I would suggest checking out luangwablondes.com.
They are very helpful and can possibly get you started. All the best with the planning.

travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1063.html

be sure you are up for all the hassle/risk but very pretty.

insuremytrip.com always wise

journeywoman.com good solo female travle info.

Group travel with guide preferred in most areas safer.

affordabletours.com tucantravel.com but quality guides are

good... careful research yields better experience.

Have fun,

I spent a week in Zimbabwe on my own last September (and I'm female.) My safari planner Bill Given at "The Wild Source" set up the arrangements for me. I traveled from Victoria Falls to Hwange NP via auto (local driver) and stayed at Somalisa Camp. I then had to move to Ivory Lodge for one night because Somalisa was full. From Ivory Lodge, I rode with the owner to Bulawayo, then out to their camp, Amalinda, near Matobo Hills NP. After a few days there, they dropped me off at Bulawayo Airport for a flight back to Joburg. During the drives to Bulawayo there were a few police roadblocks, but a few words (and rands) from the drivers and we were on our way. Traveling via road from Hwange to Mana Pools would probably take a couple of days, I'd guess, so I'd suggest flying. I don't know what conditions, fuel shortages, police roadblocks, etc. you might find along the way.

I'm a solo traveler (female) and spent 2 weeks in Zim this past October. I flew to Matusadona, Mana Pools and Hwange. But, did the same road trip as Shaytay from Hwange to Amalinda. After 3 nights at Amalinda, I was driven to Bulawayo for my flight home. My experience was identical to ShayTay's.
This was my 3rd visit to Zimbabwe, with Mana Pools being my favorite park. The guides at Ruckomechi are superb (particularly Kevin and Sean).
I use Ngoko Safaris for the arrangements and cannot say enough about them.

Benson from Ngoko Safaris has an excellent reputation. In fact, I think it was his incoming group that knocked me out of Somalisa. I love Mana Pools, but I had just spent almost two weeks in Botswana and my time (and dollars) were limited. Phernska, where did you stay at Hwange? Wasn't Amalinda magical? I think it's a great place to stay at the beginning or end of a safari, either to get over jet lag or to wind down from a safari.

ShayTay,

I stayed at Little Mak in Hwange, where I've stayed before. It was blistering hot and watching huge groups of elephants wallowing in the water holes was absolutely delightful.
I loved Matobo--the scenery and being able to get close to the rhino. Amalinda Camp totally creeped me out though. I had this humongous room (I think it was the honeymoon suite) and I can't explain why, but I was not comfortable there at all--it was really dank and dark. But, I chose Matobo because I wanted to see rhino, and I was not disappointed.

To all of you, many many thanks, I will check out all your suggestions.....Shay Tay, I've been in touch with Bill Given and he is so helpful...