Experience the stunning Victoria Falls and the game parks of Zimbabwe with free inter-camp light aircraft flights
Starting from Livingstone in Zambia experience the wonders of the Victoria Falls before heading across the border to Zimbabwe for a fabulous fly-around safari.
Zimbabwe offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa, as well as extraordinary natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. This Gems of Zimbabwe safari explores two of Zimbabwe’s greatest highlights: Hwange National Park – famous for its huge elephant herds, and scenic Mana Pools National Park on the banks of the Zambezi River. Enjoy game drives, as well as opportunities to explore by canoe and on foot.
Departing from Livingstone Airport, Zambia, this 9 day/8 night safari combines beautiful Toka Leya Camp near Victoria Falls with Davison’s Camp in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Ruckomechi Camp next to iconic Mana Pools National Park on the lower Zambezi River.
This special offer includes free light aircraft flights between Victoria Falls Airport and Hwange NP, from Hwange NP to Mana Pools NP and from Mana Pools NP back to Victoria Falls or Harare.
Prices for this special itinerary start from $13,680 /pp twin share*
Save $2,590 /pp twin share*
*Valid for travel up until 15 Nov 2024 (inclusive) & from 1 Apr to 20 Nov 2025. Free light aircraft flights between camps. Price based on lead in camps, other camps available, subject to availability. Singles on request. Conditions apply.
Tour details
- Vast Hwange National Park, supporting 105 species of mammal and over 400 bird species
- Beautiful Mana Pools National Park, on the banks of the Lower Zambezi
- The iconic Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s best known natural features
- Incredible wildlife viewing and photography opportunities
- Explore the wilderness on foot, by vehicle and by canoe
- 2 nights accommodation at Toka Leya Camp
- 3 nights accommodation at Davison’s Camp
- 3 nights accommodation at Ruckomechi Camp
- Light aircraft transfers as per itinerary
- Full board accommodation
- Game drives and activities
- All drinks (local spirits and wines)
- Laundry
Please note: There is a luggage limit of 20kg including camera equipment and hand luggage on light aircraft flights.
The easiest way to Zimbabwe is from the South African hub of Johannesburg. Multiple major airlines fly into the city including British Airways, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Delta Airlines, Qantas, and of course South African Airways. From Johannesburg there are regular flights to Victoria Falls, the start point for this safari. Alternatively, for an Edwardian-style, luxury rail experience, journey by Rovos Rail from Pretoria in South Africa to Victoria Falls.
Itinerary
Gems of Zimbabwe
9 days/8 nights ex Livingstone, Zambia
Days 1/2
Victoria Falls
On arrival in Livingstone, Zambia, you will be met and transferred to Toka Leya safari camp in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, 12 km upstream from the Victoria Falls (Zambian side). This lovely camp offers sustainable luxury on the banks of the wide Zambezi River. Guests are accommodated in 12 ensuite safari-style tents (including 3 family tents) with wood floors and a deck with views of the river. The camp’s dining, lounge and bar also face the river and are shaded by a canopy of jackalberry and waterberry trees. There is also an infinity pool for cooling off in hot weather. A range of activities on offer include a tour of the Falls on the Zambian side, game drives, a guided tour of Livingstone town and Livingstone Museum, sunset river cruise, visit to a local African village and local curio shops, fishing excursions and guided walks. D (Day 1) B L D (Day 2)
Days 3-5
Hwange National Park
This morning you will be transferred across the border to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe for a light aircraft flight to Davison’s Camp in Hwange National Park for 3 nights. Davison’s Camp is a classic African tented camp, with 8 spacious safari tents and 1 family tent. All the tents are secluded beneath a grove of false mopane trees, overlooking a waterhole and open plain. There is a separate main area, with a lounge, dining room, open campfire area and a lookout over the productive waterhole. The camp is surrounded by a range of habitats making it one of the park’s best game viewing areas. Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hwange supports 105 species of mammal and over 400 bird species. During your stay enjoy morning and afternoon game activities and bush walks with knowledgeable guides. B L D
Days 6-8
Mana Pools National Park
Fly by light aircraft to your next destination, Mana Pools National Park and transfer by road to Ruckomechi Camp on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. This camp has been a favourite with visitors to the breathtaking Mana Pools National Park for many years. Surrounded by albida trees, the area is popular with elephants who adore their tasty seed pods. There are just 10 guest tents here in total, including two designed to accommodate families.
The central communal area includes a lounge, dining and bar area, with a sunken fire pit for convivial evenings. Also found here is a separate deck with shaded sun lounges and a sparkling swimming pool. Should you wish to spend your night sleeping beneath velvet African skies, a ‘star bed’ can be specially set up for you at nearby Parachute Pan, frequented by wildlife 24 hours a day.
Activities at Ruckomechi Camp are as diverse as the landscape surrounding the property, ranging from game drives through woodland and savanna in search of elephant, buffalo and lion to boat cruises and canoeing, taking in Mana Pools’ incredible birdlife and healthy hippo population. It’s also possible to explore Ruckomechi’s private concession after dark – special camera mounts on your vehicle help with low-light photography. Another unique experience permitted here is walking safaris – a truly unforgettable way to track Africa’s most iconic animals. B L D
Day 9
Tour ends, Victoria Falls
After breakfast fly by light aircraft back to Victoria Falls or to the capital Harare, where the tour ends. B
B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner