All Packages10-Day Classic Zimbabwe Safari
Starting from
$8,600.00
per person
Trip Overview
The 10-Day Classic Zimbabwe Safari is the
benchmark itinerary for travellers who want to experience the full breadth of
what Zimbabwe has to offer. Carefully crafted to flow seamlessly from one
extraordinary destination to the next, this journey introduces you to three of
Africa's most iconic wilderness areas — each offering a completely different
and unforgettable character.
Your journey begins at Victoria Falls — the
'Smoke that Thunders' — where two full days allow you to explore the falls
themselves, cruise the Zambezi at sunset, and indulge in adrenaline activities
or cultural experiences at your leisure. You are based at the charming Batonka
Guest Lodge, a boutique property just 5 km from the falls, whose concierge team
will assist in crafting your perfect Victoria Falls experience.
The adventure continues with a road
transfer to Hwange National Park, where three nights at The Hide Safari Camp —
one of Zimbabwe's most celebrated exclusive safari camps — place you in the
heart of prime wildlife territory. The camp's legendary underground hide
overlooking an active waterhole delivers intimate wildlife encounters unlike
anywhere in Africa. Day and night game drives with expert guides and trackers
maximise sightings of elephant, lion, leopard, sable antelope, and wild dog.
The final chapter of your journey is
equally spectacular: a scenic light aircraft flight to Changa Safari Camp on
the shores of Lake Kariba, adjacent to Matusadona National Park. This elegant
tented camp combines land and water-based safari activities — boat safaris
through submerged forest, guided nature walks in Matusadona, tiger fishing on
the lake, birdwatching in the Sanyati Gorge, and evening sundowners across
Africa's most photogenic inland sea. Every sunset over Lake Kariba is a
masterpiece of colour and silence.
This is Zimbabwe's definitive safari
experience — three exceptional properties, three contrasting ecosystems, expert
guides throughout, and a journey that transforms every guest's understanding of
what Africa truly offers.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Upon arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, you are met by your guide and transferred to Batonka Guest Lodge — a charming boutique property in a peaceful suburb just 5 km from the falls. Set amid lush tropical gardens, the lodge offers a genuinely relaxed atmosphere and serves as the perfect base for your Victoria Falls days. Settle in, refresh, and join the lodge team for an orientation of Victoria Falls town's activities. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore at leisure — perhaps a stroll into town, a swim in the pool, or simply unwinding in the garden as the sounds of the bush settle around you.
What's Included
Included
- ✔ Park fees for non-residents (all three parks)
- ✔ All activities (unless labelled as optional)
- ✔ All accommodation as specified
- ✔ Professional driver/guide throughout
- ✔ All ground and air transportation during the tour
- ✔ Internal scenic flights (Hwange to Kariba; Kariba to Vic Falls)
- ✔ All taxes and VAT
- ✔ Roundtrip airport transfers (start and end)
- ✔ Meals as specified in day-by-day itinerary
- ✔ Drinks as specified in day-by-day itinerary
Not Included
- ✘ International flights (from/to home country)
- ✘ Additional accommodation before or after the tour
- ✘ Tips (guideline: USD $10 per person per day)
- ✘ Personal items (souvenirs, visa fees, etc.)
- ✘ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ✘ Government-imposed tax/park fee increases
- ✘ Some meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✘ Optional activities (helicopter, rafting, fishing, etc.)
- ✘ Premium wines and spirits where noted
Tour Route & Map
Frequently Asked Questions
How physically demanding is the 10-Day Classic Zimbabwe Safari?
This itinerary is designed to be accessible to a wide range of guests. Game drives are conducted in comfortable 4x4 safari vehicles, boat safaris are relaxed, and nature walks are optional and conducted at a gentle pace. The most active element is walking safaris (optional) and possibly the Victoria Falls rainforest tour, which involves walking on paved paths. Guests of most fitness levels will be comfortable throughout this journey.
What is the underground hide at The Hide Safari Camp, and why is it so special?
The Hide Safari Camp features a purpose-built underground photographic hide sunk below the ground level of a permanently pumped waterhole. Guests sit at eye level with approaching wildlife — elephants, lions, leopards, sable antelope, and buffalo often come within metres. This extraordinary perspective, combined with the drama of watching animals interact at the water, delivers some of the most memorable and intimate wildlife encounters available anywhere in Africa.
Can I extend this safari to include additional destinations in Zimbabwe or neighbouring countries?
Absolutely. This itinerary is the perfect foundation for a broader southern Africa adventure. Common extensions include Gonarezhou National Park (Zimbabwe's wild south), Zambia's South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi, Botswana's Okavango Delta, or Mozambique's island coast. Our specialist team can design a seamless extended itinerary combining any of these destinations with the Classic Zimbabwe core experience.
Are the internal light aircraft flights included in the package price?
Yes. All internal scenic flights during the tour — including the flight from Hwange to Lake Kariba and from Lake Kariba back to Victoria Falls — are fully included in the package price. These flights are operated by scheduled light aircraft services and are a highlight of the journey, offering spectacular aerial perspectives of Zimbabwe's wilderness
What is the best time of year to book this specific 10-day itinerary?
This itinerary performs exceptionally from May through October (Zimbabwe's dry season). July through September is considered peak safari season — the underground hide at The Hide Safari Camp is at its most productive, Lake Kariba's water is crystal clear for boat safaris, and wildlife concentrations in all three destinations are at their highest. We recommend booking 6–9 months in advance for peak season travel, particularly for private camps like The Hide and Changa.
What to Pack
Clothing & Accessories
- Lightweight khaki shirts
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Morning jacket
- Long trousers
- Cotton socks
- Swimwear
Photography Gear
- DSLR with telephoto lens
- Extra memory cards
- Universal adapter
- Binoculars
- Cleaning kit
- Power bank
Personal Items
- SPF 30+ Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Personal first aid kit
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm
- Personal medications
Optional Items
- Travel journal
- Flashlight
- Travel pillow
- Binoculars (high power)
- Multipurpose tool
Gallery
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