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Trip Inspiration

12 Days: The Highlights of Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls + Safari

Spend twelve days exploring the very best of Zimbabwe. From touring Victoria Falls to spotting elephant wading in the Zambezi River, you will see first hand why wildlife enthusiasts flock to this incredible country. Be it from land or water, the animal encounters will prove unforgettable, as will the guiding, for which Zimbabwe is famous.

Trip Highlights

Locations

  • 2 nights at Victoria Falls
  • 3 nights in Hwange National Park
  • 3 nights at Lake Kariba
  • 3 nights in Mana Pools National Park

Activities

  • Tour Victoria Falls
  • Game drives
  • Walking safaris
  • Boat cruises
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
What does “Trip Inspiration” mean?

At Travel Beyond, we believe your trip should be designed just for you, not for the masses. Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client, offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. The itinerary below was planned for a past client, but we’re sharing it for travel inspiration and as an example of what a trip to Zimbabwe might look like. To further paint the picture, take a look at the accompanying video! Let us know when we can design a trip just for you!

Day 1

Arrive Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Welcome to Zimbabwe! Upon arrival in Victoria Falls, you will be met for your private transfer to the Victoria Falls River Lodge. Accommodations will be reserved for two nights, including all meals and activities.

Relax and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure! If time permits, join an afternoon activity. Dinner will be served at the lodge.

Victoria Falls River Lodge Meals: Dinner

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Day 2

Victoria Falls

Enjoy a day at leisure or participating in the many lodge excursions, including a shared safari activity in Zambezi National Park and a sunrise or sunset river cruise.

Deemed one of the seven natural wonders of the world, a tour of Victoria Falls is also a can’t miss. David Livingstone was the first European to visit the Falls and named it after Queen Victoria. To the locals, it is known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “the smoke that thunders”—an accurate description of what happens when the waters of the Zambezi River plunge over the 1,700m/1mi wide and 100m/330ft deep chasm, creating a shower of spray and a deafening noise. Whether you choose to view this incredible sight from the ground or the air, on a Flight of Angels scenic helicopter ride, the experience will be truly unforgettable.

All meals will be served at the lodge.

Victoria Falls River Lodge Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3

Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park

Following a morning activity, you will be transferred to the Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Hwange National Park.

Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Somalisa Camp, your home for the next three nights. With just seven tented rooms, this property is the perfect base from which to explore the incredible landscape and wildlife of Hwange National Park. Its combination of dense teak and acacia forests and vast savannah ensures guests will have a wide variety of experiences and encounters throughout their stay.

This afternoon, you can participate in a shared safari activity and then return to camp for dinner.

Somalisa Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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Days 4-5

Hwange National Park

Enjoy two days of safari in Hwange National Park. You can spend your mornings and afternoons on shared game drives looking for larger predators, on walking safaris searching for scat or footprints, and visiting the local community to learn about their traditions.

All meals will be served at camp.

Somalisa Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6

Hwange National Park to Lake Kariba

This morning, after a shared activity and breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Lake Kariba. Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will be met by a lodge representative and transferred to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.

For the next three nights, you will have incredible access to all that Lake Kariba has to offer. Situated on a hill, the property provides breathtaking views of this man made lake and the plains animals who graze along its shores. Its twelve rooms overlook the water, and are the perfect place to unwind after your days on safari. You can also enjoy a cocktail in the main lounge or a refreshing dip in the infinity pool. Whether taking advantage of Bumi’s luxurious amenities or setting off to explore the surroundings, your time here will both rejuvenate and entertain.

Following lunch, enjoy some down time before departing on your shared safari activity. Dinner will be served upon your return.

Bumi Hills Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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Days 7-8

Lake Kariba

On safari!

There are endless activities to choose from while staying at Bumi. Morning, afternoon, or night game drives expose you to the plethora of wildlife inhabiting the area, including elephant, buffalo, and lion. Walking safaris allow you to see the smaller aspects, such as footprints, insects, and interesting plant life.

You can also get out onto the lake itself with boat cruises and fishing, both of which are particularly spectacular at sunrise or sunset. From the water you can spot crocodiles, hippos, and an incredible array of birds. Tiger fish, tilapia, and bass also call Lake Kariba home and are plenty of fun to catch.

For those interested, there is also the opportunity to visit some of the nearby villages. These communities work closely with Bumi Hills, with regards to conservation and tourism, and spending a few hours meeting with the locals is a great way to learn about their history and customs.

All meals will be served at the lodge.

Bumi Hills Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9

Lake Kariba to Mana Pools National Park

Today you will be driven to the airstrip for your flight to Mana Pools National Park. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Nyamatusi Camp, where you will stay for three nights.

Built along the banks of the Zambezi River, Nyamatusi is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. In fact, its name loosely translates to “wild game,” in honor of the wide range of animals who call this region home. The camp consists of just seven luxury tents, all of which are solar powered and built from all-natural materials. You can’t help but feel surrounded by nature, both on and off the property.

Enjoy lunch on arrival, after which you will have the option of participating in a shared safari activity. Dinner will be served at camp.

Nyamatusi Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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Days 10-11

Mana Pools National Park

On safari! Enjoy a multitude of shared safari activities, including game drives, walking safaris, boating, canoeing and fishing. There’s no better place to enjoy both land and water excursions than here at Nyamatusi.

All meals will be served at camp.

Nyamatusi Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12

Depart Zimbabwe

Today, you will be transferred to the airstrip for  your flight to Harare Airport. Upon arrival, you will check in for your international flights home. Safe travels!

Overnight Flight Meals: Breakfast

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