Zimbabwe Wilderness — Mana Pools & Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders and the Wildest River in Africa
Overview
Zimbabwe's two greatest wonders in one unforgettable journey. Begin at the thundering Victoria Falls — Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke That Thunders — with its mile-wide curtain of water and Zambezi sunset cruises. Then fly deep into Mana Pools, the UNESCO wilderness on the lower Zambezi, to walk among elephants, canoe the great river and track painted wolves from a private concession at Chikwenya. It is the definitive Zimbabwe safari: iconic and wild in equal measure.
This journey pairs the drama of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World with the raw intimacy of Africa's finest walking-and-canoe park. At Victoria Falls you can raft the gorge, fly over the falls or simply toast the sunset on the river; at Mana Pools you trade the crowds entirely for cathedral forests, star-bed sleep-outs and some of the best guiding on the continent. Few itineraries capture the full range of wild Africa so completely.
Who It's For
Ideal for couples, honeymooners and first-time visitors to Zimbabwe who want both the bucket-list icon and a genuinely wild safari. Photographers and adventure-lovers will find endless reward across the two contrasting landscapes.
Package Highlights
Victoria Falls
Stand before the mile-wide curtain of the Smoke That Thunders
Flight of Angels
Optional scenic helicopter flight over the falls and gorge
Walking Safaris
Track elephant and buffalo on foot in the Mana Pools forest
Zambezi Canoeing
Paddle past hippo and elephant on the wild lower Zambezi
Chikwenya Concession
Private big-game corner famed for wild dogs and elephants
River Sunsets
Sundowner cruises and golden light over two great rivers
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly into Victoria Falls, where you are met and transferred to your elegant lodge near the river. Settle in, then gather for a sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi — drinks in hand as hippo surface and the sky turns to fire above the water. Dinner tonight introduces you to Zimbabwe's warm hospitality.
🏨 Accommodation: Victoria Falls luxury lodge
🍽️ Meals: Dinner
Your Route
Tap a marker to see each stop on your journey.
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Chikwenya
📍 Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
A Wilderness premier camp of seven raised suites on a private concession at the Sapi–Zambezi confluence — arguably the finest big-game corner of Mana Pools.
From $1,250 per person per night
Ruckomechi Camp
📍 Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
A celebrated Wilderness classic in a grove of albida trees on a bend of the Zambezi, with elegant riverfront tents and a copper-bath sleep-out under the stars.
From $1,100 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Classic
(~$921/night)
Fine Victoria Falls lodge and superb-value Mana Pools camps, all activities and meals
Get QuoteLuxury
(~$1,271/night)
Premium falls lodge, Chikwenya and Ruckomechi suites, private guiding
Get QuoteUltra-Luxury
(~$1,929/night)
Top-tier suites, private vehicle and guide, helicopter flight and premium beverages
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ All internal light-aircraft charters (Victoria Falls–Mana Pools–Harare)
- ✓ 2 nights Victoria Falls luxury lodge, 5 nights Mana Pools camps
- ✓ All meals as specified
- ✓ Guided tour of Victoria Falls and a Zambezi sunset cruise
- ✓ Walking safaris, canoe safari and game drives in Mana Pools
- ✓ Park fees and conservation levies
- ✓ Licensed professional guides
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights to and from Zimbabwe
- ✗ Optional Victoria Falls activities (helicopter, rafting, etc.)
- ✗ Travel and medical insurance
- ✗ Premium imported beverages
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Visa fees and personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
The dry season of June to October is best for wildlife at Mana Pools, while the falls are at their most powerful between about March and June. May to October strikes the ideal balance across both — big water at the falls early, and superb game viewing on the river as the season dries.
Why Choose This Package
Two Wonders, One Trip
Pair a Seven Natural Wonder of the World with the wildest walking-and-canoe park in Africa for the definitive Zimbabwe journey.
Private Concession Game Viewing
Chikwenya's exclusive concession offers superb wild dog, elephant and big-cat viewing with very few other vehicles.
On Foot and on the Water
Walk among the giants and paddle the Zambezi — the intimacy that makes Mana Pools legendary.
Effortless Logistics
All internal charters are handled for you, linking the falls and the wilderness with short, scenic flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Zimbabwe Wilderness — Mana Pools & Victoria Falls?
From $6,450 per person | 8 Days / 7 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates