Zimbabwe's Hwange & Mana Pools Safari

Your African safari starts in Hwange National Park, the largest of Zimbabwe’s national parks. The area boasts more than 50 000 elephants and a strong population of buffalo. Visitors are also regularly treated to sightings of lions, cheetahs and leopards. In the heart of this pristine park is Somalisa Expeditions Camp, your haven for the first three nights. A 45-minute flight from Victoria Falls Airport followed by a 30-minute transfer takes you to this intimate private camp. Somalisa’s exclusivity and low footfall allow for breathtakingly close wildlife encounters – both elephants and lions can occasionally be seen wandering between the canvas tents.

Guests will have the opportunity to get even closer to the action with the camp’s nature walks. Explore the wilderness on foot alongside your expert Walking Guide for an hour or two. End the day off with a game drive or a visit to a local village with a sundowner in the boma. Far from an ordinary outdoor seating enclosure, Somalisa’s boma has a raised wooden deck overlooking a watering hole. Affectionately known by the team as ‘the elephant bar’, the watering hole is frequented by herds of elephants wanting to quench their thirst. Grab a chilled beverage and kick back on a sun lounger to watch these majestic creatures go about their business.

After a venturesome first two nights, it’s time to say goodbye to Hwange. A 30-minute transfer back to Manga Airstrip sees you boarding the flight over to the next leg of your trip.

Arrive at Mana Pools main airstrip and take the short transfer to the next stop on your itinerary: Kanga Camp. Located in a secluded private concession within Mana Pools Park, Kanga provides an exclusive, authentic safari experience that’s difficult to beat. Being a seasonal camp, Kanga is only open during the area’s dry season from May to October. Throughout this time, the nearby Kanga Pan becomes the sole source of water for the wildlife in the area, making for excellent sightings of the resident lion pride, elephants, wild dogs, zebras and other wildlife – all without having to venture out of camp. 

The viewing deck overlooking the Pan allows for an ‘armchair safari’, a wonderful activity that allows you to view game from the comfort of your deck chair. Unique to Kanga is the hide below the deck. Frequented by elephants, leopards, wild dogs, antelope and an array of bird species, the hide is a wildlife photographer’s paradise. Unparalleled sites can be found within this safe, immersive space. Whether it be a baby elephant splashing in the water or the ‘magic hour’ glow hitting an antelope just right, be sure not to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture these sights. 

If you’re not the type to take a backseat to all the action, Kanga has a wide range of activities that will ensure you explore the untamed wilderness to the fullest. On top of game drives, birding and night drives, you’re able to track animals by foot and join in on a walking safari. 

On day 5, it’s time to pack your things and take the scenic drive through Mana Pools to the last destination of your African safari.

The last stop on your epic African safari adventure is the exclusive, semi-permanent Zambezi Expeditions tented camp. Accommodating a maximum of 12 guests at a time, you are guaranteed a stay tailored to your specific needs. 

Where Kanga Camp provided an inland exploration of Mana Pools National Park, Zambezi Expeditions showcases all that the Zambezi River has to offer. Roam the landscape in a 4X4 safari vehicle and spot elephants, wild dogs, buffalo and lions as your expert guide provides insight into the lay of the land. Ditch the wheels and track the game on foot along the shoreline. Better yet, take to the water and spot the diverse wildlife as you canoe down the river. 

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. On day seven, a 40-minute drive back to Mana Pools main airstrip and a short flight to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Airport starts the journey back to reality. But you can leave knowing that you lived your African safari experience to the fullest.