Overview
Matobo Hills, Victoria Falls and Mana Pools
Discover three incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this ten-night adventure across Zimbabwe that combines luxury safari, culture and one of the world’s natural wonders.
Begin in the mysterious Matobo Hills, seeking out ancient rock art and tracking rhino on foot, before three nights upstream from the thundering waters of Victoria Falls in Zambezi National Park.
Finally follow the river downstream to a private reserve bordering Mana Pools for four nights at one of Zimbabwe’s most luxurious safari camps – Tembo Plains – to canoe by elephants, spot big cats on drives and exhilarating walking safaris. You'll also be playing a role in an incredible conservation success story as the reserve becomes the centerpiece of the ambitious Project Rewild Zambezi.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Rhino tracking from Amalinda Lodge
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Ancient rock art and local culture in the Matobo Hills
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The awesome Victoria Falls
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A completely wild safari from Tembo Plains
Inclusions
What's included
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Ten nights of luxury accommodation on a full board basis
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Tours, experiences and safari activities
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Internal flights and private transfers
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Price per person based on two adults sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 4
Magical Matobo
Begin your exploration of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, heading south out of the city and into the epic landscape of the Matobo Hills where rocky outcrops and immense granite boulders tower above the vegetation below. Here you’ll be staying at Amalinda, a unique family-owned lodge built into the geology with a rather spectacular infinity pool.
The experience here is as much about culture as it is about the wildlife. It is one of Zimbabwe’s bastions for both black and white rhinos and the chance to track these incredible animals on foot is not to be missed. The hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to one of the highest concentrations of rock art in Southern Africa, some dating back at least 13,000 years which you can discover with a knowledgeable guide. You can also meet the Matabele people of the region on a cycling tour through the surrounding villages.
Days 4 — 7
Victoria Falls
Then head north to the mighty Victoria Falls. Known in the local Lozi language as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, or in Tonga as Shungu Namutitima, ‘Boiling Water’, the 108m tall and 1,700m wide roaring wall is a wonder of the natural world. You’ll be staying at a laid-back luxury lodge set alongside the Zambezi River in a private concession of a national park.
Marvel at the falls on a private tour, relax on boating trips and head out from your lodge on safari activities in search of the lions, elephants and buffalo which thrive here. There are also many exciting activities in the area such as white water rafting below the falls.
Days 7 — 11
Sapi Reserve Safari
Fly following the Zambezi downstream to a sprawling Sapi Reserve on the border of the legendary Mana Pools National Park, 128,000 private hectares home to just one camp – the seriously sumptuous Tembo Plains. Founded to help support the area’s inspiring restoration from a hunting concession into a world-class safari destination, your four-night stay here plays a part in an inspiring conservation story.
Experience up-close encounters with elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, buffaloes, elands, zebras and more on game drives in the reserve in custom vehicles on day and night drives. Trips can also be taken into Mana Pools National Park. There are also exhilarating walks with experienced guides and canoe trips on the Zambezi – being a private reserve the freedom here means complete flexibility. You can also learn all Project Rewild Zambezi, Great Plains’ pioneering effort to relocate some 3,000 animals from the overpopulated Savé Valley Conservancy in the south to Sapi. If your stay coincides with releases, you'll be able to witness them up close alongside the experts.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
