Zimbabwe
Sit atop the prominent and endearing sandstone Chilojo Cliffs in Gonarezhou, explore the granite domes and castle kopjes of the Matobo Hills which are among the most majestic rock sceneries in the world, experience Hwange’s elephants up close and personal, and enjoy a sundowner cruise on the majestic Zambezi River, all the while allowing the warmth of Zimbabwe’s people to touch your soul.
The “Best of Zimbabwe” itinerary will see you traversing cross country from South East to North West Zimbabwe , visiting 4 of the 10 diverse National Parks which the country has become renowned for, and meeting with specialists along the journey to learn more about the conservation and community initiatives underway to conserve and protect these wild habitats. The itinerary will give insight into the cultural heritage and history of this magnificent country, whilst providing you with opportunities to experience up close encounters with a diversity of wildlife and bird species, both on vehicles and on foot.
Download Fact SheetSpend 3 nights Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, Gonarezhou National Park; 3 nights Amalinda Lodge, Matopos National Park; 3 nights Khulu Bush Lodge, Hwange National Park; 3 nights John’s Camp, Mana Pools National Park.
Day 1: Depart Harare International Airport on Charter flight to Mahenye Airstirp(flight included). Transfer to lodge. Overnight Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, Gonarezhou National Park.
Day 2: Morning game drive or game walk in Gonarezhou with a visit to Tembwahata. Afternoon Cultural visit to the Mahenye community. Sundowners overlooking the Chivilila Falls. Overnight Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge.
Day 3: Full day game drive safari in Gonarezhou National Park, including a visit to the iconic Chilojo cliffs. Finish the day with sundowners overlooking the Save River. Overnight Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge.
Day 4: After breakfast, 10min Road Transfer to Mahenye Airstrip. Private Charter to Bulawayo Intl (flight included).
Road Transfer to Amalinda Lodge. Overnight Amalinda Lodge, Matobo National Park.
Day 5: Activities per the lodge. Overnight Amalinda Lodge, Matobo National Park.
Day 6: Activities per the lodge. Overnight Amalinda Lodge, Matobo National Park.
Day 7: Road transfer to Khulu Bush Camp – approx. 3 hours. Arrive Khulu Bush Camp. Overnight Khulu Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
Day 8: Game activities as per the lodge. Overnight Khulu Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
Day 9: Game activities as per the lodge. Overnight Khulu Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
Day 10: Road Transfer to Hwange Main Airstrip. Depart on scheduled charter flight to Mana Pools airstrip (flight included). Arrive Mana Pools airstrip. Meet and transfer to the camp. Overnight John's Camp, Mana Pools National Park.
Day 11: Game activities as per the camp. Overnight John's Camp, Mana Pools National Park.
Day 12: Game activities as per the camp. Overnight John's Camp, Mana Pools National Park.
Day 13: End of your Safari. Road Transfer to Mana Pools airstrip. Depart on scheduled charter flight to Harare International Airport (flight included). Arrive Harare International. Depart onwards flight (flight excluded).
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge View iBrochure Chilo Gorge is a luxury safari lodge on the edge of the stunning wilderness of Gonarezhou National Park, in South-East Zimbabwe. We offer guests access to the pristine wilderness of Gonarezhou, with the authentic animal interaction which goes with a park which is rarely visited. Gonarezhou is a gem amongst African parks, and offers experienced safari travellers and increasingly rare ability to explore untouched Africa. In addition, through the work of Chilo director, Clive Stockil, there is a very powerful community and conservation story which is at the centre of how the lodge operates. Chilo Gorge Tented Camp is a semi-luxury seasonal tented camp on the banks of the Runde River. This is an 'old Africa' camping experience, with a good standard of comfort, and a great place from which to explore Gonarezhou by vehicle and on foot.
Amalinda Lodge View iBrochure Amalinda Lodge, an African inspired refuge, where world-class facilities combine with the spiritual energy, allure and unique beauty, for which the Matobo Hills is so celebrated. The granite domes and castle kopjes of the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe, are among the most majestic rock sceneries in the world. Nestled in this unique range of hills is Camp Amalinda, situated only 45kms from Bulawayo. Amalinda consists of nine individually thatched rooms including 3 honeymoon suites, 3 family rooms, 2 double rooms & 1 single room, which are all set into the huge boulders. Each room is steeped in African historical artefacts of a bygone era and tucked away into an ancient bushman’s shelter, Camp Amalinda’s charm will leave an indelible impression on every visitor.
Khulu Bush Camp View iBrochure Khulu Bush Camp “Grandfather” is located on a private concession of 6,000 acres. One of the many charms of this camp is that it offers guests luxurious and private accommodation accompanied with old world hospitality. Khulu comprises of 6 bespoke, thatched, safari style suites built onto slightly elevated platforms. Each well-appointed room is designed in a modern and contemporary style but has minimal impact to the surroundings and environment.The units have an indoor and outdoor shower and balcony for game viewing. The camp currently has a total capacity of only 12 people. All rooms overlook an ancient riverbed, the waterhole in this riverbed is known to attract a variety of the greatest wildlife and birdlife in Hwange. Khulu’s main area provides a full bar which also commands view of the waterhole and has in stock a variety of local and imported beverages.There is a plunge pool as well as a fire pit for stargazing and night caps.
John's Camp: View iBrochure Mana Pools National Park is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River where you will find John's Camp nestled amongst canopies of Trichelia and Mahogany trees, it is a truly natural wilderness. Across the vast floodplain one can walk with the giants - our African Bull elephants, dine amidst herds of buffalo, gaze upon prides of lion, enjoy sundowners with hippos on the banks of the Zambezi River and bird watch over 400 species of birds. The camp comprises of 12 beds, made up of 6 twin or double en-suite Meru style canvas tents. Each tent has en-suite bathroom facilities with flush loo and overhanging safari-style bucket showers. Inside the tent is a lit changing area complete with a running water basin. A star gazing sleep-out platform is avaiable for the more adventurous safari traveller. The dining area is centrally located between the tents, positioned in thick shade, and there is a campfire overlooking the floodplain for evening cocktails and snacks before dinner.
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, Gonarezhou National Park: Morning, Afternoon and Full Day Games Drives into Gonarezhou National Park, with our resident Guides, A full day excursion to the Red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs, situated in the heart of the Gonarezhou National Park on the banks of the Runde River. Visit the Tembahata and Machanu Water Pans offering unrivaled bird watching & view large herds of Elephant and Buffalo. A picnic lunch is served at the spectacular Chilojo Cliffs, followed by a sundowner game drive back to the lodge, Community Visit, For those with a penchant for something a bit more active, the 2.5km hiking trail from the lodge to the beautiful Chivalila Falls is a great way to start or end your day, and Bird Watching in the Sacred Sand Forest.
Amalinda Lodge, Matobo National Park: Rhino tracking by vehicle or foot, walks/hikes around Amalinda Lodge, explore the sites of San Bushman Cave Paintings, a visit to the world famous tomb of Cecil John Rhodes, Cultural & Village Tours, and tours by Paul Hubbard can be arranged.
Khulu Bush Camp, Hwange National Park: Morning, afternoon & full day game drives, walking safaris, pan sits, a visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre, and Cultural & Community experiences.
John’s Camp, Mana Pools National Park: Game drives are all conducted from Toyota Landcruisers, 9 seater bench arrangements on a 3 tier frame with an overhead shade for comfort, a ‘window’ seat (i.e. two people per row) for everyone. Walking safaris lead by professional armed licensed Guides. It’s the only National Park in the world where you are allowed to freely walk with the wild animals and get to experience Africa as it should be - on foot! Bush lunch prepared in the main camp and served in a remote and beautiful part of the park overlooking the Zambezi River. Land based fishing, catch a variety of species from the great African Tiger Fish to the tasty Tilapia (bream).We can arrange a private tour of the National Park Headquarters where guests can interact with the rangers who work tirelessly to protect and maintain not only wildlife, but also the park itself. Here guests will witness first-hand a remote Parks station working in harmony with nature.
Hightlights
305 Booty Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Tel: (757) 428 1166 / Fax: (757) 428 0554 / Toll Free: 1 800 322 3867