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12-Day Zimbabwe Explorer Tour

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

12-Day Zimbabwe Explorer Tour

5.0 / 5 · 47 reviews Offered by Exec Africa Travel and Tours 12-Day

Overview

Zimbabwe is a nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and a rich culture. It is considered one of Africa's leading safari destinations. Victoria Falls- known to locals as "The Smoke That Thunders" is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants and for providing close encounters with other wildlife.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

12-Day

Route

Victoria Falls Town to Harare

Via Victoria Falls, Hwange NP, Bulawayo (City)

Country & park

Zimbabwe / Hwange National Park

Style

Mid-range safari

Group size

1-12 travelers

Starts

Any day if available

Minimum age

3 years

Activities

game drives, nature hikes/walks & boat trip

Accommodation

Bayete Guest Lodge - Mid-range lodge at Victoria Falls

Meals

Day 1: Dinner Included; Day 2: Breakfast & Dinner Included; Day 3: Breakfast & Dinner Included; Day 4: All Meals Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

USD

12-Day Zimbabwe Explorer Tour
Hwange National Park visual context for this itinerary.

Rates

Rates Per Person

USD

Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 n/a* USD $4,875 USD

Before booking

Important To Know

This tour is not available to solo travelers or groups larger than 6 people.
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 3 years and older.

Quote flow

Request Guidance

We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Request a Quote

Route

Tour route map
country Zimbabwe
Start Victoria Falls Town (Day 1)
Day 1-2 Victoria Falls
Day 3-4 Hwange NP
Day 5 Bulawayo (City)
Day 6 Matobo NP
Day 7 Khami (Ruins)
Day 8 Great Zimbabwe (Ruins)
Day 9 Vumba Mountains (Mountain Range)
Day 10 Nyanga NP (Eastern Highlands)
Day 11 Harare (City)
Day 12 Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport (Harare)
End Harare (Day 12)

Tour Features

Mid-range tour

This mid-range tour uses lodges and resorts.

Private tour

This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.

Can start any day

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Can be customized

You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.

Not for solo travelers

Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.

3
Minimum age of 3 years

The minimum age for this tour is 3 years.

Activities & Transportation

Activities: game drives, nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Game drives: open-sided 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: minivan
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included

Accommodation & Meals

Bayete Guest Lodge

Day 1-2

Bayete Guest Lodge

Mid-range lodge at Victoria Falls

Day 1: Dinner Included; Day 2: Breakfast & Dinner Included

Bayete Guest LodgeBayete Guest LodgeBayete Guest Lodge
Hwange Safari Lodge

Day 3-4

Hwange Safari Lodge

Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP without fences

Day 3: Breakfast & Dinner Included; Day 4: All Meals Included

Hwange Safari LodgeHwange Safari LodgeHwange Safari Lodge
Banff Lodge Hotel

Day 5-6

Banff Lodge Hotel

Mid-range hotel in Bulawayo (City)

Day 5: Breakfast & Dinner Included; Day 6: All Meals Included

Banff Lodge HotelBanff Lodge HotelBanff Lodge Hotel
Clevers Lake View Resort

Day 7

Clevers Lake View Resort

Budget guest house in Masvingo (Town) – Breakfast & Dinner Included

Breakfast & Dinner Included

Clevers Lake View ResortClevers Lake View ResortClevers Lake View Resort
Clevers Lake View Resort

Day 8

Clevers Lake View Resort

Budget guest house less than 1hr drive from Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) – Breakfast & Dinner Included

Breakfast & Dinner Included

Forest Hills Resort

Day 9

Forest Hills Resort

Mid-range hotel in Eastern Highlands (Mountain Range) – Breakfast & Dinner Included

Breakfast & Dinner Included

Forest Hills ResortForest Hills ResortForest Hills Resort
Troutbeck Resort

Day 10

Troutbeck Resort

Mid-range resort just outside Nyanga NP (Eastern Highlands) – Breakfast & Dinner Included

Breakfast & Dinner Included

Troutbeck ResortTroutbeck ResortTroutbeck Resort
Bronte Garden Hotel

Day 11

Bronte Garden Hotel

Mid-range hotel in Harare (City) – Breakfast & Dinner Included

Breakfast & Dinner Included

Bronte Garden HotelBronte Garden HotelBronte Garden Hotel

Day 12

End of tour

No accommodation

(No accommodation)

Breakfast Included

Day By Day

Tour step

Arrival

You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Victoria Falls

Day 1

Victoria Falls

Upon arrival at the Victoria Falls International Airport, you will be met by an Exec Africa Travel and Tours guide and you will be transferred to the lodge. Your tour starting point will be situated in Victoria Falls and the starting time will be 3:00 pm. You will finish your day with a spectacular sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The Zambezi Sunset cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets. Flocks of birds skim the waterline as the sun sets behind the African skyline. You may have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, and elephant as well as enjoy the many different bird species. Mid-range lodge located at Victoria Falls Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Victoria Falls Stay: Bayete Guest Lodge Mid-range lodge located at Victoria Falls Meals: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinks not included
Victoria Falls

Day 2

Victoria Falls

After breakfast, you will enjoy a walking tour of the Victoria Falls. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is Nature’s Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality and nothing prepares you for your first sight. This tour is conducted in the morning. En route, you may be taken past the ‘Big Tree’ where you may stop and take photos. You will be accompanied through the Rainforest by your qualified tour guide who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Your tour guide will also be happy to assist you with photographs whilst visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls. Raincoats are provided when needed. The rest of your afternoon will be spent at leisure where you can book one of many activities with your guide. Mid-range lodge located at Victoria Falls Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Victoria Falls Stay: Bayete Guest Lodge Mid-range lodge located at Victoria Falls Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Victoria Falls - Hwange National Park

Day 3

Victoria Falls - Hwange National Park

This morning after having a hearty breakfast, you will make the journey south to Hwange. In the afternoon we will take you on a visit to a local village, where you can catch a glimpse of how people here live on a daily basis. You will have an opportunity to experience the day in the life of local Zimbabweans at a village and learn about their daily life and they are from the Nambya Speaking Tribe. You will have the opportunity to use all of our five senses that is smell, touch, taste, see and hear from the villagers. This is an opportunity for intercultural exchange between the local people and you our travelers. It also gives you the opportunity to interact with the locals thereby giving you first-hand experience of what life is like living in a village. A great way in order for you to learn and have a great experience with village life is to participate actively in all the activities that will be done at the village. You will be accorded some time to explore on your own. Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP without fences Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Hwange National Park Stay: Hwange Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP without fences Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Hwange National Park

Day 4

Hwange National Park

Come and see the best of Hwange National Park as we take you out on a guided full-day game drive. It really is a terrific way to feel a part of Africa with the wind in your hair as we drive you around to look for animals. You will visit the Hwange National Park which is one of the best places to see wildlife anywhere in southern Africa. It's a massive park with a good mix of quieter trails and excellent safari infrastructure. Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP without fences All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Hwange National Park Stay: Hwange Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge bordering Hwange NP without fences Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Hwange National Park - Bulawayo

Day 5

Hwange National Park - Bulawayo

After breakfast, you will depart for Bulawayo which is the second largest city in Zimbabwe with wide tree-lined streets and surrounded by beautiful parks. Welcome to one of the loveliest cities in southern Africa. Bulawayo has pretty tree-lined streets, charming colonial buildings, and attractions that range from great museums to important historical ruins. The city is also one of the most important cultural centers of the Matabeleland region. You will learn more about this beautiful city by visiting the Bulawayo National Museum before or after checking into your lodge. Mid-range hotel located in Bulawayo (City) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Bulawayo (City) Stay: Banff Lodge Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Bulawayo (City) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Full-Day Tour of Matobo National Park

Day 6

Full-Day Tour of Matobo National Park

You will spend the day exploring Matobos National Park with a local guide. The Matobo Hills are sculpted by the strong winds in the area and are the site of various intriguing Bushman paintings. This park contains an exceptional cultural and spiritual significance to the indigenous people populating this region. The reserve contains the highest population of leopards and black eagles in the world, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for these magnificent animals. The park received recognition as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 2003 and includes an intensive protection zone that is home to both black and white rhinoceros. It is named after the Ndebele word “Matobo “, which means “bald heads” and refers to the rounded granite hills that surround it. You will return to Bulawayo and stay for the night. Mid-range hotel located in Bulawayo (City) All meals included Drinks not included

Destination: Matobo National Park Stay: Banff Lodge Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Bulawayo (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Bulawayo - Masvingo

Day 7

Bulawayo - Masvingo

After having your breakfast in the morning, you will head to the Khami World Heritage Site. It is formerly known as Khami Ruins which is an extensive complex of stonewalled sites that lies just west of Bulawayo. The area around Khami has had a long history of human occupation. Large pear-shaped tools from the Early Stone Age can be found, but more common are the smaller tools left behind by Middle Stone Age as well as the arrow tips left from the Late Stone Age. After visiting the Khami Ruins, you will then depart from Bulawayo making your way towards the east of the country to the small town of Masvingo. Close-by to the town of Masvingo is one of the most crucial archaeological sites in the whole of Southern Africa called the Great Zimbabwe Monument. The rest of the afternoon upon arrival will be spent at leisure. Budget guest house located in Masvingo (Town) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Khami Ruins (Ruins) Stay: Clevers Lake View Resort Budget guest house located in Masvingo (Town) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Day 8

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

You will visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a hugely significant ruined city built of stone. It tells the story of the Bantu civilization from the 13th century and beyond; it was also the fabled capital of the Queen of Sheba. The museum has many of the most important archaeological finds (including the famous carved soapstone birds), and you will enjoy exploring the Great Enclosure, the Hill Complex and more. Budget guest house located less than 1hr drive from Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) Stay: Clevers Lake View Resort Budget guest house located less than 1hr drive from Great Zimbabwe (Ruins) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Masvingo - Vumba Mountain

Day 9

Masvingo - Vumba Mountain

You will be departing from Great Zimbabwe, making your way towards the east of the country to the city of Mutare. Close-by to the city of Mutare is one of the most crucial landscape sites in the whole of Southern Africa. Resting on the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border, 30 km southeast of Mutare is the spectacular Vumba Mountains. The Vumba Mountains rise to an impressive 1911 m peak at the Castle Beacon. The year-round abundance of exotic flora and fauna makes the Vumba mountains an ideal destination for lovers seeking the rarest bird and butterfly species in the region. Here, you will be captivated by the scenery and lush mountains. Vumba Mountains is really a hidden gem untouched by the buzz and evils of men. You tend to forget where you are as the mountains draw you in and you earn to be in touch with nature. You will have a mountain hike at Vumba mountain for your included activity. Mid-range hotel located in Eastern Highlands (Mountain Range) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Vumba Mountains (Mountain Range) Stay: Forest Hills Resort Mid-range hotel located in Eastern Highlands (Mountain Range) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Mutarazi Falls

Day 10

Mutarazi Falls

After an early breakfast, you will leave the magnificent city of Mutare and head through the diverse scenery of farmlands and into the magnificent mountainous area of the Eastern highlands to Trout Back Resort in Nyanga. Whilst on your journey you will pass through the Mutarazi Falls where you will do the famos Skyline and Skywalk as part of your included activities. The afternoon is spent at leisure for you to explore and relax. You will get to enjoy the scenery of the hotel, and take a stroll down to the dam to watch the rainbow trout diving through the waters. Mid-range resort located just outside Nyanga NP (Eastern Highlands) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Nyanga National Park (Eastern Highlands) Stay: Troutbeck Resort Mid-range resort located just outside Nyanga NP (Eastern Highlands) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Nyanga - Harare

Day 11

Nyanga - Harare

A leisurely departure sees you leaving Nyanga going to Harare which is Zimbabwe’s capital city after visiting the Nyangombe Falls. This tour exposes an impeccably clean city that is bustling with busy shops, wide open streets and warm hospitality from its residents. You will have a leisurely city tour upon arrival in Harare. Mid-range hotel located in Harare (City) Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Harare (City) Stay: Bronte Garden Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Harare (City) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinks not included
Harare International Airport

Day 12

Harare International Airport

On this last day of the Victoria Falls to Harare tour you get to enjoy breakfast before checking out and being transferred to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

Destination: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

Tour step

End of tour

Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.

Included

Park fees (For non-residents)

All activities (Unless labeled as optional)

All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)

A professional driver/guide

All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Excluded

International flights (From/to home)

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips (Tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)

Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Getting There

This tour starts in Victoria Falls Town and ends in Harare, Zimbabwe
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA - Check price)
Fly back from Harare Airport (HRE - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Exec Africa Travel and Tours
Exec Africa Travel and Tours logo

Offered by

Exec Africa Travel and Tours

5.0 operator rating 47 reviews

Exec Africa Travel and Tours is a Zimbabwe-based tour company dedicated to delivering exceptional service and personalized attention to every client. Fully registered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, we operate in full compliance with all industry regulations. With extensive experience in the tourism sector, our passionate team is ready to craft unforgettable safaris and share the beauty, culture, and wildlife of Southern Africa with you

Office In

Zimbabwe

Size

1-5 employees (Founded in 2019)

Tour Types

Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day

Destinations

Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Traveler feedback

Reviews

5.00 average

Overall

5.0/5

Communication

5.0/5

Accuracy

5.0/5

Value

5.0/5

Safety clarity

5.0/5

Cultural value

5.0/5
Verified

Our wonderful guide Likhwa was always attentive and tried to make every day special for us.

Even before our trip, we were impressed by Exec Africa's good organisation and communication. Based on a suggested tour, we were able to easily change or add to the itinerary according to our wishes. Our guide Likhwa (Lee) introduced himself before the trip and then picked us up directly from the airport in Victoria Falls. The hotels on our tour from Hwange to Maun were well chosen and all the planned tours/excursions were private (except the boat trip on the Chobe River) and took place as planned. Maybe you can get this or a similar trip cheaper, but we were very satisfied with the trip and this was certainly due to the good organisation of Exec Africa. Lee was very attentive and always tried to fulfil our wishes. In Maun, for example, we were given a room right behind the kitchen (including the smell and noise). We expressed our dissatisfaction about this in passing and he immediately endeavoured to change our room without being asked. He also always paid attention to whether we wanted to take a photo or just take a short break on the way. Overall, our trip with all the tours was cleverly organised and therefore very varied. We would therefore recommend Exec Africa and our guide Lee without reservation.

Hwange national park
Hwange national park
Victoria falls - Helicopter flight
Sambesi river - sunset cruise

Heiko & Gabi · Germany

Verified

Highly recommended for nature lovers and first-time visitors.

The 8-day trip from Victoria Falls to the Okavango Delta with Exec Africa Travel and Tours was an unforgettable adventure. From the breathtaking power of Victoria Falls to the tranquil mokoro rides in the delta, each day brought new surprises. The itinerary was well-paced, combining wildlife safaris, cultural experiences and comfortable accommodation. Our guide Joseph was knowledgeable, friendly and ensured we felt safe and informed throughout the journey. Highlights included the wildlife of Chobe National Park, stunning sunsets and the peaceful remoteness of the delta. The transport was reliable and the food exceeded expectations. If you are looking for a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation in one of South Africa’s most iconic landscapes, then contact Exec Africa Travel and Tours. Highly recommended for nature lovers and first-time visitors.

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travel time
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Belinda Johnson · United Kingdom

Verified

Seamless, Stunning, and Soulful – Our 5-Day Journey Through Africa’s Wonders

My friend and I recently embarked on the 5-day Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park Tour with Exec Africa Travel and Tours and we can confidently say it was one of the most unforgettable travel experiences we’ve ever had. From the very first inquiry to the final drop-off, the entire journey was seamless, exciting, and deeply enriching – all thanks to a truly outstanding team. A special shout-out to Mr. Likhwa (Lee), our incredible tour guide whose warmth, knowledge, and professionalism elevated the entire trip. Lee wasn’t just a guide – he was a storyteller, a wildlife expert, a cultural ambassador and a genuinely great person to be around. Whether we were marveling at the thundering beauty of Victoria Falls, cruising along the Chobe River among elephants and hippos, or tracking white rhinos in Mosi-oa-Tunya, Lee's passion and attentiveness made every moment feel personal and profound. Equally deserving of praise is Manuel, our reservations consultant, who ensured everything was meticulously organized before we even set foot on Zimbabwean soil. His communication was prompt and transparent, and he patiently worked with us to tailor the itinerary to our exact preferences. Payment confirmations, accommodation details, cross-border logistics – everything was handled smoothly and professionally. Manuel truly set the tone for the high level of service we were about to receive. The accommodations were well-chosen, the transitions between Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana were handled effortlessly and every single day was packed with awe-inspiring sights and enriching cultural interactions. We felt safe, informed, and genuinely cared for throughout the journey. If you are dreaming of discovering Southern Africa’s natural wonders with a team that prioritizes excellence, authenticity, and attention to detail, look no further than Exec Africa Travel and Tours. Thank you, Lee and Manuel, for creating a travel memory we will cherish for a lifetime.

Thomas · United Kingdom

Verified

We had an unforgettable adventure!

We had an unforgettable adventure! From the dry plains of the Hwange to the lush wetlands of the Okavango Delta, each stop was unique. The Hwange and Chobe game drives were filled with elephant, lion, and even wildebeest sightings. Victoria Falls was a great mid-trip attraction, with stunning views and optional adrenaline activities. The Delta was a peaceful contrast - canoe rides, walking safaris, and great bird watching. The accommodations were of a high standard, a mix of comfort and closeness to nature. Our guide LEE made the trip special with his deep knowledge and attention to detail. The food and service exceeded expectations. The itinerary was well-paced and had a great mix of activities. A must do for wildlife lovers and first-time visitors to Africa. We would happily do it again.

tour car
elephant
Zebra

Marcos Mendez · Canada

Practical answers

Tour FAQs

8 answers

Are rates charged per person?

Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.

Which currency is this tour priced in?

This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).

Can children join this tour?

This tour accepts children who are 3 years and older.

Can this tour start on my preferred date?

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Can the itinerary be customized?

You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.

Where do travelers stay during this tour?

Bayete Guest Lodge - Mid-range lodge at Victoria Falls. Meals: Day 1: Dinner Included; Day 2: Breakfast & Dinner Included

Are airport transfers included?

A transfer from and back to the airport is included

How does the quote request work?

We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators () Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly

Operator policy

Terms and Conditions

Booking terms

Disclaimer

This tour is offered by Exec Africa Travel and Tours, not SafariBookings.

This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.

If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.

The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.

If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.

This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Exec Africa Travel and Tours.

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