Zimbabwe Victoria Falls & Hwange Private Safari Tour
From Thundering Falls to Thrilling Game Drives
Experience Zimbabwe's diverse wilderness on this thrilling safari adventure. Marvel at Victoria Falls, the world's largest sheet of cascading water, and cruise the Zambezi at sunset! Venture past the waterholes and grassy pans of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest game reserve. See spectacular wildlife, including magnificent buffalo and elephant herds, boarding the Elephant Express for a unique game-viewing experience by train. Participate in a ground-breaking rhino community conservation project, visit local villages, spot beautiful bird species, and unwind at authentic remote lodges with delicious meals.
Experience Zimbabwe's diverse wilderness on this thrilling safari adventure. Marvel at Victoria Falls, the world's largest sheet of cascading water, and cruise the Zambezi at sunset! Venture past the waterholes and grassy pans of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest game reserve. See spectacular wildlife, including magnificent buffalo and elephant herds, boarding the Elephant Express for a unique game-viewing experience by train. Participate in a ground-breaking rhino community conservation project, visit local villages, spot beautiful bird species, and unwind at authentic remote lodges with delicious meals.
We are proud to support the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative to help benefit the communities and wildlife of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. The CRCI has re-introduced rhino to this part of Zimbabwe in a highly secure and sustainable way to eventually accommodate a viable population of free roaming black and white rhino.
Be awe-inspired by Victoria Falls and discover Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe's largest game reserve
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Get up close to wildlife on game drives, bush walks, mountain bikes, canoes, and by rail
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Sip sundowners with herds of elephants and sleep out under starry African skies in a canopied bed
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[HighlightText] => We are proud to support the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative to help benefit the communities and wildlife of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. The CRCI has re-introduced rhino to this part of Zimbabwe in a highly secure and sustainable way to eventually accommodate a viable population of free roaming black and white rhino.
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Highlights
Be awe-inspired by Victoria Falls and discover Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe's largest game reserve
Get up close to wildlife on game drives, bush walks, mountain bikes, canoes, and by rail
Sip sundowners with herds of elephants and sleep out under starry African skies in a canopied bed
Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport, meet up with your MT Sobek guide, and transfer to your comfortable accommodation. In the late afternoon, soak up the splendor of the Zambezi on a memorable sunset cruise, watching for surfacing hippos and crocodiles sliding off the riverbanks. Gourmet snacks, wines, and spirits are served onboard the custom-built boat as you glide down the iconic river. After your cruise, transfer from the jetty back to your lodge. Dinner is on your own this evening, either at the lodge or at a local restaurant in Victoria Falls.
Accommodation: Batonka Guest Lodge
Transportation: 45-minute private transfer, sunset cruise with transfers
Walk in Zambezi National Park & Experience Victoria Falls
Day 2
Begin the day at dawn, walking through the awakening bush in Victoria Falls National Park. Led by your expert professional guide, get a close-up look at the African wilderness, discovering the flora, fauna and intricate ecosystems influenced by the massive cascade of Victoria Falls. The distance of the walk is determined by you and is based entirely on your interests. Enjoy a leisurely picnic brunch in a scenic spot within the national park before taking in awe-inspiring Victoria Falls itself, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Forming a natural border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, this cascading sheet of water is known as "The Smoke That Thunders." Your afternoon is free to relax or further explore the astounding falls. You may opt to see the falls from a different perspective on a scenic helicopter ride (at extra cost). Dinner is at your leisure at the lodge or one of the eateries in town.
Accommodation: Batonka Guest Lodge
Activity: Early morning walk, 2-hour private tour of the falls, optional helicopter flight
Meals: Lunch
Ride the Elephant Express to Hwange & Take a Game Drive
Day 3
Get an early start by vehicle to the Dete Railroad station on the edge of Hwange National Park. Here you'll board a one-of-a-kind game viewing train, the Elephant Express! Specially designed for safaris with a knowledgeable guide on board, the single-car train has open sides and wide aisles, offering panoramic views of the savannah and wildlife. Enjoy a light lunch onboard as you look out for an array of plains inhabitants including wildebeest, buffalo, kudu, waterbuck, and sable—and lions and cheetahs on the prowl! After your adventure, settle into your camp, where you may observe wildlife roaming past as you prepare for a late-afternoon game drive watching for Hwange's famed elephant herds, wild dogs, and big cats. Sip a sundowner as you enjoy the scenery before dining under African skies.
Take a Walking Safari in Hwange & Visit Local Villages
Day 4
Wake for a remote bush walk with your expert guide, who will provide fascinating insights into Hwange's circle of life as you stride through Hwange National Park, always on the lookout for interesting wildlife, large and small. Visit some of the villages bordering Hwange National Park on an exploration of community-based tourism, a sustainable livelihood for these communities. Meet with local leaders to learn more about typical Zimbabwean village life and even take part in community activities such as painting classroom murals, collecting firewood, or playing soccer with school kids (when school is in session). Have a look at the social enterprise handicrafts produced in these villages and perhaps purchase a souvenir to help support the community. Return to your camp in the afternoon for relaxation and a delicious dinner.
Meet Rhinos with an Anti-Poaching Unit & Afternoon Game Drive
Day 5
Today you'll become involved in one of the biggest conservation wins in Hwange, the re-introduction of rhino to the area. Start with a behind-the-scenes experience at the Cobras Community Wildlife Protection Unit basecamp. Here you'll learn from them about their anti-poaching efforts to protect rhinos and work with local communities to alleviate human-wildlife tensions. You will hear about the ground-breaking Community Rhino Conservation Initiative which pairs the re-introduction of rhinos with socio-economic benefits for local communities, fostering sustainable growth. Then you'll join the Cobras on foot or by vehicle to meet some of the white rhinos who now call Hwange home! There will be lots of photo opportunities and quality time to watch and enjoy the rhinos in their natural environment on the Ngamo plains; how close you will be able to get to the rhino will be subject to conditions on the ground. This afternoon, enjoy a game drive through the bush with your expert guide, spotting some of the many species who inhabit the area.
Activity: Rhino re-introduction and conservation talk, rhino viewing, game drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Remote Hwange & Jozibanini Camp
Day 6
Board a bush flight from Bomani to the exclusive Jozibanini Camp, situated in the remote southwest corner of Hwange National Park. Flying low over the savannah, delight in getting a bird's eye view of this vast and wild expanse of untamed land and try to spot wildlife from the air. Arriving at your five-tent camp, enjoy lunch and settle into the wild. Decide with the camp guide how you would like to explore—by vehicle, on foot, or simply watching wildlife gather to drink at a nearby waterhole from the cool interior of a sunken hide. Whichever you choose you are likely to see Hwange's prolific elephants along with other interesting sightings. Spend the afternoon exploring your surroundings with an expert guide. This evening savor a dinner under the stars before settling in your tent and drifting off to sleep to the sounds of the bush.
Accommodation: Jozibanini Camp-Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Activity: Choice of game drive, walking, or hide sit
Transportation: Light aircraft transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mountain Bike & Walk in Hwange
Day 7
Get ready for a safari on two wheels and two feet. After breakfast, grab a mountain bike to cycle along paths forged by elephants, known as “ecological engineers,” because they clear the way for flora and fauna to flourish. Combine this with a bush walk for a slower pace and closer look at wildlife connections such as dung beetles and acacia trees. If you want to skip biking, just head out for a bush walk or a game drive instead—the choice is yours! If you chose to bike, fuel up for the return ride with a shaded picnic lunch. This afternoon, head out game viewing by vehicle and take advantage of amazing photo opportunities of the wildlife at Jozibanini's waterhole hide. Don't miss the opportunity to sleep outdoors in your “star bed” under southern hemisphere skies.
Accommodation: Jozibanini Camp-Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Activity: 2-3 hours biking/walking, game drive and hide sit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the Elephant Pool at Nehimba
Day 8
Leaving the remote wilderness of Jozibanini by air, your destination is Nehimba Lodge, located in a massive private concession in the game-rich northern region of Hwange. Land at the Shumba Airstrip, then board the camp's specially modified safari vehicles, designed for ideal wildlife viewing and photography access, for a drive to your comfortable nine-tent camp. Nehimba is well-known for having the best waterhole in Hwange as the elephants that frequent it will testify! The pool is adjacent to camp so wildlife viewing frequently happens right from the deck. Located on the edge of mopane woodlands with the Kalahari sandveld to the west, the area is known for its elephant-hunting lions, as well as an array of species such as leopard, buffalo, and hyena. Activities include classic daytime game drives, exciting night drives to spot nocturnal wildlife, and walking safaris, all accompanied by professional guides who share their expertise along the way.
Accommodation: Nehimba Lodge
Activity: 3-4 hours game drive
Transportation: 40-minute flight transfer; 20-minute vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover More of Hwange's Many Wonders
Day 9
Enjoy an early morning tea or coffee on your private deck followed by a hearty breakfast. Then set out for a morning game drive exploring the dams (lakes) of Northern Hwange, which attract wildlife, particularly in the dry season. Your expert guide will be on the lookout for interesting sightings and tell you about the ecosystems you are passing through. Mandavu Dam is situated in a scenic hilly spot and is a wonderful location for both bird watching and game viewing, including many crocodiles and large pods of hippo, and it's here that you'll pause for a memorable picnic lunch. In the late afternoon head back towards the lodge. Stop for sundowners in a picturesque location along the way, then continue your safari as dusk turns to night. Filtered spotlights are used to pick out the various nocturnal species that can be found such as hyena, porcupines, civets, genet cats, and if you're lucky, perhaps even a leopard on hunt! Arrive back at the lodge for dinner and a good night's rest as the shuffle of elephants lulls you to sleep.
Accommodation: Nehimba Lodge
Activity: Day and night game drives
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Hwange on Foot
Day 10
Get close to nature on a thrilling walking safari. Learn how to track Nehimba's diverse wildlife and learn about the surrounding vegetation, including beautiful mopane woodlands, with your expert guides. Keep an eye out for bird life and insects while enjoying the fresh air and subtle scents of the wild. Break for a picnic lunch surrounded by nature before strolling back towards the lodge. Soak in the richness of this special private concession and reflect on all you have seen and experienced in the African wilderness. Later this evening, follow your guide to the Nehimba viewing platform. Situated close to camp, this lovely platform is the perfect spot to marvel at the splendor of an African sunset, providing an ideal backdrop to the abundance of wildlife that sip from the nearby waterhole—the perfect way to cap off your safari.
Accommodation: Nehimba Lodge
Activity: 3-4 hour walk, platform game viewing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Victoria Falls & Depart Zimbabwe
Day 11
Take in the final sights and sounds of the African bush this morning before you pack up and return to the Shumba Airstrip. Board your flight to the Victoria Falls Airport, where you will make your onward connections on your homeward bound journey or begin your safari extension.
MT Sobek has been operating adventures in Africa for over 50 years, scouting unique experiences at excellent camps in private concessions.
This perfectly paced adventure includes highlights of Zimbabwe, from Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park to the mighty Zambezi River.
Our safari adventure is led by professional local guides in partnership with Imvelo Safari Lodges and includes support of local conservation initiatives such as rhino re-introduction.
Vehicles Guests should be comfortable climbing in and out of safari vehicles at camps. While assistance is always available, safari vehicles have high clearance, and you may need to climb a short ladder or use a step ladder to get in/out of the vehicles.
Dates & Prices
Go Private
Go Custom
Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a minimum age of 7.
Private Trip Pricing: 2025
2 to 10 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Harris M.
Harris has been guiding in Zimbabwe and Mozambique since 1998 and is now based in Hwange National Park. Here, he enjoys observing one of the largest populations of elephants in Africa. On walking safaris, he shares his experience with the great variety of animals, birds, and trees found in the park. His goal is to immerse you in both wildlife and the warmth and friendliness of the Zimbabwean people.
Vusa N.
Vusa began guiding in Hwange National Park in 2012. He grew up in an adjacent village where wildlife was seen as a threat to cattle. He set out to become the first professional guide from his area, introducing a different perspective and option for village livelihood. He has a special interest in birds and is proud to show safari-goers his home village to illustrate a personal and successful conservation story.
Dean A.
A native Zimbabwean, Dean became a licensed guide in 1996. He fell in love with the Jozibanini, in the remote southwest corner of Hwange National Park—well off the beaten tourist track—when he worked there during a previous career in his twenties. After stints in more industrial fields, he followed his heart back to guiding and Hwange, where he delights in revealing the best the park has to offer.
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[Headline] => Mountain Bike & Walk in Hwange
[ActivityOverview] => 2-3 hours biking/walking, game drive and hide sit
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Get ready for a safari on two wheels and two feet. After breakfast, grab a mountain bike to cycle along paths forged by elephants, known as “ecological engineers,” because they clear the way for flora and fauna to flourish. Combine this with a bush walk for a slower pace and closer look at wildlife connections such as dung beetles and acacia trees. If you want to skip biking, just head out for a bush walk or a game drive instead—the choice is yours! If you chose to bike, fuel up for the return ride with a shaded picnic lunch. This afternoon, head out game viewing by vehicle and take advantage of amazing photo opportunities of the wildlife at Jozibanini\'s waterhole hide. Don\'t miss the opportunity to sleep outdoors in your “star bed” under southern hemisphere skies.
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[Latitude] => 18.4406 S
[Longitude] => 26.5718 E
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[Headline] => Experience the Elephant Pool at Nehimba
[ActivityOverview] => 3-4 hours game drive
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Leaving the remote wilderness of Jozibanini by air, your destination is Nehimba Lodge, located in a massive private concession in the game-rich northern region of Hwange. Land at the Shumba Airstrip, then board the camp\'s specially modified safari vehicles, designed for ideal wildlife viewing and photography access, for a drive to your comfortable nine-tent camp. Nehimba is well-known for having the best waterhole in Hwange as the elephants that frequent it will testify! The pool is adjacent to camp so wildlife viewing frequently happens right from the deck. Located on the edge of mopane woodlands with the Kalahari sandveld to the west, the area is known for its elephant-hunting lions, as well as an array of species such as leopard, buffalo, and hyena. Activities include classic daytime game drives, exciting night drives to spot nocturnal wildlife, and walking safaris, all accompanied by professional guides who share their expertise along the way.
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[Travel_Type] => 40-minute flight transfer; 20-minute vehicle transfer
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[Latitude] => 18.874 S
[Longitude] => 26.484 E
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[Headline] => Discover More of Hwange\'s Many Wonders
[ActivityOverview] => Day and night game drives
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Enjoy an early morning tea or coffee on your private deck followed by a hearty breakfast. Then set out for a morning game drive exploring the dams (lakes) of Northern Hwange, which attract wildlife, particularly in the dry season. Your expert guide will be on the lookout for interesting sightings and tell you about the ecosystems you are passing through. Mandavu Dam is situated in a scenic hilly spot and is a wonderful location for both bird watching and game viewing, including many crocodiles and large pods of hippo, and it\'s here that you\'ll pause for a memorable picnic lunch. In the late afternoon head back towards the lodge. Stop for sundowners in a picturesque location along the way, then continue your safari as dusk turns to night. Filtered spotlights are used to pick out the various nocturnal species that can be found such as hyena, porcupines, civets, genet cats, and if you\'re lucky, perhaps even a leopard on hunt! Arrive back at the lodge for dinner and a good night\'s rest as the shuffle of elephants lulls you to sleep.
Get close to nature on a thrilling walking safari. Learn how to track Nehimba\'s diverse wildlife and learn about the surrounding vegetation, including beautiful mopane woodlands, with your expert guides. Keep an eye out for bird life and insects while enjoying the fresh air and subtle scents of the wild. Break for a picnic lunch surrounded by nature before strolling back towards the lodge. Soak in the richness of this special private concession and reflect on all you have seen and experienced in the African wilderness. Later this evening, follow your guide to the Nehimba viewing platform. Situated close to camp, this lovely platform is the perfect spot to marvel at the splendor of an African sunset, providing an ideal backdrop to the abundance of wildlife that sip from the nearby waterhole—the perfect way to cap off your safari.
Take in the final sights and sounds of the African bush this morning before you pack up and return to the Shumba Airstrip. Board your flight to the Victoria Falls Airport, where you will make your onward connections on your homeward bound journey or begin your safari extension.
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[ActivityHighlight] => This trip includes game viewing by 4x4 vehicles and an open-air train, guided bush walks, meeting locals, an optional bike ride, and optional helicopter flight.
[Trip_Level] => 2
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. This trip includes game viewing by 4x4 vehicles and an open-air train, guided bush walks, meeting locals, an optional bike ride, and optional helicopter flight. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
Early morning walk, 2-hour private tour of the falls, optional helicopter flight
Day 3
Game drive
Day 4
Bush walk, Cultural connections
Day 5
Rhino re-introduction and conservation talk, rhino viewing, game drive
Day 6
Choice of game drive, walking, or hide sit
Day 7
2-3 hours biking/walking, game drive and hide sit
Day 8
3-4 hours game drive
Day 9
Day and night game drives
Day 10
3-4 hour walk, platform game viewing
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Comfortable and authentic lodges and camps, located in scenic private concessions and surrounded by majestic wildlife.
This charming camp is located in a private concession bordering Hwange's southeastern corner, where wetlands and savannah support an abundance of wildlife. Experience the thrill of the wild in one of the camp's elegant tents with waterhole or grassland views. Admire the vistas with your group in the dining area, lounge, bar and viewing deck or take a dip in the splash pool. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks around the fire pit and delicious candlelit dinners.
Nestled in the remote southwestern region of Hwange National Park, Jozibanini is an exclusive wilderness camp where guests game-watch and dine out under the African sky. Beneath shepherd and camelthorn trees, tents are elevated on wooden decks with mosquito nets, en-suite toilets, and bucket showers. Open-topped verandas invite guests to sleep out under the stars.
Located in the southeastern corner of Hwange National Park, Camelthorn Lodge boasts as its centerpiece a huge ancient Camelthorn tree that spans a 35-metre outdoor dining area. The lodge's eight luxurious forest villas each include en-suite baths, feature a window overlooking the woodlands, ground level deck and upstairs maisonette with hammock. Less than a kilometer away is an underground hide, perfectly located in view of a beautiful waterhole where Hwange's elephants frolic.
Batonka Guest lodge is a quiet oasis, just over a mile from the mighty Victoria Falls. Set in lush gardens, the main lodge offers indoor and outdoor dining, a cozy lounge, and beautiful verandah opening out onto the surrounding gardens. Its 27 pool- or garden-view rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities, and have both contemporary features and colonial touches. There are two pools at Batonka and an excellent onsite restaurant.
Feel at home in the heart of the wild at Nehimba Lodge, a charming camp on the edge of mopane woodland. Enjoy a deluxe stay in one of its nine chalet-style safari tents, built on teak decks with thatched roofs and complete with a private balcony, en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, and hot running water (the camp is fully solar). See elephants drink at the waterhole from the traditional open-fronted main lodge and indulge in fresh, delicious fare in the dining area.
Weather
The weather is pleasant throughout the year with warm/hot days and cooler nights. May to August can be chilly at night and in the early morning.
Jun
Sep
Oct
Hwange National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Hwange National Park
77
43
90
57
93
64
Victoria Falls
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Victoria Falls
77
45
90
57
93
64
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Our representative will meet you in the arrivals hall after you have proceeded immigration, luggage collection and customs on your own. Look for your MT Sobek representative holding a signboard bearing your name(s).
Is it safe to travel in Zimbabwe?
Yes. Petty theft does happen in the cities so take care to not display any valuables and it's important to be sensible in wilderness areas around wildlife. While on safari, your guide is an expert on wildlife and takes your safety very seriously so you must follow their directions.
What is a typical day like on a safari?
There are usually two game drives or walks each day with one in the morning lasting around three to five hours and one in the late afternoon lasting about three hours.
Do I need to worry about malaria or other health concerns?
We always recommend you speak to your doctor or a health professional about vaccinations and malaria tablets well in advance of your safari. At present, certain areas of Zimbabwe are affected by malaria.
What are the biking and walking conditions like?
The biking and walking will be on flat trails along inter-dune troughs.
What game can I expect to see on this trip?
The areas that you will visit are famous for large populations of elephants, cheetahs, lions and wild dogs. You may also encounter sables, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, hippos and a variety of birdlife.
Does this trip contribute to any local conservation efforts?
Yes! Each group has an opportunity to participate in a pump-run to help borehole water pump attendants. To date, this initiative's 19 boreholes inside Hwange National Park pump 700,000 liters of water and help sustain 20-25% of its wildlife.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
This trip is great for all ages and the standard minimum age is 7.
"Great experience every time with some of the most knowledgeable guides in their fields. We always come home with wonderful memories of the people we meet and things we see."
Bob J. MT Sobek Guest
"We have traveled throughout the world, but never experienced a level of service and attention to detail as we did with MT Sobek."