Zimbabwe Classic Circuit
Hwange elephants and Mana Pools wilderness
Your Route
Victoria Falls → Hwange → Mana Pools → Harare
Route Details
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Town
Arrival at the Falls with Zimbabwe-side views and optional activities.
Highlights
- Victoria Falls viewing from Zimbabwe side
- Zambezi sunset cruise
- Optional helicopter flight over Falls
Hwange National Park
Hwange
Zimbabwe's largest park with massive elephant herds and predator action.
Highlights
- Elephant herds numbering in the hundreds
- Painted dog (wild dog) populations
- Waterhole hides for close-up viewing
- Night drives with spotlight
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools
UNESCO site with elephants standing on hind legs and walking safaris among big game.
Highlights
- Walking among elephants and buffalo
- Elephants reaching for albida pods
- Canoeing on the Zambezi
- Exceptional photography opportunities
A Typical Day
Sample from Victoria Falls
7:00–12:00
Falls visit during spray hour
12:00–15:00
Lunch overlooking gorge
15:00–18:00
Free time or activities
18:00–21:00
Sunset cruise
Activities
Included Activities
Optional (additional cost)
Is This Right for You?
Best for
Experienced safari travelers, serious photographers, walking safari enthusiasts, and those seeking authentic wilderness without crowds.
Not ideal for
First-time safari travelers, those uncomfortable walking near big game, or budget-conscious travelers.
Trade-offs
Like what you see?
We'll customize this route around your preferences
Best Time to Go
Dry Season
Peak wildlife concentrations at water, elephants reaching for pods
Early Dry
Good wildlife, fewer visitors, cooler temperatures
Why This Itinerary Works
Every Vurara Safaris itinerary reflects specific trade-offs. Here is the reasoning behind this route:
12 days balances depth at each location against travel fatigue. Shorter trips sacrifice wildlife time; longer trips face diminishing returns.
Segment order minimizes backtracking and positions high-density wildlife areas at optimal points in the journey.
Premium positioning in private concessions or exclusive-use camps. Higher cost buys exclusivity, flexibility, and guide expertise.
Experienced safari travelers, serious photographers, walking safari enthusiasts, and those seeking authentic wilderness without crowds.
Why each segment was chosen:
Victoria Falls
Location selected for wildlife density, logistical efficiency, and alignment with stated priorities.
Hwange National Park
Location selected for wildlife density, logistical efficiency, and alignment with stated priorities.
Mana Pools National Park
Location selected for wildlife density, logistical efficiency, and alignment with stated priorities.
These decisions are not arbitrary. They reflect documented trade-offs from thousands of safari conversations.
How Vurara Safaris makes decisionsCustomization Options
Accommodation Options
Travel Modes
Available Extensions
Lake Kariba Extension
Add 2 nights on Lake Kariba houseboats
Cost Context
$12k–$20k/pp
Per person estimate
This cost band represents typical per-person pricing for this itinerary pattern. Actual costs vary based on accommodation tier, travel mode, season, and party size.
Excluding international flights, includes internal charters
Related Decisions
Questions to consider before booking