Trip Overview

Join a once-in-a-lifetime safari with AdventureWomen! Enjoy many opportunities to spot wildlife as you explore Zimbabwe, best known for its immense elephant population, as large herds wander the plains among the many lakes in the region. Explore the wonders of nature as you look for elephants, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs!

Welcome to Zimbabwe!

Welcome to beautiful Hwange National Park, where you’ll get to know your expert guide and other incredible individuals for an amazing safari experience. They will help make your journey a fun and personally fulfilling adventure and will cheer you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone and embrace new challenges!

The elephant population in Hwange National Park has increased dramatically over the years and is actually higher than what would occur naturally in an area this size. Africa is a birding paradise, and Hwange is no exception. Over 400 different bird species make their home in the National Park.

Mana Pools is an area within the lower Zambezi River where the flood plains transform into a broad landscape of lakes following the annual rainy season. The constantly changing water supply attracts a tremendous amount of wildlife to the area and is best known for its immense elephant population, as large herds wander the plains among the many lakes in the region. Mana Pools National Park is one of the places where you can try a safari with a twist – by canoe! This is a unique way to experience the excitement of a safari, as you can paddle along the Zambezi River in search of hippopotamus and other animals who are taking a dip and enjoying a drink along the riverbanks.

Lake Kariba was initially formed by damming the Zambezi River in the Kariba Gorge. The waters of Lake Kariba are extremely rich in nutrients and vegetation, so many shorebirds and aquatic animals make their home here. Whether it be gamefish, crocodiles, or hippopotamus, there is abundant life in and around this vast expanse of water.

The Victoria Falls are formed as the full width of the Zambezi River plummets in a single vertical drop that is over 5,000 feet wide. There are also two islands on the crest of the falls that divide the flow of water.

Bid farewell to your new AdventureWomen friends after this amazing trip and newly shared memories and make your way back to Johannesburg where you will board your flight back

Main Attractions

  • Visit three incredible national parks in Zimbabwe and take in the majesty of Victoria Falls
  • Take part in exclusive game drives by vehicle, foot, and boat as you track wildlife - including rhino tracking - with an expert guide
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Zambezi and exclusive sundowners at your safari camp
  • Visit a local school and enjoy a delicious dinner in the home of Aunt Flatter

What You'll See and Do

  • Animal Tracking
  • Birding
  • Cultural Exploration
  • Local Delicacies
  • Luxury Camping
  • National Parks
  • Natural History
  • Wildlife Cruise
  • Wildlife Safari
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Women-To-Women Exchanges
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If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

The AdventureWomen itineraries are subject to change depending on the chosen departure date. To view a specific departure itinerary, simply click on the "Browse Detailed Itinerary" button above and select your date.

Day 1

Arrival in Hwange National Park

Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) by 8:00AM – 9:00AM today.

Upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, meet your private guide and the rest of your group before boarding a flight bound for Hwange National Park. After arriving at the Hwange National Park Airport, you will be transferred to the Sable Valley hotel.

Settle into your stunning camp this afternoon. Unpack a bit and enjoy how private this camp is – with only ten tents it will feel very intimate!

You will do a number of activities during your stay at Sable Valley – including bush walks and game drives – but the order in which the activities happen may change in order to give you the best experience possible.

Enjoy dinner at your camp tonight.

Dinner

Overnight: Sable Valley

Day 2

Hwange National Park

Set out this morning on a walk with your expert guide as your heightened senses will take in sights and sounds of your surroundings in a unique and exciting way. Along the way, you’ll have the mystery of the bush explained by your guide. See how many different species you can find!

Search for wildlife during another game drive today. You’ll explore grassy acacia-lined lakes and beautiful forests of teak while you try to spot the Big Five of Hwange National Park.

Take some time to relax and soak in the incredible views from your tent. The waterhole offers the perfect habitat in which to catch a glimpse of elephants or other animals that wander by.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Sable Valley

Day 3

Mana Pools National Park

You may do an early morning and later afternoon game drive, a morning walk, or a “hide sit” around the pan. You can always sit back and take in the sights from the comfort of your private tent.

Today you will meet with Sharon Stead, who was the founder of the Mother Africa Trust which supports numerous projects throughout Zimbabwe that focus on girls and women in the area. In 2016, she was awarded Businesswoman of the Year and Overall Business Person by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her mentorship of young women and her involvement in initiatives aimed at empowerment. Enjoy a lively discussion with Sharon about her inspiring work.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Sable Valley

Day 4

Mana Pools National Park

After breakfast, you will transfer to Hwange Airport for your flight to the next amazing stop on your safari adventure – Mana Pools National Park.

When you arrive at Mana Pools National Park, you will have some time to explore the grounds and take in the scenery in one of the most remote parts of the African bush along the banks of the Zambezi River.

You will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide array of activities while at your camp, as you can go game viewing in safari vehicles, on foot, and on the water.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Nyamatusi Camp

Day 5

Mana Pools National Park

Enjoy another day on safari. You may do an early morning or later afternoon game drive, a canoe or walking safari, or catch-and-release shore fishing.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Nyamatusi Camp

Day 6

Mana Pools National Park

Set out this morning on a walking safari with your expert guide. Explore the wonders of nature as you look for elephant, leopard, hyena, and cheetah. Canoe Safari Enjoy a new way to safari this afternoon: by canoe. The Lower Zambezi River is a great setting for a new adventure with calm waters and expansive views. Try and spot some hippo!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Nyamatusi Camp

Day 7

Mana Pools to Lake Kariba

This morning, say goodbye to Mana Pools National Park, as you transfer to the airport for your charter flight to the next amazing safari location of your adventure – Lake Kariba!

Once you arrive at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, you’ll have time to settle in at this beautiful camp. Relax, unpack, or take a dip in the luxurious infinity pool that overlooks the lake.

Head off on an afternoon adventure to explore the bush in search of some of the local wildlife. Keep your eye out for cheetah, leopard, elephant, and antelope among many other spectacular species who make their home here.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Day 8

Lake Kariba

Depending on the day, you may enjoy a morning or afternoon game drive, a walking safari, or a boating excursion. No matter which activity you do, you’re sure to experience some delightful surprises along the way!

You’ll have the chance to explore after dark, as you set out on an evening game drive in search of nocturnal animals in the bush. Don’t forget your flashlight

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Day 9

Lake Kariba

Enjoy another day on safari. There are many ways to explore at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, and you will have had the opportunity to experience most of them throughout your stay. Don’t forget about the pool and spa if you need a little pampering.

Tonight you’ll enjoy a view of the bush from the waters of Lake Kariba while you marvel at the spectacular sunset that surrounds you.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Day 10

Lake Kariba to Victoria Falls

Following breakfast, head to the airport to fly to Victoria Falls. Head to your hotel for check-in.

Enjoy a beautiful sunset as you coast along the waters of the Zambezi River on tonight’s dinner cruise. After darkness has settled, dinner will be served on the lower deck of the boat as you glide along the waters under the moon and stars.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Club

Day 11

Victoria Falls

Tour Victoria Falls today, just minutes from your hotel. Walk a path along the edge of the forest and brave the tremendous spray for an unparalleled view of the falls. You’ll have a chance to view the falls from the Knife Edge Bridge, from which you can see the Eastern Cataract, the main falls, as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns to head unto Batoka Gorge.

Next, you’ll head to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park where the rhinos were reintroduced as a part of an African Wildlife Foundation project. Set out on a 4×4 safari to the location where you begin a walk and try to spot the endangered white rhinoceros. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a quiet area before making your way back to the safari vehicle.

Make your way to a local school where you will meet the children and see how they learn. Located in the Chinotimba township in Victoria Falls, the Chinotimba Primary School provides a safe learning environment for children across seven grades in the country’s primary education curriculum.

Enjoy dinner with Aunt Flatter, an incredible local woman. She has lived through all of the ups and downs in Zimbabwe and will share what it has been like as a local woman. As a bonus, she will make a delicious farewell dinner full of the local foods she grew up eating – this is a real treat!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Club

Day 12

Depart 

After some time on your own this morning, head to the airport where you will fly to Johannesburg and connect to your international flight home.

Depart Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) any time after 8:00PM today

Breakfast

 

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants. 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Traveling to Zimbabwe



Arrival and Departure Information

October 16, 2024 Departure

Arrive: Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) on October 16, 2024 by 8:00 am

Depart: Depart Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) on October 27, 2024 after 8:00 pm.

 

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible in booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for $525-$550 (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank-facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

US Passport holders will need a visa to visit Zimbabwe. We will provide detailed information before your departure on how to obtain your visa.

Activity Level

We rate this trip as Moderate. Our Moderate adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Zimbabwe.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $1,500. You can transfer your deposit to another trip with no additional fee if you notify us within 120 days of the original trip departure date. We can hold your deposit for up to six months as a credit. Failure to book a new trip within this timeframe will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.

Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplemental Release for COVID

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

October 16, 2024 Departure: Final Payment Due Date: July 18, 2024

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and conservation levies
  • Services of expert naturalist guide throughout the trip
  • Services of guides and trackers at safari camps and lodges
  • Drinking water available in large jugs to refill personal bottles
  • Gratuities for baggage handlers, drivers, and hotel/lodge staff
  • Victoria Falls Safari Club: includes mini bar stocked daily with local beer and soft drinks, house wine, and bottled water; same-day laundry service
  • Nyamatusi Camp: includes beverages and laundry
  • Sable Valley: includes local beverages and laundry
  • Bumi Hill Safari Lodge: includes beverages and laundry
  • Internal airfare (priced separately from the main trip)

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from South Africa
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Accommodations

Sable Valley

Sable Valley is a luxury safari lodge that is situated inside Hwange National Park on a very fragile ecosystem called the Dete Vlei. Made famous in the early 1990's when Queen Elizabeth II stayed here, Sable Valley has its own private entrance to the park and features elegant rooms set in stone rondavles with a Moroccan theme.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, Wi-Fi, laundry service (with the exception of undergarments)

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge boasts one of Africa’s finest wilderness locations with an elevated position on a range of remote hills overlooking the vastness of Lake Kariba. Bumi is situated near the North Eastern border of the Matusadona National Park and has a total of 10 rooms, all with views over Lake Kariba. All rooms are premium rooms with balconies and uninhibited views over Lake Kariba. Taking center stage is the beautiful infinity pool that seems to blend endlessly into the lake horizon. The pool is surrounded by intimate wine and dining terraces on different levels. The lodge interiors have been beautifully finished in a fusion of contemporary western and African styles. Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is situated on an extensive wildlife conservation area. Bumi Hills is home to lion, leopard, big herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as a multitude of different plains game.

Nyamatusi Camp

Nyamatusi Camp is set in one of the wildest and most remote parts of Africa on the banks of one of the oldest rivers in the world. Nyamatusi allows guests to experience an authentic view of the old untouched Africa. Inspired by the traditional custodians of the land who respected the river as the source of life, the design of the camp subtly incorporates the element of water and pays homage to the astounding beauty of the mighty Zambezi River. Consisting of six luxury tented suites with uninterrupted views of the river and escarpment beyond, the camp inspires a feeling of remoteness. There is an abundance of game and birds in the surrounding area. Guests are able to spend their days walking in the footsteps of ancient explorers and follow the tracks of elephant. Guests are also able to watch the drama of the wild play out before their eyes on game drives and canoeing safaris, and marvel at the incredible sights and sounds of one of Africa’s last remaining wild frontiers.

Victoria Falls Safari Club

Built on a plateau which overlooks the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls Safari Club offers luxurious and spacious accommodation with uninterrupted views of the pristine bushveld from your private balcony.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, Wi-Fi, laundry services available (with the exception of undergarments)

 

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary