Buffalo Safari: Summary
Buffalo Safari in a nutshell
A wild discovery of Zimbabwe’s two best national parks, this safari spends six nights in Mana Pools National Park before a light aircraft flight to Hwange National Park for a final three.
Mana Pools is known for its abundant wildlife and its lifeblood, the Zambezi River, which meanders along the park’s – and Zimbabwe’s – northern border. Start at Zambezi Expeditions, a traditional tented camp from which you can canoe on the river among hippo pods and crocodiles, or explore on game drives, hopping out on foot to follow lion tracks or approach elephants, always in the hands of fantastic guides. Then head to Kanga Bush Camp, set in a remote sector of Mana Pools overlooking a pan that draws in all kinds of wildlife. Walking safaris here are a speciality.
End with three nights at the rustic Somalisa Expeditions in the heart of Hwange National Park. Small, relaxed and with an enthusiastic guide team, it’s quickly become one of our favourites here since opening in 2017, with exciting on-foot experiences and drives in search of the park’s 100-plus mammal species and more.
This is the ideal Zimbabwe trip for those after an authentic safari adventure, foregoing a little luxury for a genuine wilderness experience.
At a glance
| Starts: | Harare International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 nights | Zambezi Expeditions - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe | Full Board & Activities |
| 2 nights | Kanga Bush Camp - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe | Full Board & Activities |
| 3 nights | Somalisa Expeditions - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe | Full Board & Activities |
| Ends: | Victoria Falls Airport |
Zambezi Expeditions
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Kanga Bush Camp
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Somalisa Expeditions
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Buffalo Safari.
- The thrill of walking safaris with top guides
- Captivating canoeing safaris on the mighty Zambezi
- Spectacular views of Zimbabwe from the air
- Excellent predator viewing in both parks
- Staying at intimate bushcamps in remote areas
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Buffalo Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Key species to see on the Buffalo Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Buffalo Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
91% chance
84% chance
76% chance
75% chance
74% chance
39% chance
18% chance
6% chance
0% chance
0% chance
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.
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.
Bat Hawk Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
HARARE AIRPORT TO JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT
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.
Visiting Gonarezhou & Savé, Mana Pools
US$7,880 - US$9,130 per person
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$8,990 - US$16,110 per person
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$7,000 - US$11,860 per person
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$6,950 - US$9,830 per person
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$9,260 - US$17,170 per person
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$10,150 - US$16,260 per person
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
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$3,480 - US$5,460 per person
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
Bat Hawk Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
HARARE AIRPORT TO JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT
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.
Visiting Gonarezhou & Savé, Mana Pools
US$7,880 - US$9,130 per person
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.
Duiker Safari
10 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Three luxurious bushcamps in stunning riverside locations, split between the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks, offer a wide variety of expert-guided safari activities in stunning game-rich environments.
US$8,060 - US$11,220 per person
Yellow Baboon Fly-In Safari
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Two authentic bushcamps offer access to Ruaha’s remote wildernesses through walking safaris, day and night 4WD drives and fly-camping. Explore in almost utter isolation, with superb guiding to heighten your immersion in nature.
US$7,950 - US$9,950 per person
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$7,930 - US$14,800 per person
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$8,190 - US$10,760 per person
Wildcat Safari
4 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A short, high-quality safari staying at two lavish camps with excellent hospitality and guiding standards. The journey takes you from the wildlife-rich, lush Okavango Delta to dry open plains split by the meandering Selinda Spillway.
US$7,860 - US$16,590 per person
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$8,240 - US$9,360 per person
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$7,790 - US$11,820 per person
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
Pangolin Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Three relaxed, local feeling camps in pristine settings – the Kwando Reserve and Okavango Delta. Guided by a driver and tracker at each, this a great trip for spotting Botswana’s top predators.
US$7,760 - US$16,190 per person
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$8,370 - US$10,990 per person