Itinerary | 8 Day Hwange & Luangwa Expedition | African Ubuntu Safaris

8 Day Hwange & Luangwa Expedition

Countries: Zimbabwe , Zambia

Destinations: Hwange National Park , Victoria Falls , South Luangwa National Park

Group Size: 0

Duration (days): 8

Number of Adults: 0

Number of Children: 0

The Hwange & Luangwa Expedition itinerary offers an 8-day safari to three popular safari regions in Zimbabwe and Zambia. You’ll get to experience evening game drives, guided walking safaris, mountain biking safaris, and cultural visits to local schools, all while discovering the unique landscapes of the area.

Itinerary Outline

Day Location Accommodation
1 Hwange National Park Nantwich Lodge
2 Hwange National Park Nantwich Lodge
3 Hwange National Park Nantwich Lodge
4 Victoria Falls Ilala Lodge
5 South Luangwa National Park Tafika Camp
6 South Luangwa National Park Tafika Camp
7 South Luangwa National Park Tafika Camp
8 Day of Departure

Day 1 : Hwange National Park

Your exciting safari adventure begins on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, where you will be met and transferred to Nantwich Lodge in Hwange National Park. This afternoon you have the option for an afternoon game drive or spend the afternoon at leisure by the pool.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe - Making its way back into the tourist market, Zimbabwe is able to offer some incredible wilderness and exciting wildlife, along with the wonder that is Victoria Falls.

Zimbabwe's political climate and issues have been well documented through the world's media, and it is no secret that tourist numbers to the country have dropped substantially. 

However, everything which made Zimbabwe one of the most popular safari destinations is still available, with operators moving back into the world famous areas of Hwange, Mana Pools, the Lower Zambezi and Lake Kariba.

Victoria Falls thunders mightily on the Zambezi River, and the canoeing and rafting experiences are as exciting as ever.

The people of  Zimbabwe have always been one of the major highlights, and it is particularly pleasing that tourists are filtering through the borders again, rewarding the patience of the fantastic guides and conservation workers who have remained dedicated to Zimbabwe's wildlife areas.

Hwange National Park

Situated only 3 hours' drive south of Victoria Falls, and bordering Botswana to the west, Hwange National Park has become famous for its wildlife density and enormous elephant population.

Due to the arid region, the park is an incredible dry season safari destination, with animals converging on the many man-made water holes, and game viewing being especially rewarding.

With over 100 species of mammals, and 400 species of birds, Hwange National Park is sure to provide you with some excellent photo's and is a great inclusion on a Zimbabwe safari itinerary.

Recently added scheduled flights from Victoria Falls have made Hwange even more accessible.

Nantwich Lodge

A unique, small and intimate eco-lodge reclaimed from a bygone era for true safari lovers who want to get off the beaten track and discover the pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife of Northern Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

Perched up on a bluff overlooking a large dam with resident crocodile and hippo, the lodge boasts one of the best views in the park.

Built from the foundations of an old Zimparks outpost, and using as many eco principles as possible, the refurbished lodge embodies the very essence of conservation and responsible tourism by re-purposing, preserving and celebrating the natural heritage of the site.

A hidden gem within a hidden gem, Nantwich is a lodge to which you’ll want to return again and again. Receive front row seats to one of the best wildlife stages in Africa and play an active role in your own safari experience. The stage is set for interactive experiences with our passionate team, their intimate knowledge of the wilderness area and your dreams of a truly memorable safari holiday. Wonderfully remote, there are fewer people in this part of the park and excellent game viewing awaits. The lodge provides exceptional views and extensive walking safari opportunities – for a truly immersive African wildlife experience.

Become a Hwange expert through guided bush walks and game drives. When not busy exploring the surrounding bush or spying wildlife right from your chalet, the Main Lodge is where you will find the open lounge and dining area, as well as a well-equipped library. Here, you won’t just be a visitor but a budding conservationist or African wildlife enthusiast. Your first fun fact? This part of the park has the highest density of lions in the park and those in the know refer to it as Big Cat country.

For the first time visitor to Africa looking to experience the continent’s remarkable wildlife in an authentic setting or the seasoned safari traveller looking to get off the beaten track and away from crowds and other vehicles, Nantwich is the perfect one-stop African destination.

Day 2 - 3 : Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is far from the maddening crowds and a haven for a variety of African wildlife that you can experience on game drives through the park. When you choose to stay at Nantwich Lodge, you'll have the incredible chance to enjoy game viewing from the exquisite safari hide. 

Day 4 : Victoria Falls

Explore Vic Falls town to discover this laid-back travel hub where you can visit charming cafes or bustling markets. Find the best spot to view the Victoria Falls and be dazzled by the roar of the “Smoke that Thunders”. Feel the cool spray of the fine mist that rises meters above mighty falls where thousands of litres of water plunge down a steep gorge, gouging out a winding canyon below. Thrill-seekers can choose from a wide selection of Victoria Falls adventure activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, and helicopter flips. In the afternoon, experience a Zambezi River sunset cruise where you’ll be able to watch the African sun set over the calm Zambezi surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

Victoria Falls

"Mosi Oa Tunya", or "The Smoke That Thunders", Victoria Falls are as magnificent on the 10th visit as they are on the 1st, and their thundering roar makes everything else seem strangely quiet once you leave them behind.

As the mighty Zambezi flows over a chasm of 1 mile wide, and 110 metres high, to violently crash on the rocks below, the resultant spray is sent tens of metres up into the air, before it lands back down in a continuous rainfall.   The water then rushes through an opening of only 50 metres, as the Zambezi races further along, over churning rapids and through the deep Batoka Gorge.

While the Falls are the major drawcard, there is a thriving tourist industry developed around them, with adventure activities of all forms being available. 

Tourism has been evident here ever since David Livingstone was the first European guided by the local tribes to this remarkable natural wonder.

Ilala Lodge

Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. The friendly and attentive staff of this welcoming hotel makes sure that your visit is perfect in every way.

Day 5 : South Luangwa National Park

This morning after breakfast, you will transfer by road to Livingstone Airport for your flight to Mfuwe Airport. On arrival at Mfuwe Airport, you will be met and transferred to Tafika Main Camp, marking the beginning of an exciting journey into the wilderness. This afternoon you have the opportunity to relax before setting off on an afternoon game drive.

Zambia

A land competing with the best when it comes to wild and action packed safaris, Zambia offers a world of exploration and adventure.

While sharing the mighty Zambezi River and Victoria Falls with Zimbabwe, Zambia also has some truly wild and spectacular destinations of its own.   With some magical national parks offering great wildlife experiences, Zambia has developed a name for its excellent guides, and exciting safari activities.

Accessed by air via either South Africa or Kenya, or by road from Botswana or Zimbabwe, Zambia offers full safari itineraries, or can be a great combination with other East or Southern African countries.

In general, due to the remoteness of the parks in Zambia, fly-in safaris are popular, although mobile road safaris are available.  A major highlight of a Zambian safari is the isolation of many of the luxurious camps.

South Luangwa National Park

The concentration of wildlife along the Luangwa River is extraordinary, and has earned South Luangwa National Park the reputation of being one of the world's greatest wildlife sanctuaries.

The vegetation of the Luangwa valley changes dramatically between the wet and dry seasons, and this change makes the park a wonderful place to visit at anytime of year, although access to some areas becomes limited during the peak of the wet.

As one the founding locations for guided walking safaris, South Luangwa is still one of the best parks in Africa to experience exploring the bush on foot.

Tafika Camp

Tafika Camp’s location on the east bank of the Luangwa River, north of the Nsefu Sector of the South Park, makes it ideal for those who enjoy the serenity of the bush. Here, exceptional game viewing is combined with exciting activities including daily day and night drives, mountain bike safaris, walking safaris, visits to the local Mkasanga Village and microlighting in May (only offered in May). Tafika also has two hides which offer the opportunity of game viewing in-between activities. Hides overlook the camp waterhole which is frequented by herds of elephant, bushbuck, puku, impala, mongoose and several bird species.

The Nsefu sector boasts some of the finest leopard viewing in Africa. This, combined with the abundance of diverse game populations; some of the most experienced guides in the valley, and the unusual and exhilarating safari activities available, make for an unforgettable African adventure. The Luangwa Valley is known as The Valley of the Leopard for good reason, and you have an extremely high chance of seeing several of these spotted beauties during your stay.

Tafika Camp is seasonally operated and is open during the dry season from the 1st of May to the 15th of November. Due to its remote location, exclusive sightings are the norm as there is very low congestion in the area.

Tafika Camp accommodates up to 14 guests in six spacious chalets with en suite facilities, built from natural materials around the trunks of stunning sausage and leadwood trees. Four chalets have twin double beds in each room; the honeymoon suite has an enormous king size bed; and a final chalet with two rooms, a king size bed and two doubles serves as the family suite. The family chalet has an add-on hide which overlooks the camps waterhole.

Day 6 - 7 : South Luangwa National Park

Your stay at Tafika Main Camp are filled with activities, including morning, afternoon and evening game drives, providing opportunities to witness the park's wildlife. Guided walking safaris will bring you even closer to nature, while cycling safaris offer a unique perspective of the surroundings. You'll also have the opportunity to experience the local culture with a visit to the nearby Mkasanga village.

The camp has 2 hides which offer the opportunity of game viewing in-between activities. The hides overlook the camp waterhole which is often frequented by herds of elephant during August to November. The seasonal Carmine bee-eater hide (September through to October) offers great photographic opportunities of the colorful breeding colony.  

Day 8 - Day of Departure

Our safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Mfuwe Airport in time for your flight and onward journey home.