Elephants at sunset in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park

As the sun slowly sets over the African savannah, the temperature starts to cool and animals slowly gather at the water hole.  The largest of these, in fact the largest terrestrial living being on the planet, is the African elephant (Loxodonta africana).  

Highly social, elephants live in large matriarchal herds of related sisters, aunts, mothers and grandmothers. Young males remain with the herd until their adolescence, when they leave to join bachelor herds, where they will remain until sexual maturity.

The Safari

Observing elephants on a bushwalk

Observing these magnificent creatures in the wild is always a thrill. Nowhere can you get up close and personal like Southern Africa.  Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park is famous for large herds of elephants.  Footsteps of Giants is a brand new 10 day safari package that offers a unique opportunity to observe African elephants up close in their natural habitat.  Game drives and bush walks are combined with elegantly appointed accommodations, designed to fit comfortably into the natural surroundings.  

More than just a safari, you'll have an opportunity to assist local conservation efforts with an unscripted visit to a local community and school, and to assist in the maintenance of pumps vital to providing water to Elephant herds and other animals in the dry season. Accommodations are a mix of elegant lodges and luxury tented camps, one of which is set scenically along the banks of the Zambezi river, just upstream from Victoria Falls.  

Camelthorn Lodge

Camelthorn Lodge villa

Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met and transferred to your chartered flight to Bomani Airstrip, at the southern reaches of Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park.  There you will stay at beautiful Camelthorn Lodge for three nights, set amidst the acacias, in one of 8 luxury villas.

Game drives, bush walks and village visits will keep guests busy by day, with evenings spent star gazing and dining under the canopy of the main lodge's giant camelthorn tree.

Nehimba Lodge

Thatch-roof tent and teak floor at Nehimba Lodge

A unique transfer by Elephant Express rail car takes you to Nehimba Lodge for the next three nights, where you enjoy awe-inspiring encounters with elephants.  A combination of game drives and bush walks will provide an intimate look at these magnificent animals.

Seven luxury tents, set on teak decks with thatch roofs offer full en-suite facilities and both indoor and outdoor showers. The main lodge overlooks a waterhole, where guests come to watch the elephants congregate.

Zambezi Sands River Camp

Private deck and plunge pool along the banks of the Zambezi

The final three nights are spent along the banks of the Zambezi river, in one of eight luxury tents, each complete with indoor and outdoor showers, private viewing deck and plunge pool.

Game drives in Zambezi National Park, canoeing on the Zambezi river, and a visit to magnificent Victoria Falls are only some of the activities on offer here.

Make it happen

• Footsteps of Giants safari is offered daily from March through December.  Check out full details.
• Call our knowledgable staff at +1 (510) 420-1550 or email us to book your safari