A 90-minute flight from Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport in Harare to the Mana Pools airstrip places you in the middle of Mana Pools National Park. A short 30-minute drive from there delivers you to the first stop on your African safari: Nyamatusi Camp. Located near the winding Zambezi River that feeds the lush surroundings, Nyamatusi is a seasonal camp (open from April to November) that provides front-row seats to one of Africa’s last remaining untouched frontiers.

Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hyenas and wildebeest are just some of the wildlife species that can be found wandering Mana Pools’ complex ecosystem. With the camp’s off season, animals are free from human contact for up to six months of the year. The untamed animal natures that arise from this make for surreal, raw encounters. Catch a glimpse of big game by signing up for guided walks, canoeing safaris and game drives. Or have fun with the tamer wildlife by fishing and birding. The elephant tracking that takes place throughout the park is an exceptional experience.

On day 4, it’s back to Mana Pools main airstrip for the flight over to Manga Airstrip and the next stop on your itinerary.

It’s a 30-minute drive from Manga Airstrip to the award-winning, eco-friendly Somalisa Tented Camp, the second sojourn on your African safari.

Named Zimbabwe’s leading tented safari camp in the 2019 World Travel Awards, Somalisa is situated near a watering hole frequented by wildlife wandering the plains. Keep an eye out for the elephants who are repeat visitors. Grab a chilled drink, take a seat on the deck and watch these gentle giants quench their thirst as the sun sinks below the horizon.

Explore the wonder that is Hwange National Park with guided nature walks, night drives, game drives, horse riding, birding and cultural village visits. Home to immense numbers of buffalo and elephants, and renowned for its lion, leopard and cheetah sightings, you’re sure to get within throwing distance of the big names in game.

On day seven, bid farewell to Zimbabwe and travel to it’s equally beautiful and astonishing neighbour Zambia. A 45-minute flight from Manga Airstrip to Victoria Falls Airport starts the final lap of your African safari adventure.

Welcome to Zambia! A 50-minute drive from Victoria Falls Airport takes you to one of the country’s most extravagant and contemporary lodges: Thorntree River Lodge. Providing tranquil, picturesque views of the passing Zambezi River and situated less than 30-minutes from crowd-favourite Victoria Falls, there’s no better place to bring your once-in-a-lifetime trip to a close.

There are numerous African safari experiences to be had during your stay in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Spend your days on game drives, taking guided nature walks, exploring the river by kayaking or fishing, tracking white rhinos by foot, or gaining insight into local customs when visiting the nearby Simonga Village. After a jam-packed day of activities, wind down with sundowners on Thorntree’s private boat as the sun sets over the river. Then head back to camp and share your stories around the fire in the sunken boma (outdoor seating enclosure) or on the floating deck overlooking the river. And you can relax knowing your children are safe and sound learning about nature at the Ngwana Club.

You can’t visit Mosi-oa-Tunya (meaning ‘The Smoke That Thunders’) without getting up close to the park’s namesake, Victoria Falls. Guided rainforest walks, bungee jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge and helicopter flips over the waterfall are just a few of the activities you can participate in.

Day 10 sees you depart Thorntree with a 20-minute transfer to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Airport in Livingstone. You may be leaving Africa behind physically, but the memories and experiences forged on safari will ensure that it remains in your heart.