The Falls, the lake and the floodplain, flown between
Lake Kariba, Mana Pools, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe · 10 days · From $9,900 per person · Booked direct with Josh Elliott, owner-operator
Overview
Three of Zimbabwe's great water landscapes in one nine-night journey, flown between rather than driven, because the roads between them do not make sense.
The route: Victoria Falls, then Lake Kariba at Bumi Hills, then the Zambezi floodplain at Mana Pools.
Three nights at the Falls to start, at Palm River on the bank of the Zambezi, with the rainforest walk, the river above the lip and as much or as little adventure as you want. Then a light aircraft east to Bumi Hills, high above Lake Kariba on the edge of Matusadona, for three nights of boating, shoreline game viewing and the long sunsets the lake is known for. The last leg flies you into Mana Pools for three nights at Ruckomechi: walking in the winterthorn forest, and canoeing the Zambezi channels.
Every departure is private and tailor-made. The lodges named here are a starting point. We move them up or down to suit your budget and change the pacing around you.
Maximum eight guests.
When to go: the circuit runs April to early November, while the Mana Pools camps are open. July to October is the strongest window for game viewing, and October is the hottest month of the year.
Why book direct with ZimTravellers?
Itinerary
Start at Victoria Falls Airport, fly to Lake Kariba, continue by light aircraft to Mana Pools, then finish with a flight to Harare Airport. Scheduled seat-rate service or private charter is chosen around your dates and confirmed in the proposal.
Met at Victoria Falls airport and driven out to Palm River, in gardens on the bank of the Zambezi a short way upstream of town. The afternoon stays loose: settle in, then a sunset cruise on the river above the lip of the Falls.
The rainforest walk along the rim, timed for the light and the spray. The rest of the day is yours to fill. The gorge below the bridge is where the adrenaline lives, and the quieter options are just as good.
A second full day at the Falls. A helicopter flight over the gorge, a walk down to the Boiling Pot, or nothing at all. The Zimbabwean side rewards a slow pace.
A light aircraft east to Bumi Hills, set on a ridge above Lake Kariba on the edge of Matusadona. Arrive for lunch, then out on the water for the first of the lake sunsets.
Shoreline game viewing by boat and by vehicle. Elephant come down to drink against the drowned trees, and the tiger fishing is serious if you want it.
A slower day on Matusadona. Walking with a guide, more time on the water, or the sundowner deck and a long view over the inland sea.
North by light aircraft into Mana Pools, to Ruckomechi or a camp of similar standard on the Zambezi. The floodplain is the point here: winterthorn forest, dust and low light.
A walking morning, which is when Mana is at its best. Few African parks put you on foot among elephant the way this one does. Afternoons are for the river, or for sitting still and letting the game come to you.
A full day on the floodplain. Game drives at either end, and the middle of the day spent watching the river do very little.
A last morning on the water, by canoe if the level suits, then fly from Mana Pools to Harare Airport by scheduled seat-rate service or private charter. The exact flight is confirmed in the proposal.
25% charge (deposit): 90+ days out.
50% charge: 61 to 90 days.
75% charge: 31 to 60 days.
A 25% deposit confirms your itinerary.
Requested and confirmed within one working day.
Per person sharing, excluding international flights.
Private (max 8 guests).
Operated by ZimTravellers (own itinerary; partner lodges as listed).
Physical level: Easy to moderate.
What’s included
Practical
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