14 Days Private Zimbabwe Camping Safari
14 Days Private Zimbabwe Camping Safari
Exclusivity is perhaps one of the most rewarding features about our camping safaris in Zimbabwe. You can truly get away from the safari crowds and be free to enjoy each day in the wild just as you wish. With the dedicated service of a professional guide to host you, a private game drive vehicle at your disposal, as well as experienced and friendly camp staff to focus their time and attention on just YOU, the camping safari is truly your own!
Some of our guests like to walk in the wild, and will gladly walk 15km each day. Others do not wish to walk at all. We believe that the freedom to choose how you spend your day will enhance your safari experience and maximize your special holiday in the bush. For this reason, guests are invited to choose as much or as little walking/ game driving / relaxing in camp as they wish. Nothing is compulsory and all drives and walks are tailored to guest preference.
Safari highlights
- Victoria falls
- Hwange national park
- Lake Kariba ferry
- Mana pools
Detailed safari itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Victoria Falls airport and transfer to your guest house for preparation
Upon arrival at Victoria Falls airport your guide for the camping safari will pick you up and transfer you to the guest where you will go through the camping gear and later head in to town for shopping and relaxation.
Day 2: Full day hiking and exploration of Victoria Falls
After morning breakfast at your lodge you will be received by our guide and transfer to the starting point for your Victoria Falls hiking tour, here you will meet the local guides and visit several view points of the falls and after you will enjoy lunch in town and do more shopping after which you will return to the guest house for relaxation and overnight.
Day 3: Depart Victoria falls for Hwange National Park
With Stocked up groceries, fuel and water tanks in Vic Falls before you head off through the Matetsi safari area to Robins. The camp has been renovated to pristine condition and you will camp in a very well equipped campsite with excellent facilities. You can either cook for yourself or eat at the camp restaurant.
Take a game drive or relax around the pool in this historic and iconic Hwange camp and watch animals drink from the flood-lit water hole.
Day 4: Full day game drives in Hwange national park
After lovely night in your tent you will enjoy breakfast at your campsite and head out for a game drive in the park this game drive will give you an opportunity to encounter African wildlife in this true Zimbabwean wildlife sanctuary some of the wildlife to look out for include elephants, Rhinos, buffalos, Leopard, lions, giraffe and Zebras and later return to the lodge for relaxation and later in the evening you will again head out for yet another game drive in search of more wildlife and birds.
Day 5: Walking safari and game drives in the park
After early morning breakfast you will meet up with the armed ranger guides for a morning walking safari in the park, this walk will give you the true african experience on encountering big game on foot like elephants, lions, Buffalo and many other species after you will continue game driving in the park as you explore the vast fauna and flora in the park some of the wildlife you will be looking out for include the big five of Lion, Leopard, elephant, buffalo and Rhinos.
Day 6: Drive from Hwange National Park to Sikumi Forest
Today you will drive through the rest of Hwange National park towards the Sikumi Forest area bordering the park (un-fenced). On the way you may stop in at the Wild Dog Conservation Center and see these amazing and endangered animals up close. You will be heading for Tuskers campsite, on the edge of the park where you will camp for the night.
Day 7: Drive from Sikumi forest to Lake Kariba
After morning breakfast you will pack up the camp and depart for Sikumi forest to Mlibizi on the edge of Lake Kariba’s upper reaches through the bush. Here you will overnight at the Mlibizi Zambezi resort and can use their facilities and even take organize a guided tiger-fishing trip with them if you feel so inclined. There is a basic shop and they can arrange a cooked dinner for you if you request on arrival.
Day 8: Take the Lake Kariba ferry from Mlibizi to Kariba
The Kariba Ferry departs Mlibizi 10:30 for Kariba Town. Their experienced team will park your vehicle below-ships whilst you retire to the decks above to sip G&T and survey the 360-Degree panoramic horizons as the Ferry makes its 22-hour, 300km journey across the lake. You are served 3 meals and the experience is reminiscent of the “African Queen”. Sleep on the decks in traditional Kariba Houseboat style or in the salon on fold-down beds. The Kariba Ferry is a highlight of this trip and will never be forgotten.
Day 9: Drive from Kariba to Mana pools national park
Disembark the Ferry, resupply fuel and groceries in Kariba Town), then drive approx. 200km through Zimb parks estate to Mana Pools National Park (brake for buffalo on the highway!). Set up camp at Nyamepi Campsite (remember No Fresh Fruit allowed at Mana- Elephant will raid your camp, and keep all food in the car -away from raiding monkeys and baboons).
Set up camp in the shade of the vast trees on the banks of the lower Zambezi in this wildlife garden of Eden. Ellies will walk through camp at all hours, keep an eye out for Hippos, Buffalo, Hyenas and other wildlife on the periphery of this un-fenced campsite.
Day 10: Full day game drives in Mana pools national park
Be awakened before dawn by a cacophony of birdsong and animal noises. Make yourself a cup of coffee and watch the sunrise over the bush. Mana is about walking in the bush; we strongly suggest you take advantage of this freedom to walk that is unique to Mana Pools. Walking permits are available from Reception and we strongly recommend you opt for Guided Walking with an armed Zimparks Ranger. Zimparks Rangers are very knowledgeable and professional. We recommend you arrange a morning and late afternoon guided walk with them daily. You will not tire of walking in this paradise and the experience is so much more immersive than sitting in a car.
Day 11: Guided canoeing safari
Today, in addition to your guided walks we hope you have now arranged with Zimparks, we suggest you book a 1/2 day Zimparks-guided canoe trip on the river. These are booked at Reception and are immense fun. If you are interested in fishing, your guide will know all the best spots on the river to catch dinner.
Day 12: Drive from Nyamepi to Chitake Springs
After morning breakfast you will depart for Chitake Springs approx. 70km inland from the Zambezi River. Here the spectacular Chitake river rises out of the sand and flows on the surface for up to 1km before sinking back into the earth. This is the only source of water for miles around in mid dry-season and animals flock to Chitake to drink and hunt. The sight of 300 thirsty buffalo approaching the spring through the bush in a cloud of dust is one of Africa’s last secrets. You will camp in one of the wildest places on earth. There is no drinking water at Chitake so you have to live off the water tank on the vehicle. Spend a full day and two nights in this wild paradise.
Day 13: Depart Mana pools national park for Harare
After breakfast at Chitake, break camp for the 7-hour drive back to Harare. We suggest you leave early enough so you arrive in Harare before nightfall.
Day 14: Transfer to Harare airport and fly home
After morning breakfast your guide will transfer you to Harare Airport for your trip home.
Trip includes
- All includes for this safari package are provided upon booking this trip please contact our experts through info@wildernessexplorersafrica.com
Trip excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Zimbabwe tourist visa
- Tips for guides and camp staff
When to book this safari packages
We recommend booking this safari package 6 months to 1 year in advance to allow us secure the best campsites for your lifetime safari experience.
Best to visit Zimbabwe for camping and wildlife safaris
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is between July and October, when game viewing is at its peak. The natural waterholes in the parks dry up and huge herds congregate at the lakes, man-made waterholes and rivers.
