Zimbabwe Explorer
Small group safari to Africa's wilderness, wildlife & cultural heritage
Trip overview
Camping safari in Zimbabwe‘s most beautiful national parks
3-day safari in Mana Pools National Park
African history in Matobo National Park & the Great Zimbabwe Ruins
5 days exploring the wildlife and landscape paradises of Hwange & Gonarezhou National Parks
The mighty Victoria Falls & hikes in the Eastern Highlands
Travel details
- Tour character
- Itinerary
- Services/Dates/Prices
- Booking
Zimbabwe has remained largely untouched by mass tourism, allowing us to experience a virtually pristine wilderness with exceptional nature encounters and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. Our experienced, English-speaking, local guide will expertly lead us through the national parks, show us the best photo spots, and accompany us on bush walks. In addition to selected lodge accommodations, most nights will be spent in natural setting camps with comfortable dome tents located within the national parks. Basic sanitary facilities are available. Participants bring their own sleeping bags and sleeping mats. Meals are prepared in an expedition style by a cook in the camp's mobile bush kitchen. Drinking water is available in our 4x4 safari vehicle.
1 Arrival Lusaka
Arrival in Lusaka and initial tour briefing at Wild Dogs Lodge, a quiet accommodation close to the city. Travel time approx. 30 min.
1 night in a 3-star lodge (B/D)
2-4 Mana Pools National Parks
We cross the border into Zimbabwe and travel overland through the national park until we reach the majestic Zambezi River – one of the most beautiful and wildest landscapes in Africa. Travel time approx. 7 hours.
The Mana Pools National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Elephants, buffalo, and zebras often gather at the four oxbow lakes nestled amidst stunning floodplain forests, followed by lions and wild dogs. During tracking excursions and walking safaris, we rely entirely on our experienced guide, who shares his extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna. At our camp, situated directly on the Zambezi River, we reminisce about the exciting experiences around the evening campfire.
3 nights in tents (B/P/D)
5 Harare
After a final game drive, we travel to Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. Travel time approx. 7 hours.
The photogenic Zambezi Escarpment offers spectacular views across the valley and showcases the seemingly endless expanse of the African bush. We stop at local markets and artisan workshops or visit a school. In Harare, we immerse ourselves in the country's culture and marvel at the vibrant street life.
1 night in a 3-star lodge (B)
6 Zimbabwe Highlands
What a contrasting landscape: forests, rugged mountains, and fertile valleys. In the early afternoon, we reach the Eastern Highlands and our camp near Mutare. Travel time approx. 4 hours.
Located between Nyanga National Park and the Vumba Mountains, this is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. We hike on nature trails and experience the daily life of the villagers during a farm visit.
1 night in tents (B/P/D)
7-8 Gonarezhou National Park
At 4,964 km², Gonarezhou National Park is not only the second largest park in the country, but also a breathtaking landscape. We'll marvel at the magnificent scenery along the Runde River and the red sandstone cliffs of Chilojo Cliff. Gonarezhou translates to "Place of many elephants". Besides these pachyderms, the park is also home to numerous buffalo, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and African wild dogs. Extensive game drives on secluded sand tracks will take us past countless baobab trees and palm groves. Around the water-rich Machaniwa Pans, we hope to spot the rare antelope species, the suni and nyala. Travel time approx. 6-7 hours.
2 nights in tents (B/P/D)
9 Great Zimbabwe Ruins
We reach Great Zimbabwe via a scenic drive. Travel time approx. 5 hours.
The former capital is now the largest and most important archaeological site in southern Africa. We stroll along the ancient walls, built without mortar, and immerse ourselves in the fascinating history of past cultures. We end the day with a sundowner.
1 night in chalets at Lake Mutirikwi (B)
10-11 Matabo National Park
In the Matobo Hills, we will visit Cecil Rhodes' grave at the "View of the World" viewpoint, as well as the largest collection of San rock paintings. These prehistoric depictions, over 3,000 years old, are an important part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also go on a walking safari to try and spot the black and white rhinos that live here. Travel time approx. 6 hours.
2 nights in tents (B/P/D)
12-14 Hwange National Park
After visiting the "Painted Dog Conservation Project", we'll have plenty of time for extensive game drives in Hwange National Park, the largest in the country at 14,600 km². While exploring the park, we can observe herds of elephants, giraffes, as well as lions and wild dogs in the grasslands and bushland, and at the numerous waterholes. We'll spend the night in two different, beautifully situated camps. The different locations increase the chances of getting as close as possible to the animals. The safari days will end in a magical atmosphere under a sparkling starry sky. Travel time approx. 5-6 hours.
3 nights in tents (B/P/D)
15-16 Victoria Falls & Departure
End of the safari at Victoria Falls. Travel time approx. 3 hours.
Visit the falls or participate in many other optional activities.
1 night in a 3-star lodge (B)
Return flight on day 16 from Victoria Falls or Livingstone.
Services
Tour Management
English-speaking WILD DOGS tour guide
in a team with local English-speaking guides, driver, and cook
Activities / Other Services
Walking game drive in Mana Pools National Park
Hiking in the Eastern Highlands
Visit to the ruins of Great Zimbabwe
Rhino walk in Matobo National Park
Visit to "The View of the World" and rock paintings
Visit to the "Painted Dog Conservation Center"
Camping equipment
All game drives in the national parks
All permits, entrance fees, and national park fees
Accommodation
3 nights in a 3-star lodge in Lusaka, Harare, and Victoria Falls
1 night in a chalet
11 nights in camping tents, mostly in the national parks
Meals
15 breakfasts, 11 picnic lunches, 12 dinners
Transportation
All game drives and overland journeys in specially equipped 4x4 safari vehicles
with pop-up roofs and guaranteed window seats
Optional Services
Scheduled flights from approx. €1,200, depending on departure airport, booking time, travel dates, and airline
Extension packages available upon request
Participants
Min. 5 / Max. 13
Dates
2026
18 May – 2 June
13 July – 28 July
24 August – 8 September
28 September – 13 October
19 October – 3 November
Prices
2026: 16-day land program from Lusaka to Victoria Falls: €3,980
Single room supplement: €320
Single tent supplement: €100