Zimbabwe
Enjoy a sundowner cruise on the majestic Zambezi River, view the world’s largest curtain of falling water, experience Hwange’s elephants up close and personal, explore the medieval city and Southern Africa’s largest monumental ruins, and sit atop the prominent and endearing sandstone Chilojo Cliffs in Gonarezhou, all the while allowing the warmth of Zimbabwe’s people to touch your soul.
The “Great Zimbabwe” itinerary will see you traversing cross country from North West to South East Zimbabwe, visiting 5 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.
Spend 3 nights at Batonka Guest Lodge, Victoria Falls; 3 nights at Khulu Bush Camp, Hwange National Park; 3 nights Amalinda Lodge, Matobo National Park; 1 night at Lodge at the Ancient City, Great Zimbabwe Ruins; and 3 nights at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, Gonarezhou National Park
Day 1: Arrive to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), transfer to hotel. Overnight Batonka Guest Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Day 2: Tour of Victoria Falls, dinner at the Boma Restaurant. Overnight Batonka Guest Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Day 3: Pure Africa Experiences - Pot & Paddle. Overnight Batonka Guest Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Day 4: Transfer to Khulu Bush Camp. Activities as per lodge. Overnight Khulu Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Day 5: Activities as per lodge, Hwange National Park. Overnight Khulu Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Day 6: Activities as per lodge, Hwange National Park. Overnight Khulu Bush Camp, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Day 7: Transfer to Amalinda Lodge. Activities as per lodge. Overnight Amalinda Lodge, Matobo National Park
Day 8: Activities as per lodge Matobo National Park. Overnight Amalinda Lodge, Matobo National Park
Day 9: Activities as per lodge Matobo National Park. Overnight Amalinda Lodge, Matobo National Park
Day 10: Transfer to Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Overnight Lodge at the Ancient City
Day 11: Tour the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Transfer to Gonarezhou National Park. Overnight Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Day 12: Activities as per lodge Gonarezhou National Park. Overnight Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Day 13: Activities as per lodge Gonarezhou National Park. Overnight Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Day 14: End of your safari. Transfer to airstrip and you will fly to Harare (HRE) on a scheduled charter flight. END.
Batonka Guest Lodge is set in lush gardens, a tranquil haven away from the bustle of town but within walking distance of the main attractions. Situated in the quiet residential suburb of Victoria Falls, just over a mile the Victoria Falls Rainforest entrance where guests may explore the majestic mighty Victoria Falls. The lodge is a short walk to Victoria Falls town where guests can enjoy shopping, restaurants, and set off on a wide range of activities. Batonka Guest Lodge offers all the comforts and luxuries of home in the perfect location to experience Victoria Falls.
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.
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.
Lodge at the Ancient City, Great Zimbabwe Ruins Built on a granite outcrop, the Lodge at the Ancient City has sweeping views of a valley filled with trees, and faces in the direction of the Great Zimbabwe monument, so that you can see the Great Enclosure with its famous Conical Tower from the Hotel. Lake Mutirikwi, the third largest man-made dam in Zimbabwe, can also be seen. The main complex and guest lodges at the lodge are built from stone and thatch, with structures of granite stonewalling capturing the atmosphere of Zimbabwe's oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lodge can accommodate 48 guests in luxurious chalets decorated in such a way that you might feel as if you were an African emperor in a previous life. There are 4 family chalets, each accommodating 4 guests (extra beds can be arranged), as well as 14 chalets with twin or double beds. The chalets are all en-suite, equipped with bath, shower, toilet and basin. At night the firelight and soft mbira music at the Lodge at the Ancient City create a magical atmosphere. You can enjoy Table d'hôte meals in the open-air summer house, or, if the weather in Zimbabwe is not pleasant, in the thatched dining hall. Huge granite boulders, characteristic of the geology of many parts of Zimbabwe, form part of the lounge and bar at the Lodge of the Ancient City.
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.
Guided tour of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe): A view of the Victoria Falls is something you will never forget and the best way to see them is on a guided tour. Discover how the Falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them. These tours are extremely informative and end with a visit to the local art and crafts centre.
The Boma Restaurant at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show is a “must do” Victoria Falls dining and entertainment experience, specializing in traditional African food, drumming and dancing. The food is cooked and served in the style and quantity of a lavish feast, including irresistible desserts.
Pure Africa Experiences Pot & Paddle: Pure Africa Experiences Pot & Paddle is a 6-hour guided experience where guests prepare their own potjie dinner on the banks of the Zambezi River. The cooking is done on a cast-iron three-legged pot, the potjie. While the food cooks, guests can canoe or raft drift with experienced guides. Upon completion, guests return to enjoy a 3-course meal, with their "pot" as the main course.
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
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
Lodge at the Ancient City, Great Zimbabwe Ruins: Activities revolve around the Great Zimbabwe Monument. Expert guides based at the Lodge offer a variety of explorative excursions to the famous Zimbabwe Ruins where they explain the origins and history and eventual decline of the city, the various trading routes as well as religious and social practices of the once thriving community. Game drives and walks in the nearby Lake Mutirikwi Recreational Park, sunset cruises on Lake Mutirikwi, as well as drives into the tribal areas surrounding the Great Zimbabwe site are also offered at the lodge
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
Highlights
305 Booty Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Tel: (757) 428 1166 / Fax: (757) 428 0554 / Toll Free: 1 800 322 3867