Zimbabwe — Land of the Thundering Smoke
14 days from Victoria Falls through Hwange National Park to the ancient Matobo Hills
Guided 4x4 Self-Drive
Zimbabwe — Land of the Thundering Smoke
14 days from Victoria Falls through Hwange National Park to the ancient Matobo Hills
About This Tour
Tour Highlights
- Victoria Falls — one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
- Hwange National Park — Zimbabwe's largest game reserve with massive elephant herds
- Matobo Hills — UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient San rock art
- Great Zimbabwe ruins — medieval stone city and national monument
- Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
- Walking safari with experienced rangers
- Night game drives in private concessions
- Traditional village visits and cultural experiences
- Wild camping in remote wilderness areas
- Fully guided convoy with expert off-road support
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Victoria Falls — Arrival & Orientation
Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport, collect your 4x4 with rooftop tent, vehicle briefing. Afternoon visit to the falls — prepare to get wet from the spray!
Victoria Falls — Full Day Exploration
Morning helicopter flight option (Zambezi Helicopter Co) for aerial views of the falls. Afternoon sunset cruise on the Zambezi River with hippos and crocodiles.
Victoria Falls — Kazungula — Kasane
Drive to the Kazungula border crossing (Zimbabwe/Botswana) and cross into Kasane for a Chobe River boat safari. Return to Zimbabwe for overnight.
Victoria Falls — Hwange National Park
Drive south to Hwange, Zimbabwe's flagship national park. Enter through Robins Camp gate and set up camp near one of the park's famous waterholes.
Hwange — Sinamatella Area
Full day game driving in the Sinamatella area. Hwange is home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations — herds of 100+ are common at waterholes.
Hwange — Main Camp Area
Drive to the Main Camp area. Afternoon guided walking safari with armed rangers — a chance to track wildlife on foot.
Hwange — Ngamo Area
Explore the Ngamo area, known for lion prides and painted wolf (African wild dog) sightings. Night game drive in a private concession.
Hwange — Bulawayo
Exit Hwange and drive to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second city. Visit the Railway Museum and explore the colonial architecture.
Bulawayo — Matobo Hills
Drive south to Matobo Hills National Park. Afternoon walk to see ancient San rock paintings, some over 2,000 years old.
Matobo Hills — Rhino Tracking
Morning rhino tracking walk — Matobo is one of the best places in Africa to see both black and white rhino on foot. Visit Cecil Rhodes' grave at World's View.
Matobo Hills — Great Zimbabwe
Long drive east to Great Zimbabwe, the medieval stone city that gave the country its name. Camp near the ruins.
Great Zimbabwe — Exploration
Full morning exploring the Great Enclosure and Hill Complex. Afternoon visit to a local craft village.
Great Zimbabwe — Harare
Drive north to Harare, Zimbabwe's capital. Final group dinner at a local restaurant.
Harare — Departure
Vehicle return and transfer to Harare International Airport for departing flights. Until next time, Africa.
What is Included
- 4x4 vehicle and rooftop tent rental
- Breakfast and Dinner is included
- Expert Quo Vadis lead guide vehicle
- Full route planning and logistics
- All national park and reserve entrance fees
- Victoria Falls entrance
- Great Zimbabwe entrance
- Matobo Hills rock art guided walk
- Rhino tracking walk with rangers
- Zambezi sunset cruise
- Campsite bookings throughout
Not Included
- Flights to Victoria Falls / from Harare
- Travel and medical insurance
- Fuel and vehicle expenses
- Optional helicopter flight over Victoria Falls
- Chobe boat safari (Day 3)
- Visa fees where applicable
- Personal spending money
Tour Pricing
All prices are per person and are subject to change. Contact us for the latest availability and seasonal pricing.
Tour fee per person
Contact us
Based on group size
Your 4x4
Your vehicle is fully equipped and ready for the trail. Below is a summary of what you can expect based on your group size.
We provide properly prepared rental 4x4 vehicles suitable for Southern African travel conditions. Our vehicle suppliers are chosen with great care and only use companies who maintain their vehicles to optimal standards.
Depending on the specific itinerary and package, vehicles may include high clearance 4x4 capability, air-conditioning, spare tyres, recovery equipment, camping gear, rooftop tent, fridge/freezer, and basic overland equipment.
The most common vehicles we hire are the Toyota Hilux or the Ford Ranger 4x4 with rooftop tent.
If preferred, we can also provide ground tents which must be requested during the booking process.
Vehicle Allocation by Group Size
Groups of 1–2 Travelers
- Single-cab 4x4 vehicle
- Single rooftop tent included
Groups of 3–5 Travelers
- Double-cab 4x4 vehicle
- Two rooftop tents included
Vehicle upgrades are available upon request. Please note that any price difference will be charged to your account.
Full vehicle specifications and a comprehensive equipment list will be sent to you once your reservation is confirmed and the deposit has been received.
What To Bring
Packing correctly makes all the difference on a 4x4 expedition. Here is our recommended packing list for all Quo Vadis tours.
Southern Africa 4x4 camping typically involves strong sun, dust, bumpy roads, and big day and night temperature swings. This checklist prioritises lightweight, durable, quick-dry items and easy organisation for life on the road. Use this as a guideline — add or omit items to suit your own personal circumstances and needs.
Documents & Money
Keep these accessible at all times.
- Valid passport and visa where required (minimum 6 months validity) + paper copies + photos stored offline on your phone
- Driver's licence (and International Driving Permit if you will be driving)
- Travel and medical insurance details + emergency contacts
- Bookings and travel documents saved offline
- Local cash in small notes + bank card (remote areas may have limited card facilities)
- Document wallet / zip pouch (dust-resistant)
- Children under 18: passport, visa where applicable, and international unabridged birth certificate
Clothing
Aim for breathable, quick-dry fabrics in neutral colours — practical for bush travel.
- 3–5 quick-dry T-shirts / tops
- 2–3 long-sleeve shirts (sun and insect protection)
- 2 shorts
- 1–2 long pants (evenings, bush, ticks)
- Warm layer (fleece/hoodie) for cold mornings and nights
- Light rain jacket / windbreaker
- Underwear and socks (extra pairs for limited laundry)
- Sleepwear
- Swimwear (optional but useful)
- Closed walking shoes / trail runners
- Sandals / camp shoes
- Light boots (optional for frequent hikes)
Sun, Heat & Dust Protection
High priority for all destinations.
- Wide-brim hat or cap with neck protection
- Sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm
- Buff / scarf (dust protection on windy tracks)
- Reusable water bottles — insulated, minimum 2 x 1L
- Electrolyte sachets / rehydration salts
Toiletries & Hygiene
Travel-size items in tough, dust-resistant packaging.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Biodegradable soap and small shampoo
- Microfibre towel
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitiser
- Tissues and small toilet paper roll (remote stops can be basic)
- Nail clippers and small mirror
- Shower sandals (recommended for campsites)
Health, First Aid & Personal Medication
- Prescription medicines (plus a few extra days) + copy of script
- Basic pain / fever relief
- Antihistamines (allergies / bites)
- Anti-diarrhoeal tablets + oral rehydration salts
- Plasters and blister pads
- Antiseptic wipes / cream and small bandage
- Insect repellent
- After-bite / anti-itch cream
- Tweezers (thorns / ticks)
- Eye drops (dust)
- Motion sickness tablets (corrugated roads)
- Small personal medical kit pouch (labelled)
Tech & Power
Camping-friendly essentials.
- Phone
- Charging cables (carry a spare)
- Power bank (high capacity)
- 12V car charger
- Headlamp (hands-free in camp) and spare batteries
- Camera (optional) and spare SD card / batteries
Comfort & Quality-of-Life Items
- Earplugs (wind, frogs, other campers)
- Sleeping mask (early sunrise / camp lights)
- Small daypack
- Light gloves (cold mornings, camp chores)
- Compact travel pillow
- Dry bags / ziplock bags (dust and organisation)
- Small laundry kit (detergent sheets, travel line, pegs)
- Refillable spray bottle (cooling mist / quick rinse)
Camping-Specific Personal Items
- Sleeping bag suitable for cold nights (or a warmer liner and blanket — see your 4x4 list)
- Sleeping bag liner (adds warmth and hygiene — see your 4x4 list)
- Personal mug / cup and cutlery if not provided by the tour
- Head-to-toe quick-dry camp clothing (kept separate from driving clothes)
- Personal snacks (nuts, biltong, energy bars, etc.)
- Lighter
Wildlife & Exploration Extras
Nice-to-have items.
- Binoculars (a big upgrade for wildlife sightings)
- Field guide app or book (birds, animals, trees)
- Notebook and pen (route notes, sightings, reflections)
Quick Packing Principles
- •Use a soft duffel or soft-sided bag rather than a hard suitcase — easier to pack in a 4x4.
- •Pack in modules: clothes cube / toiletries pouch / med kit / tech kit.
- •Keep a grab bag in the vehicle: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, camera / binoculars.
- •Always carry one warm layer even in hot months — early mornings and desert nights can be cold.
- •Pack duplicates of mission-critical items (one spare cable, one spare headlamp battery set, etc.).
- •Keep medicines and documents in a dust-proof pouch and away from heat.
- •If entering malaria-risk regions, get personalised medical advice before travel. You will be advised in your tour programme if it is required.
Seasonal Packing Guide
Seasons vary by region — use this as a practical rule-of-thumb when packing outside the rainy season.
| Category | Summer (hotter, more insects) | Winter (colder nights, drier air) |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | More quick-dry tops; extra light long-sleeves for sun/insects; breathable hat. | Add a warmer fleece; extra long pants; consider a beanie for early mornings. |
| Sleeping gear | Lighter sleeping bag or sheet + liner; ventilation-friendly sleepwear. | Warmer sleeping bag/liner; thermal base layer; hot-water bottle (optional). |
| Insect protection | Stronger repellent; consider a light long-sleeve camp shirt for evenings. | Still carry repellent; insects can remain in milder winter areas. |
| Hydration | Extra electrolytes; 1–2 bottles for day use; aim for regular sipping. | Don't underestimate dehydration — dry air and campfires can dry you out. |
| Sun & dust | Sunscreen top-ups; sunglasses; buff for dust and wind. | Same essentials; add moisturiser/lip balm as air is drier. |
| Footwear | Breathable shoes; camp sandals for heat. | Closed shoes for cold mornings; thicker socks. |
| Camp comfort | Cooling spray bottle; lighter gloves optional. | Gloves recommended; extra warm layer for sitting around the fire. |
Tour Photos
Interested in this tour?
Contact us should you require any further information, clarification or if you want to plan your own custom expedition, we're here to help.
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