Footsteps of Giants

Spectacular wildlife. Hands-on conservation

Explore Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park where elephant conservation and rewarding local community interactions enrich an exhilarating wildlife safari, culminating at spectacular Victoria Falls.

Welcome to Matabeleland and Hwange National Park.

Western Zimbabwe, known as Matabeleland, is home to one of the country's most magnificent wildlife reserves, Hwange National Park. Despite its limited permanent water sources and unpredictable rainfall, the park, founded in 1928, is renowned for its African elephant population and boasts over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species. From wild dogs to brown hyenas, gemsbok to cheetahs, the park's wild forests of mopane trees and seasonal wetlands teem with an array of animals. 

Daily Exploration

Wildlife drives, community visits, and conservation projects are the highlight of each day’s activities.

Each day is filled with exciting activities, including drives into the bush, community visits, and participation in conservation projects. Accompanied by expert local guides, you will embark on morning safari drives, tracking wildlife and learning about the intricate ecosystems of the park. During the day, you will have the opportunity to meet local communities, immersing yourself in their culture with an opportunity to contribute to the ingenious water system initiatives that help the people of this area survive in the arid climate. 

Luxury lodges and tented camps

After each exciting day, you relax in comfort and style in a selection of luxury lodges and camps.

After a day of thrilling adventures, you can 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. 
More about each lodge »

Your Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive at Victoria Falls and Transfer to Ilala Lodge

Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport, where you will be met and transferred to Ilala Lodge, located immediately adjacent to Victoria Falls National Park.  

Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, the perfect relaxing introduction to the pristine wildlife of Southern Africa.

Lodge: Ilala Lodge, D

Day 2 | Scenic Flight to Northern Hwange and Nehimba Lodge

After breakfast at Ilala, transfer to the Victoria Falls airport for your scenic 1hr flight to Nehimba Lodge in Hwange National Park. The flight will land at Giraffe Springs airstrip, where you will be transported to camp by road in a 4 x 4 vehicle ( 20 minutes). Your arrival in camp will likely be met with 50 to 200 elephants in camp drinking from the lodge waterhole.

Alternatively, guests can take a 5-hour road transfer from Victoria Falls to Nehimba. 3hrs of this transfer is a game drive through the beautiful northern part of Hwange National Park.

After freshening up at the lodge, toast another magnificent day in Hwange with sundowners on the Nehimba deck, watching the sunset over the lodge waterhole as the herds of elephants and other game arrive for their own evening drink. A 3-course dinner under the stars follows, surrounded by elephants drinking from the pool just steps away from the dinner table.

Lodge: Nehimba Lodge, BLD

Days 3 - 4 | Exploring Northern Hwange

After breakfast, we’ll depart for the morning, exploring the Nehimba concession and the beautiful northern part of Hwange National Park. As you’ll see, the north is distinctly different from the southern part both in topography, habitats, and species of wildlife. Nehimba is situated right on the edge of the mopane woodlands of northern Hwange and the Kalahari sandveld of the west and so offers the full spectrum and diversity of fauna that Hwange has to offer. The elephant-hunting lions of this area are famous. The area is well watered, so is host to large numbers of animals throughout the year, particularly during the dry season. We’ll return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch and then an afternoon siesta or perhaps relax by the lodge swimming pool, frequented by Hwange's thirsty herds during the dry season.

Sundowners at the famed Nehimba Seeps is a must-do activity while staying at Nehimba in the dry season. The Nehimba Seeps are a specially designated conservation area and one of the few year-round, naturally occurring water sources in the massive Hwange National Park. The seeps are an ancient water resource that was once used by the San huntsmen. Today the area is frequented by elephants, which dig for minerals and water; this sacred spot will leave you with special memories and photographs.

Back at the lodge, enjoy drinks and then dinner while watching the elephants slurp from the waterhole just steps away.

Lodge: Nehimba Lodge, BLD

Day 5 | Elephant Express Railcar to Camelthorn Lodge

Early risers will depart for a sunrise morning game drive and walk, exploring the area around Nehimba Lodge.

After breakfast, back at the lodge, embark on a 2-3hr game drive exploring the northeastern part of Hwange National Park before reaching Dete Railway Station just outside Hwange’s Main Gate. Drinks and a tasty light lunch will be served on the Elephant Express before departing Dete for the 2.5-hour trip down the eastern border of Hwange National Park to Camelthorn Lodge. This historic railway line demarcates the border of the park, so there will be plenty of game viewing along the way!

We'll arrive at Ngamo siding in the late afternoon, depart the Elephant Express, and board 4 x 4 game drive vehicles for an afternoon game drive and sundowners. Following a beautiful Zimbabwe sunset, we'll night drive back to the lodge looking for nocturnal wildlife just starting their "day." Enjoy a delectable 3-course dinner out under the stars followed by coffee or a nightcap around the campfire.

The eastern boundary of Hwange National Park is marked by a historic railway line – part of Cecil Rhodes’ dream of an empire stretching ‘from Cape to Cairo’ with the railway line as its backbone. The section of track the Elephant Express travels was opened early in the 20th century (around 1904) and is perfectly flat and straight – the longest straight rail line in the world when built. Freight and passenger traffic still use the line, as well as the custom-built rail car, the Elephant Express. This is the most unique and fun way to travel to Camelthorn Lodge in southern Hwange, a refreshing and welcome break from road travel, with excellent game viewing on the way. The comfortable and elegant Elephant Express seats 22 passengers. The rail car offers individual coach seating, teak tables, plenty of space for luggage, and a large aisle that allows guests to walk around comfortably and provides unrestricted game viewing. Drinks and snacks are provided en route.

Lodge: Camelthorn Lodge, BLD

Day 6 | Visit the Rhino, Meet the Cobras

Today head to the Imvelo Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary, where you'll meet the new residents, Thuza and Kusasa, as well as the Cobra Rangers guarding them 24/7. Start with a behind-the-scenes look at the Cobras basecamp, where you'll learn more about their work in community and conservation. Hear a short talk on the origins and ideas behind the formation of the Cobras unit and how they protect the rhino, as well as the plans for the ground-breaking Community Rhino Conservation Initiative.

Head off on foot or by vehicle with the Cobras to meet Thuza and Kusasa! There will be lots of photo opportunities and quality time to watch rhinos in their natural environment on the Ngamo plains; how close you will be able to get to the rhino will be subject to conditions on the ground.

Each guest at Camelthorn Lodge pays a rhino conservation and community levy; these funds all go into the rhino sanctuary along with community projects in the nearby villages.

Vehicles must stay on the roads in the Park so we often combine a game drive with a spontaneous walking safari to explore more terrain off the roads. In this wild area, every walk provides fascinating insight into Hwange’s circle of life; watch Hwange’s elephants shake trees to loosen and then eat the pods, while on a smaller scale, dung beetles roll up the elephant dung containing those tree seeds into balls, bury the ball and lay an egg to incubate in it, while the seed is now well-placed to germinate and start life as a new tree!

Just before sunset, we’ll stop at a water hole to watch the sun sink beneath the horizon before heading back to the lodge to freshen up for your dinner under the brilliant stars.

Lodge: Camelthorn Lodge, BLD

Day 7 | School and Village Visit and "Look-up" Blind Elephant Viewing

Twenty minutes drive from the lodge, guests have the opportunity to enjoy an actual and un-orchestrated look at village life in rural Matabeleland.

This morning sees an early start with breakfast in the dining room before heading to nearby Ngunyana Village, where guests can join the children on their morning walk to school or join the younger kids for a ride in safari vehicles. Once at the school, guests meet the Headmaster and are welcomed with traditional songs sung by the students, followed by a short classroom interaction. This activity gives the school children a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with people from all over the world who have come to see the wildlife amongst which they live.

After the school visit, head to a nearby village for an un-choreographed visit to a local homestead, including a meeting with the headman of the village. You will see community initiatives firsthand and gain insight into the day-to-day life of a rural Zimbabwean including learning about thatching roofs, tilling fields, milling maize, and weaving baskets.

This afternoon, head back into Hwange in search of game before making a stop for a bush lunch next to a specially built underground game-viewing blind at Stoffie’s Pan aka the "Look-up" blind, named such because it’s located at the water level so you'll be looking up at the elephants! After lunch, we’ll enjoy some time in the blind with snout-level viewing of thirsty elephants just feet away! The blind is furnished with comfortable seating and has running water for flush loos and hand basins.

In the late afternoon, we’ll continue to explore the Ngamo plains on foot and by vehicle. After sundowners, we’ll night drive back to camp, exploring the Bomani concession, looking for nocturnal species that prowl the plains after twilight. 

Lodge: Camelthorn Lodge, BLD

Day 8 | Wildlife Viewing

After an early wake-up call, join your guide at dawn for a cup of coffee and a slice of toast before heading out to explore and interpret what happened in the wilderness last night. We head out early because that is when the big cats are still active - we make no promises, but we can ensure a fascinating time will be spent with your guide. Walks will be conducted by an experienced professional guide, looking at tracks and signs or perhaps approaching an animal on foot to snatch a memorable photograph. With your appetite heightened, return to the lodge for brunch. Game viewing is flexible to take advantage of happenings on the ground, such as a lion kill last night - your guide will tell you the options and give suggestions - the above program can be varied, for example with a departure after a full breakfast at the lodge, or with a picnic brunch at a favorite spot in the bush, where, for a change, the wildlife can watch you as you feed!

General game viewing activities: Continue to explore the Ngamo Plains; your guide will reveal the options available and make recommendations based on your preferences - game drives, walks, full-day excursions, bird watching, and waterhole watches are all alternatives - subject to exciting reports from 'the bush telegraph' about what has been happening among the newsmakers - the large predators!

Lodge: Camelthorn Lodge, BLD

Day 9 | Scenic Flight to Victoria Falls

After a final breakfast and morning game drive (time permitting) at your lodge, climb aboard your 1hr hour scenic air charter from the Bomani airstrip to Victoria Falls International Airport, where you’ll be met for your transfer to Chundu Island Lodge or Victoria Falls River Lodge, based on your budget and preference.

Lodge: Chundu Island Lodge. Optional upgrade to Victoria Falls River Lodge, BLD

Day 10 | Guided Tour of Victoria Falls

Start the day with a tasty early morning breakfast and then pack a day pack for your morning trip into Victoria Falls town where you will be taken on a guided tour of Zimbabwe's foremost attraction – Mosi-oa-Tunya “the smoke that thunders.” Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and at 360ft (108m) high and 5,306ft (1708m) wide, remains one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. While not the widest or highest waterfall, Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest curtain of falling water in the world, thanks to its incredible volume of water.

Optional Extra: Helicopter tour over Victoria Falls

The spectacular helicopter flight over Victoria Falls is known as the ‘Flight of Angels’. David Livingstone famously wrote on seeing Victoria Falls for the first time in 1855 that “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” Little did he know that 150 years later, he could have exactly that opportunity. The best way to appreciate the true splendor of Victoria Falls is to view them from the air. The helicopters have specially designed ‘bubble-shaped’ windows perfect for panoramic viewing and great photographic opportunities from all seats.

Lodge: Chundu Island Lodge, Optional upgrade to Victoria Falls River Lodge, BLD

Day 11 | Depart Zimbabwe

Enjoy your final Zimbabwe sunrise sipping tea or coffee on your private deck as the sun rises over the Zambezi River and the mist settles. Depending on the time of your departing flight, you may enjoy a short morning activity or a leisurely morning at camp before your transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.

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

Primary Season (June through November): $8460. Upgrade to Victoria Falls River Lodge: +555
Green Season (January through May + 01Dec - 19Dec): $6825. Upgrade to Victoria Falls River Lodge: +1200
Green Season Festive (Dec 20 - Dec 31): $8460. Upgrade to Victoria Falls River Lodge: +1200

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• All airport transfers

• All rail and road transfers within Hwange National Park

• All accommodations as specified in the itinerary

• All meals and beverages

• All guides, activities, tours and sightseeing as specified in the itinerary

• All park fees

Exclusions (costs subject to change without prior notice)

• 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.

Deposit, Payment & Cancellation Schedule

INDIVIDUAL BOOKINGS OF ONE TO FOUR TRAVELERS

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

SMALL GROUPS OF FIVE OR MORE TRAVELERS

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

When is the best time to go?

The best time to visit Hwange National Park is during the dry season between July and October, when the vegetation is low and it is easy to spot the animals.  During the green season (late November to early April), there is a smaller volume of game because of the rains, though great game viewing can be had. This is a great time for photographers and birders as the bush is green, the waterholes are full of lilies and the birdlife is at its best. The heaviest rains occur in December and January, though the typical rains are short afternoon showers. 

Victoria Falls is best between May and September.  Water levels at the falls peak in May, and start dropping until they're barely a trickle as November approaches.

What will I will see? 

You have an excellent chance of spotting the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wild Dog and Cape Buffalo during the course of this safari.  You will also see zebra, giraffe, hippos, and a spectacular array of bird life—over 400 species!  

How can I be sure this is the right trip for me?

This wildlife safari has been designed for anyone seeking outstanding comfort and service. Activities range from open 4WD vehicle game drives to foot safaris and canoeing. However, all activities are strictly optional and designed for average fitness.