Victoria Falls and Hwange Circuit

Day 1 – 3
VICTORIA FALLS
Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, guests will be met by a representative and transferred by road to their local hotel.

One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, this spectacle straddles both Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine game viewing and water sports. There is excellent fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white-water rafting in the world.

During the guest’s stay in Victoria Falls they will enjoy a guided tour of the falls which takes approximately 2 hours. This includes fascinating history on the discovery of the falls reflecting that in November 1855, Dr David Livingstone was transported in a canoe by the local Makalolo people to the very edge of these falls.

The sensitive Scotsman was so overwhelmed by his first sight of these spectacular falls, that he momentarily abandoned his scientific observations and recorded, “It has never been seen before by European eyes, but scenes so wonderful must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”. The good missionary, whose heart lies buried in Africa, named this great wonder of the world after Victoria, his British queen.

Just 2.2km from the Victoria Falls Rainforest entrance and 1km from the town centre, Batonka Guest Lodge is situated in the quiet residential suburb of Victoria Falls. The guest lodge offers 22 air-conditioned rooms, each located on the ground level overlooking a beautiful garden and offering ensuite bathroom, balcony, TV and Wi-Fi. Communal facilities include indoor and outdoor dining, a bar, a comfortable lounge, swimming pool and more.
Overnight at Batonka Guest Lodge – Breakfast
Superior Upgrade – Victoria Falls Hotel – Breakfast

Day 4 – 6
HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast guests depart via road transfer to Hwange National Park, a journey time of approximately 2.5 hours.

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephant. It provides sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species, including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent. Visitors have the choice of game drives, guided walks or horseback safaris as a means of experiencing the park and its creatures.

It was declared a game reserve in 1928 and with neighbouring Robins Game sanctuary became a national park under the National Park Act of 1949. When founding member Ted Davidson walked across virtually every km² in 1928-29, he discovered the wildlife was almost non-existent. The once teeming herds of elephant numbered fewer than 1 000 and the rhino, both black and white, had been exterminated due to hunting.

Davidson perceived that the water was the critical key and in the years that followed he drilled boreholes to create 60 new pans, linked to the seasonal pans that already existed. Slowly the animals, particularly the elephant and buffalo, began to move back. To this day water remains the single most important management factor in Hwange’s continued existence – absolutely vital to the survival of what is perhaps Africa’s single largest concentration of elephant. The constant maintenance of the artificial but natural looking water pans, complete with resident hippo and crocodile, has been a major factor sustaining this ecological treasury.

Located on the border of Hwange National Park, Hwange Safari Lodge offers an oasis in the African bush providing an affordable base for those seeking the wild. All room types are en-suite and amenities include air-conditioning, mosquito nets, and a tea/coffee-making station. The lodge suits a variety of travelers including couples, families, and groups. Facilities include two restaurants as well as a cocktail bar and large pool.
Overnight at Hwange Safari Lodge– Full Board.
Superior Upgrade – Somalisa Camp – Fully Inclusive.

Day 7
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, guests are taken by scheduled road transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for their onward travel arrangements.

Inclusions

Accommodation: As per itinerary
Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Meet and greet: Victoria Falls International Airport
Drinks: Selected local brand drinks
Transfers: Scheduled road transfers and light aircraft
Activities: Game drives, Sundowner Cruise, Victoria Falls tour
Entrance fees: National park fees
Guide: Registered guide per game lodge/boat, other language guides are subject to availability
SOA Green Seat Levy

Exclusions

International and regional scheduled flights and visas
Travel, medical and personal accident insurance
Gratuities and items of personal nature
Excursions not detailed in the itinerary
Private charters/transfers or specialised guides
Premium brand drinks
Porterage