Zimbabwe Safari & Conservation Retreat
Join us in Zimbabwe in October 2026 to explore one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic yet little known wilderness areas where will come face-to-face with the elephants, hippos, lions and wild dogs: an unforgettable adventure awaits us in Mana Pools.
6 nights: 5th - 11th October 2026
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’ll meet in Victoria Falls for a briefing before flying North to Vundu Camp in Mana Pools. Our safari accommodation lies right on the river banks and we’ll enjoy yoga on the deck with grumbling hippos, lazy crocodiles and whooping fish eagles before embarking on boat, walking and vehicle-based safari activities each day.
THE CONSERVATION FOCUS
This retreat is in partnership with Bushlife Conservancy. We’ll learn more about the incredible work Nick and Desiree Murray are doing through their organisation to preserve this incredible wilderness area and create a safe space for wildlife to thrive here. Proceeds from this retreat go towards the Bushlife Conservancy.
MANA POOLS: VUNDU CAMP
Vundu Camp is centrally located in Mana Pools National Park in a private concession with the most beautiful views and frequent four-legged visitors. Eight spacious, thatched cottages have ensuite bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers and a private terrace to kick back and watch the passing wildlife. Your cottage overlooks the sprawling waters of the Zambezi river to Zambia beyond.
A raised, open-air living and dining room are where our yoga classes will commence each morning and afternoon and all dietary requirements are catered for.
Our schedule.
Our schedule on safari is really flexible, with all activities being optional. As well as yoga, boat safaris, game drives and bush walks we’ll also have a talk with Nick Murray which will allow us the opportunity to learn more about the history of Mana Pools and the issues that wild dogs and other animals face here.
Day one
We recommend arriving into Victoria Falls a couple of days ahead of the start of our retreat, to give yourself time to acclimate and rest up after your travels before our bush adventure begins. On the morning of the 5th October we will meet at a predetermind location in Victoria Falls town for a transfer to the airport to board our light aircraft flight to Mana Pools.
On landing in Mana Pools we’ll be driven to the camp in time, arriving for lunch and an afternoon game drive.
Recommended accommodation in Victoria Falls: Shongwe Oasis (your hosts will be staying here), Shongwe Lookout (next door), Batonka Lodge, Victoria Falls Hotel or Illala Lodge
Recommended activities in Victoria Falls: tour of the falls, dinner cruise on the Zambezi, lunch at The Lookout Cafe
Days two, three, four and five (flexible schedule)
6.15AM: Sunrise meditation & vinyasa yoga followed by coffee and a light breakfast
7.30AM: Morning activities (game drives, bush walks, river cruises, picnic, conservation talks) with breakfast in the bush or back at camp
1.30PM: Lunch at camp and down time
3PM: Restorative Yoga (45 mins)
4PM: Afternoon game drive or boat cruise & sundowners
8PM: Dinner
Departure day
7AM: Breakfast at camp and transfer to the airstrip for our flight to Victoria Falls where you can connect with your onward international flights or further travel plans. Please ensure your flight departs from Victoria Falls Airport no earlier than midday on the 11th October.
The cost.
Space on this retreat is limited to 16 people so it’s vital that you waste no time in securing your spot! You can choose from a shared twin or double bed room if you’re travelling with a partner. A family room is available on request.
**EARLY BIRD RATE ENDS 30 APRIL 2025
COST IN USD (Early Bird Rate)
$6,350 Per Person (Sharing A Twin or Double Room)
COST IN USD (Full Rate)
$6,850 Per Person (Sharing A Twin or Double Room)
Contact us.
Send us an email to enquire and book your space on this retreat.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Accommodation: 6 nights accommodation at Vundu Camp
Meals & drinks: all meals, water, tea and coffee plus a selection of white and red wines and spirits, soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee and drinking water
Activities: all activities as mentioned in the itinerary
Transfers: all transfers as outlined in the itinerary including flights too/from Mana Pools and Victoria Falls
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International flights and any other travel not outlined in the itinerary
Accommodation, activities, transfers etc in Victoria Falls
Any additional activities not mentioned
Travel Insurance (required) eg. World Nomad
Photo gallery from our August 2024 retreat to Zimbabwe! Here’s a glimpse into what your week in one of Zimbabwe’s most beautiful wildlife areas will look like…
MEET YOUR RETREAT LEADERS
This year, we’re teaming up with the Anna Egleston of ABOVE Yoga Retreats to help spread the word further about this beautiful part of the world and the hard work that Bushlife is doing. We love Anna’s bubbly, joyful energy and her passion for adventure; exploring all that this beautiful world has to offer.
This retreat will be hosted by either Kat or Laura and co-hosted by Anna.
Proceeds from this retreat go Bushlife Conservancy.
Other important travel information.
VISAS & VACCINATIONS: You’ll purchase your visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. Please contact us for a letter of invitation to secure your visa on arrival. Currently Zimbabwean visas cost USD50 and must be paid in USD cash at the exact amount.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: You are required to ensure that you have fully comprehensive travel insurance ahead of your trip. Your insurance details will be required before the trip commences.
BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS: We have a strict baggage allowance of 20kgs per person in soft bags only (duffels) on our light aircraft flight to Mana Pools. Please contact us for more info when booking.
Optional Extension: coming soon
In August 2024 Laura had the opportunity to visit Hwange National Park where we learned about an exciting program that is underway to reintroduce black rhinos to Hwange! We’ll be offering an optional extension to Hwange for those with a little more time and who would like to explore more of Zimbabwe and learn about Imvelo’s exciting rhino rehabilitation project and meet their rangers and rhinos.
Please email us when you book your spot to register your interest.
