Nyala Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Nyala 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: Victoria Falls Airport
Victoria Falls to Hwange by road
An air-conditioned vehicle will transfer you from the airport to meet your safari guide at Hwange Main Camp. Then it’s a 4WD safari to Linkwasha Camp, across rocky granite hills. It’ll take around four–five hours total, depending on how long you stop to watch wildlife on the way.
Linkwasha Camp
The private Linkwasha Concession within Zimbabwe’s renowned Hwange National Park is home to one of the park’s most luxurious offerings: Linkwasha Camp. The camp looks out across a pan with a permanent waterhole that attracts wildlife year round, and being in a private concession guests benefit from exclusive and flexible game viewing.
The private Linkwasha Concession within Zimbabwe’s renowned Hwange National Park is home to one of the park’s most luxurious offerings: Linkwasha Camp. The camp looks out across a pan with a permanent waterhole that attracts wildlife year round, and being in a private concession guests benefit from exclusive and flexible game viewing.
"Superb"
Mr & Mrs GfromBrockhamArrived 19 Oct 2022, 3 nights
Modern and luxurious in design, Linkwasha provides a stunningly designed and exceptionally comfortable place to stay in a game-rich area of Hwange. Come to spoil yourself in a stylish and contemporary setting, and enjoy excellent wildlife sightings in an isolated part of the park. If you’re looking for a more traditional safari property, however, you would probably be better elsewhere – this certainly isn't a bushcamp. See our full report on Linkwasha Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Sleeping under the stars
Hwange to Mana Pools by light aircraft & 4WD
Today, you'll have time for a final activity at Linkwasha before heading to the airstrip by 4WD. The light-aircraft flight to Mana Pools takes about two hours, perhaps stopping for other passengers to alight. It's then a half-hour game drive to Ruckomechi, depending on wildlife spotted on the way.
Ruckomechi Camp
In a private concession bordering Mana Pools National Park, the luxurious Ruckomechi combines abundant wildlife viewing with excellent river activities. Superb wildlife on a private concession, Zambezi River trips, even a sleep-out deck: Ruckomechi seems to have it all.
In a private concession bordering Mana Pools National Park, the luxurious Ruckomechi combines abundant wildlife viewing with excellent river activities. Superb wildlife on a private concession, Zambezi River trips, even a sleep-out deck: Ruckomechi seems to have it all.
Tucked away on the boundary of the World Heritage Site that is Mana Pools National Park, the camp boasts far greater flexibility than those within the park.
For starters, there’s the exclusive wildlife-viewing, on foot or by 4WD, in a private concession whose varied habitats are off limits to other visitors (though do note that drives into the national park itself are not usually offered).
Then there are river trips – by motorboat and canoe – on the great Zambezi, which are not permitted inside the park boundary.
With views of the river from the whole camp, keeping an eye out for animals is by no means confined to activities. Settle down with a pair of binoculars on the extensive deck, or on the veranda of your classy tented chalet, and see what wanders past, or keep an eye out through the picture windows (privacy guaranteed!) of your en-suite bathroom.
"Being on the Zambezi river is just beautiful... had an amazing experienced guide"
Ms AWfromSW LondonArrived 27 Aug 2023, 3 nights
And if that’s not close enough to the action, try a night on the sleep-out deck under the stars. With a double bed enveloped in a mosquito net, this is the stuff that safari dreams are made of. See our full report on Ruckomechi Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Mana Pools to Victoria Falls by air, road & boat
Today's journey of around four hours starts with a drive back to the airstrip for your light-aircraft flight to Victoria Falls, coming in over Zambezi National Park. You will be met by a vehicle for the drive to the Old Drift's jetty, ready for the short speedboat ride to camp.
Old Drift Lodge
Combine the splendour of the Victoria Falls with a stylish safari experience in a historic setting. Set at the narrowest point of the Zambezi, downstream of Victoria Falls, Old Drift evokes the early days of exploration.
Combine the splendour of the Victoria Falls with a stylish safari experience in a historic setting. Set at the narrowest point of the Zambezi, downstream of Victoria Falls, Old Drift evokes the early days of exploration.
Before the coming of the railway, this section of the river – then known as Clarke's Drift – was the best place to cross. But other than claw-foot baths (and even they're on the decks), today's lodge has few connections with the Victorian era.
The tented chalets are “tents” in name only, their cool high ceilings aided by air conditioning, their large glass sliding doors opening to reveal sunloungers alongside a private plunge pool.
At the hub of camp, a series of split-level decks make enviable spots to while away the afternoon, entertained by the bee-eaters and kingfishers that add colour to the riverine backdrop. Or warm up by the fireplace indoors, drink in hand, and keep watch for the wildlife of Zambezi National Park from the comfort of a cosy sofa.
The camp's motorboat shuttles regularly between here and the Falls, so you can lunch at the aptly named Lookout Café in town, explore the sights, then return in time for a delicious dinner overlooking the Zambezi.
"I'd highly recommend staying at Old Drift for anyone who goes to Zimbabwe"
Ms H & Mr FfromChicagoArrived 19 May 2024, 3 nights
The staff are friendly, the food good, the activities many and varied. It's a winning combination. See our full report on Old Drift Lodge
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Old Drift to Victoria Falls Airport by boat & car
After a relaxed morning, you'll leave Old Drift Lodge by speedboat across the Zambezi River before meeting up with your driver for the transfer to Victoria Falls Airport. This is a shared road transfer, taking around 35 minutes, and you may stop to pick up other people along the way.
Ends: Victoria Falls Airport
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Inspire meExperiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.
Rhino Walk
Around four hours - mornings only
Spend an unforgettable morning on a walking safari tracking Mosi-oa-Tunya’s small population of white rhino, with a strong chance of being able to approach these endangered creatures on foot.
More about Rhino Walk
Chobe Day Trip
Full day - typically around 11 hours
For a top safari experience while visiting the Victoria Falls, don’t miss a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Easily reachable from Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Chobe boasts some of the best wildlife densities in southern Africa, with exceptional numbers of elephant drawn by the permanent waters of the Chobe River.
More about Chobe Day Trip
Helicopter Flight - Zimbabwe
Shortest flight is 12-25 minutes
While viewing the Victoria Falls from the ground is a stunning experience, seen the world’s largest waterfall from the air allows for a completely different perspective, historically said to have been so beautiful as to have been seen by ‘angels in flight’.
More about Helicopter Flight
Ra-Ikane River Cruise
Two hours minimum
Cruising the upper sections of the Zambezi reveals another dimension to the river's beauty, adding a sense of serenity to the thrill of watching it cascade over the Victoria Falls. On a Ra-Ikane river cruise, experience the river’s islands and channels, keeping an eye out for wildlife, and the spray from the Falls.
More about Ra-Ikane River Cruise
Elephant Encounter
Three hours
For a very personal encounter with elephants, head to The Elephant Camp near Victoria Falls. From its sanctuary for orphaned elephants, it offers close interaction with one of Africa's most iconic species, including the chance to feed the elephants by hand, and talk to the guides who have raised and trained them.
More about Elephant Encounter
Elephant Art Experience
Three hours
The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Art of Africa have teamed up to create a unique experience in the bush, with private tutors running painting workshops and habituated elephants provision impressive models, standing just metres away from your easel.
More about Elephant Art Experience
Zambezi Explorer River Cruise
Two hours
Watching the sunset from the middle of the Zambezi River, with the spray of the falls behind you, is an incredibly popular activity. A large variety of cruises are on offer, ranging from cheap and boozy directed towards the backpacker crowd, to much more luxurious and serene experiences. A great option for the latter style is the Zambezi Explorer.
More about Zambezi Explorer
Microlight Flight
15 or 30 minutes
For pure exhilaration, it's hard to find something better than flying in a microlight, swooping through the spray that crashes up and off the Victoria Falls, with rainbows shimmering below. If you don't like heights, then this isn't for you! For those looking for a different way to see the Falls, the microlight flights offer a stunning birds eye view of this spectacular natural wonder.
More about Microlight Flight
Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool
Three hours
Victoria Falls is one of the world's natural wonders, and a huge attraction for many visitors to southern Africa. We're often asked if the waterfall is best viewed from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side, but we think the best way to experience the full majesty of the falls is from the middle with a visit to Livingstone Island.
More about Livingstone Island
Historical Bridge Tour
Two hours - AM & PM departures
A feat of engineering the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes' vision to link the Cape to Cairo. With an expert guide and the appropriate safety equipment you'll not only discover the wonders of this Victorian marvel but also gain a unique perspective of the Victoria Falls themselves.
More about Bridge Tour
Guided tour of Victoria Falls
Two hours - AM & PM departures
One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls has to be seen to be believed. Why not take an expertly guided trip to learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of one of Africa's most spectacular sites?
More about Tour of the Falls
Cookery Course & Activity
Six hours - afternoon activity
Make a traditional Southern African ‘potjie dinner’ on the banks of the Zambezi River. You’ll be guided through the preparation process by professional chefs before embarking on an afternoon activity while your dinner cooks. The activity is followed by a 3-course meal, including your self-made Pot as the main course.
More about Cookery Course
Bushtracks Express
Generally four and a half hours
The Bushtracks Express Train starts its journey at Zimbabwe’s iconic Victoria Falls Station before departing on its route through Victoria Falls National Park the Victoria Falls Bridge, where guests enjoy the stunning view of the Falls. Afterwards, the train will depart for a siding out of town, for dinner.
More about Bushtracks Express