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Mana Pools National Park at sunset

Authentic Zimbabwe

  • 9 Days
    • Zimbabwe
    • Tailormade Journey
    • Wildlife Safari
From

Trip summary

Rating
Trip Code ZW014
Duration
Days 9 Days
Travel Style
Travel Style
  • Tailormade Journey
Destination
Destination
  • Zimbabwe
Experience Type
Experience Type
  • Wildlife Safari
From

If you are in search of unique wildlife encounters, thirst for adventure and want a safari rich with wildlife and culture, then this fly-in safari with African Bush Camps affords you the opportunity to combine the natural wonder of Victoria Falls, with an exploration of two of Zimbabwe’s most famous national parks. Somalisa Expeditions lies in the heart of Hwange National Park and offers one of the most original ways to experience this exceptional wildlife haven. Combine this with the iconic Mana Pools National Park, staying at the exclusive Zambezi Expeditions, overlooking the majestic Zambezi River, and you will truly experience Zimbabwe at its most authentic.

Inclusions

  • Game Lodges / Tented Camps
  • All Meals
  • Local Drinks
  • Game Drives
  • Game Walks
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Return Light Aircraft Transfer
  • Safari Vehicle - Game Drive
  • Scheduled Road Transfers
  • Entrance Fees

Trip itinerary

Day 1

On arrival you will be met for your schedule lodge transfer to your accommodation. (D)

Accommodation: 2 nights Thorntree River Lodge

Thorntree River Lodge is set in Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, just a short distance from the famous Victoria Falls, Thorntree River Lodge is built with an environmentally-conscious design. Drawing inspiration from local customs and culture, it is a modern contemporary design with tented roof structures to maintain the feel of authentic Africa. The lodge boasts 8 twin rooms and 2 family units comprising of 4 beds each. Each unit will have its own indoor and outdoor bathrooms, as well as a luxurious private plunge pool. The main lodge consists of a lounge with an open dining area, where the fine dining experience of African cuisine will come to life. The communal deck is set on the edge of the stunning riverside, and is home to a sunken boma area and an infinity pool. Wooden decking floats on the edge of the river, and moves with the water level to create the illusion of sailing a boat, and help to achieve a seamless feel between river and land.

Day 2

Enjoy the day with scheduled activities provided by the lodge. (BLD)

Day 3

Scheduled lodge transfer to Victoria Falls Airport. Comply with customs enroute at the Livingstone / Victoria Falls border posts. On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will be met by your pilot for the seat-in charter flight to the Manga airstrip in Hwange. This flight takes approximately 45 minutes. (BLD)

On landing you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Accommodation: 3 nights Somalisa Expeditions

Somalisa Expeditions is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, and is known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds. As an exact replica of the original Somalisa Camp, Somalisa Expeditions offers one of the most authentic ways to experience this exceptional wildlife haven. Nestled under an incredible grove of Acacias, along the edge of a seasonal flood plain, and situated in the heart of Zimbabwe’s largest and ‘most loved’ national park. Somalisa Expeditions is an experience of the original, authentic safari experience in this part of the continent.

Somalisa Expeditions’ main area includes a lounge and dining area on raised decking which overlooks a small pool, which elephants have become habituated to drinking out of. Add to this, the water hole is frequently used as a ‘mud-bath’ and a popular rendezvous for the elephants. The up-close elephant encounters and photographic opportunities with these majestic animals is endless.

Consisting of six elegantly furnished, pristine Serengeti-style tents, each tent has en-suite bathroom facilities including flush toilets and running water. Activities include guided walks lead by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you, game drives and night drives. Wildlife sighting include elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena and many other wildlife species.

Day 4 - 5

Spend the next two days taking advantage of the activities provided by your accommodation, these include morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris, Hwange Main Camp village visits and Mambanje Village visit (private vehicle required for the Mambanje Village visit at associated costs). Somalisa Expeditions is set in the heart of Hwange National Park. Please ensure you are carrying USD cash as there are no credit card facilities at Somalisa Expeditions. (BLD)

Day 6

After a delicious breakfast, transfer to the Manga airstrip, where you will catch your seat-in charter flight to the Dandawa airstrip for Nyamatusi Camp. This flight takes approximately 1hour/30 minutes. On arrival, you will be met and transferred overland to the lodge. (BLD)

Accommodation: 3 nights Nyamatusi Camp

Set in one of the wildest and most remote parts of Africa, on the banks of one of the oldest rivers in the world, Nyamatusi allows guests to experience an authentic view of the old untouched Africa. Inspired by the traditional custodians of the land who respected the river as the source of life, the design of the camp subtly incorporates the element of water and pays homage to the astounding beauty of the mighty Zambezi River.

Consisting of six luxury tented suites with uninterrupted views of the river and escarpment beyond, the camp inspires a feeling of remoteness. There is an abundance of game and birds dance on the breeze. Guests are able to spend their days walking in the footsteps of ancient explorers and following the tracks of elephant. Here, visitors can watch the drama of the wild play out before their eyes on game drives and canoeing safaris and marvel at the incredible sights and sounds of one of Africa’s last remaining wild frontiers.

Day 7 - 8

Enjoy morning and afternoon game activities. (BLD)

Day 9

After breakfast and a morning activity, transfer by light aircraft to Victoria Falls and end of safari. This flight takes approximately 2 hours / 10 minutes. (B)

Dates & pricing

Disclaimer

Prices shown are per person based on twin share. Seasonal supplements and minimum night requirement may apply. Solo traveller and extra night prices available on request. Luggage restrictions may apply. International flights not included.

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Departures Twin Price (AUD) Single Price (AUD)
01 Apr 26 - 31 May 26 $13,475 $17,165
01 Jun 26 - 31 Oct 26 $18,020 $23,670
01 Nov 26 - 30 Nov 26 $13,475 $17,165

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Departures Twin Price (NZD) Single Price (NZD)
01 Apr 26 - 31 May 26 $14,822 $18,882
01 Jun 26 - 31 Oct 26 $19,822 $26,037
01 Nov 26 - 30 Nov 26 $14,822 $18,882

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Departures Twin Price (USD) Single Price (USD)
01 Apr 26 - 31 May 26 $9,163 $11,672
01 Jun 26 - 31 Oct 26 $12,254 $16,096
01 Nov 26 - 30 Nov 26 $9,163 $11,672

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Disclaimer

Prices shown are per person based on twin share. Seasonal supplements and minimum night requirement may apply. Solo traveller and extra night prices available on request. Luggage restrictions may apply. International flights not included.

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  • Authentic Zimbabwe