8-Day Zimbabwe Safari: Victoria Falls & Mana Pools Fly-In Adventure
Discover the wild heart of Africa on this 8-day Zimbabwe Safari, combining the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls with the remote wilderness of Mana Pools National Park. This affordable fly-in safari offers an unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers, and adventurers seeking a raw, immersive experience.
Quick Safari Overview
Start your Zimbabwe Safari at the mighty Victoria Falls, where adventure activities and scenic beauty abound. Then take a scenic flight into the UNESCO-listed Mana Pools National Park. Spend three nights each at two exclusive camps—Camp Mana and Mhara River Camp—set in pristine natural surroundings. Encounter elephants, lions, hippos, wild dogs, and abundant birdlife in one of Southern Africa’s most untouched ecosystems.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Victoria Falls – Gateway to Your Zimbabwe Safari
Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you’ll be transferred to the elegant Ilala Lodge Hotel—just an 8-minute walk from the falls. The rest of the day is yours to explore one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders.” Enjoy local markets, cafes, and thrilling optional adventures like helicopter flights, gorge swings, and sunset cruises on the Zambezi River.
- Included: Airport transfer
- Optional: Bungee jump, zip-lining, scenic helicopter flight, sunset cruise, and more
- Meals: None
About Ilala Lodge Hotel
Ilala Lodge is the closest hotel to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. With wildlife roaming the lawns and mist rising from the falls, each room offers air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a private patio. Relax by the pool, dine at the acclaimed Cassia Restaurant, or enjoy a river cruise aboard the Ra-Ikane fleet.
Days 2–4: Camp Mana, Mana Pools National Park
Fly from Victoria Falls to Mana Pools, where you’ll stay at the luxurious Camp Mana for three nights. Set near the Zambezi River, this eco-friendly camp provides exceptional wildlife viewing right from your tent. Mana Pools is famous for its wild beauty, seasonal pools, and diverse game—including elephants, crocodiles, lions, and rare African wild dogs.
- Included: Air transfer, game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, fishing
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
About Camp Mana
Camp Mana combines old-world charm with modern sustainability. Solar-powered tents feature en-suite bathrooms and river-facing porches. Enjoy a communal Bedouin-style lounge with spotting scopes, bar service, and guided wildlife experiences. This is unpretentious luxury in the heart of the wild.
Days 5–7: Mhara River Camp, Chitake River – Mana Pools National Park
Continue your Zimbabwe Safari with a scenic drive through the park to Mhara River Camp. Nestled above the Chitake River in a remote area of Mana Pools, this eco-conscious retreat offers guided walks, night drives, and a game-viewing hide. Watch elephants and buffalo gather near the camp’s natural spring and enjoy close encounters with predators and birdlife.
- Included: Game drives, guided walks, night safaris, wildlife hide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
About Mhara River Camp
This private camp features six spacious, gauze-windowed tents with en-suite bathrooms and scenic views over the Chitake River. With no fences, you’ll feel deeply connected to nature. It’s the perfect base for exploring this less-traveled corner of Mana Pools National Park.
Day 8: Fly from Mana Pools to Harare – Departure
After breakfast, your Zimbabwe Safari concludes with a transfer to Ruckomechi Airstrip for your flight to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare.
- Included: Road and air transfer
- Meals: Breakfast
Optional Add-On: Chitake Springs Safari (3 Nights)
Extend your Zimbabwe Safari with a 3-night stay at Chitake Springs Camp, where untamed Africa reveals itself in raw intensity. Located in a predator-rich area of Mana Pools, this fly-in camp offers a front-row seat to nature’s drama—with lions often walking past your tent and herds of buffalo gathering at the springs.
Tour Notes
- Daily departures available (minimum of 2 people)
- Safari can be customized to suit your preferences
- Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be arranged in Victoria Falls or Harare
- Child Policy: Children aged 12+ welcome
Contact our travel experts at African Budget Safaris to book or tailor this unforgettable Zimbabwe Safari to Victoria Falls and Mana Pools. Let us help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!