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Zimbabwe
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
