7-Day Zimbabwe Fly-In Safari with Bumi Hills and Mana Pools

7 Days Round trip from Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Sunset cruise on Lake Kariba with premium beverages and delicious canapés
02 Track remarkable black rhinos on foot with an armed professional guide and expert tracker
03 Explore Mana Pools on guided walking safaris and search for African wild dogs
04 Canoe along the Zambezi River and enjoy a night game drive in the wilderness
05 Photograph wildlife from a riverbank hide and explore Mana Pools' famous inner pans
06 Stay in luxury lodges and tented camps with gourmet dining and premium drinks throughout

Experience a luxury fly-in safari through two of Zimbabwe's most remarkable wilderness areas, combining Lake Kariba's tranquil shores at Bumi Hills with the untamed landscapes of Mana Pools National Park. This 7-day journey includes private reserve game drives, guided walking safaris, black rhino tracking, tiger fishing or a scenic boat safari, wild dog tracking, and a canoe safari along the Zambezi River. Stay in luxury accommodation throughout, with gourmet dining, premium drinks, and expertly guided wildlife experiences. From sunset cruises to photography hides and inner pans exploration, this safari blends adventure, comfort, and exceptional wildlife viewing.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Kariba, Victoria Falls, Matusadona National Park, Mana Pools National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Fly to Bumi Hills and Sunset Cruise on Lake Kariba

Arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport.
You will be welcomed by a representative and escorted to your scheduled light aircraft flight.
Board your scheduled light aircraft flight.
Arrive at Bumi Hills airstrip.
A short scenic game drive transfers you to your luxury lodge.
Enjoy a gourmet lunch.
In the evening, enjoy a tranquil sunset cruise aboard a luxury pontoon boat with premium beverages and delicious canapés.
Savor an exquisite three-course dinner beneath the stars.
Spend your first night overlooking Lake Kariba.

Day 02

Game Drive in Bumi Hills and Guided Walk by the Lake

Morning: Freshly brewed coffee and a light breakfast.
Activity: Set out on an early morning game drive through the exclusive Bumi Hills Private Wildlife Reserve with an experienced professional guide.
Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely gourmet breakfast.
Leisure: Relax beside the infinity pool overlooking Lake Kariba.
Optional: Optional spa treatment.
Optional: Browse the lodge's curio boutique.
Leisure: Unwind on your private deck.
Activity: Join a guided walk along the lake margins.
Drinks: Sundowners are served on the terrace.
Dinner: Enjoy a beautifully prepared three-course dinner featuring fresh local ingredients and fine South African wines.

Day 03

Black Rhino Walking Safari and Tiger Fishing Adventure

Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast.
Activity: Join a guided walking safari accompanied by an armed professional guide and expert tracker to search for the area's remarkable black rhinos.
Lunch: Return to the lodge for lunch.
Activity: Head out on a catch-and-release tiger fishing excursion on a specialised fishing boat.
Alternative activity: Alternatively, enjoy a scenic boat safari into nearby Matusadona National Park.
Dinner: End the day with a lakeside beach barbecue with live acoustic entertainment around a roaring bonfire.

Day 04

Fly to Mana Pools and Begin Your Walking Safari

Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking Lake Kariba.
Transfer: Transfer to Bumi Hills Airstrip.
Flight: Take your scheduled light aircraft flight to Mana Pools National Park.
Arrival: You will be welcomed by your safari team and transferred to an ultra-luxury tented camp along the banks of the Zambezi River.
Lunch/Tea: Enjoy a delicious lunch or traditional high tea.
Activity: Set out on your first guided walking safari through Mana Pools with one of Zimbabwe's highly qualified professional guides.
Dinner: An elegant dinner is served beneath a canopy of stars, accompanied by premium South African wines.

Day 05

Wild Dog Tracking, Canoe Safari, and Night Game Drive

Morning: Coffee and light refreshments.
Activity: Venture into the wilderness on foot with your professional guide in search of the African wild dog.
Brunch: Return to camp for a leisurely brunch.
Leisure: Spend time relaxing in the comfort of your luxury tent or watching wildlife from the camp's shaded lounge overlooking the river.
Activity: Enjoy a canoe safari along the Zambezi River.
Activity: Head out on a night game drive.
Dinner: Savor an exceptional dinner beneath the African sky.

Day 06

Explore the Inner Pans and Photograph Wildlife

Breakfast: Early breakfast.
Activity: Set out on an extensive morning game drive exploring Mana Pools' famous inner pans and remote floodplain ecosystems.
Lunch: Return to camp for lunch.
Leisure: Time to unwind.
Activity: Enjoy the wildlife photography hide positioned along the riverbank.
Dinner: A farewell dinner is set beneath the stars in a dry riverbed.

Day 07

Farewell Walk Along the Zambezi and Flight to Victoria Falls

Morning: Coffee.
Activity: Enjoy a relaxed walk along the banks of the Zambezi River.
Breakfast: Hearty breakfast.
Check-out: Check out.
Transfer: Transfer to the nearby airstrip.
Flight: Take your scheduled light aircraft flight back to Victoria Falls International Airport.
End: Connect with your onward international flight.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) 4 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Flights & Transfers
- Meet and greet on arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport
- Road transfers between the airport, lodges, and airstrips
- Scheduled light aircraft flights:
  - Victoria Falls → Bumi Hills
  - Bumi Hills → Mana Pools
  - Mana Pools → Victoria Falls
Accommodation
- 3 nights luxury accommodation at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
- 3 nights luxury accommodation at a premium tented camp in Mana Pools
- Luxury en-suite accommodation throughout
Meals & Drinks
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Tea, coffee, and refreshments
- Selected premium local wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks
- Sundowner drinks during safari activities
- Gourmet bush dinners and lakeside barbecue
Safari Activities
Bumi Hills
- Sunset cruise on Lake Kariba
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Guided walking safari
- Black rhino tracking experience
- Tiger fishing excursion (catch and release)
- Scenic boat safari (alternative to fishing)
- Bird watching opportunities
- Wildlife viewing in the Bumi Hills Private Wildlife Reserve
Mana Pools
- Guided walking safaris
- Wild dog tracking
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Canoe safari on the Zambezi River
- Night game drive
- Wildlife photography hide experience
- Exploration of the famous inner pans
- Exceptional bird watching
Park Fees & Professional Services
- National Park entrance fees
- Conservation levies
- Professional licensed safari guides
- Experienced trackers
- All scheduled safari activities
- Government taxes (where applicable)
Additional Experiences
- Welcome drink on arrival
- Luxury sunset cruise with canapés
- Farewell bush dinner under the stars
- Complimentary bottled water during activities
Daily housekeeping service

What's Not Included

International and regional flights to/from Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe visa fees
Comprehensive travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Premium imported wines, champagne, and top-shelf spirits
Spa treatments and massages
Laundry services (unless offered by the lodge)
Personal purchases and souvenirs
Gratuities for guides, camp staff, and pilots
Optional activities not specified in the itinerary

What to bring

Neutral-coloured safari clothing (khaki, green, beige)
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat and sunglasses
Lightweight waterproof jacket (seasonal)
Warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
Swimsuit
Sunscreen and lip balm
Insect repellent
Camera with spare batteries and memory cards
Binoculars
Personal medications

Know before you go

Passport & Visa Requirements
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your travel dates.
- Ensure you have at least three blank passport pages.
- Check Zimbabwe's visa requirements before departure. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, while others require one in advance.
Travel Insurance
- Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and should cover:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Medical evacuation
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Adventure activities included in the itinerary
Health & Vaccinations
- Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before departure.
- Anti-malarial medication is recommended for the safari regions visited.
- Bring any personal prescription medication in its original packaging.
- A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required only if you are arriving from or have recently traveled through a Yellow Fever risk country.
Fitness Level
- This safari includes walking safaris, canoeing, and game drives.
- Guests should have a moderate level of mobility and be comfortable walking on uneven terrain.
- Walking safaris are guided by experienced professionals and are conducted at a relaxed pace.
Luggage Restrictions
Because this is a fly-in safari using light aircraft:
- Soft-sided luggage only.
- Maximum luggage allowance: 20 kg (44 lbs) per person, including hand luggage and camera equipment.
- Hard-shell suitcases cannot be accommodated.
What to Pack
- Neutral-coloured safari clothing (khaki, green, beige)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat and sunglasses
- Lightweight waterproof jacket (seasonal)
- Warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Binoculars
- Personal medications
Weather
- Mornings and evenings can be cool, especially between May and August.
- Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot throughout the year.
Electricity & Connectivity
- Lodges provide electricity for charging cameras and phones.
- Universal or South African Type M plug adapters may be useful, depending on the lodge.
- Wi-Fi is available in most main lodge areas but may be limited due to the remote wilderness locations.
Currency
- US Dollars are widely accepted in Zimbabwe.
- Credit cards are accepted at most luxury lodges, but it is advisable to carry some cash for gratuities and personal purchases.
Tipping Guidelines (Recommended)
- Safari Guide: USD 15-25 per guest per day
- Camp Staff: USD 10-15 per guest per day (shared among staff)
- Pilot/Transfer Driver: USD 5-10 per guest
Safety
- Always follow your professional guide's instructions.
- Never leave your room or camp unescorted after dark unless advised it is safe to do so.
- Wildlife has right of way - maintain a respectful distance and avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
Best Time to Travel
This safari operates year-round, but the dry season (May-October) offers the best wildlife viewing as animals gather around permanent water sources, while the green season (November-April) provides lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and outstanding birdwatching.