A True Walking Safari in Hwange National Park
Experience one of Africa’s most authentic wilderness adventures on a six-night Zimbabwe fly camp safari in Hwange National Park, the country’s largest and most wildlife-rich protected area. This immersive mobile safari explores two contrasting ecosystems — the open Kalahari sandveld in southern Hwange and the remote mopane woodlands of the north — each offering exceptional wildlife and birding opportunities.
This is a walking and game drive safari in Zimbabwe designed for deep immersion, where expert guiding brings every track, sound, and encounter to life. Days are carefully balanced between guided walking safaris in Hwange National Park and off-road game drives, allowing guests to experience the bush at a slower, more connected pace.
Wildlife & Birding in Hwange
Hwange is renowned for its large elephant herds, predator populations including lion, hyena, and leopard, and over 400 recorded bird species. The shifting landscapes of sandveld and mopane woodland create diverse habitats that support an extraordinary range of wildlife encounters throughout the safari.
Fly Camp Experience in the Zimbabwe Wilderness
Accommodation is in intimate, semi-permanent fly camps, set up exclusively for each departure. These classic under-canvas bush camps combine simplicity with comfort, featuring:
- Spacious safari tents in remote wilderness locations
- En-suite outdoor bush bathrooms
- Shaded verandas overlooking pristine landscapes
At night, the safari becomes deeply atmospheric as elephants move through camp, lions call in the distance, and hyenas echo across the plains — an immersive Hwange National Park wilderness camping experience unlike any lodge stay.
This safari is designed as a slow, guided walking experience in Zimbabwe, led by one of Africa’s most respected safari experts. It offers a rare opportunity to explore Hwange on foot, away from crowds and vehicles, reconnecting with the raw essence of the African bush.
This is safari in its purest form — unfiltered, intimate, and deeply immersive, combining expert guiding, mobile fly camps, and one of Africa’s greatest wilderness areas.
| Starts in Victoria Falls | Ends in Victoria Falls | Duration: 7 Days | Book as private guided safari |
Highlights:
Hwange National Park: Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife sanctuary, known for its vast, untamed landscapes and exceptional biodiversity.
Kennedy Pans: Open Kalahari sandveld with productive waterholes attracting large concentrations of game.
Robins Region: A remote northern wilderness with one of the highest densities of lion in Hwange.
Guided Walking Safaris: A close-up, sensory experience revealing tracks, behaviour and hidden details of the bush.
Predator Viewing: Strong chances of encountering lion, leopard, cheetah and African wild dog across both regions.
Fly Camp experience: Classic under-canvas safari living, fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the wild.
Campfire evenings: Evenings under the stars with the sounds of hyena and owl completing the atmosphere.
Top Mammals:
African Elephant, African Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, African Wild Dog, African Buffalo, Spotted Hyena, Greater Kudu, Plains Zebra, Sable Antelope
Top Birds:
Lilac-breasted Roller, Kori Bustard, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Swainson’s Spurfowl, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Southern Ground Hornbill
What to expect:
Itinerary summary
| Day 1 | Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park |
| Day 2-6 | Hwange National Park |
| Day 7 | Departure |
Day to Day Itinerary
DAY 1: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park.
Arrival at Victoria Falls Airport is met with a seamless transfer into Hwange National Park, where the journey into one of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness areas begins. The first fly camp, set in the Kennedy region of southern Hwange, is already prepared and waiting, positioned in the heart of Kalahari sandveld and open pans.
Accommodation is under canvas, with generously sized tents featuring comfortable beds dressed in crisp cotton linen, a covered veranda with seating, and a private en-suite al fresco bathroom with a flushing toilet. Hot water and fresh towels are provided morning and evening, while durable rip-stop canvas and ventilated windows ensure comfort in all conditions.
After settling into the spacious under-canvas tents, the afternoon unfolds with a gentle introduction to the bush, either on a short drive or walk. Early encounters may include African Elephant, Burchell’s Zebra, Impala and the ever-present tracks of predators. As dusk settles, dinner is served under the stars, with the distant calls of Spotted Hyena and African Scops Owl carrying through the night.
DAY 2: Hwange National Park.
The rhythm of the safari begins with early morning coffee before heading out on a game drive across the Kennedy plains. This landscape is known for its busy waterholes, attracting large herds of African Elephant and African Buffalo, particularly in the dry season. Lion and Spotted Hyena are often encountered in these areas, while Cheetah and Leopard remain possible. Birdlife is prolific, with species such as Lilac-breasted Roller, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver and Kori Bustard frequently seen.
After a cooked breakfast back at camp and time to rest through the heat of the day, the afternoon is dedicated to a guided walk. On foot, smaller details come into focus—fresh tracks, alarm calls, and the intricate relationships between species. We will enjoy a fireside dinner.
DAY 3: Hwange National Park.
A full day continues to explore the southern reaches of Hwange, alternating between vehicle and walking safaris. Time spent around the pans reveals the delicate balance between grazers and predators, with species such as Blue Wildebeest, Greater Kudu and Gemsbok present in the area. African Wild Dog occasionally move through this region, offering rare and memorable sightings. Birding remains rewarding, with Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Swainson’s Spurfowl, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove and Shaft-tailed Whydah all possible.
The slower pace of the afternoon walk allows for close observation of tracks, dung, and plant use, building a deeper understanding of the ecosystem. The final night in this region is spent fully immersed in the sounds of the wilderness.
DAY 4: Hwange National Park.
After a final morning activity and breakfast, the journey continues northwards through Hwange to the more remote Robins region. The shift in landscape is immediately apparent, transitioning into mopane woodland and more varied terrain. The second fly camp is set in a secluded wilderness area known for its high concentration of Lion and diverse antelope species. The same thoughtful tented setup awaits, combining simplicity with comfort—spacious canvas tents, en-suite outdoor bathrooms, and shaded verandas overlooking the bush.
After settling in, an afternoon drive introduces this new environment, with sightings often including African Elephant, Buffalo and possibly Tsessebe and Reedbuck. The evening once again centres around the campfire, with the sense of isolation and remoteness heightened in this quieter part of the park.
DAY 5: Hwange National Park.
Exploration of the Robins region focuses on both drives and guided walks, with particular attention to predator activity. This area is renowned for its Lion populations, and encounters are often close and prolonged. Leopard and Spotted Hyena are regularly recorded, while Cheetah and African Wild Dog remain possible. The diversity of antelope is notable, including Tsessebe, Waterbuck and Sable Antelope.
Birdlife is equally rich, with sightings of Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Grey Go-away-bird and White-crested Helmetshrike adding to the experience. Walking safaris reveal the finer details of the bush, from spoor identification to the behaviour of smaller species often overlooked from a vehicle.
DAY 6: Hwange National Park.
A final full day in northern Hwange allows for deeper exploration of this remote wilderness. Time may be spent around waterholes where wildlife congregates, offering excellent photographic opportunities and prolonged observation. Large herds of Elephants and Buffalo dominate the scene, often accompanied by opportunistic predators nearby. Birding continues to impress, with species such as African Fish Eagle, Southern Ground Hornbill and Bradfield’s Hornbill possible.
The unhurried pace of the day reinforces the immersive nature of the experience, with each activity shaped by the movement of wildlife and the insights of a world-renowned guide. The last evening in camp is marked by a sense of connection to the landscape, far removed from modern distractions.
DAY 7: Departure.
An early morning activity provides a final opportunity to experience Hwange on foot or by vehicle before returning to camp for breakfast. The transfer back to Victoria Falls Airport follows, bringing the safari to a close. The experience leaves a lasting impression of Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife sanctuary—its vastness, its diversity, and the rare privilege of exploring it slowly and intimately, guided by deep knowledge and a lifelong understanding of the bush.
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