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      Zimbabwe private wildlife safari tour

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      chilo gorge national park aerial view in zimbabwe
      sundowners in chilo gorge zimbabwe
      Journeys

      Zimbabwe private wildlife safari tour

      Explore Hwange, Mana Pools, and savagely remote and beautiful Gonarezhou National Park on this private wildlife safari led by the top guides on the continent
      Home ⟶ Zimbabwe private wildlife safari tour

      Zimbabwe is fast becoming one of Africa’s most talked about safari destinations–little wonder given the riches of Hwange, Mana Pools, and savagely remote and beautiful Gonarezhou National Park. This comprehensive private safari, led by some of the continent’s most revered naturalist guides, knits these three destinations together along with the Victoria Falls to make a complete and extremely rewarding wildlife adventure filled with intimate sightings away from the crowds.

      Best for:
      Wildlife
      Conservation
      Couples
      BEST TIME TO TRAVEL May → November

      October and November can be extremely hot in Mana Pools and Gonarezhou. To see wild dogs, come in June to July when pups are emerging from their dens.

      PRICE

      Price depends on the experiences and accommodation included, and your time of travel. It is based on two adults travelling for 13 nights and does not include international flights.

      IDEAL LENGTH 13 nights

      2 nights at Ursula’s Homestead, 3 nights at Verney’s Camp, 3 nights at Little Ruckomechi, 1 night at Highlands House, 4 nights at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

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      What makes this Zimbabwe wildlife safari special?

      sundowners in chilo gorge zimbabwe
      • Feel connected among some of Africa’s wildest and most atmospheric landscapes with barely another soul around.
      • Privately guided by some of Zimbabwe’s finest naturalist guides, look for wild dogs in Mana and track huge elephant herds in Gonarezhou.
      • Walk the Ivory Trail for an unforgettable experience of Africa at her rawest and finest.
      • Beautiful accommodation chosen for the quality of the guiding and great location.

      Your private Zimbabwe safari itinerary

      view of the victoria falls from the zimbabwe side

      Welcome to wonder

      Victoria Falls

      Begin your journey through Zimbabwe on the banks of the Zambezi River just upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls. Find out for yourself why David Livingstone wrote in his diary ‘scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’, as you explore the Smoke that Thunders.

       

      Options include taking a helicopter flight over the falls, white water rafting and, for those who’d like it just a little more relaxing, a sunset river cruise along the Zambezi River, sundowner in hand. If you are all about the wildlife, nearby Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve offers the Big Five and a black rhino conservation drive against a suitably attractive African backdrop.

      Wildlife without the crowds

      Hwange National Park

      Your safari begins in earnest in iconic Hwange National Park at wonderful Verney’s Camp. Situated in a remote area of the park, the camp overlooks a waterhole on a private concession not open to regular park visitors, and consequently offers a very intimate, authentic and crowd-free safari experience.

       

      Game drives, led by the expert guides, offer opportunities to see the diverse wildlife, including lion and buffalo. For a more intimate experience, walking safaris allow you to explore on foot, learning about tracks and animal behaviour. Night drives reveal nocturnal creatures like leopard and hyena, while keen ornithologists can spot over 400 bird species.

      giraffe feeding from leaves in hwangwe national park

      Magical Mana

      Mana Pools National Park

      Mana Pools National Park is one of Africa’s iconic wildlife destinations, and a stay at Little Ruckomechi allows access to one of Mana’s most productive wildlife-viewing regions: the riverine belt of iconic Mana Pools. Find adventure in the floodplains on a game drive, canoeing along the Zambezi River or at a slower pace on foot, taking in the pristine beauty of this wild, wonderful place.

       

      Experience thrilling game drives in the floodplains, with wonderful opportunities for close encounters with elephant, lion, and wild dog. Guided walking safaris provide a more intimate perspective, exploring the park’s diverse landscapes on foot. Canoeing along the Zambezi River reveals hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife, while boat cruises offer serene opportunities to witness wildlife at the water’s edge.

      wild dog pack in mana pools national park
      elephants in the river at chilo gorge gonarezhu national park

      Land of the elephant

      Gonarezhou National Park

      After spending a night in Harare, explore one of Africa’s last untouched wildernesses. Tucked into Zimbabwe’s southeastern corner, Gonarezhou National Park is something of a holy grail for safari aficionados. Its magnificent baobab-studded plains and awe-inspiring river cliffs teem with wildlife, offering intimate wildlife encounters without a soul around.

       

      Based at the superb Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, you’ll head out with your guide by vehicle or on foot to see huge herds of elephant following their ancient migration paths, packs of wild dog moving through the bush, and the occasional lion basking under an acacia tree. Or opt for a canoe safari, drifting past wallowing hippos and crocodiles sunning themselves along the banks. A visit to one of the local Shangaan communities adds a human dimension to your safari, showcasing their rich culture and deep connection to the land.

      zimbabwe ivory trail mobile camping view of sky and tree at night

      Along the Ivory Trail

      Gonarezhou National Park

      If the heart of an adventurer beats within you, one of the most special experiences available in Gonarezhou–and indeed southern Africa–is the so-called Ivory Trail. Embodying the true spirit of safari, this mobile fly-camp allows you to experience Gonarezhou in its wildest and purest form.

      You’ll have a dedicated private guide and safari vehicle, with a second support vehicle sent ahead to set up camp prior to your arrival consisting of dome tents equipped with stretcher beds, a dining tent, boma set-up and shower and toilet facilities. After a day spent on safari exploring by vehicle or on foot, return to camp and swap campfire tales beneath a canopy of stars. This is an extraordinarily rare and precious opportunity to experience the wild on its own terms.

      Accommodation

      Where you'll stay on your private Zimbabwe safari

      Great journeys need great places to lay your head. These are our tried and tested suggestions.

      campfire at ursulas homestead zimbabwe

      Ursula’s Homestead

      Set amid old acacia trees within the Victoria Falls Private Reserve and minutes from the falls themselves, Ursula’s Homestead blends intimacy and smart, relaxed sophistication. Each of its four private cottage-style rooms feature a blend of African and modern design with local art pieces and high-quality linens. There’s a range of curated experiences to enjoy—from private game drives to sundowners in the bush—attended by the excellent staff, who go out of their way to deliver an experience as unforgettable as the natural drama beyond the veranda.

      verneys camp in hwange national park guest suite

      Verney’s Camp

      Set next to a natural watering hole in a remote, private concession in Hwange National Park, Verney’s Camp is an exclusive safari camp whose seclusion means you’ll often have wildlife sightings to yourself without the crowds found at Hwange’s more accessible lodges. Even in camp, you may well find yourself regarding alarmingly nearby elephants standing shoulder-to-shoulder at the pool, snaking their trunks into the water for a greedy gulp. Spend your time on expertly guided game drives and private open-air dining under starlit skies before retreating to your sanctuary in the wild, thoughtfully appointed with elegant furnishings, local textiles, and en-suite bathrooms.

      elephant by the guest suite of little ruckomechi camp zimbabwe

      Little Ruckomechi Camp

      A stay at Little Ruckomechi is a truly exceptional and very intimate way to experience Mana’s awe-inspiring concentrations of wildlife. Here just four elegant tents overlook the Zambezi River, the camp’s neutral tones, natural materials, and open layouts blending in with your surroundings. Days are spent on game drives, walking safaris, and boat rides, while evenings unfold under star-filled skies by the campfire. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with attentive staff creating a warm, welcoming environment. Little Ruckomechi delivers unpretentious luxury and an authentic connection to Africa’s wild heart.

      pool of highlands house in zimbabwe

      Highlands House

      Highlands House is an oasis of warmth and civility in Harare’s leafy upscale Highlands neighbourhood. Rooms and public areas alike have a contemporary colonial feel, tastefully decorated with elegant furnishings and thoughtful touches, while the service is the most polished in town. A landscaped garden and pool area offer a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of Zimbabwe’s capital, while the on-site restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced breakfasts and excellent dinners.

      verandah of chilo gorge lodge overlooking the gorge

      Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

      With sweeping views over the Save River, Chilo Gorge’s smart cliff-top chalets offer access to Gonarezhou National Park, one of southern Africa’s wildest and most thrilling landscapes. Renowned for the authenticity of its safaris led by seasoned naturalists, Chilo Gorge offers the chance of intimate encounters with Gonarezhou’s incredible wildlife, especially its famed elephant herds. Guided bush walks and Shangaan community visits are also deeply rewarding, while fly-camping by the awesome Chilojo Cliffs will likely be an experience you’ll never forget.

      Customise your Zimbabwe safari journey

      All of our journeys are fully bespoke, and can be customised to meet your needs, interests and preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

      baby elephant in lake kariba national park
      guest in plunge pool at singita pamushana
      • Hike and bird the forests and tea plantations of Zimbabwe’s eastern highlands while staying at the spectacular Sky Deck Retreat.

      • Begin with a couple of days among the surreal boulder-strewn Matobo Hills and witness Zimbabwe’s most successful black rhino conservation projects.

      • Take things easy on a journey across Lake Kariba in a luxury houseboat.

      • Experience one of Africa’s most sensational safari camps by swapping Chilo Gorge for Singita Pamushana.

      • Recreate the final Grand Tour adventure of Clarkson, Hammond & May in their epic journey from the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe to Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans.

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      Looking for more inspiration?

      We have a huge range of inspiring private experiences and accommodation options available. Get in touch with our Zimbabwe safari specialists.

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      Learn more about our luxury holidays, or call our expert Africa team on +44 1367 850566 / 1-855-216-5040 (toll free) to discuss how we can turn your dreams into something truly magical.

      “I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.”

      Ernest Hemingway

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