Step into the heart of Southern Africa on an 11-day luxury photo safari exploring Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Mana Pools National Parks. This is one of Africa’s most photogenic regions, where ancient forests meet vast plains and the golden light transforms every frame into art.
Led by world-renowned wildlife photographer Grant Ordelheide, this small-group adventure combines five-star comfort with exclusive access to Zimbabwe’s top wildlife reserves. From mist-covered mornings at Victoria Falls to elephant herds wandering beneath glowing acacia trees, this is the ultimate blend of luxury, wilderness, and world-class photography.
From the mist of Victoria Falls to the vast elephant plains of Hwange and the golden forests of Mana Pools, Zimbabwe offers some of the most breathtaking light and landscapes in all of Africa.
In Hwange, herds of elephants gather at ancient waterholes while lions and sable antelope roam the open savannas.
In Mana Pools, amber light filters through cathedral-like acacia trees, casting a magical glow over the floodplains. Together, these destinations form Africa’s most photogenic safari—three extraordinary ecosystems, one unforgettable photographic adventure.
Zimbabwe delivers the full African experience. Both Hwange and Mana Pools are prime territories for the Big Five — elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo — along with rarer species like African wild dogs, kudu, sable antelope, and countless birds.
You’ll photograph everything from predator action on Hwange’s open plains to elephants emerging through the glowing morning dust of Mana Pools, where the golden light filtering through the acacia forests creates a look and mood found nowhere else in Africa.
This is not your typical safari. You’ll stay in Zimbabwe’s finest small luxury camps, each hand-selected for comfort, exclusivity, and proximity to the best photographic locations.
Begin at the Palm River Hotel near Victoria Falls, an elegant riverside retreat. Then journey to Somalisa Camp in Hwange for classic tented luxury amid elephant herds, followed by Kanga Camp, a remote gem set around its own waterhole in the heart of Mana Pools. End your adventure at Nyamatusi Camp, where sweeping Zambezi views and refined suites redefine wild elegance.
The wilderness may be untamed, but your accommodations are pure indulgence.
Your adventure begins at Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls on Earth. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders” — the falls cascade over a mile-wide basalt cliff, sending mist high into the rainforest canopy and painting the air with rainbows.
It’s a breathtaking introduction to Africa’s natural power and beauty, a place where the Zambezi River carves its way through ancient gorges and every view feels alive with motion, color, and sound. The perfect start to a journey defined by light, wonder, and world-class photography.
This journey is led by Grant Ordelheide, one of Backcountry Journeys’ most celebrated wildlife photographers. His award-winning imagery has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Backpacker, Outside, and The New York Times.
Grant’s rare blend of technical mastery, creative vision, and contagious enthusiasm consistently helps guests capture their best wildlife images ever. His instruction goes beyond settings and exposure; he teaches how to see light, anticipate behavior, and tell powerful visual stories. It’s no surprise his workshops earn some of the highest guest reviews in the Backcountry Journeys portfolio.
From the mist of Victoria Falls to the vast elephant plains of Hwange and the golden forests of Mana Pools, Zimbabwe offers some of the most breathtaking light and landscapes in all of Africa.
In Hwange, herds of elephants gather at ancient waterholes while lions and sable antelope roam the open savannas.
In Mana Pools, amber light filters through cathedral-like acacia trees, casting a magical glow over the floodplains. Together, these destinations form Africa’s most photogenic safari—three extraordinary ecosystems, one unforgettable photographic adventure.
Zimbabwe delivers the full African experience. Both Hwange and Mana Pools are prime territories for the Big Five — elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo — along with rarer species like African wild dogs, kudu, sable antelope, and countless birds.
You’ll photograph everything from predator action on Hwange’s open plains to elephants emerging through the glowing morning dust of Mana Pools, where the golden light filtering through the acacia forests creates a look and mood found nowhere else in Africa.
This is not your typical safari. You’ll stay in Zimbabwe’s finest small luxury camps, each hand-selected for comfort, exclusivity, and proximity to the best photographic locations.
Begin at the Palm River Hotel near Victoria Falls, an elegant riverside retreat. Then journey to Somalisa Camp in Hwange for classic tented luxury amid elephant herds, followed by Kanga Camp, a remote gem set around its own waterhole in the heart of Mana Pools. End your adventure at Nyamatusi Camp, where sweeping Zambezi views and refined suites redefine wild elegance.
The wilderness may be untamed, but your accommodations are pure indulgence.
Your adventure begins at Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls on Earth. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders” — the falls cascade over a mile-wide basalt cliff, sending mist high into the rainforest canopy and painting the air with rainbows.
It’s a breathtaking introduction to Africa’s natural power and beauty, a place where the Zambezi River carves its way through ancient gorges and every view feels alive with motion, color, and sound. The perfect start to a journey defined by light, wonder, and world-class photography.
This journey is led by Grant Ordelheide, one of Backcountry Journeys’ most celebrated wildlife photographers. His award-winning imagery has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Backpacker, Outside, and The New York Times.
Grant’s rare blend of technical mastery, creative vision, and contagious enthusiasm consistently helps guests capture their best wildlife images ever. His instruction goes beyond settings and exposure; he teaches how to see light, anticipate behavior, and tell powerful visual stories. It’s no surprise his workshops earn some of the highest guest reviews in the Backcountry Journeys portfolio.
Victoria Falls: Capture the power and beauty of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, with misty rainbows, rainforest trails, and dramatic viewpoints along the Zambezi Gorge.
Hwange National Park: Experience incredible wildlife density in Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, with massive elephant herds, big cats, and private game drives from a luxury tented camp.
Mana Pools: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its dramatic light, floodplain landscapes, and cathedral-like forests. This is one of Africa’s most photogenic wildlife destinations
Nyamatusi and the Zambezi River: End your journey in comfort along the river’s edge, with canoe safaris, golden-hour photography, and wildlife wandering through camp under stunning skies.
Prepare to be swept away by Zimbabwe’s raw and wild beauty on this unforgettable safari through some of Southern Africa’s most iconic and diverse ecosystems. From the thundering power of Victoria Falls to the quiet elegance of Hwange’s elephant herds and the remote, predator-rich floodplains of Mana Pools, this journey brings you face-to-face with the very soul of untamed Africa. With small group sizes, thoughtfully selected luxury camps, and exclusive wildlife access, it’s the perfect experience for photographers and safari lovers alike.
Our adventure begins at Victoria Falls—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World—where mist and rainbows rise from the gorge and every trail reveals a new perspective. From there, we fly into the heart of Hwange National Park, home to massive elephant herds, lion prides, and sprawling savannas teeming with life. As one of the most wildlife-dense regions in Zimbabwe, Hwange offers incredible photographic opportunities on game drives led by expert local guides.
We then journey into the wilderness of Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spectacular light and dramatic forested backdrops. Towering acacia and mahogany trees filter golden light across the floodplains, creating some of the most visually striking settings in all of Africa. This is a place where elephants famously stand on their hind legs to reach branches, where African wild dogs roam, and where countless iconic images of Africa’s elephants have been captured. For wildlife photographers, Mana Pools is nothing short of legendary.
Our safari concludes along the Zambezi River at the ultra-luxurious Nyamatusi Camp, where wildlife roams freely through camp and golden reflections dance across the river at sunrise and sunset. It’s the perfect finale to a journey steeped in adventure, comfort, and breathtaking photographic moments.
If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing elephants framed by shafts of light in enchanted forests, lions stalking across open savanna, or the perfect moment along the Zambezi, this is your chance. With limited group sizes, exclusive access to Zimbabwe’s finest camps, and prime wildlife viewing during peak season, this safari is designed to deliver once-in-a-lifetime images—and memories. Spots are limited and filling quickly—don’t wait to join us for this extraordinary adventure into the heart of wild Africa.
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1: Arrival in Victoria Falls (D)
We’ll arrive at Victoria Falls Airport, where a representative will meet us for our transfer to the elegant Palm River Hotel. Set right on the banks of the Zambezi River, this is the perfect place to unwind after a long journey. We'll enjoy a welcome dinner and settle in as we prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Exploring Victoria Falls (B,L,D)
Today, we’ll explore one of the natural wonders of the world—Victoria Falls. Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders,” the falls are a spectacular sight. We’ll take time to photograph the sweeping cascades, wander the rainforest trails, and maybe even enjoy optional activities like a sunset Zambezi cruise or helicopter flight. It's a thrilling way to start our journey through Zimbabwe’s wild heart.
Days 3–5: Hwange National Park (B,L,D)
This morning, we’ll board a scenic bush flight to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most wildlife-rich reserve. Our home for the next three nights is Somalisa Expeditions, a luxury tented camp tucked into an acacia island. We’ll spend our days on thrilling game drives through golden savannas and elephant-lined waterholes, with some of the best chances to photograph big herds, predators, and dramatic African skies. In between, we’ll relax back at camp and soak in the rhythm of the bush.
Days 6–8: Mana Pools (B,L,D)
Next, we’ll fly east to Dandawa and transfer to the remote and wild Kanga Camp in Mana Pools National Park. Known for its raw, untamed beauty and excellent walking safaris, Mana Pools offers a completely different experience. At Kanga, we’ll enjoy close-up wildlife moments right from camp at the busy waterhole and head out for both vehicle and foot-based exploration. The area teems with elephants, wild dogs, and birdlife, all framed by ancient forests and the nearby Zambezi floodplains.
Days 9–10: Nyamatusi (B,L,D)
Our journey continues as we transfer to Nyamatusi Camp, a luxurious tented lodge on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Over the next two days, we’ll immerse ourselves in the rhythms of the river—spotting hippos, crocodiles, and elephants during safari or simply watching the light shift across the water. Nyamatusi offers a beautiful blend of luxury comfort and adventure to close out our safari in style.
Day 11: Departure from Harare (B)
On our final morning, we’ll board a flight from Mana Pools to Harare, where we’ll catch our international connections. We’ll head home with memory cards full of wild moments and hearts full of Africa’s untamed magic.
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
Airport transfers
Internal flights
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff and drivers
Flights to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (VFA) or from Harare, Zimbabwe (HRE)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance (required) - see plans here.