7 Days Of Livingstone, Hwange & Mana Pools

Overview

This luxury safari offers a thoughtfully paced week exploring the best of Zimbabwe’s wildlife, starting with a stay at a sophisticated tented camp on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. From here, you’ll experience not only the awe-inspiring “Smoke that Thunders,” but also the incredible game-viewing opportunities of Zimbabwe’s top national parks. Spend two nights in Hwange National Park, followed by another two at Mana Pools, the gateway to the wild lower Zambezi. The seamless flight between Hwange and Mana Pools ensures you make the most of your time in these pristine wilderness areas.

Ideal for those seeking a more intimate, crowd-free safari, this itinerary focuses on the natural beauty and abundant wildlife of the region. Enjoy a variety of activities, including a tour of Victoria Falls, game drives, river cruises, canoe safaris, and guided walks, all while staying in small, authentic camps.

Highlights & Activities

• Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Stay in intimate, authentic camps
• Discover a riverside location near Victoria Falls
• Enjoy spectacular game-viewing opportunities
• Participate in game drives, walks, and boat safaris
• Ideal for birding enthusiasts
• Fly between Hwange and Mana Pools for maximum time in the parks

Day 1-2: Experience Victoria | 2 Nights

Your adventure begins when you are greeted at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport for your road transfer to Toka Leya. Nestled on the Zambian banks of the Zambezi River within Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, this luxurious tented camp offers an idyllic setting just a short distance from Victoria Falls.

Spend two days immersing yourself in this vibrant region, renowned as Africa’s adventure capital. Optional activities (at an additional cost) include sunset cruises, helicopter flights, microlight flights, canoeing, jet boating, white-water rafting, and fishing. Alternatively, enjoy game drives, river cruises, and guided nature walks.

When you’re not out exploring, relax by the camp’s swimming pool, then unwind at the tree-canopied bar and dining area, offering spectacular views of the Zambezi River.

Day 3-4: Transfer to Linkwasha Camp | 2 Nights

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be transferred by road to Victoria Falls Airport. After clearing customs and immigration, a representative will assist you with your scheduled light aircraft flight to Hwange National Park, where you’ll be welcomed at your next destination—Linkwasha Camp.

Nestled in the prime Linkwasha Concession within Hwange, Linkwasha Camp stands out as one of Zimbabwe’s premier safari destinations, renowned for its excellent service, stunning location, and thoughtful design. The camp is committed to being eco-friendly and energy-efficient while still providing all the modern luxuries expected from a 5-star retreat.

Explore the concession on 4×4 game drives and guided walking safaris led by armed experts. The area teems with wildlife, including buffalo, elephants, and a variety of classic African species such as zebra, giraffe, and antelope. Hwange is also famed for its predators, and birdwatchers will find the rich birdlife a real highlight.

One of the camp’s standout features is its sleep-out platform, where you can spend an unforgettable night under the stars, serenaded by the sounds of the African bush. For a different perspective, enjoy the wildlife action from multiple viewing decks at the waterhole, or unwind in the lounge and bar area, or take a dip in the pool.

Day 5-6: Transfer to Ruckomechi Camp | 2 Nights

After your final breakfast at Linkwasha, you’ll be transferred by light aircraft to Ruckomechi Camp, a renowned lodge situated in the western region of Mana Pools National Park. Your last stop on this unforgettable journey is set in a tranquil grove of acacia and mahogany trees, offering stunning views of the Zambezi River and the distant mountains of the Great Rift Valley.

Each day at Ruckomechi is filled with adventure, as you embark on game walks with armed guides and thrilling game drives in 4×4 vehicles. This is prime big game territory, where you’ll encounter predators such as lion, wild dog, leopard, and cheetah, as well as buffalo along the river’s edge. The floodplains are home to kudu, zebra, impala, and waterbuck, while elephants frequently play in the waterhole in front of camp. The area is also a haven for a variety of water birds.

After an exciting day of wildlife encounters, unwind at the camp’s beautiful infinity pool or relax in the central dining, lounge, and library area, all connected to the tented rooms by charming walkways.

Day 7: Travel Back to Victoria Falls