The route

Zimbabwe

Beautiful & Wild

This incredible 6-week circuit of Zimbabwe starts and ends in Johannesburg. We head into Zimbabwe from the south and travel in a clockwise direction.

From our recent experience, on this route most of the national parks (other than at Victoria Falls and Hwange) do not have much tourism at present. We had the campsites, tracks and roads almost exclusively to ourselves. We are not sure how long this will last. The word is getting out about the beauty and wildness that is Zimbabwe.

We avoid main roads as much as possible, sticking to minor roads, less travelled back roads and 4x4 tracks.

Although this is a camping based adventure there are some nights in hotels like the historic colonial Leopard Rock hotel.

Highlights include:

Great Zimbabwe – UNESCO world heritage archaeological site
Matopos / Matobo National Park – home to the resting place of Rhodes and we will do some Rhino tracking on foot here
Hwange National Park - the country’s biggest and most biodiverse protected area
Kazuma National Park -a hidden gem tucked away in the north-west of the country
Victoria Falls
The hidden gorges of Chizarira National Park
Matusadona National Park on the shores of Lake Kariba
Vehicle ferry crossing of Lake Kariba
Two nights relaxing and fishing on our exclusive houseboat on Lake Kariba
Mana Pools National Park camping on the banks of the Zambezi River
Hidden dinosaur footprints in Chewore Safari Area
Ancient rock art at Kopje Tops and near Harare
The remote Eastern Highlands including a stay at the historic Leopard Rocks Hotel which has hosted royalty in the past like Queen Elizabeth, the Queen mother and Princess Diana
Gonarezhou National Park “the home of elephants” with its impressive pink sandstone cliffs and thousands of elephants

Download itinerary

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Details

Included

Arrival and departure transfers, vehicle hire (Toyota Landcruiser or similar), vehicle insurance (standard), cross border documentation for vehicle, two-way radio in vehicle, all campsites and accommodation as per itinerary, local host with vehicle, support vehicle and support staff, activities as listed in itinerary, entry fees as per itinerary. First aid kit is in the support car, as is all recovery equipment.

Excluded

Airfares return to Johannesburg, alcoholic drinks, meals other than stated in the itinerary (approx. USD25 per person per day for camp groceries), local tips, travel insurance, fuel (approx. USD1,500 per vehicle), vehicle excess, vehicle cross border fees for insurance and Temporary Import Permit (approx. USD300 per vehicle), vehicle entry fees to National Parks (approx. USD40 per vehicle), activities over and above those detailed in the itinerary, visas (if required, Zimbabwe visa is purchased at the border on arrival), immunisations (if required) and any personal expenses. Vehicle and accommodation upgrades may possible on this trip depending on availability. Car excess and car rental terms and conditions will be supplied separately.

Prices

2 people per 4x4: USD11,995* per person - double/twin share basis

Solo Traveler in escort 4x4: TBA may not be available on all tours

3rd and 4th Passenger: Price on application as 4x4 selection will impact pricing

*The prices above are based on the 2024 tour dates and some 2024 prices from National Parks are still not available so there may be a slight adjustment necessary. 2025 pricing TBA. Prices assume a minimum of 5 vehicles and a maximum of 7 vehicles (plus support vehicles). Prices are subject to exchange rate fluctuations – please see booking form for all terms and conditions. If we do not have the 5 vehicle minimum the tour may be able to operate with a small group supplement which will be advised at the time.