Hotels & Lodges•20 min read
Best Safari Lodges Near Harare in 2027: Rates & Booking
Discover Best Safari Lodges Near Harare in 2027: Rates & Booking - Expert guide to safari tourism and wildlife destinations.
Share this article
Best Safari Lodges Near Harare in 2027: Rates & Booking
Last updated: August 2026
Harare has a safari lodge from USD 32, while Cresta Lodge Harare starts from USD 86 per night, giving travelers two clear budget points for a Zimbabwe trip [4].
The best safari lodges near Harare in 2027 include Cresta Lodge Harare and Villa Prince, with published starting rates of USD 86 and USD 32. Harare works best as a city base before a longer trip to Hwange, Victoria Falls, or another Zimbabwe wildlife region. Compare verified SafariFind operators, check 2027 availability, and request current quotes before paying.
At a Glance
- Cost: Villa Prince starts from USD 32; Cresta Lodge Harare starts from USD 86 per night [4].
- Best time: Check 2027 dates early, then match lodge availability with your safari route.
- Duration: Stay 1-2 nights in Harare before a longer Zimbabwe safari.
- Best for: Airport arrivals, city stopovers, families, and travelers joining guided tours.
- Wildlife highlights: Use Harare as a starting point for Hwange and Victoria Falls safari trips [2].
- Booking: Compare lodge packages, verified operators, and authentic traveler reviews on SafariFind.
What Are the Best Safari Lodges Near Harare in 2027?
The best safari lodges near Harare in 2027 are practical bases for city stays and onward wildlife trips. Cresta Lodge Harare is listed from USD 86 per night and is described as a 3-star property [4]. Villa Prince is listed from USD 32, making it a lower-cost option for travelers who want to protect their safari budget.
Overview of Harare lodge choices
Harare is Zimbabwe’s main urban gateway for many travelers. A lodge near the city gives you a place to rest, meet a guide, or arrange transport before traveling into a national park. It is not the same as sleeping inside a remote wildlife reserve.
Safari Lodge Hotel Harare appears 2.27 miles from downtown Harare on a hotel-booking results page [5]. That location can suit visitors who want city access while keeping a lodge-style setting. Always confirm the exact address, transfer terms, and room type before booking for 2027.
Cresta Lodge Harare is known for: a 3-star stay, a published starting rate from USD 86, and a location suitable for a Harare stopover [4]. Best for: travelers who want a recognized mid-range property before or after a Zimbabwe safari. Price range: use USD 86 as a starting benchmark, then request a 2027 quote.
Villa Prince is known for: a starting rate from USD 32 in the supplied lodge research [4]. Best for: budget travelers and short stays. Price range: from USD 32, subject to room type, dates, taxes, and booking conditions. The listing does not provide enough detail to confirm meals, transfers, or safari activities.
Zimbabwe is known for two main safari choices in the supplied SafariFind research: the Victoria Falls area and the Hwange wildlife region [2]. Victoria Falls suits travelers who want a landmark, river activities, and lodge comfort. Hwange suits visitors focused on game drives, wildlife viewing, and a longer park-based safari.
Harare therefore works best as the first or final stop, rather than the only safari destination. You can sleep in the capital, then continue toward the wildlife areas that match your goals. The Harare day trips and safari prices guide can help you plan time around the city.
Compare Harare safari lodge packages and verified Zimbabwe operators before you choose a room or route.
Why lodge choice matters
A lodge affects more than your nightly bill. It can change your transfer time, meal plan, meeting point, and access to a guide. A low room rate may suit a sleep-only stop. A higher rate may save time if it includes breakfast, transfers, or an easier connection to your next destination.
BookAllSafaris lists one safari-lodge package in Harare with local guides and advertises a best-price guarantee [8]. This result shows that guided lodge packages exist, but it does not provide enough detail to compare every inclusion. Ask for a written itinerary before you pay.
What Rates Can You Expect Near Harare in 2027?
Harare lodge rates in 2027 start at USD 32 for Villa Prince and USD 86 for Cresta Lodge Harare, based on the supplied research [4]. These are starting prices, not guaranteed final totals. Your exact cost depends on travel dates, room category, taxes, meals, transfers, and whether you add game drives.
Harare lodge rate comparison
| Name | Price | Duration | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Prince | From USD 32 per night [4] | 1-2 nights | Not stated in supplied data | Budget stopovers |
| Cresta Lodge Harare | From USD 86 per night [4] | 1-2 nights | 3-star property [4] | Mid-range city stays |
| Safari Lodge Hotel Harare | Not stated in supplied data | 1-2 nights | Not stated in supplied data | Travelers wanting a lodge near downtown |
| Victoria Falls Safari Lodge | 2027 bed-and-breakfast benchmark; rate not supplied [2] | Set by package | Not stated in supplied data | Falls and wildlife combinations |
Cresta Lodge Harare also appears in an Expedia sample result at USD 92 nightly, or USD 111 total including taxes and fees, for a July 31 to August 1 stay [6]. The result does not identify the year. Treat this figure as a dated sample, not a fixed 2027 rate.
Shiduli Safari Lodge provides a useful luxury comparison, but it is not a Harare lodge. Its 2027 luxury-suite rate is R8,220 per person per night in high season and R6,520 in low season. Its royal-suite rates are R10,320 and R8,120. The published rates include 15% VAT [3].
These figures show why you should compare like with like. A Harare room rate is not equal to a private reserve package. One price may cover accommodation only. Another may include meals, guiding, park fees, transfers, and daily activities.
What a 2027 quote should include
Request a written breakdown from each lodge or operator. A clear quote should show:
- Room type and number of nights.
- Nightly rate and total accommodation cost.
- Taxes, fees, and payment currency.
- Breakfast, half board, or full board details.
- Airport transfer costs and pickup times.
- Game drives, guide fees, and park charges.
- Cancellation rules and the deadline for final payment.
SafariFind connects travelers with verified tour operators, so you can compare package details instead of judging a lodge by price alone. Read authentic reviews, check what each operator includes, and ask questions about 2027 dates before confirming.
Request a 2027 quote from verified safari operators with clear lodge rates if your trip includes transfers, guides, or wildlife activities.
How to protect your budget
Start with a room-only figure, then build your full trip cost. Add airport transfers, meals, local transport, park entry, activities, and tips. This approach prevents a cheap-looking lodge from becoming an expensive final booking.
Keep one flexible night in Harare when possible. Flight delays, border crossings, and long road transfers can affect a Zimbabwe itinerary. A spare night may cost less than changing a non-refundable safari departure.
How Do You Book a Harare Safari Lodge for 2027?
Book a Harare safari lodge for 2027 by choosing your route first, checking lodge location second, and confirming every inclusion in writing. Start with your arrival date, departure plan, and wildlife goals. Then compare room rates with complete safari packages from verified operators.
Step 1: Choose your safari style
Harare is best for three common travel plans. The first is a short city stay before a guided safari. The second is a Zimbabwe circuit that links Harare with Hwange or Victoria Falls. The third is a simple overnight stop for travelers continuing by road or air.
Victoria Falls is known for a major landmark and safari-friendly lodge stays. SafariFind describes Victoria Falls and the Hwange wildlife region as two principal Zimbabwe choices for different trip styles and budgets [2]. Pick Victoria Falls for a mixed sightseeing trip. Pick Hwange for a stronger wildlife focus.
Hwange National Park is not the same as a Harare city lodge. It requires more planning for transfers, park access, and game drives. Review this 5-day Hwange safari itinerary and cost guide when you want to extend your stay beyond the capital.
Step 2: Match the lodge to your route
Location matters when you have an early departure. Safari Lodge Hotel Harare is listed 2.27 miles from downtown Harare [5]. That fact can help city visitors, but it does not confirm distance from the airport or your safari pickup point.
Ask the operator where the vehicle will collect you. Confirm whether the lodge offers airport transfers. Also ask if the quoted rate includes a private vehicle, shared vehicle, guide, breakfast, or only the room.
Travelers who want a wider Zimbabwe route can add cultural and nature stops. Great Zimbabwe tours and entry fees for 2027 may suit a history-focused itinerary. Chinhoyi Caves offers another destination page to review when planning from Harare.
Step 3: Compare booking terms
Direct booking through a lodge website can work well when you already know your dates and room type. The supplied research states that bookings can be made directly for the featured Harare properties. However, a safari marketplace can help when you need transport, guiding, and several destinations in one plan.
Compare these terms before paying:
- Is the rate per room or per person?
- Does the price include taxes and fees?
- What happens if your flight arrives late?
- Can you change the dates for a 2027 trip?
- Which services come from the lodge and which come from the operator?
SafariFind reviews can add useful context about guides, transfers, meals, and communication. A high room rating does not always mean the lodge suits a safari route. Read comments from travelers with a similar trip length and budget.
Step 4: Confirm the final itinerary
Get one document that lists every service. It should show lodge names, dates, pickup points, meal plans, activities, and payment deadlines. Save the operator’s emergency number and the lodge’s direct contact details.
Travelers planning a walking experience can also compare the 2027 Chizarira walking safari package costs. This type of trip differs from a Harare stopover, so check fitness needs, transport, and guide arrangements carefully.
Good planning makes a short Harare stay useful. You can rest after your flight, confirm your equipment, and start the main safari with less stress.
What Should You Know Before Staying Near Harare?
The key consideration is that a Harare lodge stay is usually a base, not a full remote safari. Confirm travel time, activity access, and included services before booking. Harare can make a Zimbabwe journey easier, but the best wildlife experiences usually require onward travel to a dedicated safari region.
Best for: short stays and longer circuits
Harare lodges are best for travelers who need one or two nights near the capital. They also suit families who want a simple first night before a long drive. Business travelers can use the same base before adding a private safari extension.
Harare is less suitable for travelers who expect walking trails or daily game drives outside the lodge. Ask what wildlife activities operate from the property. Do not assume that a lodge name means the accommodation sits inside a national park.
Zimbabwe offers many route options after Harare. You can consider Mavuradonha Wilderness, Mutarazi Falls, or Mutirikwi Beach when your trip includes nature and scenic stops. These pages can help you decide whether to stay longer in Zimbabwe.
What to pack
Pack light layers, walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and a small day bag. Bring copies of your booking confirmation and travel documents. A soft-sided bag can make transfers easier than a large hard suitcase.
Ask about power, internet, laundry, and luggage storage. These details matter when your lodge sits between flights and multi-day safari drives. Families should also confirm child policies, room layouts, and meal options before payment.
How to handle transport
Transport is one of the most important parts of a Harare safari booking. Confirm whether your driver collects you at the airport, hotel, or another meeting point. Ask how long the transfer takes and whether the cost is private or shared.
Travelers crossing southern Zimbabwe may consider Beitbridge and Chiredzi as route references. Travelers comparing regional connections may also review Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. These destinations are not substitutes for a Harare lodge, but they can shape a wider southern Africa plan.
How to compare reviews
Read reviews for the exact property and the exact service. Separate comments about rooms from comments about guides and transfers. A traveler who booked accommodation only had a different experience from someone who joined a five-day safari.
Look for repeated details across several reviews. Clean rooms, clear pickup times, helpful staff, and accurate descriptions are useful signals. SafariFind helps travelers compare verified operators and authentic reviews in one marketplace.
Finally, keep your plans realistic. A Harare lodge can offer comfort and convenience. It cannot remove the travel time to Hwange, Victoria Falls, or another remote safari area.
How Can You Plan the Best Harare Safari Stay?
The best plan uses Harare for recovery and logistics, then assigns most wildlife nights to the right safari region. Choose one or two Harare nights, confirm your transfer, and build the rest of your trip around your main experience.
A simple booking checklist
- Set your 2027 arrival and departure dates.
- Choose a budget range, such as USD 32 or USD 86 and above.
- Decide whether you need accommodation only or a full package.
- Check the lodge’s distance from downtown and your pickup point.
- Ask for taxes, fees, meals, and transfer costs.
- Read authentic reviews before selecting an operator.
- Confirm cancellation terms and emergency contacts.
Use a low-cost lodge when you only need a safe place to sleep. Choose a mid-range lodge when you value added comfort or a simpler city stop. Add a full safari package when you need one company to manage transport, guiding, park access, and accommodation.
Sample trip planning approach
A short plan can start with one night in Harare. The next morning, your guide can collect you for the next wildlife region. A longer plan can use two nights in the capital, giving you time to recover, see local sights, and check your safari gear.
Travelers who want a broader route can compare Matusadona National Park safari packages for 2027. Travelers who want a shorter trip can review the three-day Zimbabwe safari cost guide.
Do not book a lodge only because it has the lowest advertised rate. Check the final total and the route. A USD 32 room may be the right choice for a simple overnight stay. A USD 86 room may offer a better fit for travelers who want a more comfortable base [4].
Best practices for 2027 bookings
Start comparing early for popular travel dates. Published prices can change, and the supplied research does not guarantee availability for every 2027 night. Request a current quote and ask the provider to state the quote’s expiry date.
Keep your booking record in two places. Save the confirmation offline, and send a copy to a travel partner. Confirm the lodge name again before departure, especially when several properties have similar names.
Harare booking decisions become easier when you separate three costs: the room, the transfer, and the safari. This simple method gives you a fair comparison across operators and helps you avoid hidden extras.
Key Takeaways
- Compare Villa Prince from USD 32 with Cresta Lodge Harare from USD 86 to match your room budget [4].
- Reserve one or two Harare nights before your main safari to allow time for arrival and transfers.
- Confirm whether each 2027 rate includes taxes, breakfast, transfers, guides, or park fees.
- Choose Hwange for a wildlife-focused extension and Victoria Falls for a mixed landmark and safari trip [2].
- Request a written quote with cancellation terms before paying any 2027 lodge deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best safari lodges near Harare in 2027?
The best supplied options are Cresta Lodge Harare and Villa Prince. Cresta Lodge Harare starts from USD 86 per night, while Villa Prince starts from USD 32. The right choice depends on your room needs, transfer plan, and whether you want accommodation only or a complete safari package [4].
How much does a safari lodge near Harare cost in 2027?
A safari lodge near Harare costs from USD 32 at Villa Prince and from USD 86 at Cresta Lodge Harare, based on supplied listings [4]. These are starting rates. Your final 2027 total can change with dates, taxes, meals, room type, transfers, and safari activities.
Is Cresta Lodge Harare a safari lodge?
Cresta Lodge Harare is listed as a 3-star property with rates from USD 86 per night [4]. It works well as a Harare base before or after a Zimbabwe safari. Confirm whether your booking includes transfers, guides, meals, or wildlife activities.
How far is Safari Lodge Hotel Harare from downtown?
Safari Lodge Hotel Harare is listed 2.27 miles from downtown Harare on a hotel-booking results page [5]. Confirm the property’s exact location, airport distance, and safari pickup arrangements before booking a 2027 stay.
Should I stay in Harare before visiting Hwange or Victoria Falls?
Stay in Harare first when your flight arrives there or when your operator begins the route in the capital. SafariFind identifies Victoria Falls and the Hwange wildlife region as two principal Zimbabwe safari choices [2]. Your guide can confirm the best transfer plan for your dates.
How can I book a verified Harare safari lodge?
Book through SafariFind to compare verified tour operators, safari packages, prices, and authentic reviews. You can request a quote and ask for a complete 2027 breakdown covering the lodge, transfers, meals, guiding, activities, and cancellation terms.
Conclusion
The best safari lodges near Harare in 2027 are useful bases for a wider Zimbabwe journey. Villa Prince starts from USD 32, while Cresta Lodge Harare starts from USD 86 per night and is listed as a 3-star property [4]. Use Harare for arrival, rest, and trip logistics. Then continue to Hwange for wildlife or Victoria Falls for a mixed sightseeing and safari stay [2].
Request a full quote before you pay. Check taxes, meals, transfers, and cancellation terms. Compare a room-only stay with a guided package, since the lowest nightly rate may not cover the services you need. Compare verified safari packages on SafariFind, read authentic reviews, and request a quote from a trusted operator. Your 2027 Zimbabwe safari planning can start with one clear Harare booking.
Plan Your Safari with SafariFind
These recommendations use real data from SafariFind, where you can compare operators, browse packages, and read verified traveler reviews before you book.
Recommended Safari Operators from SafariFind
-
Victoria Falls Serious Fun Travel
Victoria Falls Serious Fun Travel - Zimbabwe • Verified operator
CUSTOMISE TRAVEL & TOURS - Zimbabwe • Verified operator
Recommended Safari Packages from SafariFind
-
5-Day The Luxury + Victoria Falls Hotel and The Top Class Ivory Lodge Hwange National Park Experience
5-Day The Luxury + Victoria Falls Hotel and The Top Class Ivory Lodge Hwange National Park Experience • $6,500 • 5 days • by Africa Beast Safaris
5-Day The Luxury + Victoria Falls Hotel and The Top Class Ivory Lodge Hwange National Park Experience
by Africa Beast Safaris • 5 Days
Starting from$7,150
View Package10-Day Day Zimbabwe Fly-In Safari (Mana Pools, Kariba & Hwange) • $11,420 • 10 days • by Expert Safari Services LTD
10-Day Day Zimbabwe Fly-In Safari (Mana Pools, Kariba & Hwange)
by Expert Safari Services LTD • 10 Days
Starting from$12,560
View Package6-Day Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari Experience • $1,000 • 6 days • by Touch Africa Tours
6-Day Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari Experience
by Touch Africa Tours • 6 Days
Starting from$1,100
View Package2-Day 2-Day Hwange National Park-Mid Range Safari • $850 • 2 days • by Victoria Falls Serious Fun Travel
2-Day 2-Day Hwange National Park-Mid Range Safari
by Victoria Falls Serious Fun Travel • 2 Days
Starting from$940
View Package2-Day Hwange National Park-Budget Safari • $510 • 2 days • by Victoria Falls Serious Fun Travel
2-Day Hwange National Park-Budget Safari
by Victoria Falls Serious Fun Travel • 2 Days
Starting from$560
View Package13-Day Botswana and Hwange National Park with Majestic Victoria Falls • $5,000 • 13 days • by Africa Beast Safaris
13-Day Botswana and Hwange National Park with Majestic Victoria Falls
by Africa Beast Safaris • 13 Days
Starting from$5,500
View Package3-Day Hwange National Park Wildlife Safari Tour • $1,500 • 3 days • by Africa Beast Safaris
3-Day Hwange National Park Wildlife Safari Tour
by Africa Beast Safaris • 3 Days
Starting from$1,650
View Package15-Day Journey into the Heart Lands of Zimbabwe and Botswana • $7,000 • 15 days • by Africa Beast Safaris
15-Day Journey into the Heart Lands of Zimbabwe and Botswana
by Africa Beast Safaris • 15 Days
Starting from$7,700
View PackageWhat Travelers Say (SafariFind Reviews)
-
5★ - "Booking the safari at Miombo Safari Camp with Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours was easy and they answer all our questions thoroughly and in a timely fashion. We communicated through email, payment was easy too through email" - Joann Fuentes • Verified review
"Booking the safari at Miombo Safari Camp with Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours was easy and they answer all our questions thoroughly and in a timely fashion. We communicated through email, payment was easy too through email. There was no availability for the Hwange safari camp on the dates we requested but Mr. Tongesai managed to find us another safari camp, Miombo, which was a delightful place whilst honoring the rates offered at their website. Mr. Tongesai made sure we were picked up and driven to the camp, accompanying us on the 2-hour trip and later receiving us back at our hotel. Miombo's accommodations, the tent, was like camping with glamour. It was spacious with 2 comfortable single beds and charming decoration. The ensuite bathroom felt like we were in the woods but protected and with the comforts of a good hotel. The hot water in the shower was not working but Mr. Bernard, Miombo's host, made sure it was fixed by the time we came back from the afternoon game drive. The tent was right in front of a water hole, which depending on the season, would have received the visit of elephants. We didn't see any animals there but one night a leopard came to our camp. Unfortunately, we didn't see it as we slept safely under the watch of night guards. They also made sure we were escorted back and forth during the night between our tent and the common area. Mr. Bernard served delicious meals in the beautiful open common area viewing the forest and sometimes with a visit of monkeys. The dessert was always delicious! At night we had a bonfire to huddle to, and one of the nights we were treated with local barbecue and a dance. Everything was a delight. The game drivers are also a delight with their stories, knowledge and funny jokes, Nigel and Mr. B are amazing hosts, making sure everyone is comfortable and going out there to find the great animals and birds for us. The game drives in Hwange were amazing! We saw elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeasts, buffalos, impalas, koudos, warthogs, crocodiles, hippos, amazing birds! We missed the lions and leopards by minutes but it was okay. Makes us want to come back again. The sunset drive was also a delight with Nigel, including a stop for a snack. Our driver back to the hotel was also a great delight with his incredible stories and knowledge. I learned so much about the animals in these 3 days. The tour has lived up to our expectations and more! Mr. Tongesai also took care of our requests for a Sunset Cruise and an Elephant Ride as soon as we reached the hotel. Less than half an hour, Mr. Tongesai arranged us to be picked up to go to a Sunset Cruise on the evening we arrived from the safari. The cruise was a delight, the sunset on the Zambezi river was amazing and the service on board was great, great food and beverages, Zambezi beer of course! The Elephant Ride arranged by Mr. Tongesai was also an amazing adventure I will never ever forget. Riding my elephant Detema with the driver Tunzi was amazing, against the sunrise backdrop, amazing colours in the sky. The lady that accompanied us taking pictures, she did such a great jobs, I love my pictures on the elephant! The feeding and petting the elephants after the ride was another amazing experience! These elephants are such a delight, sucking fiercely the food in our hands! I simply loved it! Then they served us a delicious breakfast while watching our beautiful pictures on the elephant. I learned so much about elephants with my driver. Everything in this place, this tour, the people and the animals, is amazing, unbelievable, unforgettable! I love Vic Falls, Hwange, Zimbabwe! I hope to come back and I will definitely tell all my friends that they have to have this experience in their bucket list. And it is easy, just reach out to Mr. Tongesai and Cultural Vibes, they will take great good care of you! You will love them! We thank Mr. Tongesai and everyone at Cultural Vibes, Miombo Safari Camp, Sunset Cruise, Elephant Ride, who made us have the time of our life!"
Joann Fuentes•6/22/2026
5★ - "Cultural Vibes Travel and Tours has proved to be excellent yet again as this is now the third time, we have used them and a much-needed break after almost 3 years with the Covid pandemic. Tongesai is extremely reliable, " - Charles Kinnaird • Verified review
"Cultural Vibes Travel and Tours has proved to be excellent yet again as this is now the third time, we have used them and a much-needed break after almost 3 years with the Covid pandemic. Tongesai is extremely reliable, professional, knowledgeable and does everything to make your trip a memorable experience. Compared to local larger companies, Tongesai’s individual package rates are more reasonable and come with a customized touch. We felt that our holiday with Tongesai was much better and suited us more so than if we had booked through a larger company. His individual tailoring, personal involvement and attention to detail pays off in the smooth running of your trip. Our visits to the Victoria Falls, both sides from Zimbabwe and Zambia were magnificent and never cease to amaze us. On this trip Tongesai arranged for a private sunset cruise on the Zambezi just for our family of four instead of on the larger vessels, which was a very pleasant alternative. The boat trip in Chobe is magical and a must if you venture into Botswana. Wildlife was in abundance, including lion, elephant, wildebeest, buffalo, puku, kudu, bushbuck, waterbuck, impala, gemsbok, steenbok, sable and roan antelope, etc. We even saw a relative of Cecil, the famous black-maned lion, ‘once a true king of Hwange National Park’. I have no hesitation in recommending the company for arranging tours in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana - we will definitely be seeing him again. He is currently setting up arrangements with colleagues in Kruger National Park to venture into South Africa and I wish him every success with that."
Charles Kinnaird•6/22/2026
4★ - "On 10.9. until 1.10. In 2023, I went on a trip to Botswana, Zimbabwe and a short visit to Zambia with my clients - friends. I carefully prepared the trip in cooperation with the manager of Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours, " - Viktor Chrást • Verified review
"On 10.9. until 1.10. In 2023, I went on a trip to Botswana, Zimbabwe and a short visit to Zambia with my clients - friends. I carefully prepared the trip in cooperation with the manager of Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours, Mr. Tongesai Mutematsaka. After arriving in Gaborone we organized a short tour of the city ourselves and met Tongesai in Maun. Tongesai was our driver and guide practically the whole way. We visited the Okavango River Delta and its surroundings (Moremi Reserve, Mokoro boat cruise, flight over the Okavango Delta. This was followed by a visit to the Makgadikgadi Salt Flats, then the Elephant Sands area and in Botswana Chobe National Park with a cruise on the Chobe River. Then we crossed to Zimbabwe, which was the main part of our journey. In the Victoria Falls area, we visited the Monde settlement, took a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, followed by a cruise on the Zambezi River as part of a visit to the national park of the same name. We also walked past Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side and had a Boma dinner in the evening (too much of a "tourist thing"). On the Zambian side of the falls we saw white rhinos in Mosi - oa - Tunya National Park, then visited the museum in Livingstone and walked the Zambian side of the falls. From Victoria Falls, we headed to Hwange National Park, where we had a beautiful program - a safari, and after Hwange, there was also a very interesting program in Matobo National Park (there, among other things, white rhinos (a mother with her little daughter), beautiful rock formations and prehistoric cave drawings. The next place visited was Khami with very interesting buildings, and then we visited the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, which are among the most important world monuments. This was followed by a visit to the Chinhoya Karst and finally the gallery in Harare. I would also like to comment on the provision of services: Accommodation in the hotels was at the standard, expected level, only the service at the Great Zimbabwe Hotel was rather lazy. Accommodation in lodges - very good and the best accommodation was in Iganyana tented camp in Hwange National Park, mainly due to the extraordinary professionalism and very friendly attitude of the staff there towards us, the visitors. I must also highly praise all the local guides we met everywhere, e.g. in Chobe, Hwange and Matobo National Parks. I want to emphasize that this journey is one of the most interesting that I have made around the world. I believe that my clients - friends were also satisfied with the set. Thanks to the travel agency Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours and Mr. Tongesai Mutematsaka. I recommend Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours to anyone considering a trip to Zimbabwe."
Viktor Chrást•6/22/2026
5★ - "My travel companions and I chose the 4 day experience. Technically it is really a 3 day experience, because the last day they provide airport transportation. I feel they go above and beyond in making sure they are provid" - Karan thomas • Verified review
"My travel companions and I chose the 4 day experience. Technically it is really a 3 day experience, because the last day they provide airport transportation. I feel they go above and beyond in making sure they are providing their customers with a safe, exciting and exceptional experience. Gari was our driver/guide in Zimbabwe, and was friendly, helpful, and courteous. Gari either made sure we were where we needed to be or provided his own guide trip to the Victoria Falls. He even provided the rain gear, which is most necessary. Gari and his "boss" Mr T. went above and beyond when Delta postponed our flight by a day, by helping to make sure that the connecting airline would change our reservation. They then made sure we got to the airport on time, a day later. They are always willing to provide any additional things that you would like to see and do. If you looking for a guided tour company, this is the one to use, and one that I would have no hesitation in using again."
Karan thomas•6/22/2026
5★ - "First, Tongesai Mtematsaka was excellent with communications and service. We couldn’t have asked for better. My questions via email were promptly answered. His English was excellent, and better. He was always on time in " - George Wagner • Verified review
"First, Tongesai Mtematsaka was excellent with communications and service. We couldn’t have asked for better. My questions via email were promptly answered. His English was excellent, and better. He was always on time in meeting us, coming and going. Our two hour trips from VIc Falls to the sable sands lodge, and then from the lodge to the Vic Falls airport were a highlight to our entire Africa trip. My wife and I will be discussing various aspects from the discussions with Tongesai for some time to come. By patiently answering my many questions he educated my wife and I about Zimbabwe and the region - culture, practices and assets of the people, typical family life, economy, weather, etc., and possibilities and trends into the future - all believable and detailed. The staff and facilities at the sable sands lodge were all excellent, beginning with Michelle’s clear instructions and cautions. She was a delight. We were asked if we wanted to take a charming hut as close as we could get to the marvelous watering hole there and got it. Incredibly we were greeted by a dust-cloud from a herd of maybe 100 Cape buffalo running to the water - unbelievable! The meals prepared by So and Derik were really good, throughout. MC, our drive guide was excellent and very accommodating to all the guests in the comfortable and safe-feeling, open 4x4. We met some nice co-guests. We saw so many animals on our safari that I will not attempt to recall here. I would just say that the many watering holes in the Hwange park were impressive, As an environmentalist myself I was very impressed with the solar powered system for exploiting the aquifers, and the foresight of the authorities in developing and maintains these. I know the history going back to the 1920’s, but if there wasn’t maintainence and upgrade the animals could not continue, especially with drought effects of climate change. Finally, I must comment on the fact that our first night in our hut was spent listening to the rumblings of the elephant just outside out hut. In the morning the tracks outside our hut showed how close our visitor was. We knew then that Michelle’s cautions were serious. But then more, the second night we had a lioness spend the night outside our hut, perhaps roaring a mating call. At first light MC came by with the truck and asked if we wanted to see the lion. I shot out with my camera. What an experience!! We hope our parting tip to the group of 16 people providing excellent service was meaningful. I will certainly recommend this trip to anyone who will hear me. What a privilege!!!"
George Wagner•6/22/2026