Zimbabwe: The Best of the West

Duration
7 Days
Price from
£4,575 pp.
Location
Zimbabwe, Africa
Khulu Bush Camp Elephants

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Hwange National Park’s wildlife
  • Experience the breathtaking Victoria Falls
  • Guided game drives & walking safaris

What's Included

  • Safari activities and park fees
  • Expert guides and transfers
  • 6 nights accommodation

Our Experts Say

As well as the iconic Victoria Falls and Hwange you will be able to visit the beautiful Matobos National Park, one of the most scenic and culturally important parts of Zimbabwe.

Often Africa trips can be long affairs, with many destinations requiring a couple of weeks to do them justice, especially given the distances involved in travelling around. We are looking to break that mould with this trip, highlighting that not only can you enjoy shorter trips to Africa, but can still have a wonderful variety of diverse experiences during that time. This itinerary showcases three very different, but equally fascinating areas, all with their own unique features and attractions. From the cascading Victoria Falls where a huge range of activities can be enjoyed you will travel through the iconic Hwange National Park, home to a huge variety of wildlife and some stunning landscapes. The final leg of the trip takes you to the majestic Matobos National Park, the best spot in Zimbabwe to see rhino and home to truly breathtaking landscapes. Here you can also trek to ancient bushman rock art sites and visit local villages, so it offers a very rounded experience.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Vibrant Victoria Falls

Landing in to Victoria Falls airport at lunchtime you will be met and taken on the short transfer in to town where you will be staying at the lovely Victoria Falls Safari Club for the next 2 nights. After settling in you can head down to The Falls to marvel as the Zambezi River crashes over the edge and in to Batonka Gorge. As the sun starts to set you may wish to take this opportunity to enjoy a cruise along the Zambezi River – a perfect way to end your first day in Africa.

Day 2 Time to explore

Victoria  Falls Helicopter Flights

With so many activities on offer, you will be spoilt for choice on what to do today. An early morning helicopter ride is always a good way to get things going, before descending to terra firma for some time exploring Victoria Falls town – home to a thriving art scene and some excellent restaurants. If you are feeling adventurous there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy around the Victoria Falls Bridge, including bungee jumps, gorge swings and zip lining. For something altogether more sedate, head to the Victoria Falls Hotel for afternoon tea.

Day 3 Big game and open plains

Staying at Khulu Bush Camp

After breakfast you will be collected from the hotel and taken on a scenic road transfer to the Hwange National Park, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours. You will be staying at the fantastic Khulu Bush Camp for the next 2 nights and after lunch will head out for an afternoon game drive to explore their concession and enjoy the outstanding big game viewing for which Hwange is so renowned. Return to camp for drinks around the campfire before dinner.

Day 4 Game drives and great guides

Day 5 Zimbabwe's hidden gem

Staying at Amalinda Lodge

After enjoy a morning safari and breakfast by the campfire your adventure will continue as you head down to the stunning Matobos National Park, a real hidden gem of a place to visit. The drive takes approximately 4 hours meaning you will arrive at Amalinda Lodge in time for lunch. For your afternoon activity to can choose to go on a game drive with a big focus on seeing rhino and perhaps combine this with a walk to see some of the bushman rock art sites dotted around the reserve.

Day 6 Exploring the Matobos

Day 7 The long journey home

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Our Zimbabwe Experts
Ali 1

Alistair

Tamara profile

Tamara

When to go to Zimbabwe

Find out the best time to visit Zimbabwe with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is an excellent time to head out with expert guides and view resident and migratory bird species. The days are warm, with the risk of rain, this clears very fast as it arrives.

February

February is the best time for birders. The days are warm, with the risk of afternoon rain showers, but they clear as fast as they arrive.

March

If you want to witness Vic Falls at its fullest, March is the month to visit, with huge volumes of spray, it is perfect if you want to see the gorges and geology of the area.

April

The world famous Mana Pools re-open in April. The days feel fresher as the wet season ends leaving the landscapes looking lush green, making it perfect for walking safaris.

May

In May, the days continue to feel fresh and bright making it a perfect time to venture out on walking safaris.

June

June heralds the return of winter, nights turn colder and the temperature dips - take plenty of layers as the temperature can drop below freezing. It is the perfect time for photographers to explore Hwange National Park before the busy holiday period.

July

Winter temperatures continue into July so take plenty of layers. Much like June, it is perfect for photographers looking to view wildlife from a different angle.

August

If you want clear, bright blue skies and continuous wildlife sightings, August is the month for you. Camps are likely to be fuller, however, if you visit private concessions you can still experience exclusivity and no crowds.

September

Much like August, September is an amazing time for wildlife spotting and weather, in particular it is considered the best time of year to see elephant herds in Hwange National Park.

October

In October wildlife sightings are at their peak as the dry season ends. If you travel during this month you can experience hot days with temperatures soaring up to 40 degrees.

November

November is the best time to head out with expert guides and view resident and migratory bird species. The days are warm, with the risk of rain, this clears very fast as it arrives. It is low season and one of the best times to go white water rafting at Vic Falls, the volume and speed of the water is reduced exposing the rapids.

December

In December the days are warm with the risk of rain showers mid afternoon. The rivers rise and dependant on water levels travellers can visit 'devils pool' at Vic Falls, providing high excitement and a head for heights needed if you want to get close to the drop off.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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