Experience the best of Zimbabwe on this 11-day luxury safari tour visiting Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls. Witness the Ngamo Plains come to life during dry season, as the waterholes dry up and the herds flock to artificially-pumped holes maintained by safari camps. Tour Victoria Falls and hear its thundering waters from the Zimbabwe side. Set out on game drives in Hwange National Park, observing the herds of elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, antelope and other wildlife that frequent the area. Stay in upscale safari camps as you explore the best that Zimbabwe has to offer!
Highlights
Tour Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and stay in Zambezi National Park
Explore Hwange National Park with game drives and local village visits
Stay in luxurious safari camps designed to maximize your comfort
Help resupply water pumps and observe wildlife on the Ngamo Plains
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Arrive at Victoria Falls where your Zimbabwean safari experience begins. You are met by a shuttle vehicle for your road transfer to Gorges Lodge on the edge of the Batoka Gorge, 655 feet above the mighty Zambezi River. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool before heading off to Dibu Dibu for sundowners and snacks while you watch the lodge's resident pair of black eagles soar only feet away from you. After the black eagle viewing take a leisurely stroll back to the main lodge reception area where you are entertained by a team of talented traditional dancers. Enjoy a tasty three-course dinner in the main lodge area, overlooking the gorge, before retiring to your chalet and falling asleep to the sound of the river rushing below you.
Day 2: Victoria Falls | South Hwange National Park
Enjoy early morning tea or coffee on your private veranda followed by a sumptuous breakfast in the main lodge dining area. Head into Victoria Falls town where you are taken on a guided tour of Zimbabwe's foremost attraction - Victoria Falls. "The smoke that thunders" remains one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Continue onward by vehicle to the Dete Railroad station on the edge of Hwange National Park, and board the one-of-a-kind game-viewing train, the Elephant Express! The trip to Camelthorn Lodge takes around 2.5 hours, with game viewing and plenty of snacks along the way!
After arriving at Ngamo Siding, board 4x4 game viewing vehicles for the short 10-15 minute ride to Camelthorn Lodge, where you can settle into your forest villa before a late afternoon game drive into Hwange National Park. Stop at the camp's own underground blind at Stoffie's Pan and enjoy sundowners and canapes as you witness wildlife from a unique perspective. Return to the lodge for a delectable three-course meal under the starlit sky.
Wake up this morning to the warmth of your fireplace. Set out today to the nearby Ngamo Village for a school visit and the chance to learn about some of the conservation projects Camelthorn supports in the local community. Return to Camelthorn for lunch and a short siesta before a game drive on the Ngamo Plains in Hwange National Park, stopping for sundowners on the plains, sipping cold drinks, and enjoying snacks while your experienced guides share their love and knowledge of the bush. Return to the lodge for dinner before retiring to bed for the evening.
Camelthorn Lodge is also home to one of Africa's most unique game viewing excursions - a safari on horseback. This exciting adventure is led by an experienced guide and is open to guests of all riding abilities. Please let us know if you're interested! (additional costs apply)
Wake early this morning to the sounds of the bush before you head out for your second full day of adventure in Hwange National Park. Take part in a pump run, a unique experience if you are visiting in the dry season*. Assist your guide with maintenance of man-made watering holes which have been providing water to the wildlife for years during dry season. Enjoy a picnic and siesta under the trees at Mfagazaan Pan. Go on a leisurely game drive the rest of the afternoon from Pan to Pan and freshen up with a shower at the end of the day and a three-course dinner back at the camp.
*Pump Runs are only possible in dry season (typically June - October). Guests go on a full-day game drive if visiting during other times of the year.
Enjoy your last morning at Camelthorn, listening to the singing birds or setting out for an early walk in the area before morning brunch. Next pack your bags and set out to the Ngamo Siding to catch the Elephant Express, the rail car that offers a slow ride towards Impofu Siding, allowing you to spot game the entire way. Drinks and snacks are served on board during the two-hour ride. Disembark and meet your vehicles to drive you the two hours to Nehimba Lodge, located in the northwest part of Hwange National Park. This lodge was built strategically in front of a watering hole and attracts large herds of elephants and a plethora of other wildlife. Enjoy sundowners and dinner before setting out for an optional night drive to spot species just starting their 'day'.
Prepare your daypack for the day and set out to explore northern Hwange National Park, which is distinctly different from its southern counterpart in topography, habitat, and species. Stop first at Nehimba Seep, an ancient source of water and historic watering hole for the San Bushmen. Return to the lodge mid-day for lunch and set out again on an afternoon game drive within the park. Finish the adventure with refreshments and canapés at sunset overlooking a famed watering hole. Enjoy dinner and a campfire back at the lodge this evening.
Set out for the Mandayu Dam, situated on a scenic hill and offering great bird watching and game viewing. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure
Enjoy coffee or tea this morning before the 2-2.5 hour drive back to Hwange Main Camp where you connect with the vehicle that takes you the 3 hours to Zambezi Sands camp. Nestled along the shores of the mighty Zambezi River one hour outside of Victoria Falls and inside Zambezi National Park, this location offers a picturesque view and ample game viewing opportunities, combined with the accessibility for activites along the water. Find a scenic sunset spot for sundowners to celebrate another day on your Zimbabwe safari. Dinner is served as a three-course meal on the open air deck as you take in the views overlooking the mighty Zambezi River.
Early this morning set off for a guided tour of Victoria Falls - a special experience even for the most seasoned safari goer. Stroll along the walkways to observe the falls today and enjoy some of the curio shopping at the local craft village. Return to camp this afternoon for a short siesta and an afternoon game drive. Conclude the day with sundowners on the banks of the Zambezi River, retiring to bed after a three-course dinner.
Enjoy early morning tea or coffee on your private deck overlooking the river before taking breakfast in the main lodge. Pack day packs and head out with your guide on a game drive and walk, exploring this beautiful part of the national park. Stop at one of the picturesque picnic spots for a delicious packed lunch and siesta before taking a slow drive back to the lodge in the afternoon. Once back at camp, relax for an hour or two in your private splash pool, watching the game and birdlife on the river's edge. Head out for one final game drive this evening, stopping for drinks and nibbles along the way. Back at the lodge freshen up before enjoying one last three-course dinner in the elegant main lodge.
Day 11: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Enjoy your last breakfast along the shores of the Zambezi River before driving the hour transfer to Victoria Falls airport for your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Final payment may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
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