Enjoy this great combination of camps and a houseboat cruise on Lake Kariba, offering a high quality and truly authentic African safari in wild, remote bush locations and on water. Unlike other safari areas like Tanzania or the Okavango Delta, many camps in Hwange do not have huge price increases in peak season. Hwange offers superb game viewing and excellent guiding. 

Day 1: Arrive Victoria Falls and transfer to Elephant’s Eye Tented Camp (3 nights)

On arrival in Victoria Falls you will be met and transferred (2 ½ hours) to Elephant’s Eye Tented Camp.

Elephant’s Eye Tented Camp is located on a private concession that shares a fenceless border with Hwange National Park. This enables guests to combine the thrill of visiting Zimbabwe’s largest national park with the added benefit of exclusive night-time game drives and guided safari walks in a private conservancy. Easy access to the national park is facilitated by the Mtoa Gate entrance right across from the Camp.

Hwange National Park is far from the maddening crowds and a haven for a variety of African wildlife that you can experience on game drives through the park.

You will arrive in the Camp in time for an afternoon game activity followed by dinner.

Accommodation: Elephant’s Eye Tented Camp (including all meals, drinks & activities)

Day 2 & 3: Explore Hwange National Park

This morning rise early for your game activity and a day of exploring all that Hwange has to offer.

Spend your day exploring this vast reserve where wildlife roam freely or visit the ancient Matoa ruins for awe-inspiring views of Hwange. Early morning and night-time game drives, as well as guided walks with skilled guides, are part of the experience. With their expert knowledge, they will reveal the secrets of the bush and ensure that your African safari is unforgettable.

In addition a swimming pool and the Camp’s eco-spa welcome you to take the time to indulge and relax. In the evenings enjoy exciting night-time game drives, romantic sundowners at breath-taking viewpoints. For an inspiring encounter, join the Community Upliftment Experience and cultural village tour.

Accommodation: Elephant’s Eye Tented Camp (including all meals, drinks & activities)

Day 4: Transfer to Masumu River Lodge in Binga (2 nights)

After breakfast an approximately 3 hour transfer will take you to Masumu River Lodge, located in Binga, on the western end of Lake Kariba’s southern shore.

Binga is known for its fishing and boating and has become a fascinating and rich cultural centre of Zimbabwe, with museums, handicraft industries, village visits and traditional markets. Masumu River Lodge is the ideal spot to explore this special landscape, its waterways, islands, Batonga villages and museums.

Built into the slope of a hill, the lodge offers stunning panoramic vistas from various levels. Check into one of the 9 beautifully appointed and spacious rooms and revel in these views of Lake Kariba before enjoying dinner at the Lodge.

Accommodation: Masumu River Lodge (including all meals, drinks & one activity daily) 

Day 5: Explore Binga and its surrounds

Today enjoy exploring Binga and its surrounds at your leisure.

You may opt to enjoy a half-day tour of Binga, an area rich in Tongan culture, and we encourage guests to immerse in and learn about both the past and present ways of the local people.

Alternatively you opt to simply enjoy the lodge’s pool and bar and end the day with a sunset cruise.

Masumu River Lodge is also the perfect spot for fishing in Zimbabwe. which can be arranged for you (additional cost).

Accommodation: Masumu River Lodge (including all meals, drinks & activities) 

Day 6: Sovereign Houseboat Cruise (2 nights)

After breakfast today you will start your Lake Kariba Houseboat safari by boarding your houseboat in Binga.

Enjoy a light lunch while cruising towards Lake Kariba’s Sengwe Basin. The stunning scenery of the Sengwe River system forms the backdrop to the afternoon’s exploration in the smaller pontoon boats. The Sengwe is famed for its great birding, excellent water bird sightings and many raptors including the rare Pel’s Fishing Owl and Black Eagle. It is also home to large populations of hippo and crocodile.

Dinner is served on board this evening.

Accommodation: Sovereign Houseboat (including all meals, drinks & activities) 

Day 7: Sovereign Houseboat Cruise 

After a light breakfast you will set off for game and bird viewing from the pontoons, one of the many highlights of your river cruise. You could also try fishing on Lake Kariba for the famed Tiger Fish or the indigenous Kariba Bream (additional charge).

Return to the vessel for lunch while cruising to Hondwa Bay. An incredible afternoon will be spent game viewing and exploring the Hondwa Bay. Discover its inlets, sandy beaches and flood plain where you’re likely to spot a thrilling variety of larger mammals. You will experience another extraordinary sunset from your pontoon while enjoying refreshing drinks and snacks.

Dinner will be a delicious beach barbeque on the shore of Lake Kariba, a very special experience and undoubtedly one of the best places for stargazing in Africa. Another remarkable day on your Lake Kariba cruise comes to an end.

Accommodation: Sovereign Houseboat (including all meals, drinks & activities) 

Day 8:Disembark & transfer back to Victoria Falls

Today return to Binga to disembark. Bid farewell to the Sovereign Houseboat, Binga and Lake Kariba and transfer back (approximately 5 hours) to Victoria Falls for your onward journey.

End of safari.

Rates, Terms & Conditions:

The Sovereign Houseboat departs on set dates as follows and can also be booked as a 3 night cruise (please enquire directly with us about difference in price and applicable departure dates):

Departure Dates 2023 - 2-night Cruises

April: 7, 23

May: 21

June: 5, 12, 23

July: 2, 8, 23

August: 6, 15, 25, 27

September: 9, 15

October: 2, 16, 30

01 Apr 2023 - 30 Jun 2023: Per person sharing: US$ 3490          Single: US$ 4420

01 Jul 2023 - 30 Oct 2023: Per person sharing: US$ 4170          Single: US$ 5195

* Package is booked with Gondwana Tours & Safaris 
* Valid for travel as per above dates 
* Standard T&C's apply
* Includes: Inter-camp & airport transfers, departure taxes, park fees & conservation levies, accommodation, meals, drinks (Premium brands excluded), activities (unless stated otherwise in the above itinerary)
* Excludes: International/regional flights, entry visa costs Zimbabwe, travel insurance, items of a personal nature, and gratuities

*Park fees and fuel prices are subject to change with or without prior notice
* Please enquire directly with us regarding child rates

Country : Zimbabwe

From : US$ 3490 (01 Apr - 30 Jun 2023) per person sharing - see detailed information for other rate periods as well as single supplements

Duration : 8 days / 7 nights

Valid for Travel: 01 Apr 2023 - 30 Oct 2023

Featured Benefits: Visit Zimbabwe's famous Hwange National Park, experience Binga along the shores of Lake Kariba and spend 2 nights aboard a Lake Kariba Houseboat - a magnificent combination of luxury accommodation offering a very different and diverse safari experience.