Tailor-made Zimbabwe Safaris
This
Exploration takes a fresh look at some of Zimbabwe’s most
amazing spectacles, with diverse areas, activities and
interests. Begin this adventure exploring the Matobo Hills,
Rhodes’ grave and the surrounding National Park – a cultural
and historic beginning. From there we head to a remote
private corner of Hwange National Park – home to abundant
wildlife, such as enormous herds of plains game, and the
uncommon sable and roan antelope, magnificent gatherings of
elephant around vital waterholes and the sound of lion
roaring to fill the evening chorus.Mana Pools National Park
sits on the last remaining water source to the west – the
might Zambezi River, with game both great and small and all
the interactions of daily life that prevail. Exciting on
foot experiences allow us to ‘interact’ with Africa’s
magnificent wildlife.
A trip to Zimbabwe is not complete
without a visit to Lake Kariba, a great way to relax and
unwind at the end of an adventure. Enjoy breath taking
sunsets, wildlife viewing from the water’s edge and reliving
some of your memories from the last ten days. Activities on
this Exploration include game drives, nature walks, historic
outings, sunset cruises and boating adventures. Experienced,
passionate and knowledgeable guides travel with guests
through this journey. A combination of air, road and boat
transfers showcase the very different landscapes of
Zimbabwe.
Days 1-2: Camp Amalinda, Matobo
Hills
Arrive at Bulawayo Airport,
where you are met by your Explorations guide who will
accompany you to Camp Amalinda, nestled in the majestic
scenery of the Matobo Hills. Here granite outcrops are laid
out in incredible formations as if by some gigantic hand.
They are also the last resting place of the empire-building,
and controversial, Cecil John Rhodes, after whom Rhodesia
was named. Steeped in history, they also contain a multitude
of ancient San rock art sites. The camp consists of nine
thatched suites nestled among the enormous boulders with
commanding views of the surrounding hills. The camp and
entertainment area feature a large swimming pool, library
and the Heritage Spa, all of which overlook a waterhole
where animals regularly come to drink. Activities include
rhino tracking, bush walks, abseiling, historical walks, a
cultural village tour and of course pampering in the
Heritage Spa (at an additional cost).
Days 3-5 Davison's Camp, Hwange
National Park
After a full breakfast, depart
by road for Hwange National Park. The journey takes you
through magnificent teak forests populated by a variety of
game, including buffalo and elephant. A delicious picnic
lunch en route offers an opportunity to stretch the legs
before continuing to Davison’s Camp.
Situated in Linkwasha
Concession, a remote north-eastern corner of Hwange National
Park, Davison’s Camp is named after the founder of the Park
and its first warden, Ted Davison. Nestled in a grove of
beautiful false mopane trees, the camp consists of eight
twin-bedded en-suite tents and one family unit, along with a
main area comprising a lounge and dining room, which
together offer the quintessential Hwange safari camp
experience. The camp overlooks an extremely productive
waterhole that attracts a variety of plains game and
predators.
Game viewing is productive
year-round and wildlife frequently encountered here includes
lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, leopard, white
rhino, spotted hyaena, southern giraffe, sable, blue
wildebeest, common waterbuck and reedbuck. There are a
number of large, open plains which make for excellent game
viewing; in summer, wildebeest, zebra and eland are found in
abundance here, while in winter the waterholes are magnets
around which elephant in enormous numbers congregate to
drink. Birdlife in the area is prolific (400+) and varied,
with species frequenting the teak woodlands as well as those
typical of the drier Kalahari being present.
Days
6-7: Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools
After a morning game drive,
depart for the airstrip for the flight to Mana West
Airstrip. Upon arrival, a short road transfer will take you
to Ruckomechi Camp. This camp is idyllically located,
overlooking the Zambezi River and the imposing Great African
Rift Valley.
Comprising 14 600 km2 (5 600 sq.
miles), the Park is located in the heart of the Zambezi
Valley and is famed for its rich and varied mammal life.
This wondrous setting allows for exploration of the National
Park in total seclusion. An intoxicating blend of wildlife
and bird species abound. The dry season sees large herds of
elephant and buffalo together with hippo, waterbuck, kudu,
nyala and eland all seeking to slake their thirst along the
banks of this mighty Zambezi. Predators follow with lions
frequenting the floodplains and adjacent woodland, while
leopard stalk the thickets. Cheetah and endangered wild dog
are also often seen. The area is equally famous for its
superb birdlife, offering over 350 species including
collared palm-thrush, African skimmer, racket-tailed roller,
purple-banded sunbird and western banded snake-eagle.
Ruckomechi Camp is nestled
amongst a large grove of acacia and ebony trees. Consisting
of ten spacious en-suite tented units, including a honeymoon
suite and family room, all these maximise views of the
Zambezi River and the escarpment beyond. Each tent has both
indoor and outdoor showers, and the camp boasts an outdoor
‘bath-with-a-view’ in a secluded, scenic spot.
A central dining, bar, library
and main area completes the camp offerings. There is a
separate deck with infinity pool for swimming and
sunbathing, and an inviting, cushion-strewn sundowner and
star-gazing deck. Activities at Ruckomechi include early
morning walks, twice-daily game drives, night drives,
canoeing and catch-and-release fishing.
Days 8-9: Changa Safari Camp,
Lake Kariba
After a morning activity, depart
Ruckomechi for a flight to Fothergill Island on Lake Kariba.
From there, transfer by boat to Changa Safari Camp. Changa
Safari Camp is a luxury tented camp situated on the shores
of Lake Kariba in a private 5km2 concession in the
north-eastern section of the Matusadona National Park, with
magnificent views looking out across Hydro Bay towards the
Matusadona Mountains.
With Matusadona National Park to
explore, there are a host of mammals and birds present in
this diverse habitat. Leopard, Lion, hyaena and cheetah are
found here, as well as elephant, hippo and a multitude of
antelope species. The birdlife here is prolific – over 350
species have been recorded, which include a multitude of
waterbirds.
The entire area is a walker’s
paradise, and an early morning or late afternoon walk in the
company of one of the camp's professional guides is a
special feature. The relatively flat areas along the
shoreline and in the interior of the Park contrast well with
wonderful hiking opportunities in the mountains. A guided
walk is one of the best ways to experience and feel in touch
with the bush. Also on offer are game drives by boat or
vehicle, with most afternoon drives ending in sundowners on
the concession.
Accommodation is in four large
East African-style luxury canvas tents, all overlooking the
lake. Each tent has its own en-suite bathroom, with indoor
shower, flush toilet, his and hers basins, outdoor bathtub
and outdoor shower. The spacious bedrooms are tastefully
furnished, each with its own unique décor. The central guest
area consists of several thatched structures linked together
by raised wooden walkways and decks. This is the hub of the
camp, and includes a lounge, library, dining room, bar,
beautiful deck and swimming pool, all overlooking Lake
Kariba.
Day 10: The Adventure ends
Depart Changa Safari Lodge for a
flight to Victoria Falls, where the journey comes to a
close.
Cost of the above safari: USD$8,493 per person sharing.
