Southern Africa Luxury Tented Safari

Itinerary Highlights

Luxury meets authenticity in this collection of tented safari camps situated throughout some of Zimbabwe and Botswana’s most sought after nature concessions where wildlife abounds and dramatic landscapes serve as the perfect backdrop for your adventures under canvas. These intimate camps set the scene for both exploration and relaxation and bring a healthy dose of luxury to the natural world. This eight-night safari offers you a chance to truly experience Africa with sumptuous accommodation, premium views, expert professional guidance and a wilderness adventure that exceeds your dreams.

Situated overlooking the Mighty Zambezi, with neighboring Zambia on the river’s other side, Mana Pools is one of Zimbabwe’s most special destinations with unparalleled variety of wildlife experiences. In addition to traditional game drives, days are spent canoeing down the Zambezi alongside elephants, hippos and crocodiles or strolling through the bush in search of lion prides on walking safari. Guests can fish on riverbanks, take out the binoculars for sensational birding or bask in the splendor of the dark sky showcasing pristine stargazing conditions. The newly constructed Nyamatusi Camp is Mana Pools National Park’s crown jewel. With just six stunning tents in one of Africa’s wildest and most remote locations, luxury at Nyamatsui is derived not only from flawless design but from the exclusivity of open space. Sustainability is evident throughout Nyamatsui; the camp is 100% solar-powered and was constructed solely from all-natural materials.

Your next destination is Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s classic Big Five bush experience. Hwange is home not only to traditional big game like leopard, rhino and buffalo, it is also one of the only places on earth where you’ll encounter the elusive African wild dog. Hwange is also iconic for its robust lion prides, including the late Cecil the Lion whose progeny still roams the national park’s savanna plains. At Somalisa Camp, scores of elephant will greet you throughout your stay, most notably at the lodge’s infinity pool with an adjoining “water bowl” from which the majestic herding giants drink. Somalisa’s private concession sits in the heart of the national park, ensuring exceptional wildlife viewing throughout your stay. Gaze in wonder to the stunning panoramic vista of Hwange’s boundless savanna plains from your private deck of your luxury tent. Each of the camp’s seven tents, masterfully decorated to incorporate local elements with a contemporary flare, is appointed with a copper bathtub and an outdoor bush shower.

End your adventure in the Okavango Delta, one of Southern Africa’s most prized wildlife destinations. In the heart of the Delta lies the Khwai Concession, a private, community-run reserve home to some of the Delta’s most nutrient-rich soils breathing life into the grasslands and water sources, thereby creating the perfect environment for grazing animals and the predators that follow them. The newly constructed Khwai Leadwood embraces the elements of this natural paradise. Shaded by trees that sit tucked into a corner alongside the Khwai River, Leadwood is comprised of just seven luxury tents overlooking the concession’s vast wetlands. This final stop of your journey is likely to afford the most prolific game viewing with some of the most consistent year-round wildlife encounters on the African continent. Species to be viewed include elephant, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, eland, sable, hippo, hyena and various other nocturnal species.

Lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

See “Expert Notes & Customization” section below.

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Zimbabwe! At Harare International Airport (HRE), board a 40-minute charter flight to the Mana Pools Airstrip. Upon arrival you'll be met by a lodge representative who will escort you on the 20-minute drive to Nyamatusi where your new African adventure begins. There is no better place to relax after your long journey become acclimated to the southern African experience than overlooking the panoramic vista of the game-rich banks of the Zambezi River.

Nyamatusi Camp, lightly translated, means ‘wild game’. Set on the banks of the Zambezi River, this Mana Pools safari lodge is set in one of the wildest and most remote parts of Africa. Fully solar-powered and built from all-natural materials, Nyamatusi embodies sustainable design and encompasses its wilderness location in the most elegant way. Consisting of six luxury tented suites with uninterrupted views of the river and escarpment beyond, the safari camp invites a blissful escape to nature. Each romantic guest tent is adorned with soft drapery and is replete with air-conditioning, mini bar, indoor and outdoor shower plus a private viewing deck and plunge pool. Your Mana Pools safari follows the gentle ebb and flow of life on the river. Marvel at the incredible sights and sounds of one of Africa’s last remaining wilderness hinterlands from the cozy bar or, refreshing pool. Spend your days walking in the footsteps of ancient explorers and tracks of elephants that criss-cross the floodplain. Watch the drama of nature play out before your eyes on game drives or thrilling canoeing safaris. Fishing on the Zambezi River (catch and release only) and birding safaris are highlights here. All these activities are included in your stay and led by qualified and passionate guides keen to share their knowledge and love of the bush with you.

Overnight at Nyamatusi Camp (Lunch & Dinner)

On Day 4, after breakfast and your final morning activity, transfer back to the Mana Pools Airstrip for your short flight to the Hwange Airstrip. You'll then arrive at stunning Somalisa Camp, just in time for lunch.

Somalisa Camp is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest reserve known for its thriving population of 40,000 elephants. Hwange home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion and zebra; perhaps the reserve’s most notable residents are the surviving sons of Cecil the Lion and their growing pride. Nestled in a stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain, Somalisa provides guests with breathtaking views of the savanna plains across the famous Kennedy Vlei line. Recently renovated, Somalisa consists of seven elegantly furnished Sail Tents with gauze sliding doors, a glass wood-burner fireplace for the cold winter nights, and an overhead fan for the hot summer days. Each tent has en suite bathroom facilities including flush toilets, an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a copper slipper-style bathtub. The main decking area includes a splash pool for guests overlooking the famous “Elephant Pool” and a natural waterhole where herds of game congregate to drink and where guests can relax whilst soaking in the African bush.

After lunch and tea time, embark on an afternoon safari.

Hwange is known as ‘the land of the giants’ for its big elephant herds and Somalisa, set on a private concession in the heart of Hwange National Park is famous for its up close encounters with elephants that love to drink from the pool in front of camp. Tucked away under the dappled shade of an acacia grove, along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain, Somalisa provides guests with breathtaking views of the golden savannah plains of Hwange. Somalisa has seven elegant sail tents and is a place of simple luxury where the focus is on out guest experience to ensure a safari adventure that exceeds your dreams. This intimate bush camp is perfect for relaxing with friends and loved ones. Your tent is replete with modern appointments such as a fan, a battery charging station, wood-burning fireplace and private viewing deck. Your bathroom, worthy of a special mention, is inspired by the romance of yesteryear, boasts an indoor and outdoor bathroom and features a copper slipper-style bathtub and endless views across the vast plains beyond.With a full solar power farm and water purity system which allows the camp to recycle 80% water used. Somalisa Camp is leading the way in eco-friendly safari accommodation and has been awarded the first GOLD Green Tourism Certification in Zimbabwe.

Overnight at Somalisa Camp (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today after your morning activity, it's time to say goodbye to Zimbabwe. You'll head back to the Hwange Airstrip to take the short flight to Victoria Falls Airport where you’ll transfer over the Botswana border to the Kasane Airport for a flight toward your camp’s airstrip.

Set within the Okavango Delta’s community-run Khwai Concession, this beautiful camp is tucked under the trees on the edge of the Khwai River. This river is all that separates the iconic Moremi Game Reserve and the concession, with hippos, elephants and even lions crossing over from time to time. Watching these animals manoeuvre through the water is an exceptional experience for even the most travelled safari veterans.The elegantly designed camp hosts six standard tents and one family unit, keeping in line with the intimate and exclusive wilderness experience. The new camp effortlessly bridges the gap between luxury accommodation and feeling like you’re in the great African outdoors. Woven baskets and beaded décor, along with modern elements, create an authentic contemporary African style.During the day, guests can enjoy game drives, walking safaris and mokoro safaris (water levels permitting) on the search for Africa’s big attractions including lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, hippo and giraffe. An additional virtue of this area is that guests can head off on night drives and get an up-close and personal experience with some of Africa’s nocturnal and more elusive animals. Khwai’s biggest draw is undoubtedly the plentiful and extraordinary wildlife - you’ll never be bored here! Adventure and relaxation are on offer as guests live out their ultimate safari experience - from setting off on a morning walking safari to enjoying a gin and tonic overlooking the Khwai River.

Overnight at Khwai Leadwood (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

• 9 nights accommodation based on double/twin occupancy

• All meals and drinks, wines and liquors (excluding premium brands and French champagne)

• All internal flights (flights into Zimbabwe and out of Botswana are not included)

• English speaking naturalist guides with twice daily game drives

• Additional guided activities at lodges (walking safari, canoeing, fishing, etc) as described

• All airport and ground transportation

• All conservancy and national park fees

• Daily laundry

• *Not included: gratuities, visas to Zimbabwe and Botswana, international flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• With this particular itinerary, a stop in Victoria Falls in between Hwange (Somalisa Camp) and Okavango Delta (Khwai Leadwood) makes a lot of sense logistically as it helps to break up the travel day on Day 7.

• During the drier months from June through October, a stop in Botswana’s Linyanti Concession is also a wonderful addition both in terms of variety and itinerary logistics.