This concise 5-day Zimbabwean safari offers participants an exploration of Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, providing opportunities for natural wonder appreciation, wildlife viewing, and cultural interactions.
Duration: 5 Days
Places to Visit: Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park
Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Victoria Falls
Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport and transfer to Victoria Falls Town. The town, with a population of about 33,000, serves as the gateway to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Visit the Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The falls are 1.7 km wide and drop 108 meters into the Zambezi Gorge. The local Tonga name for the falls is “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” meaning “The Smoke that Thunders.” Explore the Victoria Falls Rainforest, home to unique plant species adapted to the constant spray from the falls. Learn about the geological history of the falls and how they’ve shaped the surrounding landscape over millennia.
Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The Zambezi is the fourth-longest river in Africa, flowing through six countries before reaching the Indian Ocean. Visit the Victoria Falls Bridge, built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes’ vision for a Cape-to-Cairo railway. The bridge offers views of the falls and the opportunity to learn about the region’s colonial history. Take a cultural tour of a nearby village to learn about Zimbabwean traditions. Participate in activities like traditional cooking, pottery making, or dance performances. Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about conservation efforts in the area. The trust works on various projects, including anti-poaching initiatives and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Hotel or similar (2 nights)
Day 3-4: Victoria Falls – Hwange National Park
Drive to Hwange National Park (approximately 3 hours), Zimbabwe’s largest national park covering 14,651 square kilometers. Spend two days exploring Hwange’s diverse habitats, from teak forests to open savannah. The park is home to over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species. Take game drives to observe Hwange’s famous elephant herds. The park has one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, with over 40,000 individuals. Visit the Painted Dog Conservation Center to learn about efforts to protect the endangered African wild dog. Hwange is a stronghold for this species.
Learn about the San Bushmen’s historical presence in the Hwange area and their traditional hunting techniques. Participate in a night drive to observe nocturnal animals and learn about celestial navigation techniques used by local guides. Visit a local school supported by tourism to understand educational initiatives in rural Zimbabwe. Take a guided walk with a professional ranger to learn about the smaller aspects of the ecosystem, including insects, plants, and animal tracking techniques.
Accommodation: The Hide or similar (2 nights)
Day 5: Hwange National Park – Victoria Falls
Take a final morning game drive in Hwange National Park, focusing on areas known for predator sightings. Drive back to Victoria Falls Town (approximately 3 hours). Visit the Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Artist Village, where local artisans showcase their crafts. This provides an opportunity to support local communities and learn about traditional Zimbabwean art forms. Learn about the Tonga people, who have lived along the Zambezi for centuries, and their traditional fishing methods. Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Zimbabwean cuisine, such as sadza (maize meal porridge) and nyama (meat stew), while listening to local musicians perform.
Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for departure, concluding the safari.