9 Day Safari & Victoria Falls

Starting and ending in Johannesburg, this 9-Day safari begins with a visit to Victoria Falls on the Zambian side before continuing to a safari to three of Zimbabwe’s crown wildlife areas. These include the Hwange National Park, the vast Lake Kariba, and the Lower Zambezi’s Mana Pools National Park.

9 Day Safari & Victoria Falls

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Day 01

    Johannesburg to Livingstone, Zambia (Victoria Falls)

  • Day 02

    Day to enjoy the Activities on offer at Thorntree Lodge

  • Day 03

    Thorntree Lodge to Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park

  • Day 04

    On Safari at Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park

  • Day 05

    Hwange to Lake Kariba's Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

  • Day 06

    On Safari at Lake Kariba's Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

  • Day 07

    Lake Kariba to Mana Pools (Lower Zambezi

  • Day 08

    On Safari at Kanga Safari Camp

  • Day 09

    Mana Pools to Johannesburg (via Victoria Falls)

Day 01

Johannesburg to Livingstone, Zambia (Victoria Falls)

On arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will board your early flight to the Livingstone Airport in Victoria Falls on the Zambian Side of the falls.  Here you will be met and transferred to the Thorntree River Lodge, where you will spend the next (2) nights of your 7-day safari on a fully inclusive basis, with a choice of guided activities which include: Game drives in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Rhino Tracking, Bush Walks, Sunrise & Sunset Boat Cruises, Simonga Village Visit, A Visit to Zambian Side of the Falls, A Visit to the Zimbabwean side of the Falls in low water season (excludes visa fees), Visit to the Livingstone Museum, Canoe Trips, Visit to Maramba & Makuni Markets, Catch & Release Shore Fishing and the services of professional ranger and camp staff.

Relax by the pool at Thorntree Lodge
Thorntree Lodge overlooks the Zambezi River

Day 02

Day to enjoy the Activities on offer at Thorntree Lodge

Today is spent at your own leisure whilst enjoying the many activities on offer at the Lodge. The Thorntree Lodge is located in the Mosi oa Tunya National Park on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. Away from the bustling town of Livingstone, the lodge has a great safari style & feel with just twelve rooms each with its own small swimming pool and all overlooking the Zambezi River. A peaceful and ideal base from which to explore the Falls and experience the many other activities.

Thorntree Lodge just above the Victoria Falls, Zambia

Day 03

Thorntree Lodge to Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park

After your breakfast, you will be transferred back to the Livingstone Airport, where you will board your light aircraft transfer to the Manga Airstrip in the Hwange National Park.  On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Somalisa Camp to spend the next (2) nights on a fully inclusive basis, which also includes twice daily guided safaris (game drives or walks) in this national park, one of the region’s premier game viewing destinations.

Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park
Somalisa Camp is a luxury tented camp in Hwange National Park

Day 04

On Safari at Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park

Today is spent on safari in the Hwange National Park. Established in the 1930’s this game reserve quickly developed into one of Zimbabwe’s wildlife jewels. The habitat at Hwange is diverse and varied and an abundance of wildlife roam the plains, vleis and Mopane forests including lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, wild dog and a range of other species like sable antelope, giraffe and more.

On Game Drive, Somalisa Camp, Hwange, Zimbabwe
Elephants are in abundance in the Hwange National Park

Day 05

Hwange to Lake Kariba's Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

After your safari and early breakfast, you will be transferred back to the Manga Airstrip, where you will board your light aircraft and transfer to the Bumi Hills Aistrip at Lake Kariba.  Here you will be met and transferred to the Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, spending the next (2) nights on a fully inclusive basis, which also includes twice daily guided game viewing activities such as Morning, Afternoon & Night Game Drives, Walking Safaris, Boating, Fishing, Village Visits and Sunset Cruises.

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge overlooks the vast Lake Kariba

Day 06

On Safari at Lake Kariba's Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Today is spent on a safari at Kake Kariba. This giant man-made lake is in itself a feature in Zimbabwe’s wildlife & touring offering. The lake covers 5400 sq kilometres most of which laps the shores of wildlife areas and reserves, making it a great wildlife as well as a fishing destination.  Bumi Hills has been built on some high ground which offers wide and breathtaking views of the vast lake, and being located very close to the Matusadona National Park the game viewing in the area is also very good.

Room interior, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Day 07

Lake Kariba to Mana Pools (Lower Zambezi

After your morning safari and early breakfast, you will be transferred back to the Airstrip, where you will board your light aircraft transfer to the Mana Pools National Park. On landing you will be met and transferred to the Kanga Safari Camp where you spend the next (2) nights on a fully inclusive basis. Included in your stay at Kanga Safari Camp are all meals, beverages, laundry, emergency medical evacuation insurance, National Parks Fees, and 2 shared safari activities per day.

Elephants near Kanga Safari Camp, Lower Zambezi, Zimbabwe

Day 08

On Safari at Kanga Safari Camp

On safari at Kanga Safari Camp, Mana Pools. The Mana Pools National Park lies in the Zambezi Valley on Zimbabwe’s northern boundary. This conservation area covers about 219000 hectares of pristine bush dotted with baobabs trees, flood plains with magnificent trees and home to large populations of many different mammal species.

Kanga Safari Camp, Mana Pools
Lions are frequently seen on safari in the Lower Zambezi

Day 09

Mana Pools to Johannesburg (via Victoria Falls)

This morning after your breakfast, you will board your early light aircraft transfer back to Victoria Falls, where you will connect with your outbound flight back to the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Safari Cost

2025
$9,545 per person sharing (Apr - May & Nov)
$13,130 per person sharing (Jun - Oct)

* Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar each year (wet season), Mana Pools is closed

Cost Includes

02 Night’s accommodation on a fully inclusive basis - Thorntree River Lodge only:  All meals, bar accounts (excluding premium imports), laundry, emergency medical evacuation insurance, park fees and twice daily activities.  Activities include a choice of:  Game drives in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Rhino Tracking, Bush Walks, Sunrise and sunset Boat Cruises, Simonga Village Viist, A Visit to the Zambian Side of the Falls, A Visit to the Zimbabwean Side of the Falls (in low water season),  Visit to the Livingstone Museum, Canoe Trips, Visit to the Maramba & Makuni Markets, Catch & Release Shore Fishing.

02 Night’s accommodation on a fully inclusive basis - Somalisa Camp Hwange:  All meals, bar accounts (excluding premium imports), laundry, emergency medical evacuation insurance, park fees and twice daily game viewing activities.  Activities include Morning and Afternoon Game Drives, Walking Safaris, Hwange Main Camp Village Visits and Conservation & Wildlife Fund.

02 Night’s accommodation on a fully inclusive basis - Bumi Hills Safari Lodge Lake Kariba:  All meals, bar accounts (excluding premium imports), laundry, emergency medical evacuation insurance, park fees and twice daily game viewing activities.  Activities include Morning, Afternoon and night Game Drives, Walking Safaris, Boating, Fishing, Village Visits, Sunset Cruises and Conservation Levy.

02 Night’s accommodation on a fully inclusive basis - Kanga Safari Camp, Mana Pools:  All meals, bar accounts (excluding premium imports), emergency medical evacuation insurance, park fees and twice daily game viewing activities.  Activities include Morning and Afternoon Game Drives, and Walking Safaris.

All road transfers as per itinerary
All light aircraft transfers as per itinerary
Services of professional rangers and camp staff at the safari camps
Tourism levy

Flights: Johannesburg - Livingstone, Victoria Falls - Johannesburg return way excl. taxes

Cost Excludes

Visas if required
Airport taxes
Personal items and gratuities
Additional activities/sightseeing/entry fees/park fees
Transfers to and from alternative/outside activities in Livingstone
Travel Insurance
Bar accounts not specified and Premium Imports
Laundry not specified
Meals not specified

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Debbie Isaacs
Debbie Isaacs
21 January 2025
We used African Travel again for the second time over Xmas and New Year. Once again, every little bit of our trip ran smoothly and without a hitch. Their communication was great throughout and we will, no doubt, be returning to them in the future too. Thanks Petru.
Daniel Stewart
Daniel Stewart
08 January 2025
We had the most amazing time on our self drive tour of Namibia organised through African Travel Gateway. Everything from the planning and booking process, to the arrival and welcome in Windhoek, to the app with the itinerary and directions made for a really relaxed and well organised holiday. But the most important part was getting to experience Namibia - what a spectacular country! The only negative was that we should have booked for longer!
Hilda Stanfliet
Hilda Stanfliet
27 December 2024
Amazing hotel booked by Lize of African Travel Gateway, the most attentive service leading up to holiday
Zoe Heelas
Zoe Heelas
27 November 2024
ATG were fantastic from start to finish organising our trip 3 week trip in South Africa.Communication with Debbie was excellent before and during our trip. All accommodation and trips chosen by ATG was fantastic. This is our third trip with ATG and we are already thinking about our next.
Harrison Shore
Harrison Shore
09 November 2024
We used African Travel Gateway to plan our honeymoon, and it was incredible! Putting together the itinerary was really smooth and fun - Lize sent us a few options, and was really quick to make the changes we wanted and let us know what made the most sense. The planning portal had a lot of really useful information so we knew what to expect and made the whole thing very comfortable (this was our first trip to Africa!) The itinerary we ended up with was spectacular, and very well structured. We spent most of our trip in the greater Kruger area (Kapama River Lodge then Walkers Plains Camp) and then finished in Victoria Falls (Vic Falls River Lodge) - each stop was both nicer and more wild than the last, which made for a very cool trip. Some real gems - Walkers and the camp at Victoria Falls had both been open less than a year, and were super luxurious, no way we would have found places like that on our own! And starting at Kapama, which is a bigger operation and a little more controlled (fully fenced, very close to the Hoedspruit airport) was a great way to ease into the trip. The animal viewing at all three locations was amazing - we saw the Big 5 at both camps in South Africa, plus wild dogs and a cheetah at Walkers, and not just from a distance - we were able to get up pretty close at several of the viewings. The guides were excellent at all three, same with the staff, and the other guests! Logistics were seamless - all of our transfers were easy, the lodges knew our schedule and drivers were where they needed to be exactly on time. I would absolutely recommend African Travel Gateway, and hope to work with Lize on our next safari!
Hamdan nazarudin
Hamdan nazarudin
28 September 2024
Contacted Lize to get assistance with our trip. Her help has been really great! Enquiries are replied within a short period. Even asking for last minute arrangement of extra baggage and early hotel check-in. Itinerary are also seamless at every transition of camps and location.
Archie B
Archie B
16 August 2024
Travelled across South Africa with ATG. They picked the most amazing places to stay where we felt like royalty. The planning was efficient and there was regular communication during the booking process. The knowledge of Lize was excellent and so we knew what to expect at each stage. Would we use them again? YES, of course, and we are!!! - Already planning our next trip across Namibia for next year!
yvonne omer
yvonne omer
07 August 2024
We chose African Travel Gateway because of their awesome reviews and they did not disappoint! Bianca created a fabulous itinerary combining a luxury private reserve experience, a trip to Victoria Falls, a riverboat stay viewing the animals from a different perspective, ( and BTW the best scrambled eggs we have ever tasted) and a stay at a lodge where we saw different animals and a ride on a bush plane landing in what seemed the middle of nowhere! Every connection was seamless, no stress traveling at its best.Our hosts and guides were excellent, and lovely people. The food was wonderful and of course loved the sundowner drinks and our first” Bush Bar! Would definitely go back for more adventure, thank you ATG for a lovely experience!
Jennifer Morawiecki
Jennifer Morawiecki
06 August 2024
We've just returned from an incredible two-week holiday across Botswana and Zimbabwe with African Travel Gateway. The arrangements made by Bianca were perfect, the documentation provided was extremely thorough, and every detail of our journey was meticulously planned. Communication was excellent throughout. Coming from North America, we felt it best to work with a travel agent located in Southern Africa and it was absolutely the right choice. Highly recommended!
Maria Lohan
Maria Lohan
01 August 2024
Lize helped us find accommodation in Kruger when there was practically none to be got - and t was the best place. The tours she booked were tremendous and the people she booked were great and we are very grateful and glad we had the opportunity to book with Lize. Maria & family form Belfast
Arishana Riek
Arishana Riek
03 July 2024
Tailormade itinerary with knowledgeable guides (Apartheid Museum and Cradle of Humankind).
Sivan Debeljakovic
Sivan Debeljakovic
03 July 2024
Petru, of African Travel Gateway, planned our 12-day South Africa-Zimbabwe itinerary for three of us (arriving from two continents). Her expertise, keen insights, and care in arranging the most perfect accommodation for us, prompt and efficient transfers/drivers, and booking all internal flights, meant this was the smoothest, most enjoyable holiday experience, ever! We covered a lot of ground in a short time, but the precision-timing with transfers, and Petru's choice of such knowledgeable and personable tour guides really made all the difference. Huge thanks to Natasha (Afrifriends) and Chris (Paradise)! Highlights were: The Peech Hotel in J'burg (delightful boutique hotel with a fabulous breakfast - thank you, Oliver!); Ilala Lodge in Zimbabwe; Nkorho Bush Lodge in Sabi Sand (if you want up close & personal experiences with the wildlife, this is where you need to go!); Rickety Bridge Manor House in Franschhoek (perfectly appointed and beautiful accommodation); Boschendal Winery (try the pinotage; farm shop is a must!); Woodstock Markets in Cape Town (so much to see and buy here!). We had the most exceptional holiday – we will definitely return to SA in the future, and will be utilising the expert services of Petru at ATG. Thank you again, Petru.
Sergio Santini
Sergio Santini
03 June 2024
Petru has been our reference person at African Travel Gateway: she organised our self-drive travel through South Africa during April 2024. The itinerary has been tailored according to our wishes and her suggestions. She did a great job , fully meeting our requirements and tacking care about us in real time even during the trip. We really enjoyed the safaris she proposed and we saw what has to be seen in this beautiful country for a 3 weeks visit. The TravelKey App was new for us; it is an efficient tool and has been a very positive experience, having everything filed in the HP.
lilia sanabria
lilia sanabria
25 May 2024
I recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Namibia, and I owe it all to Bianca and her exceptional expertise! From the moment I contacted African Travel Gateway, Bianca was warm, knowledgeable, and dedicated to crafting a personalized itinerary that exceeded my expectations. Bianca not only helped me plan a seamless trip, but also introduced me to an incredible guide, Nicco Visser, who brought the country to life with his expertise, love for his country and passion for photography. With Nicco by my side, I experienced the real Namibia - from the stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife to the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of the people. Thank you, Bianca, for connecting me with Nicco and helping me create memories that will stay with me forever!"
Bill Lenew
Bill Lenew
13 May 2024
Amazing, Outstanding and Fabulous are a few words to describe our Safari. This was my 7th African Safari, that Lize at So. African Travel has planned for my Family and Friends. All of them were extremely over the top and satisfying. From the accommodations, to the food and most of all seeing all of the Big Five at every Lodge. I highly recommend using Lize, as she has always given us many options to pick from. All of which have been perfectly organized by Lize. Once you fly into Johannesburg, she reserves a room for you at the Hotel right next to the airport. Then the next morning we fly into the Krueger to get to our Lodge. She also organizes the flight for you. And then after the Safari, we usually go into Cape Town, which she also organizes that flight too. We can't say enough about what a Great Travel Agent Lize is. If you want your trip to be perfect call Lize! Thank you Lize! as I said before "You're the Best"! Karen Lenew.
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