A Wild Adventure to Zambia and Zimbabwe

Price guide

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A Wild Adventure to Zambia and Zimbabwe

Duration12 days

Price guide

From

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Destinations

Days 1–3

Hwange National Park

Herd of zembra running through the dry plains

This wild adventure will take you to luxurious camps across Zambia and Zimbabwe treating you to incredible wildlife experiences along the way, from prides of lions and herds of elephants, to packs of wild dogs. This is truly a memorable way to discover this part of Africa away from the crowds.

Trip highlights

Spot elusive wild dogs in Kafue National Park
Stroll along the misty pathways around Victoria Falls
Track lions across the open woodlands of Mana Pools National Park
Spend the evenings beside a roaring fire telling stories beneath the stars
Go on a walking safari looking for rhinos and other large game
Check multiple fascinating species off your bird-watching list

Wild dog

Victoria Falls

Resting lioness

Wilderness Shumba

Rhino spotting

Southern carmine bee-eaters

Bespoke trips with Jacada

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

Luxury accommodation throughout
Privately guided tours
Private transfers
Meticulously selected experiences
Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge

Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–3

Lively Livingstone

The mighty Victoria Falls rank as one of the most spectacular sites in all of Africa. Livingstone is the town found on the Zambian side of the water, and luxury hotels either in the town or somewhere alongside the Zambezi upstream are a great base from which to fully explore this magnificent spectacle.

Where you could stay

Positive Impact

Livingstone and Victoria Falls

Wilderness Toka Leya Camp

In the eastern sector of the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park and about 12 kilometres from Victoria Falls, Wilderness Toka Leya gets immediate and fantastic views over the Zambezi River, and taking advantage of these are its twelve tented rooms. Each comes with a large decking area at the front leading out from large glass sliding doors, behind which is your large stylish open plan lounge area and bedroom. The camp’s main area is situated on a large decking area, and underneath a canopy of trees right beside the main channel of the Zambezi River. Perfect for atmospheric campfires on the bank and spotting the resident wildlife. Here there is also a very spacious open-plan lounge and dining room, set beneath an enormous canvas roof and with open sides to maximise the views. The wall at the back of the living area is a really great feature; it’s made of “log tiles”, which gives the room a very natural feel. Each tent has its very own solar panel, water geyser and batteries in keeping with the camp’s aim to lessen its environmental footprint.

Livingstone and Victoria Falls

Royal Chundu

Set on a quiet secluded spot some distance up the Zambezi river. Royal Chundu is a place to come and relax by the river. There are two lodges, the River Lodge of ten suites and the Island Lodge of four large villas. Located on a very quiet stretch of the Zambezi this lodge is extremely luxurious with an excellent spa facility and fine-dining in camp. Activities here are a mix of river-based relaxation and adventure as well as visits to the Falls.

Positive Impact

Livingstone and Victoria Falls

Tongabezi

Set on the banks of the Zambezi in a secluded spot upstream from Victoria Falls, Tongabezi delivers luxury and tranquility in equal measure. This is one of the most romantic places to stay in the area, the five cottages and seven open-fronted houses that make up the camp offering bags of personality and character.

Make it mine

Majestic falls

Walking safari

Tour of Victoria Falls

Witness the breathtaking majesty of Victoria Falls, a World Heritage Site straddling the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Your guide will provide insights into the falls’ history and natural wonders. Traverse scenic rainforest pathways, pausing at iconic viewpoints like the Knife Edge Bridge and Lookout Tree, offering panoramic vistas of the Eastern Cataract and the Boiling Pot.

Rhino walk

The walking safari itself spans approximately three hours, allowing ample time for quiet observation of wildlife and engaging discussions with your guide. During the walk, your guide will lead you to spot the white rhino and track other large game. Midway through, a refreshing break awaits with homemade iced lemon juice, cake, and cookies to boost your energy levels.

Days 3–6

Rugged Kafue

In the centre of western Zambia, two hours from Livingstone, you’ll find the vast wilderness of Kafue National Park. This rugged and wildlife-prolific park remains quieter than other regions and boasts a whopping range of habitats and thus, animals too. From open plains to wooded areas to the broad Kafue River, this flora and fauna paradise boasts a truly impressive array of sightings, including packs of the elusive wild dog, pods of hippo and numerous big cats and ungulate.

Where you could stay

Kafue National Park

Wilderness Shumba Camp

Nestled within a tree island in the game-rich and utterly beautiful Busanga Plains, Shumba Camp fuses its wild and remote location with stylish design for a superior safari experience. Soak up these fabulous sweeping views of a wide array of animals including wild dog, antelope and prides of lion, from your elegant tent or the camp’s wide deck. The spacious tents here are perched on raised wooden platforms and enjoy both indoor and outdoor showers. After a day of wildlife spotting, whether it’s been from a hot air balloon, 4×4 or boat, return to Shumba for some relaxing moments. Take a dip in the pool, dine on delicious food, indulge in a massage and spend a cultural evening around the boma.

Kafue National Park

Wilderness Busanga Bush Camp

In a small copse of sycamore fig trees, Busanga Bush Camp looks out across the vast grassy floodplains, at the heart of which it sits, and herds of passing game.

Days 6–9

Dramatic Mana Pools

This UNESCO-protected national park created in northern Zimbabwe’s section of the Lower Zambezi Valley, is an impressive and very wild landscape made up of 2000 km2 of pristine vegetation and the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment. Much of the parkland is inaccessible unless you go on foot, helping to preserve the area’s enviable remoteness and untouched natural beauty. A safari here is one where the pools attract a profusion of aquatic birds as well as herds of elephants, hippopotamus, and Nile crocodiles. Predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena are mostly found in the open woodland areas of the reserve, but can be very secretive and not that easy to spot without an expert tracker.

Where you could stay

Mana Pools National Game Park

Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp

Set by the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp is located by the elephants’ much-loved albida trees, favoured for their pods, which makes the camp ideal for being able to view these massive mammals without even having to leave the lodge. From the camp’s position on the banks of the river, you can see the Great Rift Valley on the opposite side of the Zambezi, a view which you can take in from the comfortable star-gazing deck. Each of the ten tented rooms have indoor and outdoor showers, and there’s a dining and lounge area, plus an infinity pool for cooling off after a safari. When it comes to exploring the land, there are a variety of options. You can discover the area on foot on a walking safari, or take to the water for a cruise in a nine-seat pontoon, six-seat speed boat or even a canoe. Naturally, game drives leave every morning and afternoon, too. Birds are prevalent, with species including the western banded snake-eagle, three-banded courser, Arnot’s chat, African golden oriole, and Meve’s starling. Other types of wildlife you can see on safari from Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp (aside from the resident elephants) include leopard, hippo, Burchell’s zebra, lion and buffalo.

Mana Pools National Game Park

Wilderness Chikwenya

Located in an exclusive, private wilderness area on Mana Pools’ eastern boundary, surrounded by wildlife-rich woodlands, floodplains, pans, islands and rivers, sits Wilderness Chikwenya.

Days 9–12

Expansive Hwange

Home to over 100 mammals and 400 different bird species, Hwange National Park protects a wide range of different endangered species, elephants in excess of 20,000, and what is thought to be one of the largest populations of African wild dog left in the world. It is also common to see large prides of lion and buffalo and you have a good chance of seeing leopard, rhino, cheetah and mischievous spotted hyena. The park was formerly occupied by the San bushmen, the Nhanzwa, and was later the royal hunting ground for Mzilikazi, the Matabele king. It wasn’t until 1928 that it became recognised as a wildlife conservation area and a popular destination for those seeking out incredible safari and wildlife experiences.

Where you could stay

Positive Impact

Hwange National Park

Wilderness Little Makalolo

One of the few camps in this, the Park’s 31,000 hectare Makalolo concession, Wilderness Little Makalolo also affords a fantastic position in front of a busy waterhole, which is often surrounded by a wide variety of fascinating game life and African birds. The camp is small and intimate, with only six chalets, each of which has been decorated with a combination of wooden and brass furnishings. Built in the shade of large teak trees, the walls are made of gauze to allow for plenty of air to flow through for a pleasant night’s sleep. Each of the tents also comes with an en-suite bathroom, with indoor and outdoor shower facilities and his and hers copper sinks. The camp’s pool offers a great place to relax and cool off, there is also an elevated decking area where guests can sit and enjoy a sundowner, while looking out at the wildlife surrounding the popular watering hole.

Positive Impact

elephants-watering-hole-linkwasha-camp-zimbabwe

Hwange National Park

Wilderness Linkwasha Camp

Wilderness Linkwasha Camp lies in the south-eastern corner of the legendary Hwange National Park, on a private concession close to the famed Ngamo Plains, offering excellent year-round game viewing that peaks during the summer months. Though Hwange is Zimbabwe’s most popular national park, Linkwasha’s private concessions means that guests will never see another game vehicle except those from the camp. A completely new camp, built from the ground up on the footprint of the old Linkwasha, the fresh, open and airy design is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors with the original spirit and essence of safari. Eight en-suite luxury tents and one family tent overlook the waterhole, with the communal areas, including a pool area and a winter lounge complete with library, enjoying the same view. If you want to get even closer to nature, spend a night on Wilderness Linkwasha’s Star Bed, located on a raised platform a short drive from the main camp with nothing but a mosquito net between you and the wild. Overlooking Scott’s Pan, a favourite drinking spot for game, you can be assured of incredible sightings and a guide will be set up a short distance away should you need any assistance during the night. Wildlife frequently encountered in this area includes lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, leopard, spotted hyena, giraffe, sable, blue wildebeest, impala, waterbuck and reedbuck. In summer, wildebeest, zebra and eland are found in abundance on the open plains, while in winter elephant congregate in enormous numbers around the waterholes. Typically for Zimbabwe, birdlife in the area is prolific with over 400 species recorded. Aside from day and evening game drives, the bush can be explored on foot and respectful visits to a local village can also be organised.

Positive Impact

Hwange National Park

Somalisa Camp

Somalisa Camp is located within a private concession in the heart of Hwange National Park. Nestled on an acacia island on the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain, the camp is the perfect place from which to witness the huge elephant herds for which this area is famous. The camp consists of seven luxury tents with gauze sliding doors and plush furnishings. There is a glass wood burning stove for chilly evenings and floor fans for hot summer days. There is a freestanding copper bath tub in each tent, as well as indoor and outdoor showers and a flush toilet. The main camp decking area is home to a lounge and dining area and a small splash pool that overlooks a natural watering home, known as elephant pool. The camp is powered by solar and has a sewage purifying system which means it can recyle 80% of its water.

Hwange National Park

The Hide Safari Camp

The Hide Safari Camp was set up in 1992 by the Preston family out of their passion for nature and the beauty of Hwangwe National Park. The area, now a private concession on the park’s eastern edge, was once the royal hunting ground of Ndebele kings and is famous for its abundant and diverse wildlife. Today, this camp has established and partnered with foundations to protect the wildlife and benefit the local community. The Hide’s main camp has ten tents, two of which are slightly larger than the others. Each tent is mosquito-proof and has an en-suite bathroom, a fan for your comfort in summer and extra warm blankets and hot water bottles for the cool winter months. There’s also Tom’s Little Hide, a secluded three-bedroom cottage with awesome views of the waterhole that’s best suited for up to six adults and four children. For an unforgettable night, The Dove’s Nest Treehouse is a sleep-out experience for those who are a little more adventurous. The hub of the camp is the ‘A-frame’ which houses the dining room, a downstairs sun lounge and a large comfortable lounge area upstairs. There’s also a plunge pool near the main lounge and dining room, and a tunnel leading to a wine cellar and hide. During a stay here you can expect to see herds of elephants, buffalo, lion, leopard and African wild dog, as well as some of the four hundred bird species, which you can spot on game drives and walking safaris. There’s a waterhole just metres away from the tents, which attracts a wide variety of wildlife and can be viewed from your personal veranda or the hide. Other activities include visits to community projects and conservation initiatives.

“Jacada is beyond incredible‌”

Jacada is beyond incredible and we look forward to planning future adventures with them. Our experience was flawless from beginning to end. Iain listened to our dream trip ideas and came up with a bucket list itinerary to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. James took over and guided us with his amazing care til departure. Such peace during our travels…

Published 11th October 2023 on Trustpilot

Donna

Why book with Jacada

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

Positive Impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

Trip highlights

Bespoke trips with Jacada

Itinerary in detail

Days 1–3

Lively Livingstone

Where you could stay

Wilderness Toka Leya Camp

Royal Chundu

Tongabezi

Make it mine

Majestic falls

Walking safari

Tour of Victoria Falls

Rhino walk

Days 3–6

Rugged Kafue

Where you could stay

Wilderness Shumba Camp

Wilderness Busanga Bush Camp

Days 6–9

Dramatic Mana Pools

Where you could stay

Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp

Wilderness Chikwenya

Days 9–12

Expansive Hwange

Where you could stay

Wilderness Little Makalolo

Wilderness Linkwasha Camp

Somalisa Camp

The Hide Safari Camp

Why book with Jacada

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