Pied Kingfisher Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Pied Kingfisher 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 Airport to town by road
A driver will be waiting at Victoria Falls Airport to transfer you to Batonka Guest Lodge. The 20km, 20-minute journey along sealed tar roads takes you past the Zambezi National Park and through the historic town of Victoria Falls.

Batonka Guest Lodge
Tucked away in a quiet, leafy suburb of Victoria Falls Town, Batonka Guest Lodge is just over 2km away from the eponymous waterfall, and a 20-minute drive from the airport. Although its location isn’t quite as convenient for the Falls and town as many other options in the area, its relatively small size and quiet situation do make for a more peaceful and relaxing stay.

Tucked away in a quiet, leafy suburb of Victoria Falls Town, Batonka Guest Lodge is just over 2km away from the eponymous waterfall, and a 20-minute drive from the airport. Although its location isn’t quite as convenient for the Falls and town as many other options in the area, its relatively small size and quiet situation do make for a more peaceful and relaxing stay.
"a quite and relaxing place"
Miss J.fromBury St. EdmuArrived 20 Nov 2019, 2 nights
Batonka Guest Lodge may not have the historical character or premium location of some of Victoria Falls' more expensive hotels, but it is clean, comfortable, modern and well-run, with very picturesque gardens and a range of amenities. It has convenient access to the Falls, and works incredibly well as an inexpensive base for exploring the area, recovering from an international flight, or just relaxing by the pool at the end of a busy safari. See our full report on Batonka Guest Lodge
Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Canoeing

Cultural excursion

Elephant encounter
Victoria Falls to Hwange by road
After breakfast, you’ll be taken from your hotel to Hwange Main Camp in an air-conditioned vehicle; the journey takes around 2½ hours on sealed roads. Here, you change to a 4WD for the 1½-hour game drive to Somalisa Acacia – or longer, depending on the wildlife you spot en route.

Somalisa Acacia
Somalisa Acacia is a luxury, family-focused camp set in a private concession, deep in the heart of Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. With two family rooms and no age restrictions for children, it's a very convenient option within the park for families with younger children.

Somalisa Acacia is a luxury, family-focused camp set in a private concession, deep in the heart of Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. With two family rooms and no age restrictions for children, it's a very convenient option within the park for families with younger children.
"I would return for that watering hole"
Mrs & Mr KfromFloridaArrived 26 Jun 2019, 3 nights
Somalisa Acacia is both luxurious and immaculately designed. It works very well for a comfortable stay in the middle of the bush for all ages, and we're delighted to see a camp in the area that specifically caters to families. See our full report on Somalisa Acacia
Activities

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Guided walking safari

Night drive
Hwange to Mana Pools by 4WD & air
Today, you'll have time for one last activity in Hwange before heading to the airstrip by 4WD. It takes about two hours to fly to Mana Pools by light aircraft, perhaps stopping for other passengers to alight. This is followed by a game drive, often including sundowners before reaching camp.

Nyamatusi Mahogany
Comfortable family tents, specialist children’s guides and a great location make Nyamatusi Mahogany a good choice for a family safari. Children on safari can be a pleasure in the right camp – and that camp could just be Nyamatusi Mahogany. Hidden deep in the bush in Mana Pools National Park, it exudes plenty of style, yet with two dedicated family suites it is fully geared to the needs of families. First up are two en-suite bedrooms in each suite, so you and your little ones have your own space – and view. Then there’s a proper corridor between the rooms, ensuring their safety if they wake in the night. And perhaps best of all, there’s the Ngwana Club, whose specialist children’s guides offer a range of child-friendly activities, from nature walks close to camp to traditional storytelling, cookery and crafts. Youngsters can enjoy the pool, too, as well as the thrill of guided game drives with their parents. You’ll sleep in comfortable beds, relax in the small, open-sided dining area and gather at night around the firepit to share tales of the day, all in the experienced hands of African Bush Camps, whose safari hospitality has been honed over many years. This is a relaxed, friendly camp, and makes a great option for families with animal-mad youngsters.

Comfortable family tents, specialist children’s guides and a great location make Nyamatusi Mahogany a good choice for a family safari. Children on safari can be a pleasure in the right camp – and that camp could just be Nyamatusi Mahogany. Hidden deep in the bush in Mana Pools National Park, it exudes plenty of style, yet with two dedicated family suites it is fully geared to the needs of families. First up are two en-suite bedrooms in each suite, so you and your little ones have your own space – and view. Then there’s a proper corridor between the rooms, ensuring their safety if they wake in the night. And perhaps best of all, there’s the Ngwana Club, whose specialist children’s guides offer a range of child-friendly activities, from nature walks close to camp to traditional storytelling, cookery and crafts. Youngsters can enjoy the pool, too, as well as the thrill of guided game drives with their parents. You’ll sleep in comfortable beds, relax in the small, open-sided dining area and gather at night around the firepit to share tales of the day, all in the experienced hands of African Bush Camps, whose safari hospitality has been honed over many years. This is a relaxed, friendly camp, and makes a great option for families with animal-mad youngsters.
"The Excellent rating doesn't do this camp justice - it is totally amazing"
Mr R.fromMalmesburyArrived 7 Nov 2019, 4 nights
Mana Pools to Harare by 4WD & light aircraft
If your flight time allows, you may have time to enjoy one last game drive in Mana Pools en route to the airstrip to meet your plane to Harare International Airport. The light-aircraft flight takes around 1½ hours, depending on any stops for other passengers to alight.
Ends: Harare International Airport

Experiences 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.