Discover Zimbabwe's natural wonders in luxurious style on this romantic, weeklong adventure. Your first three nights are spent in an elegant lodge near Victoria Falls, where you can hike to dizzying views over the rushing waters, walk with elephants, and raft down the mighty Zambezi. Then it's on to the wildlife haven of Hwange National Park, where you'll search for the "Big Five" on game drives and fall asleep to the sound of the savannah at your luxury safari camp.

Highlights

  • Stand at the edge of the mighty Victoria Falls
  • Go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River
  • Walk with gentle giants on an elephant encounter
  • See the "Big Five" of wildlife in Hwange National Park
  • Take scenic game drives into Zimbabwe's largest nature reserve
  • Experience world-class hospitality at romantic lodges & safari camps 

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Victoria Falls Victoria Falls
Day 2 Explore Victoria Falls Up Close Victoria Falls
Day 3 Whitewater Rafting & Elephant Walks in Victoria Falls Victoria Falls
Day 4 Transfer to Hwange National Park Hwange National Park
Day 5 Hwange National Park Game Drive Hwange National Park
Day 6 Free Day in Hwange National Park Hwange National Park
Day 7 Transfer to Victoria Falls & Departure  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Victoria Falls

Breathtaking views from Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Welcome to Zimbabwe! Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you'll be met by your driver and transferred to the luxurious Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Your base for the next three nights, this stunning property offers views across a vast waterhole, which draws frequent wildlife (particularly elephants) to its shores. 

Day 2: Explore Victoria Falls Up Close

A rainbow over Victoria Falls

Experience one of the great wonders of the natural world today with a visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls, known in the native Lozi as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "The Smoke that Thunders." Located along the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Zambezi River plummets over steep basalt cliffs to form one of the widest, most dramatic waterfalls on earth. 

With clear paths and signs, the falls can be explored at your own pace, or you can opt for a guided tour to learn more about the remarkable history and unique ecosystems of the area. Highlights include the Big Tree—a massive baobab, hundreds of years old with a circumference of some 72 feet (22 m), Livingstone’s Statue, the Devil’s Cataract, and a walk through lush rainforest to the dizzying Danger Point.

During June, Victoria Falls attracts the biggest crowds, and November offers a more quiet experience, due to the rains that fall. 

Day 3: Whitewater Rafting & Elephant Walks in Victoria Falls

Walking with elephants on an Elephant Encounter
Walk with gentle giants on an elephant encounter experience

Today is free for you to enjoy the many lodge amenities and excursions at your own pace. For more adventure on the water, you can opt for a full day of exhilarating whitewater rafting, including lunch and refreshments at the end. For a once in a lifetime wildlife experience, join an elephant encounter, where you get to meet a herd of elephants and their handlers and walk through the bush with them.

The lodge also hosts a vulture culture demonstration every day after lunch, where you can watch the vultures be fed up close and listen to an informative talk on them.

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Day 4: Transfer to Hwange National Park

Giraffes and zebras gather at one of Hwange's waterholes

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before bidding Victoria Falls farewell and meeting your driver for the 2.5-hour drive southeast to Hwange National Park. Here you'll be met by your lodge and taken on a scenic game drive through the park to reach your accommodations for the next three nights. Located deep within Zimbabwe's largest nature reserve, The Hide's romantic, tented suites overlook a busy natural waterhole, where you'll spot an incredible array of wildlife as they visit its shores to drink. Get settled in, then spend your afternoon relaxing or head out on a guided nature walk. 

Day 5: Hwange National Park Game Drive

Spot lions and the "Big Five" on a game drive through the park

Spend today discovering the wonders of Hwange National Park with another guided game drive. Herds of sable antelope, elephant, and buffalo are plentiful here, and if you're lucky you might spot lions, cheetahs, painted dogs, jackals, and on the rare occasion, even leopards. The park is also home to an incredible selection of over 350 bird species, making it one of the most diverse wildlife havens on earth. 

Day 6: Free Day at Hwange National Park

Sunset views from The Hide

Spend your final day in Hwange at your leisure: heading out on another game drive, joining a guided nature walk, or relaxing in camp as you watch animals flock to the waterhole. A photographic hide at the water's edge offers the perfect spot to observe wildlife and snap incredible photos. 

Day 7: Transfer to Victoria Falls & Departure

Breakfast with a view of Hwange

It's time to say goodbye to Zimbabwe! Enjoy your last African sunrise and breakfast with a view, then meet your driver for the transfer back to Victoria Falls Airport and your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Zimbabwe Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Zimbabwe? Check out these other Zimbabwe itineraries, with outdoor adventures, safari trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

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