Discover the wonders of Zimbabwe with Extraordinary Journey’s new Elephant Express on their latest Zimbabwe safari. This nine-night itinerary combines classic safari experiences with a unique two-hour rail transfer through Hwange National Park, offering exceptional wildlife viewing and comfortable travel between camps.
Priced from $4,000 per person, the trip includes a curated selection of stays and activities designed to showcase Zimbabwe’s wildlife, landscapes and culture. Key features include:
- Nine nights at Imvelo Safari properties: three nights at Camelthorn Lodge, three nights at Nehimba Lodge and three nights at Zambezi Sands
- A two-hour Elephant Express tram transfer from Ngamo to Impofu through Hwange National Park
- A visit to Ngamo village school with an opportunity to join Imvelo’s community “pump run” water-conservation activity
- A tour of Victoria Falls and canoeing on the Zambezi River while based at Zambezi Sands
The journey begins with three nights at Camelthorn Lodge, set in a community concession on Hwange’s southeast border. Camelthorn combines traditional game drives with immersive community experiences. Guests can meet residents of nearby Ngamo village, visit the local school and take part in Imvelo’s pump run, an activity that pairs wildlife viewing in remote areas with supporting local water-access projects.
From Camelthorn, travelers board the Elephant Express, a dual-engine tram that launched recently to provide a relaxed way to traverse Hwange National Park. The scenic two-hour ride from Ngamo to Impofu follows the historic rail line that runs between Pretoria and Victoria, skirting the park’s eastern boundary. Passengers can enjoy a packed lunch while watching wildlife along the route. The rail transfer concludes at Impofu, where a short game drive brings guests to Nehimba Lodge.
At Nehimba Lodge, located on a private concession in Hwange’s northern reaches, guests stay in thatched tents set on teak decks overlooking a large seasonal pan. This area attracts concentrated wildlife during the dry months, particularly elephants, making it an excellent base for close-up viewing. Activities include guided game drives, walking safaris and night drives to spot nocturnal species.
The final three nights are at Zambezi Sands, situated on the banks of the Zambezi River inside Zambezi National Park. The main lodge and luxury Bedouin-style tents are raised on platforms to maximize river views and provide private sun decks. Zambezi Sands is about an hour from Victoria Falls, giving guests easy access to the falls and a wide range of river-based activities. Options include canoeing, river cruises, fishing and more adventurous pursuits such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping.
This itinerary blends wildlife-rich camps, a memorable rail transfer and cultural engagement to create a varied, comfortable safari experience across Zimbabwe’s most celebrated natural areas.