Itinerary

Day 1 – 3         2 nights Amalinda Camp, Matobos

On arrival at Bulawayo Airport, you will be collected and driven to Camp Amalinda in the Matobos Hills World Heritage Site where you will spend the first two nights of your safari in Zimbabwe.

Camp Amalinda is an African inspired refuge, where world-class facilities combine with the spiritual energy, allure and unique beauty, for which the Matobo Hills is so celebrated. This exclusive, privately owned safari lodge is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matobo Hills, and situated only 45kms from Bulawayo. Tucked away into an ancient Bushman’s shelter, Camp Amalinda was voted as one of the top 3 Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe in 2010.

The granite domes and castle kopjes of the Matobo Hills, echo the essence of tranquility and the majesty of untamed Africa where mammal and bird species are prolific. Included here are the highest concentrations of Leopard and Black Eagle in the world, as well as a healthy population of the endangered Black and White Rhino.

Camp Amalinda is a boutique luxury Lodge.  Each structure boasts its own individuality; it is unique in design and was built to incorporate the granite boulders as part of your room for you to truly appreciate the beauty both in and outside.

Experienced guides are on hand for all available activities. These include morning and evening game drives in the National Park and our more popular cultural tour of the magnificent rock art in the various caves, with a historic climb to Cecil John Rhodes’ grave site on top of “View of the worlds”

Day 3 – 5         Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park

Enjoy breakfast at Amalinda, before road transferring to Hwange Main camp. On arrival at Hwange Main Camp, you will be met by your guide from Somalisa and game driven to Somalisa Camp where you will spend the next three nights of your Safari

Somalisa Camp is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds. Somalisa is an authentic bush camp, a blend of old African charm and elegance together with an exclusive safari experience. Its stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain gives it breath taking views of the savannah plains of the famous Kennedy Vlei line. At Somalisa Camp, you will experience the heightened romance of the African Bush in one of the most natural environments in Africa. This is the way Africa was meant to be explored.

Only six elegantly furnished canvas tents with en suite bathrooms, flush toilet and romantic alfresco bush shower make up this camp. The décor echoes of an old era, from colonial to the ancient tribes of Africa, telling the story from all corners of this magnificent continent. It’s stunning main area and pool lends to complete relaxation, whether it be with a cup of tea or one of our refreshing cocktails; overlooking the pan where the herds of game congregate in large herds, offering rare moments of outstanding nature.

The use of solar lighting ensures your comfort without interfering with the environment and the area's natural surrounds. The lounge and dining area is at the forefront of the camp, tucked under a soaring canopy of trees. Wide and well-traversed Elephant paths make up the paths connecting your room to the main area.

Activities include guided walks lead by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you, game drives and spot lighting as well as game viewing from hides. Walking and game drives will allow you the opportunity to observe elephant, kudu and sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, white rhino, lion, leopard, hyena, and many other wildlife species.

Day 6 – 9         Zambezi Life Styles, Mana Pools

After breakfast on your last morning at Somalisa, you will be game driven to the airstrip where you will meet your charter to Mana Pools National Park. Here you will be met by your professional guide who will game drive you alongside the Zambezi River to our Zambezi Life Styles camp where you will spend the next 3 nights of your safari.

Come on the adventure of a lifetime for an experience like no other. This safari takes you to several prime spots of this World Heritage site allowing you to explore new territory every day.

Each night you will end up back at a mobile tented Camp, which is a comfortable camp on the banks of the Zambezi that is set up for the season each year. Each tent is a spacious mini meru-style tent with en-suite bathroom, flush toilet and outdoor bucket shower.

There are plenty of opportunities to walk the famous floodplain of the Zambezi valley, exploring the Mana Pools wilderness areas well off the beaten track. Wildlife to be seen includes hippos, crocodiles, lions, wild dogs, leopard, hyenas, elephant, buffalo, waterbuck and many other antelope.

Canoeing is an optional activity which will probably see you doing about 8 hours of light paddling each day in a steady current of about five kilometers an hour. The whole trip will be along the shoreline in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park covering a total distance of about 50 kilometers, where you’ll enjoy viewing of wildlife from a totally different perspective.

Day 9 – 11        OPTION A – Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls

Following breakfast on your last morning at Zambezi Life Styles, you will be Game driven to the airstrip where your charter to Victoria Falls awaits. On arrival at Victoria Falls you will be collected and transferred to Elephant Camp where you will spend the final two nights of your safari.

The Elephant camp is situated only 10 minutes from Victoria Falls in a private concession within the Victoria Falls National Park. With an emphasis on exclusivity, the luxury tented suites all have private decks and plunge pools. The suites are all equipped with indoor and outdoor showers, huge baths, private lounges, mini bar and tea/coffee stations, overhead fans plus air conditioning and all are mosquito proofed.

The Elephant Camp overlooks a waterhole that is fed by natural streams in the rainy season that rush down to meet the Masuwe River, and the Zambezi gorges below the Falls. Walks and birding for guests supply boundless photographic opportunities in addition to the variety of activities that are available in Victoria falls.

OR

Day 9 – 11                    OPTION B - Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls

Following breakfast on your last morning at Zambezi Life Styles, you will be Game driven to the airstrip where your charter to Victoria Falls awaits. On arrival at Victoria Falls you will be collected and transferred to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge where you will spend the final two nights of your safari.

The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is a luxury haven in an un-spoilt area of Zimbabwe. The property is set high on a plateau overlooking the Zambezi National Park, and a mere 3km from the Victoria Falls.

The views from the lodge are spectacular and a great variety of wildlife can be spotted at and around the nearby waterhole. These include elephant, kudu, buffalo, waterbuck and various other smaller animals. The entire lodge has been built to afford its guests the best views of the bushveld, the National Park and the waterhole. Each room has its own private balcony to ensure great views, and binoculars are available from reception if you’d like to get a close-up view.

The lodge is decorated in warm African patterns and colors, creating a very homely feeling. We loved the extra length beds and the remote-controlled air-conditioners. And if that doesn’t sound like luxury – consider the fact that there are phones in the bedrooms, bathrooms and lounges of the suites. The top floor has a small lounge and the most spectacular look-out spot of all. We could easily see some kudu and impala having a drink in the distance. The lodge’s Buffalo Bar is also situated on one of these levels and overlooks the beautiful rock pool and its lush surrounds.

Dining at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is quite an experience, especially if you choose to dine at the nearby The Boma – Place of Eating, an open-sided restaurant sheltered by the indigenous Gusu forest. Here you will be subject to a cultural experience of note. The evening kicks off with the custom of pre-dinner hand washing and tasting of the local beer, followed by a performance by traditional Ndebele dancers and singers.

After your last morning in Victoria Falls you will be transferred to the airport to catch your onward flights

End of Safari

Pricing Details

SAFARI INCLUDES

Accommodation

Meals (except at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge which is bed and breakfast only)

Drinks and alcoholic beverages, except premium brands

Two game activities per day

All road and air charter transfers whilst in Zimbabwe

Laundry Services

SAFARI EXCLUDES

Airport departure taxes

Inter-Africa and international flights

Travel Insurance

Items of a personal nature

Staff Gratuities

*Please enquire direct for prices including Victoria Falls Safari Lodge