Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s most fascinating and diverse destinations – and one of its most underrated. Where thundering waterfalls plunge into misty gorges, elephant herds roam vast national parks and thousands-year-old rock paintings endure in granite cliffs, an experience emerges that gets under your skin. Add the warmth of its people and the quality of its lodges, and Zimbabwe reveals itself as one of southern Africa’s best-kept secrets.
This journey combines three completely different faces of Zimbabwe: the dramatic wilderness of Hwange – Zimbabwe’s largest national park – the unique cultural landscape of the Matobo Hills, and the breathtaking wilderness of Mana Pools on the Zambezi. Three experiences that perfectly complement each other.
We know all three regions from firsthand experience – and take you on a journey that brings these three facets of Zimbabwe together.
Highlights at a Glance
Our Programme
Zimbabwe Highlights (10 days)
„From thundering waterfalls to elephants on the Zambezi”
This journey leads through three of Zimbabwe’s most impressive landscapes: from Hwange National Park with its extraordinary elephant density, into the UNESCO cultural landscape of the Matobo Hills, and on to the wild heart of Mana Pools. Three camps, three worlds – united by a wilderness that is awe-inspiringly beautiful. The programme is displayed without fixed prices. Every journey is tailored individually to your wishes and travel dates. Get in touch – we will create a personal proposal for you.
Hwange National Park
Arrival and transfer to Khulu Bush Camp – the flagship property of the Amalinda Safari Collection in Hwange National Park. The camp sits on a private 6,000-acre concession bordering the national park – the best of both worlds: game drives in the park by day, night drives on the private concession after dark. Built on stilts above an ancient riverbed, overlooking a large waterhole. The remarkable highlight: up to 150 elephants from the famous „Presidential Herd” visit the waterhole daily and drink from the camp swimming pool – a sight that is hard to believe, and impossible to forget.
Morning and evening game drives daily: buffalo herds of over 500, lions, cheetahs, leopards, African wild dogs and over 400 bird species. Night game drives on the private concession reveal Hwange’s nocturnal side – leopards, hyenas and smaller predators in the spotlight.
Matobo Hills
Charter flight from Hwange to Bulawayo – drive into the Matobo Hills, 45 km south of Bulawayo. Amalinda Lodge is an architectural marvel: built directly into the granite boulders of an ancient San shelter, the nine suites and communal areas blend seamlessly into the dramatic rock landscape. The infinity pool lies in a granite whaleback – the view over the Matobo Hills at sunset is unforgettable.
The Matobo Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2,000 documented San rock paintings, some over 13,000 years old. The centrepiece activity: rhino tracking on foot – accompanied by experienced rangers and National Parks scouts, you search the open terrain for white rhino and the rarer black rhino. The Matobo Hills are one of the last refuges for both species in Africa. Also: guided tours to San rock art sites, visit to Cecil Rhodes’ grave at „World’s View”, mountain biking through the granite hill landscape. Optional: day trip to Great Zimbabwe (on request).
Mana Pools National Park
Flight via Harare directly into Mana Pools National Park – one of Africa’s wildest and most impressive national parks, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nyamatusi Mahogany Camp sits directly on the Zambezi – Africa’s fourth largest river. The tents are positioned under mighty mahogany trees, with open views over the riverbank and across to Zambia on the far side.
Mana Pools is famous for its unique elephants: here you can witness the legendary „Mana Stand” – elephant bulls of up to 8 tonnes rising onto their hind legs to reach fruit from the Applering trees with their trunks. A behaviour observed regularly only here. Two safari activities daily: game drives, boat safaris on the Zambezi, walking safaris on foot – with luck you’ll encounter lions, leopards, wild dogs and vast buffalo herds. Every evening: sundowners overlooking the Zambezi – Zimbabwe on one side, Zambia on the other.
Return flight Harare – Departure
Return flight from Mana Pools to Harare. Transfer to the airport. Zimbabwe leaves a vivid picture: the elephant rising on its hind legs, San paintings in the rock, the Zambezi in evening light.
Important Notes
- Rhino tracking in Matobo: guided by experienced rangers and National Parks scouts. Sightings cannot be guaranteed – the success rate is however very high.
- Mana Pools: walking safaris are permitted and are among the park’s highlights – good physical fitness recommended.
- Best season: May–October (dry season). September/October: best wildlife sightings, especially in Hwange.
- We recommend taking out travel cancellation and interruption insurance for all journeys.
Zimbabwe has captured your imagination?
Let’s plan your Zimbabwe journey together. Mark knows the country from personal experience – and our local network makes the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one. Write to us – we’ll reply personally.
Enquire about this journey