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Explore Wild Zimbabwe! (13 Days)

Embark on an exclusive adventure reminiscent of early expeditions into Africa's storied waterways. Explore the wilderness along Lake Kariba aboard an elegant new houseboat. Savor the solitude of secluded safari camps on private concesssions as we explore Zimbabwe's premier National Parks.  Experience an intimate immersion in nature on this distinctive expedition that has no peer in Africa!

Day 1 // Victoria Falls

On arrival at the Victoria Falls airport, you will be transferred by private vehicle to Ilala Lodge for check in.

This afternoon, transfer to the jetty for a luxury sunset cruise on board the elegant Ra-Ikane river cruiser.
 

On water, nature speaks with a different voice: bush sounds have a distinctive tone, softened by the warmth of the setting sun and the scented caress of the air. Cruising on the Zambezi, you hear that voice in the deep-throated laugh of a hippo bobbing in the water, and the faint splash made by a croc as it ploughs off banks, into dark depths. It is in the chatter of birds, carried to you on river breezes, from lush vegetation.

The single level vessels, the Ra-Ikane river cruisers depart daily for a two hour guided sunset cruise. Gourmet snacks, wines and spirits, may be enjoyed in a leisurely fashion on board. The Ra-Ikane river cruisers are spacious, contemporary cruise boats, custom-built for comfort.

Overnight Ilala Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis

Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located only 8 minutes away from the spectacular Victoria Falls. A family run hotel, Ilala Lodge has 73 stylish, well-appointed spacious rooms, that offer the ultimate in comfort and luxury. As we are the closest hotel to the beautiful Victoria Falls, the spray makes for a perfect backdrop during your stay.

Experience a culinary journey at the award-winning Palm Restaurant at Ilala Lodge Hotel. Centrally located only minutes away from the Victoria Falls, The Palm Restaurant offers a magnificent à la carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Guests can choose from an extensive list of South Africa’s finest wines, cocktails and artisan gins. We offer an unrivalled al-fresco dining experience under the starlit African sky, with the sound of the Falls in the background. The Palm Restaurant is an adventure for the appetite that is not to be missed.

Relive the historical journey embarked by David Livingstone exploring the mighty Zambezi River aboard the Ra-Ikane fleet. Named after his instrumental guide, the boats represent the grace of a bygone era honouring the rich history of Victoria Falls and its explorers, adventurers and heroes.

The Ra-Ikane offers a variety of cruises, including breakfast, lunch and sunset, as well as private charters.

Perhaps enjoy The Boma - Dinner and Drum Show with its traditional dancing and drumming as well as wide range of local and international dishes.  The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show, located on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, is a legendary dining and entertainment experience that offers an unforgettable fusion of mouth-watering local cuisine, energetic dance performances, interactive drumming and traditional storytelling.

It has, over the years, firmly established itself as a Victoria Falls “must-do” experience, providing a unique cultural experience that bombards the senses with the tastes, sights and sounds of Africa. The four-course meal includes a delicious platter of starters, soup from the campfire, a braai (barbecue) buffet, followed by a selection of desserts.

 

Day 2 // Victoria Falls

Today you will be collected from your hotel for your private Tour of the Falls.

The Victoria Falls reaches its zenith in about May each year. It is a truly awe-inspiring experience - the sight, the sound, the smell and the humbling feeling that here indeed, is Natures Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality, and nothing prepares you for your first sight. This tour is conducted in the morning and afternoon and is 2 hours in duration. You will be accompanied through the Rainforest by a qualified Guide, who gives a brief history of the Falls and the surrounding flora, fauna, bird and wildlife. Raincoats and camera protective bags are provided when needed. (Note: Please pay Park fees directly.)

 

You will be returned to Ilala Lodge for overnight.  Overnight Ilala Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis

A little about...Victoria Falls

When you wander through the lush rainforests above the Victoria Falls, newly baptised in the mist, your ears holding the echo of thundering waters, it isn't hard to imagine that this is where it all began. Eden.

As the land cuts away beneath the ancient Zambezi River, the waters plummet dramatically into the Batoka Gorge, over 100 metres below. The angrily churned up spray shoots skyward, painting the landscape in billowing clouds. This striking 'smoke that thunders' can be seen for miles, a geographic pointer summoning visitors into its presence.

The vibrant town of Victoria Falls is known as the adventure capital of the world, and if your eyes light up at the thought of conquering the 'Stairway to Heaven' or 'The Terminator' in a raft, then this is the place for you. While the notorious Nyaminyami (Zambezi River God) watches from its mythical depths, and the majestic basalt cliffs allow your passage through the canyon's exquisite landscape, adventure seekers are assured of a good time. From Grade 5 white-water rafting, bungee jumping and abseiling the amusement never ends.

What makes this destination so memorable is the fact that it is perfectly combined with warmly hospitable people, exquisite scenery and an array of accommodation. Excellent game, historic ruins, fishing and luxury train travel are easily accessible from Victoria Falls, as are the neighbouring countries which border this fascinating town.

 

Day 3 // Victoria Falls / Hwange

After breakfast and check out, transfer by private vehicle from Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park, where you check in at the Elephant's Eye Camp. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure before its time for your afternoon game experience. Dinner and overnight at Elephant's Eye Camp.

On the eastern border of Hwange National Park in a private 6000-acre concession is the eco-friendly tented camp, Elephant's Eye. With views across the African plains and an active waterhole in front of camp, guests have unlimited close-up opportunities to see game from this exclusive and authentic camp. 8 spacious tented canvas and thatch chalets are raised and have balconies with fantastic vistas.

Guests are escorted to the main camp where they have access to a dining and bar area, outdoor boma and natural eco-swimming pool with sun loungers and umbrellas. The camp runs with electricity and solar power. Activities at Elephant's Eye include game drives in Hwange National Park, guided educational walks within the concession, bird watching, night drives and waterhole sundowners. Visits to the Painted Dog Centre, a Wild Dog conservation project, can also be arranged. Enjoy pampering spa treatments or experience a night under the stars at the sleep-out deck.

· 8 canvas & thatch chalets
· Active waterhole & plains views
· Natural eco-pool
· Simple & authentic camp
· Private concession bordering Hwange
· Sleep-out deck (pre-book)

Overnight Elephant's Eye Camp on a fully inclusive basis + activities

Day 4 and 5 // Hwange

Spend the day on game drives and walks, with visits to the local community upliftment experience and the Painted Dog Conservation Centre.

Overnight Elephant's Eye Camp on a fully inclusive basis + activities

A little about...Hwange

Royal hunting grounds in the 19th century and declared a national park in 1929, today, Hwange is Zimbabwe's largest game reserve. Vast stretches of wilderness extend from horizon to horizon and form part of the ancient migration route towards Northern Botswana's Chobe and the Linyanti.

This diverse landscape of mopane and teak forests, semi-desert scrubland and granite hills is inhabited by a wide variety of mammals and birds. Although a year-round destination, Hwange is particularly appealing during the winter months (April to October) when large concentrations of animals' flock to artificially pumped waterholes as the seasonal pans dry out. The park's network of waterholes sustains life when natural resources are unavailable. Massive herds of elephant make their presence felt during the dry period. Buffalo, zebra, sable and roan antelope, as well as lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog may be seen.

Cool mornings warm up to comfortable sunny days, and chilly night drives reveal the exciting nocturnal species which make Hwange home. Between November and February/March summer thunderstorms blanket the earth with life, filling up the waterholes and dispersing the animals throughout the park. Game can be located on the open southern plains during summer, but the scenic north is a renewed landscape of hills, floating lily-pads and full pans. Brightly coloured birds dot the trees, bringing movement to endless skies.

 

Day 6 // Hwange / Masumu River Lodge

Transfer by private vehicle from Hwange, to Binga, travelling through the extremely remote and rural part of the southern Zambezi Escarpment. Watch the ever-changing scenery of the Manjolo Communal Lands and the distant territory of Chizarira National Park, before you reach the town of Binga - this is a 3 hour journey in total, continue to  Masumu River Lodge
 
Welcome to Lake Kariba...

Lake Kariba's waters capture the reflection of iconic painted skies, the blazing sunset colours echoing across waters. Nature's unrestrained palette balances water and sky. In many places Kariba's vastness gives the impression of endless oceans, while closer to shore, tree stumps pierce through the lake surface, graveyard evidence of land claimed by water.

One of the four largest man-made lakes in the world, Kariba stretches 220kms by 40 kms wide, positioned on Zimbabwe's northern border with Zambia. Covering approximately 5500kms of what was once the Zambezi valley, the lake is studded with islands and flanked by the rugged Matuzviadonha Mountains. The dam's genesis provides an almost biblical history of vengeful gods, displaced people and epic relocation plans.

Lake Kariba was created in the late 1950's by damming the Zambezi River and flooding the land behind the dam. Before the project could begin, 57,000 Batonga people and their villages had to be relocated causing much unhappiness and resentment. Today there are still Tonga people who believe the river god, Nyaminyami, was responsible for the death of 86 workers who perished whilst building Kariba dam. At the same time, Operation Noah, a massive wildlife rescue project was launched in a bid to relocate the animals affected by the rising waters. The five year long program caught the attention of the world as over 6000 animals were moved to safety.
 
1 night at Masumu River Lodge - 1 Lake View Lodge -  Your stay includes: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 7 - Board The Houseboat

Board the Zambezi Cruise & Safaris Transcruiser vessel for your 3 night (Binga to Binga) Lake Kariba cruise, and check in to a Mid-Deck Cabin.

Set sail at midday enjoying lunch whilst cruising to the Sengwe Basin. On arriving in the late afternoon, the main vessel will moor on the shoreline allowing the use of the smaller tender boats to explore the remote Sengwe River system. Enjoy stunning scenery, resident hippo and crocodile populations, great birding and possible game sightings before returning to the main vessel over sundowners. Dinner is a relaxed beach braai around the camp fire.

The Umbozha is an 18 cabin vessel, 37 m long and 11 m wide, fully-equipped for Lake Kariba cruises and with a speedboat, tender boats and security features. The captain and his 8 - 12 man crew are on board to see to the safety and comfort of guests and further staff include a wildlife guide and experienced hosts. 18 guest cabins are en-suite and air-conditioned with stunning full glass views of the lake. The first deck has 10 twin cabins with an additional 2 Pullman bunks (to sleep a max of 4 guests) and the second deck has 8 twin/king cabins. Mid-deck cabins are charged at a premium rate. The plunge pool and galley are located on the second deck and the large bar, dining and lounge area, as well as the captain's wheelhouse and game viewing sundeck are on the third deck.

The boat moors for overnight, activities and sundowners, during which tender boats are used. Boat activities include sunrise and sunset cruises, game viewing by tender boat, beach barbecue, birding, fishing and a visit to a fishing village. Some activities may not be applicable depending on the boat's location on the lake. For those interested, there are optional talks and documentary film viewings of the lake, wildlife and history of Zimbabwe. Meals are served on board, and local brand drinks and selected South African wines are paired with the tasty offerings.

· 18 comfortable en-suite guest cabins
· Fully equipped & crewed Transcruiser vessel
· Iconic scenery, stunning sunsets & painted skies
· Tender boats: fishing, game viewing, sunset cruises
· Tranquillity, peace & relaxation
· Superb birding, hippo, crocs

Overnight on board the Umbozha / similar, in a mid-deck cabin, on a fully inclusive basis + activities

 

Day 8 // Kariba Cruise

Depart before dawn through the expansive Sengwe Basin, cruising almost half the length of this iconic lake which borders both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Arrive in the Bumi basin in the Matusadona National Park for afternoon tender boat activities and evening sundowners.

Overnight on board the Umbozha / similar, in a mid-deck cabin, on a fully inclusive basis + activities

A little about...Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba's waters capture the reflection of iconic painted skies, the blazing sunset colours echoing across waters. Nature's unrestrained palette balances water and sky. In many places Kariba's vastness gives the impression of endless oceans, while closer to shore, tree stumps pierce through the lake surface, graveyard evidence of land claimed by water. One of the four largest man-made lakes in the world, Kariba stretches 220kms by 40 kms wide, positioned on Zimbabwe's northern border with Zambia. Covering approximately 5500km² of what was once the Zambezi valley, the lake is studded with islands and flanked by the rugged Matuzviadonha Mountains. The dam's genesis provides an almost biblical history of vengeful gods, displaced people and epic relocation plans.

Lake Kariba was created in the late 1950's by damming the Zambezi River and flooding the land behind the dam. Before the project could begin, 57,000 Batonga people and their villages had to be relocated causing much unhappiness and resentment. Today there are still Tonga people who believe the river god, Nyaminyami, was responsible for the death of 86 workers who perished whilst building Kariba dam. At the same time, Operation Noah, a massive wildlife rescue project was launched in a bid to relocate the animals affected by the rising waters. The five year long programme caught the attention of the world as over 6000 animals were moved to safety.

 

Day 9 // Kariba Cruise

Start the day with a light continental breakfast followed by morning activities from the tender boats or optional extra of a Game Drive/Game Walk or a visit to the remote Tonga fishing community. Lunch while we cruise to Palm or Gordons Bay and moor in a secluded inlet.

Spend the afternoon exploring the lakeshores and bays for wildlife followed by evening sundowners and snacks while appreciating the incredible Kariba sunsets.

Overnight on board the Umbozha / similar, in a mid-deck cabin, on a fully inclusive basis + activities

 

Day 10 // Kariba Cruise / Mana Pools

Early this morning, depart for the harbour, breakfast will be served as we cruise across the lake.

Scheduled Road Transfer - 20 mins: Binga to Binga airstrip
Light Aircraft Transfer: Binga airstrip to Mana Main airstrip

Mana Pools Safari Lodge nestles close to Mana Pools National Park's eastern boundary at the Ruckomeshi River. Set amongst verdant riverine vegetation, figs and albidas, 12 thatched chalets enjoy commanding views of the sweeping flood plains and mighty Zambezi River. The lodge has been tastefully built around many wild and ancient trees with a giant African Mango taking centre stage in the main dining, lounge and reception area. The lodge is frequented daily by majestic elephant, secretive kudu, buffalo, painted dogs and even lion - all of which often pass through the camp. Activities include guided game drives and walks.

· 12 thatched chalets
· Unspoilt, natural wilderness
· Open, unfenced camp
· Guided game drives and walks
· Variety of terrain & scenery
· Superb photographic opportunities

Overnight Mana Pools Safari Lodge on a fully inclusive basis + activities

 

Day 11 and 12 // Mana Pools

Spend the day appreciating all that Mana Pools has on offer through guided game drives and walks, and simply relaxing in the magnificent setting.

Overnight Mana Pools Safari Lodge on a fully inclusive basis + activities

A little about...Mana Pools

Wild, untouched and beautiful, Mana Pools National Park, is a World Heritage Site, located on the floodplains of the Great Rift Valley. Ranging from Kariba Dam to Mozambique, this is one of Africa's most remote reserves, a lack of borders providing freedom of space for the inhabitants. Prime Zambezi river frontage and lush vegetation sustain a wide variety of game species and birdlife. Dominating the scenery are the four large, permanent pools - 'mana' translates as four - as well as seasonal smaller pools. Remnant ox-bow lakes, the pools were created by ancient changes in the river's meanderings and are fringed by foliage and forests of mahogany, wild fig, ebony and baobab.

The islands, sandbanks and waters are ideal for substantial hippo pods and crocodiles - these 'generalist' hunters, having earned their sinister reputation by being one of the few species that actually view mankind as legitimate prey.

As the abundance of water recedes in the dry months (June to October), Mana Pools draws large herds of elephant and buffalo to its vicinity, the giants appearing - silent as shadows - from out of dense bush. Lion, leopard and wild dog may be sighted as kudu, impala, zebra and waterbuck graze invitingly on open plains. The iconic reserve is a prime walking safari destination with highly professional guides. Fishing is done from the banks of the river and canoeing is available.

 

Day 13  // Mana Pools - Harare

After breakfsast, at a time to be advised by the lodge, transfer to the air strip. and connect with your onward flight back to HARARE, and connect with your onward flight back home.