Tour Highlights

  • Amazing habitats of Zimbabwe's most iconic national parks
  • Elephants and lions of Hwange in spectacular habitat
  • Walking with best guides in Mana Pools along wild dogs, lions and elephants
  • Two incredible nights at a hidden secret of Mana Pools - Chitake Springs
  • Watching/photographing wildlife from the ground level and at waterholes
  • Canoeing on Zambezi river
  • Victoria Falls waterfalls
  • Memorable sundowners and countless opportunities to capture unbelievable photos
  • All inclusive itinerary with max 4 person per vehicle throughout

Who should consider?

Anyone who is looking to experience a bespoke, wildlife behaviour-focused safari with carefully selected, proven and comfortable accommodation led by a passionate guide.

Enthusiasts of photography who would like to capture breathtaking wildlife moments to share and remember for years to come.

Those who would like to experience the unique, iconic habitats of Hwange National Park and incredible Mana Pools.

Anyone who would like to experience phenomenal wilderness from a very unique perspective.

What to Expect?

It is end of a dry season, so we expect to have game activities at their peak. Waterholes of Hwange will attract various animals and predators alike. Acacia forest of Mana Pools should provide necessary cover from the daily sun and animals density should be at its peak.

We plan to spend the maximum amount of time in the field, looking for great sightings, understanding animal behaviour and spending time with wildlife rather than ‘chasing’ species.

We will leave our camps before sunrise, after coffee, and may return for lunch or as needed – flexibility in our schedule will be the key. We will come back well after sunset and a sundowner in the field. It is not a bootcamp, but we also don’t want to miss amazing sightings.

We will track animals, sometimes on foot, ensuring that both, novice and advanced fans of photography, as well as ‘iPhone shooters’, will have opportunities to capture amazing pictures and video clips.

Back in the camp, we will enjoy understated luxury with tasteful food and always helpful staff.

It is a start of a hot weather with sunny days and temperatures of around 35-38 deg C during the day dropping down to 20’s at night.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusion

  • All local air transfers from Victoria Falls to Hwange, to Mana Pools and back to Victoria Falls
  • Road transfers within Mana Pools park
  • Accommodation for 11 nights in Hwange and Mana Pools on shared basis (limited single supplements available)
  • Accommodation for 1 night in Vic Falls at the beginning of the trip and transfer to the airport
  • All meals, drinks (incl. alcoholic beverages) and laundry
  • Safari activities - walking, road and water supported by professional local guides
  • Two vehicles, exclusive for our group (1 in case of 4 participants)
  • Government taxes, VAT where applicable, tourism levies, relevant taxes, park fees
  • Professional guiding and photography tutoring by Artur Stankiewicz
  • Online support, travel and preparation advice ahead of the trip

Exclusion

  • International flights from home to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and return home
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities and tips

Destinations and Wildlife at a Glance

We will sample the best that Zimbabwe has to offer with a visit to two iconic Parks – UNESCO Heritage site the Mana Pools and Hwange.

Mana Pools is not only about its amazing wildlife but the remarkably beautiful, riverine habitat. The visit to Mana is about the experience of the bush in immersive ways. It is about morning and afternoon colors in the floodplain forests, and interaction between animal species. Mana Pools is one of the best places in Africa for walking safaris where one has the chance to get up close to big game. Canoeing down the Zambezi river is experience to remember for years. The walking guides in the park are among the best in Africa and we will be among the best.

Hwange National Park is home to one of the highest remaining concentrations of free roaming elephants in Africa and Zimbabwe’s largest National Park. Our activities will consist of a mix between game drives, walks and spending time at game watering holes. We may start our daily activities in the car but may leave the vehicle upon spotting a herd of buffalo, pack of painted dogs or the resident pride of lions. Approaching any of these Big Five on foot is very exciting and a great experience, plus offers up amazing photo opportunities. We will be safe in the hands of one of the best local guides.

Your guide

Artur Stankiewicz

Is a seasoned organizer of bespoke nature and wildlife adventures, with a solid knowledge of the African continent and wild animal behaviors that he will share during the trip. He is also a passionate wildlife photographer who’s work has been recognized in many international wildlife photo contests and published in various media. Artur offers photo tutorials during the trip on as required basis which he adjusts to everyone’s needs and desires.

Read more about Your Team Leader

Accommodations and Vehicles

1/4

We will stay in great camps - guest tents in both locations are usually canvas-walled but raised off the ground with hardwood flooring, housing real beds and other furniture, and featuring ensuite bathrooms with full plumbing. All camps have small pools, lavish central lounges and high quality of food and service.

2/4

We will start our adventure in Mana Pools where we will stay in a private concession right on the bank of the mighty Zambezi river. Accommodations are very comfortable and pleasantly positioned in the park. We will also stay 2 nights in a fly camp at the famous Chitake Springs.

3/4

SE part of the Hwange National Park is know for its best sightings. The camp is located in the exclusive Makalolo and Linkwasha concessions, which offers a mix of open grasslands dotted with Palms, forests and several waterholes.

4/4

Vehicles that we will be using are open, offering full, unobstructed, 360 degree viewing. On our photographic safaris we allow max. 4 persons in each vehicle (couple or partners sharing only one row and singles having a full row available).

Read more about Acomodation and Vehicles

Itinerary

Arrival Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and overnight and Ilala Lodge close to the Waterfall.  Afternoon visit to the Vic Falls and overnight at the lodge.
We will depart towards Mana Polls and reach the fly camp at Chitake Springs in time for the afternoon activities. Afternoon we will take a first walk along the valley in search of predators and other abundant species. Overnight in a simple, fly camp among sounds of wilderness around us.
A full day on walking activities in Chitake Springs. Hope for hundreds of buffalos coming to the water with lions waiting patiently in an ambush. Night at the fly camp.
After early breakfast head out to a morning safari in the we will drive towards Vundu Camp. (some 3 hrs drive) where we will arrive around noon time. Afternoon we will spend on the game drive/walk. Next 4 nights in the Little Vundu Camp.
We will depart early mornings before sunrise in search of amazing sightings and will mix our activities between drives, walks and canoeing on Zambezi. Lunches and dinners at the camp, with spectacular sundowners in the field.
After morning safari activities we will depart on a local plane towards Hwange NP. Arrival around noon in time for lunch and afternoon activities. Next 4 nights we will spend in Little Makololo camp.
We will depart early morning before sunrise to catch predators still walking around and mix our activities between drives but also underground hide. The area is rich in predators but also elephants and other hoofed species.
After a final early breakfast, we will go on our last morning drive, after which we will depart to Victoria Falls on a local flight (ca. 60 min). Connection to international flights.

Price list

Price per person sharing
Price:
$13450
Deposit:
$3500
Single supplement:
$1800

Testimonials

“How carefree it was to be able to go on a trip where all of the logistics have been meticulously sorted for us down to the very last detail by a perfectionist like Artur. We had the most incredible time on safari. If we had made a list of all we’d hoped to see and to experience, the list would have been exceeded in all respects. This was not, however, “tick it off the list” safari where just spotting the animals was the goal. Instead, we were able to take time to follow magnificent wild creatures like lions, cheetahs, wild painted dogs, elephants and leopards and observe their behaviour. It was very much an emotional investment. With an expert photographer’s eye, Artur was always careful to ensure we all had the best possible vantage for viewing and for photography. Last but certainly not least the camp accommodations including the food were superb, thanks to the attentive staff. Great work Artur! Many thanks.”

Evelyn & Peter Audretsch

Calgary, Canada (June 2019)

“Our safari in Botswana and Vic Falls was the experience of a lifetime. Our expectations were high, but they were exceeded by a wide margin. Our exposure to the animals and their behaviors was much more intimate and revealing than we could have imagined. The observations of animal behavior and the photo opportunities were unbelievable. The trackers ability to find the animals and keep us in close contact, even when predators were hunting, was more than thrilling; they were experiences for a lifetime. Finally, the hospitality in the camps was excellent; we were made to feel like family. We are ‘hooked’ for more safaris.”

Bruce and Betty Rutherford

Houston, TX, USA (June 2020)

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