The Ellie Experience
Zimbabwe
August 2026 | 6 nights, 7 days
The Ellie Experience
Join The Ellie Experience, an unforgettable hosted journey led personally by Heather Kasey, founder of Ellie Travel and the Elephant Education Initiative. Designed for travelers who crave connection, adventure, and purpose, these group tours bring together like-minded explorers who share a passion for wildlife and meaningful conservation. Each itinerary is designed by Heather, featuring exceptional accommodations, immersive cultural experiences, and opportunities to engage with local conservation efforts. It’s the perfect blend of travel, adventure, and purpose.
Travel to Zimbabawe
Victoria Falls and all its wares might have put Zimbabwe on the international travel map, but this treasure of a country is so much more than an iconic waterfall. Zimbabwe is one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding big game safari destinations, offering off-the-beaten-track adventures in hidden gems, classic safari experiences in big game country, and thrilling activities in Africa’s adventure capital.
Zimbabwe is an authentic, rugged destination, specially recommended for travellers returning to Africa, for an experience remote from much-travelled regions. In addition to delivering superb game viewing in the care of some of the most respected guides in the business, a Zimbabwe vacation offers classic tented camps that are comfortable without being ostentatious, wholesome cuisine, and one of the warmest welcomes in the world, wherever you go.
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Arrive at Victoria Falls River Lodge and unwind. Enjoy a relaxing boat safari on the Zimbabwean side of the Zambezi River.
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Fly to Hwange National Park. Experience the luxury of Somalisa Camp, nestled in one of Africa's most biodiverse, wildlife-rich regions.
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Spend two nights at the secluded Chiwenya Camp, a private retreat within a UNESCO World Heritage site. The camp is surrounded by indigenous trees that attract elephants, bringing these magnificent animals right to your doorstep.
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Return to Victoria Falls for a final night at the Victoria Falls River Lodge, preparing for your journey home or continuing your African adventure.
Where You'll Stay
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Victoria Falls River Lodge
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Somalisa Camp
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Chiwenya Camp
Meaningful Encounters with Elephants
Zambia and Zimbabwe offer some of the most extraordinary opportunities to connect with elephants in the wild.
In Hwange National Park, home to over 50,000 elephants, guests at Somalisa Camp can witness these majestic animals up close at the on-site elephant pool, during game drives, or even on guided walking safaris, gaining a deeper appreciation for their intelligence and social bonds.
At Chiwenya Camp in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mana Pools, elephants often wander right up to the camp, allowing for unforgettable, intimate encounters in a private and pristine setting. Guided by expert rangers, travelers learn about elephant behavior, conservation efforts, and the delicate balance of the ecosystems they inhabit.
Each experience goes beyond observation, offering a meaningful connection to one of Africa’s most iconic and beloved species.
The Highlights
Hwange National Park
Witness Africa’s largest elephant population up close, from game drives and walking safaris to visits at the on-site elephant pool at Somalisa Camp.
Wildlife at Mana Pools
Enjoy private, guided encounters with elephants and other wildlife in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mana Pools, where animals often roam right up to your lodge.
Victoria Falls Adventure
Experience the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls with guided tours, luxury lodge stays, and scenic boat safaris along the Zambezi River.
Luxury Safari Lodges
Stay in exceptional accommodations like Somalisa and Chiwenya Camps, combining immersive wildlife experiences with comfort, elegance, and stunning natural settings.
Diverse Safari Activities
Participate in game drives, walking safaris, canoe safaris, and cultural visits, offering a rich variety of ways to experience Africa’s wildlife and landscapes.
Natural Landscapes
Explore Zimbabwe’s dramatic scenery, from the mighty waterfalls to pristine wilderness, providing a breathtaking backdrop to every adventure.