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Big Five Explorer: A Raw Zimbabwean Safari
Private Tour 7 days

Big Five Explorer: A Raw Zimbabwean Safari

Track rhinos, scout leopards, and camp among elephants on this wild, budget-friendly camping safari through Zimbabwe’s hidden corners.

Hwange National Park, Khami Ruins, Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe · 7 days · Price on request · Booked direct with Josh Elliott, owner-operator

Duration7 Days
Regions3
Max guests8
Activity levelModerate
Priced per personPrice on request
Best monthsJuly to October (peak dry season)

Overview

A seven-day safari combining two nights at Khami Lodge, two nights in the Matobo Hills and two nights camping in Hwange. Start in Bulawayo, explore Khami with guided walks and wildlife drives, track rhino on foot in Matobo, then continue north for Hwange game viewing. Finish with a transfer to Victoria Falls Airport. Accommodation, meals, vehicle arrangements and any optional activities are specified in your confirmed proposal.

Khami Sanctuary Leopard Tracking
Hwange Big Five Safari
Matobo Rhino On Foot

Why book direct with ZimTravellers?

Owner-plannedYou deal with Josh, directly
Generations deepFive generations in Zimbabwe
Your own paceRoute and bookings arranged, you drive
A direct lineMessages answered by Josh himself
Big Five Explorer: A Raw Zimbabwean SafariThe route, day by day

Itinerary

Day by day.

Seven days from Bulawayo through Khami and Matobo to Hwange, finishing at Victoria Falls Airport.

KHAMI
Day 1

Into the Bush

Khami Lodge from the front. Stone terraces, thatch and pool

Arrive in Bulawayo and transfer to Khami Sanctuary. Settle into the lodge and enjoy a late afternoon walk and sundowner on the deck.

KHAMI LODGE →

Day 2

Leopards & Night Eyes

Looking out over the bush at Khami

Early morning drive searching for elusive leopard. Go for a bush walk or relax by the pool during the day. Evening night drive to track nocturnal predators and experience the bush after dark.

KHAMI LODGE →

MATOBO HILLS
Day 3

Day 3: Khami to Matobo

Chalets in golden evening light beneath the kopje at Matobo Hills Lodge

Travel from Khami into the Matobo Hills. Settle into your accommodation, with time for a walk or the granite views.

ACCOMMODATION IN MATOBO HILLS

Day 4

White Rhino on Foot

Photographing white rhino on foot

Track white rhino on foot with expert guides in Matobo Hills National Park. Afternoon free for hiking or visiting the caves.

ACCOMMODATION IN MATOBO HILLS

HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Day 5

Day 5: Matobo to Hwange

Two elephants walking through golden grass in Hwange National Park

Travel north from Matobo to Hwange National Park. Set up camp and head out on an afternoon drive if arrival time permits.

CAMPING IN HWANGE

Day 6

Big Game Day

Male lion on the road at dawn

Full day game drive in Hwange. Explore deep into lion territory with a bush picnic and sundowners on the savanna.

CAMPING IN HWANGE

VICTORIA FALLS
Day 7

Day 7: Hwange to Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls at full flow

After breakfast, travel north to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward flight. An extra stay at the Falls can be arranged separately.

Khami: Khami Lodge from the air, front
KhamiKhami Lodge from the air, front
Khami: Giraffe at the waterhole
KhamiGiraffe at the waterhole
Matobo Hills: Matobo Hills Lodge in the granite
Matobo HillsMatobo Hills Lodge in the granite
Matobo Hills: Guide pointing, rhinos ahead
Matobo HillsGuide pointing, rhinos ahead
Matobo Hills: Nswatugi cave paintings
Matobo HillsNswatugi cave paintings
Hwange National Park: Elephants in golden grass
Hwange National ParkElephants in golden grass
Hwange National Park: Lion on the road
Hwange National ParkLion on the road
Where you will stay

Hand-picked, night by night.

Khami LodgeKhami · ZimbabweKhami LodgeView the lodge →
Matobo Hills destination setting; accommodation to be confirmedMatobo Hills · ZimbabweAccommodation in Matobo HillsDetails in your proposalDestination photograph. Accommodation confirmed in your proposal.
Hwange destination setting; accommodation to be confirmedHwange · ZimbabweCamping in HwangeDetails in your proposalDestination photograph. Camp confirmed in your proposal.

Things to know

Cancellation policy

25% charge (deposit): 90+ days out.

50% charge: 61 to 90 days.

75% charge: 31 to 60 days.

A 25% deposit confirms your itinerary.

Booking basics

Requested and confirmed within one working day.

Prices per person, based on two travelling together.

Private (max 8 guests).

Operated by ZimTravellers / Matobo Hills Lodge (own operation).

Participation & safety

Physical level: Moderate.

Private and tailor-made journey cancellation
  • A 25% deposit is required to confirm your itinerary and is non-refundable.
  • If we receive your written cancellation more than 90 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 25% of the total booking price.
  • For cancellations received 61-90 days before departure, the charge is 50%.
  • For cancellations received 31-60 days before departure, the charge is 75%.
  • For cancellations received 30 days or fewer before departure, or in the event of a no-show, the charge is 100%.
  • Certain camps, lodges, private vehicles, permits and special arrangements may impose earlier or higher non-refundable charges. Any such condition will be itemised and disclosed before you pay your deposit and will apply only to the affected component.
  • Changes requested after services have been confirmed are subject to availability, supplier charges and repricing. A reduction in the number of travellers may increase the per-person price for those who continue to travel.
How booking works
  • Send your dates and party size. We confirm availability within one working day, usually sooner.
  • Nothing is charged until your booking is confirmed.
Deadlines are measured in calendar days, Central Africa Time, from the scheduled start of the first affected service. Cancellation must be submitted in writing. Full booking terms: zimtravellers.com/terms-of-service · Policy version 2026-07-11.v1

What’s included

Curated asSignature Journeys

Included

  • All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) unless otherwise noted
  • Private guide and safari vehicle throughout
  • All national park and conservancy entry fees
  • Airport/airstrip meet-and-greet and transfers
  • All activities and game drives as described
  • Mineral water and soft drinks during game drives
  • Laundry service at lodges
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance
  • Direct WhatsApp line to Josh before, during and after the tour

Not included

  • International and domestic flights (unless specified)
  • Visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Premium imported wines and spirits
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities
  • Optional activities not listed in inclusions
  • Items of a personal nature

Practical

Best timeJuly to October (peak dry season)
PaceModerate
StartsBulawayo
EndsVictoria Falls
Group sizePrivate (max 8 guests)

7 DaysPrice on request

WhatsApp Josh Send an enquiry