Footsteps of Giants | Updating
Spectacular wildlife. Hands-on conservation
Explore Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park where conservation and community enrich an exhilarating wildlife safari, culminating at spectacular Victoria Falls.
Discover Hwange National Park
Tucked into western Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland region, Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s great safari destinations. Established in 1928, it is the country’s largest and most diverse reserve—home to vast herds of African elephants and an extraordinary range of wildlife. Over 100 species of mammals and more than 400 bird species thrive here, from endangered African wild dogs and rare brown hyenas to cheetahs, giraffes, and stately sable antelope.
Despite its arid climate and unpredictable rainfall, Hwange’s mix of seasonal wetlands, open grasslands, and mopane forests supports a complex and resilient ecosystem. This is a place where sightings are spontaneous, not staged—offering travelers more than a checklist: an authentic connection with wild nature in one of Africa’s most ecologically significant landscapes.
A Day on Safari
Each day in Hwange National Park brings a deeper connection—to the land, its wildlife, and the people who call it home. Mornings begin with expertly guided game drives into the bush, where you’ll track elephants, lions, and other remarkable species while gaining insight into the park’s complex ecosystems
Afternoons offer opportunities to engage with local communities, learning firsthand how people and wildlife coexist in this challenging environment. You may visit nearby villages, meet the stewards of the land, and even take part in innovative conservation efforts—like the water pump projects that sustain both wildlife and rural communities during the dry season.
This is exploration with purpose: immersive, eye-opening, and guided by those who know the land best.
Your Itinerary
11 Days | Victoria Falls, Northern & Southern Hwange National Park
From the thundering spray of Victoria Falls to the quiet power of Hwange’s elephants, this itinerary is an immersive exploration of Zimbabwe’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture.
DAY 1
Welcome to Victoria Falls
Ease into your adventure with a peaceful afternoon at your lodge and a golden-hour river cruise. Spot hippos, crocodiles, and perhaps elephants as the sun sets over the Zambezi.
Activity Highlight: Sunset cruise surrounded by hippos and crocs on the Zambezi
Overnight: Ilala Lodge
DAY 2
To Northern Hwange’s Elephant Heartland
Fly into the wilderness and settle in at a remote lodge where elephants gather year-round. Enjoy your first game drive and sundowners by the fire as stars fill the sky.
Wildlife Highlight: Watch elephants drink from the lodge’s floodlit waterhole
Overnight: Nehimba Lodge
DAYS 3-4
Ancient Seeps & Mopane Woodlands
Explore a little-visited corner of Hwange. Game drive and walk through varied habitats—from teak forests to open grasslands—and visit ancient elephant seeps as dusk falls.
Wildlife Highlight: Elephants digging for minerals at Nehimba Seeps
Overnight: Nehimba Lodge
DAY 5
Ride the Elephant Express
Board a private open-air railcar and journey south along Hwange’s edge. Enjoy slow travel with wildlife sightings en route to your next lodge on the Ngamo Plains.
Activity Highlight: Safari by rail—zebra, sable, and giraffe often line the tracks
Overnight: Camelthorn Lodge
DAY 6
Track Rhinos on Foot
Meet the Cobra Rangers and walk beside rhinos in Zimbabwe’s first community-led rhino sanctuary. Hear firsthand how conservation and tourism work hand-in-hand.
Activity Highlight: Walking safari with rhino guardians in Ngamo Forest
Overnight: Camelthorn Lodge
DAY 7
Villages & Underground Views
Visit a nearby community school, then head underground—literally—for eye-level views of elephants at the lodge’s famous photographic blind.
Activity Highlight: Watch elephants’ feet and trunks from the “Look-up” blind
Overnight: Camelthorn Lodge
DAY 8
Southern Hwange Safari
Spend the day tracking big cats or following elephant herds across open savanna. Your guide will tailor the day to the season, sightings, and your interests.
Activity Highlight: Early morning walk or game drive across the Ngamo Plains
Overnight: Camelthorn Lodge
DAY 9
Return to the Zambezi River
Fly back north to the river. Settle into a peaceful island lodge where the pace slows, and the birdlife and sunsets are equally spectacular.
Activity or Wildlife Highlight: Scenic bush flight over Hwange to the Zambezi
Overnight: Chundu Island Lodge (Upgrade: Victoria Falls River Lodge)
DAY 10
Victoria Falls
Walk the rainforest paths beside the thundering falls. Explore markets, enjoy a long lunch in town, or simply relax by the river before your final night in Zimbabwe.
Activity or Wildlife Highlight: Guided tour of Victoria Falls—rainbows and mist guaranteed
Overnight: Chundu Island Lodge (Upgrade: Victoria Falls River Lodge)
DAY 11
Farewell Zimbabwe
Enjoy coffee on your deck and watch the river wake up. One last breakfast before your transfer to the airport and onward flight home.
Wildlife
What animals will I see when on Safari in Hwange?
From giant African elephants and rare white rhinos, to herds of zebras and giraffes galloping on the plains, this Zimbabwe safari offers exceptional wildlife at every turn.
Explore Hwange Wildlife Guide »
Conservation
How will my trip impact conservation efforts?
Learn More »
Your Lodges
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Ilala Lodge
Night 1
Nehimba
Nights 3-4
Camelthorn
Nights 5-8
Chundu Island Lodge
Nights 9-10
Victoria Falls River Lodge*
*Optional Upgrade: Nights 9-10
Explore Them All
After a day of thrilling adventures, you can unwind in comfort and style at a selection of luxurious lodges and camps. Nestled in pristine natural surroundings, these accommodations are comfortable and committed to preserving the environment, protecting precious resources, and positively impacting the lives of communities in the surrounding areas.
“We have really enjoyed the uniqueness of each of the lodges and seen a huge range of animals, but the best experience so far has been coming within meters of 2 male lions who looked us straight in the eyes before continuing on their way!”
— Alice K., Walnut Creek, CA
Footsteps of Giants - Dates & Prices
Footsteps of Giants Zimbabwe Safari operates June 1st through November 30th and may start on any day of the week, subject to availability. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, unless otherwise specified.
For travel during the “Green Season” (December through May), an alternate 11-day itinerary is offered.
(one day less at Nehimba, and one additional day at Victoria Falls). Call for details.
Seasonal Pricing
Primary Season (June through November): $8460. Upgrade to Victoria Falls River Lodge: +555
Green Season (January through May + 01Dec - 19Dec): $6825. Upgrade to Victoria Falls River Lodge: +1200
Green Season Festive (Dec 20 - Dec 31): $8460. Upgrade to Victoria Falls River Lodge: +1200
Inclusions and exclusions
Inclusions
All airport transfers
All rail and road transfers within Hwange National Park
All accommodations as specified in the itinerary
All meals and beverages
All guides, activities, tours and sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
All park fees
Exclusions (costs subject to change without prior notice)
International airfares, airport taxes and fees
Visas
Tips for guides (at your discretion)
Excess baggage charges, or other items of a personal nature.
Any insurance coverage for trip cancellation-interruption, travel accident, travel delay, baggage delay or baggage theft
Any medical or hospitalization expenses.
Deposit, Payment & Cancellation Schedule
INDIVIDUAL BOOKINGS OF ONE TO FOUR TRAVELERS
Deposit
A deposit of $1500 per person is due at time of booking
Payment
The balance is due 90 days before departure
Any additional arrangements may incur further deposits, due at time of booking those services
Cancellation
Up to 151 days before departure – deposit may be refunded, or transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date
150-91 days before departure – deposit is non-refundable, but may be transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date.
90-61 days before departure – all monies received are non-refundable, but may be transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date.
60-0 days before departure – 100% of full trip price is forfeited
Cancellation due to force majeure (circumstances outside your control, including medical illness) must be covered by travel insurance. INCA/Inca Floats, Inc. will not be responsible
SMALL GROUPS OF FIVE OR MORE TRAVELERS
Deposit
An initial deposit of $1500 per person is due at time of booking
A second deposit of $1500 per person is due 150 days before departure
Payment
The balance is due 90 days before departure
Any additional arrangements may incur further deposits, due at time of booking those services
Cancellation
Up to 151 days before departure – the initial deposit may be refunded or transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date
150-91 days before departure – initial deposit and second deposit are non-refundable, but may be transferred to a new departure within one year of original trip date
90-61 days before departure – 50% of full trip price is forfeited. The remaining balance is non-refundable, but may be transferred towards a new departure within one year of original trip date
60-0 days before departure – 100% of full trip price is forfeited
Cancellation due to force majeure (circumstances outside your control, including medical illness) must be covered by travel insurance. INCA/Inca Floats, Inc. will not be responsible
See additional Terms & Conditions »
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Hwange National Park is during the dry season between July and October, when the vegetation is low and it is easy to spot the animals. During the green season (late November to early April), there is a smaller volume of game because of the rains, though great game viewing can be had. This is a great time for photographers and birders as the bush is green, the waterholes are full of lilies and the birdlife is at its best. The heaviest rains occur in December and January, though the typical rains are short afternoon showers.
Victoria Falls is best between May and September. Water levels at the falls peak in May, and start dropping until they're barely a trickle as November approaches.
What will I will see?
You have an excellent chance of spotting the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wild Dog and Cape Buffalo during the course of this safari. You will also see zebra, giraffe, hippos, and a spectacular array of bird life—over 400 species!
How can I be sure this is the right trip for me?
This wildlife safari has been designed for anyone seeking outstanding comfort and service. Activities range from open 4WD vehicle game drives to foot safaris and canoeing. However, all activities are strictly optional and designed for average fitness.