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FROM US$10,150-US$16,260

Nyala Safari

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

Nyala Safari: Summary

Nyala Safari in a nutshell

You’ll be greeted on arrival into Victoria Falls Airport before the drive to Hwange National Park. Your home for the next three nights, Linkwasha Camp, is found deep in the park, with the last part of your transfer turning into a game drive and introduction to this special place. Linkwasha is the most luxurious camp in Hwange, a refreshingly contemporary yet low-impact spot with just eight tents, pool and communal areas overlooking favourite drinking spot for the local wildlife.

Sitting in its own private concession, you’ll be sharing this corner with just a handful of other guests and an incredible richness of game, exploring on day and night game drives and guided walks. In the winter, elephants congregate in enormous numbers around the waterholes, while the summer brings an abundance of wildebeest, zebra and eland. Lion, buffalo, hyena, giraffe, sable, impala, waterbuck and reedbuck can also be seen, as can prolific birdlife with some 400 species recorded here. For those after a really special evening, we can arrange a night in Linkwasha’s Star Bed, located on a raised platform a short drive from the main camp with nothing but a mosquito net between you and the wild.

From here a light aircraft takes you north-east to the banks of the Zambezi and the beautiful Ruckomechi Camp for four nights. Your tented suite, one of ten, is shaded by trees loved by visiting elephants for their seeds, with views out across the Zambezi River to the hills of Zambia. The camp sits in a large private concession on the edge of Mana Pools National Park, a true wilderness of woodland, savannah and plenty of water to support the wildlife which thrives here. Being outside of the national park means more freedom to explore not only on the walks and thrilling canoe trips which Mana is famous for, but night drives and motorised boat safaris, all with excellent guides.

Finally fly back to Victoria Falls, following the river upstream all the way to Old Drift Lodge in Zambezi National Park, a stylish lodge perched right on the riverbank. Keep the safari going with drives and guided walks in the park, take a boat down to the falls to explore and take lunch at the spectacular Lookout Café, try your hand at white water rafting or perhaps an unforgettable helicopter flight over the ‘smoke that thunders’. Then simply relax in your clawfoot bathtub with a view before a sunset river cruise.

At a glance

Starts: Victoria Falls Airport
3 nights Linkwasha Camp - Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Full Board & Activities
4 nights Ruckomechi Camp - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe Full Board & Activities
3 nights Old Drift Lodge - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Full Board & Activities
Ends: Victoria Falls Airport

Linkwasha Camp

Days 1-4

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.

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Ruckomechi Camp

Days 4-8

Refurbished in 2016, the smart Ruckomechi Camp spans nearly a kilometre of riverfront in a private concession just beside the north-west corner of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, where the vast Zambezi River flows against a backdrop of the Zambezi escarpment. This scenic location, coupled with a high concentration of large game such as elephant and buffalo, has made Ruckomechi a classic name in safaris for many years.

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Old Drift Lodge

Days 8-11

On the banks of the Zambezi River, the stylish Old Drift Lodge lies 7km upstream of the Victoria Falls. It was opened in mid-May 2018, and is one of a handful of camps within Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, with regular visits from elephants to the lodge, especially later into the dry season.

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Linkwasha Camp

Linkwasha Camp

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Ruckomechi Camp

Ruckomechi Camp

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Old Drift Lodge

Old Drift Lodge

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

About image

Highlights

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

  • Seeing Hwange’s elephant mega herds
  • Stunning luxury camps with great guiding
  • Some of Africa’s best walking safaris in Mana Pools
  • Canoeing the Zambezi between hippos and crocodiles
  • Mix of adventure and relaxation around Victoria Falls

Activities

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

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

  • Elephant encounter

  • Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

  • Helicopter

  • Kayaking

  • Microlight

  • Night drive

  • Sleeping under the stars

  • White-water rafting

About image

Key species to see on the Nyala Safari

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


Lion

100% chance

Cheetah

100% chance

Buffalo

100% chance

Eland

100% chance

Elephant

100% chance

Giraffe

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Sable antelope

100% chance

Wildebeest

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Spotted Hyena

89% chance

Roan antelope

65% chance

Brown Hyena

56% chance

Oryx

56% chance

Wild dog

47% chance

Leopard

0% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Black Rhino

0% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this safari

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Nyala Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


Rhino Walk

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
93% (3 reviews)
Chobe Day Trip

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

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
96% (9 reviews)
Ra-Ikane River Cruise

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
95% (40 reviews)
Elephant Encounter

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
92% (5 reviews)
Elephant Art Experience

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

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
100% (4 reviews)
Microlight Flight

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
100% (1 reviews)
Livingstone Island & Devil's Pool

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
96% (9 reviews)
Historical Bridge Tour

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

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
100% (5 reviews)
Cookery Course & Activity

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

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

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.

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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

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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

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.

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US$10,400 - US$17,460 per person

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Grysbok Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
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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.

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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.

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US$8,040 - US$11,910 per person

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Map

Bat Hawk Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
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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

Read more about the Bat Hawk 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$7,000 - 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$6,950 - US$9,830 per person

Read more about the Lion 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

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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$3,480 - 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

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$10,400 - US$17,460 per person

Read more about the Great Egret 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.


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4 days • 1 locations
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Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.

US$10,170 - US$14,080 per person

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African Finfoot Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

After a unique start in Nairobi National Park, classic, luxurious camps combine for a high-end and exclusive safari in fantastic wildlife destinations.

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Crawshay's Zebra Safari

10 days • 4 locations
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This superb safari combines two of Zambia’s best national parks, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The camps are small and high quality with excellent safari guides.

US$10,460 - US$13,820 per person

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Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A contrasting safari of a lodge and a tented camp, with action-packed activities in Laikipia and wildlife-filled game drives in the Maasai Mara, offers a consistently high-quality experience.

US$9,730 - US$14,130 per person

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Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.

US$10,600 - US$13,500 per person

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Golden Monkey Safari

12 days • 5 locations
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Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.

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Porcupine Safari

11 days • 4 locations
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Perekani Walking Trail

10 days • 5 locations
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Five smart but rustic bushcamps are the comfortable staging posts for this walking safari in South Luangwa. The route offers outstanding seclusion and rich wildlife with top-quality guiding throughout.

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Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari

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Red Lechwe Safari

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