10 Days Classic Zimbabwe Safari Experience

Early morning walks are there for the thrill of encountering wildlife on its own terms and exploring the little surprises of the bush. Alternatively, the day can be spent further afield on game drives in search of predators and prey alike. We like to do things properly so sundowners are an important part of the experience.

Hwange National Park is the largest park in Zimbabwe. Famous for its healthy elephant population. The beauty of this area is in its diversity — vast, palm-fringed plains and classic grasslands are interspersed with acacia woodlands and teak forests and this diversity ensures the sighting of great numbers of animals all year round. Of course, keen photographers will want to spend time in the hide that overlooks the popular waterhole.

Today you are off onto your next stop and will catch your 1hr30m flight to Lake Kariba. On arrival at Lake Kariba, you will be met by a Changa representative and transferred to the stunning Changa Safari Camp.

Lapped by the waters of Lake Kariba, shaded by Mopane woodland and hidden from the world, Changa Safari Camp is an oasis of tranquillity and an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Changa has been designed to blend in with the environment using natural materials.

The camp furniture has been built using Zimbabwe’s finest teak and the bar has been fashioned around the hull of an old boat. You will enjoy a lunch looking out over the lake and then you can choose to either relax by the pool, hop on the afternoon/evening game drive or try your hand at fishing for the famed fighting tiger fish.

A typical day in the camp starts early to coincide with the best times to view animals. You will be awoken by the age old “knock knock” at your door, accompanied by your choice of tea and coffee. You will then depart for your morning activity; either a game drive or walk or a fishing safari.

The game in the area is excellent, home to a wide range of mammals, and over 350 bird species. Then, just before it gets too hot, we’ll have you back in camp for a delicious full breakfast set up. After lunch why not hop on a short boat ride across the lake to the scenic Sanyati Gorge, where you can meander peacefully through the steep cliffs for up to 10 km. The Sanyati Gorge is both unspoilt and undisturbed with an abundance of birdlife, the occasional sighting of antelope and great fishing.

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airstrip to catch your 30-minute flight to Mana Pools where the John’s Camp team will meet you.

The name ‘Mana’ means’ four’ in the local Shona language. This applies to the four large pools inland from the Zambezi River. Mana Pools is home to a wide range of mammals and over 350 bird species.

A typical day on safari has guests woken just before sunrise for a quick cup of tea or coffee, a bowl of porridge or a muffin. You will head out on either a game walk or drive returning to camp for a late morning brunch. Midday siesta time is spent in camp and afternoon tea is served at 3.30pm.

Head out again for an afternoon of game viewing as the day cools. Fishing from the banks of the river is also an option. Sundowners can be enjoyed while out on your afternoon game drive or back in camp. All guests will be back in camp by 6.30pm. Warm bucket showers will be ready on your return. Gather around the campfire to share your stories from the day before enjoying a three-course dinner.

On the final day you will be transferred back to Mana Main Airstrip in time for your Harare charter then your onward connection from Harare International Airport.