Wild Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park

Reefs to Rockies invites you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of wild Zimbabwe. From the thundering spectacle of Victoria Falls to immersive experiences in Hwange National Park—Zimbabwe’s largest and most diverse wildlife haven—this safari adventure combines conservation, community, and breathtaking encounters with nature.

This thoughtfully curated journey goes beyond traditional safari. You’ll travel by rail and 4×4 through game-rich landscapes, connect with inspiring community leaders making a tangible difference, and support innovative conservation efforts, including rhino reintroduction on community land. Accommodations are exceptional throughout—from locally-owned lodges to Zimbabwe’s newest eco-retreat, Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge, where we’ll be among the very first guests.

ABOUT YOUR R2R EXPEDITION LEADER

Carly Crow has been dedicated to avian research since 2017, specializing in bird banding and field studies. Her work as a field biologist has taken her across the United States and internationally, giving her valuable experience in a wide range of ecosystems. With a strong background in tropical ecology, she has led research and education projects in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Ecuador. Carly joined Reefs to Rockies to support trip development and serve as a guide. She is thrilled to bring her passion for wildlife, natural habitats, and conservation-based tourism to this African safari experience.

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Fri, Dec 4): Arrival in Victoria Falls & Transfer to Shongwe Lookout ~ Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), clear customs, and meet your private transfer to the serene Shongwe Lookout. Nestled on the edge of the Zambezi River, this boutique lodge features artistic décor, lush gardens, and a stunning deck that offers breathtaking views of the falls’ mist.

Accommodations: Shongwe Lookout
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Sat, Dec 5): Victoria Falls View & Sunset River Cruise ~ We begin our day with breakfast, followed by a guided walking tour of Mosi-oa-Tunya—the iconic Victoria Falls. We’ll marvel at its vastness and thunderous beauty, taking time to explore multiple viewpoints and soak in its UNESCO World Heritage significance. For lunch, we’ll visit a scenic café perched on the gorge rim, complete with stunning views. Later in the afternoon, we’ll unwind on a refined sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. With cocktails and canapés in hand, we’ll relax as we drift by wildlife—an elegant finale to an unforgettable day.

Accommodations: Shongwe Lookout
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 (Sun, Dec 6): Journey to Hwange via Road & Rail Safari ~ After breakfast, we take a scenic transfer to a rail station on the edge of Hwange. There, we board an open-sided railcar designed for wildlife viewing and travel alongside the park boundary while enjoying a light lunch. In the afternoon, we continue into the bush by 4×4 game drive vehicles to Camelthorn Lodge, where a sunset cocktail and an outdoor dinner await us.

About Hwange National Park: At 5,600 square miles, Hwange is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and one of Africa’s great parks. It is home to more than 100 species of mammals, including 19 large herbivores such as buffalo, eland, sable and wildebeest, as well as over 400 species of birds. Predators are also abundant, including lions, cheetahs, jackals, leopards, and painted dogs (also known as wild dogs). However, the park is particularly renowned for its population of elephants, which—together with the elephants of northern Botswana—forms the world’s largest contiguous elephant population.

Accommodations: Camelthorn Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4–5 (Mon, Dec 7–Tues, Dec 8): Game Drives, Walking Safaris & “Look-up” Elephant Viewing ~ We’ll spend two full days exploring the Bomani Concession and southeastern Hwange. After an early wake-up call, we’ll head out at dawn for a walking safari or game drive—giving us the chance to track big cats and other iconic wildlife. In the afternoons, we’ll visit a specially designed ground-level hide, where we can watch elephants drinking just feet away. Evenings will be spent under the stars with sundowner drinks, followed by night drives in search of nocturnal creatures.

Accommodations: Camelthorn Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 (Wed, Dec 9): Women-Led Community & Rhino Sanctuary ~ Today’s journey takes us into the heart of local conservation and community development. Visit nearby villages to meet extraordinary women—educators, health advocates, and entrepreneurs—who are shaping the future of the region. Learn about their projects, which range from public health initiatives to economic empowerment. In the afternoon, visit a rhino sanctuary. Meet the resident rhinos and discover how a collaborative conservation effort, supported by community-led ranger teams, is working to reintroduce rhinos to their ancestral lands.

Accommodations: Camelthorn Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 (Thurs, Dec 10): Transfer to Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge ~ After a final safari activity at Camelthorn Lodge (time permitting), we’ll enjoy breakfast before departing on the safari transfer to Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge, located near Mandiseka in the eastern part of Hwange National Park. The drive takes us through teak woodlands, dense mopane stands, and camelthorn woodland. Along the way, we’ll keep an eye out for wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, sable antelope, and common duiker, as well as a variety of birds such as ostriches, brown snake eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, and swallow-tailed bee-eaters.

Accommodations: Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 (Fri, Dec 11): Safari & Conservation Around Tum Tum ~ Today, we will be immersed in the southern Hwange landscape. Game drives and guided walks will reveal herds of elephants, giraffes, zebra, buffalo, and predators such as lions and wild dogs. A highlight will be our visit to the nearby Mlevu Rhino Sanctuary, home to a growing population of rhinos on newly expanded community land. For those interested, we can visit a local school to see firsthand the impact of tourism-supported education.

Accommodations: Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 (Fri, Dec 12): Departure ~ Today, we’ll enjoy a final morning safari (time permitting), followed by breakfast at Tum Tum. Afterwards, we’ll transfer to a nearby airstrip for our short, approximately 1 hr flight to Victoria Falls Airport, where our journey concludes.

Meals: Breakfast

DETAILS

Price: $7455* per person based on double occupancy accommodations, i.e. two people sharing a room. If you prefer a private, single occupancy room, add $165*.

Includes: accommodations (full board basis at Camelthorn Lodge and Tum Tum Treehouse Lodge; dinner, bed, breakfast basis at Shongwe Oasis); R2R expedition leader; local guides for all in-country wildlife experiences; ground transportation and internal flights as listed; daily wildlife viewing excursions; entrance fees and conservation levies; and gratuities for your guides and hotel/lodge staff. This trip starts and ends at Victoria Falls Airport (VFA).

Excludes: international flights to/from Victoria Falls (VFA airport code); passport/visa fees; mandatory travel insurance w/ emergency medical evacuation; excess baggage or weight fees for Mack Air flights***; optional activities; medical preparation if applicable; pre- or post- hotel nights; and personal items.

*Reflects payment by check or ACH. Credit card fees, if applicable will be assessed at time of booking.

**If you are a solo traveler that prefers to share a double occupancy room, but we aren’t able to find a suitable roommate for you, the private room surcharge will apply.

***For the Mack Air flights that are included, the max weight limit is 20 kg including hand luggage. If a traveler’s weight exceeds 115 kg, an additional seat will need to be purchased on these flights.

Group Size: min of 4 and max of 8 participants + Expedition Leaders. We are known for smaller group sizes with a better participant to guide ratio than most companies offering similar itineraries.

A Note About Gratuities: Your trip cost includes gratuities for your guides and hotel/lodge staff. This allows us to reliably and equitably compensate everyone working so hard to keep you happy, healthy, and safe during your trip.

Level of Difficulty – Moderate: Activities include boat rides, light hiking, 4×4 vehicle safaris, overland transfers by vehicle, and community visits. Except some walking on uneven, natural terrain, as well as early mornings and variable weather. Participants should be prepared for active days in a remote environment.

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