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7-day Zimbabwe Hwange Elephant Explorer and Rhino Sanctuary Safari

7 days / 6 nights
Eastern Hwange National Park • Western Hwange National Park

Country

Zimbabwe

Duration

7 days

Style

Group Fly-in

Highlights

Eastern Hwange National Park

Western Hwange National Park

Rated 4.9/5

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7-day Zimbabwe Hwange Elephant Explorer and Rhino Sanctuary Safari

From $3,743
Camelthorn Lodge
Nehimba Lodge
Camelthorn Lodge
Nehimba Lodge
Western Hwange National Park
Nehimba Lodge

Includes

Light aircraft flight from Victoria Falls Airport - Hwange Airport - Nehimba - Victoria Falls Airport*, luggage is restricted to a maximum of 20 kg, including both check-in and carry-on, and must be in soft bags
All airstrip & road transfers as per the itinerary, including one Elephant Express train transfer
6 nights accommodation on an all-inclusive basis
2 daily, shared safari activities
Fees

Excludes

Flights not mentioned
Premium drinks
Elephant Express train transfer 1 January - 30 April 2026
Gratuities - we recommend US$ 10 per person/day per guide and for lodge staff
Entry visa
Travel insurance
Increase in government tax and park fees

Itinerary

Eastern Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. Home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, the park is a wonderland for animal lovers. Several protected animals inhabit the awe-inspiring open landscapes, including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable - along with lion, cheetah, and around 500 bird species. Adventurers can look forward to guided bush hikes, game drives, and horse riding safaris, all of which offer excellent photographic opportunities. Hwange boasts several unique natural features, most notably the natural seeps such as Nehimba and Shakwanki animals dig for water.
Eastern Hwange National Park
Eastern Hwange National Park
Eastern Hwange National Park
Eastern Hwange National Park
Eastern Hwange National Park
Eastern Hwange National Park
  • Camelthorn Lodge

    Day 1 - 4

    This flag ship lodge is nestled in a patch of pristine woodland just west of Ngamo on the edge of the South Eastern corner of Hwange National Park. The lodge is unique in its style and design and has as its centre piece a huge ancient Camelthorn tree. The lodge is a true partnership with the surrounding community and was built on their land and almost everyone that works for us there comes from the local community nearby. On the edge of the Ngamo Plain, and strategically placed to explore the remote and unspoilt south eastern portion of the park, Camelthorn will also provide a spectacular wilderness experience. Less than a kilometre away from the lodge we have built an underground blind in front of a beautifully located waterhole in the park. Camouflaged as a termite heap and buried under an ancient Mitswiri tree - the photographic opportunities from it are dramatic. Elephants can be photographed from toe level silhouetted against the sky at a distance of 25 feet - and such close proximity to Hwange's huge bulls is honestly breath-taking.
    Camelthorn Lodge
    Camelthorn Lodge
    Camelthorn Lodge
    Camelthorn Lodge
    Camelthorn Lodge
    Camelthorn Lodge
    +32

Day 1

Day Notes:

Depart from Victoria Falls Airport for your light aircraft flight to Hwange Airport, where you will catch a shuttle to Dete Railway Station. You will then board The Elephant Express train and be taken to Ngamo Siding. Once you arrive, you will be met and transferred to Camelthorn Lodge, where you will spend the next 3 nights on safari. You will check-in, and then enjoy your first shared afternoon game drive.

The Elephant Express train does not run from 1 January - 30 April 2026. During this period, you will fly to Hwange Airport and be transferred via road to Camelthorn Lodge.

Transfer Time: ~3 1/2 hours

  

  • Charter Flight from Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA] to Hwange National Park Airport [HWN]

  • Transfer from Hwange National Park Airport [HWN] to Dete Railway Station

  • Train from Dete Railway Station to Ngamo Siding

  • Transfer from Ngamo Siding to Camelthorn Lodge

  • Check-in to Camelthorn Lodge

Day 2 - 3

Day Notes:

Activities included at Camelthorn Lodge are the following:  

  • Shared morning, afternoon, and night game drives
  • Walks
  • All-day excursions
  • Hide sits
  • Ngamo community experience, and school tour (school visits not available in April, August and December - Mid January during school holidays)

 

  • Shared morning and afternoon safari activities

Western Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. The northern and western areas of the park are different - the northern area is encompassed by the Zambezi watershed, while the western part consists of grasslands, marshes, and scattered woodlands. The natural seeps such as Nehimba and Shakwanki, where animals dig for water, are particularly notable. The park is home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, and several protected animals including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable. Around 500 bird species also inhabit the area. Visitors can look forward to bush hikes, game drives, and horse riding safaris.
Western Hwange National Park
Western Hwange National Park
Western Hwange National Park
Western Hwange National Park
Western Hwange National Park
Western Hwange National Park
  • Nehimba Lodge

    Day 4 - 7

    An authentic safari Lodge remotely nestled away in one of the largest private concessions in the northern region of the renowned Hwange National Park. Ideally situated in the central game rich section of the park, offering an all inclusive, immersive wildlife experience. Centrally situated is the spacious and tastefully decorated lounge / dining area comprising a lower deck for intimate and romantic meals under the stars, overlooking a swimming pool frequented by elephants trying to quench their thirst. Evenings can be spend around a warm fire where tales of the days events are unravelled while the chef prepares a tasteful array of dishes. The lodge boasts nine luxurious raised chalets under traditional thatch unobtrusively positioned around a waterhole. Each chalet has its own en suite slipper bath and adjoining outside shower. The rooms are designed to be spacious, airy, intimate and safe. Each chalet has its own private balcony that allows an un-obscured view of the waterhole and its thirsty visitors.
    Nehimba Lodge
    Nehimba Lodge
    Nehimba Lodge
    Nehimba Lodge
    Nehimba Lodge
    Nehimba Lodge
    +35

Day 4

Day Notes:

After breakfast, you will be transferred via an en-route game drive to the local airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Western Hwange National Park. Once you arrive at the local airstrip, you will be met and transferred to Nehimba Lodge for the next 3 nights. You will check-in, and go out on your first shared afternoon game drive to explore this new area.

 

  • Check-out from Camelthorn Lodge

  • Transfer from Camelthorn Lodge to Bomani Airstrip

  • Charter Flight from Bomani Airstrip to Shumba Airstrip

  • Transfer from Shumba Airstrip to Nehimba Lodge

  • Check-in to Nehimba Lodge

  • Shared afternoon game drive

Day 5 - 6

Day Notes:

Activities included at Nehimba Lodge are the following:  

  • Shared morning, afternoon and night game drives
  • Walks
  • All-day excursions

  • Shared morning and afternoon safari activities

Day 7

  • Check-out from Nehimba Lodge

  • Transfer from Nehimba Lodge to Shumba Airstrip

  • Charter Flight from Shumba Airstrip to Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA]

End of Itinerary

Destinations

Eastern Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe
Day 1-2

Eastern Hwange National Park

Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife.
Western Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe
Day 4-5

Western Hwange National Park

Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife.

Accommodations

Camelthorn Lodge
Eastern Hwange National Park
Day 1-4

Camelthorn Lodge

This flag ship lodge is nestled in a patch of pristine woodland just west of Ngamo on the edge of the South Eastern corner of Hwange National Park.
Nehimba Lodge
Western Hwange National Park
Day 4-7

Nehimba Lodge

An authentic safari Lodge remotely nestled away in one of the largest private concessions in the northern region of the renowned Hwange National Park.

January - April 2026 - INCLUDES 1 FREE NIGHT AT NEHIMBA CAMP

  • Price per person sharing: US$ 3,790
  • NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
  • Solo traveller: US$ 4,745
  • Kids sharing, age 7-16 years*: US$ 1,195

May – October 2026 - INCLUDES SOAR & ROAR SPECIAL WITH ELEPHANT EXPRESS TRAIN & STAY A 4TH NIGHT FREE AT NEHIMBA AND ONLY PAY FOR PARK FEES SPECIAL

  • Price per person sharing: US$ 5,740
  • Single traveller: US$ 7,080
  • Solo traveller: US$ 7,990
  • Kids sharing, age 7-16 years: US$ 2,490

November - December 2026 - INCLUDES SOAR & ROAR SPECIAL WITH ELEPHANT EXPRESS TRAIN & 1 FREE NIGHT AT NEHIMBA

  • Price per person sharing: US$ 3,745
  • NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
  • Solo traveller: US$ 4,655
  • Kids sharing, age 7-16 years*: US$ 1,150

*Children 16 years and under get FREE accommodation and only pay for park fees if sharing with an adult over 18 years old

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This was my first visit to Africa and we will return in June 2025. Thank you so much, and thank you for supporting nature and the local communities.

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