Zimbabwe Explorer

On arrival into Victoria Falls, you are met and transferred to your luxurious lodge, set in a privileged location on the banks of the Zambezi River just 7km upstream of Africa’s most famous waterfall.

Old Drift Lodge | Meals: D

Spend the day enjoying the many activities your lodge has to offer, from game drives and guided walks to river safaris in the wild paradise that is the Zambezi National Park. Sightings of rare sable and eland are possible here, along with plenty of elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, kudu and impala. You can also explore the bustling town of Victoria Falls, see its majestic namesake waterfall and have lunch at the popular Lookout Cafe.

Old Drift Lodge | Meals: BLD

Fly by light aircraft to Hwange where you are transferred to your camp. Head out this afternoon for some gameviewing in Zimbabwe’s largest national park.

Little Makalolo | Meals: BLD

Three full days in Hwange should provide plenty of opportunities for excellent wildlife viewing and photography. Activities centre on game drives in open 4WD vehicles and guided walks. The park’s many waterholes attract huge quantities of animals, particularly in the dry season, with elephant and buffalo herds numbering in the hundred. A great variety of antelope inhabit this reserve including greater kudu, wildebeest and gemsbok (oryx), along with a huge array of predators, from lion, leopard and wild dog to cheetah, serval and spotted hyena. Birdlife is also prolific in Hwange, with over 400 species recorded.

Boreholes on the camp concession are maintained throughout the year, sustaining animals throughout the harsh dry season. Take advantage of the popularity of waterholes with a sleepout (optional) at the popular Madison Pan.

Little Makalolo | Meals: BLD

Depart Hwange by air, flying to Bulawayo where you are met and transferred to your next wilderness camp, cleverly nestled between gigantic boulders and boasting one of the best swimming pools in Africa.

The granite domes and kopjes that dot the Matopos National Park surrounding Matobo Hills harbour an amazing collection of San rock art. The park also shelters a high concentration of leopard and healthy populations of both black and white rhino.

Amalinda Lodge | Meals: BLD

Explore the fantastic Matopos National Park for 2 days, perhaps best known for its distinctive balancing rock formations. It is also one of the last bastions for both black and white rhino in Africa and your safari experience today will centre around tracking these critically endangered animals. For tracking on foot, a national park scout must be hired (additional cost).

Later, hike in the hills to inspect caves and overhangs etched with prehistoric Bushman paintings and visit the tomb of politician Cecil John Rhodes, located on top of a sacred hill.

Amalinda Lodge | Meals: BLD

Transfer to Bulawayo Airport for a private charter flight to Buffalo Range Airport where you are met and driven to a handsome lodge, dedicated to community and conservation, at the edge of the Gonarezhou National Park.

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge | Meals: BLD

Spend 2 days embarking on exhilarating game drives through this rarely visited and visually stunning wildlife sanctuary, see the dramatic sandstone Chilojo Cliffs or walk to the beautiful Chivilia Falls. While lion, hyena, wild dog, buffalo, hippo and giraffe all call Gonarezhou home, this is first and foremost the Land of the Elephant. A Mahenye Village tour provides rewarding insight into local Shangaan society.

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge | Meals: BLD

A final road transfer to Buffalo Range Airport for your flight to Johannesburg marks the end of your journey.

Meals: B