Experience Zimbabwe from a new perspective on this 8-day safari program in Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. Tour Victoria Falls and view its thundering waters from the Zimbabwe side. Spend the night in the post-WWII era Stimela Rail Car, Zimbabwe's only private overnight sleeper train operating from Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park. Search for wildlife from both the comfort of the Elephant Express Rail Car and a traditional 4x4 safari vehicle. Enjoy star-lit dinners at Bomani Tented Lodge and bush brunches in Hwange National Park. This exclusive yet adventurous safari will leave a lasting impression!
Highlights
Spend the night on the Stimela Star, a refurbished Colonial-era sleeper train
Search for wildlife from the exclusive Elephant Express Rail Car
Embark on traditional game drives in the wildlife-rich Hwange National Park
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Victoria Falls on the flight of your choice, where you will be met by a safari representative for your transfer to Gorges Lodge. Overlooking the breathtaking Batoka Gorge and Zambezi River, Gorges and Little Gorges Lodge offer an incredible setting to start your journey in Zimbabwe. The gorge is known for its black eagle and falcon nests on its cliffside, and guests can choose to enjoy a black-eagle show or a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
Arise early this morning to a sumptuous breakfast high above the Zambezi River before heading on a guided tour of Victoria Falls. Called "the Smoke that Thunders," this world-wonder will offer guests an unforgettable memory of its thunderous presence. The rest of the day is yours to do as you wish - book a whitewater rafting excursion (additional costs apply), feel the adrenaline rush of bungee jumping (additional costs apply), or opt to wander around Victoria Falls Town.
Head back to Gorges Lodge in time for dinner, or enjoy a world-class, unforgettable meal on the five-star Bushtracks Dinner Train for an additional cost.
Spend this morning at your leisure, relaxing at the lodge or embarking on a guided tour of a local Zimbabwean village or the scenic gorge-edge walk. In the early evening you will transfer to the Victoria Falls Rail Station, where you will embark on the Stimela Star Rail Car. This refurbished, post-WWII era train is a one-of-a-kind experience, and guests are treated to a charming dinner before adjourning to the lounge for coffee and liqueurs, where trained guides entertain with stories of Victoria Falls, Hwange and the history of train travel in Zimbabwe.
Fall asleep in your private carriage as you wind through the night to Hwange National Park, making short stops at sidings along the way.
Awake this morning and head to the meal carriage for breakfast aboard the Stimela Star. Disembark and board the Elephant Express, where your journeys by train continues along the historic railway built by Cecil Rhodes at the turn of the 20th century. Keep an eye out for wildlife during this 2.5-hour journey into the heart of Hwange National Park and the Bomani Tented Lodge.
Arrive at Bomani in the early afternoon, where you will settle in before your evening game drive in the park. Dinner is served under the vast Zimbabwe sky.
Set out early this morning for a game drive and walk through the acacia forests near the Ngamo Plain. Head to Stophie's Pan for brunch and an optional hour or two in the blind overlooking the watering hole near the lodge. Take an evening game drive, enjoying snacks and sundowners along the way. Return this evening for dinner and canapés around the campfire. Other activities from Bomani include a visit to a local village and school, where guests can learn more about Imvelo Safari Lodge's community projects, including a new solar powered water pump at Mlevu Primary School, partially funded by Adventure Life's Grant Program!
Bomani 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)
Arise early this morning and say your goodbyes to the friendly staff at Bomani Tented Lodge before embarking on the Elephant Express for your return journey to Dete Station and then onward by vehicle to Gorges Lodge. This is your chance to spot any wildlife that proved elusive during your safari in Hwange National Park!
Settle in back at Gorges Lodge for your final evening in Zimbabwe.
Day 8: Depart Zimbabwe
1 Breakfast
Transfer to Victoria Falls airport for your flight home or continue onwards to a new adventure.
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.
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.
