Why Go on a Zimbabwe Safari?
Wildlife, Adventures & Stunning Landscapes
Victoria Falls and all its wares might have put Zimbabwe on the international travel map, but this treasure of a country is so much more than an iconic waterfall. Zimbabwe is one of Southern Africa’s most rewarding big game safari destinations, offering off-the-beaten-track adventures in hidden gems, classic safari experiences in big game country, and thrilling activities in Africa’s adventure capital.
Zimbabwe is an authentic, rugged destination, specially recommended for travellers returning to Africa, for an experience remote from much-travelled regions. In addition to delivering superb game viewing in the care of some of the most respected guides in the business, a Zimbabwe vacation offers classic tented camps that are comfortable without being ostentatious, wholesome cuisine, and one of the warmest welcomes in the world, wherever you go.
If this is not enough reason why you should visit Zimbabwe, here are our favourite qualities that the country has to offer:
Few African destinations can compete with Victoria Falls for sheer visual drama. At its full, roaring peak, the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ is one of the continent’s most mesmerising sights, leaving visitors lightly soaked and absolutely exhilarated at the same time. The Falls are on the mighty Zambezi River, which means you can see them from either Zambia or Zimbabwe. Arguably, the best on-foot views are from Zimbabwe’s side – so lovely, in fact, that explorer David Livingstone declared that they must have been gazed on by angels.
But the picturesque view of an angelic waterfall isn’t the only thing Victoria Falls has to offer. This iconic destination is also known as Africa’s adventure capital – a nickname earned for the many exciting pastimes afforded to the thrill-seekers among us.
Water lovers will delight in experiencing the mighty Zambezi River white river rafting, canoeing and on sunset cruises. Or, take to the sky and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Vic Falls with a helicopter or microlight flight (a lightweight aircraft that carries no more than 2 people). Lastly, get your adrenaline pumping while exploring the width and length of the waterfall through bungee jumping, ziplining and gorge swinging.
Highlights:
- Breathtaking, up-close views of the main waterfall
- Experience thrilling adventure activities, like white river rafting, ziplining, bungee jumping, gorge swinging and microlight flights
- Good water flow for most of the year
- Stay at luxury hotels and lodges within walking distance of the waterfall
- Discover the vibrant markets and restaurants of Victoria Falls Town
Overview
- This 10-day luxury community and wildlife safari takes you into the heart of Africa, where you will spend your days immersing yourself into local African culture, learning about what is being done to empower the people of the continent, and enjoying big game viewing.
- Your safari sojourn begins by staying at a luxurious eco-conscious lodge in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, upstream from the world’s biggest curtain of falling water, Victoria Falls. Thorntree River Lodge is one of Zambia’s most contemporary lodges and where you will be introduced to behind-the-scenes community development work that makes travel meaningful.
- Then escape to Zimbabwe’s biggest reserve, Hwange National Park, an immense area that is home to large numbers of elephant and buffalo. Somalisa Camp is within a private concession which means you will enjoy walking safaris, night drives and game viewing from secret hides. You will also visit local communities and leave inspired by the creative spirit of the locals and their entrepreneurial endeavours.
- The last leg of your community and wildlife tour will take you to Lake Kariba, to the magical Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. The lodge is nestled into the remote hills that cradle the lake and you can spend your last few days soaking up the sun beside Bumi’s celebrated infinity-edge swimming pool or watching the sun set on a boat cruise.
Highlights
- Game drives and guided bush walks – superb wildlife viewing
- Stay at exquisite African lodges in breath-taking locations
- Immersive cultural experiences showcasing community upliftment projects
- Marvel at incredible Victoria Falls on the Zambian side
- Visit Lake Kariba, Zambia’s undiscovered riviera
Day 7-10: Lake Kariba | 3 Nights
MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK, LAKE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE
After an early breakfast, you will be flown to Lake Kariba, the planet’s most voluminous man-made lake. It stretches for more than 200 kilometers (124 miles) along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, forming a stunning natural boundary between the two countries. The lake’s waters are home to crocs, hippos, fish, and aquatic birds, while its shoreline is rich with terrestrial game-like elephants and buffalo.
You will spend your next three nights at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, a beautiful property situated on a range of remote hills, offering an elevated view of the vastness of Lake Kariba. Taking center stage at the lodge, there is an infinity pool to enjoy refreshing dips and you can sip wine on dining terraces on different levels. Your days will be spent enjoying morning, afternoon, and evening game drives, walking safaris, boating, fishing, village visits, and sunset cruises. After a spectacular safari and learning all about community upliftment projects, you will be charter flown to Victoria Falls International Airport for your onward travel arrangements
Inclusions
- Complimentary Inclusions
- Meals
- Private vehicle at Somalisa to visit the local community
- Transfers as stated
Exclusions
- International flights
- Airport taxes
- All meals and drinks not specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
Day 1-4: Arrive in Victoria Falls (Zambia) | 3 Nights
ZAMBIA
- Situated along the southern border of Zambia, Victoria Falls is a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring grandeur and where your community and wildlife journey begins. You will spend three nights at Thorntree River Lodge, set in Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, a short distance from the Falls. The lodge has been built with an environmentally-conscious design, leaving a feather-light footprint on the pristine natural environment surrounding it.
- While staying at Thorntree River Lodge you will visit Maunga Village, an inspiring community upliftment project. Access to quality and affordable healthcare facilities and services is a challenge for many rural communities in Zambia. Maunga Clinic and Maunga Primary School are undergoing tangible changes that make travel spending matter. You will not only be immersed in the local culture but be an active contributor to positive educational opportunities for local school children.
Your days will be spent engaging with the local community as well as tracking rhinos on bush walks, enjoying sunset boat cruises, and visiting the lively Maramba & Markuni markets – when you aren’t witnessing the sheer power of one of the World’s most iconic attractions. Wildlife viewing and community visits are perfectly paired with experiencing authentic Africa at Thorntree River Lodge.
Day 4-7: Southern Hwange National Park | 3 Nights
HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE
After breakfast, you will be flown to Somalisa Camp for your next three nights. Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. It is also home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world. You can look forward to guided bush hikes, game drives, and even horse-riding safaris, all of which offer exceptional photographic opportunities.
This intimate bush camp is where raw Africa is showcased, and where luxury accommodation and nature work in harmony. At the edge of its expansive deck in the main area, is where you will find an elephant pool that is frequented by elephant families – a true highlight of this beautiful safari camp.
When you aren’t traversing this stunning landscape on safari, you will spend time at community projects, from local primary schools to sewing groups run by local women, taking items that would usually be thrown away and repurposing them into something beautiful. A full day will be set aside for you to engage with the local community and learn about all the work that is going on behind-the-scenes to uplift and empower the people of Africa.
