Curiosity Safaris
Safari Retreats
Zimbabwe Mana Pools Elephant Expedition
Elephants for Africa
From
$10000
Group Size
8 Guests
Duration
8 Days
Safari Date
November 2027
Location
Victoria Falls & Mana Pools Zimbabwe
Overview
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty and raw power of Victoria Falls and the surrounding town of Livingstone on this immersive journey that blends adventure, culture, wildlife, and some of Africa’s most iconic scenery. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world, where the Zambezi River plunges into a dramatic basalt gorge, sending mist high into the sky and creating ever-present rainbows across the rainforest fringe.
This journey offers a full exploration of both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the Falls, giving you contrasting perspectives of the cascades, viewpoints, and thundering gorge system. Guided rainforest walks reveal hidden viewpoints, while optional helicopter flights provide a breathtaking aerial perspective of the endless curtain of water. On the calmer stretches of the Zambezi River upstream, sunset cruises offer a peaceful counterbalance to the Falls’ intensity, where hippos surface, crocodiles bask on sandbanks, and elephants often move through riverine forests and even across the edges of Livingstone itself, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Optional experiences add further depth and adventure, including adrenaline activities such as Devil’s Pool on the edge of the Falls (seasonal), white-water rafting through the gorge, or guided rhino tracking in nearby conservation areas. The region’s welcoming communities, lively markets, and rich cultural heritage also provide meaningful insight into local life, making the experience as human as it is natural.
From Livingstone, the journey continues to the remote wilderness of Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located along the lower Zambezi River. This untouched landscape is defined by vast floodplains, open woodlands, and ancient forests of acacia, fig, and mahogany trees. The park is especially famous for its seasonal gatherings of wildlife around permanent waterholes, where elephants, buffalo, hippos, zebras, and antelope congregate, closely followed by predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs.
Mana Pools offers one of Africa’s most immersive safari experiences, where walking safaris and canoe excursions allow for extraordinary proximity to wildlife. Guided on foot by expert rangers, visitors can track animals across open floodplains or paddle quietly past elephants and hippos along the river’s edge. Fishing for tigerfish adds another layer of adventure to this multi-dimensional wilderness.
The park is also renowned for its iconic elephant bulls, some of which have become famous for their rare behaviour of standing on their hind legs to reach high branches. Among the best known are Boswell, Fred Astaire, and several other monitored tuskers whose unique feeding behaviour has fascinated researchers and visitors alike.
Together, Victoria Falls and Mana Pools offer a journey of contrasts — from one of the world’s great natural spectacles to one of Africa’s most pristine and intimate wildernesses.
Curiosity & Conservation Safari Guide
Dr Kate Evans is the Founder & Director of Research of Elephants for Africa. She is an award-winning behavioral ecologist and conservation biologist who conducted her PhD ‘The behavioral ecology and movements of adolescent male African elephant in the Okavango Delta, Botswana’ through the University of Bristol. Her interest in male elephants has expanded to focus on the social and ecological requirements of male elephants in the context of a human landscape. She continues to be inspired by the wilderness of Botswana and is passionate about conserving African savanna elephants.nKate is the Project Coordinator of the Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre and was award an Honorary Doctorate in Science from the University of Swansea.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Zimbabwe & Fly to Mana Pools
- Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport and connect to a charter flight into Mana Pools National Park.
- Transfer on arrival to Kanga Camp, set beside a busy wildlife waterhole.
- Settle into camp and enjoy your first afternoon game drive in the Mana ecosystem.
- Meet elephant researcher Dr Kate Evans and enjoy sundowners overlooking the waterhole.
Day 2 – Full Safari Exploration at Kanga Camp
- Spend a full day exploring Mana Pools through game drives and walking safaris.
- Optional canoeing on the Zambezi River (water levels permitting).
- Observe elephants, wild dogs, lions, and abundant birdlife around the camp waterhole.
- Attend elephant-focused talks and discussions with Dr Kate Evans.
Day 3 – Deep Dive into Mana Pools Wilderness
- Choose from morning and afternoon game drives across Mana Pools’ diverse landscapes.
- Join guided walking safaris for close-up wildlife encounters on foot.
- Continue optional canoe excursions along the Zambezi River channels.
- Relax at camp and attend further educational elephant lectures.
Day 4 – Transfer to Nyamatusi Camp & New Concession
- Enjoy a final morning game drive before relocating within Mana Pools National Park.
- Transfer to Nyamatusi Camp on the banks of the Zambezi River.
- Settle into camp and head out for an afternoon safari in the new concession.
- Attend an evening lecture focused on elephant behaviour and conservation.
Day 5 – Zambezi River Safari Experience
- Spend a full day exploring the riverine landscapes around Nyamatusi Camp.
- Enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and canoeing along the Zambezi River.
- Encounter elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and rich birdlife in abundance.
- Continue learning about elephants with Dr Kate Evans’ guided sessions.
Day 6 – Immersive Mana Pools Exploration
- Dedicate a full day to deeper exploration of Mana Pools’ wilderness areas.
- Track wildlife on foot with experienced guides in remote zones.
- Enjoy slow-paced game drives with time for photography and observation.
- Relax at camp while wildlife moves along the riverbanks.
Day 7 – Return to Victoria Falls
- Enjoy an early morning safari activity depending on flight schedule.
- Transfer to the airstrip for your charter flight back to Victoria Falls Airport.
- Arrive and transfer to Palm River Hotel on the Zambezi River.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying first views of Victoria Falls.
Day 8 – Victoria Falls & Livingstone Exploration
- Explore both Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of Victoria Falls (passport permitting).
- Choose from optional activities such as helicopter flights, river cruises, or guided walks.
- Enjoy adventure experiences including rafting, island lunches, or rhino tracking.
- End the day with sunset views over the Zambezi River.
Day 9 – Departure from Victoria Falls
- Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Palm River Hotel.
- Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for onward travel.
- Reflect on your safari through Mana Pools and Victoria Falls.
- Depart with memories of elephants in one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
Disclaimer
Please note that as these retreats and expeditions take place in nature, and nature is often unpredictable we cannot guarantee weather and wildlife viewings. Adaptations to itineraries may need to be made to ensure that we can provide the best possible experience for you. In the event of unforeseen circumstances and emergencies facilitators or guides may be substituted. Departures are not guaranteed as a minimum amount of guests are required for retreats to take place. Retreats and wellness experiences are not psychological or medical treatment.
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