This extraordinary Zambia and Zimbabwe safari combines the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls with the raw, untamed frontiers of Kafue and Hwange National Parks. Discover Africa’s “best-kept secret” in the Busanga Plains, explore the adrenaline hub of Livingstone, and track massive elephant herds in Zimbabwe’s flagship reserve. This 9-day journey is a masterclass in diverse ecosystems, blending refined luxury with the visceral power of the African wilderness.
Your Zambia and Zimbabwe safari launches in the remote Busanga Plains, an area renowned as the “Plains of Plenty.” Here, lions are known to climb fig trees to survey the vast floodplains dotted with thousands of red lechwe and puku. You will explore this 750-square-kilometer marshy wilderness via 4×4 vehicles and seasonal boating through shimmering channels. Night drives are particularly rewarding, offering a glimpse of the elusive leopard and nocturnal civets. This is an authentic, crowd-free immersion into one of Africa’s most pristine and best-kept safari secrets.
The most luxurious camp in Kafue, Shumba features six luxury guest tents elevated on platforms to provide panoramic views of the floodplains. The lodge centers on an elegant lounge and bar area with a sparkling pool. Every suite is designed to maximize connection to the wild pulse of the plains while maintaining an atmosphere of exclusive comfort.
Fly south to the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. This leg of the Zambia and Zimbabwe safari combines high-octane adventure with serene river living. You will take a guided tour of the world-famous Victoria Falls, experiencing the “Smoke That Thunders” up close. A major highlight is the rhino encounter in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where you will join ZAWA scouts to track these endangered giants on foot. Sunset river cruises and catch-and-release tiger fishing bring the Zambezi experience to life before you enjoy a spa treatment on the riverbank.
A tranquil riverside base consisting of twelve luxurious tents. Each suite features an outdoor bath and expansive views of the river. The camp is a leader in sustainability; guests can take a “Back of House” tour to see the worm farm and nursery, even participating in the area’s rehabilitation by planting an indigenous tree.
Cross the border into Zimbabwe’s flagship reserve. Your Zambia and Zimbabwe safari concludes in a private concession on the edge of the famed Ngamo Plains. Hwange is a wonderland for animal lovers, home to one of the largest elephant populations on Earth. Experience the thrill of the sunken hide, where you can photograph elephants at eye level as they drink from the waterhole. For your final evening, we offer the enchantment of a star bed, sleeping on a raised platform under the crystal-clear African sky at Scott’s Pan.
An airy, contemporary camp featuring nine luxurious ensuite tents. The multi-level decks and winter lounge look directly over a prolific waterhole, ensuring that even during your downtime, the wildlife action is constant. Linkwasha provides a sophisticated, “classic-camp” feel that balances the raw energy of the Zimbabwean bush.
African Wildlife Plains is a leading safari company that specializes in providing exclusive luxury safari experiences while prioritizing eco-friendliness, wildlife conservation, and personalized itineraries. With a deep commitment to responsible tourism, they offer a unique blend of opulence and environmental stewardship. Established in 2023, African Wildlife Plains epitomizes founder Phillip’s enduring dedication to wildlife and nature. With a decade-long immersion in the natural realm, Phillip’s deep appreciation for the safari industry fuels this venture. Guided by his unwavering passion for both people and the environment, Phillip’s journey commenced years ago, leading to the creation of African Wildlife Plains.
Beyond a mere enterprise, it’s a labor of love, fusing Phillip’s enthusiasm for wildlife with respect for the safari legacy. The company is dedicated to offering an unparalleled experience, evident in thoughtfully designed safaris and immersive wildlife encounters. Phillip’s commitment to responsible tourism and conservation resonates throughout. African Wildlife Plains fosters a community drawn by a shared reverence for nature’s wonders, where guests contribute to Africa’s preservation. Against sweeping landscapes, this company embodies passion, conservation, and love for the wild, inviting the adventurous and compassionate to delve into nature’s extraordinary tapestry.
Traveling to the African Wildlife Plains is an exhilarating and immersive experience, offering the opportunity to witness some of the world’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. Here’s a brief travel guidance description for exploring this extraordinary region:
1. Choose Your Destination: The African Wildlife Plains are vast, spanning multiple countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, and more. Decide which specific destination or national park aligns with your wildlife interests and the time of year you plan to visit.
2. Plan Your Safari: Once you’ve chosen your destination, plan your safari adventure. Consider booking with a reputable tour operator or safari lodge that offers guided safaris, comfortable accommodations, and wildlife experts who can enhance your experience.
3. Timing Matters: Research the best time to visit, as wildlife sightings can vary depending on the season. The Great Migration in East Africa, for example, is a spectacular event that occurs annually between Tanzania and Kenya.
4. Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared to witness Africa’s “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) along with a myriad of other animals, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, and various antelope species.
5. Safety First: Follow all safety guidelines provided by your guides. Wildlife safaris are thrilling, but always respect the animals and maintain a safe distance.
6. Packing Essentials: Pack appropriate clothing for varying temperatures, comfortable footwear, and safari-appropriate attire. Don’t forget sun protection, insect repellent, and a good pair of binoculars and a camera to capture the moments.
7. Cultural Awareness: Many regions in Africa have vibrant local cultures. Be respectful of local customs and traditions when interacting with local communities.
8. Conservation: Support responsible tourism by choosing lodges and operators that prioritize conservation efforts and sustainable practices.
9. Health Precautions: Consult your doctor regarding any necessary vaccinations or health precautions for the region you plan to visit.
10. Travel Documents: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including visas and passports, well in advance of your trip.
11. Guided Safaris: Consider booking guided safaris to make the most of your experience. Knowledgeable guides can enhance your wildlife encounters with insights and stories about the animals and their behaviors.
12. Disconnect and Immerse: Embrace the opportunity to disconnect from technology and immerse yourself fully in the natural beauty and wonders of the African Wildlife Plains.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on a memorable journey through the African Wildlife Plains, where each day brings the potential for incredible wildlife encounters and unforgettable moments in the heart of the wild.
EXCELLENT Based on 15 reviews Posted on Ursula BarwiseTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a lovely experience, they made sure we were collected and helped at the airport for our connection, the resort we went to was just amazing. All my food requirements for travel were sorted, I am very happy and they kept in touch throughout. Will recommendPosted on Steven & FrankieTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with Phillip from African Wildlife Plains and a truly unforgettable trip. Would highly recommend!Posted on Alex NeumannTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with Phillip when planning a safari trip. I’m originally from SA but live overseas now and wanted to find a good game lodge to take my partner too. I was a bit overwhelmed finding a good place and Phillip helped us find an amazing lodge within our budget. We had a great trip & he snuck in some amazing surprises for us! He really takes your preferences into account (for example, my partner and I wanted a lodge with a gym which can be tough to find) & gives a great personalized experience.Posted on John LawlerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Top notch service. Philip is very gracious and put together beautiful tripPosted on pfrering1Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We found Phillip through safari bookings.com and glad we did! He called us personally on What's App app and immediately his warm personality and true love for the business and wildlife is second to none. My husband and I wanted to plan 1 year in advance and Sabi Sands was our destination of choice. Phillip quickly got a feel for what we wanted (we wanted a bit of luxury and an amazing wildlife sighting experience). We also wanted to go to Mauritius after our safari and he planned the resort there as well. Once we got our quote including all transfers and flights required, we decided to add our friends to the trip! A quick call to Phillip and he responded promptly with accommodations for them as well! During the year that we had the trip planned, Phillip called us regularly to check in and let us know any updates and we added in golf and other tours to our agenda. The accommodations Phillip recommended were luxury and secluded even prior to getting to our safari! The safariaccommodations were a 12 out of 10. All inclusive 3 meals a day and 2 trips in the bush daily for animal sightings! The staff and meals were top notch and it was one of the best experiences of our lives! For this first time trip in Africa and within our budget, we couldn't have asked for anything better. We made some changes on the fly while in the country and Phillip communicated with us and the vendors regularly. The tailored app with tips and info on each step of the journey was invaluable. Book your trip with African Wildlife Plains and you will not regret it.Posted on Tracey BentleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Philip was amazing! He was always available and made sure every aspect of our trip was meeting or exceeding our expectations. Highly recommend.Posted on marco contiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Philip is an incredible agent and I am very grateful we found him! I needed to plan at the last minute (only 8 weeks in advance) a tour for my parents to visit vic falls followed by an authentic safari experience in the bush. It would have been the first time in Africa for my parents, who don’t speak perfect English, so I requested that all transfers and flights were perfectly organised to avoid surprises that could have been worsened by the language barrier. Philip found the best accommodations in line with our budget and prepared an unforgettable experience. He gave us access to a tailored app with tips and info on each step of the journey, and checked constantly during the vacation. One thing to remark, is that the safari lodges he would propose you are not the commercial and overcrowded ones, but little gems in the bush with drives with maximum 6 people on board and top of the game rangers. Would recommend to anyone planning a trip to Southern Africa.Posted on KatieTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A week back from our family trip to South Africa and my feet are just about touching the ground! Wilma at AWP pulled out all the stops to curate, at very short notice, a trip of a lifetime. It wasn’t an easy brief – a family of five with three young adult boys meant that Wilma was tasked to find a range of accommodation and activities that would keep us all happy for three weeks. But my goodness, did she deliver! We had the most breathtaking Safari experience staying at the Tuningi Lodge in Madikwe, run by the lovely Sasha and Andrew. Wilma proposed Madikwe to capitalise on the Big 7, all of which we were privileged to see - breathtaking. Then a perfectly crafted tour of the Cape Garden Route with lots to do but plenty of downtime for Mum and Dad! Wilma‘s attention to detail was faultless, from the moment we were greeted at the plane door in Johannesburg and throughout our multi-centre stay, nothing was left to chance and everything ran seamlessly. Wilma’s gift is her truly personal touch, bothering to get to know us as a family and what would really suit us - this shone through in her careful choices of destinations and properties. It’s not hard to fall in love with South Africans and their beautiful country, however the hidden gems that Wilma chose for us surpassed our expectations with their personal touch and finest attention to detail. A special shout out to the stunning Alkira Lodge hidden in the fynbos in Knysna and run by the wonderful Samantha; and the Grand Provence team led by Wellington in Franschoek. We left feeling we had made friends and can’t wait to return. A huge thank you to Wilma for all her hard work, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her for her expert, hands-on knowledge of Africa. A true 5 star experience.Posted on Jonathan NeveuTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We contacted Phillip about 2-3 months before we wanted to go on our trip, realizing that it was super late to try and organize something like this. He responded to my email within 2 hours and by the next day already had multiple options available to us. He called us multiple times to go over the options with us, and to try and find out what exactly we were looking for. By the end of the week he had everything booked for us for the whole trip, with the only thing we had to purchase was our airfare from the USA. On the lead up to the trip he made sure to reach out to us more than once to ensure us that everything was lining up. We landed in South Africa and were immediately met by a guide who brought us directly to our transfer driver. From start to finish in our trip we never had to worry about our transfers or getting to the places we needed to be on time because Phillip did it all for us! The lodges we stayed at were amazing, and we got to see the Big 5 in its entirety on day 1 on our game drives. During our time in South Africa it was also my wife's birthday, and Phillip had special surprises waiting for her at every stop! A birthday cake at one, a private dinner at another, birthday cupcakes while we were on a game drive. He went so far and above anything we ever expected, and I honestly can't recommend him enough. It never felt like he was selling something to us, it felt like he was planning something special for friends.Posted on David ReynoldsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cannot say enough good things about AWP. Phillip organise everything for which all worked perfectly from transfers to hotels and safari. Would recommend everyone to speak to Phillip for a perfect holiday.
Your ultimate luxury safari experience is closer than you think. Every great journey begins with a conversation. Tell our specialists what inspires you.
WhatsApp us