Magical Zimbabwe Safari | Rainbow Tours

Itinerary Highlights

Spot plenty of wildlife across Hwange National Park, from elephants to lions, giraffe and zebra
Discover wildlife at waterholes around your Hwange camp, a prime location for game spotting
Experience a safari transfer on the Elephant Express, spotting wildlife from an open-air railcar
Relax at Ilala Lodge, a comfortable and conveniently located base for exploring Victoria Falls
Enjoy all-inclusive meals, local drinks and guided safari activities throughout your adventure

What's Included

Flights
Accommodation Throughout
Travel Guide
Transfers

11 nights from £5,295 - £5,825 per person

Candice Buchan

Travel Specialist

0203 993 8767

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

Uncover the raw beauty of Hwange National Park, travel on the iconic Elephant Express and end your trip exploring the UNESCO-listed Victoria Falls on this 11-night safari through Zimbabwe.

Your safari begins with six nights in Hwange National Park, split between Bomani Tented Camp in the park’s wild south-east and Nehimba Lodge in the north. Both are small, characterful camps that bring you close to nature while ensuring every comfort is taken care of. With expert guides, you’ll spend your days exploring Hwange’s diverse habitats on morning and afternoon game drives. This big game country is home to vast elephant herds, impressive lion prides, buffalo, antelope, giraffe, zebra and a variety of birds. You might also catch sight of cheetah or endangered wild dog with luck.

The journey between camps is a highlight in itself. Boarding the Elephant Express – a 22-seater open railcar that trundles along the edge of the park – you’ll enjoy a unique two-hour safari on rails. Keep an eye out for kudu, wildebeest and maybe even one of Hwange’s big cats as you travel.

After your safari, head to Ilala Lodge in Victoria Falls for the final three nights. Nestled close to the town and just a short drive from the Falls, it’s a relaxed and comfortable base from which to explore the area. Whether you’re setting out on a tour, enjoying an adventure activity or unwinding after a day of discovery, the lodge provides a peaceful retreat with all the creature comforts you need. Don’t miss the chance to watch Verreaux’s eagles soaring overhead or enjoy a leisurely sunset boat ride along the Zambezi River either! You’re sure to create plenty of memories during your stay.

Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Fly UK to Zimbabwe

Depart the UK on your flight to Victoria Falls Airport via Johannesburg.

Day 2 | Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park

After clearing customs and collecting your luggage at Victoria Falls Airport, you’ll be met and transferred by road to Bomani Tented Camp in south-east Hwange, stopping briefly at Halfway House en route. Spend three nights in this small camp, with all your meals, drinks and safari activities included. Settle into your tent and new surroundings. Overnight at Bomani Tented Camp.

Staying at

Day 3 | Hwange National Park

Spend your first full day exploring Hwange on safari. Wake up early for a morning game drive, when the wildlife is most active in searching for food and water in the cool dawn. Return to camp for lunch and a chance to relax, like taking a siesta or a refreshing swim in the pool. In the late afternoon, head out on another game drive as the sun begins to dip, casting golden light across the plains and offering opportunities to spot elephants, lions and giraffes. Overnight at Bomani Tented Camp.

Staying at

Day 4 | Hwange National Park

Today offers a choice of experiences around Hwange. Head out to the lodge-maintained waterholes, essential for wildlife during the dry season and supported by Imvelo’s conservation efforts. These spots provide an excellent chance to see elephants, buffalo, giraffe and a variety of birds gathering to drink. Alternatively, visit a nearby school or village as part of the “Pack for a Purpose” initiative, contributing stationery and supplies to resident children while gaining insight into the communities. Return to camp for a relaxing afternoon and evening game drive. Overnight at Bomani Tented Camp.

Staying at

Day 5 | Hwange National Park

Experience a unique transfer to Nehimba Lodge aboard the Elephant Express, a restored open-air railcar seating up to 22 passengers. Keep your eyes on the surrounding plains for elephants, kudu, wildebeest and big cats during a two-hour safari. On arrival at Nehimba Lodge, you’ll be welcomed and checked into your room before lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy your first activity. Spend three nights here, with all your meals, drinks and safari activities included. Overnight at Nehimba Lodge.

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Day 6 | Hwange National Park

Explore northern Hwange, home to abundant wildlife and quieter, less-visited plains. While here, you’ll be able to enjoy exciting game drives with an expert guide, who helps spot elephants, lions, buffalo and smaller species. In the evening, head out on a guided night drive to see Hwange’s nocturnal residents. Using filtered lights to avoid disturbing the animals, you may encounter genet cats, civets, hyenas and porcupines as they emerge under the stars. Return to Nehimba Lodge to relax and enjoy dinner after a memorable day in the bush. Overnight at Nehimba Lodge.

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Day 7 | Hwange National Park

Make the most of your final full day in Hwange with various safari experiences. Start with a guided walking safari, discovering the smaller creatures and intricate details of the bush that often go unnoticed from a vehicle. Use Nehimba Lodge’s viewing platform to observe wildlife and capture photographs of elephants, giraffes and birds on the surrounding plains. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Mandavu Dam, a hotspot for game and birdlife. Overnight at Nehimba Lodge.

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Day 8 | Hwange to Victoria Falls

Check out of your hotel and transfer by road to Victoria Falls, where you’ll stay at Ilala Lodge for three nights. Settle into your room and enjoy the comfort of this small, well-located lodge, with breakfast included. The afternoon is free to relax, explore the lodge’s surroundings or simply take in the views. Your guide can help plan optional excursions to the Falls. Overnight at Ilala Lodge.

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Day 9 | Victoria Falls

Begin the day with a guided tour of the world-famous Victoria Falls, feeling the dramatic spray, seeing the gorges and absorbing the viewpoints. Learn about the history, geology and local legends from your expert guide as you explore the trails. In the evening, relax on a scenic sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, savouring your favourite sundowner drinks as the sky transforms with vibrant colours. Watch for hippos, crocodiles and birdlife along the riverbanks. Overnight at Ilala Lodge.

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Day 10 | Victoria Falls

Spend your final day at Victoria Falls. Relax at Ilala Lodge, wander through town or choose from a range of adventure activities. Thrill-seekers can try white-water rafting, a scenic helicopter flight, a light aircraft excursion or high-wire activities for remarkable views of the Falls and surrounding landscapes. Your guide can assist with planning and booking activities to suit your interests. In the evening, enjoy a final dinner reflecting on your Zimbabwe safari experience. Overnight at Ilala Lodge.

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Day 11 | Departure

Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your return flight to London via Johannesburg.

Candice Buchan

Travel Specialist

0203 993 8767

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

Pricing Information & Dates

11 nights from £5,295 - £5,825 per person

Itinerary Dates

Pricing

1st Jan 2026 -
31st Dec 2026

£5,295

1st Jan 2027 -
31st Dec 2027

£5,825

Candice Buchan

Travel Specialist

0203 993 8767

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

Price Includes

Return International Flights as per the itinerary
All airport taxes and security charges
Accommodation and meals as specified
Transfers as specified
Activities and excursions as specified
All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified

International flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, local drinks and activities as mentioned.

Price Excludes

Travel Insurance
Any meals not specified in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Optional excursions

Visas, items of a personal nature, gratuities and laundry.

Pricing Notes

Special low season offer from January-April and November-December. Pay for six nights and stay nine. Subject to availability and flight prices at the time of booking.

Why Choose Us?

Passionate travel experts

We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences

Personal & tailor-made

You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love

Responsible by nature

We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours