Hwange & Victoria Falls Classic Safari (7 Days)
Zimbabwe's great elephant park and the smoke that thunders, in one classic week
Overview
The definitive first Zimbabwe safari: three nights at a classic guided camp deep inside Hwange National Park — the country's largest reserve and home to one of Africa's greatest elephant populations, some 45,000 strong — bookended by the thunder of Victoria Falls. You track lion, elephant, buffalo, sable and painted wolf across Hwange's teak woodland and open pans by day, then transfer to the Falls for the rainforest walk, a Zambezi sunset cruise and the raw power of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. One country, two icons, six unhurried nights.
Hwange's magic is its waterholes. In the dry season, when the bush turns to gold and the seasonal pans dry up, the park's elephant herds — sometimes several hundred at a time — funnel down to the pumped waterholes to drink, and the predators follow. Camps like The Hide and Somalisa are built around these waterholes, so the game viewing continues from the deck long after the drives end. Victoria Falls adds the drama of the Zambezi: a mile-wide curtain of water plunging into the Batoka Gorge, with optional helicopter flights, white-water rafting and sundowner cruises.
Who It's For
First-time Zimbabwe visitors, couples, photographers and big-game enthusiasts who want a genuine wilderness safari in Hwange paired with the spectacle of Victoria Falls — without the ultra-luxury price tag of a fly-in Mana Pools itinerary.
Package Highlights
Hwange Elephant Herds
One of Africa's largest elephant populations gathering at the dry-season waterholes
Big-Cat Country
Lion, leopard and cheetah across Hwange's teak woodland and open grassland
Painted Wolves
Hwange holds some of Zimbabwe's most reliable African wild dog sightings
Victoria Falls
Walk the full rainforest trail along the mile-wide curtain of the Zambezi
Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Hippo, crocodile and elephant from the deck as the sun drops over the river
Waterhole Hides
Photograph game at eye level from The Hide's sunken log-pile hide
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport and transfer to your lodge on the banks of the Zambezi. Settle in, and if time allows, take an afternoon guided tour of the Falls or relax on the deck watching for elephant and hippo along the river. Dinner at the lodge.
🏨 Accommodation: The Elephant Camp or Victoria Falls River Lodge
🍽️ Meals: Dinner
Your Route
Tap a marker to see each stop on your journey.
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
The Hide
📍 Kennedy area, Hwange National Park
A classic owner-run tented safari camp built around a floodlit waterhole in the game-rich Kennedy area of Hwange. Ten canvas suites, a sunken log-pile photographic hide, excellent guiding and a genuine bush atmosphere — one of Hwange's most loved camps for over 25 years.
From $495 per person per night
Somalisa Camp
📍 Kennedy 1 Concession, Hwange National Park
An elegant African Bush Camps property on the edge of a seasonal floodplain, where elephants regularly wander through camp to drink from the pool's 'elephant pool'. Seven luxury tented suites with copper baths, an infinity pool overlooking the plain and superb guiding.
From $720 per person per night
The Elephant Camp
📍 Private concession, Victoria Falls
A luxury tented camp on a private concession between Victoria Falls and the Zambezi gorges, with sweeping views, a private plunge pool at each suite and a resident elephant-orphan sanctuary. The finest base for the Victoria Falls portion of the journey.
From $610 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Classic (The Hide + riverside lodge)
(~$567/night)
6 nights (3 Hwange at The Hide, 3 Victoria Falls), all game drives, Falls entry, Zambezi sunset cruise, road transfers and park fees. Full board on safari.
Get QuoteLuxury (Somalisa + The Elephant Camp)
(~$767/night)
6 nights in 5-star camps, all game drives and activities, Falls entry, sunset cruise, light-aircraft transfer to Hwange, park fees and premium all-inclusive dining.
Get QuoteUltra-Luxury (fly-in, private guiding)
(~$967/night)
6 nights in the finest suites, private guiding, all light-aircraft flights, a helicopter Flight of Angels over the Falls, all activities, park and concession fees included.
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 6 nights accommodation (3 Hwange, 3 Victoria Falls)
- ✓ All game drives in Hwange with a professional guide
- ✓ Victoria Falls rainforest entry (Zimbabwe side)
- ✓ Zambezi sunset cruise with drinks
- ✓ Road or light-aircraft transfers as per tier
- ✓ All Hwange National Park and concession fees
- ✓ Full board on safari, meals as specified at the Falls
- ✓ Return airport transfers and 24/7 local support
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights
- ✗ Zimbabwe visa / KAZA Univisa (US$30–50)
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Optional activities (helicopter, rafting, bungee)
- ✗ Premium imported drinks and champagne
- ✗ Tips and gratuities
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Hwange's game viewing peaks in the dry season, May to October, when the seasonal pans dry up and the elephant herds concentrate at the pumped waterholes — September and October are the most dramatic. Victoria Falls flows year-round, with the highest water February to May. The green season (November to March) brings lush scenery, newborn game and lower rates, with the trade-off of thicker bush and afternoon rain.
Why Choose This Package
See one of Africa's greatest elephant populations at Hwange's waterholes
Pairs genuine wilderness game viewing with the spectacle of Victoria Falls
Classic guided camps built around waterholes — game viewing from the deck
Three price tiers from classic to fly-in ultra-luxury, all fully inclusive
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Hwange & Victoria Falls Classic Safari (7 Days)?
From $3,400 per person | 7 Days / 6 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
