This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
FROM US$8,670-US$9,130

Bat Hawk Safari

Explore two areas revered by safari enthusiasts with some of Africa’s best walking and some superb guiding – even by Zimbabwe’s high standards – for a varied and wonderfully immersive wilderness experience.

Bat Hawk Safari: Summary

Bat Hawk Safari in a nutshell

Begin with three nights in iconic Mana Pools National Park. Your camp, Little Vundu, is an intimate, simple place with just five traditional tents set up on the southern banks of the Zambezi with views out across its lazy expanse into Zambia.

It’s owned Nick Murray, one of the best guides in Zimbabwe and a renowned wild dog expert, who oversees a great team in this private concession. Walking safaris are a speciality here – often mid game drive as you hop out to approach elephants and more on foot – as is taking to the meandering Zambezi in canoes, paddling between hippos and crocodiles.

From Zimbabwe’s northern frontier, fly across country to its border with Mozambique and South Africa and Gonarezhou National Park, a rarely visited spot far off the usual safari circuit despite its rugged beauty. Spend four nights here at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, perched on a red sandstone cliff above the Save River.

It’s an area as much about pristine scenery as the wildlife, and the walks along the gorge, to cascading waterfalls or to visit the nearby Shangaan village are always spectacular. The lodge itself is luxuriously appointed, but you can also opt to fly camp four a couple of nights in the wilderness deep inside the park to see the towering Chilojo Cliffs. Whichever you chose, you’ll be accompanied on all activities and drives by an enthusiastic team lead by the lodge’s founder Clive Stockil, a multi award-winning Zimbabwean Professional Guide since 1973 and a passionate driver of community-led conservation.

At a glance

Starts: Harare International Airport
3 nights Little Vundu - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe Full Board & Activities
4 nights Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge - Gonarezhou & Save Valley, Zimbabwe Full Board & Activities
Ends: Johannesburg O. R. Tambo International Airport

Little Vundu

Days 1-4

On the banks of the Zambezi River, Little Vundu is an intimate, semi-permanent camp often privately reserved for families or small groups. Part way between a private mobile camp and a more solid lodge, this is a good base from which to explore Zimbabwe’s most famous national park, Mana Pools.

View full itinerary

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

Days 4-8

Elevated atop a cliff, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge has fantastic views over the Save River below and Ghonarezhou National Park beyond. Refurbished and re-opened in 2012, the lodge lies just outside the park, whose north-eastern boundary is formed by the river.

View full itinerary
Little Vundu

Little Vundu

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

Gonarezhou & Save Valley, Zimbabwe

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Bat Hawk Safari.

  • Tracking elephants and wild dog on foot
  • Canoeing the Zambezi among hippos and crocodiles
  • Spectacular hikes up Chilo Gorge
  • Exploring Gonarezhou's vast, under-visited wilderness
  • Wonderfully varied landscapes, wildlife & birdlife

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Bat Hawk Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

  • Fishing

  • Fly-camping

  • Guided walking safari

About image

Key species to see on the Bat Hawk Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Bat Hawk Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Buffalo

100% chance

Eland

100% chance

Elephant

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Wildebeest

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Giraffe

87% chance

Lion

86% chance

Spotted Hyena

82% chance

Leopard

79% chance

Wild dog

66% chance

Sable antelope

47% chance

White Rhino

24% chance

Pangolin

22% chance

Cheetah

0% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Black Rhino

0% chance

Roan antelope

0% chance

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.


Talk to an Expert

Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.

Set up your itinerary

Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.

Prepare for your trip

The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.

Travel with peace of mind

After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.

When you return

We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other ideas for Zimbabwe safaris

Look at these ideas in Zimbabwe: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.


Map

Buffalo Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
HARARE AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

Combining Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Hwange national parks with stays at intimate six-tent safari camps offering excellent walking, canoeing and game drives. Superb wildlife viewing and a real wilderness-focused experience.

Visiting Mana Pools, Hwange

US$8,840 - US$11,910 per person

Read more about the Buffalo Safari

Map

Pied Kingfisher Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT

A luxury safari combining three of Zimbabwe's top highlights. The trip uses some of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe and is perfect for a family or small group.

Visiting Victoria Falls, Hwange and 1 other area

US$8,470 - US$11,860 per person

Read more about the Pied Kingfisher Safari

Map

Lion Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

The classic Expert Africa Zimbabwe safari. Combining two of our favourite independent camps, each run by celebrated guides, exciting game drives, world-class walks and canoeing in premier wildlife watching destinations.

Visiting Mana Pools, Hwange

US$7,370 - US$9,830 per person

Read more about the Lion Safari

Map

Grysbok Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT

Discover three of Zimbabwe’s iconic destinations in style, flying between Hwange, Mana Pools and Lake Kariba on this varied safari adventure staying at authentic yet luxurious camps.

Visiting Hwange, Matusadona and 1 other area

US$11,070 - US$16,110 per person

Read more about the Grysbok Safari

Map

Nyala Safari

10 days • 3 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls

Visiting Mana Pools, Hwange and 1 other area

US$12,060 - US$16,260 per person

Read more about the Nyala Safari

Map

Great Egret Safari

12 days • 4 locations • 3 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

This wonderfully varied adventure combines Botswana's Okavango Delta and a live-aboard houseboat safari on the Chobe River, with big game in Zimbabwe's dry Hwange National Park and the stupendous Victoria Falls.

Visiting Caprivi Strip, Okavango Delta and 2 other areas

US$10,380 - US$17,430 per person

Read more about the Great Egret Safari

Map

Ground Hornbill Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT

This Zimbabwean odyssey explores Hwange National Park from two small camps, renowned for their great guiding, before ending with insights into cultural history, a little luxury and first-class rhino tracking in the Matobo Hills.

Visiting Matobo, Hwange

US$5,270 - US$8,560 per person

Read more about the Ground Hornbill Safari

Map

Side-striped Jackal Safari

6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

Get an in-depth experience of Zimbabwe’s colossal Hwange National Park, staying at two experience-focused camps with excellent guiding in contrasting areas. An adventurous safari for the real enthusiast.

Visiting Hwange

US$3,820 - US$5,460 per person

Read more about the Side-striped Jackal Safari

Map

Klipspringer Safari

8 days • 3 locations • 1 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT

An outstanding-value Zimbabwe safari exploring Victoria Falls and two contrasting locations in western Zimbabwe – Hwange and the Matobo Hills – giving you a real feel for Zimbabwe, its people and wildlife.

Visiting Matobo, Hwange and 1 other area

US$2,890 - US$3,570 per person

Read more about the Klipspringer Safari

Map

Buffalo Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
HARARE AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

Combining Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Hwange national parks with stays at intimate six-tent safari camps offering excellent walking, canoeing and game drives. Superb wildlife viewing and a real wilderness-focused experience.

Visiting Mana Pools, Hwange

US$8,840 - US$11,910 per person

Read more about the Buffalo Safari

Other safari ideas across Africa

Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a safari that will really suit you.


Itinerary image

Spotted-necked Otter Safari

6 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Discover the heart of the Okavango Delta and diverse Linyanti, staying in two classic luxury canvas camps in private reserves this is a varied, wildlife-filled safari experience.

US$8,490 - US$14,800 per person

Itinerary image

African Jacana Safari

7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An adventurous introduction to Botswana blending prolific wildlife, incredible landscapes and varied activities staying at relaxed camps in the Chobe Enclave, a community-owned reserve bordering the Moremi, and Makgadikgadi Pans.

US$7,770 - US$12,280 per person

Itinerary image

Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Enjoy a combination of privately guided and shared game drives during this good-value exploration of northern Tanzania. Explore game-dense regions from three comfortable bases which offer a variety of activities.

US$8,840 - US$10,760 per person

Itinerary image

Tsessebe Safari

7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit three sister-camps in and around Moremi Game Reserve during this thorough exploration of the Okavango Delta. A range of activities provide excellent opportunity to observe the local birdlife, mammals and fauna.

US$8,240 - US$11,410 per person

Itinerary image

Defassa Waterbuck Safari

9 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.

US$9,350 - US$9,360 per person

Itinerary image

Civet Safari

9 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Combining three intimate bushcamps in the quieter south of the South Luangwa, this safari will appeal to those looking for an interesting mix of walking and vehicle safari.

US$8,490 - US$9,970 per person

Itinerary image

Honey Badger Safari

6 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Two smart sister camps offer access to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the heart of the Okavango Delta. Experience a spectacular range of habitats and wildlife through diversely exciting safari activities.

US$7,410 - US$10,800 per person

Itinerary image

Slaty Egret Safari

4 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Two luxurious, intimate camps provide a highly personalised exploration of the Chitabe concession and private Vumbura reserve within the Okavango Delta. A range of water and land activities allows for stunning sightings.

US$7,400 - US$14,550 per person

Itinerary image

Spotted Hyena Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Stay in one of Nyerere National Park's best safari camps before experiencing a truly authentic tented camp in Ruaha. Remote locations, superb guiding and a range of activities await guests during this comfortable fly-in safari.

US$7,400 - US$10,300 per person

Itinerary image

Vervet Monkey Safari

7 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Explore the world-class wildlife of Zambia’s South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks in considerable luxury, guided by experts from two sister camps renowned for their excellent level of care.

US$8,780 - US$10,990 per person

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa