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 open now

User menu
FROM US$7,370-US$9,830

Lion Safari

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.

Lion Safari: Summary

Lion Safari in a nutshell

Whether for first timers to Zimbabwe or seasoned safari enthusiasts, we can’t think of a better way to spend a week here than this seven-night trip. Staying in a pair independent camps each managed by celebrated guides, discover two of Zimbabwe’s – and Africa’s – very best wildlife destinations.

Begin with three nights in Hwange National Park. Larger than Northern Ireland, it is a huge and diverse protected area home to some of the largest elephant herds on earth along with over 100 mammal and over 400 bird species. Camp Hwange is found in the virtually private north-west of the park where the Kalahari turns to rugged hills. Relatively simple but comfortable, it is the superb guiding led by Dave Carson, fully flexible schedules, close-up wildlife encounters on foot and real sense of enthusiasm from the team here that make it a long-time favourite.

Next take a light aircraft over Lake Kariba to Mana Pools National Park for four night overlooking the might Zambezi River. Once again placing substance over style, the safari experience here is exceptional. Owner Nick Murray is one of the most respected guides in Africa and his handpicked team is excellent. Canoeing on the river amid grunting hippos and crocodiles is always a thrill. Hopping out of the vehicle in the camp’s private concession, a prime area in the park’s heart, is an unforgettable way see lion, wild dog (a speciality of Nick’s), elephant and more.

At a glance

Starts: Victoria Falls Airport
3 nights Camp Hwange - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Full Board & Activities
4 nights Vundu Camp - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe Full Board & Activities
Ends: Victoria Falls Airport

Camp Hwange

Days 1-4

In the north-west of Hwange National Park, where the Kalahari's flat plains start to transition into rugged hills, you’ll find Camp Hwange. The camp combines a distinct "bush" feel with an emphasis on the safari experience and top guiding.

View full itinerary

Vundu Camp

Days 4-8

Vundu is a small camp with a long-standing reputation. It sits in a private concession on the banks of the Zambezi River, in the heart of Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park, shaded by a grove of ebony and tamarind trees. An owner-run property, it focuses on offering a variety of activities in a game-rich area of the park.

View full itinerary
Camp Hwange

Camp Hwange

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Vundu Camp

Vundu Camp

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Lion Safari.

  • Tracking a pack of wild dogs with a real expert
  • Explore Hwange without seeing other vehicles
  • Canoeing between hippos on the Zambezi
  • Meeting Boswell the elephant on foot in Mana Pools
  • An incredibly high level of guiding throughout

Activities

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

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Canoeing

  • Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

  • Night drive

About image

Key species to see on the Lion Safari

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


Elephant

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Buffalo

99% chance

Lion

97% chance

Eland

96% chance

Spotted Hyena

92% chance

Giraffe

86% chance

Wild dog

84% chance

Roan antelope

67% chance

Sable antelope

54% chance

Leopard

44% chance

Cheetah

44% chance

Wildebeest

35% chance

Brown Hyena

11% chance

Oryx

3% chance

Pangolin

3% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Black Rhino

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

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

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

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

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

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$10,360 - US$17,410 per person

Read more about the Great Egret 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

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

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

Peregrine Falcon Fly-In Safari

6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Discover two of Kenya’s quieter wildlife havens with visits to Meru National Park and Mara North Conservancy. Top-quality sister camps provide considerable comfort and a range of activities by which to explore the game-rich surroundings.

US$7,260 - US$8,980 per person

Itinerary image

Boehm's Zebra Safari

7 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

This safari combines two high-quality owner-run camps in a very productive region of the South Luangwa. The guiding is excellent and with its hides this safari is perfect for serious photographers.

US$7,490 - US$9,410 per person

Itinerary image

Greater Kudu Fly-In Safari

7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Experience a truly authentic bush experience on this safari at two classic tented camps, in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara. These are some of the best places to spot wild dogs and big cats.

US$7,530 - US$9,080 per person

Itinerary image

Steenbok Safari

9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A classic Botswana safari exploring the Moremi, Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Excellent wildlife viewing and a variety of activities from three of our favourite traditional tented camps.

US$7,990 - US$13,480 per person

Itinerary image

Spring Hare Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An authentic and diverse safari to Botswana combining the Chobe Forest Reserve, Savuti Marshes and the Okavango Delta. Strong wildlife viewing, a variety of activities and excellent value camps.

US$7,290 - US$13,320 per person

Itinerary image

Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari

8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Three sister camps offer access to wonderfully remote regions across northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy an exclusive safari experience focused on great wildlife, superb guiding and considerable comfort, with a range of activities.

US$7,140 - US$8,400 per person

Itinerary image

Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Stay in three superbly positioned camps during this exploration of Tanzania’s famous northern circuit. Excellent views over the surrounding areas, relatively remote locations and game-rich habitat make for an exciting and varied safari experience.

US$7,300 - US$14,860 per person

Itinerary image

Mopane Squirrel Safari

6 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit two wildlife-rich private reserves in an exploration of the Okavango and Kwando regions. Sister camps Splash and Lagoon camp provide a range of immersive activities, and their long-stay discounts make for an excellent-value safari.

US$6,600 - US$11,760 per person

Itinerary image

Hippo Safari

10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT

Combining excellent game with aspects of remoter safari in South Luangwa, as well as the cultural delights of Livingstone, this trip also makes use of long-stay discounts, making it an excellent-value and well-rounded adventure.

US$7,360 - US$8,780 per person

Itinerary image

Topi Fly-in Safari

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

Explore Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park from two luxurious, colonially styled camps. Chosen for their access to good game viewing and thrilling remoteness, these camps also offer a range of varied safari activities.

US$6,870 - US$7,420 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