Best of Zimbabwe

Arrive at Victoria Falls airport. Met and transferred by road to Gorges Lodge, located on a natural outcrop overlooking the Batoka Gorge and the Zambezi River, just 111 metres downstream from the Victoria Falls.

The stay at Gorges includes a tour of the Falls with entry fee. There are also many other activity options, such as white water rafting, bungee jumps, kayaking, river cruises,helicopter rides, etc. Birders can watch a pair of Verreaux eagles, which nest in the gorge opposite the hotel, along with lanner and peregrine falcons, auger buzzards and more. There are guided walks around the area of the lodge and spectacular sunsets to be enjoyed from Peregrine Point.

After breakfast, travel by road to Hwange National Park. On arrival, transfer to safari vehicle and on to Somalisa Expeditions camp for three nights. This authentic bush camp is located on an acacia island with superb views of the savannah plains of the Kennedy Vlei Line. The camp also overlooks a pan where large numbers of game congregate.

Activities here include guided walks, game drives, spotlighting and game viewing from hides. The park is home to over 100 species of mammals and 400 of birds. There is one of the largest concentrations of elephant in the whole of Africa in the park, plus regular sightings of all the Big Five and many more.

After breakfast, drive to Manga airstrip for light aircraft flight to Bumi airstrip in Matusadona National Park. Transfer by road and boat to Musango Safari camp for two nights.

This privately run camp is an island on Lake Kariba, overlooking the Ume River and Matusadona Mountains. The guide here is an experienced photographer and ornithologist who will ensure guests make the most of their wildlife encounters. Activities here include walking safaris, game drives, boat cruises, canoeing, birding, cultural visits, fishing and dinosaur fossil trips. There are lots of animals to be seen, including black rhino, this being one of the few remaining sanctuaries for this animal.

After breakfast, return to Bumi airstrip for flight to Mana Pools. Transfer to Zambezi Lifestyles Camp for three nights. This tented camp is right on the shore of the Lower Zambezi River, part of the Mana Pools Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage area. 

There are extensive game viewing opportunities here, with hundreds of mammals and over 350 species of birds. A highlight is game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles along the floodplain.

After breakfast, transfer to Mana Pools airstrip for flight to Harare for onward or return travel.