Best monthsMay to November (dry season, stable river levels)
Overview
One of Africa's last true wilderness areas. Canoe down the Zambezi, walk through forests where elephants browse at arm's length, and houseboat on Lake Kariba. No fences, no crowds.
Multi-Day Zambezi Canoe Trail
Island Camping Under Stars
Hippo And Crocodile Sightings
Riverside Birdwatching
Why book direct with ZimTravellers?
Owner-plannedYou deal with Josh, directly
Generations deepFive generations in Zimbabwe
Private by defaultYour guide, your vehicle
A direct lineMessages answered by Josh himself
Mana & Kariba: Canoe, Walk, FloatThe route, day by day
Itinerary
Day by day.
One of Africa's last true wilderness areas. Canoe down the Zambezi, walk through forests where elephants browse at arm's length, and houseboat on Lake Kariba. The journey begins and ends in Harare.
LAKE KARIBA
Day 1
Houseboat Welcome on Lake Kariba
Arrive at Lake Kariba, one of the world, and board your houseboat—your floating base for days of exploration. The vast water stretches to a distant horizon, and the shoreline teems with wildlife. Choose afternoon fishing for tiger fish and bream, or glide onto the water at sunset, hippos and fish eagles visible from your deck.
Day 2
Kariba's Water & Shoreline Safari
Morning boat safari navigates the lake's intricate bays, where hippos emerge from the water and elephants wade in the shallows. Transition to a shoreline game drive through Matusadona National Park, spotting lions, buffalo, and the occasional rhino on the rocky terrain. Return to your houseboat for an evening of stargazing on the water—the Milky Way unobstructed over Africa.
MANA POOLS
Day 3
Scenic Flight or Drive to Mana Pools
Depart Kariba by scenic charter flight or overland drive to Mana Pools National Park, one of Africa's most remote and pristine wilderness areas. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon walking safari through the floodplain with your ranger, reading the tracks of elephants and other wildlife in the sand and silt.
Day 4
Canoe Safari: Elephants at Water's Edge
Paddle a traditional dugout canoe down the Zambezi River channels, moving silently through Mana Pools' primary wilderness. Elephants wade in the shallows, seemingly oblivious to your presence. Hippos surface nearby, and crocodiles sun themselves on the banks. This is intimate African wildlife at its most immersive.
LAKE KARIBA
Day 5
Walking Safari & Wildlife Watching
A morning walking safari through the pools and woodland searches for predators and the elephants that define this place. Return to camp for lunch, then spend the afternoon watching wildlife from your camp—hippos in the pools, buffalo herds, the occasional lion appearing on the floodplain. This is Africa stripped to its essence.
MANA POOLS
Day 6
Sunrise Depart
Your final morning brings a sunrise game walk capturing the light and the last moments of Mana Pools' magic. Pack camp and transfer out, carrying memories of one of Africa's greatest wilderness experiences.
Lake KaribaSunset through the drowned forest.Lake KaribaThe standing dead trees at dusk.Lake KaribaImpala on the Matusadona shoreline.Lake KaribaA hippo coming ashore on the red rocks.Mana PoolsRuckomechi, on the Zambezi.Mana PoolsOn foot among the elephant.Mana PoolsAn elephant reaching into the winterthorns.Mana PoolsCanoeing the channels at golden hour.
Where you will stay
Hand-picked, night by night.
Lake Kariba · ZimbabweA lodge in Lake KaribaNamed in your proposal
Mana Pools · ZimbabweA lodge in Mana PoolsNamed in your proposal
Things to know
Cancellation policy
25% charge (deposit) — 90+ days out.
50% charge — 61–90 days.
75% charge — 31–60 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).
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
OfferBucket List Experiences · Signature Journeys — ask Josh for details when you enquire.
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 entry fees
Airport transfers and inter-lodge road transfers
All activities as described in the itinerary
Mineral water during game drives
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
Personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Optional activities not listed in inclusions
Practical
Best timeMay to November (dry season, stable river levels)
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