The Zambezi Valley is unquestionably the best location in Africa to combine the thrill of a walking safari under the direction of an armed Professional Guide, with the adventure of a canoe safari and experience "big game" over a week-long break. It's going to be difficult to find a better starting point for an African Safari...

The action takes place in Matusadona National Park and on the Mana Pools shoreline of the Zambezi River.

• In Matusadona you find one of Africa's highest populations of lions and one of the last remaining wild sanctuaries of the endangered black rhino. This National Park is located beneath the rugged escarpment on the shores of Lake Kariba - it's wildlife and topography is diverse.

• On the lower Zambezi, you canoe along the Mana Pools shoreline: a World Heritage Site renowned for its unique scenery, open floodplains, and abundance of large game and birdlife.

Go to our latest updates on the combinations...

Walking Safaris in Southern Africa

The top spots on the southern African walking safari circuit include the Luangwa and Kafue in Zambia, Matusadona and Mana Pools in the Zambezi Valley and the Selinda in Botswana.  Start by exploring our walking safari map of the region.

Safari Planning

• Walking FAQ: some commonly asked questions for walking safaris in southern Africa

• Canoe FAQ: guidelines for planning a canoe safari on the lower Zambezi River

• Victoria Falls: an introduction plus accommodation and activity options

• General guidelines on planning an African Safari including information on seasons throughout Africa, destination guides, travel insurance, medical issues, discounted airfares etc.

Some general notes

Note that combinations in the Valley can be tailor made to include other lodges, camps and canoe safari options available:

• In Matusadona - Maronga Tented Camp, Kaingwe Safari Camp, Graeme Lemon Safaris, Kiplings, Musango Safari Camp, Sengwa Safaris, Elephant Point Camp.

• In Mana Pools and the lower Zambezi - The Mukuyu Trail (Classic Africa Safaris), River Horse Safaris, Shearwater Canoe Safaris, Safari Par Excellence, Ruckomechi Safari Camp, Mwambashi River Lodge, Kayila Lodge.

• On the upper Zambezi and Victoria Falls - The River Club, Thorntree Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

• In Hwange - Makololo Plains, Giraffe Springs and "The Hide".

Our recommended Hwange extensions include Elephant Sands Safari Lodge and Malindi Station Lodge.