Luxury Zimbabwe Wildlife Safari
Spend two epic days taking in Victoria Falls, one of Africa's natural wonders. From Gorges Lodge, enjoy beautiful views of the fast flowing Zambezi River, and take tours into the Falls area. Transfer to Hwange National Park for some of the best game driving available anywhere in the world. Safari accessories are at your command, including underground blinds, armed park rangers, open air game viewing vehicles, and even a train line deeper into the park. After days of getting lost in the wilderness, return to Zambezi River, where further up river from the Falls, one can enjoy river wildlife and leisurely activities before returning home.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Victoria Falls Arrival
- Tour: Arrival Transfer & Cultural Performance
- Accommodation: Gorges Lodge
- Meals: D
Arrival Transfer & Cultural Performance
Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport where your Zimbabwean safari experience begins. You will be met by our transfer vehicle for your road transfer to Gorges Lodge on the edge of the Batoka Gorge, 200 meters above the mighty Zambezi River (30 mins).
Gorges Lodge has arguably the most spectacular views in Southern Africa and offers a unique Victoria Falls experience from a peaceful and idyllic base on the edge of the Batoka Gorge.
Spend the afternoon sipping delicious refreshments by the pool enjoying the amazing view and then in the evening head off to Dibu Dibu for sundowners and snacks while you watch the lodge's resident pair of black eagles soar only meters away from you (weather permitting).
After the black eagle viewing take a leisurely stroll back to the main lodge reception area where you will be entertained by our team of talented traditional dancers and then enjoy a tasty 3 course dinner in the main lodge area, overlooking the gorge before retiring to your chalet and falling asleep to the sound of the river rushing below you.
Day 2: Victoria Falls
- Tour: Village Visit & Victoria Falls Tour
- Accommodation: Gorges Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
Village Visit & Victoria Falls Tour
Enjoy early morning tea or coffee on your private veranda overlooking the gorge followed by a sumptuous breakfast in the main lodge dining area then head to the nearby Chisuma Village for a village and school tour where you will able to see some of our community initiative projects and then head back to Gorges for a tasty lunch.
In the afternoon you will road transfer into Victoria Falls town where you will be taken on a guided tour of Zimbabwe's foremost attraction - the 'Falls'. “The smoke that thunders” remains one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. This will be followed by curio shopping at the craft village.
Return to Gorges Lodge in the evening for a traditional Zimbabwean 'braai' out under the stars.
Day 3: Victoria Falls - Hwange National Park
- Tour: Game Drive & Underground Blind
- Accommodation: Camelthorn Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
Game Drive & Underground Blind
After a hearty breakfast, you will embark on your road transfer to Camelthorn Lodge situated in the South Eastern corner of Hwange National Park (4 hours) - drinks and snacks will be provided enroute.
After welcome drinks and a short orientation settle in to your beautifully appointed forest villa and enjoy a late alfresco lunch under the Camelthorn tree.
Late afternoon game drive by Land Rover into Hwange National Park ending up at our unique Look Up blind at Stoffie’s Pan for sundowners and canapés and the truly remarkable close encounters with wildlife that are a feature of the Look Up.
Night drive back to the lodge and then enjoy a 3 course dinner beneath a blanket of stars under the Camelthorn tree.
Day 4: Hwange National Park
- Tour: Village Visit & Game Drive
- Accommodation: Camelthorn Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
Village Visit & Game Drive
Wake up to the abundance of bird life in the area while sipping freshly brewed coffee or tea and later enjoy either a light continental or delicious cooked breakfast in the lodge area.
Embark on your game drive vehicles for Ngamo Village 20 minutes from the lodge for a very special morning that gives guests a chance to experience a real and unchoreographed interaction with villagers.
The visit culminates in a tour of the school and a singing performance by some of the children followed by a class interaction where children have an opportunity to meet guests and vice versa.
Return to Camelthorn for lunch and a short siesta before a game drive on the Ngamo Plains in Hwange National Park, stopping for sundowners on the plains sipping cold drinks and enjoying snacks while our experienced guides share their love and knowledge of the bush with you.
As the sun goes down head back to the lodge to freshen up before dinner.
Day 5: Hwange National Park
- Tour: Pump Run
- Accommodation: Camelthorn Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
Pump Run
Wake up to the sounds of the African bush while sipping coffee or tea. After an early breakfast, head off on a full day adventure into the park for a one of a kind ‘Pump Run’ with a picnic and siesta under the trees at Mfagazaan Pan. The trademark Pump Run combines game viewing in remote areas of the park with practical hands-on conservation. Guests can assist their guide with day-to-day maintenance at the borehole pumps which are the heartbeat of Hwange National Park and its wildlife. (Pump Runs only happen in the dry season, if this is green season it will be an all-day game drive in the park).
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon game drive back to the lodge going from Pan to Pan, weaving our way between the throngs of jostling elephant that come pouring in for the fresh water. It makes for a fun, memorable and extremely rewarding day.
Freshen up with showers or a bubble bath before your 3 course dinner in the main lodge area followed by campfire nightcaps.
Day 6: Hwange National Park
- Tour: Elephant Express & Night Game Drive
- Accommodation: Nehimba Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
Elephant Express & Night Game Drive
After a delicious cooked breakfast, drive 10 minutes to Ngamo Siding and embark on the Elephant Express rail car for a slow ride up the railway line, game viewing all the way to Impofu Siding. Cool drinks and snacks will be served on board to enjoy en route (about a 2 hour ride).
Disembark from the Elephant Express at Impofu Siding and board game viewing vehicles to take you to Nehimba Lodge (2 hours) in the North-West of Hwange National Park, famed for its large elephant herds and variety of wildlife.
Once at Nehimba, settle in and start to unwind as you take a seat overlooking the tranquil waterhole in front of the lodge and enjoy the African rustic charm that surrounds you.
Relax with sundowners as you watch the game come down to drink in front of the lodge, and the heat starts to subside for the day. A 3-course bush dinner will be served out under the African sky near the lodge waterhole.
After dinner, there will be a night drive on offer around the concession to spot nocturnal species that are just starting their 'day'.
Day 7: Hwange National Park
- Tour: Game Driving
- Accommodation: Nehimba Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
Game Driving
Pack day packs and head out with your guide for game drives and walks, exploring this beautiful Northern part of Hwange National Park. The north is distinctly different from the southern part both in topography, habitats and species of wildlife.
Stop off at the Nehimba Seep for a mid-morning tea break. The seep is an ancient source of water once used by the San Bushmen, as well as a place where elephant still dig for water and minerals.
Return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch and then siesta, or perhaps relax by the lodge swimming pool.
Later in the afternoon, head out on a game drive within the park, ending with cool refreshments and canapés at sunset over one of this area's famed waterholes.
Back at camp you can enjoy a relaxing bath or shower to freshen up before a 3-course dinner in the main lodge area, followed by reliving the day's safari around the campfire, and later fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush around you.
Day 8: Hwange National Park
- Tour: Game Driving
- Accommodation: Nehimba Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
Game Driving
Early morning tea or coffee on your private deck followed by a hearty breakfast in the main lodge, and then board a game viewing vehicle to drive to Mandavu Dam for a picnic lunch (2 hours).
Mandavu Dam is situated in a scenic hilly spot only 15-kilometers from Sinamatella Camp and is a wonderful location for both bird watching and game viewing.
Return to the lodge in the afternoon and relax on the deck overlooking the waterhole with sundowners.
Day 9: Hwange National Park - Zambezi
- Tour: Transfer to Zambezi
- Accommodation: Zambezi Sands River Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Transfer to Zambezi
After a last walk in the Hwange wilderness, enjoy a hearty breakfast and embark on your road transfer to Zambezi Sands on the banks of the thundering wild waters of the Zambezi River, inside Zambezi National Park (5 hours). Three hours of this transfer takes place in the National Parks and is the perfect opportunity to view game along the way. Drinks and snacks will be provided en route.
Settle into your luxury tent and then relax on an evening sundowner drift near camp, watching the game come down to drink and the unsurpassed beauty of the a Zimbabwean sunset.
Later, enjoy a superb 3 course meal on the main lodge deck while listening to the Siansimba Rapids in front of the lodge, before retiring to your tent and falling asleep as the river rushes past.
Day 10: Zambezi
- Tour: River Activities
- Accommodation: Zambezi Sands River Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
River Activities
Start your day with tea or coffee on your private deck followed by a tasty breakfast overlooking the Zambezi on the main deck under the Ebony trees.
Enjoy a drive in the Zambezi National park along the river’s edge returning later for a delicious lunch on the main deck watching the crocodile and hippo wallow close to the lodge.
Relax for an hour or two in your private splash pool watching the game and birdlife on the river’s edge, then head back onto the water to enjoy a few hours fishing, stopping for evening drinks and nibbles as the sun goes down on the banks of the river.
Return to camp to freshen up and enjoy a 3 course feast under the stars while the mighty Zambezi river rushes past next to the lodge.
Day 11: Zambezi
- Tour: Paddling & Game Drive
- Accommodation: Zambezi Sands River Camp
- Meals: B, L, D
Paddling & Game Drive
Enjoy early morning tea or coffee on your private deck overlooking the river and then head off for a paddle in a canoe exploring the Siansimba Islands around the lodge followed by a sumptuous bush brunch served on the river's edge.
Return to the lodge for a siesta and a late lunch on the main lodge deck. In the afternoon head off for a game drive and walk, returning to camp in the evening for a sunset 'drift' on the water with refreshments and snacks before dinner in the main lodge area.
Day 12: Zambezi Departure
- Tour: Morning Walk & Airport Transfer
- Meals: B
Morning Walk & Airport Transfer
After morning tea or coffee on your private deck, explore the park one more time on foot, taking a guided early morning walk ending with a farewell bush breakfast along the river.
On returning to the lodge, pack your bags. A final road transfer back to Victoria Falls Airport (1 hour) for onward travel.
Accommodation
Gorges Lodge
Welcome to a Zimbabwe escape of living on the edge! Gorges Lodge is only a 30 minute drive from Victoria Falls town and offers a unique experience from an idyllic base on the edge of the Batoka Gorge - a perfect choice for your Victoria Falls safari adventure! At Gorges, you are invited to relax away from the hustle and bustle of town and settle into a peaceful atmosphere nestled in a landscaped garden. Gorges is famous for its spectacular views and the attentive staff on property are renowned for their warm hospitality. Whether you are enjoying a cup of coffee at sunrise on your private veranda or a cool refreshment by the pool at sunset, you will be drawn to the stunning views of the impressive Batoka Gorge and the fierce Zambezi River below.
Camelthorn Lodge
Nestled deep in a woodland estate of Camelthorn and ebony trees bordering Hwange National Park, is the striking bush retreat Camelthorn Lodge. This shaded camp has the cool, soothing feel of escaping from the heat of summer. 8 secluded forest villas are comfortably appointed and have fireplaces, sliding doors and downstairs verandahs. An upstairs covered patio, accessed by an outside spiral staircase can be used as a romantic sleep-out. The main lodge is built around a massive Camelthorn tree and decorated in earthy hues and textured fabrics. Expansive dining and living areas feature a bar, teak lounge, deck and splash pool. Enjoy al fresco dining, fire-side coffees and up close photography opportunities from inside the underground blind. Explore Hwange National Park on extensive morning, afternoon and evening game-drives in open 4x4 vehicles, led by passionate and knowledge professional guides. Take part in an excursion to drop fuel and supplies off at the life-giving waterhole pumps, aka a "Pump run!"
Nehimba Lodge
Located in a large private concession in the game rich northern region of the Hwange National Park is Nehimba Lodge. 9 spacious, chalet-style wood and thatch units are built on teak decks and – along with the central areas - overlook the magnificent lodge pan which is frequented by large numbers of elephant. Two of the rooms are family units, with a king-sized bed and 2 three-quarters beds for kids sharing with parents. All rooms are comfortably appointed, with soft cozy furnishings, en-suite bathrooms with slipper-baths and outdoor showers. The open fronted thatch guest areas comprise a bar, lounge and dining room. This comfortable camp boasts the best pool in Hwange as the elephants that frequent it will testify! Activities at Nehimba include morning and afternoon game drives, night drives in the concession and walking safaris led by armed professional guides. Guests can also go for a full day game drive with a picnic lunch.
Zambezi Sands River Camp
Strung along the banks of the magnificent Zambezi River, within the Zambezi National Park, the Zambezi Sands River Camp commands exquisite vistas from raised decks. 10 Bedouin-style luxury tents are spacious, well-appointed, light and airy. Each opens up to private decks with splash pools – the ideal place to unwind whilst watching the slow passage of the mighty river as it flows by. Two of the tents have an inter-leading walkway, ideal for families. Canvas central areas and large decks provide comfortable spaces to socialize and dine in unpretentious style. Exciting game drives and walking safaris are conducted through the reserve. A laid-back riverside ambiance and activities such as canoeing, fishing, island picnics and sun-downer cruises by boat enhance the overall experience. Victoria Falls town and the magnificent Victoria Falls are only an hour drive away (45 minutes of which is a game drive in the park) and a guided tour of the Falls is included in the rate (Vic Falls entry fee is not included).
Pricing and Details
Starting from $ 7,600 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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