Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe offers the best value for money in safari’s in Africa and what better way than enjoying it in the company of an enthusiastic guide. Zimbabwe is a country with a diversity of attractions. Not only is it home to the Victoria Waterfalls, one of the worlds natural wonders, but also to an incredible selection of national parks, each with their own characteristics and wild richness: camping amidst wild animals on the banks of the great Zambezi in Mana Pools, or visit rock art in the company of rhinos in the Matobo Hills or watching wild animals in the privacy of your own picnic spot in Hwange.

Day 1:

Guests are collected at OR Tambo (Johannesburg International) airport and transported in a 4×4 overland truck where we’ll head north for Botswana.  We spend the night on the banks of the Limpopo in a bush lodge.

Day 2:

We cross the Zimbabwe border at Plumtree and head for the Matobo National Park where we’ll stay for two evenings. The parks incredible landscape of boulders and granite kopjes is inspiring and has earned it UNESCO world heritage status. The emotions evoked by the Hills are as old as time- the ancient San people believed the area to be sacred and over 3000 of their rock art sites are found here.  The park also protects healthy numbers of rhino and the world’s densest population of leopard. Enjoy a guided tour in the protection of a trained guide.

Day 3-5:

Today we travel via Bulawayo towards Hwange National park where we have the privilege to camp on a private picnic spot at one of the popular waterhole where wild animals quench their thirst day and night. Masuma Pan will be our base camp for the next two evenings

Day6 & 7:

We depart from Hwange after a hearty bush breakfast- we visit Africa’s adventure capital where numerous exciting activities await you-Victoria Falls! The world’s largest waterfall is as powerful as it is beautiful. Join in activities such as , white water rafting, Vic Falls Bungee, Flight of Angels over Vic Falls, sky diving, hot air ballooning, river boarding, lion walks, jet boating, kayaking and the list just goes on and on. Here the white water rafting and a sunset cruise will be included in the price, but all other activities needs to be paid for at your own expense.

Day 8:

We’re leaving the bustling town of Livingstone and driving towards Lake Kariba where we’ll pitch camp at Tiger Mile resort. Kariba created half a century ago after the construction of the Kariba dam. Locals and tourist alike take to its waters on houseboats to explore its wildlife-laden shores or to angle for Bream and Tiger fish

Day 9:

Rather than drive 1250km to the main camp of Kariba which lies on the opposite we hop onto a ferry (boat). The ride lasts roughly 22hours and will give everyone a wonderful chance to relax after all the adrenaline action. Three meals will be served on board.

Day 10:

We arrive at Kariba Town where the African sunrise welcomes you to your next adventure to Mana Pools. Mana Pools is a magnificent 2200 square kilometre national park that sits along the southern bank of the Zambezi River. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is, justifiably famous for both canoeing and walking safaris. Close up encounters with its rich population of wildlife are common place.

Day 11 & 12:

We join either walking or canoeing safari with the assistance of experienced guides for two days.

Day 13-15:

Back in Mana Pools we set up camp in the breath-taking, remote and peaceful campsite of Nyamepi. Here we’ll go out on game drives, go tiger fishing and just take it easy for the next three days.

Day 16:

Just a few kilometres away but still in Mana we will overnight at Cheteke camp- known for its Lions-but also on route to our next destination.

Day 17:

We drive from Mana via Gweru to Masvingo where we will visit the great Zimbabwe National Monument. We spend two nights at Antelope Park where we’ll go on an exciting elephant ride, crossing rivers and viewing some magnificent scenery. You’ll also get the opportunity to cuddle with some lion cubs.  In the same are we’ll visit the Zimbabwe Ruins, these important ruins date back to the 11^th century, making them the oldest structures in Southern Africa. Built entirely of stone, the city is believed to have once household up to 25000 people.

Day 18:

Heading back to the South African border where we’ll spend a night in a river lodge adjacent with the Kruger National Park. You get to enjoy your last night in the bush where you take in the all the sounds and smells of the bush that you got familiar with.

Day 19:

We head home, crossing Beitbridge and arrive back at OR Tambo where we say our goodbyes.