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$8,840-US$11,910

Buffalo Safari

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.

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

Days 1-5

Zambezi Expeditions (formerly known as Zambezi Lifestyles) offers simple accommodation in Mana Pools National Park. The camp is an unusual cross between a mobile camp and a permanent lodge, being set up at the beginning of each safari season in one of the national park’s campsites along the Zambezi River, where it stays until the end of the season. The camp is then broken down and reassembled in a different campsite the following year. The overall style of the camp allows guests a mobile experience in a stationary setting.

View full itinerary

Kanga Bush Camp

Days 5-7

Situated in one of the most remote parts of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, Kanga Camp lies next to the isolated Kanga Pan. While most other camps in the park line the Zambezi River, Kanga is about 15km away (as the eagle flies), and has a rather different, more exclusive feel.

View full itinerary

Somalisa Expeditions

Days 7-10

A reinvention of a classic Hwange safari camp, Somalisa Expeditions opened at the start of 2017. The camp sits among a grove of acacia trees in a private, 150km² concession in the heart of Hwange National Park, and offers a friendly if relatively simple safari experience.

View full itinerary
Zambezi Expeditions

Zambezi Expeditions

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Kanga Bush Camp

Kanga Bush Camp

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Somalisa Expeditions

Somalisa Expeditions

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

About image

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

About image

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.


Lion

100% chance

Leopard

100% chance

Buffalo

100% chance

Eland

100% chance

Elephant

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Spotted Hyena

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Giraffe

91% chance

Roan antelope

84% chance

Sable antelope

76% chance

Wild dog

75% chance

Wildebeest

74% chance

Cheetah

39% chance

Oryx

18% chance

Brown Hyena

6% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Black Rhino

0% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa

All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.


Talk to an Expert

Call or email 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

Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?

Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure

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

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$8,670 - US$9,130 per person

Read more about the Bat Hawk 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

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

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$10,360 - US$17,410 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

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$8,670 - US$9,130 per person

Read more about the Bat Hawk 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

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

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

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

Itinerary image

Superb Starling Fly-In Safari

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

Explore Nyerere and Ruaha national parks from two luxurious sister camps within wildlife-rich locations. Both offer a range of land- and water-based activities, a superb standard of guiding and access to beautifully contrasting landscapes.

US$8,500 - US$12,950 per person

Itinerary image

African Hawk-Eagle Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Two luxurious camps provide relatively quiet game-viewing within Laikipia and the Mara ecosystem. Situated on private conservancies, both Lewa Wilderness and Naboisho offer the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" and to enjoy a range of safari activities.

US$8,510 - US$16,430 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

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