Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe Explorer

Zambia and Zimbabwe offers an assortment of adventures that are unrivaled anywhere else in the world. On this handcrafted itinerary, you will have the chance to experience this destination in a way that will most certainly make you want to come back for more. Your journey begins at the cascading beauty of Victoria Falls, followed by an iconic wildlife safari within the wonders of Hwange National Park, and off the beaten path to the Lake Kariba region. Observe the fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat, embrace the thrill of up close encounters, learn about the unique local culture and bask in the luxuries of your memorable safari lodges.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Livingstone Arrival - Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park

Livingstone Arrival - Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park
Daily Summary
  • Transportation: Airport Transfer
  • Accommodation: Thorntree River Lodge
  • Meals: D

Welcome to Zambia! Upon arrival at the Livingstone International Airport, continue through Immigration and Customs. The lodge representative will be waiting in the arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it. They will transfer you to your accommodations situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, making for a smooth and easy start to your adventure in Africa!

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Named after the local name for Victoria Falls – Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the Smoke that Thunders, is an UNESCO World Heritage site which includes the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. It is just 66 km sq, but what it lacks in size is more than compensated for by the delightful wildlife experience. The Park is divided into two separate areas.

The Falls section and the Wildlife section. In the Wildlife section you are able to drive around the perimeter of the Park and never stray too far from the very scenic Zambezi River which is a magnet for many species of antelope, Giraffe, Zebra, Buffalo, Elephants and Monkeys, as well as a great number of birds and other small mammals. Because there are no Big Cats or predators in the park, the animals are more engaging and the atmosphere is relaxing.

Days 2 - 3: Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Lodge Activities
  • Accommodation: Thorntree River Lodge
  • Meals: B, L, D

Lodge Activities

Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, a mere 15 kilometres upstream from the spectacular Victoria Falls, Thorntree River Lodge creates luxurious setting surrounded by the beauty of the African bush. The lodge is known to offer spectacular scenery and beautiful river views as well as a variety of wildlife on the Zambezi River. Activities include game drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, bush walks tracking white rhino, canoeing, catch and release fishing, sunset cruises, one visit to the Zambian side of the Falls per stay (in the dry season a tour of the Zimbabwe side is included) and a Livingstone cultural excursion that includes a visit to a Simonga village as well as to the colourful and vibrant Maramba Market and Livingstone Museum.

Thorntree River Lodge is a river lodge and not a safari lodge. The emphasis is enjoying the Zambezi and visiting Victoria Falls. Game drives and rhino tracking are a bonus. The Lodge is the perfect linkage for your safari experiences in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana.

Your fully inclusive stay includes all meals, local brand drinks, two scheduled camp activities daily and laundry.

Day 4: Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park - Hwange National Park

Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park - Hwange National Park
Daily Summary
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Transportation: Airport Transfers
  • Accommodation: Somalisa Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D
Domestic Flight
Victoria Falls - Manga Airstrip
Flight #: Light Aircraft Flight
Departs: TBD
Arrives: TBD

* Luggage is restricted to 20kgs (44lbs) per person including ALL hand luggage.

After an incredible time in Zambia to kick off your Africa adventure, you will continue your journey to Zimbabwe. You will be picked up at your lodge and transferred to the Victoria Falls airport in good time to board your light aircraft to Hwange National Park. Upon landing at the Manga Airstrip, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your camp in the heart of the National Park.

Hwange National Park

From what used to be royal hunting grounds before it was declared a National Park in 1929, Hwange is now Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve. This diverse landscape of mopane and teak forests, semi-desert scrubland and granite hills, is teeming with a wide variety of mammals and birds. Although it is a year round destination, Hwange is particularly appealing during the winter months of April to October, when large concentrations of animals flock to artificially pumped waterholes, as the seasonal pans dry out. The park’s network of waterholes sustains life when natural resources are unavailable. Massive herds of elephant make their presence felt during the dry period. Everything from buffalo, zebra, sable and roan antelope, to lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog, can be seen.

Days 5 - 6: Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Camp Activities
  • Accommodation: Somalisa Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

Camp Activities

An experience at Somalisa Camp guarantees an experience of elegance, excitement and enchantment. From the luxurious camp facilities, to the epic safari activities, not one detail has been overlooked. During your down time, you can listen to the calls of the wild from the luxurious lounge area or take a refreshing dip in the splash pool, overlooking the "Elephant Pool". A natural waterhole on property features the local hang out spot, where herds of game congregate to hydrate. Whether you are out venturing the wide open plains, or enjoying your privacy back at the camp, there are endless opportunities to soak up the beauty of the African bush.

You are invited to indulge in a fully inclusive experience at the Somalisa Camp. Activities include guided walks, day game drives and night drives, led by qualified and passionate guides, who are excited to share their knowledge and love for the bush with you. Wildlife sightings will likely showcase elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena and maybe even the rare and endangered roan antelope!

Day 7: Hwange National Park - Lake Kariba

Hwange National Park - Lake Kariba
Daily Summary
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Transportation: Airport Transfers
  • Accommodation: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
  • Meals: B, L, D
Domestic Flight
Manga Airstrip - Bumi Hills Airstrip
Flight #: Light Aircraft Flight
Departs: TBD
Arrives: TBD

* Luggage is restricted to 20kgs (44lbs) per person including ALL hand luggage.

Savor one last breakfast overlooking the expansive savannah plains before packing up your things to continue on your journey. After checkout, you will be transferred to the Manga airstrip in good time to board your light aircraft to the Lake Kariba area. Upon landing at the Bumi Hills airstrip, you will be greeted at the airstrip by your driver and transferred to the Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.

Lake Kariba

Located in the North of Zimbabwe, along the border with Zambia, the dammed Lake Kariba holds a larger volume than any other man-made lake on Earth. Rising from the southern bank of the lake, Matusadona National Park is an area of approximately 135,000 hectares and is said to have a density of lion second only to that of Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Kariba has been a playground for local Zimbabweans and international visitors since its creation with many traveling there to relax, view game and fish.

Days 8 - 9: Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba
Daily Summary
  • Tour: Lodge Activities
  • Accommodation: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
  • Meals: B, L, D

Lodge Activities

Situated south west of Kariba town on the southern foreshore of the vast Lake Kariba, is the iconic Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Known as “the lodge on top of the hill” Bumi Hills has an elevated position on an escarpment bordering the Matusadona National Park and commands unparalleled vistas over Lake Kariba and Starvation Island. Spend your days cruising the lake in a private boat, taking in the gorgeous vista’s and incredible shows of light and try your hand a catching a tiger fish. Go on a scenic lakeside walking safari or a walking adventure deeper into the bush to search for fossilized dinosaur footprints or go on a game drive in search of the Matusadona lions. Bumi is unique among luxury safari lodges because of the exquisite added dimension of the water - Kariba is among the world's largest man-made lakes and a genuine African wilderness with far more animals than people. This allows for glorious game viewing by boat as well as the traditional open 4 x 4 vehicles and walking in the wilds with an armed professional guide.

Your fully inclusive stay includes two scheduled camp activities per day: morning, afternoon/evening game viewing by boat or open safari vehicle, walking, sunset cruises, cultural village visits, fishing and superb birding as well as all meals, local brand drinks and laundry.

Day 10: Lake Kariba - Harare Departure

Lake Kariba - Harare Departure
Daily Summary
  • Transportation (Air): Domestic Flight
  • Transportation: Airport Transfers
  • Meals: B
Domestic Flight
Bumi Hills Airstrip - Harare
Flight #: Light Aircraft Flight
Departs: TBD
Arrives: TBD

* Luggage is restricted to 20kgs (44lbs) per person including ALL hand luggage.

Unfortunately, your time uncovering the wonders of Africa's wildlife, nature and landscapes must come to an end. After one last exciting adventure, you will board your light aircraft flight to flight to Harare. Upon arrival in Harare, you will connect with your international departure flight.

We hope you had a great adventure and we wish you safe and pleasant travels onward!

Accommodation

Thorntree River Lodge

Thorntree River Lodge

Thorntree is situated on the banks of the Zambezi, set in Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park where elephant and a variety of game roam free. The lodge boasts 8 twin rooms and 2 family units comprising of 4 beds each. Each unit with its own indoor and outdoor bathrooms, as well as a luxurious private plunge pool. The main lodge consists of a lounge with an open dining area, where the fine dining experience of African cuisine will come to life. A gym and spa overlook the mighty Zambezi River, and there is a small library with WIFI for your convenience. The communal deck is set on the edge of the stunning riverside, and is home to a sunken boma area and an infinity pool. Wooden decking floats on the edge of the river, and moves with the water level to create the illusion of sailing a boat, and help to achieve a seamless feel between river and land.

Somalisa Camp

Somalisa Camp

Somalisa Camp is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, in an area known as the land of the giants. This nickname came from the region's constant company of majestic elephant herds. Tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain, Somalisa showcases expansive views of the savannah plains across the famous Kennedy Vlei line. Somalisa Camp promises an experience of quality service, timeless luxury and utmost comfort. The camp aims to provide the ultimate guest experience, from accommodation, to safari activities and beyond. The property consists of just seven elegantly furnished Sail Tents with sliding doors, a glass wood-burner fireplace and en suite facilities, including flush toilets, an indoor and outdoor shower and a copper slipper-style bathtub.

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Situated on the southern foreshore of the vast Lake Kariba, is the iconic Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Known as “the lodge on top of the hill”. Bumi Hills has an elevated position on an escarpment bordering the Matusadona National Park and commands unparalleled vistas over Lake Kariba and Starvation Island. Perched on the edge of a cliff are 10 beautifully appointed suites, and from the comfort of covered balconies guests can spend time watching the elephant and buffalo grazing on the shoreline below. Suites are elegant and contemporary. Dominating the main guest area is an infinity pool which has a serious wow factor as it appears to blend seamlessly into the distant horizon. Terraced dining areas, chill-out spots, a lounge, library and a spa offer a high degree of guest comfort.

Pricing and Details

Starting from $ 5,105 per person

*Pricing is based on two persons traveling together, based on availability, subject to change.

Price Includes

  • Full support before, during & after your trip
  • Meals as mentioned
  • Accommodation as mentioned
  • Tours/activities as mentioned
  • Transport as mentioned

Price Excludes

  • International & domestic flights
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Entrance visas when applicable
  • Other services not mentioned
  • Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers
  • Taxes and fees

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