On this safari, guests visit two distinct camps in two remarkable National Parks in Zimbabwe: Matusadona National Park and Mana Pools National Park. Both parks and the featured accommodations offer unique features and a variety of activities designed to ensure an exciting and diverse safari experience. Ratel Safaris will tailor-make any safari according to your individual needs – please contact us directly should you wish to change this itinerary in any way.

7 Days Mana Pools, Kariba & Matusadona Safari Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Harare, flight to Bumi Hills (Lake Kariba), and boat transfer to Rhino Safari Camp

Day 2-3: Explore the area around Rhino Safari Camp

Day 4: Transfer by boat to Bumi Hills and light aircraft to Kanga Camp, Mana Pools

Day 5-6: Explore Mana Pools with Kanga Camp as your base

Day 7: Light aircraft transfer to Harare

7 Days Mana Pools, Kariba & Matusadona Safari Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Harare, Flight to Bumi Hills (Lake Kariba), and Boat Transfer to Rhino Safari Camp

Upon arrival at either Victoria Falls or Harare International Airport, you will be met and assisted to board your light aircraft charter transfer to Bumi Hills at Lake Kariba. From here, a boat transfer will take you to Rhino Safari Camp.

Rhino Safari Camp is an intimate, traditional bush camp nestled within dense bushveld along the shoreline of Lake Kariba at the north-western end of the Matusadona National Park. Arrive at Rhino Safari Camp and check into one of the seven twin-bedded, open-fronted, en-suite bedroom chalets, raised on stilted platforms and discreetly spaced along the shoreline – all with spectacular views over Lake Kariba’s panoramic waters. Enjoy afternoon tea before heading out for some afternoon activities such as a sunset boat cruise or an afternoon game drive. Upon return to the lodge, dinner awaits you under the African sky.

Day 2-3: Explore the Area Around Rhino Safari Camp

Spend the next two days exploring the area around Rhino Safari Camp. Rhino Safari Camp offers a completely uncontrived safari experience in wilderness surroundings. Activities offered here include game drives (early morning and afternoon), walking safaris, fishing trips by boat on Lake Kariba, and boat cruises (including sunset cruises). There is something for everyone’s taste and liking.

You will have the opportunity to experience African wildlife such as elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and a plethora of birds. Dinner under the canopy of the African sky awaits you upon your return to the camp each night.

Day 4: Transfer by Boat to Bumi Hills and Light Aircraft to Kanga Camp, Mana Pools

This morning, transfer back to Bumi Hills to catch your light aircraft charter transfer to Kanga Camp, Mana Pools. Mana Pools National Park is situated in the northern region of Zimbabwe, on the southern banks of the Zambezi River. Kanga Camp is nestled within a private concession in Mana Pools National Park and is an utterly untouched wilderness paradise. Adjacent to the remote Kanga Pan, this seasonal camp offers an unspoiled, authentic Mana Pools safari experience.

After settling into your Meru-styled tented room, each raised on an individual wooden platform for an elevated view over the Kanga Pan, enjoy the afternoon tea break followed by an afternoon game activity. Alternatively, relax on the camp’s upper deck lounge under the shade of a mahogany tree or find refreshing respite at the plunge pool.

Day 5-6: Explore Mana Pools with Kanga Camp as Your Base

Enjoy the following two days exploring and getting to know the Mana Pools area and its wildlife. Activities at Kanga Camp include guided walking safaris and thrilling game drives led by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you. Besides game drives and walking excursions, an hour’s drive brings you to the Zambezi floodplains in Mana Pools for canoeing and fishing excursions.

One of the main highlights during your stay is “Kanga Under the Stars” – an opportunity to sleep out on an open platform and experience the magnificence of an African night lit up solely by a sky studded with stars.

Day 7: Light Aircraft Transfer to Harare

Today, you will bid farewell to Kanga Camp and the Mana Pools National Park. Depending on your travel itinerary, you may still be able to enjoy a morning activity such as a game drive or guided bush walk. Alternatively, relax at the lodge before your light aircraft charter transfer takes you back to Harare International Airport for your onward journey.