Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls

Rhinos, Wild Dogs & Elephants…

Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls

Rhinos, Wild Dogs & Elephants…

  • 18 – 27 September 2026
  • 10
  • Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  • Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Walking with rhinos, sundowners with elephants as the sky turns that soft African gold… and a grand finale at the spectacular Victoria Falls.

From treetop tents in Hwange to sundowners on the mighty Zambezi – this is Africa, untamed and unforgettable.

Join me, Karen, on a personally hosted small-group safari through Zimbabwe – designed especially for adventurous, young-at-heart travellers. We’ll stay in boutique lodges and intimate safari camps tucked into wild and remote corners, where elephants wander through camp, lions roar in the distance, and every sunset feels like a private performance.

This 10-day journey combines luxury and authenticity, with ethical wildlife experiences, meaningful conservation encounters, and time to relax and soak up the magic of Africa.

With insider access, seamless logistics, and a small, likeminded group, this safari is about more than ticking off the Big Five – it’s about slowing down, connecting deeply with nature and community, and creating memories that will stay with you forever.

Optional combinations: Explore Botswana’s Okavango Delta before your Zimbabwe adventure, or add on a safari in Zambia before the crowds discover it!

Highlights

From the moment you arrive, this Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls safari is designed to immerse you in landscapes that take your breath away, incredible wildlife encounters, and moments that stay with you long after you return home. You’ll walk with rhinos, watch elephants quenching their thirst at waterholes (or the swimming pool!), and end with the awe-inspiring roar of Victoria Falls – all while sharing laughter, stories and unforgettable sunsets with a small, like-minded group of fellow Africa enthusiasts. You’ll explore with expert guides who help you see, feel and understand every special moment, leaving you with stories, friendships and memories you’ll treasure forever.

  • Walk with white rhinos, and learn about their incredible conservation story.
  • Visit the Painted Dog Conservation Headquarters protecting endangered African Wild Dogs
  • Dine with elephants in a private concession adjacent to Hwange National Park.
  • Travel between camps on the open carriages of the Elephant Express rail car
  • Explore Victoria Falls from a beautiful lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River

Pricing

NZD16,897

Very limited single rooms in our intimate safari camps. Single surcharge applies.

Group Size

Max. 6

Trip Dates

18 – 27 September 2026

Starting Point

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Ending Point

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Included

  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • 9 nights accommodation in premium small safari camps and lodges
  • All meals on safari, including beer, wine, local spirits, soft drinks
  • Breakfast only at Palm River Hotel, Victoria Falls
  • Laundry
  • All park and concession fees
  • Entrance fee to Victoria Falls
  • Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
  • Game drives in open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles.
  • Internal flights Victoria Falls Airport – Shumba Airstrip & Linkwasha Airstrip  – Victoria Falls Airport

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Extra/optional activities
  • Tips/gratuities

Independent arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport where you will be met and assisted to your light aircraft for your scenic flight to Shumba Airstrip. From here, you’ll  enjoy a short game drive to your lodge, tucked away in a remote northern concession of Hwange.

After settling into your elevated thatched tent overlooking a waterhole, relax by the pool with a G&T and watch elephants come and go at the waterhole just steps away. With just nine tents and tailor-made activities, Nehimba offers a truly personal safari experience.

🛏️ 3 nights at Nehimba Lodge (Full Board + Safari Activities)

 

The real magic of staying at Nehimba lies in its incredible wildlife. This private concession is one of Hwange’s most rewarding areas for exploring on foot –  perfect for those who love a little adventure. With your highly trained, armed guides leading the way, you can experience the thrill of tracking an elephant herd on foot… it’s an memory that stays with you long after you’ve left Africa.

Game drives here are just as captivating. As well as spotting animals from the vehicle, you’ll visit fascinating places like the Nehimba Hide for close-up photos of elephants and other wildlife; Nehimba Seep, one of the park’s only year-round natural water sources; the Mandavu Dam which attracts enormous numbers of animals on a daily basis; and the ancient Mtoa Ruins. Each habitat draws different wildlife, so there’s always something new to see and photograph.

And because Nehimba sits within its own private concession, you’ll enjoy the privilege of night drives – a chance to feel the cool evening air on your face and watch the nocturnal world awaken under a canopy of stars.

Say goodbye to Nehimba and drive through the park to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre. The PDC works to protect one of Africa’s most endangered predators from threats like snares and human conflict through anti-poaching patrols, community engagement, and rehabilitation.  Hwange National Park is a crucial stronghold for endangered African wild dogs (painted dogs), which are  known for their unique coats, tight-knit packs, and highly effective cooperative hunting.

After lunch, board the Elephant Express – an open-sided railcar with seating for up to 22 passengers at teak tables, and a spacious aisle to move around for photo opportunities. Keep your camera ready for elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife along the track. Sit back, relax, and indulge in fantastic game viewing on the three hour journey to the Ngamo Siding in the southeastern corner of Hwange National Park.

 On arrival at the Ngamo Siding enjoy an evening game drive to the brand-new Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge, an intimate eco-conscious camp with just 4 premium tents tucked high in the treetops. Your treehouse offers spectacular bush views from a private deck, complete with en suite bathroom and the soothing soundtrack of the wild all around.

As the sun dips low, gather for sundowners around the campfire before dinner under a canopy of stars.

🛏️ 4 nights at Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge (Full Board + Safari Activities)

Rise to birdsong and coffee on your deck before heading out on a thrilling morning game drive or guided bush walk. Hwange is home to enormous elephant herds, lion prides, and over 400 species of birds. Experience day and night game drives and walking safaris with experienced guides to spot eland, kudu, wildebeest, zebra, steenbok, impala, waterbuck, and lions.

The waterholes in front of camp are distinctive for their red mud and as the day heats up and elephant arrive to drink and mud bath, the cameras come out for photos of the ‘shiny wet red elephants’ and the hide offers exceptional photo opportunities.

You’ll enjoy game drives and bush walks during your stay at Tum Tum , but the real thrill for many is the chance to walk with white rhinos in the nearby Mlevu Sanctuary. In a remarkable conservation success story, these magnificent animals have been reintroduced onto community-owned land. Your visit directly supports it too: the fees from these guided rhino walks flow back into several local villages, helping families thrive.

Guests at Tum Tum can also visit these communities, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect, share stories, and see firsthand how responsible tourism makes a difference.

Evenings are for swapping safari stories by the fire or relaxing in your treetop hideaway.

After breakfast it’s time to leave this lovely camp and take a short flight back to Victoria Falls. Road transfer to Palm River Lodge on the banks of the iconic Zambezi River, just a short drive from the bustling small town of Victoria Falls.

Enjoy a curated mix of activities:

  • A visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls, known locally as ‘the smoke that thunders’
  • Sunset cruise on the Zambezi river
  • A complimentary shuttle service into town is available for last minute shopping and exploring the craft markets.

You may also choose to add on optional adventures – like a spectacular helicopter flight over the falls.

Your fabulous safari ends after breakfast with a transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport to join your flight home.

Extensions: Zimbabwe’s neighbours Botswana and Zambia both offer many options to extend your safari, and Karen can help with suggestions and planning.

This has been our fifth trip to Africa with Karen. As always the trip has exceeded our expectations with brilliant organisation, fabulous accommodation and wondrous close encounters with the animals, especially elephants! We loved it all, lots of laughs and the finale at Kaya Mawa on Lake Malawi was spectacular. Karen de Willimoff & John McIndoe, Zimbabwe & Zambia

Another incredible and well-planned Africa Encounters experience. The magic of safari-style accommodation where the animals are free to wander through camp by day and night. To lay in bed listening to all the night sounds is breathtaking. The qualified and friendly guides sharing their knowledge and finding animals that we would never find or see, and talking about their environment is an experience we will never forget. How fortunate we have been. Thanks Karen. George & Lyn Wilson, Zimbabwe & Zambia

International airfares are not included.

Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book your flights, or Karen has recommendations.

Australian and New Zealand passport holders require a visa for Zimbabwe – available online or on arrival.

For all other nationalities please check with your local embassy.

You simply take an antimalarial medication as recommended by your GP or travel doctor, and the camps provide repellent and mosquito nets. It’s easy and manageable.

You’ll be spoilt. Meals are delicious and freshly prepared, and all dietary needs are happily catered for – just let me know ahead of time.

You’ll be with active, curious travellers from NZ and Australia – mostly in their 50s, 60s and beyond – who love wildlife, nature and authentic experiences. Guests are friendly, down-to-earth, and prefer meaningful moments over flashy hotels. Many come solo, others with a partner or friend, and it’s amazing how quickly the group bonds… sharing a lion sighting at dawn tends to do that!

You’ll be with active, curious travellers from NZ and Australia – mostly in their 50s, 60s and beyond – who love wildlife, nature and authentic experiences. Guests are friendly, down-to-earth, and prefer meaningful moments over flashy hotels. Many come solo, others with a partner or friend, and it’s amazing how quickly the group bonds… sharing a lion sighting at dawn tends to do that!

Yes – in fact, most of my guests are in their 50s, 60s and 70s. Activities are paced gently, and you can choose how active you want to be each day.

Very. You’ll sleep in beautifully appointed tented suites with proper beds, private ensuite bathrooms, hot showers and lovely little touches that make you feel pampered – without losing the magic of being in nature.

It’s a gentle, slow-paced walk with specialist rangers who prioritise safety. You set the pace, and there’s no need to be super fit – just steady on your feet and comfortable walking on uneven ground.

Exceptionally good. Hwange’s wildlife gathers around waterholes in the dry season, so you’ll see elephants, zebras, lions and more at incredibly close range.

">Email me or call me on 06 9761118 – I love to chat about Africa!

Zimbabwe & Victoria Falls

from

NZD16,897

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  • Best price when you book direct
  • Interest-free payment options
  • Flexible cancellation policy
  • Solo traveller friendly

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