Zimbabwe – Hwange and Kariba circuit – 4 or more days

February 15, 2026
Posted by Kavango Zambezi

Zimbabwe – Hwange and Kariba circuit – 4 or more days

Victoria Falls → Hwange National Park → Lake Kariba

This safari combines Zimbabwe’s iconic Victoria Falls with two of the country’s premier birding destinations: the elephant-rich plains of Hwange National Park and the aquatic wilderness of Lake Kariba’s Matusadona National Park. Each location offers unique habitats and spectacular species.

Victoria Falls – One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya – “The Smoke That Thunders”) is a breathtaking curtain of water where the Zambezi River plunges over 100 meters into a narrow gorge. The falls create a unique microclimate, supporting lush rainforest in an otherwise semi-arid region.

Victoria Falls National Park is a birding paradise with over 400 species recorded across its diverse habitats: the mighty Zambezi River, spray-drenched rainforest, mopane woodland, and riverine forest.

Where to stay: Camping – Chamabonda Sleep-out Platforms, Chundu 1 & 2, Victoria Falls Rest Camp

Lodges – Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Elephant Camp, The Wallow, Old Drift Lodge, Shearwater Village or Bayete Guest Lodge

Drive from Victoria Falls (approximately 2 hours) OR fly to Robins Camp airstrip
Deteema Springs occupies a small, exclusive concession in the renowned northern region of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve covering 14,650 km². Perched on a rocky rise near the Deteema Dam, the camp overlooks permanent natural springs that attract exceptional concentrations of wildlife, particularly massive elephant herds.

The camp’s elevated position provides magnificent panoramic views, allowing guests to observe wildlife from the comfort of the main area—elephants drinking at the springs, buffalo herds moving across the plains, and countless birds visiting the water.

Game drives: Morning and afternoon drives through diverse habitats—open plains, teak woodland, mopane forests, and around seasonal pans

Walking safaris: Deteema offers outstanding guided walks—an intimate way to experience the bush and observe smaller creatures, tracks, and birds at close range

Camp-based wildlife viewing: The springs below camp provide continuous animal activity throughout the day

Deteema is famous for elephant sightings—hundreds of elephants visit the springs, particularly during the dry season (May-October). Other regularly seen species include buffalo (in large herds), giraffe, greater kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, and numerous antelope species. Predators include lion, leopard, spotted hyena, and wild dog (seasonal).

Hwange is a premier birding location, particularly renowned for raptors and migratory species (abundant November-April).

Raptor paradise: The open plains, teak woodland, and permanent water create ideal raptor habitat with high prey density.

Fly from Robins Camp airstrip to Bumi Hills airstrip, then road and boat transfer to Musango

Musango Safari Camp is an exclusive, owner-operated luxury camp positioned on the pristine shoreline of Lake Kariba, adjacent to Matusadona National Park—one of Zimbabwe’s premier wilderness areas. This intimate camp offers only six twin luxury safari tents, each with en-suite bathrooms built of natural stone. Set in thick indigenous forest, the tented rooms face east over the vast lake toward the rising sun.

Lake Kariba, created in the 1950s by damming the Zambezi River, is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, stretching 280km long and up to 32km wide. The lake’s flooded valleys, drowned forests (with haunting skeletal trees still standing), and extensive shoreline have created a unique aquatic ecosystem teeming with wildlife.

Musango’s experienced guides tailor safaris to provide unrivalled wildlife experiences.

Matusadona National Park is recognized as a specialist birding destination, offering opportunities to observe rare and sought-after species that draw dedicated birders from around the world. The combination of open water flooded forests, shoreline vegetation, grasslands, and mopane woodland creates exceptional habitat diversity.

Over 350 bird species have been recorded in the Matusadona area.

Lake Kariba birding is exceptional because boat safaris allow close, relaxed approaches to waterbirds without disturbance. Dawn and dusk boat trips offer magical light and peak bird activity.

Where to stay alternatives: Rhino Safari Camp, Fothergill Island, Spurwing Island, Musango Safari Camp

Fly from Kariba to Victoria Falls

Final day options: