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Zambia · Zimbabwe
The Zambia-Zimbabwe Explorer
Kafue, the Zambezi, Kariba, Great Zimbabwe, Matopos, Hwange, and Victoria Falls: two countries, one river.
Sixteen days from Lusaka to Victoria Falls, tracing the Zambezi River through two countries. The Zambia-Zimbabwe Explorer moves from Kafue's wild floodplains through the canoeing stretch of the Upper Zambezi, across Lake Kariba, into Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands, past the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, through rhino-walking country at Matopos, and into the elephant heartland of Hwange before finishing at the falls. Two countries, one river, led by Doctor.
Why this route
Two countries. One river. Everything in between.
The Zambia-Zimbabwe Explorer is the circuit that most travellers skip, because it's harder to piece together without a guide who knows both countries. Kafue's wild floodplains, canoeing on the upper Zambezi, Lake Kariba's flooded landscape, the ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe, rhino trekking at Matopos, elephant mega-herds at Hwange, and the thunder of Victoria Falls at the end. Doctor has driven every section of this road.
Highlights
Lusaka City
Kafue National Park
Zambezi River Canoeing
Lake Kariba
Chinhoyi Caves
Harare City
Eastern Highlands
Mutarazi Falls
Great Zimbabwe Monument
Matopos: Rhino Trekking
Hwange National Park
Victoria Falls
Your Zambezi safari, at a glance
Kafue. Zambezi. Kariba. Great Zimbabwe. Matopos. Hwange. Victoria Falls.
A 16-day two-country route from Lusaka to Victoria Falls: river camps, ancient ruins, rhino trekking on foot, and the biggest elephant herds in Africa.
Trip at a glance
The practical details before you start planning.
Dates
Contact for dates
Duration
16 Days
Route
Lusaka → Victoria Falls
Group size
4–12 travellers · Ages 18+
Style
Camping & Glamping
Best for
Water & river lovers · Wildlife lovers · Culture & history seekers · Adventure seekers
Price
$3,450per person
Inclusions
- All overland transport and accommodation, including pre- and post-tour nights
- All national park and conservation fees, safari drives and guided walks
- Meals as marked in the day-by-day itinerary
- Two-country border logistics handled
Not included
- International flights
- Visas, insurance and personal expenses
- Optional adrenaline activities (bungee, rafting, scenic flights)
Day by day
16 days: Lusaka to Victoria Falls.
Scroll from Lusaka through Kafue, down to the Zambezi, across to Lake Kariba, into Zimbabwe's highlands and ruins, through Matopos and Hwange, to the falls.
Lusaka — Arrival & Briefing
A day set aside for arrivals, with a group meeting to walk through the tour ahead and meet your fellow travelers.
Overnight · Eureka Camping Park or similar
Meals · No meals
Lusaka → Kafue
Head from Lusaka to Kafue National Park, part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, Earth's largest transboundary conservation space. Proclaimed in 1950, Kafue is Zambia's oldest park: 22,400 km² of Zambezian ecoregion, home to elephant, big predators, top antelope diversity, and 500+ birds.
Overnight · Kafue Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Kafue National Park
A full day exploring Kafue's wilderness in search of wildlife, its remarkable range of antelope, and birds of prey, returning to camp in the late afternoon.
Overnight · Kafue Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Kafue National Park → Chirundu
Depart early, driving south to Chirundu for two nights at a camp overlooking the Kafue River as it winds its final stretch toward the Kafue-Zambezi confluence.
Overnight · Gwabi River Lodge & Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — River Excursions
A full day on the water, canoeing first along the Kafue River and then out onto the mighty Zambezi, with lunch on one of the river's many islands before a speedboat ride back to camp.
Overnight · Gwabi River Lodge & Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Chirundu → Lake Kariba
A relaxed drive from Chirundu to Lake Kariba along the old route tracing the Zambezi's contours, crossing the border from Zambia into Zimbabwe en route. Spend the night aboard a houseboat drifting on the lake.
Overnight · Houseboat
Meals · B · L · D
Lake Kariba → Harare
Cruise back to the harbor over breakfast, then rejoin the vehicle for the drive to Chinhoyi and its famous caves, a system of collapsed sinkholes and cobalt-blue pools, before continuing to Harare after lunch.
Overnight · Cresta Lodge Harare or similar
Meals · B · L
Harare → Nyanga
Leave the Sunshine City behind and head east into the Eastern Highlands, settling into a mountain lodge with sweeping, picturesque views.
Overnight · Troutbeck Inn Hotel or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Nyanga
A day exploring the exceptional scenery of this corner of Zimbabwe, including a short hike to World's View and a visit to Mutarazi Falls, Zimbabwe's highest waterfall.
Overnight · Troutbeck Inn Hotel or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Nyanga → Masvingo
Leave the mountains for the ancient city of Masvingo via Mutare, with a detour to Chimanimani for the Bridal Veil Falls. Continue past the historic Birchenough Bridge for photos and a walk across its span, arriving at Great Zimbabwe in the late afternoon.
Overnight · Great Zimbabwe Monument Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Masvingo → Matopos National Park
Spend the morning at the Great Zimbabwe Monument, exploring the ruins of this vast stone city and learning the history of the civilization that built it, before continuing on to Matopos National Park.
Overnight · Wanderers Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Matopos National Park
A full day exploring Matopos on foot, tracking rhino through the granite hills while learning about traditional bush medicine and the cultural heritage of the Ndebele people.
Overnight · Wanderers Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Matopos → Hwange National Park
Continue to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, arriving by mid-afternoon in time for an evening game drive in search of its abundant wildlife.
Overnight · Wild Trek Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Hwange National Park
A full day exploring Hwange's diverse habitats in search of the wildlife that calls this vast park home.
Overnight · Wild Trek Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Hwange National Park → Victoria Falls
Head north to reach the mighty Victoria Falls, Africa's self-styled adventure capital.
Overnight · Shearwater Explorers Village or similar
Meals · B
Full Day — Victoria Falls
A full day to explore the town and take part in the many adventure activities on offer.
Overnight · Shearwater Explorers Village or similar
Meals · B
Victoria Falls — Tour Ends
Tour ends today after breakfast.
Meals · B
B BREAKFAST · L LUNCH · D DINNER
Entry requirementsShow
Passport recommendation
For all POA Safaris trips we recommend travelling with a passport valid for at least 6 months after your trip and containing at least 4 blank pages. Longer multi-country itineraries may need more.
KAZA UniVisa
Zambia and Zimbabwe issue a joint UniVisa covering both countries for US$50, valid 30 days with multiple entries between them. Day trips into Botswana through Kazungula do not invalidate it. Available to eligible nationalities at selected entry points, so confirm it covers your passport and your border before relying on it.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory on every POA Safaris tour, in every country we travel through. See our cancellation policy for what your cover needs to include.
Zambia
Visa-free for many nationalities- Visa
- Depends on nationality. Many are visa-exempt; others can obtain a visa on arrival or an eVisa.EU, UK and US passports: Usually visa-free.
- Typical fee
- Free for many nationalities. Fees apply if you need a visa; the published rates are inconsistent, so check on application.
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months from entry.
- Blank pages
- At least 3 blank pages.
- Yellow fever
- Required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country.
- Good to know
- Arrivals by air should hold a return ticket.
Zimbabwe
Visa-free, Visa on Arrival or advance visa depending on nationality- Visa
- Depends on nationality. Some are visa-free, many can obtain a Visa on Arrival, and others must arrange a visa in advance.EU, UK and US passports: Usually a Visa on Arrival.
- Typical fee
- From US$30 single entry. Some nationalities pay more, for example US$55 on a British passport.
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months from arrival.
- Yellow fever
- Required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country.
Other vaccinations and malaria
Yellow fever is the only vaccination that can affect entry. Anything else is a health question, and what you need depends on your own vaccination history and where you grew up. See your doctor or a travel clinic a few weeks before you leave, as some courses need more than one dose.
Most of these routes pass through malaria areas. Antimalarial tablets usually have to be started before you arrive, so arrange them at home. Pharmacies in the region do sell them over the counter if you lose yours. Repellent, covered arms after dark and the bed net matter as much as the tablets.
Take your route with you to the appointment, as malaria advice varies by area within a country and not only by country. The CDC publishes yellow fever and malaria guidance country by country. See the CDC guidance.
Entry requirements for every country we travel through
Visa fees are indicative, vary by nationality and are subject to change. Visa, vaccination and entry requirements depend on your nationality, travel history and itinerary, and may change without notice. This is a general guide only. Always verify the latest requirements with the relevant immigration authority or embassy before you travel. Last updated: September 2026.
Free download
The full itinerary, as a PDF
- Day-by-day route and accommodation
- Map, dates and pricing
- What's included and what isn't
Yours to keep and to forward to whoever you are travelling with.
The Zambia-Zimbabwe Explorer
Ask about the Zambia-Zimbabwe Explorer departure
Send your group size and questions. Doctor will confirm available dates, spaces, and walk you through the full two-country route.
Check availability on WhatsApp16 days · Zambia & Zimbabwe · Lusaka to Victoria Falls · 4–12 travellers
40% deposit secures your place · 40% 30 days before departure · 20% USD cash at the Welcome Meeting · Runs with 4+ travellers, or full refund · Travel insurance compulsory
Full cancellation policy →