7-Day Victoria Falls & Hwange — Elephant Express & Rhino Conservation
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7-Day Victoria Falls & Hwange — Elephant Express & Rhino Conservation

7 DaysMax 8 guestsArusha

Starting from

$5,196.00

per person

Trip Overview

This exceptional 7-day adventure has been meticulously designed to combine the grandeur of Victoria Falls with the untamed wilderness of Hwange National Park — elevated by two signature experiences found nowhere else in Africa. You begin your journey in Victoria Falls, checking into the luxurious Waterfalls Lodge, where a Rainforest Room perfectly positions you to experience the world-famous falls and their surrounding rainforest ecosystem at your own pace.

Three leisurely days at Victoria Falls allow you to fully savour the majesty of Mosi-oa-Tunya — a waterfall stretching 1,708 metres wide and plunging up to 108 metres — the largest sheet of falling water on Earth. The surrounding rainforest, perpetually sustained by the falls' mist, is a lush green paradise of fig trees, mahogany, and palm. The town itself is vibrant and welcoming, offering everything from peaceful cultural village visits to world-class adventure activities including bungee jumping, white-water rafting, zip-lining, and scenic helicopter flights.

On Day 4, the journey transforms into something genuinely unique: the Elephant Express. This specialised safari tram — a converted heritage railway carriage — departs from Dete Station and makes its way slowly along the historic boundary of Hwange National Park, offering passengers elevated open-air views across the wilderness as wildlife appears along the tracks. It is a mode of safari travel that combines nostalgia, adventure, and extraordinary wildlife viewing in a way that no other experience can replicate.

Arriving at Bomani Tented Camp on the remote Ngamo Plains — one of Hwange's most secluded and wildlife-rich areas — you settle into a fully inclusive bush experience with three days of game drives, guided walking safaris, and the jewel in the crown: an exclusive Rhino Conservation Excursion. This rare encounter provides an intimate and educational opportunity to observe white rhinos up close in their natural habitat while learning about the critical conservation efforts protecting one of Africa's most endangered species. On the final day, a scenic shared light aircraft flight back to Victoria Falls Airport provides one last breathtaking aerial perspective before your departure.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Upon landing at Victoria Falls Airport, you are met for a private transfer to Waterfalls Lodge — a luxury hotel where your beautifully appointed Rainforest Room is perfectly positioned for exploring the area's natural wonders. After check-in, take the afternoon to settle in, enjoy the lodge's facilities, or take a short stroll for your first glimpse of the Smoke That Thunders. Your Zimbabwe adventure officially begins.

What's Included

Included

  • >Park fees (non-residents)
  • >All activities (unless optional)
  • >All accommodation as listed
  • >Professional driver/guide
  • >All transportation during tour
  • >All flights during tour (Bomani–Vic Falls)
  • >All taxes/VAT
  • >Round-trip airport transfer
  • >Elephant Express safari tram journey
  • >Rhino Conservation Excursion
  • >Meals as specified per day
  • >Drinks as specified per day

Not Included

  • >International flights from/to home
  • >Additional accommodation outside tour dates
  • >Tips (guideline: US$10 pp/day)
  • >Personal items, souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees
  • >Government-imposed tax/park fee increases
  • >Some meals (as specified per day)
  • >Premium wines & spirits
  • >Optional activities at Victoria Falls
  • >Drinks at Victoria Falls (Days 1–3)

Tour Route & Map

1
Start
2
Day 1: Victoria Falls
3
Day 4: Hwange National Park
4
End

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the Elephant Express and why is it so special?

The Elephant Express is a unique converted heritage safari tram that travels along the historic railway line forming the boundary of Hwange National Park between Dete Station and the Bomani area. The open-sided carriage provides elevated views across the bush as the tram moves quietly through the landscape — a pace slow enough to properly observe wildlife that frequently appears alongside the tracks. It is genuinely one of a kind, combining the nostalgia of African railway travel with the thrill of an open safari vehicle in a way found nowhere else on the continent.

What is included in the Rhino Conservation Excursion?

The Rhino Conservation Excursion is a guided, educational experience that takes you to observe white rhinos in their natural habitat within a protected area near Hwange. Your guide will explain the history of rhino conservation in Zimbabwe, the challenges facing the species, the anti-poaching measures in place, and the specific programmes working to secure their future. You will have the opportunity to observe these magnificent animals at close range in a safe and responsible manner, and the excursion fees directly support ongoing conservation work.

Is Bomani Tented Camp really remote? What are the facilities like?

Bomani is positioned on the beautiful and secluded Ngamo Plains — one of Hwange's least-visited areas, offering an exceptionally uncrowded and authentic bush experience. Despite its remote location, the camp is very comfortable: en-suite tented accommodation with hot and cold water, a restaurant and bar area, an elevated deck overlooking the waterhole, a pool, and Wi-Fi in common areas. The fully inclusive model means all meals, local drinks, game drives, guided walks, and park fees are covered throughout your stay.

Can I do the bungee jump or white-water rafting at Victoria Falls?

Absolutely — Victoria Falls is world-famous as the adventure capital of Africa, and optional activities including the iconic bungee jump from Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting on Grade 5 Zambezi rapids, zip-lining, sunset river cruises, helicopter flights, and elephant interactions are all readily available during your three-day stay. These activities are at your own expense but can be pre-booked through us or arranged locally. The lodge's central location makes accessing all activities extremely convenient.

What are the age or health requirements for this safari?

A: This safari is suitable for reasonably healthy adults and older children (typically 12+ for game drives, 16+ for walking safaris — please enquire about specific camp policies). The Elephant Express journey requires no special fitness. Game drives are fully accessible. Walking safaris are moderate and can be adapted to the group's fitness level. The rhino conservation excursion involves some walking in the bush. We recommend consulting your doctor regarding any malaria prophylaxis and vaccinations before travel to Zimbabwe.

What to Pack

Clothing & Accessories

  • Lightweight khaki shirts
  • Wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Morning jacket
  • Long trousers
  • Shorts
  • 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
tour.startingFrom
$10,392.00/ total
Adults12+ years
2
Children3-11 years
0
Infants0-2 years
0
Total Amount$10,392.00

Quick Facts

Duration
7 Days
Max Group Size
8 people
Starts In
Arusha
Difficulty
Moderate
Min Age
All ages