A Journey into the Wild Heart of Zimbabwe: A Safari Adventure with Hideaways

An authentic safari is a journey of the soul, a chance to reconnect with nature in its rawest form. While many travellers dream of a quintessential African adventure to tick the Big Five off their list, a Zimbabwe safari trip offers so much more. It’s a unique blend of untamed wilderness, remarkable wildlife, and genuine human connection.

We sat down with travel expert, Cayleigh Brown, who recently embarked on an unforgettable expedition in Zimbabwe. Starting the trip with a classic Victoria Falls tour, she then visited Hwange National Park before getting off the well-trodden tourist path in Mana Pools.

An Unforgettable Start at Nantwich Lodge

The adventure began in the thunderous presence of Victoria Falls, a spectacular start before a short flight to Robins Airstrip, the beginning of the safari portion of the trip. Nantwich Lodge, one of the premier safari lodges in Zimbabwe, is an eco-lodge in northern Hwange National Park. While the park is known for its massive elephant populations, a safari here is also an opportunity to see lions, hyenas, and cheetahs.

“The best time to go on a Zimbabwe safari here would be the dry winter season when the bush has thinned out. In summer, the vegetation can be thick and impact game viewing,” explains Cayleigh.

Just nine suites make up Nantwich – the lodge is set upon a hill overlooking a large dam with crocodiles and hippos. You can while away your time in between game drives and walking safaris in the natural pool, simply gazing upon the wilderness spread out in front of you.

But it was the people who truly made Nantwich Lodge a standout for Cayleigh. “Nantwich was amazing, and made even better by the staff. They just made the entire stay so memorable because they remembered everything that we needed.

“They were so personable and it was great to just be around them – each and every one of us on the trip felt completely special.”

Despite the unpredictable nature of wildlife sightings – “Game viewing is always a hit and miss”, as Cayleigh puts it – the team’s expertise and infectious enthusiasm made every drive memorable. “This was the best team, with everyone knowing what to do but still making the experience fun. Incredible.”

Camp Mana for the Ultimate Digital Detox

It was back to Robins Airstrip for a two-hour transfer flight to Mana Pools National Park. Upon landing, Cayleigh and her group were whisked away on a game drive (the perfect introduction to the landscape), stopping for a sundowner in the wilderness, before heading to the second lodge of the trip: Camp Mana.

Encompassing eight tented suites along a floodplain overlooking the mighty Zambezi River, a Zimbabwe safari trip here is a more slow-paced affair with a strong emphasis on walking safaris and canoeing.

“We saw a wild dogs’ den and elephants!” Cayleigh explains. “This is the perfect place for walking safaris to focus on the smaller inhabitants of the national park.”

She adds that the walking safaris are fully customisable, catering to all fitness levels.

Canoeing, which is available in June, depending on conditions, is especially recommended, as it’s a truly unique, serene way to experience the park.

“Canoeing is so important – it’s an incredible way to experience such a unique destination,” Cayleigh says. “Camp Mana is for the traveller who wants to be truly off the grid – a stay here is about the raw, real safari experience.”

Exclusive Wildlife Viewings at Mhara River Camp

The final stop was Mhara Camp, another of the exceptional safari lodges in Zimbabwe. Located on its own concession on the southern side of Mana Pools, the six-tented suites as well as lounge and dining area are on an escarpment, offering sweeping views of the landscape.

This is where Cayleigh experienced the most wildlife sightings, including wild dogs, bush pigs, and elephants. “This is a very isolated, exclusive part of the national park. Because the lodge is in a remote private concession, you don’t have to share viewings or be rushed – we were out for six hours in the morning game drive; everything felt natural and never boring.”

The freedom to observe without feeling pressured to make space for other safari vehicles was a major highlight.

“Because we were the only people in the concession, we never felt hurried at the sightings. And you don’t actually realise how important that is, because when you’re coming from a busier national park where there are so many vehicles and people, to be in an area where you don’t see any other vehicles – it’s just amazing.”

Another standout moment for Cayleigh was the final dinner here. “We had dinner in a dry riverbed as the sun was setting. At the end of our meal, it was completely dark with just a few lights illuminating the delicious desserts – and we heard lions roaring in the background!”

She makes special mention of this camp for birdwatching safaris: “It’s a birder’s paradise here, especially at the end of the year, around November and December.”

A True African Safari: More Than Just Checking Animals Off a List

After a two-hour game drive and a one-hour charter flight, the trip concluded in Harare. Cayleigh made her way back to South Africa with a profound understanding of what makes a Zimbabwe safari trip so special.

“This is about the experience of an authentic, raw safari. As much as African safaris focus on big things, a Zimbabwe safari is going to focus on small things, too, like smaller wildlife species and the plants.

“This is where you go if you actually want to feel immersed in nature. And if you’re somebody who’s interested in doing walking safaris, then Mana Pools is somewhere you have to go.”

Ultimately, the most lasting impression was left not by the game, but by the people. This trip wasn’t just about seeing animals; it was about connecting with a country, its landscapes, and its incredible people. It was a true immersion into the wild heart of Zimbabwe.

“It’s the people you meet that have a massive impact on a safari trip,” concludes Cayleigh. “And that was a major thing for me, just how amazing the people of Zimbabwe are.”

Do you want to have a similar experience, exploring the untamed wilderness of Zimbabwe? Discover Africa can tailor-make the ultimate safari itinerary for you to ensure your dream experience in Africa becomes a reality.