Essence Of Zimbabwe

Explore Hwange National Park in an open 4x4 vehicle, driven by your safari guide. Encounter the region's wildlife during early morning and late afternoon drives – the times of day when animals are most active. Learn about the wildlife, their tracks, and the surrounding plants from your expert guide as you experience close-up encounters. On your game drives, enjoy morning coffee, snacks, and evening sundowners set against the beautiful backdrop of a savanna sunset.

Walking safaris in Zimbabwe present a rare opportunity to explore the African wild on foot. By stepping away from the safari vehicle, you can fully immerse in the environment, awakening your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Our expert walking guides will accompany you through the African bush, offering fascinating insights into wildlife, animal tracks, insects, native plants, and the region’s geology.

Bird lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the area’s rich diversity of avian life, with chances to spot incredible species like the African fish eagle and saddle-billed stork. Listen for the distinctive call of the racket-tailed roller or try to capture a photo of the majestic Martial eagle. Whether you're admiring their beauty or simply soaking in their songs, African birdlife is a marvel to behold.

The African Bush Camps Foundation is committed to empowering rural communities. We partner with communities on the outskirts of wildlife areas to become economically sustainable whilst ensuring that natural resources are protected and cared for. We also support local schools and run education programs for children in communities. We invite guests who stay with us at our camps in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. This helps travelers gain a deeper understanding of the country they are visiting and its people. As extraordinary as a safari is, these tours allows you to engage with Africa and its rich cultural heritage. If you are interested in adding perspective and value to your safari, speak to our reservations team to pre-arrange a village visit whilst on safari.

A leisurely drive in an open safari vehicle is a perfect way to discover the area, and provides an opportunity to see a wider variety of game and scenery as you cover much more ground than on a game walk. Accompanied by your guide, a game drive is a lovely way to spend the morning.

Arguably the best way to experience and feel in touch with the African bush. Our professional guides have a thorough knowledge of the area and, accompanied by them, you can experience Matusadona 'at its best'. Walks are conducted in the early mornings and late afternoons for your comfort.

Climb on board our pontoon boat and, together with our guide, you can explore the multitude of bays and river inlets where the birdlife is prolific and elephants and antelope abound.

Kariba is a fisherman’s paradise! Why not try your hand at fighting the renowned Tiger Fish for which people from all over the world return time and time again to catch. Alternatively bream fishing is always a pleasure and one's daily catch can be returned to you 'a la' snacks.

A short boat ride across the lake will bring you to the scenic Sanyati Gorge, where you can meander peacefully through the steep cliffs for up to 10 km. The Sanyati Gorge is both unspoilt and undisturbed with an abundance of birdlife, the occasional sighting of antelope and great fishing. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars for this activity as the dramatic landscape will leave you speechless.

Relax and enjoy one of Lake Kariba’s most popular activities and a favourite at Changa. If you are interested in birding, then our boat cruise is perfect for you as it will provide a different vantage point to get up close and personal to numerous species of birds. Whilst drifting along the banks of the lake, you will also encounter some great wildlife sightings in their peaceful surroundings.

What better way to end your day in Kariba, than listening to the sounds of hippo around you and witnessing an unforgettable sunset on the lake.

Going on safari is an exciting prospect and, for many, when the dust has been wiped off your boots and the hat hung up till next time, there is no greater pleasure than poring over the special moments you’ve captured on camera.

A native Zimbabwean, Neil Fairlie is a professional wildlife documentary filmmaker with a profound knowledge and deep respect for Africa and its wildlife. His formal experience spans a decade, including the recent Netflix series Our Planet, but his intimate knowledge of the bush, natural instincts and his skill in capturing unique moments of animal behaviour on film make him a brilliant photographic safari guide.

If you enjoy taking photographs in the wild or love the idea of it, there are a few factors we’d like to focus on!

This is a rare opportunity for groups or individuals to benefit from Neil’s skills, both behind the lens and in the bush…

One of the many things we are most proud to share with our guests are the wide open spaces and amazing viewing encounters with wild animals in their natural habitat. Explore the varying habitats within our private concession, as well as the National Park, accessing a diversity of habitats, and therefore a wide range of wildlife which resides in each one.

Mana Pools National Park is a remote, astonishing place that is best experienced on foot. Learn to listen for alarm calls as you venture through the wilderness led by a professional guide. This fantastic way of exploring the surrounding bush, looking out for the spoor and tracks of animals, often heralds many exciting sightings.

For the more adventurous, there is the thrilling experience of canoeing along this famous river, allowing for a different perspective of the area.

* Water levels permitting.

Enjoy a magical sunset while cruising this amazing stretch of the Zambezi River in search of hippo, crocodile, elephants and colourful birdlife.

* Water levels permitting.

Bream (tilapia), barbel (catfish) and tigerfish are some of the more common fish found at Mana Pools. Catch and release is practised at all Wilderness camps and keen fishermen are always encouraged to bring their own equipment as we only carry basic fishing tackle.

There is no better way of falling asleep than being serenaded by the sounds of nature while you gaze up at the starry skies of Africa.

* Weather permitting and operated subject to the discretion of the Camp Manager.

The multiplicity of fantastic birdlife in the area includes three-banded courser, western banded snake-eagle, Arnot's chat, green-capped eremomela, African golden oriole, Lilian’s lovebird, Böhm's spinetail and Meve's starling.

Whether you are looking for adventure, family time, romance, relaxation, or the chance to give back… we take great pleasure in creating enriching experiences* that reconnect you with the ‘wonder-fulness’ of life. And Victoria Falls is never short on wonder!

Flight of Angels (all ages): an amazing 13-minute helicopter flip over the Victoria Falls, along the Zambezi River, and over Zambezi National Park where you will likely spot wildlife on the plains below

Zambezi Spectacular (all ages): encompassing the Flight of Angels, this 25-minute helicopter flight then continues downstream taking you for a thrilling flip over the Batoka Gorge

Tour of the Victoria Falls (3 years and older) ­– feeling like one of the early explorers, make your way through the riverine forest and along the falls with your guide giving insights into this environment and its epic history

Victoria Falls Canopy Tour (6 years and older): rope bridges and cable slides take you through the forest canopy and whizzing out over the Zambezi rapids, where the falls’ spray is just visible beyond Victoria Falls Bridge

Flying Fox (4 years and older): taking a running jump into the air, you will soar over the 200m/655ft-wide Batoka Gorge with the mighty Zambezi River gushing 120m/390ft below – and earn serious bragging rights!

Woodlands Village Tour (all ages): experience the local people’s way of life and warmth of their hospitality when visiting this community, including its Masuwe Primary School, which is given support by Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel

Luxury Sunset Cruise (all ages): settled on the Zambezi Explorer’s Signature Deck, served drinks and snacks, this leisurely trip along the Zambezi River is an idyllic way for you to soak up the last of the sun’s rays and toast another adventure-filled day in Victoria Falls

In-Room Spa Treatments (all ages): pampering back at the hotel affords you some me-time out between adventures or the option to treat the family

*Incur an additional cost

Please note: all off-property activities include hotel transfers and are weather dependent

A late afternoon safari offers a whole new perspective on the bush. Our expert guides will show you where to look and share insights into animal behaviour. Enjoy an African sunset with sundowners at one of our favourite spots, witness the stars appear and watch nocturnal animals come to life.

Our luxury safaris go out on the 4 000ha (9 900ac) Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve – the only privately-owned reserve within the immediate vicinity of Victoria Falls. All the Big Five, rare and endangered species, and flourishing birdlife find sanctuary here, and their diverse habitats across grasslands, forests and rivers are idyllic environments to enjoy scenic game viewing experiences – including black rhino game drives.

Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve (VFPGR), established in 1996, is the only reserve in the region where you can see the critically endangered black rhino. Since 2000, it has held the status of a rhino Intensive Protection Zone, serving as a beacon of conservation triumph. Its success is rooted in a deep commitment to safeguarding the area's rich natural heritage. Today, the reserve has a dedicated Anti-Poaching Unit, a thriving rhino monitoring and breeding initiative, and a facility dedicated to ranger training.

Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Explorers
“As parents to twins, Mack and Madi, I and my late wife Britt (partner in life and in MORE) learned what it means to travel as a family. Africa is a new world for children – filled with colourful people, marvellous attractions, and curious animals – the stuff of storybooks and dreams come true.

To discover it together is pure magic …reconnecting loved ones with each other (tech and work forgotten) and the ‘wonder-fullness’ of life. In this spirit, MORE brings you our Mack & Madi experience, giving your family every freedom to enjoy these precious moments to the fullest.” – Robert More

Mack & Madi Activities & Excursions

Our specially-planned adventures (and a little downtime pampering) are full of surprises and delights for the best time you’ll all have on your family Victoria Falls vacation – sure to impress teens, too!

Just some of the fun includes:

Tour of the Victoria Falls (all ages) – feeling like one of the early explores, make your way through the forest and along the falls with your guide telling stories of this area and its epic history

Flying Fox (6 years and older) – taking a running jump into the air, soar over the Batoka Gorge with the mighty Zambezi River gushing below you – and earn some serious bragging rights!

Zambezi Nature Sanctuary and Crocodile Ranch (all ages) – see and learn about the area’s indigenous animals, including the infamous Nile crocodiles, with a chance to hold a baby croc (they’re rather cute!) during hatching season

Fishing Expedition (4 years and older) – catch and release, picnic and play in the beautiful surrounds of Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve

Girls Mani and Pedi (4 years and older) – join mom back at the hotel to spend some girly time together

Movie Night and Dinner (all ages) – spend a cosy evening at the hotel with your family, watching a favourite film, while tucking into burgers and popcorn

*Incur an additional cost