Zimbabwe & Zambia Safari - African Encounters

Zimbabwe & Zambia Safari

Hwange, Victoria Falls & Lower Zambezi
  • 3 - 16 Sept 2026
  • Max Guests : 8
  • Starts: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  • Ends: Mfuwe, Zambia

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

Join me, Karen, on a personally hosted small-group safari through Zimbabwe and Zambia – designed especially for adventurous, young-at-heart travellers. We’ll stay in boutique lodges and 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 14-day journey combines luxury and authenticity, with immersive 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 combination: Make the most of those international airfares and join me on another exclusive small group adventure in Zambia & Malawi. South Luangwa in Zambia is known as the Valley of the Leopard is one of the best places in Africa to see these beautiful (and elusive) big cats. In Malawi we’ll explore little-known Majete and Liwonde on game drives and boat trips on the Shire River.  

Highlights

  • 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 my guests favourite lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River
  • The Lower Zambezi in Zambia offers prime game viewing, canoeing and boat trips on the river – without the crowds!

Price Includes

  • Arrival & departure transfers
  • Premium small safari camps and lodges
  • All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 14
  • Beer, wine, local spirits, soft drinks
  • Authentic interactions with nature and local people
  • Game drives in open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles.
  • Laundry
  • All Park and Private Concession fees
  • Professional local safari guides.

Price Excludes

  • International airfares, airport taxes and visa fees (if applicable)
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory)
  • Any entrance fees and excursions not included in the above itinerary such as scenic flights.
  • Tips & gratuities

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Hwange National Park


Independent arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport where you will be met and assisted to your light aircraft for your scenic flight to Linkwasha Airstrip. From here, it’s a short drive into the wild heart of Hwange, where your African adventure begins.

Check in at the brand-new Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge, an intimate eco-conscious camp 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.

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

Days 2 & 3: Explore Hwange & Walk with White Rhinos


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.

A highlight here is your visit to nearby Mlevu Sanctuary, where you’ll have the rare chance to walk with reintroduced white rhino—an unforgettable experience that supports both conservation and local communities.

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

Day 3: All Aboard the Elephant Express


Say goodbye to Tum Tum and travel to Ngamo Siding to board the Elephant Express—a charming open-sided railcar that offers spectacular game viewing en route to Dete. Keep your camera ready for elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife along the track.

After lunch, enjoy a private visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre, where you’ll learn about the vital work being done to protect one of Africa’s most endangered predators.

Later this afternoon, continue to Nehimba Lodge, tucked away in a remote northern concession of Hwange. Settle into your elevated thatched tent overlooking a waterhole that often hosts dozens of elephants.

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

Days 5 & 6: Safari Your Way

These days are yours to explore this rich wildlife haven in the way that suits you best—on a dawn game drive, a bush walk led by expert trackers, or even a thrilling night drive.

Back at camp, relax by the pool with a G&T or 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.

Day 7: Victoria Falls

Fly back to Victoria Falls and transfer to Old Drift Lodge, a luxurious tented camp nestled within Zambezi National Park and just upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls. Your suite features a private plunge pool and an outdoor bath with river views.

This is the perfect base for a mix of relaxation and adventure – with elephants often wandering through camp and the soft roar of the river in the background.

Evenings are spent dining alfresco under the stars or sipping wine around the floating stargazing deck.

🛏️ 3 nights at Old Drift Lodge (Full Board + All In-house Activities)

Days 8 & 9: Victoria Falls & River Magic


Enjoy a curated mix of activities:
• A guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
Zambezi River safari or walking safaris with expert guides
• Sundowner cruises and lunch at the dramatic Lookout Café, perched above Batoka Gorge

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

Our superb lodge is located away from the bustle of town but close enough to visit the Zimbabwe side of the Falls (included), or to do some shopping. It’s located within the National Park and elephants and warthogs regular lodge visitors. Each spacious room has a private plunge pool and deck overlooking the river, and the meals, staff, and boat trips on the river are exceptional. My guests LOVE this lodge and are always very reluctant to leave!

“I was fortunate to enjoy one of Karens safaris to Botswana and Zimbabwe. We had beautiful accommodation throughout the trip, then we arrived at The Old Drift Lodge. Wow! What a way to finish a magical ten days, in this luxurious Lodge, right on the Zambezi River. The Old Drift Lodge is stunning throughout, the staff could not do enough for you, and the food was exceptional. The rooms were beautifully appointed, indoor and outdoor showers, plus an outdoor bath and your own private plunge pool. This was just such a treat, especially after a morning of game drives or walking around Victoria Falls. I would highly recommend this Lodge to anyone looking for a memorable finish to one of Karen’s fabulous safaris.” Anne Merritt, Hawkes Bay

Day 10: Onward to Zambia’s Wild Frontier

Cross the border into Zambia this morning for your flight to the Lower Zambezi, landing at the private airstrip near Royal Zambezi Lodge. This multi-award-winning lodge sits on the riverbank, directly across from UNESCO-listed Mana Pools.

Watch elephants wander through camp and hippos grumble in the shallows as you settle into your spacious suite, complete with plunge pool, open-air lounge, and uninterrupted river views.

🛏️ 4 nights at Royal Zambezi Lodge (Full Board + Safari Activities)

Days 11 - 13: Luxury & Wilderness in the Lower Zambezi


These days are filled with choice:

Game drives in open 4x4s through the Lower Zambezi National Park
Canoeing safaris for a front-row seat to wildlife at the water’s edge
Fishing for tigerfish or bream
Sunset river cruises, perfect for photography and quiet reflection
• Visits to local communities and conservation initiatives
• Indulge in a treatment at the Royal Bush Spa, winner of multiple global spa awards

At night, drift off to the sounds of the wild in this remote slice of African paradise.

Day 14: Farewell to Africa

After a relaxed breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Mfuwe, where your onward journey begins. Take with you a full heart, new friendships, and countless magical memories of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Or join me on another small group adventure in Zambia’s South Luangwa – the Valley of the Leopard – and Malawi!

FAQs

Are airfares included?

International airfares are not included. I’m happy to recommend a travel agent to book your flights.

Do I need a visa?

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

Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Zambia.

For all other nationalities please check with the local embassy.

What vaccinations are required?

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements.

Can you organise accommodation before or after the safari?

We are happy to arrange accommodation before or after your safari.

What kind of people join my safaris?

Most of our guests are from New Zealand and Australia. They are typically aged 50+, active and adventurous, well travelled people who are looking to venture off the main tourist route to explore some of Africa’s less well-known destinations.

But they also appreciate quality accommodation back at base after an exciting day of game drives and guided walks!

They are flexible and easy going, and they are keen to supporting local conservation and community projects during their safari.

A sense of humour is always welcome!

Still have a question?

Have a look at our FAQ page, you may find the answer there.

OR email me – I love to chat about Africa! 

Escorted small group
FromUS$14,630

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    2 Reviews
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    Robyn Dann

    Group Traveller

    I have recently returned from the Zimbabwe and Zambia Tour with Karen. The trip was amazing and every little need was catered for, as the camps could not do enough for you with wonderful accommodation (we normally stayed 3 or 4 nights which gave you time to settle in), sundowners, food (out of this world) and the surprise meals in the bush. The game drives gave us a chance to get close to the animals, plus we were also able to go canoeing with the hippos and crocodiles and walking with the animals. The only draw back I had was the early starts at the beginning, but after a couple of days I just wanted to see as much of the animals as I could, so it was not a problem. The weather played its part so this did not interrupt our schedule in any way. I have been to Africa a number of times and say it is my last, but I think I might have to go back again. Thank You Karen a great experience.

    17/08/2024

    Robyn Dann

    Group Traveller

    I have recently returned from the Zimbabwe and Zambia Tour with Karen. The trip was amazing and every little need was catered for, as the camps could not do enough for you with wonderful accommodation (we normally stayed 3 or 4 nights which gave you time to settle in), sundowners, food (out of this world) and the surprise meals in the bush. The game drives gave us a chance to get close to the animals, plus we were also able to go canoeing with the hippos and crocodiles and walking with the animals. The only draw back I had was the early starts at the beginning, but after a couple of days I just wanted to see as much of the animals as I could, so it was not a problem. The weather played its part so this did not interrupt our schedule in any way. I have been to Africa a number of times and say it is my last, but I think I might have to go back again. Thank You Karen a great experience.

    18/08/2023