This 6-day Zimbabwean safari captures the country’s most iconic wildlife and natural wonders. Your journey begins with a scenic bush flight from Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier Big Five wildlife reserve, for high-density game viewing and predator action. You will then return to the lively adventure hub of Victoria Falls to experience a tranquil sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River, an exhilarating “Flight of Angels” helicopter tour, and a guided walking discovery of the world’s largest waterfall.
Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you board your connecting bush flight into Hwange National Park. Your local representative meets you at the airstrip and transfers you to the lodge for check-in and lunch. In the late afternoon, you set out on your first game drive through Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest reserve, which is famous for its thriving Big Five populations, over 400 bird species, and vast herds of plains game before returning to the lodge for dinner. Overnight in Hwange National Park.
Your day begins at dawn as you head into the wilderness for a morning safari, catching predators and wildlife during their most active hunting hours. Following the drive, you return to the lodge for breakfast and spend the midday hours at leisure. After lunch and a siesta, you embark on an afternoon game drive across Hwange's varied habitats, returning to the lodge in time for dinner. Overnight in Hwange National Park.
You set out on another early morning safari to track big game across Hwange's extensive waterhole network as the park wakes up. You return to the lodge for breakfast and spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming, or wildlife watching from the lodge grounds. Late in the afternoon, you join your guide for an evening game drive, soaking in the bush sunset before returning for dinner. Overnight in Hwange National Park.
Following breakfast, you check out and transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Victoria Falls. A representative meets you upon arrival and transfers you to your hotel to check in and settle in. In the late afternoon, you embark on a sundowner cruise along the Zambezi River, watching for birdlife, hippos, and elephants along the riverbanks before returning to town for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Victoria Falls Town.
After breakfast, you take to the skies for the "Flight of Angels" helicopter tour, enjoying complete aerial figure-eight views over Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park. You return to ground level for a guided walking tour of the falls, exploring the primary viewpoints situated on the Zimbabwean side to learn about their formation and local heritage. In the afternoon, you can add optional adrenaline activities such as white-water rafting, canoeing, or riverboarding. Overnight in Victoria Falls Town.
After breakfast at your hotel, you check out and meet your driver for the transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport, where you board your onward flight home.
Drive up to the historic, pine-scented enclave of Landour. Walk along the scenic trails of Lal Tibba, stop by a heritage bakery for mountain tea and fresh preserves, and spend your afternoon visiting the cascading waters at Kempty Falls or Company Garden. Overnight in Mussoorie.
Explore Cloud’s End, walking through dense oak and deodar sanctuaries where the town meets raw mountain wilderness. Conclude your afternoon taking in panoramic valley views from Sir George Everest’s historic estate before enjoying a final relaxed evening in the hills. Overnight in Mussoorie.
Savor a final mountain breakfast before your private transfer downhill to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant) or Dehradun Railway Station for your onward journey home.
Frequently Asked Questions
The peak period is the dry season from July to October. During these months, water sources in Hwange dry up, forcing large herds of elephants and predators to gather around man-made waterholes for exceptional game viewing. The weather is dry, clear, and warm, though early morning safaris in July and August can be brisk.
Water volume peaks right after the rains from March to May, creating a thundering curtain of water and heavy spray (a helicopter tour offers the clearest view then). By the late dry season (September to November), water levels drop significantly, revealing the gorge's rock face—ideal for clear photography, lower spray, and white-water rafting, though the flow is less roaring.
Light aircraft transfers cut travel time down from a 3 to 4-hour road transfer to a brief 30 to 45-minute flight. Flight transfers also offer scenic, low-level views over the Zambezi River and Hwange’s expansive wilderness while maximizing your time on safari rather than on the road.
Safaris take place in open 4x4 vehicles driven by professional licensed guides. Hwange is world-famous for its massive elephant population over 45,000 strong as well as frequent sightings of lions, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, and plains game. Safaris run in early mornings and late afternoons when animal activity peaks.
Pack neutral-toned clothing (khaki, beige, green) for safaris and avoid dark blue or black. You will need a warm jacket, fleece, and beanie for chilly early morning game drives, sturdy walking shoes for the Victoria Falls tour, a light rain poncho (to protect against waterfall spray), sunscreen, and insect repellent.
