Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
This carefully curated journey taps into the heartbeat of Zimbabwe - from the ancient Matobo Hills, where ancient San rock art and rhino tracking await, to the wildlife-rich Hwange and breathtaking Victoria Falls.
Expect dramatic landscapes, excellent wildlife encounters and a cultural deep-dive. With luxury lodges, expertly guided activities, and seamless connections, this itinerary captures Zimbabwe at its most authentic and awe-inspiring.
Tracking rhinos on foot, ancient rock art & the smoke that thunders
Highlights
Sacred hills & ancient art: Walk among the ancient granite domes of the Matobo Hills, discovering San rock paintings that whisper stories thousands of years old.
Tracking rhinos on foot.
Big 5 and other wildlife - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, wild dog, hyena, roan and sable, to name a few
Living culture: Visit a vibrant local village, meet artisans, and join community initiatives that connect you deeply with Zimbabwe’s traditions and people.
The Smoke That Thunders: Witness Victoria Falls at its most awe-inspiring, complemented by Zambezi sunsets, abundant wildlife, and activities ranging from adrenaline to serene.
Effortless elegance: Travel seamlessly between heritage, wilderness, and wonder, with boutique lodges, personalised guiding, and authentic experiences every step of the way.
Locations
Matobo Hills in Matobo National Park is one of Zimbabwe's most beautiful regions. Also known as Matopos, the area boasts a wide variety of biomes and abundant wildlife, including black and white rhinos and leopards, and is a place of geological and anthropological significance. Massive granite rocks lie strewn across the hills, dating back over two billion years. Bushmen rock paintings tell a fascinating history from over 10,000 years ago, depicting times of plenty and strife under King Mzilikazi. One can also visit Cecil Rhodes' burial site here.
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest reserve. It blends Kalahari scrub, teak forests, salt pans, and granite hills. Expect prolific wildlife in Hwange - vast elephant herds, buffalo, lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs, alongside over 400 bird species. Guided walks and rewarding night drives reveal rarities like aardvark and pangolin.
Victoria Falls - Africa's adventure capital - marks the spot where the mighty Zambezi River gathers its strength and tumbles into dramatic gorges 100 metres below: the single largest continuous falling curtain of water in the world. To immerse yourself in that thumping energy of the Smoke that Thunders is to recharge your batteries. Victoria Falls is rightly on most safari bucket lists - you could spend weeks there and enjoy a new experience every day.
Lodges
3 nights at Amalinda Lodge in Matobo Hills: Tucked away amongst huge boulders, Amalinda boasts a spa, infinity rock pool, library, wine cellar, sunset lounge, show kitchen and many varied activities ranging from game drives to rhino trekking, cultural tours, hikes to the renowned San bushman paintings and a chance to follow in the footsteps of Cecil John Rhodes at his world famous tomb known as "View of the World.”
3 nights at Ivory Lodge in Hwange: A classic safari lodge on a private concession bordering Hwange National Park, offering intimate wildlife encounters with elephants and predators, plus guided drives, walking safaris, night drives, and hide experiences.
3 nights at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge outside Victoria Falls: Overlooking a busy waterhole, this traditional thatched lodge combines modern comfort with panoramic views, just minutes from the Falls and Zambezi-based activities.
Timing
Zimbabwe is a year-round destination, though the dry season from May to October offers the best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around limited water. Hwange is at its peak during this time, while Matobo Hills remains rewarding year-round for both culture and wildlife.
The dry season also coincides with lower Zambezi River water levels at Victoria Falls, ensuring a clear view of the Falls, exciting river rafting, and less spray to fog your camera lens.
The rainy season months (December to March/April) are excellent for bird-watchers looking to make the most of the influx of migratory species, as well as for seeing plenty of wildlife babies and predator action as the big cats focus on young prey. During these months, higher Zambezi River levels and more spray at Victoria Falls result in dramatic scenes that are not as clearly visible as they are during the dry months.
You can enjoy this safari at any time of year, with careful planning. Our safari experts will help you make the best timing decision.
Price per person sharing
9 nights (10 days) | ||
Low season | Jan-Apr 2026 | from US$ 5,000 |
High season | July-Sep 2026 | from US$ 6,020 |
Includes: Flights Johannesburg-Bulawayo, Victoria Falls-Johannesburg, transfers between airports and lodges, accommodations, activities including rhino tracking game drives, rock art excursions, Rhodes memorial visits, community experiences, game drives, walking safaris, night drives, and hide sits, meals and local drinks in Matobos and Hwange, breakfasts, dinners & 2 lunches in Vic Falls, guided tour of the Falls, sunset cruise on the Zambezi, park fees, conservation and community levies, 24/7 office support.
Excludes: International flights and airport taxes not specified, visas, mandatory travel and medical insurance, gratuities, personal expenses, drinks in Vic Falls, optional activities and services not mentioned.
Thank you!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
"Ancient giants"
Our destination expert, Nadia Lautenbach, says, “From Amalinda Lodge, track rhino on foot — a thrilling and humbling adventure where each step brings you closer to these ancient giants of the Matobo Hills.”
"Showing off"
Our expert travel assistant, Kayla Pieterse, says, “Drifting along the Zambezi River on a sunset cruise, I was surrounded by elephants, buffalo, and dazzling birdlife - it was like Africa was showing off just for me.”
"Feel inspired"
Our community manager, Sarah Goodman, says, “A visit to the Painted Dog Centre in Hwange is a true highlight. Experience firsthand how protecting these endangered, misunderstood animals secures their survival, empowers communities, and sustains the fragile ecosystem they depend on. You’ll leave deeply inspired”
Safari planning
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Zimbabwe explorer
Tell us about your dream trip - our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!