The Serengeti Calving Season
Witness the Serengeti’s calving season, when hundreds of wildebeest are born and predators gather. One of nature’s most dramatic spectacles.
From USD 11,113 per person
.jpg%3Fw%3D1600%26q%3D65%26fm%3Dwebp&w=3840&q=75)
Hwange, Mana Pools, Johannesburg, Vilanculos
destinations
Hwange, Mana Pools, Johannesburg, Vilanculos
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.
Hope Dudley
Trainee Safari Specialist

Wilderness Little Makalolo

Game drives in Hwange National Park

Star Bed at Wilderness Little Makalolo

Wilderness Ruckomechi

Exploring Mana Pools National Park

Boating

City Lodge O.R. Tambo Airport

Santorini Mozambique
Accommodation
| Days | Camps | Experiences |
|---|---|---|
| DAYS 1 - 41 - 4 | Hwange, Zimbabwe | |
| DAYS 4 - 74 - 7 | Mana Pools, Zimbabwe | |
| DAYS 7 - 87 - 8 | Johannesburg, South Africa | |
| DAYS 8 - 138 - 13 | Vilanculos, Mozambique |
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.








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
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.








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
Exploring Mana Pools National Park
Learn more





.jpg%3Fw%3D640%26q%3D50%26fm%3Dwebp&w=1200&q=75)
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






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








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.
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
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
Wilderness - Best Sustainability Community Partner

Wilderness Bisate Reserve - Best New Luxury Hotels

Wilderness Ruckomechi - Zimbabwe's Leading Safari Lodge

Wilderness DumaTau - #2 World Resorts