Tour Overview
wildlife safari is the focus of this 9 day Zimbabwe itinerary with Eton Safaris. The route is paced for clear daily logistics, guided activities matching Zimbabwe Wildlife Safaris, comfortable lodge stays on overnight days, and a final day with breakfast and lunch only before departure.
9-day Hwange big five safari On Zimbabwe Safaris and Guided time in Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe with Eton Safaris. We arrange lodges, park permits, transport, and guided safaris with experienced local teams. Share your travel dates and interests for a tailored itinerary.
Tour Highlights
- day Hwange big five safari focus across Zimbabwe
- Guided time in Lake Kariba
- Signature activity: sunset cruise on the Zambezi
- Private driver-guide and road support
- Lodge base at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (route dependent)
- Meal plan aligned to daily safari timing
- Transparent inclusions for park fees and listed activities
- Designed for strong on-page clarity and itinerary scannability
Includes
- Park entry fees (non-resident rates)
- All included activities (optional extras not included)
- All accommodation as per the itinerary (upgrade options available)
- An expert driver/guide to enhance your experience
- All transport throughout the tour (optional transfers not included)
- All taxes and service charges
- Meals as specified in your daily itinerary
Excludes
- International flights (to/from your home country)
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Pre-tour and post-tour accommodation
- Tips and gratuities (recommended guideline: per day)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Any government-imposed tax or park fee increases
- Selected meals as specified in the day-by-day section
- Drinks and beverages
Itinerary in details
Day1Arrival Transfer & Orientation Toward Lake Kariba
With soft morning light across the landscape, a transfer from Hwange, easing into Zimbabwe's landscapes while your guide outlines the coming days. The route then leads into Lake Kariba, where cultural dance evening sets the tone for this privately guided departure. Check-in at Camp Hwange follows, with time to settle before dinner and a clear briefing on tomorrow's pace. As dusk arrives, the lodge becomes a quiet base for stories from the trail.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camp Hwange
Day2Lake Kariba Focus Day — Zambezi canoeing
Following a short safety orientation, dedicated time in Lake Kariba. Rangers and your private guide coordinate Zambezi canoeing, following ranger cues for wildlife movement through the day. Guides next introduce you to The Hide Safari Camp for hot meals, a short rest, and optional evening discussion of conservation notes relevant to the area. Evening settles with time to rest and prepare for the next chapter.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: The Hide Safari Camp
Day3Lake Kariba Focus Day — sunset cruise on the Zambezi
The day begins as dedicated time in Lake Kariba. Rangers and your private guide coordinate Mana Pools walking safari, focusing patiently on wildlife movement through the day. A scenic transfer carries you to Somalisa Camp for hot meals, a short rest, and optional evening discussion of conservation notes relevant to the area. The lodge team settles you in while your guide confirms the next morning’s plan.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Somalisa Camp
Day4Lake Kariba Focus Day — hide photography session
After a calm briefing, dedicated time in Lake Kariba. Rangers and your private guide coordinate hide photography session, building photographic opportunities around wildlife movement through the day. Later in the day the focus shifts to Ruckomechi Camp for hot meals, a short rest, and optional evening discussion of conservation notes relevant to the area. Guests wind down with optional briefings on tomorrow’s conservation notes.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ruckomechi Camp
Day5Lake Kariba Focus Day — cultural dance evening
A measured start to the day unfolds when dedicated time in Lake Kariba. Rangers and your private guide coordinate Matobo rhino tracking, pairing interpretive commentary with wildlife movement through the day. By afternoon the program moves into Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for hot meals, a short rest, and optional evening discussion of conservation notes relevant to the area. Dinner is timed for an early start tomorrow, keeping energy high for the trail.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Day6Lake Kariba Focus Day — Hwange elephant plains drive
Your journey opens with dedicated time in Lake Kariba. Rangers and your private guide coordinate Hwange elephant plains drive, balancing comfort stops and wildlife movement through the day. After a short refreshment stop you reach Amakhala Safari Lodge for hot meals, a short rest, and optional evening discussion of conservation notes relevant to the area. The schedule closes with a relaxed return and an early night ahead.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Amakhala Safari Lodge
Day7Lake Kariba Focus Day — Mana Pools walking safari
Travelers set out as dedicated time in Lake Kariba. Rangers and your private guide coordinate sunset cruise on the Zambezi, prioritizing low-impact access for wildlife movement through the day. Your driver then links the next segment toward Amadwala Lodge for hot meals, a short rest, and optional evening discussion of conservation notes relevant to the area. You end the day reviewing wildlife highlights with your guide over dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Amadwala Lodge
Day8Lake Kariba Focus Day — Victoria Falls spray walk
Guests leave camp promptly as dedicated time in Lake Kariba. Rangers and your private guide coordinate Victoria Falls spray walk, following ranger cues for wildlife movement through the day. The itinerary pivots naturally into Bumi Hills Safari Lodge for hot meals, a short rest, and optional evening discussion of conservation notes relevant to the area. Nightfall brings a restorative pause under clear African skies.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Day9Final Activity Window & Departure via Hwange
The private vehicle departs once a final outing around Lake Kariba, keeping the schedule flexible so highlights of cultural dance evening can be enjoyed without rush. From there the experience deepens around your outbound transfer route, with packed timing that protects flight or border connections. After a light midday meal, the safari concludes as your driver returns you toward Hwange. As dusk arrives, the lodge becomes a quiet base for stories from the trail.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch Only
Accommodation: No accommodation
Frequently asked questions
What animals will I see on Tour in Zimbabwe?
Tour focuses on the parks and habitats Zimbabwe is known for — savannah game drives, boat cruises where available, and lodges close to the wildlife you came to see.
How many days do I need for Tour?
A short Tour highlight can work in a few days. A fuller Zimbabwe wildlife circuit with two or more parks is typically a week or more.
When is the best time for Tour in Zimbabwe?
Dry months usually mean easier game viewing. We plan Tour around rains, park roads, and the wildlife movements that matter for your dates.
Can I add gorilla trekking or beach time to Tour?
Yes, only where those experiences exist. We keep Tour as the wildlife core and add gorillas, chimps, or beach days in destinations that actually offer them.
