Explore Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta

On your Mana Pools safari you will typically enjoy twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles. The park’s relative remoteness and Wilderness' location in private safari concessions mean sightings are unhurried, perfect for photography or simply observing nature unfold. Guided walking safaris are a highlight at Mana Pools, allowing you to track animals on foot through the forest and along the river, guided by skilled locals who interpret animal signs, tracks, and behaviours. The Zambezi River also offers seasonal boating and canoeing excursions, where you can enjoy the park's abundant birdlife, or try your hand at catch-and-release fishing.

Mana Pools National Park lies at the heart of the Lower Zambezi Valley, a remote and enchanting wilderness. The area is home to large concentrations of elephants, while common waterbuck, pods of hippos and crocodiles can be seen crowding the riverbanks. The birdlife is also superb with migratory carmine bee-eaters nesting in the riverbanks during their breeding season alongside resident white-fronted bee-eaters, while numerous other local specials, like the collared palm-thrush and racket-tailed roller can also be spotted. Enjoy magical sightings while cruising this amazing stretch of the Zambezi River. * Water levels permitting.

Game drives in Hwange National Park showcase the rich diversity of Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve, from open savannahs and mopane woodlands to seasonal pans and riverine corridors. Morning and afternoon drives in open 4x4 vehicles allow the opportunity to encounter elephant herds, lion prides, leopard, wild dog, and an array of antelope species, while the park’s prolific birdlife adds further fascination. Wildlife congregates around waterholes, particularly during the dry season and our experienced guides and small guest numbers ensure encounters are unhurried, intimate experiences where sightings can be fully appreciated.

At night, opt to sleep out at the Star Bed at Scott’s Pan, situated roughly 15 minutes from Wilderness Linkwasha. The waterhole is a magnet for wildlife that arrives for a late night drink as you sit having a nightcap of your own. Wake up to watch the sunrise and look out to see the animals come through for a morning drink.

Witness the breathtaking majesty of Victoria Falls, a World Heritage Site straddling the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia. As you stand before the most expansive curtain of water on Earth, experience the breathtaking "Smoke that Thunders," locally known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya." From February to May each year, the Victoria Falls are in full flood and 500 million litres of water tumble over the edge into a series of gorges each minute! After a briefing and explanation of the Falls, your guide accompanies you along the 1.7-kilometre scenic pathways of the rainforest, stopping at numerous viewpoints to gaze at the Falls. This privately guided tour lasts approximately 1.5 - 2 hours.

Drift along the Zambezi River in style aboard the Ra-Ikane, a vessel steeped in Victorian charm and named after David Livingstone's guide. With its elegant teak finish, brass accents, and inviting club chairs, the boat exudes African opulence. Your journey begins with a refreshing cocktail, a safety briefing, and stories of the river's rich history. As you glide through the serene waters, spot elephants, hippos, and abundant birdlife in their natural habitat. The boat's design ensures an intimate wildlife experience, while the attentive crew and spacious deck enhance your comfort. Enjoy unlimited drinks and delectable snacks as the scenery unfolds. Sailing on the Ra-Ikane offers a luxurious and unforgettable way to experience the majesty of the Zambezi.

The Vumbura concession offers one of the most varied safari experiences in the Okavango Delta. Twice-daily game drives take you deep into this mosaic of habitats, where predators and prey are found in abundance. Because it is a private concession, you can stay out after dark, with night drives revealing the nocturnal side of the Delta. For those wanting a different perspective, guided nature walks allow you to slow down and connect with the smaller details of the bush, from animal tracks to the Delta birdlife. Seasonal water levels open up another world of exploration including mokoro rides, boat trips, or trying your hand at catch-and-release fishing.

Exploring Africa’s waterways by boat is a unique replacement for your afternoon game drive, offering the chance to see the life that thrives at the water’s edge. Hippos grunt, crocodiles bask, and elephants wade, while countless bird species can also be seen. With a G&T in hand or grazing from your own snack platter, boating reveals the quieter rhythms of life on safari. Depending on the season and water levels, it’s an unforgettable way to experience Africa from an entirely different angle.

Gliding silently through the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, a modern take on a traditional dugout canoe, offers an intimate way to experience this UNESCO wetland. Typically lasting two to three hours, these excursions are guided by skilled polers who expertly navigate the channels, allowing you to drift past tiny reed frogs, herds of red lechwe, and an abundance of birdlife while observing the delicate ecosystem. The slow, quiet pace offers the opportunity to spot smaller creatures and hidden details often missed on a game drive. Mokoro trips are generally suitable for all ages and activity levels.