Explore the wilds of Zimbabwe on this active safari. Learn firsthand about the community conservation model in Hwange National Park where some 45,000 elephants roam, thanks to the guides and communities who have become stewards of this land and the wildlife. Widely regarded as the most highly trained professional safari guides in Africa, you’ll track elephants and buffalo on foot, and learn the family history of resident lions and cheetahs. The diverse habitat of grasslands and acacias supports abundant lion prides, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas. Game drives are only part of your wildlife experience. Night drives are possible, you’ll ride the Elephant Express, a private railcar that traverses a corner of the park and have the opportunity to photograph elephants from just a few feet away in a hidden blind (complete with bar and toilet). In addition to some of the best game viewing in southern Africa, you will be welcomed as guests into local schools and homes, and even given the chance to chat with a village chief.

You can also join a “pump run” accompanying Hwange guides on their maintenance rounds of pumped waterholes that sustains wildlife in the dry season. Retire each day with sundowners at your own luxuriously furnished safari villa. This Zimbabwe safari concludes on the shore of the Zambezi River in the luxurious Victoria Falls River Lodge with a guided tour of Victoria Falls and sundowner boat cruise. Ask about convenient pre or post-safari add-ons from Vic Falls to Zambia, Botswana, or South Africa.

Cost:

Hwange National Park
Look-Up Elephant Blind
Village Visit
Victoria Falls
Walking Safari

Seasonality:

Low: April
Mid (Better): May and November
High (Best): June - October

Travel Style:

Classic, Cultural, Active, Wild!