The Ultimate Zimbabwe Safari (13 Days)
Day 1 - O.R. City Lodge
On arrival you will be met at the door of
your aircraft with your name on a paging board. Should your
aircraft be directed to the apron and not the terminal building,
you will be transported to the terminal by bus where your Meet
and Greet will be waiting for you as you step off the bus. You
will then be assisted through immigration, baggage collection
and customs and escorted to the check-in counter for your
connecting flight. Once flight check in procedures completed you
will be assisted through immigration, and customs and escorted
to the boarding gate or the airport lounge for flight departure.
Pickup: Johannesburg Airport
South Africa's economic hub, the New York of Africa, bursts at
the seams with a wealth of art, history and culture.
Johannesburg is a fusion of chic sophistication and rustic,
inner-city vibe born of Africa's finest creative minds. Modern
African art meets designer trend and the results are striking.
From the inner city walking tours' street art and graffiti, to
the re-invented university suburbs, the rejuvenation exposes a
vibrant urban life. Braamfontein's Constitution Hill, art
galleries and restaurants are an example of this regeneration.
It is here the continent can express itself and the results are
funky, a little off beat and totally captivating.
Upmarket Sandton, Rosebank and Melrose are shopping
meccas, with restaurants, and activities easily located beside
leafy suburbs. Soweto, once home to South Africa's most
well-loved legend, is an essential part of any visit to
Johannesburg. Nelson Mandela's house, the Hector Pieterson
Museum and Regina Mundi Cathedral are part of the historical
appeal of any Soweto visit, and the importance of South Africa's
turbulent past and hard won democracy is evident.
Overnight
at City Lodge OR Tambo Airport (Standard Room - Bed & Breakfast)
Includes: Breakfast
Day 2: Hwange National Park
9 Night
Classic Zimbabwe Package: 3Nts The Hide + 3Nts Changa + 4Nts
John's Camp
Includes: 3 nights The Hide, 3 nights Changa
Safari Camp and 4 nights John’s Camp, all meals, local brand
beverages, 2 scheduled safari activities daily, National Park
and conservation fees, laundry and Wi-Fi (not available at
John’s Camp)Road Transfers included: shared road transfer from
Hwange Airport to The Hide (return) and all lodge airstrip
transfers. Seat in plane Light Aircraft Flights included.
Hwange National Park
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.
Overnight at The Hide Safari Camp (Deluxe Tents - Fully
Inclusive)
Includes: All meals, local brand drinks, up to 4
safari activities daily, Wi-Fi and laundryActivities: morning,
afternoon and night game drives, bush walks, hide sits, birding
and an overnight sleep-out in the Doves Nest
*Extras
included: 3 x Park & Conservation fees; 1 x Park Fee Final Day
Location:
The Hide is one of the few camps to
be actually situated inside Hwange National Park, unlike most
other camps, no long drives to the park are necessary.
In fact, the one and a half hour
drive from Hwange Airport to the camp is through the National
Park and therefore serves as an introductory game drive.
With an ideal capacity of only 16
guests, The Hide is the sort of place where people can genuinely
feel at home. If this sounds like your sort of place, we hope to
be welcoming you soon. You never know this could be the
beginning of a longer relationship!
Accommodation:
Accommodation is in 16 East African
style canvas tents which all have en-suite shower and toilet
facilities.
The tents are comfortably furnished
and they each have a large front porch where guests can relax
and enjoy nature at its best. In the center of the camp there is
a majestic ‘A’ Frame, which houses the dining room and a large
comfortable viewing area from which you are likely to spot a
variety of game residing in the area.
Lodge activities include game viewing
in Hwange National Park as well as night drives and guided walks
in the concession area.
Activities:
Our two hides allow for superb close
up but safe photographic experiences. Accompanied by a
professional guide, begin the day with an early morning walk, or
view game from open Landrovers.
Or simply relax on our game-viewing
platform overlooking a beautiful pan. The last activity of the
day is a night drive, where up to fourteen species of game have
been seen. Our highly trained staff ensure magnificent
game-viewing, top class food and fine attention to detail.
Days 3-4
On
Safari: Hwange National Park & Surrounds
Day 5
Shared Road Transfer - One Way: The
Hide to Umtshibi airstrip. Seat in Plane - Umtshibi airstrip to
Kanjedza Airstrip. Road Transfer - One way (30 min - dry
season): Kanjedza airstrip to Changa Safari Camp. 3 nights
at Changa Safari Camp: Deluxe Tent/s on a Fully Inclusive basis.
Includes:
All meals, tea/coffee, local brand
drinks, house wine, up to 4 scheduled safari activities daily,
Wi-Fi and laundry
Camp activities:
morning and afternoon game drives, bush walks, fishing, birding
and sundowners. Extras included: 3 x Park & Conservation fees
Changa Safari Camp (Matusadona
National Park / Lake Kariba) Zimbabwe
Location:
Situated within a private concession
and with our own 4.5 km of lake shore, you can realize the total
raw African experience from tastefully furnished, fan cooled,
spacious deluxe East African style tented suites. Each suite has
its own private deck and stunning views of the mysterious
Matusadona Mountains across the inland sea of Lake Kariba.
This rich wilderness area offers
exceptional game drives as well as walking and fishing safaris,
all in the company of highly trained professional guides.
Healthy populations of predators, including lion, leopard, hyena
and cheetah as well as elephant, buffalo and antelope frequent
the shoreline. Hippos and crocodiles are abundant in the cool
waters. If you are very lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the
last remaining Black Rhinos. Birdlife is prolific, with 350
species having been identified in the area.
The atmosphere of the camp itself
lends to total relaxation so an afternoon by the pool sipping
cocktails or drinking a cup of tea are always a welcome respite.
Listen carefully for the strident call of the iconic african
fish eagle and enjoy the unequaled beauty of a Lake Kariba
sunset. We invite you to enjoy the rhythms of nature, and relax
in the tranquility and peacefulness of our camp and its
beautiful surroundings. Our pledge will be kept if your last
thought of the day is “Can it get any better than this!”.
Accommodation:
Accommodation at Changa consists of
luxury tented suites each individually displaying truly unique
African influences, from rustic wood, leather and weavery,
against crisp white linen and locally made furniture.
Styled with complete comfort in mind
each tent has ensuite facilities and “under the stars” outside
shower and bath.
Whether you choose to relax in the
comfort of your tent or enjoy spectacular lake vistas from your
own private veranda you will be reminded time and again of the
endless beauty around you.
All tents are mosquito proofed and we
have fans for your comfort during the hot months. We pride
ourselves on exclusivity, getting away from the hustle and
bustle deserves nothing less.
Facilities:
Changa has been designed to blend in
with the environment as much as possible and the natural
materials, thatched roofs, wooden decks and walkways merge
beautifully with the surrounding bush.
The main lounge and library is
comfortably furnished in an eclectic style, beautifully
integrating leather, linen and cane to create a relaxed, homely
vibe. The lounge is completely open to the gentle breeze, shaded
by a thatch roof with sprawling views of the main deck, beach
and lakeshore.
The main deck with its sweeping
curved stairway leading onto a lower deck, fire pit and wide
beach of glittery white sand, is the perfect spot to sit and
relax whilst enjoying a refreshing drink.
The swimming pool is a wonderfully
shaded haven equipped with sun loungers and private seating
areas, this is a place where you can revel in the stunning
scenery overlooking the bay.
Meals are relaxed and laid back, set
around a large table in the dining room or under a canopy of
trees on the vast wooden deck overlooking the lake. Scrumptious
food is freshly prepared in camp everyday by our Chef, always
with an imaginative and friendly approach.
Activities:
At Changa, we endeavour to provide an
exclusive, tailor made experience to suit you individually.
Where possible we are happy to plan days and activities around
you. A typical day in the camp starts early to coincide with the
best times to view animals. You will be awoken by the age old
“knock knock” at your door, accompanied by your choice of tea
and coffee. We offer a continental breakfast ‘al fresco’ on the
deck or on the beach before your morning activity which could
be:
Arguably the best way to experience
and feel in touch with the African bush. Our professional guides
have a thorough knowledge of the area and, accompanied by them,
you can experience Matusadona 'at its best'. Walks are conducted
in the early mornings and late afternoons for your comfort.
A leisurely drive in an open safari
vehicle is a perfect way to discover the area, and provides an
opportunity to see a wider variety of game and scenery as you
cover much more ground than on a game walk. Accompanied by your
guide, a game drive is a lovely way to spend the morning. Climb
on board our pontoon boat and, together with our guide, you can
explore the multitude of bays and river inlets where the
birdlife is prolific and elephants and antelope abound.
Kariba is a fisherman’s paradise! Why
not try your hand at fighting the renowned Tiger Fish for which
people from all over the world return time and time again to
catch. Alternatively bream fishing is always a pleasure and
one's daily catch can be returned to you 'a la' snacks.
Just before it gets too hot, we'll have you back in camp for a
delicious brunch, allowing you to siesta during the heat of the
day. You can make yourselves at home, enjoy the cool breeze in
the lounge, recline by the pool, or relax on a hammock under the
canopy of a shady Terminalia tree. Re-charge with 'high-tea' at
3.30pm before you venture out on your chosen afternoon activity.
Dinner is a relaxed affair set around
a large table in the dining mess or under the stars on our
wooden deck. This is where we talk about the excitement of the
day and where people from different walks of life come together
to share their experiences. For those needing a bit of time out,
private dining can be organised and we love to make a fuss.
No dining experience is ever the same
at Changa and sometimes you might find yourself enjoying a
traditional meal set around a campfire on the sandy beach in
front of the camp. Illuminated by torch flames and hurricane
lamps, enjoy a feast like no other whilst watching the bright
starlit sky.
Day 6-7
On Safari: Kariba
Day 8
Road Transfer - One way (30 min - dry
season): Changa Safari Camp to Kanjedza airstrip. Light Aircraft
Transfer- Kanjedza Airstrip to Mana Main/West - Mana Pools,
Zambezi Valley.
Shared Road Transfer: Mana Main / West
Airstrip to Johns Camp., Zambezi Valley.
4 nights at Johns Camp: Tent/s on a
Fully Inclusive basis.
John's Camp is an intimate safari
camp perfectly situated in the heart of Mana Pools National Park
in Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering an authentic
safari experience.
Mana Pools National Park, a World
Heritage Site, is perfectly situated in the heart of a natural
valley on a unique flood plane, rich and diverse in flora, fauna
and wildlife. It is home to 4 of the Big 5 (excluding only
Rhino). 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!
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. 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! The camp comprises
of 12 beds, made up of 6 twin or double en-suite Meru style
tents, a common dining area and a star gazing sleep-out platform
for the more adventurous safari traveller.
John’s Camp comprises of 6 Meru style
canvas tents under a double fly sheet make up the compliment of
12 beds. 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. With
privacy in mind, the tents are generously spaced out along the
floodplain adjacent to the Zambezi River.
The park welcomes its visitors to
leave the confines of their vehicles, allowing the life-changing
experience of seeing Mana’s majestic wildlife on-foot. This is a
rare opportunity to encounter nature in an intimate way,
face-to-face and utterly exposed. You will be stripped of all
pretences, time will standstill.
In these moments you will find
yourself totally vulnerable, you will discover exactly what lies
beneath your fragile outer being.
In Mana Pools, the wildlife
encounters don’t end once you are back at camp. Elephants will
pass through the camp on a daily basis in search of seed pods
produced by large Albida trees. It is not uncommon to have lion
or leopard pass through the camp at night either. This is a
wilderness experience in it’s purest form.
There seems to be a magnetic quality
that draws you back time and time again, a need to explore
further and to experience more of what Mana has to offer.
The remoteness of the park, the sheer
size and the breathtaking beauty all come together to create
an idyllic African experience inequality
Mana Pools Activities
Canoeing Safari
The lower Zambezi river canoe safaris are unquestionably the
best in Africa – with an ideal combination of unspoilt
wilderness, some of the finest game and birdlife in sub-Saharan
Africa.
Game Drives
Game drives are the ultimate and most quintessential
experience in Africa. It is, typically, where you’ll get a
chance to see wildlife in their true habitat.
Walking Safaris
Exceptionally high guiding standards due to a rigorous
training program, coupled with a flexible attitude towards
walking make this a top destination for walking safaris.
Bird Watching
Zimbabwe is one of the best value of
birding destinations in Africa. It boasts more the 400 species
throughout the country, making it an essential country for any
world birder
Includes:
All meals, local brand drinks, 2
scheduled safari activities daily, park fees, return Mana Main
and Mana West airstrip transfers and laundry.Activities: game
drives,walking safaris and canoeing. Maximum 6 guests per
vehicle.
Extras included: 4 x Park, LCCF &
Tourism Levy
Day 9-11
On Safari: Mana Pools & Sapi
Concession
Day 12
Shared Road Transfer: Johns Camp to
Mana Main / West Airstrip. Seat in Plane- Group D Mana Main /
West Airstrip to Victoria Falls Airport. Private Transfer:
Victoria Falls Airport to Victoria Falls Town.. 3 nights at
Ilala Lodge Hotel: Classic Room/s on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
There is a huge array of
activities to do in Victoria Falls- from game activities to high
adrenaline things like bungee jumping- there is something for
everyone!
You will be met at Victoria Falls
Airport by the transfer company who will be waiting in arrivals
with your name on a sign. You will be transferred to Ilala
Lodge.
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 fine.
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.st 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.
Duration: 2 hours
Soak up the splendour of
the majestic and mighty Zambezi River on a memorable late
afternoon sunset cruise. Carrying just 16 passengers Ra-Ikane's
stylish period décor and historic memorabilia will evoke images
of a bygone era of the great explorers. As you cruise slowly
towards Kandahar Island enjoying possible sightings of hippo,
crocodile, elephant and a variety of birds. With sundowner in
hand marvel at the beauty of an African sunset, a perfect end to
a great day!
Pickup: Ilala Lodge Hotel
Dropoff: Ilala
Lodge Hotel
Includes: Snacks, local brand drinks, river usage
fee and return Victoria Falls town hotel transfers
Duration: 2 hours
Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide,
wander along the forest path, with its unparalleled vistas and
see the stunning majesty of this masterpiece of nature, known
locally as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, or ‘the Smoke that Thunders’. Stop
for photos at the ‘Big Tree’. You guide will impart a wealth of
knowledge about the fauna and flora.
Pickup: Ilala Lodge
Hotel
Dropoff: Ilala Lodge Hotel
Includes: Transfers
from/to hotels in Victoria Falls town
*Extras included: 1 x
Rainforest Entry Fee
There are many activities available
in Victoria Falls and we are happy to provide you with details
and book these. We recommend a sunset river cruise, helicopter
flight over the falls and of course seeing the falls themselves.
You do not need a guide to do so as the paths are clear and well
signposted but we are happy to arrange one for you, lunch at The
Lookout Cafe is a great way to finish as it has spectacular
views over the gorge.
Day 14 - Depart.
Private Transfer: Victoria Falls
Town to Victoria Falls Airport. Connect with your onward flight
back home.
Safari Includes:
Accommodation: 3 nights The Hide, 3
nights Changa Safari Camp and 4 nights John’s Camp, 2
nights Ilala Lodge.
All
meals, local brand beverages,
2 scheduled safari activities
daily, National Park and conservation fees, laundry and Wi-Fi
(Wi-Fi not available at John’s Camp)
Road Transfers
included: shared road transfer
-Hwange Airport/Umtshibi
Airstrip to The Hide (return)
-a boat or road transfer from
Kariba Main/Kanjedza Airstrip to Changa (return)
-road
transfer from Mana Main/West Airstrip to John’s camp (return)
Seat in plane Light Aircraft Flights included:
-Victoria
Falls to Hwange Airport/Umtshibi Airstrip
-Hwange
Airport/Umtshibi Airstrip to Kariba Main/Kanjedza Airstrip
-Kariba Main/Kanjedza Airstrip to Mana Main/West Airstrip