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Wildlife & Whales: From Hwange and Mana Pools to Vilanculos

Wildlife & Whales: From Hwange and Mana Pools to Vilanculos

Hwange, Mana Pools, Johannesburg, Vilanculos

nights
12
camps
4
from price, per person
USD11,095

This is one of those journeys I never tire of recommending. You start in Hwange, then head to Mana Pools, seeing elephants, lions, and other wildlife across two of Zimbabwe’s most iconic reserves, before swopping the bush for the pristine waters of Vilanculos. Diving or snorkelling with whale sharks is an unforgettable highlight, and the quiet beaches and coral reefs offer the perfect contrast to safari excitement. It really is the best of both worlds.

HD

Hope Dudley

Trainee Safari Specialist

Wilderness Little Makalolo

Wilderness Little Makalolo

Game drives in Hwange National Park

Game drives in Hwange National Park

Star Bed at Wilderness Little Makalolo

Star Bed at Wilderness Little Makalolo

Wilderness Ruckomechi

Wilderness Ruckomechi

Exploring Mana Pools National Park

Exploring Mana Pools National Park

Boating

Boating

City Lodge O.R. Tambo Airport

City Lodge O.R. Tambo Airport

Santorini Mozambique

Santorini Mozambique

Accommodation

Summary

DAYS 1 - 4
Hwange, Zimbabwe
DAYS 4 - 7
Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
DAYS 7 - 8
Johannesburg, South Africa
DAYS 8 - 13
Vilanculos, Mozambique
wildlife & activities

Highlights

  • Explore two of Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife regions, Hwange and Mana Pools, where exceptional elephant, predator, and other wildlife sightings await.
  • Combine game drives, walking safaris, and river-based experiences for a varied safari adventure.
  • Witness whales and whale sharks off Mozambique’s coast, with opportunities to dive or snorkel in the pristine waters.
  • Relax on a beach after your safari, exploring vibrant coral reefs at Santorini in Vilanculos, the perfectly serene ending to your trip.
  • Enjoy seamless connections and intimate, down-to-earth accommodations, where heartfelt hospitality meets exceptional wildlife and marine experiences.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Victoria Falls AirportWilderness Little Makalolo

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 transfer to Wilderness Little Makalolo.

Day 1 - 4
Wilderness Little Makalolo
LocationHwange, Zimbabwe

A charming, intimate camp in the south-east of Hwange, Wilderness Little Makalolo features prominently on the mental maps of local wildlife, all drawn to its reliable waterhole. A log-pile hide affords unique, thrilling close-up views of elephants, and habitat diversity ensures year-round wildlife. Activities focus on game drives and morning nature walks. The many waterholes produce amazing sightings, or guests can relax in camp and wait for wildlife to come to them. The six spacious en-suite tents (including a family tent) are only surpassed in the experience stakes by the opportunity to sleep out at the Madison Pan star bed. Insider's Tip: Visit the log-pile hide between game drives to enjoy close up viewing of wildlife at the productive waterhole. Elephants are often the star attraction so make sure you have your camera ready ...

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.

Star Bed at Wilderness Little Makalolo

Learn more

Wilderness Little Makalolo's Star Bed is situated at the productive Madison Pan. From the raised deck, sit and look out over the passing wildlife that comes to drink; a dazzle of zebra as the sun sets, herds of elephant in the night, or a lone hyena at sunrise. When rumblings of your own begin, Little Makalolo’s Star Bed even has its own wood-fired oven for pizza – a delicious treat to enjoy in the middle of the bush.

Day 4

Wilderness Little MakaloloWilderness Ruckomechi

Flight • 02:30h

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

Day 4 - 7
Wilderness Ruckomechi
LocationMana Pools, Zimbabwe

Situated in a large private concession in the heart of the Zambezi Valley’s Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Ruckomechi looks out from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. It is a remote, picturesque place with spectacular views of the broad flowing river, the adjacent woodland and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment. Ten spacious and beautifully decorated en-suite tents, including two family rooms, lie beneath the ana trees, best-beloved of local elephants for their nutritious seeds. The camp's central living space includes an inviting fire pit for pleasant evenings beneath the African night skies. Other unique features include a pool which overlooks a broad sweep of the river, an outdoor “bath with a view” in a secluded, scenic spot, and a romantic Star Bed by a busy waterhole. Open 4x4 vehicles, motorised pontoon boats, canoes and good old safari boots facilitate the wildlife viewing. Wilderness Ruckomechi is open throughout the dry (winter) season. Insider's Tip: A boat cruise along the mighty Zambezi is a wonderful way to see wildlife and waterbirds from a different perspective. For the more adventurous – there’s the option of canoeing along this famous river!

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.

Boating

Learn more

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.

Day 7

Wilderness RuckomechiRobert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport

Flight • 01:30h

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

OR Tambo International AirportCity Lodge O.R. Tambo Airport

Walk • 00:15h

Day 7 - 8

City Lodge O.R. Tambo Airport

LocationJohannesburg, South Africa

Situated close to Johannesburg’s international airport, City Lodge Johannesburg Airport has 219 guest rooms. Providing both business and leisure travellers with spacious home away from home accommodation, our hotel is ideal for those commuting to and from Johannesburg and perfect for passengers requiring immediate access to the airport. We are also conveniently located for Johannesburg’s freeway system linking Gauteng with the rest of South Africa. Our hotel offers a board room and conference facilities, a fitness centre as well as a deck with a swimming pool and a coffee shop. INSIDER’S TIP: We offer a same-day laundry and dry-cleaning service, and parking is complimentary and convenient.

1 nights • Standard Room x 1

Day 8

City Lodge O.R. Tambo AirportOR Tambo International Airport

Walk • 00:15h

Vilanculos AirportSantorini Mozambique

Road • 00:30h

Day 8 - 13

Santorini Mozambique

LocationVilanculos, Mozambique

Santorini Mozambique is a coastal retreat on the red cliffs of Kingfisher Bay, above the Bazaruto Archipelago and the Indian Ocean. Only a short boat or helicopter transfer from Vilanculos Airport, it’s within easy reach of protected marine reserves, uninhabited islands, and dive and fishing sites. Inspired by Greek island architecture and shaped by its African setting, the property features whitewashed, sea-facing suites and villas designed around open-plan indoor-outdoor living. Each space includes private terraces, ocean views, and air-conditioning, while select villas add private plunge pools, outdoor baths, dedicated hosts, and in-villa dining with private chefs. The atmosphere is intimate, with personalised service and communal spaces for dining, sunsets, and relaxed coastal living. Discover the archipelago by boat to snorkel Two Mile Reef, visit the dunes of Bazaruto Island, or wander the ruins of Santa Carolina. Dolphin sightings, dugong encounters, and seasonal whale watching are possible offshore, while kayaking, paddleboarding, and sunset dhow cruises offer slower-paced activities. On land, spa treatments and guided yoga sessions provide space to unwind between adventures. Insider’s Tip: Ask for a private sandbank picnic, timed with low tide, for complete isolation in the middle of the archipelago.

5 nights • Suite (Banque, Magaruque & Benguerra) x 1

Day 13

Santorini MozambiqueVilanculos Airport

Road • 00:30h

Vilanculos AirportOR Tambo International Airport

Flight • 02:00h

O.R. Tambo International Airport

Meet and Assist at Johannesburg

Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be met in the main terminal building by a Menzies Aviation representative carrying a name board. If arriving on an international flight, they will assist you through customs and immigration, and guide you to collect your luggage. You will be assisted with check-in and passport control, and accompanied to the boarding gate to await your onward flight.

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
  • Meet & Greet
  • Breakfast included at city hotels

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.

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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
12
from price, per person
USD11,095