Highlights of Zimbabwe Adventure
Destination
Zimbabwe
Travel Period
May-October
Duration
12 days | 11 nights
- 1 800 414 3090
- info@africansafarico.com
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.
The main area boasts a beautiful sunken fire pit and swimming pool while the suites are equipped with a private viewing deck, plunge pool and outdoor shower. The Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls, promises an intimate safari experience within the wilderness. The Elephant Camp West has been specifically designed to meet the needs of smaller groups and families looking for a more intimate and exclusive safari experience. Although The Elephant Camp West operates separately to the main camp, it embodies the same authenticity, luxury and environmentally sensitive premise.
Additional activities available at The Elephant Camp include; spa treatments, game drives, elephant encounter, Chobe day trip, white water rafting, elephant art safari, scenic helicopter flights and much more!
Standard Luxury Tented Suites
Each tent adorns a spacious deck, a private plunge pool and an outside shower, all of which are ideal locations for relaxation and appreciation of the surrounding landscape. Baths offers an unparalleled view of the horizon. The rooms have been deliberately sculpted to celebrate the openness of the African bush, and there is an easy flow from the bathroom to bedroom to private lounging area that spreads onto the spacious deck through glass French doors. The Standard Luxury Tented Suites accommodate 2 guests in either a double or twin set-up.
Family Luxury Tented Suites
The four family luxury tented suites each have a dramatic view of the archetypal African landscape and the impressive cloud of mist that sits on top of the horizon above the Victoria Falls rainforest. The spacious, “marquis-style” tents have their own private deck and personal plunge pools perched above the Victoria Falls National Park with the Mosi Oa Tunya (smoke that thunders) in view.
The Elephant Camp is more than a destination- it is an experience, an encounter and a cultural connection. Witness the magnificent power of the Victoria Falls, immerse yourself in the heritage and lifestyle of a local community on the Village Tour and translate knowledge to change at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. The Elephant Camp offers guests an empowering tapestry of experiences that come together to inform the heart, educate the mind and reconnect guests with the natural rhythm of nature.
Additional activities available at The Elephant Camp include; spa treatments, game drives, elephant encounter, Chobe day trip, white water rafting, elephant art safari, scenic helicopter flights and much more!
Hwange National Park is situated in western Zimbabwe and is the country’s premier game reserve. With easy road and flight access from both Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, the reserve is extremely popular with both local and international tourists. Hwange is renowned for its huge elephant and buffalo herds, sable and other rare antelope as well as an excellent concentration of large predators including lion, leopard, wild dog, hyena, and cheetah. Birders will find plenty to keep them busy with over 400 species of birds recorded and the park is especially known for its spectacular sunsets.
At almost three million acres, Hwange is a huge wilderness area open to Botswana on its western side, allowing wildlife to traverse across countries and making it extremely valuable for the conservation of large mammals like elephant, lion, and buffalo.
This flagship lodge is nestled in a patch of pristine woodland just west of Ngamo on the edge of the southeastern corner of Hwange National Park. The lodge is unique in its style and design and has as its centre piece a huge ancient Camelthorn tree. Enjoy al fresco dining under our ancient camelthorn tree, savour your morning coffee in front of a roaring fire, track herds of elephant by foot, and enjoy close up photography from inside our look-up blind. This flagship lodge ticks all the boxes for your authentic African safari experience.
Forest Villa Double
Large bedroom with overhead fans and fireplace, large glass sliding doors, mini bar and en-suite lounge. King-sized bed, en-suite bathroom with bath in front of picture window, shower, double basin and toilet, outdoor maisonette via spiral stairway provides an outdoor deck/roof with hammocks ideal for a siesta, private dining or a night ‘under the stars’.
Less than a kilometre away from the lodge and inside Hwange National Park, the camp has an underground hide in front of a beautifully located waterhole – elephants can be photographed from toe level silhouetted against the sky at a distance of 25 feet. Such close proximity to Hwange’s giants is truly breathtaking! The friendly and knowledgeable guides will take you on walks or drives inside this truly wild and remote region of Hwange National Park, famous for its giants, the elephants, as well as a plethora of different wildlife.
Elephant Express
The Elephant Express was introduced in 2015, it is a unique railcar, ingeniously designed and built to re-invent safari transfers to camps in Southern Hwange National Park. Accommodating up to 22 passengers, the railcar has a safari design with open sides, an engine at the front and back and specially trained drivers.
We will enjoy lunch on board and a leisurely ride on the rails before we arrive at the Ngamo siding stop. Our Zimbabwean guide will be greet us and we’ll head to Camelthorn Lodge to check-in and unpack before our first game drive late this afternoon.
Rhinos at Camelthorn
The first two white rhino to roam Hwange in nearly 20 years are now settling into their new home in the Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary which borders the park and sits on the same land as Camelthorn Lodge. Imvelo’s CRCI – Community Rhino Conservation Initiative – represents a massive paradigm shift, with the rhino living on community land with local communities as custodians. Guests staying at Camelthorn Lodge and nearby Bomani Tented Camp will have the opportunity to potentially see the Big 5, something that has not been possible since 2005!
You will visit the Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary to see Thuza and Kusasa, the first two white rhino bulls at the sanctuary, as well as meet Imvelo’s incredible anti-poaching unit, the Cobras.
Hwange National Park is situated in western Zimbabwe and is the country’s premier game reserve. With easy road and flight access from both Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, the reserve is extremely popular with both local and international tourists. Hwange is renowned for its huge elephant and buffalo herds, sable and other rare antelope as well as an excellent concentration of large predators including lion, leopard, wild dog, hyena, and cheetah. Birders will find plenty to keep them busy with over 400 species of birds recorded and the park is especially known for its spectacular sunsets.
At almost three million acres, Hwange is a huge wilderness area open to Botswana on its western side, allowing wildlife to traverse across countries and making it extremely valuable for the conservation of large mammals like elephant, lion, and buffalo.
Situated on a private concession on the Eastern boundary of Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe’s premier National Park and home to abundant wildlife, flora and fauna. The Hide features stunning views across a natural waterhole. Hwange was once the royal hunting ground of Ndebele kings and has long been known for its abundant and diverse wildlife. In particular, the park is known for herds of elephant and buffalo numbering in the hundreds. This is one of the best places to see lion, leopard, and African wild dog among the hundred or so other mammal and four hundred bird species. The Hide is passionate about nature; they have built on their superb location and extensive knowledge of the park with the best expert guides so that guests can experience the true wilderness and wildlife Hwange has to offer.
Tom’s Little Hide – Exclusive Use House
The bedrooms are each individually decorated and furnished with solid Zimbabwean teak furniture. All the rooms are mosquito-proofed and have fans for warmer days. Rooms 1 and 2, both double en suite bedrooms, form the main part of Tom’s Little Hide and can also accommodate one child in each on a roomy day bed. The bedrooms are linked by a dining room and outside veranda, complete with sparkling splash pool. Room 3 is more of a family tent with an outside bathroom and inter-leading children’s room, which can accommodate two children. Altogether, up to 10 guests – 6 adults and 4 children – can stay at Tom’s Little Hide.
Since The Hide is on its own private concession, a 5 km square area in Zimbabwe’s largest national park, the range of activities offered is extensive. Go walking in the bush with a guide, where guests will discover it’s less about the Big Five and more about making a personal connection. Drive at night after an unwinding sundowner and experience wild nocturnal activity which guets don’t typically get the chance to see elsewhere. Enjoy a sleep out at The Dove’s Nest, and of course, explore the waterhole hides, a photographer’s dream.
Lake Kariba, situated on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, along the mighty Zambezi is the world’s largest man-made lake. At over 200km (140mi) long and up to 40km (25mi) wide with a deepest point of almost 100 metres (over 300 feet), it is a gigantic body of water that first started filling up in 1958 for the purposes of generating hydro power. The filling of the dam itself displaced thousands of animals in one of the greatest wildlife rescue missions ever, known as Operation Noah. As a result of this, Matusadona was created on the southern banks of the dam and today remains one of Zimbabwe’s great game reserves.
Lake life is the epitome of Zimbabwean hospitality – gin and tonic in hand for a sundowner, world renowned tiger fishing, and a stay on a houseboat create the unique experience so loved in this part of the continent. Keep an eye out for elephants, hippos, and crocodiles or listen for the call of the African fish eagle!
Matusadona National Park
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.
Set in a remote and secluded part of the Matusadona National Park located in the heart of Lake Kariba. With 4km of lakeshore frontage, Changa Safari Camp offers a unique and authentic safari experience. Inspired by the simplicity of the landscape in which it rests, The Lodge is an inviting oasis where indulgently comfortable interiors integrate seamlessly with the raw African beauty outside.
Luxury Tent
Six luxury tented suites that each has ensuite facilities and “under the stars” outside shower and bath, as well as a private veranda
A leisurely drive in an open safari vehicle is a perfect way to discover the area, and provides an opportunity to see a wider variety of game and scenery as you cover much more ground than on a game walk. Accompanied by your guide, a game drive is a lovely way to spend the morning. Arguably the best way to experience and feel in touch with the African bush. The professional guides have a thorough knowledge of the area and, accompanied by them, you can experience Matusadona ‘at its best’. Walks are conducted in the early mornings and late afternoons for your comfort.
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