Zimbabwe's Hidden Gems Wildlife Safari

Welcome to Zimbabwe! After you touch down at Victoria Falls International Airport, a driver will meet you for a road transfer to the tropical grounds of Bayete Lodge. With two nights here, you have the afternoon and a full day to explore and experience Africa's Adventure Capital. Settle into your comfortable room before heading out to a restaurant in town for some lunch. We suggest The Lookout Café, with its sweeping views of the Batoka Gorge and rushing rapids below.

However you decide to spend your time, be sure to include a tour of the Falls themselves. To get a different perspective, take a scenic helicopter or microlight flight for a bird's-eye view. For the more daring travellers, there is bungee jumping, zip lining, or white-water rafting on some grade five rapids, depending on water levels.

To experience the splendour of Victoria Falls at a slower pace, float along the great Zambezi on a sunset river cruise. Head to a local craft market to for a memento from a local crafter and pop in at the Victoria Falls Hotel for a traditional high tea. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or prefer a calmer approach, Victoria Falls has something for everyone.

Fuel up for the start of your safari with a fresh breakfast at Bayete before your road transfer back to Victoria Falls Airport. A short flight over rural Zimbabwe brings you to Camp Hwange in Hwange National Park. The largest and best known of Zimbabwe's national parks with an impressive 30 000-strong elephant population.

With Camp Hwange's setting in a private concession, you can expect flexibility and privacy during your safari activities. Go out on night drives to experience the fascinating nocturnal life of African fauna. Your guide can track animals off-road for more rewarding sightings and you can enjoy guided walks in the conservancy. To top it off, Zimbabwe has some of the most passionate and knowledgeable safari guides in Africa. That, combined with the plethora of wildlife in Hwange, will ensure you have an extraordinary experience.

Your typical day on safari is activated by a steaming cup of fresh coffee and a snack before setting out for the morning. On a welcome pit stop while out you are treated to a selection of breakfast snacks and another hot drink to keep you going until you get back to camp for brunch. Afternoon tea is usually served around 3pm after which your afternoon activity begins. This includes a selection of sweet and savoury eats and your choice of cold drink. On return from your evening out, wind down with a drink around the campfire before a delicious family-style dinner.

After a last morning and hearty breakfast in Hwange, head back to the airstrip. Another light aircraft flight takes you north to the 'golden child’ of the Zambezi Valley, Mana Pools National Park. In this water-abundant reserve, you'll be staying at the rustic but rewarding John's Camp.

Nestled under a sprawling canopy of trees and boasting sensational views of game-rich Zambezi floodplains, this authentic tented camp is superbly positioned for a truly gratifying safari. Settle into your large, comfortably furnished tent, complete with solar lighting and an en-suite bathroom. Before you know it, it will be time to head out on a game drive to explore the reserve and spot some of the many species thriving in Mana Pools.

Aside from game drives, Mana Pools is the only wild walking National Park in Africa. This means walking is permitted throughout the park. With your skilled Zimbabwean guides, the walking safaris promise to be exciting and insightful. Besides tracking wildlife on foot, you can experience the smaller wonders of the bushveld up close, or learn how native flora is used medicinally. When not out exploring the park, let the friendly staff at camp ensure you have a relaxing spot to take in the wilderness ambiance with a refreshing drink in hand.

It's time to slow the pace and enjoy the splendour of Lake Kariba. This incredible body of water is the world's largest constructed lake by volume and spans the Zimbabwean-Zambian border. To get there, you fly from Mana Pools to Fothergill airstrip where your guide will collect you and take you to your next camp—Fothergill Island. This oasis combines rich culture, colourful history and unique safari experiences. A beautiful way to conclude your Zimbabwean odyssey.

Settle into your thoughtfully furnished suite, designed to blend the interior with outdoor elements of the surrounding wilderness, with pops of colour to signify Zimbabwe's colourful culture. Take in beautiful views of the floodplain and lake beyond and keep an eye out for a passing herd of elephant, buffalo or antelope. The perfect armchair safari, you can do some game viewing from the comfort of your spacious deck, private plunge pool or cushioned loungers in your private sala.

Fothergill Island's idyllic location on Lake Kariba makes it a magical location to experience some exceptional game viewing but also some unusual activities. The safari adventures on offer include nature walks, fly-fishing, archery, boating safaris and tranquil sunset boat cruises. After each day out, you'll come back to camp in the evenings to the friendly faces of the staff.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. After a last scrumptious breakfast, soak in the view of the lake vista. A quick drive back to the airstrip and a flight to Victoria Falls International Airport starts the journey back home.