Self-Drive Classic Zimbabwe - 12 Days

Matopos Hills, Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

"Zimbabwe is such a diverse and friendly country and exploring it at our own pace with this self-drive safari was just perfect"

Set off on an unforgettable 12-day self-drive safari through Zimbabwe, staying in charming, character-filled accommodation with optional upgrades for extra comfort. Explore the scenic Eastern Highlands, uncover the ancient mysteries of Great Zimbabwe, and marvel at the Matopos rock art. Immerse yourself in Hwange National Park’s wildlife and conclude your adventure with the breathtaking Victoria Falls. This journey offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, rich history, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Choose between two accommodation grades - Standard or Upgrade. Alternatively mix and match accommodation from each grade to create your perfect holiday. Interactive itineraries for each accommodation grade can be viewed below.

Eastern Highlands - Great Zimbabwe - Matopos Hills - Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls

Car hire - Toyota Prado 4x4 vehicle or similar for 12 days (Harare to Victoria Falls). For details of the vehicle types available please see - Self Drive Safaris.
Premium level vehicle insurance (Excess: USD$3,000) - including collision damage waiver, personal accident insurance, theft protection, third party liability, 300 kilometres per day, contract fee, one-way drop off fee (Harare to Victoria Falls), roadside assistance, all applicable taxes.
Accommodation as indicated below.
Meals as indicated below.
Upgrade option: local brand beverages & all activities at Amalinda Lodge & Ivory Lodge.
Relevant Travel Africa Information sheets.

With Travel Africa you are safe in the knowledge that you are working with people who are experts in self-drive travel. We have driven the types of vehicles you are looking to hire and driven them in the places, and on the road conditions, that you will experience. We have enjoyed all kinds of self-drive trips in southern Africa for over 25 years – from quick flits along the Garden Route to 8 month adventure trips with fully equipped 4x4s and roof top tents throughout southern Africa.

We give you peace of mind by working closely with you to custom-make and book your itinerary – ensuring you have the most appropriate type of vehicle and accommodation for your trip. We also provide you with detailed trip dossiers, which include routes, directions, tips and hints on driving in southern Africa, ensuring you have all the information you need to enjoy every minute of your trip and feel comfortable and secure with your holiday plan!

Our in-depth knowledge of destinations, conditions, vehicles and equipment, based on extensive personal experience, gives you the peace of mind you need for your self-drive safari.

Interactive standard itinerary

Interactive upgrade itinerary

Detailed itinerary

Travel distance: Approximately 250kms, main roads (approx. 4 hour drive).

Leave Harare and head east to the enchanting Eastern Highlands which offer a stunning blend of adventure and tranquility. Hike through lush mountains, explore the dramatic landscapes of the Nyanga mountains, or visit spectacular waterfalls like Mutarazi Falls with its exhilarating skywalk. For nature lovers, the region is perfect for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives.

Spend two nights luxuriating in the gorgeous Froggy Farm Eco Cabin. A luxury self-catering cabin that has been painstakingly thought out and beautifully built, in amongst the natural rocks and fauna and flora of the area.

The 2-bedroom cabin is situated on the edge of a drop-off, with magnificent views of the valley below. Enjoy the wooden deck, which runs the entire length of the front of the cabin, the open plan lounge and indoor fireplace and most of all the wood-fired hot tub which is outside, under the stars!

Stay at:
Froggy Farm or similar (self-catering)

Travel distance: Approximately 360kms, some gravel/dirt roads as well as main roads (approx. 5.5 hour drive).

From Romelda head to Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its impressive ancient stone ruins that date back to the 11th century. Spend a couple of hours immersing yourself in the fascinating history of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, exploring the iconic Great Enclosure, the Hill Complex, and their stunning dry-stone walls.

From Great Zimbabwe continue your journey to Bulawayo and then to the Matopos Hills for a 2 night stay.

The Matopos Hills present a breathtaking landscape of ancient granite kopjes and rolling hills. The area is a stunning patchwork of rusty reds, golden yellows, and soft browns —with many boulders balancing precariously atop one another. The unique boulder formations and the deep blue sky give the landscape a mystical quality.

Whilst in the Matopos you can hike through the rugged hills, track endangered black and white rhinos, see ancient San Rock paintings tucked into caves and shelters, and take in spectacular views.

Stay at:
Standard - Big Cave Camp or similar (full board)
Upgrade - Amalinda Lodge or similar (full board & activities including rhino tracking, game drives, San paintings, Rhodes memorial, community visits, My Beautiful Home bicycle ride)

Travel distance: Approximately 330 kms, main roads - beware of potholes (approx. 5 hour drive).

Enjoy a 3-night stay in Hwange National Park, a true nature paradise covering 14,500 square kilometres in the northwest of Zimbabwe. This vast, unfenced park extends into the Kasane Forest and Chobe region of Botswana, offering an incredible mix of landscapes, from semi-desert to teak forests and expansive grasslands. Known for its unrivaled concentration of wildlife, Hwange is home to massive herds of buffalo and elephants, along with predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. The park is also a haven for rarer antelope species including sable, kudu, and eland, making it an unforgettable destination for safari enthusiasts.

Stay at:
Standard - Hwange Safari Lodge or similar (full board and 1 safari activity per day)
Upgrade - Ivory Lodge or similar (full board and all activities including safari drives in concession and national park, walking safari, hide sits, night drive).

Travel distance: Approximately 190kms, main roads - beware of potholes (approx. 3 hour drive).

The Victoria Falls is a sight not to be missed - the clouds of spray generated by this thunderous descent have resulted in a lush rain forest full of stunning wild flowers. This is truly one of Africa's most spectacular sights and the Victoria Falls village in Zimbabwe is the perfect base from which to appreciate it.

A host of activities are centred on four separate delights: the Falls, the magnificent Zambezi River, the surrounding Zambezi National Park and the Victoria Falls village.

A tour of the Falls is a must, the 'Flight of Angels' helicopter flight gives you the most amazing aerial views of the Falls, and when water levels are low the Devil's Pool will get the most hardened thrill seeker's heart pumping.

The Zambezi River has two characters - the wide gentle river above the Falls is a magic spot for sunset boat cruises or gentle canoeing, whilst below the Falls, the more adventurous can enjoy serious whitewater rafting, jet boating or bungee jumping.

Game drives, horse riding and conservation safaris are offered in the Zambezi National Park to view elephant and buffalo.

Stay at:
Standard - Shongwe Lookout or similar (bed & breakfast)
Upgrade - The Victoria Falls Hotel or similar (bed & breakfast)

Contact us now

What else can Travel Africa help you with?

Travel Africa specialises in all types of travel in Southern & East Africa.
Please enjoy looking through our website. Here are some other itineraries you might be interested in.