Epic Classic Zimbabwe - 2026

Morning and/or late afternoon game walks. Mana River Camp offers the perfect environment in which to immerse yourself in nature by enjoying walking safaris. Walking safaris are particularly special in the Mana Pools National Park as the Zimbabweab guides are exceptionally experienced and highly regarded due to Zimbabwe's stingent examination procedures. On your walk, your safari guide will draw your attention to the details that form part of a bigger story, such as beetles, animal droppings, scents, sounds and spoor.

Game drives take place in the mornings and late afternoons along the floodplains and game rich river banks where there is a high concentration of wildlife. You will explore the floodplains surrounding the camp where the Albida trees attract various wildlife due to the source of excellent protein they provide. These trees are the reason the elephants have adapted to standing on their hind legs to stretch up and reach the delicacies of these Albida trees, especially in the dry season.

The Zambezi River and the floodplains are the main attractions for birds and birders but the diversity of habitats offers many more bird viewing opportunities. With over 380 species of birds recorded Mana Pools is an excellent birding destination. Although birding is good year-round it is at its best when the migratory birds are present from November to April.

Mana Pools is often referred to as a photographers dream. No matter what time you travel the unspoiled landscapes and wildlife offer spectacular photo opportunities. To add to the natural beauty at certain times of the year the light in the Zambezi valley is unique. At different times of the day you can take advantage of the dramatic lighting. These light tones go from golden glows of warm reds, yellows and oranges and then at other times the softer, cooler blue lights add to the depth of your images.

Canoeing on the Zambezi River in the Mana Pools National Park area is an exhilarating and immersive wilderness adventure like no other. Located in the northern part of Zimbabwe, this pristine section of the Zambezi River offers an unforgettable canoeing experience that allows you to connect with nature in its purest form.

The river's waters wind through untamed wilderness, flanked by riverbanks that teem with life. The calm Zambezi River does occasionally surprise with gentle rapids. These rapids are entirely suitable for beginners, offering an enjoyable and energizing aspect to your adventure.

Mana Pools National Park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, you'll have the opportunity to witness some of Africa's most iconic animals in their natural habitat such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles as well as herds of antelope and buffalo grazing on the lush vegetation.

The birdlife is equally impressive. The Zambezi River is a haven for avian enthusiasts, with colourful kingfishers, majestic fish eagles, and a myriad of other bird species adorning the trees and skies. Your experienced guides will help you identify and appreciate the rich diversity of birdlife in the area.

Early notification is required for canoeing arrangements to avoid disappointment.

Game drives are conducted in the mornings and afternoon/evenings at camp. They usually last about three hours each and are conducted along the river systems and flood plains around the camp. The wildlife in the area is prolific and chances are good to see some of the larger predators, herds of elephant and buffalo and all the plains animals that occur here. Night drives are conducted in the early evening offering one a chance to see the smaller more nocturnal animals with spotlights.

Walking safaris are also conducted generally in the morning with armed guides. The walks are leisurely and time is taken to observe the smaller things in the bush that one normally misses when driving. Walking is weather dependent, or dependent on the condition of the terrain.

Canoeing on the Zambezi River in the Mana Pools National Park area is an exhilarating and immersive wilderness adventure like no other. Located in the northern part of Zimbabwe, this pristine section of the Zambezi River offers an unforgettable canoeing experience that allows you to connect with nature in its purest form.

The river's waters wind through untamed wilderness, flanked by riverbanks that teem with life. The calm Zambezi River does occasionally surprise with gentle rapids. These rapids are entirely suitable for beginners, offering an enjoyable and energizing aspect to your adventure.

Mana Pools National Park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, you'll have the opportunity to witness some of Africa's most iconic animals in their natural habitat such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles as well as herds of antelope and buffalo grazing on the lush vegetation.

The birdlife is equally impressive. The Zambezi River is a haven for avian enthusiasts, with colourful kingfishers, majestic fish eagles, and a myriad of other bird species adorning the trees and skies. Your experienced guides will help you identify and appreciate the rich diversity of birdlife in the area.

Early notification is required for canoeing arrangements to avoid disappointment.

This area is famous for its large concentrations of animals, including elephant. Due to the existence of year round water seeps, this area is ideal for game drives, producing incredible wildlife sightings.

Guide dependent walking safaris

Walking safaris are also conducted generally in the morning with armed guides. The walks are leisurely and time is taken to observe the smaller things in the bush that one normally misses when driving. Walking is weather dependent, or dependent on the condition of the terrain.

With over 420 species recorded Hwange National Park is a birding hotspot. The park is well known for its huge variety of raptors, grassland birds are well represented as well. From November to April yearly the park is flooded with migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa.

Join your Guide and head out in a game-viewer to explore the 150,000 acres that make up the Zambezi National Park.

Whether the opting to be the first to catch the ‘bush telegraphs’ early broadcast of the previous night’s events - or preferring to take a leisurely break, from an afternoon of game spotting, to enjoy the phenomenal sunset with sun-downers – a Victoria Falls River Lodge's safari experience promises to be memorable.

(Included in accommodation rate)

Kindly refer to the "Little Livingstone's Children's Activities" (Appendix C) for more information on activities specially developed for younger guests

A relaxing voyage on one of the Victoria Falls River Lodge luxury river cruisers is arguably one of the best ways on earth to soak in the magnificence of the iconic Zambezi River and its surrounds.

Watch as the world awakes and the sun’s first rays skip and dance across the shimmering surface of the mighty Zambezi - a truly revitalising way to start any day!

Or, for the not-so-early-birds, sit back and let the gentle ebb and flow of the Zambezi lull and relax you.
Join in on Mother Nature’s Happiest Hour and sip on a sun-downer whilst viewing her creatures, big and small, coming to the water’s edge to lap at its liquid life.

(Included in accommodation rate)

Kindly refer to the "Little Livingstone's Children's Activities" (Appendix C) for more information on activities specially developed for younger guests

There is not much that can compare to the heady fragrance of drenched earth and sun-kissed Rainforest foliage, the intense power of the wall of water – its deafening rumble coursing through your veins – or letting the cooling and constant spray of “the Smoke that Thunders” saturate the senses…

Join your passionate and knowledgeable Victoria Falls River Lodge Guide on a truly unforgettable tour of Victoria Falls and experience this Natural Wonder of the Word first hand.

With intimate knowledge of the local fauna and flora and other points of historical interest, coupled with advice on the best viewing spots (and an extra pair of hands to help get that ‘full’ family photo!), our Guides will happily assist wherever possible to help ensure that the memories created at this World Heritage Site will last a lifetime.

(Included in accommodation rate)

Kindly refer to the "Little Livingstone's Children's Activities" (Appendix C) for more information on activities specially developed for younger guests

Victoria Falls River Lodge and the Zambezi National Park are a bird watcher’s paradise.

In a comparatively small area around Victoria Falls, birding enthusiasts will be able to view a great diversity of birds within rain forest, riverine, gorge and savannah habitats.

Local species include Rock Pratincole, Schalow’s Turaco, African Finfoot, Half Collared Kingfisher, Thick Billed Weaver, African Skimmer, Pels Fishing Owl, Collared Palm Thrush and Western Banded Snake Eagle (to name but a few).

Guests at Victoria Falls River Lodge seldom have to travel too far from their private decks however as the lush foliage around the lodge offers ample opportunity to enjoy many of the spectacular array of bird life that Zimbabwe has to offer.

(Included in accommodation rate)

Kindly refer to the "Little Livingstone's Children's Activities" (Appendix C) for more information on activities specially developed for younger guests

Adventure options - for the younger generation

Sharing children’s rate is inclusive of:

oTransfers (shared) to and from the Victoria Falls Airport / Livingstone International Airport
oAll meals
oLocal beverages (soft drinks)
oOptional daily transfers from camp (typically departing at 10h00 and returning at 15h00) to Victoria Falls town
oTour of the Falls (part of the daily transfer to town) – entry fee to Rainforest for guest’s own account
oTransfers to/from National Park Gate / Jetty for 3rd party activities
oAfternoon Tea
oBird watching
oA choice of 2 x Game Activities (i.e. morning/afternoon game drive and sunrise/sunset river cruise) per person per day – subject to availability and the below conditions:

Game Drive (incl. snacks and soft beverages)
?Children aged 0-3 years are not permitted on game drives

•Junior Discoverers Drive (incl. snacks and soft beverages)
oAimed at children aged 4-7 years accompanied by at least 1 parent - subject to vehicle capacity
oOutside of standard Game Drive times – timing is seasonal and in consultation with Management
oFamilies wishing to take children aged 4 - 7 years on game drive during standard early morning / late afternoon game drive times (i.e. not Junior Discoverers Drive) will require a sole use game viewer – per details above.

?‘Standard’ game drives for children aged 8 years and older are included in the rate
?Management reserves the right to remove any unruly/disruptive children from the vehicle and return them to Camp before resuming the game drive.

Boat Cruise (incl. snacks and soft beverages)
?Children aged 0-3 years are not permitted on river cruises
?Children aged 4 years and older are permitted on the river cruises
?Management reserves the right to remove any unruly/disruptive children from the vessel and return them to Camp before resuming the cruise.

"LITTLE LIVINGSTONE'S CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES"

•Junior Discoverer’s Drive (mentioned above)

oEmbrace the outdoors like a true African Explorer
oJoin your Guide in his trusty 4x4 and bravely head into the ‘great unknown’ - learning all about the fascinating fauna and flora of its wild surrounds
oAimed at children aged 4-7 years accompanied by at least 1 parent - subject to vehicle capacity
oOutside of standard Game Drive times – timing is seasonal and in consultation with Management

•Young Bush Wackers

oTake a walk on the “wild side” and discover innumerable natural wonders right at your doorstep!
oConducted by qualified Guide within camp surrounds and river banks immediately in front of the Lodge.
oGeared for children ages 4-11 years (although older siblings and parents are welcome too!)
oTiming is seasonal and in consultation with Management

•Various books & games - for indoor entertainment

NOTE: All activities/excursions are subject to the aforementioned conditions (and those below) and with parental supervision only.

(The above Children’s Activities are included in the accommodation rate but are available at the Victoria Falls River Lodge - Luxury Tented Suites only)

Experience the wonder of the African bush on foot and, when accompanied by an expert Guide, enjoy the thrilling opportunity to an up close and personal introduction to some of the Zambezi National Park's resident wildlife.

(Optional activity - available at an additional charge. Kindly refer to Appendix A for further details)

The Upper Zambezi is home to a wide variety of fish species and Victoria Falls River Lodge offers half-day guided fishing trips leaving directly from the Lodge. Tiger fishing is a highlight and a unique experience on this iconic river.

Fishing from the jetty is also an option.

(Optional activity - available at an additional charge. Kindly refer to Appendix A for further details)