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
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Vundu Camp
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
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
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.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
99% chance
97% chance
96% chance
92% chance
86% chance
84% chance
67% chance
54% chance
44% chance
44% chance
35% chance
11% chance
3% chance
3% 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.
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
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
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$8,040 - US$11,910 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
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
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
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
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
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.
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$6,910 - US$8,980 per person
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$7,000 - US$14,130 per person
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$7,130 - US$9,410 per person
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$6,750 - US$12,380 per person
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$7,170 - US$9,080 per person
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$7,260 - US$13,480 per person
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
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$6,620 - US$8,400 per person
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.
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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