7 Days Zimbabwe Safari in Lake Kariba and Mana Pools
This 7 Days Zimbabwe Safari in Lake Kariba and Mana Pools will allow guests to visit two camps in two very different national parks in Zimbabwe Matusadona National Park and Mana Pools National Park. Both parks and the featured accommodation offer unique features and a variety of activities, all aimed at ensuring an exciting and diverse safari experience. Gondwana Tours and Safaris will tailor any safari according to your individual needs. Please contact us directly should you wish to change this itinerary in any way.
Your Zimbabwe Safari adventure features intimate bush camps that blend seamlessly with their surroundings, offering authentic wilderness experiences without compromising comfort. From water-based safaris on Lake Kariba to thrilling walking expeditions in Mana Pools, every day brings discoveries and close encounters with Zimbabwe's diverse wildlife population.
The Zimbabwe Safari itinerary perfectly balances relaxation and adventure, with ample time to appreciate both the grand vistas and subtle details of these remarkable ecosystems. Expert guides enhance your experience by sharing their profound knowledge of the land, its wildlife, and the delicate balance that sustains this magnificent wilderness area.
Tour highlights
Spectacular boat safaris on the vast waters of Lake Kariba
Traditional bush camp experience at a Safari Camp
Walking safaris with expert guides in Matusadona National Park
Fishing for the famous tiger fish in Lake Kariba
Light aircraft transfers showcasing breathtaking aerial views
Guided walking safaris in world-renowned Mana Pools National Park
"Kanga Under the Stars" sleep-out experience
Close encounters with elephants, lions, leopards and wild dogs
Canoeing adventures on the mighty Zambezi River
Sundowners overlooking iconic African landscapes
Price Includes:
- Park fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled activities as per the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicles
- Bottled water during game drives and activities
- Full board accommodation at specified lodges
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides and specialists
- Driver allowances and park entrance fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
- Light aircraft transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Boat transfers on Lake Kariba
Price Excludes:
- Zimbabwe Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights not specified
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional Activities
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrive at Harare, Flight to Bumi Hills (Lake Kariba) & Boat Transfer to Rhino Safari Camp
Your Zimbabwe Safari begins with your arrival at Harare International Airport, followed by a scenic 1.5-hour flight to Bumi Hills airstrip overlooking the vast waters of Lake Kariba. The Zimbabwe Safari experience continues with a 45-minute boat transfer across the lake to Rhino Safari Camp, located in the wildlife-rich Matusadona National Park. During this incredible Zimbabwe Safari transfer, watch for hippos and crocodiles in the azure waters while your guide shares insights about this unique ecosystem that blends aquatic and terrestrial wilderness.
- Day2Game Drives and Boat Cruise in Lake Kariba
Begin your Zimbabwe Safari Day with an early morning game drive through Matusadona's diverse landscapes, locally known as "Matusa" by the indigenous Tonga people. The Zimbabwe Safari adventure continues with tracking elephant herds and predators in the lake's shoreline habitats for approximately 3-4 hours. Your afternoon Zimbabwe Safari includes a water-based excursion on Lake Kariba aboard specialized safari boats, offering unique perspectives of wildlife coming to drink at the water's edge.
- Day3Walking Safaris and Fishing Activities on Lake Kariba
Your Zimbabwe Safari exploration deepens with a guided walking safari through the pristine wilderness of Matusadona, where you'll track animals on foot alongside expert armed guides. This immersive Zimbabwe Safari activity typically spans 2-3 hours, focusing on smaller details of the ecosystem often missed during vehicle safaris. The afternoon Zimbabwe Safari continues with fishing for the legendary tiger fish on Lake Kariba's productive waters, where you'll learn traditional angling techniques before returning to camp for dinner under the stars.
- Day4Transfer by Boat to Bumi Hills & by Light Aircraft to Kanga Camp, Mana Pools
Today your Zimbabwe Safari transitions from Lake Kariba to the famed Mana Pools region via a 30-minute boat transfer and a spectacular 1-hour scenic flight. The Zimbabwe Safari journey takes you to the remote Kanga Camp, situated around the only permanent water source in the dry season within a 15km radius. Your evening Zimbabwe Safari experience includes settling into your luxury tented accommodation before enjoying sundowners overlooking "Kanga Pan," where wildlife congregates in impressive numbers during the dry season.
- Day5Guided Walking Safaris in Mana Pools
Your Zimbabwe Safari Day begins at dawn with a unique walking safari through the floodplains of Mana Pools, known as "Mana Akona" (four pools) in the local Shona language. This signature Zimbabwe Safari experience allows close encounters with elephants, often watching them stand on their hind legs to reach acacia pods. The afternoon Zimbabwe Safari activity offers game drives through the iconic albida forests along the Zambezi River, approximately 20km from camp, where predators hunt in the dappled light.
- Day6Mana Pools Canoeing and Fishing Excursions
Experience a thrilling Zimbabwe Safari adventure with a morning canoe excursion on the mighty Zambezi River, paddling among hippos and elephants for about 3-4 hours. Your Zimbabwe Safari guide navigates the channels between the islands, sharing stories of this ancient river system that spans four countries. The evening Zimbabwe Safari concludes with the extraordinary "Kanga Under the Stars" sleep-out, where you'll drift off to sleep on a secure platform under the African sky, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness.
- Day7Light Aircraft Transfer to Harare
The final day of your Zimbabwe Safari starts with a sunrise game drive to bid farewell to Mana Pools' remarkable wildlife. Your transformative Zimbabwe Safari experience concludes with a hearty breakfast at Kanga Camp before your scheduled 1.5-hour flight to Harare. The memories of your extraordinary Zimbabwe Safari will remain forever as you depart from Harare International Airport, approximately 20 minutes from the domestic terminal, for your onward journey.