Zimbabwe Expedition
July 28 - August 7, 2025

Arrive at Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Airport, clear customs, and collect your bags after which you’ll be met for your transfer to Batonka Guest Lodge - about 20 minutes from the airport.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Batonka Guest Lodge

Guided Tour of Victoria Falls & Lunch at Lookout Café

Start the day with a tasty early morning breakfast and then head on a guided tour of Zimbabwe's foremost attraction – the Victoria Falls! Also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya in the local language, “the smoke that thunders,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and at 360ft (108m) high and 5,306ft (1708m) wide, remains one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. While not the widest or highest waterfall, Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest curtain of falling water in the world thanks to its incredible volume of water.

Following the tour of the falls we'll head to the Lookout Café for a delicious lunch while we enjoy the superb views down into Batoka Gorge and the Zambezi River far below.

Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River

A visit to Victoria Falls isn’t complete without a mesmerizing Sunset Cruise on the flagship - Zambezi Explorer. Uniquely designed, the upper ‘Signature Deck’ is utter sophistication and guests are encouraged to relax into the deep-set couches that reflect the earthy tones and river blues found in the surroundings. Enjoy uninterrupted views from the 6m elevation, delicious canapés and the service of a dedicated mixologist. A range of our Pure Africa wines, craft beer and artisanal spirits are also available throughout.

As the sun sets, we head back to the Pure Africa Waterfront and then on to Batonka.

Meals: B | L | D

Accommodations: Batonka Guest Lodge

Transfer to Southern Hwange by Road and then Rail on the Elephant Express!

After breakfast at your Victoria Falls accommodation, depart for a short flight and transfer to Dete Railway Station on the edge of Hwange National Park where around 13:30, you’ll board Imvelo’s one-of-a-kind game viewing railcar, the Elephant Express.

Drinks and a tasty light lunch will be served on the Elephant Express before departing Dete, for the 3hr trip down the eastern border of Hwange National Park to Bomani Tented Lodge. This historic railway line demarcates the border of the park so there will be plenty of game viewing along the way!

After arriving at Ngamo in the late afternoon, we’ll disembark the Elephant Express and board 4 x 4 game drive vehicles for the short safari drive to camp. You’ll be escorted to your room where you can settle in, unpack and freshen up before returning to the main lodge for a pre-dinner cocktail or cool drink at the bar or around the campfire.

A delectable 3-course dinner will be served under the Milky Way and the Southern Cross followed by coffee or a nightcap around the campfire.

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park at 5,600 square miles (14,651 sq km) is the largest National Park in Zimbabwe and one of Africa’s great parks. Hwange has always been renowned for its incredible diversity of wildlife, and to this day it boasts more varieties of mammal and bird species than any other Zimbabwean National Park.

There are over 100 species of mammals, including 19 large herbivores such as buffalo, eland, sable and wildebeest, and over 400 bird species. Predators are also abundant including lion, cheetah, jackal and leopard. Hwange is also one the last strongholds of painted dog (wild dog) in Zimbabwe. However, the park is particularly famous for its population of elephant, some 45,000+ strong - based on the latest aerial survey - and combined with the elephants of northern Botswana this is the world’s largest contiguous elephant population.

As one would imagine in a park the size of the State of Connecticut or Northern Ireland, there is great diversity of landscapes and ecoystems, The northern and southern parts of the park are distinctly different. The north features hills, granite kopjes and mopane woodlands versus the Kalahari sandveld and plains of the south and west.

Meals: B | L | D

Accommodations: Bomani Tented Lodge

Over the next two full days, you will have the opportunity to explore and discover the Bomani Concession and south-east Hwange National Park.

After an early wake-up call, join your guide at dawn for a cup of coffee and slice of toast before heading out to explore and interpret what happened in the wilderness last night. We head out early because that is when the big cats are still active - we make no promises, but we can ensure a fascinating time will be spent with your guide.

Walks will be conducted by an experienced professional guide, looking at tracks and signs, or perhaps approaching an animal on foot to snatch a memorable photograph.

Wildlife in the area at this time of year could include herds of plains game including impala, wildebeest, zebra, sable antelope, giraffe, buffalo and elephant. With all this prey on the plains it in turn attracts predators, so we'll be on the lookout for lion, cheetah, and African wild dogs.

"Look-up blind" at Stoffie's Pan

This afternoon, we’ll head back into Hwange in search of game before making a stop for a bush lunch next to our specially built underground game-viewing blind at Stoffie’s Pan aka the "Look-up" blind, named such because its located at the water level so you'll be looking up at the elephants!

After lunch, we’ll enjoy some time in the blind with snout-level viewing of thirsty elephants just feet way! The blind is furnished with comfortable seating and has running water for flush loos and hand basins.

In the late afternoon, we’ll continue to explore the Ngamo plains on foot and by vehicle. After sundown, we’ll night drive back to camp, exploring the Bomani concession, looking for nocturnal species that prowl the plains after twilight.

Meals: B | L | D

Accommodations: Bomani Tented Lodge

Village and School Visit

Our local operators are deeply committed to bringing together local rural communities and our safari guests, for their mutual benefit. Twenty minutes’ drive from the lodge you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an actual and un-orchestrated look at village life in rural Matabeleland.

This morning sees an early start with breakfast in the dining room before heading to nearby Ngunyana Village where you can join the children on their morning walk to school or join the younger kids for a ride in our safari vehicles!

Once at the school, you’ll get the opportunity to meet the Headmaster and be welcomed with traditional songs sung by the students, followed by a short classroom interaction. This activity gives the school children a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with people from all over the world who have come to see the wildlife amongst which they live.

After the school visit, head to a nearby village for an un-choreographed visit of a local homestead, including a meeting with the headman of the village. You will be able to see some community initiatives firsthand and gain insight into the day to day life of a rural Zimbabwean including learning about thatching roofs, tilling fields, milling maize and weaving baskets.

Visit the Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary and Meet The Rhino!

This afternoon, you’ll head to the Imvelo Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary where you'll meet the newest resident White Rhino, Thuza and Kusasa, as well as the Cobra Rangers guarding them 24/7. Start with a behind-the-scenes look at the Cobras basecamp, where you'll learn more about their work along with Imvelo's many other community and conservation programs. Listen to a short talk on the origins and ideas behind the formation of the Cobras unit and how they protect the rhino, as well as the future plans for the ground-breaking Community Rhino Conservation Initiative.

Head off on foot or by vehicle with the Cobras to meet Thuza and Kusasa! There will be lots of photo opportunities and quality time to watch and enjoy the rhinos in their natural environment on the Ngamo plains; how close you will be able to get to the rhino will be subject to conditions on the ground.

Each guest at Bomani and Camelthorn Lodges pays a rhino conservation and community levy; these funds all go into the rhino sanctuary along with community projects in the nearby villages.

Meals: B | L | D

Accommodations: Bomani Tented Lodge

Enjoy an early morning tea or coffee on your veranda before a hot breakfast in the main lodge.

Next we’ll head off to Jozibanini Camp on a full day safari or "pump run" deep into the southern part of Hwange.

Hwange National Park has no major rivers and for the past 70 years during Hwange’s dry seasons, wildlife has subsisted here on water originally pumped by windmills, later replaced by diesel engines and now solar power. In the southern sector of the park, Imvelo Safari Lodges shoulders the responsibility for 26 pumped waterholes. This means Imvelo is looking after approximately 20- 25% of the waterholes that sustain Hwange’s wildlife including upwards of 10,000 elephants in the dry season – a huge commitment of which they are truly proud of!

Imvelo’s trademark "pump runs" combine game viewing in remote areas of the park with practical hands-on conservation helping to maintain the waterholes and pumps which the wildlife rely on for water during the dry season. Many of these pumps have been converted to solar-hybrid pumps in recent years. We'll learn about the challenges of maintaining this system in conversations and hands-on activities with your guide and the pump attendants who spend the dry season living at the waterholes to keep the pumps running.

We'll also make a stop at the Makona ranger station near Jozibanini Camp and meet some of the national park rangers who patrol in this remote corner of Hwange (this visit is dependent on whether the rangers are at base at this time). Imvelo funded and installed a state-of-the-art solar powered water pump at Makona which provides water for the rangers, their organic vegetable garden and for wildlife at the nearby Makona pan. In addition, the solar array provides power for lights and radios at the station.

We’ll arrive at our rustic and wild Jozi Camp just before sundown.

The Jozi Story

Jozibanini has an interesting story which reinforces the importance of your visit here. A ranger station named Jozibanini was abandoned in the early 2000's due to lack of park funds, leaving the south and west of the park largely un-patrolled by rangers and never visited by tourists. As a tragic result, elephant poaching reared its ugly head in this area in 2013. After these poaching incidents, Imvelo Safari Lodges decided to establish an outpost at Jozibanini, which staff and a privileged few tourists could use as a base for both management of water resources and a safari experience unlike any other.

Presence in the area would also deter poachers, and who better to employ to protect the new project than ex-poachers who have turned over a new leaf. By introducing tourism, the Jozi project has helped protect and conserve hundreds of kilometers of remote park, and regular traffic on the route has translated into reliable support for both parks pump attendants and about 25% of Hwange’s thirsty wildlife in the dry season.

Meals: B | L | D

Accommodations: Jozibanini Camp

Game Drives, Bush Walks and Mountain Biking from Jozi

Over the next 2 full days, you'll explore the area around Jozibanini Camp. Enjoy an early morning game drive or a guided game walk through the area around camp, once more experiencing Hwange’s magnificent elephant on ground level and go tracking for the different species to be found in this part of the park such as lion, wild dog and buffalo.

After returning to camp, relax and experience a fabulous brunch out in the open at the Jozi pan, enjoying the solitude of being in a completely untouched and isolated spot within the pristine African bush.

In the early afternoon, head off again on by foot, or game drive vehicle to explore another part of the far remote southwestern corner of Hwange National Park. You may also opt to visit the nearby Makona park ranger station and meet some of the park rangers who help protect and patrol the deep south of Hwange.

Another option at Jozibanini is to head off on a guided mountain bike ride through the elephant paths along the inter-dune troughs around Jozibanini. The ecosystem here is semi-desert akin to the Kalahari in neighbouring Botswana. Ancient windblown fossil sand dunes are separated by shallow valleys where elephant paths have compacted the terrain, providing us the opportunity for a unique experience of game viewing by mountain bike. These rides can be from 30 minutes around camp to a full day exploring deep into southern Hwange, depending on your energy, fitness and adventure level!

Sundown at the Jozibanini Look-up Blind

In the late afternoon, you’ll head into the underground “Look-up” blind for spectacular photographic opportunities of the wildlife, just feet away, at the Jozi waterhole. We’ll enjoy sundown inside or atop the look-up blind and once the sun has set, take a quick drive back to camp for a tasty dinner out under the glorious night sky.

Meals: B | L | D

Accommodations: Jozibanini Camp

After a final breakfast and morning game drive (time permitting) at Jozi, you will be transferred to Libuti Airstrip to connect with your flight lasting an hour or so, covering the scenic territory between the deep south and Victoria Falls Airport.

Upon arrival at the airport, meet your transfer.

Helicopter Flight of Angels over Victoria Falls

At a time to be advised locally, you will head off for your spectacular helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls, known as the ‘Flight of Angels’. David Livingstone famously wrote on seeing the Victoria Falls for the first time in 1855 that “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”. Little did he know that 150 years later he could have exactly that opportunity. The best way to appreciate the true splendour of the Victoria Falls is to view them from the air. Our helicopters have specially designed ‘bubble shaped’ windows perfect for panoramic viewing and great photographic opportunities from all seats.

Overnight at Insika Lodge.

Meals: B

Departure transfer from Insika Lodge to Victoria Falls Airport

You have a final morning to explore Victoria Falls town and surrounds. No activities are included on this day but you're welcome to liaise with the concierge at Insika Lodge and book something directly.

Meals: B

We provide a full service experience. Included in your trip cost:
Premium Gear Provided: Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad, and multi-day backpack.

• Meals as detailed in itinerary

• Expert Guides: Led by experienced hiking guides with extensive wilderness knowledge, medical certifications, and a passion for adventure.

• Transportation as detailed in itinerary

• Permits & Fees

• Emergency Preparedness: Outfitted with a company-issued first-aid kit and a communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone).

• National Park Fees

• Individual pre-trip support as needed

• 3 month pre-trip physical and mental preparation guide

• Access to our Director of Traveler Experience who can help answer all your questions!

• 6 Week Post-Trip Meditation Series to help integrate your experience

• Lifetime access to the Root Community

• Airfare

• travel insurance

• souvenirs

• alcoholic beverages

• Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost to $50 per person, per day)

• anything not detailed in the itinerary.

July and August are some of the most beautiful months to visit Zimbabwe—clear, sunny, and dry, with ideal conditions for exploring and wildlife viewing.

• Daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm, usually in the 70s to low 80s°F (21–27°C)—perfect for safaris and outdoor adventures.

• Evenings and early mornings can get quite cool, especially in Hwange National Park and on the sleeper train, with temperatures dipping to the 40s°F (4–10°C).

• Rain is rare during this time of year, and the dry air means fewer bugs and crystal-clear skies.

Arrive in Zimbabwe by XX

Depart from Zimbabwe by XX.

This journey includes a beautiful mix of unique lodges and experiences that reflect the soul of Zimbabwe—wild, welcoming, and wonderfully restful.

Batonka Guest Lodge

Located in a quiet residential suburb of Victoria Falls, Batonka Guest House is just a short distance from the Victoria Falls rainforest entrance and the town center. The property features 22 en suite rooms that offer quality comforts, modern amenities and boast their own verandas overlooking beautiful gardens. Attractive central spaces include a dining area, lounge and bar, and delectable meals can either be enjoyed indoors or outside on the lovely terrace overlooking the pool. In between sightseeing adventures, Batonka Guest Lodge is the idyllic place to unwind, kick back and relax.

Bomani Tented Lodge

In southeast Hwange National Park, teak woodlands open into the grasslands of the Ngamo Plains - frequented by herds of grazing herbivores and the predators which hunt them. Bomani Tented Lodge, on a private concession bordering the Park, was sited to maximize this iconic safari experience. The Saddlebill tents on raised decks are combined with the Spurwing tents on ground level, complemented by the exclusive Sable Suite and the convenient Thatched Bungalow. The main lodge includes dining, lounge and bar areas with a pool deck overlooking the waterhole. Guests join their guide at the fireside at dawn for coffee before an early activity, and then again for drinks before dinner, where tales of Africa will hold them spellbound. Activities include game drives, night drives, walks, waterhole watches in our sunken hide, visiting the community for a glimpse of village life today, and of course, meeting the stars of our award-winning rhino sanctuary program.

Jozibanini Camp

Jozibanini Camp is situated in the remote southwest of Hwange National Park in a wilderness unused for nearly 20 years, where the San people once roamed. This is a small, truly exclusive camp in a truly wild place, a four-hour drive from the nearest camp, providing an untamed wilderness experience. Small and intimate, there are just 5 tents on raised decks with ensuite bathrooms with hand basins, bucket showers and flush toilets. The beds can be rolled out to the front deck for sleeping under the stars. In keeping with the rustic nature, all dining is al fresco around the campfire. The ecosystem here is semi-desert akin to the Kalahari in neighboring Botswana. Ancient windblown fossil dunes separated by shallow valleys where elephant paths have compacted the terrain, provide the opportunity for game viewing by mountain bike. Other activities include walks, picnic breakfasts in the bush, up-close game viewing from the Jozi "Look-up" hide, and visits to the St Josephs school and community.

Bring layers!

Think T-shirts and light long sleeves for the day, and a cozy fleece or jacket for cooler mornings and nights.

Don’t forget a warm hat or scarf for sunrise game drives, plus sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for daytime protection.

We will provide a packing list once booked. We will also go over gear in much more detail on our two pre-trip calls.

Get ready to be well-fed and delighted—this journey offers a delicious blend of local flavor, fresh ingredients, and thoughtful hospitality.

• Fresh, Wholesome Meals
  From open-air safari breakfasts to elegant dinners under the stars, every meal is crafted with care. Expect hearty, home-cooked dishes using seasonal produce, free-range meats, and traditional Zimbabwean touches.

• Local Flavors & Western Favorites
  Meals often feature Zimbabwean staples like sadza (a maize-based porridge), stews, and fresh greens—alongside familiar favorites like grilled meats, fresh-baked bread, and vibrant salads.

• Special Diets Welcome
  Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, the lodges and camps are happy to accommodate dietary needs with advance notice.

• Snacks & Sundowners
  Safari days include tea breaks, bush snacks, and the beloved sundowner tradition—enjoy a G&T or local beer with a view as the sun dips below the horizon.

Staying Connected (and Unplugged)

This adventure offers a beautiful chance to disconnect from the digital world—but you’ll still have access to the essentials when you need them.

• Electricity
  All accommodations have electricity for charging cameras, phones, and other small devices. Some safari camps use solar power, so charging may be limited to certain times of day—but staff are always happy to help. We recommend bringing a power bank just in case.

• Wi-Fi Access
  Wi-Fi is available at most lodges, especially near Victoria Falls, but it may be slower or less consistent than you're used to at home. Safari camps in remote areas often have limited or no internet—perfect for soaking in the sounds of the wild without distractions.

• Power Outlets
  Zimbabwe uses Type D and Type G plugs (UK-style), with a standard voltage of 220–240V. Bring a universal adapter if you're coming from outside southern Africa.

Clean, comfortable, and close to nature—your accommodations strike a beautiful balance between rustic adventure and modern convenience.

• Private Bathrooms
  Nearly all lodges and safari camps on this trip offer en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets and hot showers. You’ll have your own space to freshen up and relax after each day’s adventures.

• Hot Showers
  Many camps use solar-heated water or traditional safari “bucket” showers—simple, eco-friendly systems that provide plenty of warm water for a satisfying wash. Camp staff ensure they’re ready when you need them.

• Toilets
  Flushing toilets are standard at all accommodations. In more remote areas, water may be limited, but cleanliness and comfort are a top priority.

• On the Go
  While traveling (on game drives or trains), restroom access may be basic at times. Your guides will always plan for comfort stops and let you know what to expect each day.

This adventure is designed for travelers who are active, curious, and comfortable being outdoors—but you don’t need to be a hardcore athlete to enjoy it!

• Moderate Activity Level
  Most days involve light to moderate activity, like walking safaris, getting in and out of vehicles, and exploring villages or Victoria Falls on foot. You’ll need to feel steady on uneven terrain and comfortable standing or walking for stretches of time.

• Game Drives & Travel Days
  You’ll spend time in 4x4 vehicles on bumpy roads, and some long travel days include train or railcar rides. These are part of the adventure and always balanced with plenty of rest and beautiful scenery.

• No Heavy Lifting or Intense Hikes
  This is not a trekking or endurance trip. As long as you’re in generally good health and open to moving at a safari-style pace (slow, observant, and occasionally bumpy), you’ll do great.

Tip: Good walking shoes, sun protection, and a spirit of flexibility go a long way!

Please email info@rootadventures.com or schedule a call. We would love to hear from you!