Tour Highlights

  • Amazing habitats of Zimbabwe's most iconic national parks
  • Elephants and lions of Hwange in their spectacular habitat
  • Walking with best guides in Mana Pools along wild dogs, lions and elephants
  • 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 3 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 to Harare
  • 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
  • Government taxes, VAT where applicable, tourism levies, relevant taxes, park fees
  • Professional guiding and photography tutoring by Artur Stankiewicz and Mateusz Piesiak
  • Online support, travel and preparation advice ahead of the trip

Exclusion

  • International flights from home to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and return home from Harare
  • Entry fee to Victoria Falls park
  • 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

Other guides

Mateusz Piesiak

Mateusz is a very accomplished wildlife photographer based in Poland. Fascinated by nature, he has been documenting unique moments of animals for over 15 years experimenting with light and composition, trying to capture images that inspire.

In his work he spends hours of preparation, observation and learning about animals – to be able to sneak into the world of nature and document unique behaviors, and extraordinary moments that often last only a fraction of a second.

His works have been awarded in numerous competitions, notably the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Siena International Photography Awards, GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year and published in magazines such as The Guardian, BBC Wildlife Magazine.

For more of Mateusz’s works visit his website www.mateuszpiesiak.pl.

Social media:

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

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

3/4

We will end our adventure in Mana Pools where we will stay right on the bank of the mighty Zambezi river. Accommodations are very comfortable and pleasantly positioned in the park allowing quick access to most iconic sites.

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 Hwange and reach the camp in time for the afternoon activities. Afternoon we will take a first walk along the valley in search of predators and other abundant species. Check into our camp where we will stay for next 4 days.
We will depart early morning before sunrise to catch predators still walking around and mix our activities between drives but also natural hides. The area is rich in predators but also elephants and other hoofed species.
After morning safari activities we will depart on a local plane towards Mana Pools NP. Arrival around noon in time for lunch and afternoon activities. Next 6 nights we will spend right in the park on the bank of the Zambezi river. 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 a final early breakfast, we will go on our last morning drive, after which we will depart to Harare on a local fligh. Connection to international flights.

Price list

Price per person sharing
Price:
$12600
Deposit:
$3250
Single supplement:
$2600

Gallery

Close up of an elephant in Hwange Sunset with elephants at the waterhole Lions drinking at the waterhole in Hwange Elephants portrait Male lion at the elephants carcass in Linyanti Elephants in the water Male lion resting on a termite mound Elephants at sunset in Hwange Male lions hiding behind the log Standoff between lions and the buffalo Lioness with a 3 weeks old baby Amazing sunset over Zambezi river Morning in Mana Pools with kudu African wild dog pup with his ears up looking at the camera – Mana Pools Zimbabwe Lioness walking along the waterhole at sunrise in Linyanti Tusker walking through Mana Pools African painted dogs playing Buffalos in the dust in Chitake Spring Elephants in the gorge at Chitake Spring Carmine bee-eaters in Mana Pools Elephant and a baboon in Mana Pools Elephants in the Zambezi river

Testimonials

“I went on a photo safari with Artur to Botswana’s Okavango Delta during the green season in 2025. This was my third safari in Africa but my first to Botswana and my first with a dedicated photographic guide. The trip met or exceeded all my expectations and I was able to get many photos I love thanks to Artur and the amazing setting.

Artur is an experienced and successful wildlife photographer who has a tremendous knowledge of the areas where he guides in Africa. He worked diligently to share his experience and obvious love of the African bush with us all throughout the trip, offering suggestions on exposures and settings to help everyone capture the images they wanted from each sighting. He offered honest and direct feedback about our photos during editing sessions in camp, and genuinely wanted us to improve our skills and leave with images we were proud of. I felt his greatest value came as a photographic director, though.

Artur had the ability to quickly evaluate wildlife sightings and determine where and how we would get the best photos based on our subject, the background, and the lighting. He rapidly directed our local guides to position our vehicles for the shot while also directing the clients. 

I am looking forward to my next safari with Artur, and I missed the sights and sounds of the bush as soon as I left.”

Craig Schwartz

USA (2025)

“Looking for the ultimate safari experience? You’ve just found it.

My last trip to the Okavango Delta with Artur and Mateusz was a deep and thrilling adventure. We had countless sightings, some of which were incredibly unique. It felt almost like a self-fulfilling wish list, ticking off boxes nearly every day.
Leopards? There you go. Looking for a Pel’s Fishing Owl? No problem. What would you like to see next?
Overall, the trip was perfectly organized, safe, and both busy and relaxing at the same time. We also enjoyed each other’s company on and between the game drives, always finding moments for jokes or little chats.

Almost forgot to mention: Artur is a seasoned trip organizer and an excellent photographer, yet he hasn’t lost any of his passion for the wild, beating heart of the African continent.”

Krzysztof

Hannover, Germany (Dec 2024)

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Contact us

We would love to hear from you and answer any question you may have!

info@wildencountersafaris.comtel: +48-519 545 065

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