LUXURY LODGE-HOPPING:
ZIMZAM ESSENTIALS
14 DAYS
Zimbabwe | Zambia
Zimbabwe and Zambia are two of Southern Africa’s most rewarding and unforgettable safari destinations. Each one with their own personality, offering entirely unique experiences, scenery, and wildlife, but both equally unmissable for any adventurous, nature-loving traveler! From some of the best Big 5 game viewing in the region and thrilling adventure on the Zambezi River; to off-the-beaten-track wilderness in Zambia, and world-famous walking trails in Mana Pools, these two countries have everything you need for a most unforgettable and life-changing safari experience!
This itinerary takes you to just some of Zimbabwe and Zambia’s most popular destinations, but as always, you’ll never feel like you’re a part of the herd on a Khaki Fever Safari! Enjoy excellent wildlife viewing in Hwange National Park; take part in adventure activities, fishing trips and sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi River at Livingstone; experience a remote and truly unspoilt wilderness in the Kafue National Park, and finally, immerse yourself in a unique safari experience – see elephants, wild dogs and lion on foot in the beautiful Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site – all these experiences done in unmatched luxury and style!
This is simply an example itinerary that can be tweaked and changed to suit your needs. This is also why we don’t put prices on our itineraries – we specialize in tailor-making our trips for each individual client. If you like the sound of this itinerary, then send us a direct email enquiry, or fill out the detailed enquiry form below.
TIP
Mana Pools and Kafue National Parks are both seasonal parks and are closed during the rainy season between December – March. If you choose to travel during this time we can easily substitute Mana Pools and Kafue for another (equally magnificent) locations.
Other parts of Zimbabwe and Zambia, and the larger region including Botswana, offers many incredible destinations well worth visiting, so if time is not a constraining factor for you, then we suggest spending longer in the area. In the dry season (March – November) we strongly recommend visiting Zambia’s extraordinary South Luangwa National Park.
GET EXCITED
ABOUT
Off-the-beaten track wilderness in remote Zambia.
Watching elephants drink from the swimming pool in Hwange.
Bush stories around the roaring camp fire.
Sunset over the Zambezi River while hippos honk in the background.
Hot air ballooning over the remote wilderness of Kafue.
Being one with nature on a waking safari in Mana Pools.
Tracking wild dogs and lions while on foot.
IN A NUTSHELL
DAY 1-2 – Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
DAY 3-4 – Livingstone, Zambia (Victoria Falls)
DAY 5-7 – Kafue National Park, Zambia
DAY 8-10 – Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
DAY 11 – Victoria Falls OR Harare Airport, Depart
THE DETAILS
11 Days (including final travel day)
DAY 1-2: Hwange National Park
From Victoria Falls or Harare, catch your light-aircraft flight to Hwange National Park. Your shady luxury bush camp with its adjacent waterhole attracts large numbers of animals, especially thirsty herds of elephant in the dry season! Guests can also learn more about – and even participate in – community projects on a visit to Hwange’s neighboring village. This vast wilderness is the pride of Zimbabwe and provides sanctuary for the country’s many endangered species. Its vast size, and the fact that you will be in a private area of the Park, also means that you will see very few other vehicles.
See herds of zebra, impala, giraffe and waterbuck graze on the open plains, and watch them attract the attention of the park’s many lions and thriving wild dog population! Enjoy game drives and guided walks, or simply relax in your luxury tented camp as you watch the wild world pass you by.
DAY 3-4: Livingstone, Zambia
(Victoria Falls)
After your early-morning game drive and breakfast, you’ll depart the camp for your short flight to Victoria Falls town, followed by a private transfer across the border into Zambia, where you will be taken to your luxury lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Your lodge is far enough from Livingstone town to ensure a tranquil, authentic bush experience, yet close enough for guests to enjoy all the many activities in the greater Victoria Falls area. Your stay here can be all about the adrenaline activities, or an opportunity to relax and unwind in the middle of your safari.
Nine luxury tents nestled between giant riverine forest trees are connected by an elevated walkway. Spot elephants and hippos from your private deck, enjoy sunset boat cruises, fishing and canoe adventures right from the lodge, or go on a rhino tracking walk with the lodge’s expert guides!
DAY 5-7: Kafue National Park
After your morning activity, you’ll head to Livingstone Airport to board your light-aircraft flight to Kafue National Park. The vast, meadow-like Busanga Plains extend in all directions around your camp, offering a remarkable sense of freedom. The plains teem with birds and grazing antelope, while misty mornings and evenings offer unique pink sunrises and dusks.
Hot air balloon rides provide phenomenal panoramas and a different perspective over the vast wilderness, and special sightings to look for include lion, cheetah, roan antelope and puku, to name just a few!
With just four well-appointed rooms, this dry season-only camp captures the authentic spirit of safari style and warm Zambian hospitality, with unmatched intimacy. The spectacular views from the camp itself, and the wildlife encounters during day and night game drives and guided walks, give guests an unprecedented safari experience.
DAY 8-10: Mana Pools National Park
After breakfast, or your early-morning activity, you’ll get a transfer to Lusaka Airport for your onward flight to Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe.
Your luxury tented camp enjoys incredible views across the Zambezi to the towering escarpment on the Zambian side of the river. Ana trees provide both shade and seed pods that are loved by elephants, meaning that these charismatic creatures are never far away. An abundance of wildlife roams freely between the woodland habitats, ancient floodplains and forests that make up this exquisite National Park.
Elephants, lions, wild dogs, leopard and a variety of antelope are common sightings here. Enjoy traditional game drives; or embark on an activity that Mana Pools has become famous for – walking safaris. Your highly experienced and skilled ranger will lead you through Mana’s extraordinary habitats and get you to within a safe distance of elephants, antelope and lions, all while on foot.
A boat cruise along the mighty Zambezi is a wonderful way to see wildlife and water birds from a different perspective, and for the more adventurous – there’s the option of canoeing along this famous riverfront! Ten spacious en-suite tented units, including two family units makes up the camp, which even features a secluded outdoor bath for a luxurious sensory experience.
DAY 11: Fly to Victoria Falls / Harare Airport, Depart
After your morning activity, depart for Victoria Falls or Harare Airport for your onward travel. Or extend your itinerary to include more of Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, or even a topical island in Mozambique!
PRICING
1 June – 31 October 2018
US$5614 per person sharing
US$7019 single occupant
*includes all internal flights mentioned in itinerary (not inclusive of flights returning to Victoria Falls or Harare), all game drives, activities, meals, local drinks, park fees and taxes.
*excludes imported alcoholic drinks, tips, and all items of a personal nature.
*prices are subject to change at any time before deposits are paid.
WHAT NOW?
If you’re interested in this itinerary, then please help us tailor-make it for you by checking the specific details below. This will help us create your perfect adventure. If you’d like to fill out a generic Safari Builder enquiry form, then please click here, and we’ll plan your safari from scratch!
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