Zimbabwe

A Taste of Marula

9 Days

Highlights
Victoria Falls
Hwange National Park
Matusadona National Park
Lake Kariba
Zambezi Canoe Safari
Elephant Back Safari
Walking with Lions

Day 1
Activities at Victoria Falls - Masuwe Lodge
Arrive at Victoria Falls airport, met and transferred to the Lodge.
Elephant Back Safari

Day 2
Activities at Victoria Falls - Masuwe Lodge
Walking with Lions & the rest of the day at your leisure to visit the Falls and more...

Day 3
Hwange National Park - Ivory Tree Lodge
Hwange National Park was created in 1927 and was previously the Royal Hunting Grounds for the Matabele Chief Mzilikazi and was judged as being unfit for agricultural or other use in the early 1900's by the newly arrived settlers. However the surprising variety of wildlife found in this dry Kalahari sand area was remarkable and thus this land was set aside as a protected area for wildlife. There are currently between 20,000 and 30,000 elephant in this park as well as a large variety of other animals including roan and sable antelope. Lion sightings are regular and in addition sightings of painted or wild dogs are regular and there is an ongoing research and development programme of these endangered animals in this area.

Road transfer from Masuwe Lodge in Victoria Falls to Ivory Tree Lodge in Hwange NP. Approx 3 hours including a change of vehicle.

Ivory Tree Lodge has a swimming pool and a 'Hide' clients can view the Camps Pan from(Watering hole).

Night Game Drive - where you will have the opportunity to see some of the nocturnal, shyer animals in their habitats.

Day 4
Hwange NP - Ivory Tree Lodge
'African Painted Wild Dogs' Museum which is a short drive from the Lodge.

A resident Wild Dog lives at a Mueseum we visit while here and clients can take photos - he was injured and National Parks rescued him and he now lives permanently under Parks care.

Game Drives and Walks.

Day 5
Matusadona NP - Mbere Camp
Charter transfer to Mbere Camp in Matusadona NP.

Rhino Island Safari Camps Manager and support staff take you from the Airstrip to the Camp - this boat transfer takes roughly 20mins depending on the weather conditions.

Boat Safaris on Lake Karbiba - choosing the best time of the day to be out on the water visiting nearby creeks and hidden gems - this often presents breathtaking photographic opportunities as you can get close to the animals as the come to the water to drink. The Kariba sun sets are legendary in their beauty and are best viewed from the water.

Day 6
Matusadona NP - Mbere Camp
Leaving camp early with the Professional Guide to explore Matusadona NP by both vehicle and foot should you desire.

There are many places to explore in the Matusadona National Park and the majority of them close to the lake or nearby river systems.

With the guide you will track the spoor of the different animals, on foot - black rhinoceros, elephant, lion, buffalo or leopard. On foot you can truly appreciate the peace and tranquillity that surrounds you.

If guests prefer not to walk then the guides will remain on the vehicle and continue to explore in the more open areas. Sometimes if there have been nocturnal visitors in camp, tracking starts at the source of the spoor and we arrange with the guide to collect you from a pre-designated spot.

Afternoon activities include another boat safari.

Day 7
Zambezi Canoe Safari(Kariba - Chirundu)
Transfer by boat to Kipling's Airstrip where you will take your Charter flight to Kariba Airport.

Upon your arrival at Kariba airport you will be met by the smiling faces of our team to begin your road transfer to the start of your Canoe Safari.

A 1.5kms walk down to the River - this is quite a long, steep descent - all canoes and camping equipment will have already been carried into the Gorge and packed. A safety talk and demonstration on how to paddle a canoe will be given to your group and at 1100hrs paddling will begin until a stop is made for lunch at 1300hrs. Plenty of time to stop and rest is planned into the journey.

At around 1700hrs the group should arrive and set up camp on an island in the middle of the River named Crocodile Rocks. There is time to have a bucket bath, relax and have dinner after a brief safety talk on camping.

Day 8
Zambezi Canoe Safari(Kariba - Chirundu)

Your group will be woken at sunrise for tea, coffee and biscuits before you start canoeing for a couple of hours before stopping for a leisurely breakfast continuing around 0930hrs.

After breakfast set off once again and enjoy the incredible scenery of the Zambezi Valley. A Lunch stop will be made at the first suitable spot - with time once again, for a siesta. Between 1500hrs and 1700hrs your group will paddle to the next camping spot at Twin Logs Island.

Day 9
Zambezi Canoe Safari(Kariba - Chirundu)

Your group will be woken at sunrise for tea, coffee; biscuits and breakfast before you start canoeing.

Paddling will start around 0800hrs and between 1030hrs and 1100hrs you will reach the pick up point at Chirundu where your equipment will be loaded for your return trip to Kariba or the Kariba airport.

Arrival back in Kariba is expected to be 1500hrs upon your arrival in Kariba you will be taken to meet your Charter Aircraft that will charter you back to Victoria Falls to meet your connecting flight.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A CANOE SAFARI AND THERE ARE NO FIXED ABLUTION FACILITIES ALONG THE WAY. ALL TIMES GIVEN IN THIS TRIP DESCRIPTION IS AN APPROXIMATION; THEY WILL VARY FROM TRIP TO TRIP.

A detailed daily itinerary will be provided upon booking.

Please contact us for this tour price and other details

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