Fully guided Mana Pools and Victoria Falls - AUG25
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Embark on an unforgettable journey through Africa’s wild heart with a safari that blends adventure, luxury, and awe-inspiring beauty. Begin in the breathtaking Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage site along the Zambezi River, where you’ll encounter iconic wildlife up close while staying at the intimate Camp Mana.
Guided by legendary safari expert Steve Bolnick and award-winning photographer Neville Jones, you’ll experience Africa at its most authentic—tracking lions on foot, capturing stunning wildlife moments, and immersing yourself in the untouched wilderness. After your stay in the bush, the journey culminates with three nights at the luxurious Palm River Hotel near Victoria Falls, where the majesty of Africa’s landscapes meets five-star comfort. This is the safari of a lifetime, where every moment is designed to leave you breathless.
Fully Guided Mana Pools and Victoria Falls Safari
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through Zimbabwe's most iconic landscapes. This exclusive safari offers an immersive experience in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mana Pools National Park, followed by a luxurious stay near the majestic Victoria Falls. Guided by seasoned experts, you'll explore diverse ecosystems, encounter abundant wildlife, and witness one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.
Why Choose This Safari?
This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking an authentic and intimate safari experience, combining adventure with comfort. Highlights include:
- Expert-led walking safaris and game drives in Mana Pools National Park.
- Opportunities for wildlife photography with guidance from a professional photographer.
- A scenic boat transfer on the Zambezi River.
- A stay at the luxurious Palm River Hotel near Victoria Falls.
- Optional activities at Victoria Falls, including guided tours, sunset cruises, and cultural experiences.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Lusaka, Zambia
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Lusaka to the Zambezi River, crossing into Zimbabwe at Chirundu. From there, enjoy a boat transfer along the Zambezi to Camp Mana, your home for the next seven nights. Settle into your tented accommodation and savor your first African sunset over the river.
Days 2 – 7: Exploring Mana Pools National Park
Over the next six days, immerse yourself in the diverse habitats of Mana Pools. Participate in morning and afternoon activities, including guided walking safaris, game drives, and canoeing on the Zambezi. Led by expert guide Steve Bolnick and award-winning photographer Neville Jones, you'll have the opportunity to track wildlife on foot and capture stunning photographs of the park's inhabitants. Afternoons offer leisure time to relax at camp, followed by evening sundowners and dinners under the stars.
Day 8: Transfer to Victoria Falls
After a final morning safari, depart Mana Pools via a scenic drive to the airstrip, followed by a charter flight to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival, transfer to the Palm River Hotel, a luxurious retreat situated along the Zambezi River. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the hotel's amenities.
Days 9 – 10: Discovering Victoria Falls
Spend two days exploring the wonders of Victoria Falls. Recommended activities include a guided tour of the falls, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, and optional adventure pursuits such as white-water rafting or a helicopter flight over the falls. Cultural experiences, such as village visits or attending a traditional Boma dinner and drum show, are also available.
Day 11: Departure
Conclude your safari with a transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport for your onward journey, carrying with you memories of an extraordinary African adventure.
Rates & Availability
Starting from USD 9,264 per person sharing, subject to availability.
Inclusions
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
- Bed & breakfast in hotels; full board in safari camp.
- Two safari activities daily in Mana Pools.
- Airport and road transfers as outlined.
- Boat transfer from Chirundu to Mana Pools.
- Charter flight from Mana Pools to Victoria Falls.
Exclusions
- International flights (except charter flight from Mana Pools to Victoria Falls).
- Lunch and dinner in hotels.
- Activities at Victoria Falls.
- Visa and passport fees.
- Personal expenses and gratuities.
Enquire Now to Secure Your Safari Adventure
Experience the unparalleled beauty and wildlife of Zimbabwe with this exclusive itinerary. Contact us today to reserve your spot on this unforgettable safari journey.
Gallery
Mana Pools and Vic Falls guided wildlife safari
Day 1 - 21AUG2025
Lusaka to Mana PoolsThe Adventure Begins!
The day you've been waiting for is finally here.
Our journey begins at 10:00 with a scenic 3-hour drive from Lusaka, Zambia to the boat station on the banks of the Zambezi River, crossing the border into Zimbabwe at Chirundu. This is no ordinary drive—the landscapes will shift as we move from the bustling roads of Lusaka to the untamed beauty of the African wilderness. Along the way, keep an eye out for glimpses of local life, wildlife, and the dramatic views of the Zambezi Valley as we approach the river.
Upon reaching the Zambezi, we’ll trade the road for the water, boarding a boat for an unforgettable cruise along the river. This part of the journey is sure to captivate you, as the river is teeming with life—watch for elephants along the banks, hippos wallowing in the shallows, and birds soaring overhead. The Zambezi River, with its slow, steady current and wild beauty, is the perfect introduction to the safari experience awaiting you at camp.
By the time we arrive at camp, you'll have the chance to settle in and become familiar with your new surroundings. This is your home for the next leg of the journey—a peaceful retreat nestled along the river’s edge, offering a front-row seat to the raw beauty of the Zambezi.
As the day draws to a close, we’ll gather for sundowners, one of the most cherished traditions of any African safari. Sip on a cool drink as the sun dips below the horizon, casting its golden glow across the river and painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink. It’s the perfect way to end your first day in the wild, setting the stage for the incredible days of adventure ahead.
Days 2 - 7 22AUG2025 to 27AUG2025
Camp ManaWelcome to the Heart of Africa
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for—a chance to sync with the unique rhythm of Africa. Rise early to witness the sun gently peeking over the Zambezi, lighting up your tent. If you prefer, wake a little earlier and join the rest of the team in the Bedouin-style mess tent for a fresh coffee and light snack as you welcome the sunrise together. After this daily ritual, it's time to embark on your morning safari adventure.
The camp is ideally situated, with a diverse range of ecologies within easy reach: riverfront floodplains, permanent and seasonal lakes, expansive plains, albida woodlands, and mopane forests, to name a few. You’ll have the chance to explore these unique habitats from the comfort of an open game-viewing vehicle.
Camp Mana is renowned for its walking safaris—an experience that has become rare, requiring the expertise of highly trained guides like Steve Bolnick, the camp's owner. Here, walking safaris are a staple, and while participation is optional, most guests find themselves eager to experience more.
After your morning adventure, we return to camp just in time for a delicious brunch.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy. You might dive into a book, catch up on your journal, or simply relax in front of your tent, gazing out over the Zambezi. Time here is the ultimate luxury—so take it all in.
As the day continues, you have a variety of options for your afternoon activity. Perhaps you'll opt for another game drive, or take a safari walk. For a more serene experience, why not paddle quietly down the Zambezi in a canoe?
Then comes the cherished "sundowner" tradition—a time to find a beautiful spot, enjoy a drink, and bid farewell to the day as the sun dips below the horizon.
Back at camp, dinner awaits, followed by stories and a nightcap around the fire with old friends and new.
Day 8 28AUG2025
Mana Pools to Victoria FallsJourney to Victoria Falls
After a peaceful morning at Camp Mana, it’s time to embark on a scenic journey through the heart of the National Park. Enjoy a leisurely drive as we wind our way from camp to the nearby airstrip, allowing us to savor the final moments of Mana Pools' stunning landscapes. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way—you never know what you might encounter as the bush comes to life in the early hours of the day.
Once at the airstrip, we board a charter flight bound for one of the most iconic natural wonders of the world: Victoria Falls. As the plane ascends, you'll see the vast wilderness of the Zambezi Valley unfold beneath you, a perfect bird’s-eye view of this beautiful, remote region. The short flight offers breathtaking views of the landscape, eventually revealing the mighty Zambezi River as it cascades over the edge of Victoria Falls in a breathtaking plume of mist.
Upon arrival at the Victoria Falls airport, a comfortable road transfer will take you to the Palm River Hotel, your serene oasis along the Zambezi. This boutique hotel combines modern elegance with the timeless beauty of Africa, nestled under the shade of palm trees just a short distance from the Falls themselves.
Once settled in, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax. Take a refreshing dip in the hotel’s pool or enjoy a cool drink on the terrace overlooking the tranquil river. The Palm River Hotel offers a peaceful retreat, perfect for unwinding after the wild adventures of Mana Pools. If you're feeling more energetic, take a stroll around the lush gardens or simply take in the stunning views of the river.
The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure—perhaps indulge in a fine meal at the hotel’s restaurant, or simply let the sounds of the Zambezi lull you into a state of pure relaxation as you prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Days 9 - 10 29AUG2025 to 30AUG2025
Victoria FallsRecommended itinerary (costs not included in the Price)
Day 1: Exploring the Natural Wonders of Victoria Falls
Morning: Guided Tour of Victoria Falls Start your day with one of the highlights of the trip—a guided tour of Victoria Falls, also known locally as "Mosi-oa-Tunya," or "The Smoke that Thunders." As you approach, the sheer power of the falls becomes apparent, with the sound of crashing water growing louder. Your guide will lead you through lush rainforest paths, stopping at various viewpoints along the way, where you'll witness the full majesty of the falls from different angles. The mist rising from the falls creates rainbows that add to the magic of this natural wonder. The tour provides fascinating insights into the geological and cultural history of the falls, giving you a deeper appreciation of the site.
Midday: Lunch Overlooking the Zambezi After an awe-inspiring morning, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the Zambezi River. The scenic views and the sound of the river flowing by create a serene ambiance, allowing you to relax and take in your surroundings.
Afternoon: Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River In the late afternoon, embark on a tranquil sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. As the boat drifts downstream, you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along the riverbanks. Sip on refreshments and watch the sky transform into vibrant hues of orange, pink, and gold as the sun sets over the African landscape. This is a perfect time to unwind and reflect on the beauty of the day, with the peaceful rhythm of the river setting the tone for a memorable evening.
Evening: Dinner at the Palm River Hotel End the day with a delicious dinner at the Palm River Hotel. The hotel’s restaurant offers a variety of fine dishes, blending local flavors with international cuisine. Whether dining indoors or under the stars, this evening promises a perfect close to your first full day in Victoria Falls.
Day 2: Adventure and Culture in Victoria Falls
Morning: Adventure Activities (Choose Your Thrill!) Victoria Falls is known for its adventurous side, and today is your chance to dive into some of the exhilarating activities available:
- White Water Rafting: If you’re up for some thrilling river action, embark on a white-water rafting adventure along the Zambezi. Renowned for its exciting rapids, this stretch of river offers both heart-pounding excitement and breathtaking scenery.
- Flight of Angels Helicopter Ride: For a different perspective, take to the skies with a helicopter ride over the falls. Known as the "Flight of Angels," this ride offers stunning aerial views of the falls and the surrounding landscapes, giving you a sense of the scale and beauty of the area.
Midday: Lunch in Victoria Falls Town After a morning filled with adventure, refuel with lunch in Victoria Falls Town. There are several charming cafés and restaurants offering a range of options, from local Zambian cuisine to international favorites. This is also a great opportunity to explore the town, visit craft markets, and pick up unique souvenirs.
Afternoon: Visit to a Local Village or the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture or engage with wildlife conservation efforts:
- Cultural Village Tour: Take a guided tour of a local village, where you can meet the residents, learn about their daily life, and experience their traditions. This enriching experience gives you an authentic glimpse into Zambian culture, with opportunities to interact with villagers, see traditional homes, and even participate in activities such as weaving or cooking.
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust: If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation, visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. This center focuses on the rehabilitation and protection of local wildlife, offering insights into the ongoing efforts to conserve endangered species in the region. You may have the chance to see rescued animals and learn about the important work being done to protect Africa's wildlife.
Evening: Boma Dinner & Drum Show Wrap up your stay in Victoria Falls with a unique cultural experience—a traditional Boma dinner and drum show. Held at the famous Boma restaurant, this evening is a vibrant celebration of African culture. You’ll be treated to a feast of local dishes, including game meats and Zambian delicacies. As you dine, enjoy live performances by traditional dancers and drummers, and even take part in the drumming session yourself. It’s a lively and festive way to end your time in Victoria Falls, filled with music, dancing, and delicious food.
Rates
From AUD15172 per person sharing, or From USD9264 per person sharing
Includes
- Accommodation on the basis indicated in this itinerary
- Bed & Breakfast in Hotels
- Full board basis in Safari Camp
- Two safari activities daily, subject to arrival/departure times
- Airport transfers in the itinerary
- Road transfer to Chirundu boat station
- Boat transfer from Chirundu to Mana Pools
- Charter flight from Mana Pools to Victoria Falls
Excludes
- All flights except the charter flight from Mana Pools to Victoria Falls
- Lunch and dinner in hotels
- All activities at Victoria Falls
- Any activity marked Optional, Recommended or Information
- Cost of visas and passports
- Anything not mentioned in this itinerary
- All items of a personal nature
- Tips and Gratuities
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