17 Days Zimbabwe with Mana Pools
The best time for safaris in Zimbabwe is from April to November. During the dry season, wildlife can be observed particularly well at waterholes. Along the way, you can flexibly choose between camping under the open sky and staying in comfortable lodges—making every safari an unforgettable experience.
Highlights in Zimbabwe
Nyanga Mountains
The Nyanga Mountains are among the most impressive natural regions of Zimbabwe. With their rolling hills, deep valleys, and Mount Nyangani rising to 2,593 meters, they offer visitors spectacular views and a pleasantly cool highland climate. Crystal-clear waterfalls, such as the Mutarazi Falls, along with a variety of hiking trails, make the region an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
Traditional villages, a rich cultural history, and a unique flora and fauna give this highland area its special charm. The Nyanga Mountains are a place where tranquility, nature, and cultural heritage blend seamlessly.
Mana Pools
Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Zimbabwe’s wildest and most beautiful regions. Along the vast floodplains of the Zambezi River, several natural “pools” form, attracting large numbers of animals during the dry season—including elephants, buffalo, lions, and significant populations of hippos and crocodiles.
Mana Pools is renowned for its untouched, open wilderness, which visitors can often explore on foot or by canoe—offering an especially immersive and authentic safari experience. Ancient acacia forests, spectacular sunsets, and the profound stillness of the Zambezi make Mana Pools a truly magical destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world, marks the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and captivates visitors from across the globe. As the mighty waters of the Zambezi plunge over a cliff about 1.7 kilometers wide, a powerful spray rises into the air, visible from several kilometers away—hence the local name “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” meaning “the smoke that thunders.”
Breathtaking viewpoints, lush rainforests teeming with life, and a wide range of activities such as helicopter flights and boat cruises make Victoria Falls an unforgettable experience. It is a place where the power and beauty of nature come together in a truly unique way.
Day 1 – Arrival in Lusaka
Arrival at Lusaka International Airport / meet-and-greet & briefing with the local guide from Chilombo Safaris / afternoon at leisure
Days 2–3 – Gwabi
Scenic drive through the outskirts of Lusaka to Gwabi / introduction to camping equipment / sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River
Full-day canoe trip on the Zambezi River with a local guide
Accommodation: camping
Days 4–6 – Mana Pools
Border crossing from Zambia to Zimbabwe / game drives in Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site / 2 nights in a wilderness camp directly on the Zambezi River / 1 night at Chitake near the natural springs and the Baobab Avenue
Accommodation: camping
Day 7 – Chinhoyi
Scenic drive from Mana Pools to Chinhoyi / visit to the Chinhoyi Caves
Accommodation: guesthouse
Days 8–9 – Nyanga Mountains
Scenic drive from Chinhoyi to the Nyanga Mountains / hike up Zimbabwe’s highest mountain, Mount Nyangani
Accommodation: guest lodge
Day 10 – Masvingo (Great Zimbabwe)
Scenic drive through picturesque and authentic Zimbabwean villages to Masvingo / visit to the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, one of the country’s landmarks and a source of great national pride
Accommodation: guesthouse (camping possible)
Days 11–12 – Matopos National Park
Full-day game drive with a local guide in Matopos National Park / visit to caves with original preserved Bushman paintings / rhino tracking / visit to a local market
Optional activity: visit to the grave of Cecil Rhodes
Accommodation: camping
Days 13–14 – Hwange
Sundowner game drive upon arrival in Hwange National Park / morning and afternoon game drives in Hwange National Park
Accommodation: camping (lodge possible)
Days 15–16 – Victoria Falls
Free time in Victoria Falls / visit to the impressive waterfalls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
Optional activities: helicopter flights over Victoria Falls, microlight flights over Victoria Falls, river rafting, bungee jumping and gorge swing, spa treatments
Day 17 – Departure from Victoria Falls
The tour ends with drop-off at Victoria Falls International Airport
Trip Extension
An extension of the trip with an additional program is available on request.
Package
The package includes a private guide as well as all transfers in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan.
All activities mentioned in the package are included in the price. Optional activities can be booked and paid for on site.
Meals During the Trip
Meals are a mix of home-cooked dishes prepared by your guide (included in the price) and visits to restaurants (not included in the price).
Rates
On request
Like the trip? Then go ahead and contact us today—you’ll receive a quote within the next 48 hours.
