12 nights – Zambia and Zimbabwe Safari (luxury)

This 12 Nights safari package will give the client the best safari in Zambia and Zimbabwe. These are both some of the top tourist safari destinations in the Southern Africa.

The client will have the best time ever to visit the Mighty Victoria Falls one of the world’s natural wonders known as the smoke that thunders!! The combination of the Victoria Falls, the secrets of Hwange National Park with its variety of wildlife will give the clients an exceptional safari experience of lifetime.

Areas making up this Zambia and Zimbabwe safari are;

3 Nights – Luangwa River Camp in the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

2 Nights – Waterberry Lodge in Livingstone the home of the Victoria Falls, Zambia

1 Night – Vic Fall Hotel in Harare - Zimbabwe

3 Nights – Bomani Tented Lodge in Hwange National park, Zimbabwe

3 Nights – Camelthorn Lodge in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Safari highlights;

1.                   You will get the best safari experience in the areas that are known to have some of highest concentrations of wildlife in Zambia and Zimbabwe – all the 2 areas included in this package are prime wildlife destinations.

2.                   You will be guided by a top local safari guide, who has guided in all the areas listed in the itinerary above for many years, knows the different habitats and the wildlife found in them. Your safari guides has the passion to share his vast knowledge about the wildlife and culture of Zambia and Zimbabwe with all their guests.

3.                   There is an opportunity for you to visit one of the local villages and learn about the local culture and traditions – do let us know if you have interest in the local culture and traditions, and we will include a village visit in your itinerary.

Day 1 – Flight transfer from Lusaka Airport to Mfuwe in South Luangwa

Upon arrival at Lusaka Airport off your International flight – you will connect on the local scheduled flights from Lusaka to Mfuwe in the South Luangwa National Park. You will find a safari guide from Luangwa River Camp waiting for you at Mfuwe International Airport who will help you with your luggage and later transfer you from Mfuwe Airport to Luangwa River Camp which will be your home for your last 3 nights in Zambia.

Day 1 to Day 4 - Luangwa River Camp in South Luangwa

The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa.

It is through this that the great meandering Luangwa river runs, with its ox bow lagoons, riverine supported woodlands and large plains, all of which play host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds.

Luangwa River Camp sits nestled under an ancient ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking the game rich area known as the Luangwa Wafwa.

This small and intimate camp with just five bush suites, along with its setting and location creates a real “wow” factor and a romantic feeling simply flows through the camp.

Day 4 – Road transfer from Luangwa River Camp to Mfuwe Airport

After breakfast your safari guide will transfer you from Luangwa River Camp to Mfuwe Airport for your local flight from Mfuwe to Lusaka so that you connect on the other local flight to Livingstone.

On your arrival at Livingstone airport you will find a safari guide from Waterberry Safari Lodge waiting for you who will transfer you from Livingstone airport to the Lodge which will be your home for your last two nights in Zambia.

Day 4to Day 6– Water berry Lodge in Livingstone

35 minutes from Livingstone in a lovely, secluded position on the banks of the spectacular Zambezi River with views to the Zambezi National Park on the opposite bank.   Our small, friendly, informal lodge is famous for its staff, food, gardens and tranquil riverbank setting.  Within easy reach of Victoria Falls but away from all the hustle and bustle of Livingstone it’s a perfect base for visiting the amazing Falls and enjoying the wide range of activities around Livingstone before heading off to explore wonderful Zambia. We’re also within easy reach of neighboring Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Day 6 – Road transfer from Waterberry Safari Lodge to Vic Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe

On this day your driver will pick you up from Waterberry Safari Lodge to Vic Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe where you will spend one night while warming for your next road transfer from Vic Falls Hotel to Bomani Tented Lodge in Hwange National Park.

Day 6 to Day 7 – Vic Falls Hotel in Harare, Zimbabwe

Echoing its glorious pedigree since 1904, The Victoria Falls Hotel features 161 rooms and suites - truly a five-star experience of pure grandeur. Style, glamour and sophistication are hallmarks of the Executive Suites, which are luxuriously appointed with warm, inviting décor.

A member of the prestigious, invitation-only The Leading Hotels of the World, The Victoria Falls Hotel is renowned for impeccable service, luxurious accommodation and exceptional facilities, including complimentary Wi-Fi for all guests.

The 42 Deluxe Rooms of the exclusive, stand-alone Stables Signature Wing are ideal for small family or tour groups seeking personalized serviced.  All are precisely the same lavish size and style with their own central courtyard, private lounge, exclusive check-in area and direct access to the front lawns. Afternoon teas and pastries are complimentary as is a massage voucher for each special guest. Meetings are limited to 40 in the elegant Pullman Suite.

Room categories for your choice are:

·         Standard Rooms (64)

·         Central Deluxe Rooms (46)

·         Stables Signature Wing Rooms (42)

·         Honeymoon Suites (2) in Stables Signature Wing

·         Deluxe Suites (2)

·         Executive Suites (2)

·         Batoka Suite

·         Royal Suite

·         Presidential Suite

Day 7 – Road transfer from Vic Falls Hotel to Bomani Tented Lodge

After your morning breakfast your driver will pick you and transfer you from Vic Falls Hotel in Harare to Bomani Tented Lodge in Hwange National Park. This road transfer will take you approximately 4hrs on a good road with very interesting places along the way to the lodge. Kindly feel free to ask your driver to stop and get some pictures when you see something interesting along the way.

Day 7 to Day 10 – Bomani Tented Lodge in Hwange National Park

This luxurious tented lodge is situated in a private concession of the magnificent Ngamo Plains, on the edge of the remote and unspoilt south eastern corner of Hwange National Park. Bomani is famous for its unique scenery as well as its large herds of elephants and all other animals and birdlife resident in Hwange. Our fully licensed and knowledgeable guides will treat you to a safari experience you will never forget!

Hwange National Park at 14,500 sq km, is one of Africa’s great Parks and is home to over 100 species of mammals, including nineteen large herbivore and eight large carnivore species, and nearly 400 species of birds. Hwange is elephant country and much of the game viewing relates to magnificent opportunities to view these, the largest land mammals, in a completely wild state. The lodge estate is in an exclusive 5000 acre portion of Ngamo Forest adjacent to the Ngamo Gate into Hwange National Park, 1.5 km from the lodge. Game activities into the park are within a vast exclusive and wild area of the park.

GAME DRIVES

• Morning and afternoon game drives with snacks in traditional open safari vehicles.

• All day game drives with a packed lunch and snacks in traditional open safari vehicles.

• Land Cruisers seat up to 9 guests and Land Rovers seat up to 7 guests.

GAME WALKS

• Conducted by a fully licensed and highly experienced professional guide.

• Usually undertaken in the mornings and ideal for photography of big game on foot.

NIGHT DRIVES

• Night drives within the lodge’s private concession to view the array of wildlife, particularly nocturnal creatures.

• Usually undertaken upon return from the afternoon activity or alternatively after supper.

THE LOOK UP GAME VIEWING HIDE

• Experience Hwange’s giants up close and only a few meters from the watering hole from the safety of this specialized 6m long underground blind with en-suite flush toilet.

Day 10 – Transfer from Bomani Tented Lodge to Camelthorn Lodge

After breakfast on this day, your safari guide will transfer you Bomani Tented Lodge to Camelthorn Lodge which is the sister safari lodge to Bomani Tented Lodge. The transfer will take you approximately 2hrs driving.

Day 10 to Day 13 – Camelthorn Lodge in Hwange National Park

This flagship lodge is nestled in a patch of pristine woodland just west of the famous Ngamo Plains on the edge of the south eastern corner of Hwange National Park. The lodge is unique in its style and design and has as its centre piece a huge ancient Camelthorn tree. On the edge of the Ngamo plain and strategically placed to explore the remote and unspoilt south eastern portion of the park, Camelthorn offers a spectacular wilderness experience.

ACCOMMODATION

8 forest villas: 82 m sq flat roof with stone walls, outdoor maisonette with hammocks (ideal for a siesta or a night ‘under the stars’) accessed via a spiral stairway, large bedroom and lounge area with large sliding glass doors and overhead fans. • Room configuration – one king bed or twin double beds.

ROOM AMENITIES

• Ceiling fans

• Fire place

• Stocked minibar facility

• Coffee and tea tray

• Hair dryer

• Mosquito net and repellent

• Emergency whistle and air horn

• Electronic safes

• Mobile LED lamp

• Bath robes

• Free daily laundry (weather dependent)

ACTIVITIES

Hwange National Park at 14,500 sq km, is one of Africa’s great Parks and is home to over 100 species of mammals, including nineteen large herbivore and eight large carnivore species, and nearly 400 species of birds. Hwange is elephant country and much of the game viewing relates to magnificent opportunities to view these, the largest land mammals, in a completely wild state. The lodge estate lies within the Tsholotsho Communal area and is directly linked with local communities to make this a true eco-tourism lodge.

GAME DRIVES

• Morning and afternoon game drives with snacks in traditional open safari vehicles.

• All day game drives with a packed lunch and snacks in traditional open safari vehicles.

• Land Cruisers seat up to 9 guests and Land Rovers seat up to 7 guests.

GAME WALKS

• Conducted by a fully licensed and highly experienced professional guide.

• Usually undertaken in the mornings and ideal for photography of big game on foot.

NIGHT DRIVES

• Night drives within the lodge’s private concession to view the array of wildlife, particularly nocturnal creatures.

• Usually undertaken upon return from the afternoon activity or alternatively after supper.

THE LOOK UP GAME VIEWING HIDE

• Experience Hwange’s giants up close and only a few meters from the watering hole from the safety of this specialized 6m long underground blind with en-suite flush toilet.