Aerial view of Gonarezhou

Zimbabwe: explore the wilderness

Take a luxury 11-day tour of the country

Luxury 11-Day Wildlife Safari in Zimbabwe

For individual travellers and groups

11

Days

Route

Harare > Gonarezhou > Matopos > Hwange > Victoria Falls

Itinerary

001

You will be met upon arrival at the Harare International Airport, from where you will be transferred to a very comfortable guesthouse or hotel.

One of our experienced travel consultants will meet you, to advise you on everything you want to know about your trip.

You will receive all your travel documents, i.e. vouchers for accommodation, a road map, a detailed itinerary, a list of phone numbers and contact details of all service providers.

Depending on your time of arrival there may be some time to visit Harare. It has some interesting historical sites like the Parliament Building in the centre, the so-called Kopje, from which you have a magnificent view over the city. The Botanical gardens are beautiful during any time of the year. The Domboshava rock paintings are well known for its quality and its stunning surroundings. There are various markets and shopping centres to be visited.

Harare has a vibrant night life with life performances of all sorts of art forms (music, arts, theatre).

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Early departure is necessary for the fairly long drive to Chilo Lodge, bordering Gonarezhou National Park in the South Eastern Lowveld. “The place of Elephants” is a hidden gem. It is relatively unknown, though it is easily accessible by tarred roads. Gonarezhou is a vast National park which is crossed by the Save, Runde and Mwenezi rivers. There is superb wildlife to be found in a typical riverine bush environment.

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Any journey into the heart of Gonarezhou begins with the realisation that this is wild country. It is one of Africa’s last remaining pristine wildernesses and we are all privileged to be a visitor here. The animals are in their most natural state at Gonarezhou. It is one of Africa’s last remaining pristine wildernesses and we are all privileged to be a visitor here. The animals are in their most natural state at Gonarezhou. This is a country of red sandstone, thorny scrub and baobabs. Buffalo gather at watering holes, big cats prowl silently in pursuit of painted impala, hippo wallow midstream attended by squadrons of fluttering birds. The presence of elephants is everywhere. A panorama of birdlife gathers at Tembahata and Machanu Water Pans. Weather exhilarating game drives through the park, excursions to the epic Chilojo Cliffs, or a day spent bird watching, there is a wide range of activities to suit every guest. When the day is done and you’ve enjoyed sundowners on the Save River, sleep will come easy. You know when you wake, it will be there waiting for you, all over again.

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For those with a penchant for something a bit more active, the 3km walking trail from the lodge to the beautiful Chivilia Falls is a great way to start or end your day. Trekking through a rugged landscape will lead you to a viewpoint overlooking the falls. As the water cascades over age-old rocks, take in the sights and satisfy your thirst with some well-deserved refreshments.
As the sun sets on a day filled with exciting game drives, the island presents an ideal setting in which to relax and unwind. Explore the site of the former Mahenye Lodge, swathed in tangles of dense trees and winding vines, then slowly make your way to the beach, where deck chairs and refreshing drinks await.

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Day_7-matopos

You depart for Bulawayo, the second city of Zimbabwe; a drive of about 4 to 5 hours. You can do a short walk in the city centre, which has a great variety of historical buildings, one of them the famous national gallery. A visit to the Natural History Museum is an attractive option. The drive to Matopos National Park from Bulawayo centre takes about 45 minutes.

Once you have seen the landscapes In Matopos you will understand why John Cecil Rhodes wanted to be buried in its granite rocks. Worlds View offers views you have never seen before. Another must is to go on foot, with a guide, to trace the White Rhino. It is as exciting as looking for gold or diamonds. Experiencing the expertise and passion of the local guides simply adds joy and awe to your memories. The rock paintings tell you stories of the far behind past. Overnight in a stunning lodge, just a short distance from the park. Built on a granite dome, surrounded by a theatre of tumbling rocks and kopjes with magnificent views.

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Day_8-rhino

You will spend a full day exploring Matopos National park with an experienced guide. We can assure you: This will be an awesome day you won’t forget! 

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Day_9-ele

After breakfast you will depart for Hwange National Park which will take about 4 hours.

This is Big 5 country!

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!

Overnight in a private game lodge situated on its own concession.

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Another day with wildlife activities. Experience the thrill of big game and plains game sightings. It is these experiences which make you come back to Africa. We still have to encounter someone who got too much of it!

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After breakfast you depart for the journey of about 3 hours to the Victoria Falls.

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 at the tour desk of your hotel, you can also pre-book activities at time of booking this tour.

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Day_12-vf

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

All activities can be booked at the tour desk of your hotel, you can also pre-book activities at time of booking this tour.

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Day_13-vf

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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Extensions

to Lake Kariba and Chobe National Park, Botwana

US$ 710 p.p. sharing*
*US$ 595 single supplement

Chobe is surely the best place in Africa to see elephants, particularly in the water. Individual herds sometimes number in the hundreds and there are an estimated 120,000 elephants in total in the park. There are equally large herds of buffalo to be found. In fact, both can often be seen outside the park boundaries wandering around the outskirts of Kasane itself, unperturbed by traffic or people. The park also offers great lion and leopard sightings, while the river has an unbelievable abundance of hippos and crocodiles and an almost inconceivable wealth of birdlife, including a number of particularly rare species that are highly sought after by top wildlife photographers. This is just a small glimpse of what Chobe has to offer
A trip to Chobe is not complete without a boat trip on the beautiful river itself. Floating along this incredible body of water allows you to see most of the park’s interesting wildlife and birdlife from a completely different perspective. Aside from the allure for birders, being on the river is the best place for budding photographers to take spectacular images of the vast herds of elephants on the river’s lush green banks and islands or even crossing the river. The river also lends itself to iconic images of the African sky at sunset, and to a nice cold sundowner or two as you take in all the wonders of this unique and rich region.
You will be booked on a bed and breakfast rate. At the lodge you can book a variety of activities, including game drives and boat cruises. The lodges has restaurant facilities offering a variety of menus.

Day 1 Chobe National Park – Kasane – In the heart of Africa

You will be picked for your transfer to the lodge, situated in Kasane on the shores of the Chobe River, the transfer takes about 1.5 hours, including the smooth cross border facilities.

Included:

  • Road transfer Victoria Falls – Kasane
  • Breakfast
  • Overnight in lodge on the shores of the Chobe River with en-suit facilities

Day 2 and Day 3 Chobe National Park – Kasane – In the heart of Africa

Two full days to explore Chobe National Park.

Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Overnight in lodge on the shores of the Chobe River with en-suit facilities

Day 4 departure to Victoria Falls

After breakfast you will be transferred by road to Victoria Falls

Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Road transfer to Victoria Falls Airport

Cost per person sharing: US$ 340

Single supplement: US$ 230

Indicative Price list of meals and activities

  • Lunch: buffet from US$ 14 p.p.
  • Dinner: buffet from US$ 32 p.p.
  • Game drive: US$ 38 p.p. (3 hours)
  • Boat cruise: USD 32 p.p. (3 hours)
  • Park fees: US$ 15 p.p. per day

Notes

  • On arrival at Harare airport ask for a double entry visa for Zimbabwe, since you will enter Zimbabwe twice.

US$ 1760 p.p. sharing*
* US$585 single supplement

Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba – Matusadonha National Park

Man created Lake Kariba, and the animals took it over. Set against the Zambezi Escarpment, various lodges were built in the vicinity of the National Park of Matusadonha. These are the places were the mountains meet the waters, creating a unique eco –system, which once seen will never be forgotten.

This is untamed remote wilderness at its best.

Lake Kariba is a massive man-made lake formed by the damming of the mighty Zambezi River in the late 1950’s.

Wildlife is prolific. The big five: black rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo are all found here. Hippo and crocodile and a wide variety of water birds make use of the lake. There are numerous antelope species as well as over 350 documented bird species are also here. Once you have heard he call of the African Fish Eagle you will never forget it!

This life-changing experience will make you come back to Africa!

You will be booked on a full board rate. At the lodge you can book a variety of activities, including game drives and boat cruises.

Day 1 Lake Kariba – Access to Untamed Wilderness

A driver will transfer you from your hotel to Vic Falls Airport for the flight to Lake Kariba. Upon arrival at the airstrip you will be transferred by boat to a luxury lodge near Matusadonha on the shores of Lake Kariba.

Included:

  • Airport transfer in Victoria Falls
  • charter flight Victoria Falls – Kariba
  • road transfer to harbour in Kariba
  • boat transfer harbour to lodge
  • breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • overnight with en-suite facilities in luxury lodge

Day 2 Matusadonha – Untamed Wilderness

gache_gacheGuests wake up to long list of activities that is in stock for them. Game drives in open side 4×4 safari vehicles as well as combined game walks and tracking of the big five. All these activities are undertaken under the assistance of passionate professional guides

It is simply best way to get close to the world’s endangered species as well as getting to know other living organisms and their ecosystem.

The neighborhood also has good spots for bird watching where guest can enjoy the Fish eagle and other species in a fitting posture or experience the legendary sunsets of the Kariba with an African Sundowner. After a long day of activities guests return to lodge for an outdoor dinner and drinks by the fire gazing at the stars.

Included:

  • all meals
  • overnight with en-suite facilities in luxury lodge

Day 3 Matusadonha – Untamed Wilderness

Another day full of activities around Lake Kariba and inside Matusadonha National Park

Included:

  • all meals
  • overnight with en-suite facilities in luxury lodge

Day 4 Farewell to Untamed Wilderness

After breakfast you will be transferred again by a speed boat from the lodge to the airstrip for an onward flight to Victoria Falls.

Included:

  • breakfast
  • boat transfer to Kariba harbour
  • road transfer to Kariba airport
  • charter flight Kariba to Victoria Falls

Cost per person sharing: US$ 1360
Single supplement: US$ 135

Note

Depending on your return flight to your final destination it may be more convenient to fly to either Livingstone, Lusaka or Harare. Our office will be happy to advise you on the best options.

Indicative Price list of activities

Activities per person
Boat Hire (Pontoon) 1-5 pax (US$ 10 p.p. thereafter)US$ 70half day
Boat Hire (Speed Boat)US$ 90half day
SundownerUS$ 25
Game DriveUS$ 30
Game WalkUS$ 40
Clay Pigeon ShootingUS$ 60box of 25 Shots

Excluding National Park fees of US$ 15 p.p. per day

The trip was absolutely fantastic. Herbert is an excellent driver and a very nice person, too. He definitely contributed to making this tour a tremendous success.

Yes, Woow Alec is a wonderful person. We are at a loss of words to describe him. What a careful, defensive and helpful driver, very friendly and patient gentleman. He is one out of a million. Thank you for giving us Alec for that trip.

Thank you so much for sending us John and for the amazing city tour he took us on! He seems to know Harare like the back of his hand and took us to see the market at Mbare with many interesting sights in between. One thing we certainly have learned from that whirlwind tour: We must come back and see more!

Many thanks again and I will keep in touch!

Why book this tour

  • This safari covers some of the best National Parks of Zimbabwe
  • A Safari designed by a Zimbabwean Operator with 24 years of experience
  • See and hear the thundering smoke of Victoria Falls
  • Carefully selected 5 star accommodation
  • Most meals and activities in the parks are included

Includes

  • Accommodation: 10 nights lodges/hotels (5 star)
  • Meals: 10 breakfasts + 7 lunches + 7 dinners
  • 7 days of wild life activities (game drives, game walks)
  • Transport: self-drive or tour with one of our excellent guides/drivers

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