Day 1 & 2: Bulawayo Airport to Matobo National Park – Zimbabwe
Your Zimbabwe Safari begins at Bulawayo Airport. Here you’ll be greeted and transferred by road to Matobo National Park, where you’ll check into the beautiful Big Cave Camp for a two-night stay. Nestled among granite boulders atop a kopje, the lodge provides a comfortable and eco-friendly retreat with private decks and breathtaking views of the Matobo landscape.
Matobo National Park, set in the stunning Matobo Hills, features massive granite boulders, wooded valleys, and a rich cultural history, including ancient rock art and the graves of King Mzilikazi and Cecil John Rhodes. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including endangered black and white rhinos, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, and Africa’s largest concentration of leopards and black eagles. Between activities, relax at camp in the refreshing rock pool or enjoy a chilled drink while taking in the stunning views.
The highlight of your Matobo Safari is sure to be a rhino-tracking expedition, by vehicle or on foot, led by an expert guide. Both black and white rhinos are a similar dark grey colour, but differ in the way they eat – the larger white rhino is a grazer with a broad, flat mouth suited for feeding on grass, while the smaller, more compact black rhino is a browser with a hooked lip for eating shrubs and trees. Both species have poor eyesight but rely on their strong senses of smell and hearing for survival.
- Included Activities: Road Transfer, Rhino Tracking, Games Drives, Guided Walks, Cecil Rhodes Gravesite Visit
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
About Big Cave Camp, Matobo National Park
This Zimbabwe Safari stays at Big Cave Camp, a 4-star safari lodge set on a 1,000-hectare private wilderness area bordering Matobo National Park. The lodge lies within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matopos. Family-owned and managed, the lodge features 10 granite-under-thatch lodges with ensuite bathrooms, Egyptian cotton sheets, private balconies and stunning views. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including rhino tracking in Matobo Hills, guided walks, game drives, and visits to ancient San rock art sites and Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. The Matobo camp offers a natural rock pool, unique dining in the Leopard’s Lair lounge, bush meals, and cultural tours to local Ndebele villages and schools.
Day 3 to 5: Matobo to Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe
After breakfast, your affordable Zimbabwe Safari drives to the vast Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest reserve. Hwange boasts diverse landscapes, ranging from the Zambezi watershed in the north to grasslands and marshes in the west where animals dig for water at unique water seeps. The park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including one of the world’s largest elephant populations, endangered wild dogs, black rhinos, and rare antelope species. With around 500 bird species, it also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
For the next three nights, settle into Nantwich Lodge in the northwest corner of the park, overlooking a dam visited by crocodiles and hippos. Spend your days on safari in Hwange exploring the vast wilderness, searching for hidden waterholes and a plethora of wildlife. Night game drives offer a unique opportunity to spot elusive nocturnal creatures guided by expert trackers. Take a guided walk where you can encounter the smaller flora and fauna and possibly have a close encounter with an elephant. Between activities, enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the pool, go wildlife viewing at the safari hide, or unwind with a pampering visit to the lodge spa.
- Included Activities: Road Transfer, Walking Safari, Game Drives, Safari Hide
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
About Nantwich Lodge, Western Hwange National Park
At Hwange, our Zimbabwe Safari stays at Nantwich Lodge. This is an intimate, luxurious eco-safari retreat in Northern Hwange National Park, offering a secluded, off-the-beaten-track experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Originally built in 1961 and thoughtfully refurbished, the lodge maintains a historic charm while featuring modern comforts like en-suite rooms with outdoor baths, a swimming pool, and a spa. Perched atop a hill, it boasts breathtaking views over a dam frequented by hippos, crocodiles, and large herds of buffalo.
Day 6: Hwange to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Today, your Zimbabwe Safari in Matobo Hills, Hwange & Victoria Falls travels to Victoria Falls, where you will spend your last night. Mighty Victoria Falls is one of the world’s widest waterfalls at 1,708 meters across the Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Explore the breathtaking Victoria Falls on a guided tour, learning about its geological formation, cultural significance, and local traditions before visiting a vibrant arts and crafts centre.
After the tour, settle into the beautiful Ilala Lodge, a luxury retreat just an eight-minute walk from the falls. Relax by the pool, indulge in fine dining at the Cassia Restaurant, or try one of the many thrilling activities on offer, like scenic helicopter flights, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and safaris in nearby Chobe National Park. For an unforgettable and serene experience, embark on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River spotting wildlife along the riverbanks as you watch a final spectacular African sunset.
- Included Activity: Road Transfer, Guided Tour of the Falls
- Optional Activities: Helicopter Flight, Flying Fox Cable Slide, Gorge Swing, Bungee Jump, Zip Lining, Bridge Slide, Canopy Tour, Sunset Cruise and more
- Meals Included: Breakfast
About Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls
The last accommodation used on our Zimbabwe Safari is the Ilala Lodge Hotel. Here you have a family-run luxury retreat just an eight-minute walk to Victoria Falls, making it the closest hotel to the iconic waterfall on the Zimbabwean side. Nestled in lush gardens, the lodge features 73 stylish en-suite rooms with balconies or garden access, offering views of the mist rising from the falls and frequent wildlife sightings. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining at the award-winning Cassia Restaurant, which serves alfresco meals under the African sky. The hotel is an ideal base for exploring the area’s attractions, including historical sites and adventure activities. For a unique experience, guests can embark on a sunset cruise aboard the Ra-Ikane riverboat fleet, reliving the journeys of early explorers along the Zambezi River.
Day 7: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Our budget Zimbabwe Safari ends after breakfast. You will be driven to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your onward flight.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
Matobo, Hwange & Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Safari Notes
This Matobo, Hwange & Victoria Falls Safari departs daily with a minimum of 2 people to guarantee departures.
The itinerary is just a sample and can easily be tailored to suit your specific needs. Speak to our travel experts who are very happy to discuss your requirements and options.
Our friendly travel consultants are happy to arrange pre- and post-tour accommodation and transfers should you wish to arrive the day before, or leave the day after your Rhino, Hwange & Vic Falls Safari. Victoria Falls in particular has a host of activities to be experienced and it is advisable to spend more time to fully take advantage of everything on offer. Speak to an experienced consultant who will gladly assist you.
For more details contact African Budget Safaris.
