8 Days – Mala Lower Zambezi Expedition

Transportation
Bus, Airlines
Accomodation
3 Stars Hotels
Maximum Altitude
5,416 metres
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
Feb, Mar, Apr & May
Tour type
Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals
All meals during the trek
Language
English, Spanish, French, Chinese
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate
Group Size
2-15
Minimum Age
12
Maximum Age
65

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Experience Zimbabwe’s legendary Lower Zambezi wilderness on a premium expedition combining three of the country’s most spectacular destinations: Mana Pools, Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park.

This exclusive safari is designed for travellers seeking more than a conventional game drive. From walking among wildlife in the Mana Pools wilderness, to cruising the waters of Lake Kariba aboard a private houseboat, and exploring the untamed landscapes of Matusadona, every day delivers a different perspective of Zimbabwe’s remarkable wildlife and wilderness.

The journey blends luxury, adventure and immersive wildlife experiences, with carefully selected accommodation and activities that allow you to experience the Zambezi Valley from both land and water.

Highlights

Mana Pools walking safari – experience wildlife on foot in one of Africa's most iconic wilderness areas.
Premium Lake Kariba houseboat experience – relax on the water while enjoying spectacular sunsets and wildlife along the shoreline.
Matusadona National Park safari – explore a remote wilderness renowned for elephants, lions, buffalo and abundant birdlife.
Zambezi Valley landscapes – experience dramatic scenery, waterways, forests and floodplains.
Luxury wilderness sunsets – enjoy unforgettable evenings overlooking the Zambezi and Lake Kariba.
Exceptional photographic opportunities – wildlife, landscapes, boats and golden-hour safari scenes.
Premium expedition experience – a carefully crafted combination of land-based and water-based safari.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Zimbabwe | Harare

ARRIVAL & JOURNEY TO MANA POOLS

Arrive in Zimbabwe and begin the journey towards Mana Pools National Park, entering one of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness areas. Settle into your luxury safari camp and enjoy your first sunset overlooking the Zambezi floodplains.

Overnight: Mana Pools
Experience: Sunset safari / camp orientation

Day 02 :

Harare City & Zimbabwean Culture

Rise early for a guided walking safari through the Mana Pools floodplains. Walk beneath the famous albida trees while observing elephants, buffalo, hippos, antelope and abundant birdlife.

After lunch and a rest, head out for an afternoon game drive before returning to camp for dinner under the African sky.

Overnight: Mana Pools
Experience: Walking safari + game drive

Day 03 :

MANA POOLS WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE

Spend another full day exploring Mana Pools. Enjoy an early-morning walking safari followed by time to relax at camp. Later, venture out for a sunset wildlife experience along the Zambezi.

This is a day for slow safari, photography and close encounters with nature.

Overnight: Mana Pools
Experience: Walking safari + sunset wildlife viewing

Day 04 :

MANA POOLS TO KARIBA

Depart Mana Pools and travel towards Lake Kariba, one of Africa's largest man-made lakes. Board your premium houseboat and settle into your accommodation on the water.

As evening approaches, cruise into the lake while enjoying one of Zimbabwe's spectacular Kariba sunsets.

Overnight: Houseboat – Lake Kariba
Experience: Houseboat cruise + sunset

Day 05 :

LAKE KARIBA HOUSEBOAT EXPERIENCE

Wake to the peaceful waters of Lake Kariba. Spend the day cruising along the shoreline, spotting wildlife and enjoying the changing landscapes.

Depending on conditions and arrangements, activities may include fishing, tender-boat excursions, birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

Overnight: Houseboat – Lake Kariba
Experience: Full-day houseboat safari

Day 06 :

KARIBA TO MATUSADONA

Continue the expedition towards Matusadona National Park, a remote wilderness area on the shores of Lake Kariba.

After checking into your safari accommodation, embark on an afternoon game drive exploring the park's diverse habitats.

Overnight: Matusadona
Experience: Transfer + afternoon game drive

Day 07 :

MATUSADONA: FULL-DAY SAFARI

Enjoy a full day of wildlife exploration in Matusadona. Search for elephants, buffalo, hippos, antelope and predators while exploring the park's forests, plains and lakeshore.

Return to camp for a memorable final evening surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

Overnight: Matusadona
Experience: Full-day safari + sunset

Day 08 :

FINAL SAFARI & DEPARTURE

Enjoy a final early-morning safari before breakfast. Take in the last views of the Matusadona wilderness before beginning your onward journey.

Experience: Morning game drive + departure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

8 Days – Mala Lower Zambezi Expedition

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

7 Nights / 8 Days | Mana Pools • Kariba • Matusadona

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Featured Trips

8 Days – Mala Marvel – Zimbabwe’s Culture Pack

7 Days Mala Trans Borders

Contact info

Destinations

Activities

Trip Types

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

7 Nights / 8 Days | Mana Pools • Kariba • Matusadona

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Featured Trips

8 Days – Mala Marvel – Zimbabwe’s Culture Pack

7 Days Mala Trans Borders

Related Trips

7 Days Mala Trans Borders

8 Days – Mala Marvel – Zimbabwe’s Culture Pack

Marvel – Zimbabwe Culture Apack