A Zimbabwean Adventure: Exploring Culture and Wildlife

Begin your Zimbabwean adventure with an overnight flight from London to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe via Johannesburg, South Africa.

(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | N)

Upon arrival to Victoria Falls, check-in at the Pioneers Lodge (or similar) for a 3-night stay. Freshen up then enjoy a welcome dinner preceded by a guest speaker’s brief welcome talk.

(D)

Experience the Zimbabwean tribal life up close and personal in this visit to a traditional village located 20 minutes away from Victoria Fall. Transport yourself to a different world and immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting rural homes, observing people tending to their fields and you might even have the chance to assist with some of their daily chores. The tribal village visit is followed by a Zimbabwean gastronomical experience through lunch at a traditional restaurant.

In the evening, take in the majestic hues of the sunset while sipping on a refreshing drink aboard a cruise as you enjoy the spectacular natural wonders of the Zambezi River.

(B, L)

Explore the thrilling Victoria Falls through a private guided tour. From the experienced guide, you will not only learn about the formation, ecosystem and geology of this magnificent Natural Wonder of The World, but you will also learn the mystical history of the Falls, and why the local Batonga people gave it the name “The Smoke that Thunders”.

Afterwards, visit the Elephant Walk shopping and artist village, an exceptional shopping centre that boasts a vibrant mix of local artists, retailers, and artisan studios. Here, you’ll find a wide range of outlets displaying some of Africa’s finest hand-crafted goods and collectables, such as ornaments, vases, sculptures, and other artworks. This visit includes a special stop at Ndau Studios, a design house specializing in leather accessories, sterling silver, and bead jewellery, where you can observe the local artists and craftsmen in action.

In the afternoon, indulge in a high tea experience on the stunning Stanley Terrace at the Victoria Falls Hotel. The hotel is surrounded by lily ponds, tropical gardens and century-old trees, while the terrace offers a magnificent view of the Victoria Falls Bridge that links Zimbabwe to Zambia. The evening is all yours to spend at leisure either at the hotel or out exploring the city.

(B)

In the morning, drive to the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park, which is renowned for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. Keep driving till you reach the lodging area spreading over 278 square km deep within a private concession in the remote northern area of Hwange National Park. Check-in at the Nehimba Lodge (or similar) for a 3-night stay. Unwind by the lodge’s pool and get ready for the exhilarating wildlife excursions that await you in the next couple of days.

On selected departures, stay at Camelthorn Lodge and get to experience the Elephant Express train, a custom-built rail car with comfortable seating and a great vintage point for an immersive wildlife-viewing experience.

(B, L, D)

Begin a 2-day exploration of the Hwange National Park, home to over 100 mammal species, including the Big Five – elephants, buffalos, rhinos, lions and leopards -, and the largest elephant sanctuary in Africa (40,000 elephants at last count). You can also see rare species like African wild dogs and sable antelopes. The park is also rich in birdlife with over 400 species recorded. From grassy plains to wooded valleys, Hwange’s varied landscapes provide an exquisite location for game drives, walking safaris, and night safaris.

(B, L, D)

For the next two days, embark on another exciting adventure by heading to the Matobo National Park. Matobo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country’s oldest national park located near the city of Bulawayo. The Park offers a wide range of activities that is sure to keep you on the go. Marvel at the 2 billion years old granite kopjes (rock formations) forming the wooded valley of the Matobo Hills. Explore the hidden caves, once home to the indigenous San Bushmen people who left their mark by painting on the cave walls and rock shelters using natural minerals and special pigments. Take in the magnificent panoramic view from the World’s View, a scenic vantage point and the burial site of Cecil John Rhodes. Visit local villages and immerse yourself in the thriving tribal culture. Enjoy camping in the unique spots overlooking the Maleme Dam. Go rhino tracking and spot rhinos both black and white. Check-in at the Amalinda Lodge (or similar) for 2 nights.

(B, L, D)

Transfer to the city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and take a flight to Johannesburg. From there, take a flight to the UK. You can also extend your African adventure and either explore the beautiful Botswana or enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Cape Town.

(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | B)