Self-Drive Zimbabwe Explorer - 21 Days

Mana Pools Elephant, Zimbabwe Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe

"This was the most epic trip - self-driving though the very best of Zimbabwe"

Experience the ultimate African adventure with an unforgettable journey through some of the continent's most captivating destinations. Begin your adventure with the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls followed by an exciting safari in the iconic Hwange National Park. Then marvel at the rock formation in the Matopos Hills and archaeology of Great Zimbabwe before heading off-the-beaten-track to the spectacular Gonarezhou National Park with its magnificent Chilojo Cliffs.

From there enjoy the enchanting Eastern Highlands and impressive Lake Kariba before the grand finale of your adventure - a three-night stay in the extraordinary Mana Pools National Park, where you’ll encounter remarkable wildlife in one of Africa’s most unique and serene environments.

This journey promises a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring beauty, all in one incredible itinerary.

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.

Victoria Falls - Hwange National Park - Matopos Hills - Great Zimbabwe - Gonarezhou National Park - Chimanimani - Eastern Highlands - Kariba - Mana Pools National Park

Standard Accommodation:
From AUD$12,950 per person (2 people sharing)
Upgrade Accommodation:
From AUD$17,750 per person (2 people sharing)

Standard Accommodation:
From AUD$10,950 per person (4 people sharing the vehicle, 2 rooms)
Upgrade Accommodation:
From AUD$15,725 per person (4 people sharing the vehicle, 2 rooms)

*Note this itinerary is only available April to November (as due to the wet season and issues of accessibility Gonarezhou and Mana Pools close December to March)

**All rates above are Low Season rates. Rates increase for Peak Season (June-November)

Car hire - Toyota Prado 4x4 vehicle or similar for 18 days (Victoria Falls to Harare). 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 (Victoria Falls to Harare), 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

Arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport and be transferred to your accommodation and base for the magnificent Victoria Falls.

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)

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

Pick up your 4x4 vehicle and head south-east to the iconic Hwange National Park.

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

From Hwange head through Bulawayo to the Matopos.

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 360kms, main roads and some gravel/dirt roads (approx. 5.5 hour drive).

From the Matopos Hills head via Bulawayo 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 drive to your night's accommodation - a tented lodge with spectacular views over Lake Mutirikwi.

Stay at:
Romelda Lakeside Retreat or similar (dinner, bed & breakfast)

Travel distance: Approximately 230kms, main roads (approx. 3.5 hour drive).

Now it's time to head off-the-beaten track and through Zimbabwe's fertile south east into the magnificent Gonerezhou National Park. Enjoy 2 nights in self-catering tented accommodation perched along the Save River. On your full day drive into the heart of Gonarezhou to view the spectacular Chilojo Cliff.

Alternatively, upgrade to the fully inclusive Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge overlooking the Save River on Gonrezhou National Park's eastern boundary.

Travel Distance: Approximately 300kms, main roads & gravel roads, approx. 4.5 hour drive.

Stay at:
Standard - Chipinda Pools Tented Camp or similar (self-catering)
Upgrade - Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge (fully inclusive)

Travel distance: Approximately 230kms, main roads (approx. 4 hour drive).

Next, drive to Chimanimani for serene escape into nature, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes and lush forests. You can explore scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this remote, picturesque region.

Stay at:
Frog & Fern Cottage or similar (self-catering)

Travel distance: Approximately 240kms, main roads (approx. 4.5 hour drive).

From Chimanimani head to the 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 370kms, main roads, can be busy with trucks and potholed (approx. 6 hour drive).

From Harare drive north to the lake side town of Kariba. Your two-night stay in Kariba combines natural beauty and exciting experiences. During your visit, make sure to explore the impressive Kariba Dam wall, marvelling at its immense size and engineering. You can also take a boat cruise on the lake, where you might spot wildlife such as elephants, crocodiles, and hippos, or try your hand at tiger fishing. In the evenings, relax at your lakeside lodge while enjoying stunning African sunsets over the lake.

Stay at:
Hornbill Lodge or similar including breakfast

Travel distance: Approximately 200kms, main roads and then last 100 kms dirt/soft sand roads in the National Park (approx. 4 hour drive).

From Kariba head into Mana Pools for the finale of your trip - a three-night stay in this most remarkable of locations!

Mana Pools offers an unparalleled, exclusive safari experience. The park’s etherial landscape, defined by its vast floodplains, mighty river, and towering escarpment, creates a captivating backdrop for wildlife encounters. The iconic giant trees stretch high into the sky, with the soft golden light of sunrise and sunset casting a magical glow over the land. One of the most extraordinary aspects of Mana Pools is the chance to walk with experienced professional guides through the park, getting intimately close to the wildlife. You may find yourself just meters away from charismatic elephants, which reach up into the trees to grab leaves, their sheer size and presence truly awe-inspiring. The river's edge, teeming with animals coming to drink, adds to the feeling of being in the heart of a wild, untouched paradise, where nature feels wonderfully raw and authentic.

Stay at:
Mana Pools Safari Lodge or similar including breakfast

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