Fly-In Safari
Superior Wilderness Experiences – Zimbabwe
Experience Zimbabwe’s stunning wilderness on a 9-day fly-in safari, starting at the majestic Victoria Falls. Travel to Eastern Hwange National Park, home to abundant wildlife, including elephants and lions, before heading to Mana Pools National Park, known for its walking safaris and rich biodiversity. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and immersive wildlife experiences, all while surrounded by the beauty of Africa’s landscapes. This journey seamlessly blends adventure with comfort, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers.
Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day fly-in safari through Zimbabwe’s breathtaking wilderness. Begin your adventure at the iconic Victoria Falls before journeying to the expansive Eastern Hwange National Park, renowned for its vast elephant herds and diverse wildlife. Experience the pristine landscapes of Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where walking safaris and intimate wildlife encounters await. Luxurious lodges and tented camps provide comfort amidst nature’s splendour, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of Zimbabwe’s finest offerings.
Includes
- Accommodations, Meals and activities as indicated
- Road transfers as indicated
- Sit in plane charter flights as indicated
- National Park Fees where necessary
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Digital travel document
Excludes
- International Flights
- Visa Applications
- Anything of personal nature
- Gratuities
- Additional Activites not indicated
- Any Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increase beyond our control
- Any errors & omission
Map & Route
Route Map
Distance Table
| Destination | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Victoria Falls Airport to Linkwasha Airstrip | Charter flight |
| Linkwasha Airstrip to Mana West Airstrip | Charter flight |
| Mana West Airstrip to Victoria Falls Airport | Charter flight |
| Victoria Falls Airport to Wilderness Toka Leya | 54 min |
| Wilderness Toka Leya to Victoria Falls Airport | 55 min |
| Mana West Airstrip to Wilderness Little Ruckomechi | 0 min |
| Wilderness Little Ruckomechi to Mana West Airstrip | 0 min |
Days 1 & 2
Livingstone
Experience the incredible wildlife of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park with thrilling game drives that may reveal elephants, buffalo, giraffe, and even the elusive white rhino. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the chance to spot vibrant species like the half-collared kingfisher and Schalow’s turaco.
For a more intimate exploration, guided nature walks allow you to uncover the ecological wonders surrounding Wilderness Toka Leya, learning about the medicinal properties of local flora and the intricate signs of wildlife. Additionally, enjoy a relaxing river cruise on the Zambezi, where you can observe hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Your stay at Wilderness Toka Leya ensures a fully inclusive experience, making for an unforgettable adventure in Livingstone.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Wilderness Toka Leya – Game Drives
Game drives into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offer sightings of general game species namely elephant, buffalo, giraffe and white rhino. Rich birdlife, including sought-after species such as half-collared kingfisher and Schalow’s turaco may be spotted as well.
Wilderness Toka Leya – Guided Nature Walks *
Exploring the area on foot is a remarkable way to enjoy the small wonders within close proximity to the camp – the experience enables an understanding about the medicinal properties of plants and trees, the ecology, birds and insects; as well as interpreting the signs of the wild including animal tracks.* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.
Wilderness Toka Leya – River Cruise
Whether a relaxing sunset cruise or a game viewing cruise, there are stunning scenic views and exciting wildlife to be enjoyed from the comfort of a spacious boat. There is always an abundance of hippo and crocodile; with the mighty Zambezi revealing other surprising sightings along the way.
Wilderness Toka Leya – Rhino Encounter *
This excursion at Wilderness Toka Leya is an exhilarating way of getting up close and personal with these endangered animals. Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) scouts monitor these rhino 24 hours a day and therefore the animals’ whereabouts are always known. Travel to the location by vehicle, and then continue on foot, accompanied by the scout. The experience combines conservation, adventure, and education, providing fascinating insights into rhino behaviour and the vital efforts being made to protect one of Africa's most iconic species .* Please note that a nominal park fee is applicable.
Wilderness Toka Leya – Tour Of The Falls *
A World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is the most expansive curtain of water in the world. Behold the "Smoke that Thunders", Victoria Falls, is known to locals as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" for valid reasons. View its dramatic roaring waters and a mini rainforest that clings to the Falls’ edge, with a variety of mammals and birds. Plummeting some hundred metres into a basalt gorge, the spectacular spray, seen from kilometres away, is beguiling. * A guided tour on the Zambian side is included in your stay; while the view from the Zimbabwean side is at extra cost.
Wilderness Toka Leya – Cultural & Historical Tours
Cultural visits to one of the nearby villages are respectful and insightful ways of learning about and interacting with the people and culture in this part of Zambia. The visit includes seeing one of the schools, and a homestead. Guest donations have assisted with projects that focus on schooling and income-generating activities, ensuring that the community benefits from tourism in the area.
Wilderness Toka Leya – Livingstone Town Tours
Visit the local museum, and neighbourhood markets, to catch a glimpse of historic and modern Livingstone town.
Wilderness Toka Leya – Adventure Activities *
Wilderness Toka Leya is a tranquil safari base from which to easily access and explore the Victoria Falls and the adrenaline-filled adventure hub of Livingstone. The mighty Zambezi’s many experiences include thrilling activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, jet boating, and helicopter rides to name a few.* These activities are at extra cost.
Days 3–5
Eastern Hwange National Park
Experience the wonders of Eastern Hwange National Park at Wilderness Little Makalolo, located in one of the most vibrant wildlife areas. The diverse habitats and abundant waterholes create an exhilarating environment for game drives, ensuring there’s always something new to discover in this exclusive setting.
As dusk falls, embark on evening game drives to encounter elusive nocturnal creatures that are seldom seen during the day. Witness the Hwange ‘night act’ featuring species such as leopard, lion, and the rare pangolin. Additionally, guided nature walks provide an intimate way to explore the park’s ecological diversity, while the log-pile hide offers thrilling views of elephants and buffalo at the nearby waterhole.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Wilderness Little Makalolo – Game Drives
The Makalolo Private Wilderness Reserve is situated in the most prolific wildlife area of Hwange National Park. The varied habitats and vegetation types, as well as countless waterholes, mean that game drives are exciting with always something new to be seen in an exclusive setting.
Wilderness Little Makalolo – Night Drives
Evening game drives offer the best opportunity to see the shy nocturnal animals that are rarely seen in the daylight hours. The Hwange 'night act' includes species such as lesser bushbaby, spotted hyaena, leopard, lion, Selous mongoose, pangolin, caracal, porcupine, scrub hare, springhare and even honey badger.
Wilderness Little Makalolo – Guided Nature Walks
Hwange was proclaimed some 80 years ago and has served as a haven for one of the highest concentrations of game on the African continent. There is no better way to experience this park than on foot, discovering the ecological-diversity of Hwange on a nature walk with a highly experienced safari guide.
Wilderness Little Makalolo – Log-pile Hide *
This log-pile hide is beautifully placed at the waterhole in front of camp, and is the perfect place to spend afternoon siesta hours. The productive waterhole offers thrilling game viewing to literally a Noah's Ark parade of elephant and buffalo. Elephants are often the star attraction at the hide; just watch out for the sprays of water propelled from their nearby trunks.* Note that during rare times of heavy rains, the log-pile hide becomes very muddy and inoperative.
Wilderness Little Makalolo – Star Bed At Madison Pan *
Situated on a raised platform overlooking Madison Pan, the Star Bed is just a 20-minute drive away from camp and offers a truly secluded, remote wilderness experience. Spend a romantic night surrounded only by nature, and beneath the canopy of millions of stars.* Weather permitting and operated subject to the discretion of the Camp Manager.
Days 6–8
Mana Pools National Park
Experience the wonders of Mana Pools National Park with a thrilling game drive, either in the early morning or late afternoon, where you can spot elephants, buffalo, hippos, and eland, alongside the majestic lion, leopard, and wild dog. Enjoy a refreshing coffee break or a sundowner at a picturesque location, as your knowledgeable guide shares captivating stories of the bush.
Explore this stunning wilderness on foot with guided nature walks, allowing you to appreciate the intricate details of the landscape that often go unnoticed from a vehicle. For a unique perspective, consider a river cruise along the Zambezi, where you may encounter diverse wildlife against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. At Wilderness Little Ruckomechi, each moment is an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Wilderness Little Ruckomechi – Game Drives
Enjoy a game drive, early in the morning or late afternoon, in an area renowned for its large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and eland; along with lion, leopard and wild dog. Take in a coffee break or a sundowner at a scenic spot while your knowledgeable guide regales you with tales of safari bushlore.
Wilderness Little Ruckomechi – Guided Nature Walks
Mana Pools National Park is a remote, beautiful place that is best experienced on foot, led by a professional guide. One of the best parts of a walking safari is going slowly enough to appreciate the little things you may miss from a vehicle. Nothing gets you closer to the landscape than a guided walk through the wilderness for an intimate look at nature.
Wilderness Little Ruckomechi – River Cruise *
A cruise down this magnificent stretch of the Zambezi River takes in the life in, on, and around this iconic river. Watch birds, hippo, elephant, and perhaps even a colourful carmine colony against the spectacular backdrop of an African sunset. * Water levels permitting.
Wilderness Little Ruckomechi – Fishing
Bream (tilapia), and barbel (catfish) are some of the more common fish found at Mana Pools. Fishing is on a catch and release basis, with keen fishermen encouraged to bring their own equipment as we only carry basic fishing tackle. Try your hand at hooking a tigerfish as you drift down the Zambezi.
Wilderness Little Ruckomechi – Birding
The incredible birdlife, colourful and lively, can turn anyone into a passionate bird-watcher. The multiplicity of avian life in the area includes three-banded courser, western banded snake-eagle, Arnot's chat, green-capped eremomela, African golden oriole, Lilian’s lovebird, Böhm's spinetail and Meve's starling.
Wilderness Little Ruckomechi – Canoeing *
This exciting experience will see you fit in some 'breath-taking' exercise as you observe the river at hippo eye-level.* Water levels permitting.
Day 9
Victoria Falls Airport
After unforgettable nights at Wilderness Toka Leya, Wilderness Little Makalolo, and Wilderness Little Ruckomechi. We hope you carry cherished memories of Zimbabwe’s stunning landscapes and wildlife with you.
