A Luxury Zimbabwe Safari from Mana Pools to Victoria Falls

Mana Pools National Park, part of the broader Zambezi UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an unmatched, authentic Zimbabwe safari experience.

The name ‘Mana,’ meaning ‘four’ in the Shona language, refers to the park’s four ancient oxbow lagoons, shaped by the Zambezi River thousands of years ago. These lagoons are now teeming with Zimbabwe’s densest population of hippos and crocodiles and support vibrant aquatic birdlife, making Mana Pools a true haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Nestled within a lush valley on the wide Zambezi floodplain, Mana Pools is one of Southern Africa’s most untouched parks, perfect for families seeking a genuine Zimbabwean safari experience away from human development.

Over 70% of the park can be traversed on foot, with many of the lions and wild dogs accustomed to human presence, allowing for an extraordinary walking safari where visitors can encounter four of the Big Five in their natural habitat. The mighty Zambezi River is also navigable on unforgettable multi-day canoeing safaris guided by some of the finest guides in Southern Africa.

Hwange National Park has become synonymous with Zimbabwe safari and is a must-see for families seeking thrilling Big Five encounters.

As the country’s oldest and largest game reserve, this iconic park spans over 14,650 square kilometres, stretching along Zimbabwe’s western border with Botswana. This vast expanse is home to an incredible range of natural habitats, from the semi-arid scrubland near the Kalahari Desert to rolling valleys filled with mopane woodlands in the northern regions.

Known as the world’s largest waterfall thanks to its 108 m height combined with a vast 1708 m width, Victoria Falls deserves its reputation as a globally iconic destination.

At its peak, approximately 5 million cubic tonnes of water cascade over the falls every minute, creating a rising mist and resounding roar that can be seen and heard for miles around.

Commonly referred to by their Lozi name of ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ meaning ‘The Smoke That Thunders”, Victoria Falls is a bucket list destination for many and the ideal start or end to a Southern-Africa itinerary.

As well as exploring the falls, you can canoe along the Zambezi, go white water-rafting or explore the abundant wildlife on a game drive or walking safari.

Wilderness Ruckomechi is a stunning tented camp located in a private concession on the western edge of Mana Pools National Park.

This exclusive, secluded setting offers breathtaking views from the central dining and lounge area, looking out over the game-rich Zambezi River and the Rift Valley Escarpment beyond. Elephants frequently visit the camp, drawn to the pods of albida trees scattered around the decked pool area, while African wild dogs and a variety of antelope are often seen roaming the surrounding plains.

The family suites are thoughtfully designed with spacious interiors and private ensuite facilities, ensuring that both parents and children have room to relax. For families with a taste for adventure, Ruckomechi offers an array of activities that cater to all ages. Guided game drives in open Land Rovers provide the chance to spot everything from cheetahs and leopards to a remarkable variety of birdlife, including local specialties like the collared palm-thrush and racket-tailed roller.

Few places combine authentic safari adventures with understated luxury as effortlessly as Little Makalolo.

Nestled in a private concession in the secluded southeastern corner of Hwange National Park, the camp is blissfully distant from busier areas. This sandy section of the Kalahari thrives thanks to a network of underground waterholes that sustain an impressive variety of wildlife, including large predator populations.

The main lodge is set in front of a bustling waterhole, regularly visited by herds of buffalo and elephants, offering front-row views of the action from the moment you wake up. Six elegantly simple tented suites connect to the main lodge via charming teak walkways through mopane trees, each opening onto a private veranda with stunning waterhole views. Families will enjoy the spacious two-bedroom suite, a raised swimming pool and a logpile hide – an ideal spot for evening wildlife sightings.

Old Drift Lodge offers an exceptional luxury safari experience just upstream from the iconic Victoria Falls on the banks of the Zambezi River.

The stylish lodge boasts 360-degree views, with the mighty Zambezi on one side and a bustling waterhole, frequented by elephants, buffalo and herds of sable, on the other. 14 tented suites with glass sliding doors and private verandahs are dotted along the water’s edge to take full advantage of the natural beauty of the area. There are 4 spacious family suites which feature private plunge pools, indoor and outdoor showers, and separate entrances, ensuring that parents and children can both enjoy their own spaces.

Walking safaris at Wilderness Ruckomechi offer an intimate and exhilarating way to experience the untamed beauty of Mana Pools National Park.

Guided by expert guides, these treks immerse you in the sights, sounds, and scents of the African bush.

Encounter elephants, buffalo, and vibrant birdlife on foot, while learning about the delicate ecosystems that make this UNESCO World Heritage Site so unique.

Little Makalolo offers an unforgettable Big Five safari in the heart of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve.

Renowned for its thriving Big Five populations – including lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants – the park also shelters one of the largest remaining surviving group of endangered African wild dogs.

Explore diverse habitats, from open savannahs to mopane woodlands, on game drives and marvel at Hwange’s incredible biodiversity—a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

Embark on boat safaris along the Zambezi River for a unique perspective from which to enjoy Vic Falls and the surrounding wildlife.

Glide through calm waters surrounded by forested riverbanks, where hippos and crocodiles wallow and herds of ele’s come to drink.

Sunset cruises offer breathtaking views as the sky transforms with golden hues, a perfect way to end an adventurous day.