The journey begins in Johannesburg at the InterContinental Airport Sun hotel, conveniently located in the airport, before transferring to Zimbabwe the following morning. Arrive at Mana Pools National Park where the Zambezi River divides Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ruckomechi Camp enjoys a prime location on the river with pleasant views of the mountainous Great Rift Valley. Private en suite tents feature a “bath with a view” – the better to catch a peek at the elephants snacking on the albida trees growing on the grounds. Partake in game drives and camp activities before the next adventure, a three-night canoe trip down the Zambezi.

Guides with the Mana Canoe Trail Safari begin slowly, allowing guests to become accustomed to the paddling and steering of the sturdy Canadian canoes. Along the journey, rise early to take full advantage of the breathtaking sunrises and still waters of the Zambezi. The trek is peppered with frequent breaks for tracking in the bush but is not without its challenges, with guests paddling sometimes as much as 15 miles per day. Riverside dinners at dusk are a welcome end to the day of travel, with freshly-made dinners, hot bucket showers and private dome tents waiting at the exclusive campsite.

Canvas-roofed tents greet guests at Little Makalolo, a quiet camp in Hwange National Park. Each tent is appointed with soft bed linens, wood accents and distinct bush decor, with a spacious outdoor shower looking out to the camp’s busy waterhole. Excellent biodiversity defines this area, with cape buffalo and elephant numbering near 30,000 and over 400 species of bird residing in Hwange. Partake in game drives and peaceful nature walks before transferring to Zambia for the final nights of the journey.

The impressive Victoria Falls are mere minutes from Toka Leya Camp, a collection of just 12 tents on the Zambezi. In addition to game drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, visitors will witness the power of Victoria Falls – “the smoke that thunders” – as it cascades over the cliffs to the canyon below. View the falls by air on the final day of the itinerary, a farewell glance before departing Africa. The last hours here are passed in the comfort of a day room at InterContinental Airport Sun before departure.