Gems of Zimbabwe Safari
Destination
Zimbabwe
Travel Period
April – September
Duration
14 days | 13 nights
The town of Victoria Falls lies on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western edge of the falls that it is named after. After David Livingstone set his eyes on the “smoke that thunders” in 1855, the settlement was later developed in 1901 when the possibility of using the waterfall for hydro-electric power was explored, and expanded when the railway from Bulawayo reached the town shortly before the Victoria Falls Bridge was opened in April 1905, connecting Southern Rhodesia (later Rhodesia; now Zimbabwe) to Northern Rhodesia (later Zambia).
Vic Falls, as it is affectionately abbreviated to, is known as the adventure capital of Africa, with any number of outdoor and adventure activities to choose from. As well as world-class white water rafting, there is one of the world’s highest bungee jumps, skydiving, swing slides, helicopter rides and more.
Although the town is small, it has a vibrant feel to it with lots of craft shops, pop up craft breweries and cafes, and relies heavily on tourism.
Day 2 – Victoria Falls National Park
Victoria Falls National Park is a tiny piece of protected land surrounding Victoria Falls, one of the world’s three great waterfalls. Situated in western Zimbabwe in the town of Victoria Falls, the views are incredible and you can follow a path right along the edge of the gorge. The mighty Zambezi creates a roar and a huge spray of mist that can be seen from many miles away. The falls are also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, an incredibly descriptive name that captures the essence of this very special place so well – translating to the “Smoke that Thunders.”
As a result of the spray from the falls, a mini rainforest exists in the surrounding area, creating a wildlife hotspot. Species such as lion and leopard occasionally come through while sightings of elephants are more common. Above the falls, hippo and crocodiles abound, amongst a large array of wildlife – an added bonus to a visit to this World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Mbano Manor Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in Victoria Falls, comprising 18 luxury suites and one private forest villa. Nestled in an ancient teak forest, the tranquil hotel offers a unique blend of rich cultural history and world-class hospitality.
Luxury Suite
Offering a tranquil space in which to unwind, the Luxury Suite consists of a lounge area, a spacious king-size bedroom, an en-suite bathroom with a classic claw bath, a private his and hers dressing room, and a private outdoor courtyard.
Mutota Forest Villa
The Mutota Forest Villa offers the ultimate in understated yet intimate luxury. Located in a private corner of the estate, this exclusive suite boasts its own gardens, a plunge pool, a large courtyard with two outdoor showers, private parking, and a separate entrance gate. Inside, there’s a master bedroom with a king-size bed, a large lounge area, a dining area, a fully stocked refreshment area, and a spacious bathroom suite with a clawfoot bath and two indoor showers. In addition, guests have the option of a dedicated chef and butler service.
Mbano Manor Hotel is conveniently located near Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. In addition to the waterfall, Victoria Falls offers an abundance of leisure pursuits and adventure tourism activities, with options including river safaris, helicopter excursions, game drives, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and more.
Matusadona National Park lies on the southern banks of Lake Kariba, a dammed section of the mighty Zambezi River. The park is extremely remote and best accessed by light aircraft or boat, making this one of the least visited national parks in Zimbabwe.
There is a good variety of large mammals such as elephants, buffalo, and lion and a variety of ways to explore the park; game drives are a must and walks can be done – but the water activities are what really sets this place apart. Take a boat ride down the Senyati Gorge; slowly make your way along the shoreline spotting a huge variety of water birds and wildlife – it’s a photographer’s paradise! And of course a sundowner on the lake is always a great end to a day on safari.
The park, which in 2019 has fallen under African Parks management, can be divided into three main ecological areas with wildlife mostly congregating on the seasonal floodplains when the water level is low. The Zambezi valley supports more of the woodland species while the escarpment area is difficult to access but is renowned for its beautiful tree species.
The newly renovated Fothergill features a delicate spectrum of colors that encompass two unique and intimate camps blending in and out of one another as one. They are both gathered around large sitting, dining, library, bar, and pool areas that are perfect for relaxation, and subsequently melt into the surrounding natural environment – a mix of lake, mopani bush, and the large floodplains of Matusadona National Park.
The wildlife and environment across the lake, flood plains, and into the mountains of the Matusadona National Park are so diverse that land and water activities conducted by foot, vehicle, or boat can deliver an all round truly African safari experience.
Lake & Bush Suites
The lake and bush suites comprise five spacious and breezy suites that are some of the largest in the area, each placed exquisitely on 115 sqm (1,200 square feet) of decking. These suites can be configured to become either a double or twin room with a luxurious en-suite bathroom, some of which include an outside shower or large bathtub with a spectacular view.
Guides are on hand to share their wealth of wildlife knowledge as you explore the area in modified open 4×4 vehicles. On the floodplains one may find the roaming lions that prey on herds of antelope, zebra, and buffalo who live here all year round, while Matusadona’s gentle giants can be spotted grazing or cooling off in the lake. Similarly, hippos and crocodiles are found in the waters of Lake Kariba.
The chance to explore open waters is a unique feature of a Matusadona National Park and Lake Kariba safari. Cover more ground and delve deeper into the landscape with a visit to the awe inspiring Sanyati Gorge, with a chance to spot crocodiles, unique bird species and game from the boat. Lake Kariba is also rich with many species of fish including tilapia, catfish and the elusive tiger fish, providing a fishing paradise for experienced anglers and a good starting point for beginners (state of the art conventional and fly fishing equipment is included).
Embark on a sunset cruise for hypnotic views as you sip a sundowner and sample sumptuous light snacks or even a cheese board and a glass of chilled wine from the cellar.
If you’re looking for a thrilling view-from-the-ground, a guided walking safari is your chance to discover a multitude of natural wonders in the company of an experienced safari guide. Tread in the tracks of the Matusadona wildlife, breathe in the scent of crushed wild grasses, and feel your senses come alive and observe and learn as your guide expertly interprets the signs and sounds of the bush.
Mana Pools is an almost 500,000 acre national park and one of the most iconic in all of Africa. A photographer’s paradise, its beautiful setting of endless Ana forests along the Zambezi River provides a scenic backdrop for a huge variety of wildlife that congregate here in the dry season.
Mana means “four” in the local Shona language and refers to four permanent pools that are a mecca for game viewing. Activities are mostly conducted along the river area with some of the best walking in all of Africa. You can get up close to big elephant bulls or even follow African wild dogs on the hunt. Enjoy a slow game drive or take a canoe or boat to see huge pods of hippos, along with a plethora of bird species including the African fish eagle. Fishing is excellent and there is no better place to watch endless wildlife activity while winding down the day with a drink in hand.
One of our Signature Experiences, Nyamatusi Camp is nestled within Mana Pools National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Zambezi River. The name ‘Mana Pools’ (meaning ‘Four Pools’) originates from the park’s four permanent watering holes, which are central to its reputation as one of the world’s most breathtaking splendors and top wildlife attractions. As you relax in the comfort of your luxury tented suite or explore this mighty destination on foot, experience the wild intertwining with timeless luxury.
The Camp’s sophisticated design and elegant architecture beautifully blend with the rugged landscape of the Zambezi. Designed with sustainability in mind, Nyamatusi Camp is powered entirely by solar energy and built from organic resources, including thatch and indigenous materials. It features handwoven lighting fixtures and furniture, highlighting the craftsmanship of local artisans and enhancing the eco-conscious status. A cozy wine cellar, an ambient firepit, a stylish bar, and a shared plunge pool create the perfect setting for unforgettable moments among the African wild.
Luxury Tented Suite
Nyamatusi Camp’s six luxury tented suites are each equipped with air conditioning, an indoor and outdoor shower, a mini bar, a viewing deck with outdoor seating, and a private plunge pool. The suites are adorned with soft drapery, ensuring a serene and elegant ambience, and all boast uninterrupted views of the majestic Zambezi River.
Activities at Nyamatusi Camp include game drives, fishing excursions on the Zambezi River, canoeing safaris, walking safaris, and birding expeditions. After a day of safari activities and wildlife interactions, there’s no better way to unwind than to witness the magnificent sunset over the Zambezi.
Children over the age of 12 are welcome at Nyamatusi Camp. Due to the adventurous nature of this Mana Pools safari, walking safaris and canoeing are only possible for children over the age of sixteen years.
In 1994, the not-for-profit Malilangwe Trust was established as a result of the largest ever single donor investment in Zimbabwe.
Singita Pamushana Lodge is the ecotourism arm of this (115,000 acre) reserve, and its role is to help foster the sustainability of the wildlife and broader ecology, while enabling guests to share the magic of the lodge and the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve.
Singita manages the lodge on behalf of the trust and revenue from the lodge helps to sustain the conservation and community work in the area, allowing each guest who visits Singita Malilangwe to make a positive impact on this incredibly beautiful land and the people who live here. This Zimbabwean based and managed trust was set up to develop a blueprint for creating harmony between conservation initiatives and community development in villages that neighbour wildlife areas.
Perched high on a sandstone ridge overlooking the shimmering expanse of the Malilangwe Dam, Singita Pamushana Lodge’s eight elegant suites – all with private plunge pools – draw inspiration from the rich tribal history of ancient Zimbabwe. Maximizing opportunities to be immersed in the restorative power of its incredible wilderness setting, the lodge’s guest experience allows for a safari that’s both soothing and inspiring – with comfort, intuitive ease and a complete sense of freedom underpinning every stay.
Featuring a series of staggered and interlinked platforms, the main lodge area provides a variety of living spaces from which to appreciate the astounding natural beauty of the area. Expansive decks deepen connections with the landscape and a cliff-top fire pit and bar-deli overlooking the dam provides the perfect setting for alfresco dining and fireside storytelling.
One-Bedroom Suite
The suites offer the ultimate luxury in a truly African setting. All master bedrooms feature en suite bathroom and shower, as well as an outdoor shower, private plunge pool, double-sided fireplace, mini-bar and fridge, room safe, air conditioning, overhead fans, private lounge, direct dial telephones and game viewing deck with Swarovski spotting scope.
Two-Bedroom Suite
The suites offer the ultimate luxury in a truly African setting. All master bedrooms feature an en-suite bathroom and shower, an outdoor shower, a private plunge pool, a double-sided fireplace, a mini-bar and fridge, a safe, air conditioning, overhead fans, a private lounge, direct-dial telephones, and a game-viewing deck with a Swarovski spotting scope.
Two-Bedroom Family Suite
The suites offer the ultimate luxury in a truly African setting. All master bedrooms feature an en-suite bathroom and shower, an outdoor shower, a private plunge pool, a double-sided fireplace, a mini-bar and fridge, a safe, air conditioning, overhead fans, a private lounge, direct-dial telephones, and a game-viewing deck with a Swarovski spotting scope.
Three-Bedroom Family Suite
The suites offer the ultimate luxury in a truly African setting. All master bedrooms feature an en-suite bathroom and shower, an outdoor shower, a private plunge pool, a double-sided fireplace, a mini-bar and fridge, a safe, air conditioning, overhead fans, a private lounge, direct-dial telephones, and a game-viewing deck with a Swarovski spotting scope.
Pamushana Lodge is set in Zimbabwe’s remote southeast, within the 130,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. Guests have exclusive access to this untouched wilderness and can immerse themselves in nature on twice-daily game drives, bush walks, sundowner boat cruises, excursions to rock art sites and more.
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