Wild Zimbabwe

Day 1 – 2
VICTORIA FALLS
Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, guests will be met by a representative and transferred by road to the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel, where they will spend their first 2 nights in Zimbabwe.

The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as ‘the grand old lady of the Falls’, is situated in the Victoria Falls National Park, a World Heritage Site, and is a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group.

The Edwardian style 5-star hotel, built in 1904, was recently refurbished and now combines the charm of the old with modern conveniences. Set in lush tropical gardens providing tranquillity and seclusion, world-class service and food and beverage options are available. The Livingstone Room is ideal for fine dining and dancing, the Jungle Junction for breakfast and dinner buffets and ethnic entertainment, and Stanley’s Terrace, with its clear view of the Victoria Falls Bridge.

The Victoria Falls themselves are a short 10 minute walk from the hotel grounds on a gentle pathway. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of the falls. One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’.

The falls are at their highest between April – August and gradually reduce in magnitude, reaching their lowest levels in October – November. In addition to admiring this spectacle, guests can participate in a variety of optional activities in the Victoria Falls including adrenaline filled bungee jumping or zip lining, or taking it slow on a craft market tour or sundowner cruise.
Overnight at Victoria Falls Hotel – Breakfast.

Day 3 – 5
HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast guests depart via road transfer to Victoria Falls Airport before a scenic light aircraft flight to Somalisa Expeditions in Hwange National Park for their next three nights. Flying time is approximately 45 minutes.

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. Terrain ranges from desert dunes and savannah lands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests, and visitors have the choice of game drives, guided walks or horseback safaris as a means of experiencing the park and its creatures. Somalisa Expeditions offers one of the most authentic ways to experience this exceptional wildlife haven.

Nestled under an incredible grove of Acacias, along the edge of a seasonal floodplain, the main area includes a lounge and dining area on raised decking which overlooks a small pool, which elephants have become habituated to drinking out of. Add to this, the waterhole is frequently used as a mud-bath and a popular rendezvous for the elephants. The up-close encounters and photographic opportunities with these majestic animals are endless.

Consisting of 6 elegantly furnished Meru style tents, each one has en-suite bathroom facilities including flush toilets and an outdoor shower. Activities include guided walks lead by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush, game drives and night drives. Wildlife sightings include elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena and many other wildlife species.
Overnight at Somalisa Expeditions – Fully Inclusive.

Day 6 – 8
MANA POOLS
After a delicious breakfast, guests will be transferred by scheduled light aircraft onto Mana Main Airstrip, where they will be met by a representative of Nyamatusi Camp. Flying time is approximately 90 minutes. Nyamatusi is set in one of the wildest and most remote parts of Africa, on the banks of the Zambezi, one of the world’s oldest rivers. Fully solar-powered and built from all-natural materials it encompasses its wilderness location in the most elegant and comfortable way. Here, your Mana Pools safari plays out against a sweeping riverine landscape, where epic encounters of the giants that roam this land await.

Consisting of 6 luxury tented suites, with uninterrupted views of the river, the camp invites a relaxing escape to nature. Each romantic guest tent offers complete comfort with air-conditioning, indoor and outdoor shower, private viewing deck, and plunge pool. When not enjoying one of the wide range of inclusive activities, marvel at the incredible sights and sounds of one of Africa’s last remaining wilderness hinterlands from the cosy bar or, refreshing pool.

Nyamatusi Camp, lightly translated, means ‘wild game’. Here, you spend your days walking in the footsteps of ancient explorers and tracks of elephants that criss-cross the floodplain. Watch the drama of nature play out before your eyes on game drives or thrilling canoeing safaris. Fishing on the Zambezi River (catch and release only) and birding safaris are highlights here. All these activities are included in your stay and led by qualified and passionate guides, keen to share their knowledge and love of the bush with you.
Overnight at Nyamatusi Camp – Fully Inclusive.

Day 9
DEPARTURE
After an early morning activity guests will be transferred by scheduled light aircraft to Harare International Airport in time for their onward journey. Flying time is approximately 90 minutes.

Inclusions

Accommodation: As per itinerary
Meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 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, Water-based activities, Nature walks, Bird watching, Fishing, 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 Contribution

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