Wild Zimbabwe: Hwange & Mana Pools

Wild Zimbabwe: Hwange & Mana Pools

Hwange, Mana Pools

nights
9
camps
3
from price, per person
USD16,179

I highly recommend this Zimbabwe itinerary for anyone seeking a truly authentic safari. It’s one of the few places where adventure meets amazing wildlife encounters, from bush walks to paddling the Zambezi at Mana Pools, and spotting predators in uncrowded areas. This itinerary showcases the very best of the country, and camps that feel like a home in the bush.

SG

Sarah Glyde

Travel Designer

Wilderness Linkwasha

Wilderness Linkwasha

Game drives in Hwange National Park

Game drives in Hwange National Park

Wilderness Little Ruckomechi

Wilderness Little Ruckomechi

Star Bed at Wilderness Ruckomechi

Star Bed at Wilderness Ruckomechi

Wilderness Chikwenya

Wilderness Chikwenya

Exploring Mana Pools National Park

Exploring Mana Pools National Park

wildlife & activities

Highlights

  • Explore some of Zimbabwe’s best wildlife reserves, from the vast expanses of Hwange to the lush riverine forests of Mana Pools.
  • Stay at one of our top accommodation options in Hwange, paired with two different camps in Mana Pools for a full experience of the area.
  • Witness exceptional elephant and predator action in private, uncrowded concessions.
  • Enjoy the freedom of walking safaris, canoe excursions, and classic game drives across diverse ecosystems.
  • Stay in intimate, luxury camps that combine a genuine feel with heartfelt hospitality.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Victoria Falls Airport

Victoria Falls Airport to Wilderness Linkwasha

Flight • 00:40h

On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport and after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met and assisted by a Wilderness representative to your light aircraft for your onward circuit air transfer to Wilderness Linkwasha.

Day 1 - 4
Wilderness Linkwasha
Location IconHwange, Zimbabwe

Wilderness Linkwasha is a luxurious camp that lies in a private concession in the enormously productive south-eastern corner of Hwange National Park. Situated on the edge of the famed Ngamo Plains, which offers fantastic summer game viewing, the camp looks over a magnificent plain and a pan that is a magnet for game year round, especially in the dry winter months. The fresh, open and airy design of Wilderness Linkwasha is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors. Nine luxurious en-suite tents (eight twins and one family unit) offer incredible views, while the main area – including multi-level decks, a pool area and a winter lounge complete with library – overlooks the prolific waterhole. Insider’s Tip: Enjoy the thrill of getting your feet on the ground on a walking safari in the company of Wilderness Linkwasha’s knowledgeable and highly experienced safari guides.

3 nights • Tented Room x 1

Selected experiences

Game drives in Hwange National Park

Learn more

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.

Day 4

Wilderness Linkwasha to Wilderness Little Ruckomechi

Flight • 02:30h

You will be taken by light aircraft from Wilderness Linkwasha to Wilderness Little Ruckomechi.

Day 4 - 7
Wilderness Little Ruckomechi
Location IconMana Pools, Zimbabwe

Wilderness Little Ruckomechi offers an intimate Mana Pools experience, in the style of the bygone days of safari, without detracting in any way from the wildlife experience. The shady ana trees and views of the Zambezi River and the Zambian foothills beyond are some of the hallmarks of this region, and Wilderness Little Ruckomechi provides all of them. This seasonal camp (winter/dry season only) offers an authentic safari experience through a mix of game drives, boating and guided nature walks, adding to the sense of exploring an untouched wilderness area. Insider’s Tip: A guided nature walk is a thrilling way of exploring the surrounding bush and often heralds many exciting sightings.

3 nights • Tented Room x 1

Selected experiences

Star Bed at Wilderness Ruckomechi

Learn more

Wilderness Ruckomechi’s Star Bed is about 400 metres from the camp and can be requested for overnight stays, dinner or breakfast – a delightful indulgence to enjoy at this romantic and secluded spot. Supremely remote and wild, it offers the opportunity to enjoy a different side to Mana Pools National Park - one that invites privacy and romance on an unmatched level.

Day 7

Wilderness Little Ruckomechi to Wilderness Chikwenya

Road • 02:00h

You'll be transferred by a representative of The Mana Pools Transfer Company, via boat from Wilderness Little Ruckomechi to Wilderness Chikwenya.

Day 7 - 10
Wilderness Chikwenya
Location IconMana Pools, Zimbabwe

Wilderness Chikwenya overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Zambezi River in the eastern section of Mana Pools National Park, one of the most remote and beautiful areas in Zimbabwe. Views extend over open floodplains down to the legendary river and across to the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment, while stretching inland behind Wilderness Chikwenya are the dense woodlands so characteristic of the area. The canvas tents are set on low wooden decks and linked to the raised main area by wooden walkways. A lounge, dining and bar area offer a sanctuary of hospitality and relaxation, while a pool deck and fire place offer alternate spaces to take in the scenery and passing wildlife. The area is renowned for its large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and eland, especially in winter when they concentrate along the river – these and a variety of predators can be seen from camp. Insider's Tip: Protein-rich albida pods attract many species, particularly elephant, during the dry season.

3 nights • Tented Room x 1

Selected experiences

Exploring Mana Pools National Park

Learn more

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.

Day 10

Wilderness Chikwenya to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport

Flight • 01:30h

You will be taken by light aircraft from Wilderness Chikwenya to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport

What to expect

Includes

  • All safari accommodation & meals
  • Twice daily safari activities
  • Park fees and concession fees
  • Laundry service
  • Airport and inter-camp transfers as specified

Excludes

  • International flights
  • Gratuities
  • Personal purchases
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees

Start your journey

These experiences are just a glimpse of what’s possible. If you’d like to book this trip or shape a custom itinerary, we are here to help you plan your perfect safari.

GUEST EXPERIENCES

What others say

Our awards

The hard work of our teams on the ground and the communities we work alongside has been recognised through numerous awards. And we couldn’t be prouder.

View all awards
Virtuoso Award 2025

Virtuoso Award 2025

Wilderness - Best Sustainability Community Partner

Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure

Wilderness Bisate Reserve - Best New Luxury Hotels

World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards

Wilderness Ruckomechi - Zimbabwe's Leading Safari Lodge

Condé Nast Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler

Wilderness DumaTau - #2 World Resorts

nights
9
from price, per person
USD16,179