7 Days Zimbabwe Safari | Victoria Falls & Hwange
This seven-day Zimbabwe safari combines Victoria Falls with the wildlife of Hwange National Park, balancing waterfall experiences and river activities with game drives and guided walks.
Trip Highlights
- Guided experience at Victoria Falls
- Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
- Optional white-water rafting
- Elephant experience with handlers
- Game drives in Hwange National Park
- Guided nature walks
- Wildlife viewing around a permanent waterhole
- Photographic hide experience
- Opportunities to look for elephants, buffalo, sable, lions, wild dogs and other wildlife
- Three nights combining Victoria Falls and Hwange
Overview
The journey begins in Victoria Falls, where you have time to experience the falls from Zimbabwe’s network of viewpoints before choosing additional activities on the Zambezi.
A sunset river cruise, white-water rafting and an elephant experience are among the options included in the itinerary.
From Victoria Falls, the safari continues to Hwange National Park for three nights of wildlife viewing.
The park’s varied habitats support elephants, buffalo, sable, wild dogs, lions and a wide range of birdlife, with game drives, guided walks and time around a lodge waterhole forming the focus of the safari.
The route works particularly well for first-time visitors who want to combine one of Zimbabwe’s major natural attractions with a dedicated wildlife section without covering several distant safari regions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Victoria Falls
Arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport where a Petnah Africa Tours representative will meet you and transfer you to your lodge.
After settling in and lunch, spend the afternoon at leisure before heading out for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
The cruise provides an opportunity to watch elephants, hippos and crocodiles along the river while looking out for birds such as African fish eagles and malachite kingfishers.
Dinner and overnight at Victoria Falls River Lodge
The lodge is situated along the Zambezi River in the Zambezi National Park and offers luxury tented accommodation with private viewing decks.
Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Victoria Falls Experience
Today is dedicated to Victoria Falls.
Take a guided walk through the rainforest on the Zimbabwean side of the falls, stopping at the various viewpoints while your guide explains the formation of the falls, surrounding landscape and local stories associated with the area.
Victoria Falls is part of the transboundary UNESCO World Heritage property of Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls.
Water levels change considerably through the year, so the amount of spray and the visibility of different sections can vary by season.
The afternoon and evening are available for optional activities such as a helicopter flight or zip-lining, subject to availability and your preferences.
Overnight at Victoria Falls River Lodge
Day 3: White-Water Rafting and Elephant Experience
Today is left flexible so you can choose how actively you want to spend your final full day around Victoria Falls.
One option is a full-day white-water rafting experience on the Zambezi, with lunch and refreshments included as specified in the itinerary.
You can alternatively take part in an elephant experience involving a guided walk with elephants and their handlers.
The exact format and level of interaction should be confirmed at the time of booking and assessed against current animal-welfare standards.
If you prefer a quieter day, you can remain at the lodge and make use of its facilities.
Overnight at Victoria Falls River Lodge
Day 4: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park
After breakfast, check out and drive towards Hwange National Park. The journey takes approximately 2 to 3 hours according to the supplied itinerary.
After arriving at camp and settling in, head out for an afternoon game drive.
The first safari outing offers an introduction to Hwange’s wildlife and habitats, with opportunities to see elephants, buffalo, painted dogs and other species.
As evening approaches, return to camp for dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Camp Hwange
The intimate camp is positioned among indigenous teak woodland overlooking a permanent waterhole and open plains. Wildlife coming to drink can provide sightings even from around camp.
Day 5: Full-Day Safari in Hwange
Spend the day exploring Hwange National Park on game drives and a guided nature walk.
The park supports a broad range of wildlife, with opportunities to look for elephants, buffalo and sable antelope as well as predators such as lions, wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas and, with luck, leopards.
Birdwatching is also an important part of the Hwange experience, with numerous species inhabiting the park’s varied landscapes.
Overnight accommodation: To be confirmed according to the final itinerary.
Day 6: Hwange at Leisure
Use your final full day in Hwange according to your interests and energy levels.
You can head out for another game drive or guided nature walk, or stay at camp and watch wildlife visiting the waterhole.
A photographic hide beside the water provides another way to observe animals at close range without following them by vehicle.
Overnight accommodation: To be confirmed according to the final itinerary.
Day 7: Departure
Enjoy your final morning in Hwange before breakfast and your transfer back towards Victoria Falls International Airport for your departing flight.
Your Zimbabwe safari ends on arrival at the airport.
What’s Included
- All national park entrance fees
- Scheduled activities listed in the itinerary
- Ground transportation in 4×4 safari vehicles
- Bottled water during game drives
- Full-board accommodation as specified
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Driver allowances
- Activities specifically listed in the itinerary, excluding optional experiences
What’s Not Included
- Zimbabwe visa fees
- International and domestic flights
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities and tips
- Optional activities
- Laundry
- Travel insurance
- Beverages other than the provided water
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much time is spent at Victoria Falls?
The itinerary gives you three nights in the Victoria Falls area, allowing a dedicated day for the falls alongside river and adventure activities.
2. Can I choose what to do on Day 3?
Yes. The itinerary leaves this day flexible, with options including white-water rafting, an elephant experience or time at the lodge. Optional activities should be confirmed before booking.
3. What wildlife can I expect in Hwange?
Hwange supports elephants, buffalo, sable, lions, wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas and many other species. Sightings are naturally unpredictable, so no particular animal can be guaranteed.
4. Is this a physically demanding safari?
The safari combines vehicle-based game viewing with optional or scheduled walking and adventure activities. The difficulty depends largely on which Victoria Falls activities and walking experiences you choose.
5. Can I visit Victoria Falls during the dry season?
Yes. Victoria Falls remains accessible throughout the year, although water levels and the amount of spray around the falls change substantially with the seasons.
Tell us what you want to see and experience, and we can help tailor the route, activities, and accommodation around your travel plans.
Plan My Zimbabwe Safari.
You can also WhatsApp Petnah Africa Tours on +256 705 161344.
