Footsteps of Giants
Spectacular wildlife. Hands-on conservation
Explore Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park where conservation and community enrich an exhilarating wildlife safari, culminating at spectacular Victoria Falls.
Discover Hwange National Park
Tucked into western Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland region, Hwange National Park is one of the world’s great safari destinations. At over 5,600 square miles, it is the country’s largest and most diverse reserve—home to vast herds of African elephants and an extraordinary range of wildlife. Over 100 species of mammals and more than 400 bird species thrive here, from endangered African wild dogs and rare brown hyenas to cheetahs, giraffes, and stately sable antelope.
Despite its arid climate and unpredictable rainfall, Hwange’s mix of seasonal wetlands, open grasslands, and mopane forests supports a complex and resilient ecosystem. This is a place where sightings are spontaneous, not staged—offering travelers more than a checklist: an authentic connection with wild nature in one of Africa’s most ecologically significant landscapes.
A Day on Safari
Each day in Hwange National Park brings a deeper connection—to the land, its wildlife, and the people who call it home. Mornings begin with expertly guided game drives into the bush, where you’ll track elephants, lions, and other remarkable species while gaining insight into the park’s complex ecosystems
Afternoons offer opportunities to engage with local communities, learning firsthand how people and wildlife coexist in this challenging environment. You may visit nearby villages, meet the stewards of the land, and even take part in innovative conservation efforts—like the water pump projects that sustain both wildlife and rural communities during the dry season.
This is exploration with purpose: immersive, eye-opening, and guided by those who know the land best.
Your Itinerary
11 Days | Victoria Falls, Northern & Southern Hwange National Park
From the thundering spray of Victoria Falls to the quiet power of Hwange’s elephants, this itinerary is an immersive exploration of Zimbabwe’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture.
DAY 1
Welcome to Victoria Falls
Ease into your adventure with a peaceful afternoon at your lodge and a golden-hour river cruise. Spot hippos, crocodiles, and perhaps elephants as the sun sets over the Zambezi.
Activity Highlight: Sunset cruise surrounded by hippos and crocs on the Zambezi
Overnight: Ilala Lodge
DAY 2
To Northern Hwange’s Elephant Heartland
Fly into the wilderness and settle in at a remote lodge where elephants gather to drink. Enjoy your first game drive and sundowners by the fire as stars fill the sky.
Wildlife Highlight: Watch elephants drink from the lodge’s floodlit waterhole
Overnight: Nehimba Lodge
DAYS 3-4
Ancient Seeps & Mopane Woodlands
Explore a little-visited corner of Hwange. Game drive and walk through varied habitats—from teak forests to open grasslands—and visit ancient elephant seeps as dusk falls.
Wildlife Highlight: Elephants digging for minerals at Nehimba Seeps
Overnight: Nehimba Lodge
DAY 5
Ride the Elephant Express
Board a private open-air railcar and journey south along Hwange’s edge. Enjoy slow travel with wildlife sightings en route to your next lodge on the Ngamo Plains.
Activity Highlight: Safari by rail—zebra, sable, and giraffe often line the tracks
Overnight: Camelthorn Lodge
DAY 6
Track Rhinos on Foot
Meet the Cobra Rangers and walk beside rhinos in Zimbabwe’s first community-led rhino sanctuary. Hear firsthand how conservation and tourism work hand-in-hand.
Activity Highlight: Walking safari with rhinos and their guardians in Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary
Overnight: Camelthorn Lodge
DAY 7
Villages & Underground Views
Visit a nearby community school, then head underground—literally—for eye-level views of elephants at the lodge’s famous photographic blind.
Activity Highlight: Watch elephants’ feet and trunks from the “Look-up” blind
Overnight: Camelthorn Lodge
DAY 8
Southern Hwange Safari
Spend the day tracking big cats or following elephant herds across open savanna. Your guide will tailor the day to the season, sightings, and your interests.
Activity Highlight: Early morning walk or game drive across the Ngamo Plains
Overnight: Camelthorn Lodge
DAY 9
Return to the Zambezi River
Fly back north to the river. Settle into a peaceful island lodge where the pace slows, and the birdlife and sunsets are equally spectacular.
Activity or Wildlife Highlight: Scenic bush flight over Hwange to the Zambezi
Overnight: Chundu Island Lodge (Upgrade: Victoria Falls River Lodge)
DAY 10
Victoria Falls
Walk the rainforest paths beside the thundering falls. Explore markets, enjoy a long lunch in town, or simply relax by the river before your final night in Zimbabwe.
Activity or Wildlife Highlight: Guided tour of Victoria Falls—rainbows and mist guaranteed
Overnight: Chundu Island Lodge (Upgrade: Victoria Falls River Lodge)
DAY 11
Farewell Zimbabwe
Enjoy coffee on your deck and watch the river wake up. One last breakfast before your transfer to the airport and onward flight home.
Where You’ll Stay
Luxurious, sustainable, and perfectly placed—
Handpicked lodges to enrich your safari experience.
Ilala Lodge
Night 1
Ease into your Zimbabwe adventure with a night at Ilala Lodge—just minutes from Victoria Falls and the town center. This welcoming hotel offers spacious rooms, teak furnishings, and views of the mist rising in the distance. You might even spot wildlife grazing on the lawns.
Nehimba
Nights 2-4
Tucked in a remote corner of northern Hwange, Nehimba Lodge offers front-row seats to elephants gathering at the waterhole just beyond the lodge deck. Stay in thatched, solar-powered cabins and enjoy open-air dining with unforgettable wildlife views. Days are tailored to you, with game drives, walking safaris, and nights out in search of lions.
Camelthorn
Nights 5-8
Bordering Hwange and set beneath a grand camelthorn tree, Camelthorn Lodge is a peaceful forest retreat—and your gateway to the Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary. Eight thoughtfully designed villas offer comfort, seclusion, and even the option to sleep under the stars. Track rhino with conservation scouts, visit nearby Ngamo village, and take in the wildlife from a sunken hide or on foot with expert guides.
Chundu Island Lodge
Nights 9-10
Spend two nights unwinding on Chundu Island, a private retreat tucked in the Zambezi River upstream from Victoria Falls. Shaded by riverine trees and surrounded by wildlife, the lodge offers wide-open views, a serene pace, and sunsets best enjoyed with a cocktail by the pool.
Victoria Falls River Lodge*
*Optional Upgrade: Nights 9-10
For those looking to end their journey with a riverside retreat closer to Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls River Lodge offers an elegant alternative. Enjoy suites with private plunge pools, a treetop spa, and views of the Zambezi as the mist of the Falls rises in the distance. It’s an ideal blend of safari serenity and iconic scenery.
Explore Them All
After a day of adventures, you’ll unwind in comfort and style at a selection of luxurious lodges and camps. Nestled in pristine natural surroundings, these accommodations are comfortable and committed to preserving the environment, protecting precious resources, and positively impacting the lives of communities in the surrounding areas.
“We have really enjoyed the uniqueness of each of the lodges and seen a huge range of animals, but the best experience so far has been coming within meters of 2 male lions who looked us straight in the eyes before continuing on their way!”
— Alice K., Walnut Creek, CA
Footsteps of Giants - Dates & Prices
Footsteps of Giants Zimbabwe Safari operates June 1st through November 30th and may start on any day of the week, subject to availability. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, unless otherwise specified.
For travel during the “Green Season” (December through May), an alternate 11-day itinerary is offered.
(one day less at Nehimba, and one additional day at Victoria Falls). Call for details.
Seasonal Pricing
Inquire for pricing.
Inclusions and exclusions
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All airport transfers
All rail and road transfers within Hwange National Park
All accommodations as specified in the itinerary
All meals & beverages
All guides, activities, tours and sightseeing, as specified in the itinerary
All park fees
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International airfares, airport taxes and fees
Visas
Tips for guides (at your discretion)
Excess baggage charges, or other items of a personal nature.
Any insurance coverage for trip cancellation-interruption, travel accident, travel delay, baggage delay or baggage theft
Any medical or hospitalization expenses.
Note: Costs subject to change without prior notice
Deposit, Payment & Cancellation Schedule
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Deposit
A deposit of $1500 per person is due at time of booking
Payment
The balance is due 90 days before departure
Any additional arrangements may incur further deposits, due at time of booking those services
Cancellation
Up to 151 days before departure – deposit may be refunded, or transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date
150-91 days before departure – deposit is non-refundable, but may be transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date.
90-61 days before departure – all monies received are non-refundable, but may be transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date.
60-0 days before departure – 100% of full trip price is forfeited
Cancellation due to force majeure (circumstances outside your control, including medical illness) must be covered by travel insurance. INCA/Inca Floats, Inc. will not be responsible
See additional Terms & Conditions »
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Deposit
An initial deposit of $1500 per person is due at time of booking
A second deposit of $1500 per person is due 150 days before departure
Payment
The balance is due 90 days before departure
Any additional arrangements may incur further deposits, due at time of booking those services
Cancellation
Up to 151 days before departure – the initial deposit may be refunded or transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date
150-91 days before departure – initial deposit and second deposit are non-refundable, but may be transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date
90-61 days before departure – 50% of full trip price is forfeited. The remaining balance is non-refundable, but may be transferred towards a new departure within one year of original trip date
60-0 days before departure – 100% of full trip price is forfeited
Cancellation due to force majeure (circumstances outside your control, including medical illness) must be covered by travel insurance. INCA/Inca Floats, Inc. will not be responsible
See additional Terms & Conditions »
Frequently Asked Questions
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The best time to visit Hwange National Park is during the dry season (July to October), when wildlife viewing is at its peak. With minimal vegetation and animals gathering around waterholes, this is prime time for spotting elephants, lions, leopards, and more.
During the green season (late November to early April), game disperses slightly due to rains, but sightings remain rewarding—especially for photographers and birdwatchers. The landscape transforms into lush green scenery, waterholes bloom with lilies, and birdlife is abundant, with over 400 species to spot. The heaviest rains fall in December and January, typically as short afternoon showers.
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Victoria Falls is most impressive between May and September. The water level peaks in May, offering dramatic views and thundering spray. Flow gradually decreases through the dry months, becoming a gentle trickle by November—still beautiful, but different in character.
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Hwange National Park is home to a rich array of African wildlife. You have an excellent chance of seeing the Big Five (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and Rhino), as well as Cheetah and African Wild Dogs. Other regular sightings include giraffe, zebra, hippos, and hundreds of bird species. It's a biodiverse ecosystem—ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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This trip is ideal for those seeking a luxury African safari with a sustainable ethos. It combines expert-guided wildlife experiences with exceptional comfort, service, and style. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, hands-on conservation in local villages, and canoe excursions, all led by top local guides. Activities are optional and suitable for guests with average fitness levels.
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Yes. We partner with lodges that are deeply committed to sustainable tourism, conservation, and community empowerment. From solar power and low-impact design to local employment and anti-poaching programs, your travel supports long-term environmental and social initiatives in Zimbabwe.
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Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets. With fewer crowds than more famous parks and exceptional biodiversity, it offers authentic safari experiences with intimate wildlife encounters, including one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.
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Pack light, neutral-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a good camera. Layers are key—mornings and evenings can be cool, especially in the dry season. We'll send a detailed packing list before your departure.
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Some lodges offer limited Wi-Fi access, but connectivity is not guaranteed. One of the joys of this safari is unplugging—immersing yourself in nature without the distraction of screens.