Ultimate Zimbabwe
Duration: 10 days
Highlights: Harare, The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Matobo Hills National Park, Hwange National Park
A diverse itinerary of nature, culture and history combined into 10 days for an epic Zimbabwe experience.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Johannesburg to Harare
Meet & greet then transfer to your hotel.
One of the Leading Hotels of the world, this hotel offers five star luxury and comfort in Harare. Located in the central business and shopping districts of the city, overlooking
the Africa Unity Square and colourful flower markets the hotel is a great choice for the discerning traveller. Facilities at the hotel include a beauty centre with sauna,
swimming pool, gym, a number of restaurants including the award winning La Fontaine Grill Room and is less than 5km from three top golf courses.
Afternoon city tour.
Harare is a city of contrasts – combining the old and the new. The new section of the city is characterized by high rise buildings, tree-lined avenues while the older section of
the town boasts buildings dating back to the early 1900s. Drive through the city and see the various landmarks such as the Parliament Buildings, the Supreme Court, Africa
Unity Square (the historic place where the Union Jack Flag was raised by the first settlers), the Kopjie and finally a traditional African market.
Overnight: Meikles Hotel
Meal Plan: D
Day 2 - Harare to Great Zimbabwe
After breakfast depart by coach for a three hour drive to the south of the capital Harare to Masvingo.
Arrive at your hotel.
Situated 5 minutes drive from the Great Zimbabwe Ruins is the Lodge at the Ancient City. You will be accommodated in spectacular stone and thatch lodges set on granite
outcrops with huge boulders forming an integral part of the overall architecture. The lounge area offers views across a valley to the Great Enclosure of the Ruins.
Afternoon visit to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins - evidence of a bygone dynasty that lived in this area. Wander through the mystical ruins and view artefacts in the museum
which depict the way of life of the inhabitants of this National Monument. The ruins have been dated back to 1200 AD.
Overnight: Lodge at Ancient city
Meal Plan: L,D
Day 3 - Great Zimbabwe to Bulawayo
Continue to Bulawayo, the capital of Matabeleland Province, and the second largest city in Zimbabwe. The drive from Great Zimbabwe is approximately three and a half
hours.
Some of the most majestic granite scenery in the world is found in the Matobo Hills. Nestled in this unique range of hills is Camp Amalinda. This lodge has gained an
excellent reputation for its African hospitality and bushveld charm. The lodge consists of individually thatched suites carved into the huge boulders.
Facilities include a swimming pool, safari spa, library, boma and a natural cave wine cellar for the wine enthusiasts.
After lunch visit the Matobo Hills National Park, home to large granite boulder outcrops (balancing rocks), historic bushman paintings, the grave of Cecil John Rhodes - the
founder of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The park is also home to the elusive rhinoceros as well as other plains' game.
Other activities that are available include tracking Black and White Rhino, horse-riding, walking and hiking and night game drives.
Overnight: Camp Amalinda
Meal Plan: L,D
Day 4 - Bulawayo to Hwange National Park
After breakfast, set off north through the rural areas towards Hwange National Park a driving time of approximately 3 hours.
The largest of Zimbabwe's eleven national parks, Hwange National Park offers unrivalled game viewing opportunities. Home to the Presidential herd of elephant, plains
game, buffalo, and big cats this park is a wildlife enthusiast's haven.
Situated in one of Hwange National Park’s most outstanding locations, bordering ancient elephant paths and a vast grassland corridor, is The Hide.
Herds of elephant, buffalo and a myriad of other game are drawn to the constant waters of The Hide’s waterhole, and the spectacle of great predators making a sudden
appearance is not uncommon.
Overnight: The Hide
Meal Plan: L,D
Day 5 - Hwange National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Take a game drive through the park where you will come face to face with lions, elephants, giraffes and many other game species. Other activities include walking safaris
escorted by a professional guide, and night game drives on the private concession which offers a thrilling chance to see leopard and other nocturnal species.
Overnight: The Hide
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 6 - Hwange National Park
Enjoy morning and afternoon game activities.
Overnight: The Hide
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 7 - Hwange National Park to Victoria Falls
Depart for Victoria Falls - a drive of approximately two and a half hours from Hwange National park.
Evening sundowner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.
Unwind at the end of the day on board a cruise boat on the mighty Zambezi River. The sundowner cruise takes you through some of the channels of the river, offering an
opportunity to see animals such as ippopotamus, elephant, crocodile as well as a variety of birdlife that inhabit the riverine vegetation.
A selection of drinks & snacks are served.
Overnight: Stanley & Livingstone
Meal Plan: L,D
Day 8 - Victoria Falls
Guided Tour of the mighty Victoria Falls. Wander through the rainforest and view the largest curtain of falling water from a number of panoramic viewing points. The
evergreen rainforest is home to monkeys, baboons and other small animals such as the bushbuck. The Falls themselves vary in height from the Devil’s Cataract being the
lowest at 70 metres high to the Rainbow Falls at 108 metres. The Falls are split into 5 sections namely the Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls and
the Eastern Cataract which make up this world wonder which is also a World Heritage Site.
Afternoon at leisure for optional activities.
There are a variety of activities to choose from our tour menu ranging from soft to hard adventure options.
Suggestions include Flight of Angels (scenic flight over the Falls by helicopter), white water rafting, bunji jumping, canoeing, elephant back safaris, lion walks and traditional
village tours among others.
Overnight: Stanley & Livingstone
Meal Plan: B,D
Day 9 - Victoria Falls
Village tour - visit an authentic traditional village on the outskirts of Victoria Falls and have an opportunity to see firsthand the way of life of some of the ethnic groups and
learn about their customs & culture. You will also have the opportunity to buy some local handicrafts made in the village.
Afternoon at leisure for optional activities.
Overnight: Stanley & Livingstone
Meal Plan: B,D
Day 10 - Victoria Falls to Johannesburg
Transfer to Victoria Falls airport.
Depart Victoria Falls and fly to Johannesburg.
Connect to outbound international flights.
Meal Plan: B