← Victoria Falls Marathon·3 nights

Three Nights in Hwange National Park

A vehicle-based safari stay in Zimbabwe's largest park, after a day of rest in Victoria Falls.

Duration3 nights
TransitPrivate or lodge transfer from Victoria Falls, quoted by the lodge
DepartsYour Victoria Falls hotel

After the Victoria Falls Marathon: Three Nights in Hwange

The Route: Victoria Falls hotel (rest day) → Transfer to Hwange → Safari lodge (3 nights) → Return to Victoria Falls Airport Logistics: Get one written quote that covers the lodge and the transfers, with the game drives listed. Marathon Month: July Duration: 3 nights

Victoria Falls hotel ──(transfer, quoted by lodge)──> Hwange lodge (3 nights)
                                                             │
              Victoria Falls Airport <──(transfer)── Game drives <──┘

A safari is the best use of legs that have just run a marathon, because it is done sitting down. It is also long, so treat the first day as a rest day in Victoria Falls and travel the next morning.

July in Victoria Falls and Hwange: the dry winter. Dawn game drives are cold in an open vehicle, with nights below 10 degrees in places, and the afternoon is warm. Pack layers and a hat.

The Drive

ZimParks' published directions for the Main Camp road give 172 km from Victoria Falls to the turn-off, then a further 23 km to the park. That is a guide, not a promise: other lodges and gates are reached differently, and the time depends on the road and the vehicle. Ask your lodge for its own transfer time and what happens if you arrive after dark.

The Lodge

Choose a lodge with vehicle-based activities and ask about its grounds. Some camps are unfenced, so ask whether you can walk between your room and the dining area after dark. Check vehicle seating, because luggage space matters for flights. This itinerary cannot name a lodge, so ask Victoria Falls operators for a written quote and compare the inclusions.

What To Do

Book drives rather than walks for the first full day. Morning and late afternoon drives are the usual rhythm, and a quiet midday in camp suits sore legs. Ask for step assistance if you need it.

Getting Back

Return to Victoria Falls for the flight home, and leave a full day for the road if your connection is international. Take your insurance details with you, because FCDO warns that medical provision and emergency response can be limited.