Victoria Falls, Hwange and Mana Pools in 8 days (7 nights)
Walking-led wildlife with the falls at the front. Two nights at Victoria Falls cover the path along the gorge and a sunset run upriver, with one day left open because the add-on activities here depend on water levels and weather. A road leg then reaches Hwange for three nights, long enough for drives in different parts of the park and a guided walk. A light aircraft transfer drops into Mana Pools for two nights of walking among big game and a canoe stretch on the Zambezi. The transfers are long, but there are only two of them.
The route, stop by stop
1. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe · 2 nights
Two nights separate the falls walk from the river trip and leave one flexible day, which matters because the add-on activities here depend on water levels and weather.
2. Hwange, Zimbabwe · 3 nights
Three nights justifies the drive in: two full days let a guide move between waterholes and woodland on separate drives, with a morning on foot as well.
3. Mana Pools, Zimbabwe · 2 nights
Two nights is the least that makes the air transfer worthwhile, and it covers what this park is walked and paddled for: approaching elephant and buffalo on foot, and a canoe stretch at dusk.
