Scenic Road to the Wilds: Enjoy a captivating drive from Harare to Makuti, with enriching stops at Chinhoyi Caves and other points of interest.
Panoramic Views at Makuti (1 Night): Discover a hidden gem in the Hurungwe hills, boasting breathtaking vistas and an intimate connection with the bushveld.
Kariba’s Lakeside Escape (2 Nights): Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Kariba, staying at the comfortable Cutty Sark Hotel.
Sunset Cruise & Angling Option: Relax with a scenic evening booze cruise or try your luck at catching the famed tiger fish.
Matusadona’s Wildlife Wonders: Explore the shores of Matusadona National Park on a rewarding game cruise.
Authentic Bush Experience at Chitembe (2 Nights): Discover the true essence of a classic bush camp on the banks of the Zambezi River in Mana Pools.
Wildlife Encounters by Land & Water: Enjoy thrilling game drives, insightful bush walks, and unique boat cruises in the renowned Mana Pools.
DAY 1:
Your Zimbabwean safari begins with a comfortable road transfer from Harare to Makuti Mountain Camp. This isn’t just a drive; it’s a scenic introduction to the beauty of the country. We’ll make enriching stops along the way, including the fascinating Chinhoyi Caves, where you can explore the stunning underground pools and learn about their intriguing history. We’ll also pause at other viewpoints and local points of interest, allowing you to stretch your legs and capture the unfolding landscapes. As you ascend into the Hurungwe hills, you’ll feel a sense of anticipation building, culminating in your arrival at the tranquil Makuti Mountain Camp for your first night. Settle into your comfortable safari tent and prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking panoramic views.
DAY 2:
After a hearty breakfast at Makuti, you’ll enjoy a scenic road transfer to the shores of the magnificent Lake Kariba. Upon arrival, you’ll check into the comfortable Cutty Sark Hotel, your base for the next two nights. The afternoon is yours to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the lake. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you have a choice: embark on a relaxing evening booze cruise, enjoying the stunning scenery and perhaps spotting some wildlife along the shoreline, or try your hand at the exhilarating sport of tiger fishing on the legendary lake.
DAY 3: Exploring Kariba’s Wild Shores
Today is dedicated to discovering the wildlife wonders of Lake Kariba. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a rewarding game cruise along the shores of Matusadona National Park. This unique perspective allows you to witness animals coming down to drink and offers fantastic photographic opportunities of the diverse birdlife and larger mammals that frequent the shoreline. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the facilities of the Cutty Sark Hotel or perhaps explore more of the Kariba surroundings at your own pace.
DAY 4: Journey to the Authentic Bush of Chitembe
After breakfast, you’ll depart Kariba for a scenic road transfer towards Mana Pools. The journey will take you through the Zambezi Valley, offering glimpses of the rugged beauty of this region. You’ll arrive in Chirundu, where you’ll board a boat for a transfer across the Zambezi River to the authentic bush camp experience of Chitembe Tented Camp, your home for the next two nights. Settle into your classic Meru tent overlooking the river and immerse yourself in the tranquil sounds of the African bush. After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity for your first exciting game activity in this renowned wildlife haven.
DAY 5: Exploring the Wildlife Paradise of Mana Pools
Today is dedicated to immersing yourself in the incredible wildlife of Mana Pools. Enjoy morning and afternoon game activities, which may include thrilling game drives through the diverse habitats, insightful bush walks led by experienced guides, or unique boat cruises along the Zambezi River, offering exceptional wildlife viewing from a different perspective. Keep an eye out for the park’s famous elephants standing on their hind legs to reach for acacia pods, as well as a plethora of other wildlife that thrives in this pristine environment.
DAY 6: Journey Back to Harare
After a final early morning activity and a delicious breakfast overlooking the Zambezi, you’ll bid farewell to the wild beauty of Mana Pools. A short road transfer will take you to the nearest airstrip, where you’ll meet your onward charter flight for a comfortable journey back to Harare, filled with unforgettable memories of your diverse Zimbabwean safari adventure.
Perched high in the Hurungwe Safari Area, Makuti Mountain Camp is a secluded retreat offering breathtaking panoramic views of Zimbabwe’s wild heart. This intimate camp, with just four spacious tents, provides an immersive safari experience with thrilling game drives and guided walks. Guests can unwind in comfortable en-suite tents and enjoy communal evenings under the stars around a firepit. It’s a sanctuary where the untamed beauty of the wilderness meets understated comfort, creating a truly unforgettable adventure.
Perched on the tranquil shores of Lake Kariba, the revitalised Cutty Sark Hotel is an iconic lakeside retreat offering a delightful blend of comfort and adventure. Originally a popular holiday destination since the 1960s, it has been beautifully renovated to its former glory.
The hotel provides a variety of well-appointed accommodations, from cozy rooms for couples to spacious self-catering apartments for families and groups, making it the perfect base to experience the stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and vibrant community of this majestic lake.
Nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Chitembe Tented Camp offers an authentic and accessible bush safari. Known as one of Africa’s best value-for-money camps, it provides extraordinary wildlife viewing by land, foot, and water.
Guests stay in classic en-suite Meru tents with river views and can enjoy thrilling game drives, bush walks with expert rangers, and exclusive boat safaris along the Zambezi. This camp delivers a high-quality, unforgettable experience at an affordable price.
This journey is a carefully curated exploration of Zimbabwe’s diverse landscapes and exceptional wildlife. We’ve combined scenic road travel with immersive stays in unique locations, offering a blend of elevated views, lakeside tranquility, and authentic bush experiences.
From the panoramic vistas of Makuti to the iconic waters of Kariba and the wildlife-rich banks of the Zambezi in Mana Pools, this safari promises a deep connection with the heart of Zimbabwe’s wilderness.
