Trip Overview

Join a once-in-a-lifetime safari with AdventureWomen and the African Wildlife Foundation! Enjoy many opportunities to spot wildlife as you explore Zimbabwe. Learn about the African Wildlife Foundation conservation work and meet inspirational women who focus on projects that empower women and young girls in the region.

Welcome to beautiful Hwange National Park, where you will be joined by your AdventureWomen Ambassador and your African Wildlife Foundation Representative for a fantastic safari experience.  Throughout the adventure you will be traveling and learning with you will spend some time as a group learning from Carter Smith, a Director at African Wildlife Foundation. Hear about her personal experience with conservation throughout Africa and her role at AWF. In addition, you will enjoy lively discussions with our own Judi Wineland, one of the owners of AdventureWomen and a true pioneer in women’s adventure travel. 

Hwange National Park to Mana Pools 

Hwange National Park is the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe and is home to over 100 mammal and 400 bird species. Your stay at Khulu Bush Camp includes searches for wildlife during walks and game drives across grassy acacia-lined lakes and beautiful forests of teak as you try to spot the Big Five of Hwange National Park.

Mana Pools is an area within the lower Zambezi River where the flood plains transform into a broad landscape of lakes following the annual rainy season. Mana Pools National Park is one of the places where you can try a safari with a twist – by canoe! This is a unique way to experience the excitement of a safari, as you can paddle along the Zambezi River in search of hippopotamus and other animals who are taking a dip and enjoying a drink along the riverbanks. But the area is best known for its immense elephant population, as large herds wander the plains among the many lakes in the region. Explore the wonders of nature as you look for elephants, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs.

Lake Kariba to Victoria Falls 

Lake Kariba was initially formed by damming the Zambezi River in the Kariba Gorge. The waters of Lake Kariba are extremely rich in nutrients and vegetation, so many shorebirds and aquatic animals make their home here. There is abundant life in and around this vast expanse of water, whether it be gamefish, crocodiles, or hippopotamus. You’ll have the chance to explore after dark as you set out on an evening game drive in search of nocturnal animals in the bush. 

 Victoria Falls was so named for the plumes of mist and spray that rise from the Falls. Located on the Zambezi River bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe, the falls formed as the entire width of the Zambezi River plummets in a single vertical drop that is over 5,000 feet wide. Next, you’ll head to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where the rhinos are reintroduced as a part of an African Wildlife Foundation project. Set out on a 4×4 safari to the location where you begin a walk and try to spot the endangered white rhinoceros. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a quiet area before making your way back to the safari vehicle.  

Finally, take a cruise this evening on the Zambezi River and take in the beauty of the African sunset, and the friendship of the women who have accompanied you on this amazing journey!

Main Attractions

  • Visit three incredible national parks in Zimbabwe and take in the majesty of Victoria Falls
  • Take part in exclusive game drives by vehicle, foot, and boat as you track wildlife - including rhino tracking - with an expert guide
  • Meet two African Wildlife Foundation Directors and learn about the conservation work supported by the organization
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Zambezi and exclusive sundowners at your safari camp
  • Visit a local school and enjoy a delicious dinner in the home of Aunt Flatter

What You'll See and Do

  • Animal Tracking
  • Birding
  • Cultural Exploration
  • Local Delicacies
  • Luxury Camping
  • National Parks
  • Natural History
  • Wildlife Cruise
  • Wildlife Safari
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Women-To-Women Exchanges
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If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival to Hwange

Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) by 8:00AM – 9:00AM today.

Upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, meet your private guide and the rest of your group before boarding a flight bound for Victoria Falls. After arriving at the Victoria Falls Airport, you will collect your bags and send your overflow bag along with the designated representative to be stored at the Victoria Falls hotel until you return for the last few nights of your trip.

After transferring your extra bag, you will board your next flight to Hwange National Park. Upon landing, head to Khulu Bush Camp, which will be your home the next three nights.

Settle into your stunning camp this afternoon. Unpack a bit and enjoy how private this camp is – with only ten tents it will feel very intimate!

Enjoy a late lunch and a delicious dinner at your camp.

Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Khulu Bush Camp

Day 2

Hwange National Park 

You will do a number of activities during your stay at Khulu Bush Camp – including bush walks and game drives – but the order in which the activities happen may change in order to give you the best experience possible.

Set out this morning on a walk with your expert guide as your heightened senses will take in the sights and sounds of your surroundings in a unique and exciting way. Along the way, you’ll have the mystery of the bush explained by your guide. See how many different species you can find!

Search for wildlife during another game drive today. You’ll explore throughout grassy acacia-lined lakes and beautiful forests of teak while you try to spot the Big Five of Hwange National Park.

Take some time to relax and soak in the incredible views from your tent. The waterhole offers the perfect habitat in which to catch a glimpse of elephants or other animals that wander by.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Khulu Bush Camp

Day 3

Hwange National Park

Enjoy another day on safari. You may do an early morning and later afternoon game drive, a morning walk, or a “hide sit” around the pan. You can always sit back and take in the sights from the comfort of your private tent.

Today you will meet with Sharon Stead, who was the founder of the Mother Africa Trust which supports numerous projects throughout Zimbabwe that focus on girls and women in the area. In 2016, she was awarded Businesswoman of the Year and Overall Business Person by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her mentorship of young women and her involvement in initiatives aimed at empowerment. Enjoy a lively discussion with Sharon about her inspiring work.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Khulu Bush Camp

Day 4

Hwange National Park

Take some time on your own to relax or explore after breakfast today.

After breakfast, you will transfer to Hwange Airport for your flight to the next amazing stop on your safari adventure – Mana Pools National Park.

When you arrive at Mana Pools National Park, you will have some time to explore the grounds and take in the scenery in one of the most remote parts of the African bush along the banks of the Zambezi River.

You will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide array of activities while at your camp, as you can go game viewing in safari vehicles, on foot, and on the water.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight:Nyamatusi Camp

Day 5

Mana Pools National Park

Enjoy another day on safari. You may do an early morning or later afternoon game drive, a canoe or walking safari, or catch and release shore fishing.

Tonight enjoy a lively discussion with Judi Wineland, one of the owners of AdventureWomen and a true pioneer in women’s adventure travel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Nyamatusi Camp

Day 6

Mana Pools National Park

Set out this morning on a walking safari with your expert guide. Explore the wonders of nature as you look for elephant, leopard, hyena, and cheetah.

Enjoy a new way to safari this afternoon: by canoe. The Lower Zambezi River is a great setting for a new adventure with calm waters and expansive views. Try and spot some hippo!

Today you will meet with Simon Muchatibaya who is the African Wildlife Fund’s Technical Advisor in Mana Pools National Park. Simon’s role was created from the partnership between Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and AWF. You’ll learn about some of the tremendous efforts that are in place to protect wildlife from poaching.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Nyamatusi Camp

Day 7

Mana Pools to Lake Kariba

This morning, say goodbye to Hwange National Park, as you transfer to the airport for your charter flight to the next amazing safari location of your adventure – Lake Kariba!

Once you arrive at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, you’ll have time to settle in at this beautiful camp. Relax, unpack, or take a dip in the luxurious infinity pool that overlooks the lake.

Head off on an afternoon adventure to explore the bush in search of some of the local wildlife. Keep your eye out for cheetah, leopard, elephant, and antelope among many other spectacular species who make their home here.

Here at Bumi Hills, you will be joined by Olivia Mufute, who is the Zimbabwe Country Director for the African Wildlife Foundation. Olivia was the first female Chief Ecologist and Multilateral Environmental Agreements Manager at the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority before she joined AWF in 2017. During your time at Bumi Hills, you will hear how Olivia has been a trailblazer for women in conservation and how she is helping AWF develop the health of the ecosystem in Zimbabwe.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Day 8

Lake Kariba

Depending on the day, you may enjoy a morning or afternoon game drive, a walking safari, or a boating excursion. No matter which activity you do, you’re sure to experience some delightful surprises along the way!

You’ll have the chance to explore after dark as you set out on an evening game drive in search of nocturnal animals in the bush. Don’t forget your flashlight!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Day 9

Lake Kariba

Enjoy another day on safari. There are many ways to explore at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, and you will have had the opportunity to experience most of them throughout your stay. Don’t forget about the pool and spa if you need a little pampering.

Today you will spend some time as a group talking with Carter Smith, a Director at African Wildlife Foundation. Hear about her personal experience with conservation throughout Africa and her role at AWF.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Day 10

Lake Kariba to Victoria Falls

After a light breakfast of fruit and coffee this morning, head to the airport at Bumi Hills for your flight to Victoria Falls.

Tour Victoria Falls today, just minutes from your hotel. Walk a path along the edge of the forest and brave the tremendous spray for an unparalleled view of the falls. You’ll have a chance to view the falls from the Knife Edge Bridge, from which you can see the Eastern Cataract, the main falls, as well as the Boiling Pot where the river turns to head unto Batoka Gorge.

Enjoy dinner with Aunt Flatter, an incredible local woman. She has lived through all of the ups and downs in Zimbabwe and will share what it has been like as a local woman. As a bonus, she will make a delicious dinner full of the local foods she grew up eating – this is a real treat!

 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Club

 

 

Day 11

Victoria Falls

Next, you’ll head to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where the rhinos were reintroduced as a part of an African Wildlife Foundation project. Set out on a 4×4 safari to the location where you begin a walk and try to spot the endangered white rhinoceros. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a quiet area before making your way back to the safari vehicle.

Take a sunset cruise this evening on the Zambezi River. Soak in the noise of the river and the falls as you search for elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Club

Day 12

Depart Victoria Falls

After some time on your own this morning, head to the airport where you will fly to Johannesburg and connect to your international flight home.

Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you connect with your flights home from Johannesburg.

Depart Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) any time after 8:00 PM today.

Breakfast

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
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Traveling to Zimbabwe



Arrival and Departure Information

Arrive: Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) by 8:00AM – 9:00AM May 1st, 2023

Depart: Depart Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) any time after 8:00PM May 12, 2023.

 

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible in booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are highly trip-dependent and details will be provided to you prior to departure. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests $200-250 (or more) for gratuities on most trips. As always, tipping is at your discretion. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank-facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

US Passport holders will need a visa to visit Zimbabwe. We will provide detailed information before your departure on how to obtain your visa.

Activity Level

We rate this trip as Moderate. Our Moderate adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission!) to make the most of your adventure. We have a partnership with FitForTrips, a company that will design an individualized fitness plan for you with this itinerary in mind. Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 25% discount with the code FITWOMEN. Learn more on the FitForTrips website.

You should come with a flexible, adventurous, and enthusiastic spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor that adventure travel requires.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic. There are no immunization requirements for travel to Zimbabwe, however, your local travel clinic may have recommendations for you based on your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Zimbabwe.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $1,500, and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplemental Release for COVID

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

Final Payment Due Date: January 31, 2023

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

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What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Internal flights within Africa
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and conservation levies
  • Services of expert naturalist guide throughout the trip
  • Services of guides and trackers at safari camps and lodges
  • Drinking water available in large jugs to refill personal bottles
  • Gratuities for baggage handlers, drivers, and hotel/lodge staff
  • Victoria Falls Safari Club: includes mini bar stocked daily with local beer and soft drinks, house wine, and bottled water; same-day laundry service
  • Khulu Bush Camp: includes local beverages and laundry
  • Bumi Hills Safari Lodge: includes beverages and laundry
  • Nyamatusi Camp: includes beverages and laundry

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from South Africa
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

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Accommodations

Victoria Falls Safari Club

Built on a plateau which overlooks the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls Safari Club offers luxurious and spacious accommodation with uninterrupted views of the pristine bushveld from your private balcony.

Khulu Bush Camp

Khulu Bush Camp is a luxury safari lodge that borders Hwange National Park. This family owned and operated property is the perfect spot to see wildlife roaming throughout the camp's private concession. Enjoy the elegant and contemporary accommodations while you take in the incredible views of the surrounding land.

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge boasts one of Africa’s finest wilderness locations with an elevated position on a range of remote hills overlooking the vastness of Lake Kariba. Bumi is situated near the North Eastern border of the Matusadona National Park and has a total of 10 rooms, all with views over Lake Kariba. All rooms are premium rooms with balconies and uninhibited views over Lake Kariba. Taking center stage is the beautiful infinity pool that
seems to blend endlessly into the lake horizon. The pool is surrounded by intimate wine and dining terraces on different levels. The lodge interiors have been beautifully finished in a fusion of contemporary western and African styles. Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is situated on an extensive wildlife conservation area. Bumi Hills is home to lion, leopard, big herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as a multitude of different plains game.

Nyamatusi Camp

Nyamatusi Camp is set in one of the wildest and most remote parts of Africa on the banks of one of the oldest rivers in the world. Nyamatusi allows guests to experience an authentic view of the old untouched Africa. Inspired by the traditional custodians of the land who respected the river as the source of life, the design of the camp subtly incorporates the element of water and pays homage to the astounding beauty of the mighty Zambezi River. Consisting of six luxury tented suites with uninterrupted views of the river and escarpment beyond, the camp inspires a feeling of remoteness. There is an abundance of game and birds in the surrounding area. Guests are able to spend their days walking in the footsteps of ancient explorers and follow the tracks of elephant. Guests are also able to watch the drama of the wild play out before their eyes on game drives and canoeing safaris, and marvel at the incredible sights and sounds of one of Africa’s last remaining wild frontiers.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary