BESPOKE LUXURY JOURNEY

Zimbabwe: Victoria's Realm

Wild luxury unleashed

Journey into a realm where raw wilderness meets refined luxury, where ancient baobabs stand sentinel over vast savannas, and where the thunderous voice of Victoria Falls echoes through time. Zimbabwe beckons with its remarkable ability to weave contrasts into perfect harmony: intimate tented camps complement untamed landscapes, while progressive conservation efforts dance with timeless traditions. From the mighty Zambezi River, where hippos orchestrate twilight symphonies, to the elephant-dotted plains of Hwange, this is a nation that transforms every safari moment into an art form of raw beauty and gracious hospitality.

Zimbabwe at a Glance

Step into a world where luxury finds expression in moments of pure wilderness connection, where each sunrise promises encounters with Africa’s most magnificent creatures, and where sophisticated lodges celebrate sustainable tourism through thoughtful design and community engagement. Here, the concept of luxury transcends traditional definitions – it’s found in exclusive wildlife encounters, in sundowners shared with fascinating naturalists, and in the privilege of witnessing one of Earth’s last great wildernesses.

While Zimbabwe’s legal framework regarding LGBTQ+ rights remains conservative, international luxury lodges and camps maintain exemplary standards of discretion and service for all guests. The hospitality community, particularly within private reserves and leading safari properties, creates protective bubbles of acceptance where travellers can experience Africa’s raw beauty without compromising their authenticity. Your dedicated team ensures seamless transitions between properties, while expert guides and camp staff pride themselves on delivering warm, personalised service regardless of guests’ backgrounds.

The rhythm of Zimbabwean life pulses with the dramatic shift of seasons, each offering its own celebration of natural spectacle. The dry season paints the landscape in burnt golds and umbers, when wildlife congregates around precious water sources, creating theatre of the most magnificent kind. Green season transforms the nation into an enchanted realm where thunderstorms draft temporary masterpieces across vast skies, migrant birds arrive in their thousands, and new life springs forth in abundance. Dawn and dusk bracket each day with nature’s most sublime light shows, while nights sparkle with impossibly clear constellations, unmarred by artificial light.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | Photo: Tanner Marquis

12-day Travel Itinerary

This meticulously crafted journey traverses Zimbabwe's most compelling landscapes, from the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls to the untamed beauty of Mana Pools. Begin in Victoria Falls, where the mighty Zambezi plunges into a gorge with orchestral force, before venturing into Hwange's elephant-rich plains and the aquatic paradise of Lake Kariba. Here, experience the profound connection between dedicated conservationists and their wild realm, while discovering how Zimbabwean hospitality elegantly balances sophistication with authenticity – from innovative eco-lodges to timeless safari traditions.

DAY 1

Johannesburg | Gateway to African Adventure

Your journey begins in South Africa's vibrant metropolis, where contemporary art galleries and innovative restaurants breathe new life into historic buildings. Perhaps rest at The Saxon, where Nelson Mandela once penned his autobiography, and where elegant suites offer a serene prelude to your wilderness adventure. As evening approaches, toast to the journey ahead at the hotel's sophisticated piano bar, where international travellers exchange stories of African adventures yet to unfold.

DAYS 2-3

Victoria Falls | Nature's Greatest Symphony

Arrive at the threshold of one of Earth's most spectacular natural wonders, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges 108 metres into a volcanic chasm. The Victoria Falls Hotel, an Edwardian-era masterpiece, provides a refined base from which to explore this marvel. Wander private pathways to secret viewpoints where rainbows dance in perpetual mist, then cruise the Zambezi at sunset, when hippos emerge like living sculptures and fish eagles pierce the golden light with their distinctive calls. Your next day unfolds with a guided walking tour of the Falls, followed by an exhilarating bike ride along the Zambezi, where ancient baobabs stand sentinel over scenes unchanged for millennia.

DAYS 4-6

Hwange National Park | Theatre of Wild Elegance

Journey south to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park and one of Africa's last great elephant sanctuaries. Linkwasha Camp, with its contemporary design that frames endless savanna vistas, offers a sophisticated base for your explorations. Here, days rhythm to nature's own clock – dawn game drives reveal lions stretching in the morning light, afternoon walks bring intimate encounters with fascinating smaller creatures, and evenings sparkle with storytelling around crackling fires. Choose between game drives in open vehicles where each corner promises new drama, or walking safaris where skilled guides interpret the subtle language of the wild.

DAYS 7-8

Lake Kariba | Liquid Light and Legacy

Fly to the shores of Lake Kariba, where Bumi Hills Safari Lodge crowns an escarpment with infinite views over Africa's largest man-made lake. Here, water and wilderness merge in perfect harmony – game drives reveal elephants drinking at the water's edge, boat safaris bring encounters with hippos and crocodiles, and fishing expeditions offer moments of peaceful contemplation. As the sun sets, the lake's partially submerged trees create abstract sculptures against flame-coloured skies, while the lodge's infinity pool mirrors nature's most spectacular light show.

DAYS 9-11

Mana Pools | Where Rivers Write Poetry

Your journey culminates in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mana Pools, where the Zambezi River writes stories in seasonal pools and ancient woodlands. John's Camp, an intimate tented sanctuary, offers understated luxury in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Here, experience game viewing that defines the essence of safari – canoe past bathing elephants, track lions on foot with expert guides, or simply observe the daily drama from your private deck. Each day brings new wonder, whether it's watching crocodiles bask at Long Pool or witnessing kudus dance through stands of wild figs.

DAY 12

Johannesburg | Farewell to the Wild

As your journey concludes, carry with you memories of Zimbabwe's wild poetry – of elephant herds moving like clouds across golden plains, of lionesses teaching their cubs ancient hunting skills, and of nights spent under canvas while hippos serenade the stars.

Additional Recommended Experiences

Extend your Zimbabwean sojourn with carefully curated experiences that reveal the country's diverse character. Consider adding three nights at Singita Pamushana Lodge in the private Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, where conservation success stories unfold against a backdrop of ancient rock art. Venture to neighbouring Botswana's Okavango Delta for a water-based safari that contrasts beautifully with Zimbabwe's terrestrial experiences. For those seeking deeper cultural immersion, arrange private meetings with conservation experts, join community initiatives in villages bordering national parks, or time your visit to witness the natural spectacle of the zebra migration in Hwange. Adventure seekers might choose to explore Victoria Falls from above with a helicopter flip followed by a champagne breakfast on Livingstone Island, or spend time tracking black rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park. Throughout the year, Zimbabwe offers exclusive experiences that match its natural grandeur with sophisticated service, ensuring your journey creates memories as dramatic as the landscapes themselves.

Transform Your Zimbabwe Dreams into Reality

Allow us to craft your bespoke Zimbabwe journey. Whether inspired by our curated itinerary or envisioning something entirely your own, we'll shape every moment to reflect your distinctive style and preferences.