Buffalo Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Buffalo Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Harare International Airport
Harare to Mana Pools by air & 4WD
On arrival at Harare International Airport, head to the domestic terminal where you’ll be guided through security before boarding your light-aircraft flight of 1½–2 hours to Mana Pools. Here, your guide from Zambezi Expeditions will meet you for the leisurely ½–1-hour game drive to camp; watch out for elephants!
Zambezi Expeditions
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.
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.
"Great location... Wonderfully welcoming... We would not hesitate to return."
Mr & Mrs EfromSurreyArrived 30 Aug 2019, 4 nights
Zambezi Expeditions combines the basic wilderness experience of a mobile camp with some of the comforts of a more permanent property. The camp provides a simple but comfortable base from which to focus on a superb safari experience, with flexible activities and top-quality guiding. See our full report on Zambezi Expeditions
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Game drive from Zambezi Expeditions to Kanga
Travelling between Zambezi Expeditions and Kanga Bush Camp is all part of the adventure. Typically you'll set off with your luggage on a 4WD game drive, switching vehicles when you stop for coffee and arriving in time for lunch – having spent the whole journey watching out for wildlife.
Kanga Bush Camp
Kanga Camp combines top-quality guiding with a remote location by a prolific waterhole in Mana Pools National Park. Hidden away in Mana Pools, Kanga Bush Camp is an ideal spot for wildlife watching in relative seclusion.
Kanga Camp combines top-quality guiding with a remote location by a prolific waterhole in Mana Pools National Park. Hidden away in Mana Pools, Kanga Bush Camp is an ideal spot for wildlife watching in relative seclusion.
Indeed, with animals attracted year round to the permanent Kanga Pan in front of camp, there’s hardly any need to head out on activities. Instead, cosy up on the deck for an “armchair safari” and stand by as elephants, zebra, antelope and their predators process down to the water to drink.
Of course there are other options, starting with a simple hide at eye level with the pan. You can stretch your legs on a walking safari, too, led by a top-notch guide – or head out on a 4WD for the Zambezi River for a very different feel.
"Room was spacious, food was amazing."
Mrs MfromJapanArrived 30 Apr 2022, 3 nights
Back at camp, retire to your spacious tented chalet, where traditional storm lanterns and an open-air bathroom bring a hint of old-style safari to contemporary comforts. Keep an eye on the pan from your veranda, or join in the chatter around the firepit to discuss the day’s events; either way, the animals are rarely far away. See our full report on Kanga Bush Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Mana Pools to Hwange by light aircraft & 4WD
Today, you'll normally have time for one last activity in Mana Pools before heading to the airstrip by 4WD. The light-aircraft flight to Hwange takes about two hours, perhaps stopping for other passengers to alight. It's then a game drive of some 20 minutes to camp, depending on wildlife sightings.
Somalisa Expeditions
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.
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.
"saw a ton of elephants"
Dr S.fromUSAArrived 22 Jun 2024, 2 nights
Somalisa Expeditions provides the experience of a traditional safari camp in the middle of a wildlife-rich area, balancing its simple rustic design with more stylish and comfortable elements. It's a great choice for travellers looking for a classic African safari camp that can deliver excellent guiding and superb wildlife viewing, both on activities and from the camp itself. See our full report on Somalisa Expeditions
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Hwange to Victoria Falls by 4WD & light aircraft
Depending on your flight time, you may be able to enjoy a last activity in Hwange before driving to the airstrip to board a light aircraft for Victoria Falls. As you come in to land after about 45 minutes, you might see spray rising from the Falls in the distance.