13 Days Luxury Zimbabwe Safari

Embark on the a Luxury Africa Safari in Zimbabwe, this 13 Days Luxury Zimbabwe Safari allows you the chance to travel through some of the most diverse and best safari locations including Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba/Matusadona National Park, Mana Pools and the mighty Victoria Falls.

Zimbabwe is a popular Africa Safari Destination for its authentic safari experiences with some of the wildest and untouched national parks left in Africa, this safari itinerary will showcase the best sights of Zimbabwe has to offer, with the comfort and high level of service and amenities one would expect from a 5-star lodge or camp with the intimacy of a small authentic safari camp.

On this 13 Days Luxury Zimbabwe Safari you will experience the majestic Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park rich in game and Lake Kariba for water safari as well the Mana Pools.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 13 LUXURY ZIMBABWE SAFARI

Day 1 – Arrive in Zimbabwe and connect to Hwange National Park
Days 2 & 3: Safari in Hwange National Park
Day 4: Fly to Lake Kariba
Days 5 & 6: Explore Matusadona National Park & Lake Kariba
Day 7: Transfer to Mana Pools
Days 8 & 9: Safari in Mana Pools National Park
Day 10: Fly to Victoria Falls
Days 11 & 12: Explore with Matetsi
Day 13: Return to Victoria Falls for flights

DETAILED OF 13 DAYS LUXURY ZIMBABWE SAFARI

Day 1 – Arrive in Zimbabwe and connect to Hwange National Park

To mark the start of your safari, you arrive in Victoria Falls International Airport and connect on a light aircraft flight to Hwange National Park – the most famous park in Zimbabwe. The park is known for its large population of elephants and one of the largest population of wild dogs in the globe.

You will enjoy meals served out on the deck of the main and the resident gourmet chefs never disappoint with their dishes which are a mix of fusion African and western dishes, designed to create mouthwatering experiences.

Later in the day, you will go out on your first game drive with your expert guide in search for large, small and rare game. The camp is perfectly situated near open “Vlei” and woodland, a perfect variety to enhance your chances of seeing all the main game in the park.

Days 2 & 3: Safari in Hwange National Park

Spend two days in Hwange National Park – a famous park for its elephant, leopard, lion and wild dog population. You will start the day early and go out on either a game drive or walk with your expert guide.

The area surrounding Somalisa offers a variety of large and small game since you will have access to open land as well as woodland where different species prefer to graze for protection from the wandering lions and leopards. Cheetahs are also common in the wider open areas nearby and watching a hunt is always an exhilarating experience.

Hwange National Park bordering Botswana is the largest game park with an area of 14,600km², its sheer size means that its scenery, vegetation and game vary hugely, ranging from the semi-desert scrub on the edge of the Kalahari in the south, to forests, granite hills and valleys of mopane woodlands in the north.

The park is very accessible and all the safari camps and lodges here offer day and night game drives and most also offer walking safaris. Highest number of animals in Hwange National Park are spotted in the dry season (August to October) when the wildlife congregates around the shrunken water holes.

You will spend the midday back at the camp, relaxing in the pools or relax on your own private verandah r on the elevated main area lounge. The waterhole close by is usually busy with elephants and antelopes throughout the day.

Day 4: Fly to Lake Kariba

After your delicious breakfast, you will be taken to the local bush airstrip to catch your flight to fly to Lake Kariba, situated in the north of the country. You will fly directly to the Bumi Hills Lodge which is located on the top of a range of hills overlooking the man-made lake.

From here, the views are undeniably the best in the region and you will often see local fishing boats out in the distance while hearing the roar of lions in the hills around the lodge. This is the best mix of authentic safari and luxury contemporary design.

Upon landing at the Bumi Hills Airstrip, you will be met by our driver guide who will take you directly to the lodge. While on the hill, you will see the jaw dropping views as soon as you enter the lodge as the designers of the property have made sure every area takes full advantage of the local. Each guest will receive a complimentary 30-minute massage on arrival which can be a welcome distraction from the traveling and adventurous safari itinerary.

After a delicious meal and settling into the lodge, you will be taken down the hill to the local jetty where you will board a safari boat to enjoy a sunset cruise on the lake. The haunting images of the petriefied trees jutting out of the water and the cries of the fish eagles will stay with you always. Sunsets on Lake Kariba are rated to be the very best in Africa by all travelers who have had a chance to visit the lake.

Dinner is served once you make it back to the lodge and freshen up. Spend some time on the lovely viewing deck overlooking the lake which is stunning as you can normally see the twinkling lights of the local Kapenta fishing rigs out on the water.

Days 5 & 6: Explore Matusadona National Park & Lake Kariba

Spend two full days to explore this beautiful area.

There are several activities you can enjoy from the lodge including game drives with your expert local guide and can be done on morning and afternoon game drives. Balancing a day’s activities between the land and the water is always recommended to really get the very best out of the region.

After lunch, you could go for Tiger Fishing experience followed by a sunset cruise or you can go out on a boat safari ending with the sunset drinks either on the boat or on shore.

The Lake Kariba is one of the world’s greatest man-made lake formed after the Kariba Dam flooded much of the middle Zambezi Valley in the late 1950s. The valley’s prolific game was concentrated on its islands and southern shore, where Matusadona National Park was created, around this shoreline are some excellent safari lodge, offering walks and drives, as well as boat and canoe trips to explore the lake inlets and creeks. The lake is a superb place to watch the sunset, with the Matusadona Mountains in the background making for an excellent photo opportunity.

Day 7: Transfer to Mana Pools

From Lake Kariba, catch a flight by light aircraft to the wild lands of Mana Pools, the mecca for all authentic safari in Southern Africa. Mana Pools is a magical region where the African Wildlife rules and humans really do feel like guests. The remoteness of these vast lands enables wildlife to thrive in the untouched environment, making Mana Pools a favorite among wildlife photographers and film makers.

You will be staying at one of the best situated luxury camps in the region – Ruckomechi Camp, this luxury camp offers the enviable location on the Zambezi River overlooking open plains, woodland and the mountains of the Rift Valley Escarpment. Your experienced guide will offer you several key activities to enjoy while on a safari including game drives, nature walks, and boat safaris and canoeing.

With ten spacious suites spread out across a kilometer of riverfront every room offers an intimate bush experience in this stunning landscape. The lodge is built with natural materials and designed to blend with the surroundings you will enjoy supreme comfort in these stylish tents. All en-suite and with large verandas to enjoy the view you can’t ask for much more to make the perfect safari.

Days 8 & 9: Safari in Mana Pools National Park

Explore Mana Pools National Park, this beautiful park lies at the heart of the Zambezi Valley- a remote, beautiful place with spectacular views. The park offers large concentrations of buffalo and elephants and predators such as lions, wild dogs, leopards and cheetah that are often sighted. Birdlife is also superb in Mana Pools National Park with numerous local species like collared palm-thrush and racket-tailed roller.

The park covers an area of approximately 40 square kilometers and is bisected by the Ruckomechi River, with the eastern half within Mana Pools National Park, and the half western side in Hurungwe Safari Area. The area is dominated by varied habitat, from mopane woodland and scrubland to open grasslands.

This private concession not only allows for greater flexibility of activities that activities than it is possible within the national park itself, but also helps to provide a more exclusive game viewing experience.

Enjoy game drives, river cruises, nature walks, catch and release fishing and bird watching while here.

Day 10: Fly to Victoria Falls

Catch your final light aircraft back to Victoria Falls. On arriving in Victoria Falls, you will be met by your drive and head on a scenic drive to Matetsi, your oasis on the banks of the Zambezi River, surrounded by wild bush land offering fantastic safari experiences and excellent game viewing.

Heading further downstream means you will be able to enjoy to quietness of the open African bushland with access to great safari game drives all around you, this region is situated 45 minutes away from the Victoria Falls which makes it a great location to explore.

Matetsi offers spacious suites boasting contemporary yet authentic finishes that showcase the rich heritage of Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls are just 40 kms away and the lodge organizes trips to the falls as well as land and water safari activities in the region.

With 18 suites divided into groups of 9 each with a family unit consisting of two bedrooms, you will enjoy privacy for a complete relaxation. Every suite has its own plunge pool on the veranda where you can watch the wildlife roaming freely

Days 11 & 12: Explore with Matetsi

Matetsi is your final destination on this 13 Days Luxury Zimbabwe Safari, this stunning location offers a wealth of activities. Take these final few days of your Zimbabwe Holiday to just enjoy your luxury property and stunning location, Matetsi is located on its own private wildlife reserve and offers an opportunity to continue your safari experience by heading out on game drives, walks or river activities.

Here, you are just upstream from a wonderful of the world, the great Victoria Falls. Have a day out exploring the Victoria Falls by foot or air – a fantastic way to visit this area. If you are looking to just spend these final days of Zimbabwe Holiday to relax, check on the onsite spa or take some time in the gym or infinity pool as you watch animals roam freely.

If you are looking for a more safari experience, the region boats a wide range of wild Africa wildlife such as lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. Your experienced guide will track and follow game through the surrounding bush and woodland, while educating you on the intricate connections each creature has with one another.

Your dinner will be followed by a relaxing sit around the fire, enjoying stories and tales shared by the guides and other travelers, while gazing at the bright starry nights, unaffected by any city lights.

Day 13: Return to Victoria Falls for flights

After 13 Days, Your Luxury Zimbabwe Safari comes to an end.

Depending on your flight time, take this day to relax or head out on one final excursion before being transferred back to Victoria Falls International Airport to catch your flight home.

As this safari ends, we hope you will be leaving with many fond memories and stories of Zimbabwe, its wildlife and spectacular natural wonders and some of the most luxurious safari lodgings.

End of 13 Days Luxury Zimbabwe Safari

General Information

On this 13 Days Luxury Zimbabwe Safari, all visitors must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest South African Embassy or Consulate.

Language On This 13 Days Luxury Zimbabwe Safari:

English

Time:

GMT +3

Voltage:

220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the government in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

Currency:

Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency.

Clothing:

Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

Baggage:

Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

Water:

You will find many different of opinions of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water, especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

Health;

Southern Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards to malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential.

You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long-sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or a safari hat.

Dietary Requirements:

For those guests with specific dietary requirements, please ensure we are notified prior to travel

Gratuities:

As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following: The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

Photography:

Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.