Discover Zimbabwe

Take a magical 13 day tour of the country with expert guides

Discover Zimbabwe

A hotel tour for families and small groups (minimum 4)

Days

Route

Harare > Mutare > Great Zimbabwe > Matopos > Hwange > Victoria Falls

Overview

We have put our heart and soul in this Explore Zimbabwe Tour. Zimbabwe is re-inventing itself after a turbulent period of changes. What hasn’t changed is its abundance of wildlife in its National Parks, its fabulous landscapes of the Eastern Highlands, its rich variety of birdlife all over the country and a rich heritage with an intriguing mix of arts, culture and history. The Victoria Falls will literally close the curtains of this wonderful and spectacular theatre. And above all, you will meet with our biggest asset: the people of Zimbabwe. Warm and friendly, accessible, with a great sense of hospitality and a refined sense of humour.

We love this trip, since it combines the best Zimbabwe has to offer. We have created variety and choice, and undoubtedly this is the best-value-for-money trip you can find in Zimbabwe.

Target

This tour is very popular with families and small groups (minimum 4)

Flexibility

This tour is a standard tour, you can add extra nights at each destination, you can also add destinations like Vumba, Chimanimani, Gonarezou, Chobe, Kariba and Mana Pools, all depending on your budget and time limitations.

Dates of Departure

This tour can depart on the date of your choice, throughout the year.

Tour Highlights

Wildlife in Matopos and Hwange National Parks
See the wonders of Zimbabwe’s wildlife

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins
An ancient and mysterious ruined city in beautiful surroundings

Harare City Tour
More attractive than most African capitals, with stunning tree-lined streets and many interesting sites

Visits to rural communities in Eastern Highlands
Reach out and touch the real Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders! A true wonder of the world

Tour information

The information below is intended to assist you as you consider your travel options with Nyati Travel. In addition to the detailed itinerary there is some useful information to provide you with an overview of your accommodation & meals, all issues concerning money, passports, visas, vaccinations, insurance, clothing, personal equipment and much more to help you with your travel preparations.

How to Book

Simply write an email to info@nyati.co.zw with your booking request, your basic personal details, and preferred dates. We usually reply within 4 hours! Your journey has started!

Accommodation and meals

We have carefully selected all accommodations on the basis of location, quality and value-for-money. Most rooms are en-suite, but some lodges offer 2-bedroomed units where facilities are shared, these places are indicated on the detailed itinerary.

The tour is on a dinner/bed/breakfast basis. In Harare and Victoria Falls on a bed & breakfast basis because there is a choice of restaurants. In Hwange 2 lunches are included.

At most destinations upgrades of accommodation to 5-star are possible.

Optional activities

Most optional activities are listed in the detailed itinerary. At some destinations there are other activities, your tour guide can assist you.

Booking a single room

Single rooms can be booked at an extra charge.

Budgeting for your tour

The itinerary details what is included and what is excluded. In all places where meals are not included there is a choice of meals for all budgets. Besides the indicated optional activities most destinations offer activities which can be booked and paid on arrival.

Flight information

flight_info

You are able to book this tour on a ‘land only’ basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Nyati Travel is an IATA licensed travel agent and on request you will be send a quotation from your nearest airport to Harare. Normally we send you options so you can choose based on convenience and budget. The quotation is valid at the time of your enquiry. Only payment for your ticket will guarantee the fare price. Booking early guarantees the lowest fare. You are free to accept this offer or alternatively you can arrange your air tickets yourselves.

If you book your own flights please note your airport of arrival is Harare and departure is from Victoria Falls, or Livingstone, which is just across the border with Zambia. From there you connect to the airport from which your international flight departs from: Lusaka, Nairobi, Harare or Johannesburg.

If you book “land only” make sure you arrive in time for the first briefing to be held at 8 pm on the evening of day 1.

An airport transfer in Harare from the airport to your hotel is included in your land package price. The airport transfer in Victoria Falls is also included in the tour price.

Payment for your tour

OOnce your place on the tour has been confirmed, you will be send an invoice with payment instructions. You can pay with credit card using a secure website, bank charges (estimated to be 3.5%) are to be paid for by customers. We require a 10 % non-refundable deposit. If your travel starts within 60 days of booking, full payment will be required at the time of booking. The balance after paying the deposit is due 60 days before departure. The price paid for our holidays is no longer subject to change. Once you have paid we will guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Our air ticketing department will deal directly with you for your flight.

Guaranteed Money Pay-back

Your payment is guaranteed though the SATSA-approved guarantee. Nyati Travel is a member of SATSA, Southern African Tourism Services Association. The association’s “Lost Advance fund” guarantees money back when Nyati travel defaults on its obligations. For more information check the following website: http://www.satsa.com/bonding-2/

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We strongly recommend that your policy includes curtailment, personal effects and cancellation protection as all deposits paid are non-refundable. You will also need to ensure your travel policy covers you for all activities you intend to do whilst on tour.

Money

In Zimbabwe cash can be withdrawn with a Visa and/or Master card at most ATM’s. We will make regular stops at places where you can withdraw cash. Your tour guide will advise you in good time. In Zimbabwe it is not common to pay with your credit card in shops and restaurants. The currency used is USD. It is best to take your money in a combination of cash USD and credit card. Carry enough cash (US$) from your home country, in small denominations, it will make your journey much easier.

Medical

Private medical facilities in Zimbabwe, are sufficient for all first aid and common problems. Travellers requiring medical assistance calling for a blood transfusion, or who suffer any serious illness, or who are involved in an accident may require medical evacuation to South Africa. Excellent facilities are therefore one and a half hours flying away. Ensure that you have adequate travel insurance, including medical air evacuation, for the duration of your stay, and be sure to verify which circumstances and activities are excluded from your policy. Almost all medical services, such as doctors, hospitals and air ambulance medical evacuation, must be paid for in cash, as overseas medical insurance payments are not everywhere accepted. An overseas credit card will be very useful. Drink only bottled water which is everywhere available. In Zimbabwe there is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of the year. December to April are most risky in the lower areas of the country. You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent. In Zimbabwe no cases of Ebola have been reported. Ebola occurs in the Western part of Africa, a distance from Harare as far as from Amsterdam to New York. Health authorities in Zimbabwe have taken precautionary measures, in line with WHO standards.

Safety

Zimbabwe is generally a safe country to travel. Street crime, such as pick pocketing and bag snatching happens. Ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure, particularly in crowded places, and carry a photocopy of your passport. Remain vigilant, avoid travelling alone and avoid walking after dark. Photography of people is generally no problem. Photography near government offices, airports, military establishments, in addition to other sensitive facilities, is prohibited. Laws are strictly enforced, and all restrictions should be observed. If in doubt, do not take a picture.

Visa Requirements

Passport must be valid for the period of your stay. Make sure there are some extra available pages in your passport. For most nationalities a tourist Visa can be obtained on arrival at a fee of between USD 30 and USD 70 payable in cash. The visa is valid for a maximum of 1 month. Keep the address of your first hotel at hand as you need to enter this on your entry form. For more information on visa requirements, check the following website: https://www.evisa.gov.zw/.

Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to make sure all the necessary visa and health requirements are fulfilled. We will advise you to the best of our ability but cannot be held responsible for any omissions in terms of visa and health requirements.

Preparing for your tour

Climate: The climate is tropical, although markedly moderated by altitude. There is a dry season, including a short cool season during the period May to September when the whole country has very little rain. The rainy season is typically a time of heavy rainfall from November to March.

Equipment: You need a torch, water bottle, sunhat/sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars are a must for your game drives.

Footwear: Comfortable shoes (or good walking boots if planning to hike), trainers or sandals for relaxing/travelling.

Clothing should generally be lightweight for the day. Also take a fleece, long trousers, and a waterproof and windproof jacket. Take swimming gear and a beach towel. During winter (July) we recommend you bring plenty of warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly. During spring (September to November) temperatures can drop in the evening, during the day you need a hat and sunscreen to protect you against the strong sun.

Swimming pools can be cold in the winter months as they are outside and not heated.

Luggage: On tour take a soft bag or suitcase. Also take a daypack for items needed during any walks or sightseeing. Check with your airline the maximum weight of luggage allowed. Generally the limit is 23 kg.

Electric Supply & Plugs: 3 Pin Square (UK).

Mobile phones: It is possible to buy a sim card, it is best to do that on arrival at the airport at TelOne. Econet is also possible but there you need to submit your address (proof of residence) to buy your simcard. Roaming on your own sim card is possible but generally expensive. Note that coverage is not 100% in Zimbabwe; do not expect a signal everywhere, especially in game parks.

Internet is available at internet shops in all major towns: Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Some hotels offer Wi-Fi in the rooms or in the reception area. Don’t expect great speed, but it is sufficient for checking your e-mail.

Why choose Nyati Travel

We’ve been creating adventure holidays for 25 years in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia, earning the trust of hundreds of delighted customers. You feel safe in our hands. Our tour leaders and drivers have expert local knowledge and our tours are designed to take you off the beaten track to see the most exotic, inspiring and dramatic places in Zimbabwe.

With over 25 years of experience, we are passionate about what we do.
Pioneering small group adventures, private journeys and tailor made holidays.
Tour leaders who you can trust.
Responsible travel is and always has been one the driving principles of Nyati Travel.

Our commitment to the environment

We are passionate about sustainable travel and work hard to create tours where your holiday delivers real benefits to the local communities. We minimise our impact by travelling in small groups, respecting local cultures and tradition.

Peace of mind - book with confidence

You can book your Nyati holiday with confidence, as all payments made to us for your trip are fully protected. Nyati Travel is a fully bonded tour operator with 25 years of reputation to go for it.

Agents can sell this tour

We are offering the “Discover Zimbabwe” organised group tour to approved agents anywhere in the world.

Please follow the following simple steps:

Send us an e-mail showing your interest to sell the tour to your clients.
Mention your website to us, if you have one. You can use your website to market our tour.

After we have made an agreement you will be responsible for getting all the details from your client, exactly as we would require them from somebody booking directly with us.
Non-refundable deposits – 10% of the full amount – and full payment (less your commission) 60 days before departure, it all applies in the same manner.

Itinerary

1 Harare: Welcome to Zimbabwe!

You will be picked up from Harare International Airport and transferred to a comfortable Hotel near the City Centre of Harare.
At 8 p.m. the group will meet in the hotel with the tour guide for a first briefing.

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2 Discover Harare & surroundings

After breakfast the group will explore Harare, the vibrant capital city of Zimbabwe. We will get an idea of the city centre of Harare starting from Africa Unity Square where we view some interesting historical sites like the Parliament Buildings and the Court Houses. We proceed to the so-called Kopje, from which you have a magnificent view over the city. A visit to the colourful local market Mbare Musika gives a good insight in the day-to-day life of hard-working people. We finish the city tour with a visit to the Domboshava rock paintings 30 minutes from town. They are well known for its quality, its stunning surroundings, and its rich heritage. A great way to end this first day.

Harare has a vibrant night life with life performances of all sorts of art forms (music, arts, theatre), so for those who have the energy we will organise an evening tour (optional).

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3 Mutare: Visit a rural community

After breakfast we drive (2.5 hours) to Rusape, a small town on the highway to Mutare. We will visit a typical rural setting, where we will walk around with a local guide. Nothing surprises visitors more than walking around villages, meeting the local people who simply do what they always do: work on their small agricultural plots. It is another world, but it is a reality for half of Zimbabwe’s population.

After lunch we will drive (1.5 hours) to our comfortable lodge which is situated near Mutare. Your camera will like this place because of its stunning views.

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4 Exploring Odzi area

After breakfast we will visit a nearby commercial farm, where tobacco, maize and grapes are grown. This offers an excellent opportunity to find out about the everyday life of a farmer in Southern Africa. Learn about the stages of growing and curing tobacco and get an appreciation of the social responsibilities a commercial farmer has for his staff. The daily challenges on a farm are many.

After lunch we visit the Old Mutare Mission. This mission was founded in the early days of the 20^th century by a Methodist reverend. Today it comprises a primary school, a secondary school, an orphanage and a hospital that takes care of approximately 12.000 locals. Missions have played a very important role in the development of Zimbabwe and have been focal points for education and health care in the rural areas of the country.

We will also visit the primary boarding school, the orphanage or the hospital. Get a glimpse of the daily operations of these large missions where thousands of people live together.

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5 Mutare: Tour of the Misty Vumba Mountains

After breakfast on our way to the Vumba we enter the Christmas pass, where we have spectacular views over the city of Mutare.

We will proceed to the Vumba Mountains, often clouded by shrouds of mist, giving it its distinct views. We will do a two hour guided bird walk in Bunga Tropical Forest. Even if you are not a birdwatcher you will enjoy this magical forest and its beautiful viewpoints. A lunch of coffee and cake (excluded) at the famous Tony’s Coffee Shoppe is an event which adds some spice to the day! We will visit some more viewpoints before returning to Mutare.

In Mutare we will pass by Gogo Olive and hear an amazing story of success. Gogo Olive was set up in 2008 by Julie Hagan whose memories of her grandmother knitting for missions in Africa inspired her to set up this project, as a means of giving both hope and a desperately needed livelihood to present and former women prisoners. The distinctive and appealing Gogo Olive figurines are not only sold across Zimbabwe, but are now being exported to Europe and Asia.

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6 Masvingo: Mysteries of the Great Zimbabwe ruins

After breakfast we depart for Masvingo, the home of the famous Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The drive is about 350 km, and takes about 4 to 5 hours, on a quiet road with great landscapes.

Zimbabwe – meaning big house made of stone – derived its name from the massive stones at Great Zimbabwe. Historians and archaeologists are still excited about this place. They are surrounded by unanswered questions: Who built them? Where are the graves of the deceased leaders? Why was it abandoned? We advise you to take at least 2 to 3 hours for your visit, guided by one of the excellent local guides.

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7 Matopos National Park: City of Kings & Balancing Rocks

After breakfast we depart for Bulawayo, the second city of Zimbabwe; a drive of about 4 to 5 hours. We will do a short walk in the city centre, with a great variety of historical buildings, lunch close to the famous national gallery. A visit to the interesting Natural History Museum is an option. Afterwards we will have 45 minute drive to Matopos National Park.

Once you have seen the landscapes of Matopos you will understand why John Cecil Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia, wanted to be buried in the granite rocks of Matopos! The views are simply awesome.

Overnight in a cosy lodge next to Balancing Rocks.

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8 Matopos National Park: rhino tracking

Today we do a full day trip of Matopos National park. This popular trip takes you into the game park section of the Matopos National Park. Game viewing is done by open safari vehicles, whilst looking for fresh rhino tracks. We follow the spoors with a chance to approach the rhino on foot. We continue the tour with a visit to some of the historical sites in the park. We stop at one of the cave sites, where thousands of years ago the San bushman left their life’s story on the stone walls. Later we climb Worlds View where Rhodes grave and the Shangani memorial give an insight into the more recent history of Zimbabwe. A great trip which gives you the best of Matopos..

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9 Hwange National Park: The Big 5

After breakfast we will depart for Big 5 country, which will take about 4 hours.

Hwange National Park is the largest national park of Zimbabwe (1.5 million hectares). It has a great diversity of wildlife, and has more than 200 bird species. The standard of professional guiding in Zimbabwe is very high. Full of passion and knowledgeable about every living thing: wildlife, insects, grasses, flowers and birds. With their guidance you may encounter elephant, buffalo, sable antelope, lion, wild dog and with some luck the leopard. But don’t be surprised to spend 15 exciting minutes near an ant-hill to hear the amazing story of what‘s going on inside!

It is this unique wildlife experience which will make you come back to the magic of Africa!

On arrival we have lunch and after the traditional tea and biscuits, at around 3.30 p.m. we will go into the concession in an open vehicle with guide. Experience the thrill of big game and plains game sightings as professional guides lead you through a private 40,000 acre estate. Return to the lodge at around 6.30 p.m.

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10 Hwange National Park: Explore the wilderness of Africa

The lodge overlooks the Ganda pan, a natural waterhole, which attracts a wide variety of bird and animal species including elephant, buffalo, lion and a large variety of waterfowl. All can be seen from the lodge itself.

After an early rise you depart at around 6.30 a.m. for a game drive into Hwange National Park via Main Camp in an open vehicle with guide. A visit will be made to the famous Nyamandlovu pan, where you are virtually guaranteed to see big game in big numbers. It is these experiences which make you come back to Africa. Return to the lodge at around 8.30 p.m.

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Optional

Ganda Sunset Game Drive – USD 35 p.p.

After the traditional tea and biscuits, at around 3.30 p.m. you will go into the concession in an open vehicle with guide. Experience the thrill of big game and plains game sightings as professional guides lead you through a private 40,000 acre estate. Return to the lodge at around 6.30 p.m.

11 Victoria Falls: Mosi O Tunya - The Smoke that Thunders

The Victoria Falls don’t need much introduction, they are known all over the world.

This is adrenaline territory: rafting, kayaking, canoeing, horse riding, and other exciting activities with weird names: Bungi Jump, Zip Line, Cable Slide and the Gorge Swing.

For the less adventurous there are boat cruises, game drives in Zambezia National Park, interaction with elephants and lions, and helicopter rides over the falls. There is simply too much to mention all.

All activities can be booked through the tour guide a few days before, he can advise on contents and pricing.

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12 Victoria Falls: Discover more

Today you can explore the Victoria Falls and participate in a wide choice of activities.

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13 Departure: Take your memories with you

From here you can start your extensions. If you are not extending your stay you will be collected for your transfer to the airport for your flight back to Harare or Johannesburg.
Your visit to Zimbabwe will undoubtedly have made lasting memories! Share them with others!

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Why book this tour

This safari covers ALL of Zimbabwe and not just the western part;
Flexibility is our guide: this tour can tailor made to your needs;
A safari designed by a Zimbabwean Operator with 25 years of experience in organising group tours;
Travel in small groups: maximum 16 passengers;
Travel with your own family and friends;
Maximum travel distance 300 km per day, about 4 to 5 hours;
A tour for young and old;
The best of Zimbabwe: wildlife, activities, arts and culture, and the Victoria Falls;
A variety of optional activities at most destinations;
Carefully selected accommodation based on location and value-for-money;
Most meals are included;
Own tour guide, passionate and knowledgeable. English spoken;

Printable tour notes

Got a question

Includes

Accommodation: 12 nights lodges/hotels (3-4 star)
Meals: 12 breakfasts + 6 lunches + 8 dinners
Transport: comfortable minibus (9 or 19 seater depending on group size)
Tour staff: driver / tour guide

My husband and I have just done this tour and we had a wonderful time. There were four in total in our group plus the driver, Mr Gombe. The itinerary was very good – we really enjoyed visiting the school at Old Mutare Mission, the gardens at Seldom Seen in the Bvumba (with the infectiously enthusiastic Bulawesi to guide us!), and the tour of Serengeti 5 organic farm and ecotourist facility. We also had a very interesting visit to a tobacco farm. Our tour then travelled across the country to take in Great Zimbabwe, Matobo and Hwange before ending at Vic Falls. We all felt that our driver, Mr Gombe, did a fantastic job if getting us from one stop to the next on time but very safely, and he was the perfect driver – kind, thoughtful, funny and very patient with the various foibles of four foreigners! He was a star! We recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience the vitality and optimism of the Zimbabwean people, and the beautiful country as well.

FionaScotland