Zimbabwe Classic Safari

12 days

Your safari in Zimbabwe kicks off with Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. After exploring this natural playground for two nights, head to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier big game destination. Marvel at the thriving big cat population in the area. Head north to Mana Pools National Park located in the Zambezi Valley, sleep out under the African stars and enjoy the ambience of being amongst nature. To end off your Zimbabwe safari fly to the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, where you will experience luxury in the most magnificent wildlife setting, spend your days viewing game by boat, vehicle and foot, taking in the dreamy landscape.

Highlights

  • Twice daily game drives in Hwange National Park & Mana Pools National Park
  • Guided bush walks with an armed ranger
  • Night drives to spot nocturnal wildlife
  • Canoe on the Zambezi River
  • Fish in Mana Pools
  • Motorboat along the river in search of wildlife
  • Cultural Experience with Rock Art Visit.

Itinerary

DAY 1 – YOUR ZIMBABWE SAFARI

Victoria Falls and Zambezi River Cruise

Welcome to Africa. Begin your adventure with a scenic helicopter flight over the falls, into the Gorge, along the Zambezi to Royal Chundu Island Lodge. This evening, sit back, relax and enjoy the surrounding views from a boat of the great Zambezi River. Your unique vantage point will allow you a close-up view of the birds and wildlife on the islands along the river.

DAY 2

Scenic Flight over Victoria Falls and Tour

Today, explore the largest sheet of falling water in the world. Board a helicopter for a scenic flight over the falls. Viewing the spectacular Victoria Falls from the air is one of the most breath-taking and exhilarating activities in Africa. Thereafter, enjoy a private guided tour of the mighty ‘Smoke That Thunders.’ Return to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

DAY 3

Zimbabwe Safari – Hwange National Park Game Drive

After breakfast, transfer to Hwange National Park, the largest park in Zimbabwe. Thanks to the sheer size of the park, there is a wide variety of vegetation and game to experience here, ranging from the semi-desert scrub on the edge of the Kalahari in the south to forests, granite hills and valleys of mopane woodlands in the north. Arrive at Somalisa Camp in time for lunch, served outside the camp with views of a small waterhole, frequented by large herds of big game including buffalo, elephant, kudu, zebra, giraffe, and lion. Enjoy an afternoon game drive near camp.

DAY 4

Hwange Game Walk

This morning set out on foot with an armed, expert guide, passionate and eager to share his knowledge and love of the bush with you. With the chances of seeing elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, and even lion, leopard and hyena from a distance. Return to camp for a late lunch and relaxing afternoon before heading back into the bush for a dinner under the stars.

DAY 5

Full Day Game Drive on Zimbabwe Safari

After a light breakfast, set out on a full day game drive in the park, enjoy a picnic lunch in a remote location in the bush. This is an excellent opportunity to truly appreciate the size and diversity of this area. This afternoon head back to camp to enjoy sundowner cocktails around the pool, watch how the animals drink from the nearby waterhole, before heading to dinner.

DAY 6

Mana Pools National Park

This morning you will be transferred by air to Mana Pools National Park, you will be met at the airstrip and transferred to Ruckomechi set amongst the ana trees along the Zambezi River. This afternoon head out on a game drive to explore the area, stopping on route for sundowners and snacks served from the hood of your landrover. Return to camp for dinner and your overnight stay.

DAY 7

Tiger Fishing and Canoeing along the Zambezi

After breakfast, set out for a fishing expedition. The Zambezi River has become the number one destination where avid freshwater anglers take on the ferocious tigerfish (Hydrocynus Vittatus). An expert guide will take you to the best spot where you can try your luck. Return to camp for dinner and your overnight stay. This afternoon paddle down the Mighty Zambezi River in a canoe, accompanied by your guide, enjoy the thrill of being up close and personal with the animals that roam around the waters edge.

DAY 8

Zimbabwe Walking Safari

Mana Pools are known for amazing walking safaris, and today you’ll experience one for yourself. Enjoy the relatively relaxed wildlife that congregates near water, and get close to elephants, lion and wild dog if your luck holds. This is a great opportunity to learn more about these species, understand their tracks and movements in a much more intimate way than from a vehicle.

DAY 9

Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve

Enjoy an early morning coffee before heading to Singita Pamushana situated in the 130,000-acre private Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in south-eastern Zimbabwe. The lodge is set amongst the trees with the most spectacular views of Malilangwe Dam, enjoy a massage at the spa, a dip in your private plunge pool or a stroll through the boutique and gallery. This afternoon head out on a sundowner cruise, enjoy refreshments and snacks whilst being surrounded by nature and the most abundant birdlife.

DAY 10

Community Visit

After a light breakfast head out on a cultural tour to interact with the local community this is a unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating Shangaan lifestyle and strong cultural heritage first hand. Enjoy a bush brunch with traditional African cuisine before heading back to the lodge. This afternoon head out on a game vehicle with the chance of seeing species such as Lichtenstein hartebeest, klipspringer, cheetah, wild dog, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. This evening enjoy a glass of wine from the cellar or a local beer around the camp fire sharing stories of your experiences with your fellow travelers.

DAY 11

Game Drives

Your final day in Africa will take you on an extended game drive, exploring the reserve with a local guide. Stop for lunch along the way before returning to camp for a swim in the infinity pool and dinner under the stars.

DAY 12

Travel home

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Gonarezhou, Buffalo Range Airport for your shared charter flight to Johannesburg, where you will connect with your flight home.