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Surprising Zimbabwe
Tour Description:
This journey is a unique opportunity to travel with other international guests on a limited-edition itinerary operated by A&K Australia.
Raw and untamed, Zimbabwe’s vast tracts of wilderness shelter an endless array of
the continent’s extraordinary wildlife, including healthy populations of rhino and
elephant. On this two-week safari, you’ll delve into some of the country’s lesser-visited
areas such as Gonarezhou National Park and UNESCO-listed Matobo
Hills, where Cecil Rhodes’s grave is famously located. Intimate safari camps and lodges
carefully positioned amid unspoiled landscapes provide a welcome nightly refuge
with plenty of time in each for contemplation of nature and Africa’s incomparable
sunsets.
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Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 - ARRIVE HARARE, ZIMBABWE
Arrive in Harare, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 2 - GONAREZHOU NATIONAL PARK
This morning, meet with your Resident Tour Director and fellow travellers for a tour briefing before returning to the airport. Fly south to Mahenye Airstrip in Gonarezhou National Park before a short transfer by road to Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge. Soak up the pristine wilderness from your handsome lodge and search for wildlife on an afternoon safari drive, or watch elephants, hippos and crocodiles cooling off in the waters of the river from the comfort of the lodge’s viewing deck. Tonight, gather for a festive welcome dinner.
Day 4 - GONAREZHOU NATIONAL PARK
Explore the park over the next two days on a series of wildlife-viewing activities. Against a primeval backdrop of the rugged red Chilojo Cliffs and baobabs, marvel at the huge herds of elephants, buffalos gathering at watering holes, big cats on the prowl and their prey, wallowing hippos and the rich birdlife that congregates in the wetland areas.
Day 5 - MATOBO HILLS
Take to the skies on a shared light aircraft flight northwest to Bulawayo, where you are met and driven to the UNESCO-listed Matobo Hills and your lodge nestled amid granite domes and kopjes (small hills in flat areas). The remainder of your day is at leisure for wildlife viewing or perhaps a rejuvenating African aromatherapy treatment at the safari spa.
Day 7 - MATOBO HILLS
Discover this unique and untamed part of Africa famous for its healthy population of endangered black and white rhinos. Keep an eye out for leopards and black eagles,, which are in good numbers, along with many other species of birds and mammals. Choose from an extensive array of activities, including rhino tracking on foot and by vehicle; visits to San rock art galleries; a drive through the granite hills to Cecil Rhodes’s tomb; a gentle bike ride through villages, where you meet the locals and are welcomed into their homes; and a variety of hiking and walking trails.
Day 8 - HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Return to Bulawayo, and continue by shared light aircraft northwest to Hwange National Park. Transfer to intimate Somalisa Camp, situated on a stunning island in the heart of the park on the edge of an ancient seasonal floodplain. Marvel at the breathtaking savanna from your elegant tent and the herds which congregate at the pan. Head out on a bush walk or 4x4 safari outing, or watch wildlife up close from hides. The resident wildlife includes lions, buffalos, elephants, leopards, white rhinos, zebras, giraffes and the rare and endangered roan antelope.
Day 10 - Hwange
Encounter Africa’s fiercest predators and most elegant wildlife during two days of exploration in the park, which is recognized as one of the few great elephant sanctuaries left in Africa. Head out twice daily on safari by 4x4 or on foot in search of myriad mammals, including roan and sable antelope, packs of wild dogs, giraffes, big cats and much more. Spend your downtime by the swimming pool or soaking in your copper bathtub as you gaze out at the plains beyond.
Day 11 - Zambezi National Park
Travel by road northwest to Zambezi National Park, upstream of Victoria Falls and your lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River. Spend the rest of the day at leisure within this wilderness area frequented by elephants, along with herds of sable, buffalo, elands, zebras, giraffes, kudus, waterbucks and impalas.
Day 12 - Victoria Falls
Prepare to be amazed on a walking tour of Victoria Falls. Get up close to the thundering cascades, marvel at the volume of water and admire the dancing rainbows. Sit down for lunch at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, and take a guided heritage walk while you’re there immersing yourself in the Edwardian-era surrounds. Toast your Zambezi experience on an unforgettable sundowner cruise as dusk approaches.
Day 13 - Victoria Falls
Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day® activities.
Explore the vast wilderness of Zambezi National Park on a game drive, setting off either in the early morning or midafternoon.
Journey into Zambezi National Park on a walking safari to experience this unique area from a different perspective.
Tonight, celebrate with a special farewell dinner.
Day 14 - DEPART VICTORIA FALLS
Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward flight.
