Day 1:              Victoria Falls  
On arrival in Victoria Falls you are met and transferred to the Ilala Lodge, one of the closest hotels to the Falls. You will have the afternoon at leisure to explore the Falls or take an optional Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. In the evening, your guide will meet with the group at Ilala Lodge at 6:30 pm for a pre-safari briefing.

Days 2 to 4:             Hwange National Park

We travel south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife sanctuary.  Here we spend our time game viewing and birding on nature drives, at waterholes, and on walks in the Makalolo area.  If we are lucky, we may see Elephant, Sable Antelope, Cheetah, Lion, Leopard or Wild Dog, as well as various storks, vultures and eagles. We usually stay at our exclusive Makalolo Bush Camp within Hwange National Park.

Days 5 to 7:              Matusadona National Park

Today we transfer by light aircraft to Matusadona National Park on the shores of Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. We camp here for three nights in a private site, spending time on drives and walks, viewing large concentrations of Buffalo, Elephant and other animals. Our best opportunities for viewing Black Rhino exist here. Birding is good, with African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron and Saddlebilled Stork being common. Spectacular sunsets over the lake are a highlight.

Day 8 to 10:              Canoeing on the Zambezi River

We board a motorboat transfer to the town of Kariba across the lake, and then transfer to the Kariba Airport for the charter flight to Mana Pools.  The canoe safari begins at the Ruckomechi River. Gliding silently down the mighty Zambezi River in Mana Pools is one of the high points of the safari. No previous canoeing experience is necessary. Birding along the river is very good, with Kingfishers and Bee-eaters being common. Elephant, Hippos and Crocodiles may be seen at the water’s edge. We overnight at secluded tented camps en route.

Day 11:             Chikwenya Camp

The canoeing ends this morning, and we spend the final night of the safari at Chikwenya Camp.  Chikwenya Camp is situated on the eastern boundary of the Mana Pools National Park overlooking the Zambezi and Sapi Rivers. Accommodation is in nine comfortable tented rooms under thatch with en-suite facilities. Each room also has an outdoor shower “under the stars” as well as the indoor showers. There is a separate lounge and dining area, and a plunge pool. The focal point at Chikwenya is the magical Zambezi River, its backwaters, and the surrounding flood plains and forests. Chikwenya Island just off-shore, harbours wonderfully diverse wildlife. The area is a photographer’s paradise, as tall albida trees dot the open flood plains, with the mountains of the Rift Valley providing the backdrop. The area is renown for its large numbers of Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Crocodile, and Eland that concentrate along the river when the inland waterholes dry up – especially in the winter months. Leopard and Lion are in abundance but are not seen as regularly as the other game. Game viewing is enjoyed in open 4x4 vehicles, on motorised canoes, on foot, in hides, and in canoes. 

Day 12 :             End of Safari

After breakfast you will be flown back to Kariba Airport then onto Victoria Falls or Harare, to connect with your onward flight.

What Is Included

• All accommodation on a per person sharing permanent tented camp and camping basis

• Use of camping equipment

• All meals, except in Victoria Falls which is on a bed and breakfast basis

• All drinks excluding premium wines and champagnes and premium spirits and liqueurs

• Twice daily game activities at camps

• All excursions and transfers by vehicle, canoe, boat and light aircraft

• Charter flight Hwange / Matusadona /- Kariba / Mana / Kariba / Harare (or Victoria Falls)

• Services of our guide and staff

• Park fees

• The Zimbabwe Tourism Levy

What Is Not Included

• All scheduled flights and their departure taxes

• All items of a personal nature

• All travel insurance

• Visa’s

• Any new Zimbabwe taxes

• Gratuities to guide and camp staff

• Any activities and excursions which are not specified

• The Zimbabwe Departure tax is US$20 per person and must be paid in US$ in cash on departure

• The entry fees of US$20 per day into Victoria Falls themselves are not included

PLEASE NOTE

• Visas are your responsibility.  If you have any queries about obtaining visas please contact us.

• Baggage in charter aircraft is restricted to 12kg per person in a soft bag (including camera equipment and carry on baggage). If guests exceed this limit, they will have to pay considerable amounts to have a privately chartered plane fly their excess baggage for them.

• Laundry can be done at all camps and campsites at no extra charge (excluding Ilala Lodge).

• All guests must cover themselves with cancellation and baggage insurance for the duration of their trip.