Authentic Zimbabwe

The best time to go on safari in Hwange National Park is during our summer months from May to September.

Welcome to Africa! Your journey begins with an absolute highlight - the visit and overnight stay at the Victoria Falls.

Since 1989, Victoria Falls has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. The scenery is breathtaking and could even be a romantic painting. The light refracts in several places in the spray and often creates the so typical rainbow over the falls, which you knew until then only from pictures. Livingstone, who discovered the falls, said that Africa offered him the most beautiful view of the continent at this place. The Zambezi thunders almost 110 meters into the depth at this point and creates a unique spectacle. The gout of the water can still be seen about 30 km away, which is why the indigenous people of Makololo also called the falls "Thundering Smoke" or Mosi-oa-Tunya. You can not only look at the falls, but also actively experience them. Do you fancy a boat ride, do you want to raft down the Zambezi or is a bungee jump to your taste? No matter what you choose, it certainly won't be boring!

Travel time Victoria Falls Airport to Zambezi Sands River Camp: approx. 90 minutes

2 nights at Zambezi Sands River Camp***** with all inclusive and 2 activities per night (game drives, nature walks, guided excursion to Victoria Falls (excluding entrance fees), canoe trips, boat trips and visits to a village), in standard room, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Hwange National Park is located in the east of the country, is with 15,000 square meters almost as large as Schleswig-Holstein and is one of the most important national parks in Africa. The landscape of the park consists mainly of savannah. Especially in the west and south, where the park merges into the Kalahari, it is very dry. On the other hand, loamy soil, mopane forests, granite hills are characteristic for the north of the park. However, the highlight of the diverse park is the wildlife - you can meet all the Big 5 animals. In total, over 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds live here. These include elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, impalas, lions, zebras, leopards, cheetahs and kudus. Due to the prevailing drought, man-made waterholes containing pumped-up groundwater can be found in the park. Viewing platforms allow you to comfortably observe animals from an elevated perspective.

Travel time: Victoria Falls to Nehimba: 190 km / approx. 3 hours

2 nights at Nehimba Safari Lodge with all inclusive and activities (day and night game drives, bird watching and wilderness walks), Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

In the morning, you will leave Nehimba Lodge and drive to the train station, more specifically the Impofu Siding stop. Board the Elephant Express here at Impofu Siding and feel transported to an old time when train travel was an adventure. Before it starts, you will be served cold snacks and drinks at the track in the shade of old teak trees. The entire journey to the Ngamo track takes about 2 hours (70 km). 22 passengers are seated in the comfortable and elegant Elephant Express. A wide aisle allows you to walk around and have an unobstructed view of wildlife. Unlike an ordinary train, the Elephant Express can stop at any time, as well as move forward and backward, ensuring you don't miss the best panoramas. Guides on board will take care of your well-being and provide you with necessary info about the country and wildlife.

Arriving at the Ngamo track, you will be picked up by a safari vehicle and transferred to Camelthorne Lodge (approx. 10 - 15 minutes).

The next few days will again include game drives where you will enjoy the flora and fauna of Hwange National Park.

Travel time: Elephant Express Impofu Siding to Ngamo Siding: 70 km/ approx. 2 hours

Travel time: Ngamo Siding to Camelthorn: approx. 15 MInuten

2 nights at Camelthorne Lodge with all inclusive and activities (game drives by day and night, foot safaris, cultural visit to a village), Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Matusadona National Park offers great species biodiversity due to its secluded location between two rivers. Buffalo, elephants, crocodiles and a variety of waterfowl and birds of prey make their home here. The park is one of the best places for safaris on foot and lion watching: If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a pride of lions hunting. Elephants linger on the lakeshore, eating the lush grass that is exposed by the receding water level of the lake, especially in the dry season. In addition to the Big Five, you may increasingly encounter cheetahs and crocodiles.

Drive time: Fothergill airstrip - Changa Safari Camp: approx. 30 minutes

Travel time: Kariba - Changa Safari Camp: approx. 50 minutes

2 nights at Changa Safari Camp**** with all inclusive and activities in Standard Tent, Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe

The last day of your trip is approaching. You will travel to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight home. Do you feel like enjoying Africa longer? Then talk to our travel experts. They will advise you on suitable pre- or post-programs and will be happy to customize all accommodations for you.

itravel - for that moment.

Zambezi Sands River Camp, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (2 nights)

Zambezi Sands River Camp is located in Zambezi National Park on the banks of the Zambezi River upstream from Victoria Falls.

The camp's eight tents are on raised platforms and face the river. Each tent has a lounge, private bathroom, outdoor shower and small private pool.

The main area of the camp consists of a dining area, lounge and bar. There is also a shaded veranda where you can have a delicious dinner while enjoying the view of the river.

Two activities are included per night at the camp. These include a guided excursion to Victoria Falls (entrance fees are not included and must be paid locally), a visit to the market, a sunset boat cruise, guided canoe trips, a visit to a village and school, game drives, guided walks and fishing. One round trip transfer to Victoria Falls Town is also included per stay.

Nehimba Safari Lodge, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (2 nights)

Nehimba is an exclusive safari camp located in a private concession area within Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest national park. This remote protected area is home to the famous Nehimba Seep, a natural spring, and many other salt pans. In this wild, untouched paradise, you can enjoy a unique view of large herds of elephants that roam freely without fences.

Nehimba has 7 spacious chalets built of teak and canvas on raised platforms. All chalets have thatched roofs and private elegant bathrooms. Furthermore, the camp houses a pool and a fire pit where guests gather in the evenings around an inviting bush fire. Delicious meals are eaten either in the dining room or under the starry African sky.

Activities offered include: guided game drives to view wildlife and the Nehimba Seep from an open four-wheel drive vehicle and night game drives to introduce you to nocturnal species such as hyenas, jackals, porcupines, genet cats, civets and with luck leopards and lions hunting. Guests can also experience the thrill of approaching wildlife on walks led by armed guides and learn a lot about the vegetation and ecology in the area.

Camelthorn Lodge, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (2 nights)

Camelthorn is located in one of the last untouched acacia forests of Hwange. The lodge is located in a private concession area and borders the southeast corner of Hwange National Park on the edge of the famous Ngamo plains.

The accommodation consists of 8 villas. Each villa has a fireplace, a private terrace and a rooftop balcony with a hammock and a day bed. The private bathroom with a bathtub as well as a shower overlooks the surrounding forest areas.

The forest area surrounding the villas has individual watering holes, attracting various animals such as bushbuck, mongoose and an abundance of interesting and colorful birds. Just a few minutes drive from Camelthorn, there is an underground hide (underground blind) at a waterhole where you can photograph elephants from their foot level. Standing so close to these giants is breathtaking.

Activities offered include day and night game drives in the private concession, walking safaris, cultural visits to a village or school, bird watching and a full day game drive in Hwange National Park.

Transfer time from/to airport: 3 hours road transfer from Victoria Falls airport to Halfway house and another 2 hours by safari vehicle. The scheduled departure time from Halfway House to the camp is 2:00 p.m. Arrival time for connecting transfers to Vicotira Falls is 1:00 p.m. Or 10 minutes from Bomani Airstrip.

Changa Safari Camp****, Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe (2 nights)

This camp awaits you in a private concession on the shores of Lake Kariba in Matusadona National Park. Accommodations are luxurious tented suites equipped with every comfort. They are made of natural materials and blend in perfectly with nature, with thatched roofs and wooden decks blending in with the surrounding bush. Amenities include a private bathroom with outdoor shower and bathtub, fans and a private deck.

The fully open lounge, with its sweeping staircase, leads to a lower deck with fire pit, pool and white sand beach - ideal for relaxing after an exciting safari. Activities offered include game drives, boat trips, walking safaris, bird watching and fishing.

Duration of the trip: 9 days / 8 nights

Included

• 8 nights accommodation in the aforementioned lodges
• Meals and activities mentioned in the program
• Transfers
• Train ride with Elephant Express

Not included

• International flights
• Meals and beverages not mentioned in the scope of service
• Zambezi Sands River Camp: premium drinks and Victoria Falls entrance fees
• Nehimba Lodge, Camelthorne Lodge: premium drinks
• Personal expenses such as minibar and tips
• Insurances

Services & Notes

• Unfortunately, credit cards are rarely accepted, so we recommend making any payment in cash (USD).
• Road transfers, flights and activities will take place with other guests unless otherwise requested and specifically stated. You may make several stops en route to your destination. The transfer or charter companies reserve the right to set departure and arrival times. Private charter flights can be booked for an additional charge.
• Baggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage, is limited to 20 kg per traveler. Only soft bags are accepted - hard-sided suitcases, inflexible luggage or bags with wheels are not accepted as they will not fit through the loading hatches of the aircraft.
• The maximum dimensions of soft bags that can be carried are: 25 cm/10 inches wide x 30 cm/11 inches high and 62 cm/24 inches long. Please remember that the baggage compartments of the small aircraft are only 25 cm high. Pilots must be able to slide the bags into the compartments.
• Passengers weighing more than 100 kg should please indicate this at the time of booking, as we need to book an extra seat due to prevailing security regulations.
• Please inform us of the age of travelers under 18 (including dates of birth) when inquiring about the trip, as not all lodges allow children and policies or conditions may come into play that affect the price of the trip.
• Please note that you are traveling to a malaria area. Please consult your doctor for further information before starting your trip.
• Although generally considered safe, we recommend that you do not drink tap water. Drinking water is available at the camps and lodges.
• Since most camps and lodges are very remote, they have limited access to electricity and supplies in general. Therefore, it is extremely important that you inform us in advance of any medical needs, food intolerances or medicine you may require. Please carry important medications in your hand luggage.
• Except in larger towns, there is limited electricity and cell phone reception in the lodges and camps. However, all camps offer facilities to charge electronic devices.
• Please ensure that you do not pack your valuables, cameras, cash, medicines and laptops in your suitcases, but in your hand luggage - these items should not leave your side.