Hear about travel to the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe as the Amateur Traveler talks to Rael Zieve from Keep Travelling Africa about one of his favorite African itineraries.
Why should you visit the Zambezi Valley?
Rael says, “Just the landscapes are quite amazing. I think you should go because the landscapes change. There are still people who live very humbly along the river banks, living out of their mud huts in very medieval conditions, and that type of thing. Even today in the 21st century.”
Rael’s Recommended Zambezi Valley Itinerary (9 Nights Total):
Days 1–3: Victoria Falls & Upper Zambezi
Base: Victoria Falls area Rael recommends starting in Victoria Falls, which is the easiest international gateway to the Zambezi Valley and far more than just a stop to see the waterfall. You can choose between:
- Chundu Island, Victoria Falls, a small, luxury island lodge on the Zambezi River inside Zambezi National Park, is ideal for travelers who want privacy, birdlife, and walking and river safaris.
- Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, a larger, well-established lodge close to town and activities.
- Alternatively, a higher-end option, such as Old Drift Lodge, is known for tented luxury and riverfront game viewing.
Activities during these three nights include:
- Guided tours of Victoria Falls
- Tours at Victoria Falls, including helicopter flights and walking tours
- Cultural experiences like the BOMA dinner, where you can try Mopane Worms
- Adventure options such as whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and jet boating
- Evening entertainment at Victoria Falls Theater
- Historical experiences like the Bamba Tram
- Visiting elephantCREW, a conservation and rehabilitation center
Rael emphasizes that Victoria Falls can easily fill a full week, but three nights give a strong introduction before heading deeper into the valley.
Days 4–6: Lake Kariba & Bumi Hills (Houseboat Safari)
Base: Bumi Hills / Lake Kariba. From Victoria Falls, Rael recommends a charter flight to Bumi Hills, on the southern shore of Lake Kariba, one of Africa’s largest man-made lakes. From Bumi Hills, you transfer to a private houseboat for three nights on the lake. Why this stop matters:
- Lake Kariba was created in the 1950s, leading to Operation Noah, which rescued thousands of animals stranded by rising waters
- Wildlife viewing happens directly from the boat, including buffalo, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife
- Fishing for tiger fish and tilapia is a major highlight
- Nights are spent under extraordinary star-filled skies, often sleeping on the upper deck
This portion of the trip shifts the safari experience from vehicles to water, reinforcing Rael’s point that safaris are not just about game drives.
Days 7–9: Mana Pools National Park (Lower Zambezi)
Base: Mana Pools After Kariba, guests fly by charter to Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the lower Zambezi River. Rael highlights Mana Pools as one of Africa’s finest safari destinations, especially for walking safaris. Recommended lodge styles include:
- Little Ruckomechi Camp, for a small, intimate experience
- Larger camps nearby for travelers who prefer more facilities
Key experiences here:
- Walking safaris led by highly trained guides
- Exceptional sightings of African wild dog, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and large herds
- Deep appreciation for both the Little Five game and The Ugly Five Animals of Africa, not just the Big Five
- Quiet evenings on the riverbank, watching sunsets over the Zambezi
Rael describes Mana Pools as the most spiritually powerful part of the journey, where the rhythms of the river and wildlife fully take over.
Departure
After the ninth night, guests charter back to Victoria Falls or connect onward to other regional hubs for international departure.
Why Rael Recommends This Route
- It follows the Zambezi River from west to east without repeated border crossings
- It combines waterfalls, river safaris, lake exploration, and classic walking safaris
- It balances high-end comfort with deep wilderness immersion
- It showcases Zimbabwe’s landscapes, wildlife, and people at their best
Rael’s itinerary is designed to show that the Zambezi Valley is not a single destination, but a sequence of dramatically different experiences tied together by one of Africa’s great rivers.
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Show Notes
Keep Travelling – Your African Story
Keep Travelling Africa
Zambezi
Chundu Island, Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls
Mopane Worms
Tours at Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Theater
The Bamba Tram
elephantCREW
Zimbabwe Safari Lodge – Old Drift Lodge, Luxury in Zambezi National Park
Bumi Hills
Lake Kariba
Operation Noah
Mana Pools National Park
Little Ruckomechi Camp
Little five game
The Ugly Five Animals of Africa
Community
Give me your feedback on the show at AmateurTraveler.com/1000
Amateur Traveler Trips
