A distinctive and thrilling safari destination, Zimbabwe still remains one of Africa’s best safari destinations in the face of its political woes, as discerning safari goers still visit this country in good numbers.
Anticipate warm smiles, cheerful greetings accompanied by dazzling wildlife encounters. Global media headlines have displayed tragic events, however at present the country is as safe and well-preserved to visit as it was in the 80′s.
Holidaymakers can look forward to having an up-close wildlife experience away from hordes of tourists. Zimbabwe safaris remain special, intimate, untamed and unscathed. A variety of accommodation options are available, ranging from lavish 5 star lodges to basic portable tented camps. An experience tailored for people who like to walk, one of the best ways to break away from the vehicle view of the bush, is to search for adventure by canoe and on foot, in the form of terrific game walks in one of the three national parks (Matusadona, Mana Pools, and Hwange).
There are numerous good reasons why a Zimbabwe safari is a fantastic experience as it stands out as one of the most inexpensive safari destinations in Africa. Zimbabwe has some of Africa’s most exclusive wildlife areas and national parks which remain pure and isolated. Playing host to the world renowned Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall on the continent, the mighty Zambezi River and its tributaries form the fourth largest river basin of the continent.
The Victoria Falls represents one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the world. The Local people call it “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, meaning the smoke that thunders. There is an enchantment about them manifested in the soaring column of spray when the river is high, the rumbling of the falling water, the terrifying abyss and serene lagoons upstream in which hippo and deadly crocodiles lie in wait. The Victoria Falls is 1 708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic metres of water is thrust over the edge every minute. Amazingly preserved in its natural state, Victoria Falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone in the 1860’s. The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialization.
Positioned between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Lake Kariba is an undiscovered Riviera. It presents visitors with stunning views, dramatic sunsets, great fishing, boating opportunities, water sports, amazing relaxing holidays or weekends spent just soaking up the sunshine. The weather here is mostly sunny and fine. It can get fairly hot in midsummer, but even mid winter days are warm and the nights are pleasant. This is Africa’s largest man made dam, 226km long and in places up to 40 km wide. It supplies considerable electric power to both Zimbabwe and Zambia and supports a thriving commercial fishing industry. Its sheer size makes one forget it’s a dam and in certain places it almost feels like an ocean.
12 DAY ‘SPLENDORS OF ZIMBABWE’ SAFARI
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Day 1-3:
Arrive in Kariba, transfer to Rhino Island in the Matusadona National Park. The schedule for the next two days includes bush walks, boating, and game drives in open 4WD vehicles. This is one of the best places in Africa to track the elusive black rhino and get within whispering distance of bull elephants. Rhino Island Safari Lodge is the only lodge of its kind in Matusadona. It has everything; remoteness, lake views, and stunning wildlife in a fantastically abundant game area. Elephant, leopard, hippo, lion, and even rhino call Matusadona home. The lodge is simple, authentic and exciting. There are six thatched cottages, each set on a raised platform about 10 feet off the ground with en suite bathrooms. The magnificent thatched dining room and bar overlook the lake. The stunning scenery is the perfect backdrop for your evening meal.
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DAY 4:
Charter flight to Mana Pools. The afternoon is spent on a game drive along the flood plains of the Zambezi.
Overnights in a tented camp with hot showers and three-course meals served under the canopy of trees on the banks of the river.
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DAY 5-7:
Early morning walks exploring the area on foot. After some basic instruction in the art of paddling and a general safety talk, board the 18 foot, 2- or 3-person canoes and meander down the mighty Zambezi past an abundance of hippos and other interesting wildlife. No previous canoeing experience is required. On your canoe safari through the Mana Pools National Park, you quietly paddle and drift with the current. These winding channels often have herds of buffalo on the banks and you may get a chance to canoe right up to elephants crossing the river. Overnights in a tented camp with hot showers and three-course meals served under the canopy of trees on the banks of the river.
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DAY 8-9:
A charter flight takes us from Mana Pools to Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest national park, located on the extreme eastern edge of the great Kalahari Desert. Hwange is remarkable for its wide variety of mammals, more, perhaps, than in any other game reserve in Africa. The area boasts good grazing which attracts a number of different antelope species and big herds of buffalo. Elephant seasonal migration routes go through the area, and lion and leopard sightings are plentiful. Settle into your comfortable tented camp, Somalisa, a private concession in the heart of the Hwange National Park.
Daily “walks on the wild side”, plus explore the park by open Land Rover on day & night drives. -
DAY 10-11:
From Hwange, a three-hour drive to the Victoria Falls, the adrenaline capital of Africa! There are many optional activities to choose from: the ” Flight of Angels” over the Falls, a relaxing sunset cruise on the Zambezi, authentic Shangaan and Mukwishi tribal dancing, or the most exciting one-day whitewater rafting trip in the world. – Overnight in the fabulous Victoria Falls Hotel.
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DAY 11:
Flight home.
Customize your trip
We can create a customized safari itinerary to match your availability or your budget – just ask! And the safari can be done individually, with a group of friends or family and with your own Tour Leader if you’d prefer.
Cost
COST PER PERSON
FROM US$ 5 640 PP SHARING
GROUP SIZES
6 PEOPLE
LENGTH
FLEXIBLE TO SUIT
DIFFICULTY RATING
THIS REQUIRES A MODERATE LEVEL OF FITNESS
ACCOMMODATION
A COMBINATION OF LUXURY LODGES AND TOP GRADE SAFARI TENTS WITH EN SUITE FACILITIES AND AMENITIES
ADD-ONS
VICTORIA FALLS (ADD-ON TO ANY TRIP)
VIEW OPTIONAL EXTRAS
CUSTOM ITINERARIES
WE CAN TAILOR A CUSTOM EXPERIENCE TO MATCH YOUR REQUIREMENTS
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