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Best Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe 2027: Rates and Booking
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Best Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe 2027: Rates & Booking
Last updated: September 2026
A 2027 Zimbabwe safari can cost $303 per person sharing at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, while luxury stays reach $1,585 per person each night at Singita Pamushana Lodge. That wide gap makes lodge choice the first big booking decision.
The best safari lodges in Zimbabwe for 2027 include Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Singita Pamushana Lodge, and Machaba Safaris camps in Hwange. Published rates range from $303 per person sharing to $12,251 per person, based on lodge and season. Book early for July to December stays, when Victoria Falls Safari Lodge lists higher rates.
At a glance
- Cost: $303 to $12,251 per person, based on published 2027 rates
- Best time to book: January to March for Machaba's listed Secret Season rate
- Luxury option: Singita Pamushana Lodge starts at $1,585 per person per night
- Best for: Victoria Falls visits, private luxury, Hwange wildlife trips, and multi-country safaris
- Stay length: Wilderness lists 10-night and 12-night multi-country itineraries
- Booking tip: Compare room type, season, meals, transfers, and camp location before paying
Why choose the best safari lodges in Zimbabwe in 2027?
The best safari lodges in Zimbabwe combine a clear location, a defined travel style, and a published rate. In 2027, travelers can choose a Victoria Falls base, a private reserve lodge, a Hwange camp, or a multi-country route. The right choice depends on your budget, trip length, and interest in guided wildlife time.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge lists bed-and-breakfast rates of $303 per person sharing from 1 January to 30 June 2027. Its listed rate rises to $348 per person sharing from 1 July to 31 December 2027. [2] That makes it the clearest lower-priced starting point among the published lodge rates in this guide.
Singita Pamushana Lodge is in the 130,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in southeastern Zimbabwe. The reserve sits next to Gonarezhou National Park. Singita Pamushana Lodge has six suites and one five-bedroom villa, so it suits travelers seeking a small, private luxury stay. [3]
Machaba Safaris gives a useful view of seasonal pricing. Its Definitive Machaba package costs $7,626 per person during the Secret Season from 11 January to 31 March 2027. The same package costs $12,251 per person during the Shoulder Season from 1 to 30 April 2027. [5]
Known for: clear lodge choices
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is known for access to Victoria Falls and a published bed-and-breakfast rate. Singita Pamushana is known for its Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve setting and small room count. Machaba Safaris is known for a higher-priced Hwange package with clear seasonal prices.
Zimbabwe also offers more than one safari setting. You can research Kazuma Pan National Park, Ngamo Plains, and Mavuradonha Wilderness when comparing possible routes. These pages help you understand the country’s wider travel map before choosing one lodge.
Compare 2027 Zimbabwe safari packages and lodge rates on SafariFind to review available trip styles, prices, and verified operator options.
Why the rate matters
A lodge rate is more than a room price. It can shape the whole trip budget. A lower rate may suit a traveler who wants a simple base near Victoria Falls. A high per-person rate may suit a private reserve stay with a smaller guest list and a more exclusive setting.
SafariFind connects travelers with verified tour operators and authentic reviews. That matters when two packages look similar online. Read what past travelers say, then check what the price includes before you request a quote.
What are the key 2027 lodge rates and options?
The key 2027 lodge rates run from $303 per person sharing at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge to $12,251 per person for Machaba's Definitive Machaba package. Singita Pamushana starts at $1,585 per person per night. Multi-country itineraries cost more because they combine several camps and countries.
| Name | Price | Duration | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria Falls Safari Lodge | $303 to $348 per person sharing | Rate shown by date period | Not provided | Victoria Falls and bed-and-breakfast stays |
| Singita Pamushana Lodge | From $1,585 per person per night | Not provided | Not provided | Private luxury in Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve |
| Machaba Safaris, Definitive Machaba | $7,626 to $12,251 per person | Package duration not provided | Not provided | High-end Hwange safari packages |
| Wilderness, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana | From $17,453 per person | 10 nights | Not provided | Multi-country luxury travel |
| Wilderness, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana | From $34,894 per person | 12 nights | Not provided | Longer multi-camp itineraries |
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers the lowest published starting price in this comparison. The $303 rate applies from January through June 2027. The $348 rate applies from July through December 2027. [2] Ask whether the rate covers only bed and breakfast or includes extra activities.
Singita Pamushana Lodge sits in a different price class. The lodge starts at $1,585 per person per night and has six suites plus one five-bedroom villa. [3] This option makes sense for travelers who want a private reserve setting and a smaller lodge rather than a lower daily cost.
Machaba Safaris lists two clear prices for its Definitive Machaba package. The Secret Season price is $7,626 per person from 11 January to 31 March 2027. The Shoulder Season price is $12,251 per person from 1 to 30 April 2027. [5] The difference is $4,625 per person, so dates can change the budget sharply.
How multi-country itineraries change the budget
Wilderness lists a 10-night, five-camp Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana itinerary from $17,453 per person. It also lists a 12-night, four-camp itinerary from $34,894 per person. [6] These prices show why a lodge-only comparison is not enough for a longer route.
Multi-country travel can reduce the need to arrange each camp yourself. It also brings a much higher total price. Check the number of nights, camp count, air transfers, park fees, meals, and activities in the written itinerary.
Request a quote for a 2027 Zimbabwe lodge stay from verified operators and ask for an itemized price before you compare offers.
Important price questions
- Is the rate per person sharing or per room?
- Does the price cover bed and breakfast, full board, or all meals?
- Are park fees included?
- Are transfers included?
- Does the package include guided drives or walking activities?
- What changes when you travel from July to December?
These questions protect your budget. They also help you compare a simple lodge stay with a fully planned safari package. A low room rate can look less attractive after you add transfers and activities. A high package rate may include more services, but you still need the written details.
How do you book the right Zimbabwe safari lodge?
Book the right Zimbabwe safari lodge by matching the lodge location, season, room type, and included services to your trip plan. Start with one clear goal. Choose Victoria Falls for a lodge base near the falls, Malilangwe for private luxury, or Hwange for a package built around the park.
Start with the route
Victoria Falls works well when the falls are the main reason for your trip. You can also explore Chivero Beach Zimbabwe packages if you want to compare a different family travel style. For southern routes, review Chiredzi and Beitbridge as part of your wider planning.
Hwange works best when the safari itself is the main focus. SafariFind’s guide to Hwange National Park safari packages for 2027 can help you compare package formats. Travelers who want a night drive can also read the guide to Hwange night drive costs by season.
Check the season and cancellation terms
Machaba Safaris shows why you should check exact dates. Its Definitive Machaba package rises from $7,626 per person in the Secret Season to $12,251 per person in the Shoulder Season. [5] Ask for the cancellation deadline, deposit amount, and change fee before you pay.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge also uses date-based rates. The property lists $303 per person sharing through June 2027 and $348 from July through December 2027. [2] If your schedule is flexible, compare both periods. A small date change can lower the room cost.
Check transfers and arrival details
Road Scholar’s Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana program starts with arrival on 11 September 2027 and a planned 2:00 p.m. hotel check-in. Travelers using the arranged air travel on the scheduled start and end dates receive free round-trip airport transfers to the hotel. [1]
That detail shows why transfer rules matter. A lodge may quote a room rate without airport pickup. Another package may include transfers only when you use its flights and fixed dates. Write down your arrival time, airport, transfer plan, and hotel check-in time.
Travelers can also review Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport when planning a wider southern Africa route. A Zimbabwe trip may connect with neighboring countries, but each border crossing and transfer needs a clear plan.
Use a simple booking checklist
- Choose your main area, such as Victoria Falls, Hwange, or Malilangwe.
- Set a total budget per person, not only a nightly room budget.
- Compare at least two travel dates in 2027.
- Ask for meals, activities, park fees, and transfers in writing.
- Read verified traveler reviews before selecting an operator.
- Confirm the deposit, cancellation terms, and final payment date.
Keep the final quote beside the lodge’s published rate. This makes missing costs easier to spot. You can also ask whether the operator can offer a private vehicle, family room, or shorter stay without changing the main route.
Useful planning links
Travelers planning a Victoria Falls base can read the 2027 guide to safari lodges near Harare for another lodging comparison. Those adding water activities can review Mutirikwi Beach, Mutarazi Falls, or Chinhoyi Caves.
These places may fit different routes and trip goals. Do not add them simply to fill a schedule. A shorter trip with fewer transfers often feels easier and leaves more time at the lodge.
What should you expect from a 2027 booking?
A 2027 booking should give you a written lodge name, room type, price basis, travel dates, and list of inclusions. Ask the operator to state whether the quote covers one guest, two guests sharing, or a full private room. This prevents the most common price mistake.
Price range: choose by travel style
- Value-led lodge stay: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge from $303 per person sharing for January to June 2027.
- Second-half lodge stay: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge from $348 per person sharing for July to December 2027.
- Private luxury: Singita Pamushana Lodge from $1,585 per person per night.
- Premium Hwange package: Machaba Definitive Machaba from $7,626 per person in the Secret Season.
- Multi-country luxury: Wilderness itineraries from $17,453 per person for 10 nights.
These figures are not like-for-like prices. Some are nightly lodge rates. Others are full package prices. Use them as starting points, then compare the number of nights and included services.
Best for: different travelers
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is best for travelers who want a published bed-and-breakfast rate and a Victoria Falls base. Singita Pamushana is best for guests who value a private reserve and a small lodge. Machaba Safaris is best for travelers planning a high-end Hwange package.
Wilderness is best for travelers who want one planned route across Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana. Its listed options include a 10-night, five-camp itinerary from $17,453 and a 12-night, four-camp itinerary from $34,894 per person. [6]
Families should check room layouts and transfer time first. Couples may prefer a private suite or villa. Solo travelers should ask whether a single supplement applies. These details can change the final quote more than the headline rate.
Booking timing for 2027
September 2026 is a useful time to plan 2027 travel. You can compare dates before the busiest travel periods fill. Early planning also gives you time to request more than one quote and check real traveler reviews.
Start with the lodge that fits your route. Then compare a similar lodge or package, not an unrelated luxury itinerary. This creates a fair price check and makes the final decision easier.
Key takeaways
- Compare Victoria Falls Safari Lodge rates of $303 and $348 per person sharing before choosing 2027 dates.
- Choose January to March for Machaba's listed Secret Season price of $7,626 per person.
- Set a separate luxury budget for Singita Pamushana, which starts at $1,585 per person per night.
- Check every Wilderness itinerary by night count, because listed options range from 10 nights and $17,453 to 12 nights and $34,894.
- Request a written quote that lists meals, transfers, activities, fees, deposits, and cancellation terms.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best safari lodges in Zimbabwe for 2027?
The best safari lodges in Zimbabwe for 2027 depend on your route and budget. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge starts at $303 per person sharing. Singita Pamushana starts at $1,585 per person per night. Machaba Safaris lists a premium Hwange package from $7,626 per person.
How much does a Zimbabwe safari lodge cost in 2027?
A Zimbabwe safari lodge costs $303 per person sharing at the lower published starting point in this guide. Luxury lodge and safari package prices reach $12,251 per person. Multi-country Wilderness itineraries start at $17,453 per person for 10 nights.
What is the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge rate for 2027?
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge lists $303 per person sharing from 1 January to 30 June 2027. The rate rises to $348 per person sharing from 1 July to 31 December 2027. These are bed-and-breakfast rates. [2]
What is the cheapest season for Machaba Safaris in 2027?
Machaba Safaris lists its Definitive Machaba package at $7,626 per person during the Secret Season from 11 January to 31 March 2027. The same package costs $12,251 per person from 1 to 30 April 2027. [5]
How much does Singita Pamushana Lodge cost?
Singita Pamushana Lodge starts at $1,585 per person per night. The lodge has six suites and one five-bedroom villa in the 130,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in southeastern Zimbabwe. [3]
How can I book a verified Zimbabwe safari lodge?
Use SafariFind to compare verified safari operators, read authentic traveler reviews, and request quotes for 2027. Check the final quote against the lodge rate, then confirm inclusions, transfers, payment terms, and cancellation rules before booking.
Conclusion
The best safari lodges in Zimbabwe for 2027 cover a wide price range. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers the clearest lower starting point at $303 per person sharing from January to June. Singita Pamushana offers a small luxury lodge in Malilangwe from $1,585 per person per night. Machaba Safaris suits travelers with a larger Hwange budget.
Choose your route first, then compare dates and inclusions. A January to March Machaba stay has a listed price of $7,626 per person. A Victoria Falls stay from July to December starts at $348 per person sharing. These figures give you useful starting points for a 2027 quote.
Compare verified Zimbabwe safari packages on SafariFind, read authentic reviews, and request a detailed quote from a verified operator. In 2027, careful date checks and clear inclusions will help you book the right lodge without guessing at the final cost.
Plan Your Safari with SafariFind
These recommendations use real data from SafariFind, where you can compare operators, browse packages, and read verified traveler reviews before you book.
Recommended Safari Operators from SafariFind
-
Victoria Falls Serious Fun Travel
Victoria Falls Serious Fun Travel - Zimbabwe • Verified operator
CUSTOMISE TRAVEL & TOURS - Zimbabwe • Verified operator
Recommended Safari Packages from SafariFind
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5-Day The Luxury + Victoria Falls Hotel and The Top Class Ivory Lodge Hwange National Park Experience
5-Day The Luxury + Victoria Falls Hotel and The Top Class Ivory Lodge Hwange National Park Experience • $6,500 • 5 days • by Africa Beast Safaris
5-Day The Luxury + Victoria Falls Hotel and The Top Class Ivory Lodge Hwange National Park Experience
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View Package10-Day Day Zimbabwe Fly-In Safari (Mana Pools, Kariba & Hwange) • $11,420 • 10 days • by Expert Safari Services LTD
10-Day Day Zimbabwe Fly-In Safari (Mana Pools, Kariba & Hwange)
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View Package6-Day Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari Experience • $1,000 • 6 days • by Touch Africa Tours
6-Day Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari Experience
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View Package2-Day 2-Day Hwange National Park-Mid Range Safari • $850 • 2 days • by Victoria Falls Serious Fun Travel
2-Day 2-Day Hwange National Park-Mid Range Safari
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View Package2-Day Hwange National Park-Budget Safari • $510 • 2 days • by Victoria Falls Serious Fun Travel
2-Day Hwange National Park-Budget Safari
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View Package13-Day Botswana and Hwange National Park with Majestic Victoria Falls • $5,000 • 13 days • by Africa Beast Safaris
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View Package3-Day Hwange National Park Wildlife Safari Tour • $1,500 • 3 days • by Africa Beast Safaris
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View Package15-Day Journey into the Heart Lands of Zimbabwe and Botswana • $7,000 • 15 days • by Africa Beast Safaris
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View PackageWhat Travelers Say (SafariFind Reviews)
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5★ - "Booking the safari at Miombo Safari Camp with Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours was easy and they answer all our questions thoroughly and in a timely fashion. We communicated through email, payment was easy too through email" - Joann Fuentes • Verified review
"Booking the safari at Miombo Safari Camp with Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours was easy and they answer all our questions thoroughly and in a timely fashion. We communicated through email, payment was easy too through email. There was no availability for the Hwange safari camp on the dates we requested but Mr. Tongesai managed to find us another safari camp, Miombo, which was a delightful place whilst honoring the rates offered at their website. Mr. Tongesai made sure we were picked up and driven to the camp, accompanying us on the 2-hour trip and later receiving us back at our hotel. Miombo's accommodations, the tent, was like camping with glamour. It was spacious with 2 comfortable single beds and charming decoration. The ensuite bathroom felt like we were in the woods but protected and with the comforts of a good hotel. The hot water in the shower was not working but Mr. Bernard, Miombo's host, made sure it was fixed by the time we came back from the afternoon game drive. The tent was right in front of a water hole, which depending on the season, would have received the visit of elephants. We didn't see any animals there but one night a leopard came to our camp. Unfortunately, we didn't see it as we slept safely under the watch of night guards. They also made sure we were escorted back and forth during the night between our tent and the common area. Mr. Bernard served delicious meals in the beautiful open common area viewing the forest and sometimes with a visit of monkeys. The dessert was always delicious! At night we had a bonfire to huddle to, and one of the nights we were treated with local barbecue and a dance. Everything was a delight. The game drivers are also a delight with their stories, knowledge and funny jokes, Nigel and Mr. B are amazing hosts, making sure everyone is comfortable and going out there to find the great animals and birds for us. The game drives in Hwange were amazing! We saw elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeasts, buffalos, impalas, koudos, warthogs, crocodiles, hippos, amazing birds! We missed the lions and leopards by minutes but it was okay. Makes us want to come back again. The sunset drive was also a delight with Nigel, including a stop for a snack. Our driver back to the hotel was also a great delight with his incredible stories and knowledge. I learned so much about the animals in these 3 days. The tour has lived up to our expectations and more! Mr. Tongesai also took care of our requests for a Sunset Cruise and an Elephant Ride as soon as we reached the hotel. Less than half an hour, Mr. Tongesai arranged us to be picked up to go to a Sunset Cruise on the evening we arrived from the safari. The cruise was a delight, the sunset on the Zambezi river was amazing and the service on board was great, great food and beverages, Zambezi beer of course! The Elephant Ride arranged by Mr. Tongesai was also an amazing adventure I will never ever forget. Riding my elephant Detema with the driver Tunzi was amazing, against the sunrise backdrop, amazing colours in the sky. The lady that accompanied us taking pictures, she did such a great jobs, I love my pictures on the elephant! The feeding and petting the elephants after the ride was another amazing experience! These elephants are such a delight, sucking fiercely the food in our hands! I simply loved it! Then they served us a delicious breakfast while watching our beautiful pictures on the elephant. I learned so much about elephants with my driver. Everything in this place, this tour, the people and the animals, is amazing, unbelievable, unforgettable! I love Vic Falls, Hwange, Zimbabwe! I hope to come back and I will definitely tell all my friends that they have to have this experience in their bucket list. And it is easy, just reach out to Mr. Tongesai and Cultural Vibes, they will take great good care of you! You will love them! We thank Mr. Tongesai and everyone at Cultural Vibes, Miombo Safari Camp, Sunset Cruise, Elephant Ride, who made us have the time of our life!"
Joann Fuentes•6/22/2026
5★ - "Cultural Vibes Travel and Tours has proved to be excellent yet again as this is now the third time, we have used them and a much-needed break after almost 3 years with the Covid pandemic. Tongesai is extremely reliable, " - Charles Kinnaird • Verified review
"Cultural Vibes Travel and Tours has proved to be excellent yet again as this is now the third time, we have used them and a much-needed break after almost 3 years with the Covid pandemic. Tongesai is extremely reliable, professional, knowledgeable and does everything to make your trip a memorable experience. Compared to local larger companies, Tongesai’s individual package rates are more reasonable and come with a customized touch. We felt that our holiday with Tongesai was much better and suited us more so than if we had booked through a larger company. His individual tailoring, personal involvement and attention to detail pays off in the smooth running of your trip. Our visits to the Victoria Falls, both sides from Zimbabwe and Zambia were magnificent and never cease to amaze us. On this trip Tongesai arranged for a private sunset cruise on the Zambezi just for our family of four instead of on the larger vessels, which was a very pleasant alternative. The boat trip in Chobe is magical and a must if you venture into Botswana. Wildlife was in abundance, including lion, elephant, wildebeest, buffalo, puku, kudu, bushbuck, waterbuck, impala, gemsbok, steenbok, sable and roan antelope, etc. We even saw a relative of Cecil, the famous black-maned lion, ‘once a true king of Hwange National Park’. I have no hesitation in recommending the company for arranging tours in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana - we will definitely be seeing him again. He is currently setting up arrangements with colleagues in Kruger National Park to venture into South Africa and I wish him every success with that."
Charles Kinnaird•6/22/2026
4★ - "On 10.9. until 1.10. In 2023, I went on a trip to Botswana, Zimbabwe and a short visit to Zambia with my clients - friends. I carefully prepared the trip in cooperation with the manager of Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours, " - Viktor Chrást • Verified review
"On 10.9. until 1.10. In 2023, I went on a trip to Botswana, Zimbabwe and a short visit to Zambia with my clients - friends. I carefully prepared the trip in cooperation with the manager of Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours, Mr. Tongesai Mutematsaka. After arriving in Gaborone we organized a short tour of the city ourselves and met Tongesai in Maun. Tongesai was our driver and guide practically the whole way. We visited the Okavango River Delta and its surroundings (Moremi Reserve, Mokoro boat cruise, flight over the Okavango Delta. This was followed by a visit to the Makgadikgadi Salt Flats, then the Elephant Sands area and in Botswana Chobe National Park with a cruise on the Chobe River. Then we crossed to Zimbabwe, which was the main part of our journey. In the Victoria Falls area, we visited the Monde settlement, took a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, followed by a cruise on the Zambezi River as part of a visit to the national park of the same name. We also walked past Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side and had a Boma dinner in the evening (too much of a "tourist thing"). On the Zambian side of the falls we saw white rhinos in Mosi - oa - Tunya National Park, then visited the museum in Livingstone and walked the Zambian side of the falls. From Victoria Falls, we headed to Hwange National Park, where we had a beautiful program - a safari, and after Hwange, there was also a very interesting program in Matobo National Park (there, among other things, white rhinos (a mother with her little daughter), beautiful rock formations and prehistoric cave drawings. The next place visited was Khami with very interesting buildings, and then we visited the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, which are among the most important world monuments. This was followed by a visit to the Chinhoya Karst and finally the gallery in Harare. I would also like to comment on the provision of services: Accommodation in the hotels was at the standard, expected level, only the service at the Great Zimbabwe Hotel was rather lazy. Accommodation in lodges - very good and the best accommodation was in Iganyana tented camp in Hwange National Park, mainly due to the extraordinary professionalism and very friendly attitude of the staff there towards us, the visitors. I must also highly praise all the local guides we met everywhere, e.g. in Chobe, Hwange and Matobo National Parks. I want to emphasize that this journey is one of the most interesting that I have made around the world. I believe that my clients - friends were also satisfied with the set. Thanks to the travel agency Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours and Mr. Tongesai Mutematsaka. I recommend Cultural Vibes Travel & Tours to anyone considering a trip to Zimbabwe."
Viktor Chrást•6/22/2026
5★ - "My travel companions and I chose the 4 day experience. Technically it is really a 3 day experience, because the last day they provide airport transportation. I feel they go above and beyond in making sure they are provid" - Karan thomas • Verified review
"My travel companions and I chose the 4 day experience. Technically it is really a 3 day experience, because the last day they provide airport transportation. I feel they go above and beyond in making sure they are providing their customers with a safe, exciting and exceptional experience. Gari was our driver/guide in Zimbabwe, and was friendly, helpful, and courteous. Gari either made sure we were where we needed to be or provided his own guide trip to the Victoria Falls. He even provided the rain gear, which is most necessary. Gari and his "boss" Mr T. went above and beyond when Delta postponed our flight by a day, by helping to make sure that the connecting airline would change our reservation. They then made sure we got to the airport on time, a day later. They are always willing to provide any additional things that you would like to see and do. If you looking for a guided tour company, this is the one to use, and one that I would have no hesitation in using again."
Karan thomas•6/22/2026
5★ - "First, Tongesai Mtematsaka was excellent with communications and service. We couldn’t have asked for better. My questions via email were promptly answered. His English was excellent, and better. He was always on time in " - George Wagner • Verified review
"First, Tongesai Mtematsaka was excellent with communications and service. We couldn’t have asked for better. My questions via email were promptly answered. His English was excellent, and better. He was always on time in meeting us, coming and going. Our two hour trips from VIc Falls to the sable sands lodge, and then from the lodge to the Vic Falls airport were a highlight to our entire Africa trip. My wife and I will be discussing various aspects from the discussions with Tongesai for some time to come. By patiently answering my many questions he educated my wife and I about Zimbabwe and the region - culture, practices and assets of the people, typical family life, economy, weather, etc., and possibilities and trends into the future - all believable and detailed. The staff and facilities at the sable sands lodge were all excellent, beginning with Michelle’s clear instructions and cautions. She was a delight. We were asked if we wanted to take a charming hut as close as we could get to the marvelous watering hole there and got it. Incredibly we were greeted by a dust-cloud from a herd of maybe 100 Cape buffalo running to the water - unbelievable! The meals prepared by So and Derik were really good, throughout. MC, our drive guide was excellent and very accommodating to all the guests in the comfortable and safe-feeling, open 4x4. We met some nice co-guests. We saw so many animals on our safari that I will not attempt to recall here. I would just say that the many watering holes in the Hwange park were impressive, As an environmentalist myself I was very impressed with the solar powered system for exploiting the aquifers, and the foresight of the authorities in developing and maintains these. I know the history going back to the 1920’s, but if there wasn’t maintainence and upgrade the animals could not continue, especially with drought effects of climate change. Finally, I must comment on the fact that our first night in our hut was spent listening to the rumblings of the elephant just outside out hut. In the morning the tracks outside our hut showed how close our visitor was. We knew then that Michelle’s cautions were serious. But then more, the second night we had a lioness spend the night outside our hut, perhaps roaring a mating call. At first light MC came by with the truck and asked if we wanted to see the lion. I shot out with my camera. What an experience!! We hope our parting tip to the group of 16 people providing excellent service was meaningful. I will certainly recommend this trip to anyone who will hear me. What a privilege!!!"
George Wagner•6/22/2026
References
- [1] Safari by Water & Land: Zimbabwe, Namibia & Botswana, Road Scholar
- [2] Price List: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- [3] 10 Luxury African Safari Lodges for 2026 and 2027
- [4] Zimbabwe Safari Tours 2026 to 2027, Adventure Life
- [5] Safari Packages: Zimbabwe Safaris and Hwange National Park Safaris, Machaba Safaris
- [6] Zimbabwe Safaris and Luxury Zimbabwe Safari Tours, Wilderness
- [7] Insika Lodge Victoria Falls: Prices, Contact and Reviews
- [8] The 7 Best Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe