A view from behind a wooden table and chairs onto the river and floodplain filled with elephants.

Zimbabwe Experience Self-drive Safari

The beauty of the destinations are both varied and spectacular. From panoramic views to large elephant herds, interesting historic sites and prolific game viewing. Not to mention the wonder of Victoria Falls, the icon that put Zimbabwe on the map. Zimbabwe offers an incredible safari experience seamlessly put together in a self-drive tour just short of two weeks where you can see, do and experience it all.

tour details

13
days
From
US$ 6,230 pps
Standard
Self-drive

trip summary

Day 1 : Harare
Day 2 : Eastern Highlands
Day 3, 4 & 5 : Gonarezhou
Day 6 : Great Zimbabwe
Day 7 & 8 : Matobo NP
Day 9, 10 & 11 : Hwange NP
Day 12 : Victoria Falls (Zim)
Day 13 : Victoria Falls (Departure)

* the meals and activities included depends on the lodges you choose, contact us for more details

tour highlights

  • Panoramic views and incredible landscapes in the Eastern Highlands
  • True Zimbabwean wilderness and wildlife in Gonarezhou National Park
  • Interesting archaeological sites of the Great Zimbabwe ruins
  • Game viewing and prolific wildlife in Matobo National Park and Hwange National Park
  • The sheer magnificence of the Victoria Falls

Day-to-day Itinerary

Day 1 : Harare
( 1 night )

Welcome to Zimbabwe. Welcome to Harare. On arrival at the airport you will collect your rental vehicle and make your way to your accommodation in town for the night.

When you're there: Depending on your flight arrival time, you may have time in the afternoon to enjoy some of the sights. Ask the lodge to recommend a place for dinner or dine in at the lodge and simply relax. Your adventure begins in the morning.

Standard Accommodation
Highlands House

Day 2 : Eastern Highlands
( 1 night )

Today you depart the city and your self-drive adventure begins... You are on your way to the Eastern Highlands to your lodge near Mutare.

On the way: After breakfast, stop in town for some last supplies, snacks and drinks for the road and then you're off. Your drive today will take roughly 3 to 4 hours. It's a scenic drive as you get to enjoy the Vumba Mountains, Nyanga National Park and Honde Valley.

When you're there: Relax and enjoy the surrounds. Ask the lodge reception for recommendations for the afternoon. The landscapes are incredible. Rolling hills and mountains, forests and falls. Explore and take it all in.

Standard Accommodation
Musangano Lodge

Day 3, 4 & 5 : Gonarezhou National Park
( 3 nights )

Leaving the beauty of the Eastern Highlands, you are off to explore game and wildlife in the Gonarezhou National Park for the next 3 nights.

On the way: Your drive will take 4 to 5 hours. Another scenic day on the road. Enjoy the thousand year old baobab trees, cross the river beds and wander up to the top of the spectacular red cliffs.

When you're there: Be on the look out for wild dog on game drives. This area is known to have one of the strongest populations of these endangered carnivores. Explore the Chivilila Falls and the Chilojo Cliffs with a guide. Explore the wilderness on foot.

*Scheduled camp activities are included in your stay. Discuss your activity schedule with your lodge guide.

Standard Accommodation
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

Day 6 : Great Zimbabwe
( 1 night )

After 3 nights and two full days of exploring the Gonarezhou National Park, you are on your way today to Great Zimbabwe, where you will spend the night.

On the way: Your drive today is roughly 4 hours. Our advice is that you have an early breakfast and get on the road early so that you can enjoy the full afternoon exploring the historic sites of Great Zimbabwe. Your accommodation is overlooking Lake Mutirikwe.

When you're there: You may only have this afternoon and some time in the morning so make the most of it. This area is well known for its archaeological treasures. Explore them all.

Standard Accommodation
Romelda Lakeside Retreat

Day 7 & 8 : Matobo National Park
( 2 nights )

After breakfast you're off to explore more of Great Zimbabwe if you still wish and then you're heading to the Matobo National Park, just outside of Bulawayo.

On the way: Your drive is roughly 3 to 4 hours so there's time to continue exploring Great Zimbabwe in the morning before you leave or depart early and arrive in Matabo in the early afternoon giving you more time here.

When you're there: You have a full day set aside here for activities and to enjoy the area. Enjoy an activity with the lodge (optional extra), we can recommend game viewing on foot. Track the endangered black rhino or head off on a Matabele cultural visit. You can discuss possible activities with the lodge on arrival.

Enjoy these two nights in a more up-market lodge.

Luxury Accommodation
Amalinda Lodge

Day 9, 10 & 11 : Hwange National Park
( 3 nights )

More great game viewing awaits as you make your way to Zimbabwe's most famous game park: Hwange National Park

On the way: Your drive today is roughly 4 to 5 hours. Enjoy the scenery and be on the lookout for animals.

When you're there: You're in the park, so you can enjoy game drives, either on your own or book with a lodge guide and go in an open safari vehicle. There's a hide next to the waterhole and this makes for a great wildlife experience as the animals come to drink. You could go on a walking safari with a lodge guide or enjoy a game drive in the concession. Night drives are also possible on the concession with the lodge - to be arranged on request.

Standard Accommodation
Ivory Safari Lodge

Day 12 : Victoria Falls (Zim)
( 1 night )

Today you make your way to Victoria Falls for the last night in Zimbabwe before your holiday comes to an end. Talk about ending on a high note.

On the way: The drive from Hwange is roughly 2 to 3 hours and your drive takes you on a game drive out of the park again. Leave early enough to be able to include an activity in Victoria Falls this afternoon.

While you're there: Enjoy the falls. Go explore and enjoy any of the many activities on offer. Ask the lodge to assist with a dinner reservation and a recommendation. We suggest a Zambezi dinner cruise or The Boma Restaurant.

Standard Accommodation
Bayete Guest Lodge

Day 13 : Victoria Falls (Zim)
( Departure / End of Tour )

After breakfast and a last morning activity (if time allows), you're heading to the Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight. You will need to leave enough time to drop off the vehicle. Check-in for your flight is usually around 2 hours prior to departure time.

Your holiday comes to an end. Now it's time to sort through your pictures and re-live the memories. Travel safe. We know you'll be back.

includes

  • Accommodation
  • Meals (details on request)
  • Meet and Greet
  • Vehicle hire: 4WD Group H (Ford Ranger or similar) - unequipped vehicle with included super cover insurance
  • Activities as indicated
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • Comprehensive travel diary with detailed itinerary, map, route descriptions, booking vouchers, contact numbers and useful information

excludes

  • International flights
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Fuel
  • Extras for the vehicle
  • Park entry fees, monument entry and vehicle fees (except at Chilo Gorge)
  • Visas and visa applications
  • Staff gratuities

pricing

From
US$ 6,230 pps
Guests 2 Single Sup
Standard
Low Season US$ 5,840 US$ 400
High Season US$ 6,600 US$ 400

Tour map

Similar Tours & Safaris

see all tours & safaris

Meet the Team

We’ve travelled. We’ve adventured. We’ve experienced. We're eager to share our world, never forgetting that each itinerary is as unique as the traveller.
~ MEET THE TEAM ~

"NTS organized the trip wonderfully!"

We felt that the trip kept getting better every day

Feb 24

"The trip of our lives!"

Everything was excellently planned by Ashlee at Namibia Tours & Safaris.

Feb 24

"A truly wonderful and memorable trip"

Namibia, it's countryside, people and wildlife really should be on everyone's bucket list of places to visit!

Jan 24

"Absolutely a five star experience with this great company!"

Super clear communication, great recommendations and just really clear logistics.

Jan 24
~ more reviews ~

Quick Enquiry

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Thank you! Your enquiry has been submitted. If you do not hear from us within 2 working days please check your spam folder, resubmit the query or email us: enquiries@namibia-tours-safaris.com
Error! Something went wrong while sending your enquiry.
Please try again or you can email us enquiries@namibia-tours-safaris.com
subscribe to our newsletter
social media