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UK: 01473 89049910 days from £2935pp plus international flights.
If you have limited time yet want to appreciate the many facets of Zimbabwe this is the trip for you. You are treated to classic 4x4 safaris in Hwange National Park plus in-depth nature walks, have a chance to track endangered rhinos on Matobo and to visit a Matabele homestead to meet local people, then round it all off with the magnificent Victoria Falls where you have a choice of activities from guided tours to scenic flights. It's a little gem of a holiday!
You fly into Bulawayo airport and are met by a representative of our local partner who welcomes you to Zimbabwe. You are driven south for an hour or so to Amalinda Lodge in Matobo National Park where you spend the next three nights. There's time to settle in, unpack your bags in your spacious room and get your bearings, meet fellow guests and become acquainted with the staff. Later you sit down to a communal dinner round the Captain's Table, made from refurbished sleepers from the Cape to Cairo railway and quite a feature of the lodge. Full board
Matobo National Park is blessed with populations of both black and white rhino, making it a very special place. Amalinda arranges rhino tracking by vehicle and on foot. It is a real privilege to find yourself close these endangered wild animals. You can also go for guided walks near the lodge in search of, among others, zebra, impala, kudu, wildebeest and numerous birds. The park has one of Africa's largest concentration of leopard though these can prove elusive. If you'd like to a feel for human life here a guide can take you to a Matabele homestead or you could take the 'My beautiful home' bike tour to visit a local family and enjoy their hospitality. Full board
This area has a rich human history and while here you should take advantage of a tour to view San Bushman rock art. Looking at these paintings you feel a close connection with the artists despite the passage of some 1,500 years and your guide can help you understand the significance the images and depictions. You might like to combine this with an excursion to the 'view of the world', a site long sacred to local Matabele people and the site of the tomb of Cecil John Rhodes. It's a beautiful location and a wonderful place from which to watch the sunset. Full board
It's time to travel to your next destination. The drive to Hwange National Park is a long one of about five hours, and you generally set off after breakfast arriving at Khulu Bush Camp in time for lunch, though if you leave later a packed lunch is provided and there is drinking water on board the vehicle. On arrival you are shown the camp and have the choice of a safari or a restful afternoon relaxing on the deck as you sip a cooling drink from the bar and watch animals at waterhole. Later, after dinner you can gather around the firepit and enjoy some conversation and star gazing. Full board
Half and full day game drives enable you to explore Hwange and view its game. This is the largest reserve in Zimbabwe and has an impressive range of game including giraffe, zebra and elephant with lion and wild, or painted, dog among the predators. Plains, woodlands and desert dunes provide photogenic backdrops so you should keep your camera close at hand. If you'd like to learn more about wild dogs a visit to the painted dog conservation centre is a must. Staff can tell you about research, rehabilitation and conservation programmes and you may be able to see some of the creatures in their care. Full board
A walking safari is a great way to get close to nature. You are woken early to enjoy a hot drink and cakes by the firepit and then, as the day dawns, you set off on foot with your guide. You witness the light becoming stronger as the sun rises and the bush comes to life. You guide points out signs that you otherwise miss which tell of the recent presence of animals and you can pick up some of his extensive knowledge as you walk in the camp's private concession. Later you can embark on another 4x4 safari or visit nearby Dete village which the camp supports through its Mother Africa Trust, to meet local people and learn about their lives and culture. Full board
You have a relatively short drive of under two hours to your new home, 528 Victoria Falls. The guest house is a mere 3kms from the falls so you can hop into a taxi this afternoon and see them for yourself. Alternatively you may want to save that treat for tomorrow and spend a quiet afternoon at the guest house today, relaxing by the swimming pool and chatting to other travellers in the rooftop bar. This evening you can take you pick of the nearby restaurants for dinner. Breakfast
A guide tour of the falls is on the cards if you didn't do this yesterday. They are a stunning sight and a reminder of the power of nature. All sorts of activities are available in Victoria Falls town from scenic flights to white water rafting and bungee jumping to Zambezi River cruises. The guest house's owners and staff can advise on the different options to help you make the most of your time here. They can also reserve you a table for dinner, useful if you are planning to be out most of the day. Breakfast
It's time to pack you bags and prepare for your journey home. You are collected from the guest house and driven the short distance to Victoria Falls International Airport to check in for your flight home. Breakfast
Guide price from (pp sharing): £2935 (ex. international flights) Price notes: Includes: 8 nights twin share accommodation; fully inclusive in Matobo and Hwange - all meals, local drinks, activities, park and conservation fees; bed and breakfast in Victoria Falls; arrival transfer from Bulawayo Airport on day 1 and all subsequent transfers in a private vehicle; departure taxes.
Excludes: International flights and taxes; visas; vaccinations; travel insurance; optional activities; lunch, dinner and drinks in Victoria Falls; personal spending; tips.
Getting there: This holiday starts in Bulawayo and ends in Victoria Falls. Return flights from the UK cost from around £800, depending on season and availability. We usually book these flights for you. |
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Find the best time to visit Zimbabwe
Time: GMT + 2 hours
Flight time: Flights from UK to Harare or Victoria Falls are usually via Johannesburg and can take 12+ hours, although once the new Victoria Falls airport is fully operational there may be an option of direct flights – watch this space.
Language: English is the official language of Zimbabwe. Shona or Ndebele are also widely spoken by the majority of the population.
Visas: Visas are required for UK passport holders and can be obtained on entry into Zimbabwe.
Health: Malaria is a risk in many areas of Zimbabwe.
Tribes Travel,The Old Dairy, Wood Farm, Ipswich Road, Otley, Suffolk, IP6 9JW. Office hours: Mon - Fri: 9am to 5.30pm Telephone: 01473 890499
