Zimbabwe Safari IP9C

This luxury 9-night safari offers a bit of everything. From the mighty Victoria Falls to prime game viewing in Hwange National Park and water and land based activities at Matusadona on the shores of Lake Kariba.

2 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
3 Nights Hwange National Park
4 Nights Lake Kariba
10 Days / 9 Nights
Reference: IP-9C
Starts Victoria Falls Airport / Ends Victoria Falls Airport

Total Price 9 Nights (2024): US$ 6587 (low season) | US$ 8843 (high season)
per person sharing

*This package is available between April and Mid November ONLY*

Safari Overview

This luxury 9-night safari offers a bit of everything. From the mighty Victoria Falls to prime game viewing in Hwange National Park and water and land based activities at Matusadona on the shores of Lake Kariba. Charter flights included.

Start with a couple of nights at the luxurious Old Drift Lodge, situated on a private concession within the Zambezi National Park, only a boat ride away from Victoria Falls and all the exciting activities, and 10kms upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls.

Your next three nights are spent on a premier wildlife concession in Hwange National Park at Linkwasha Camp, one of Wilderness Safari’s top of the range luxury safari camps. Experience excellent wildlife and highly experienced guides at this very modern camp located on possibly the best private concession in Zimbabwe.

Your final destination is at Changa Safari Camp on the shores of Lake Kariba, with its breath-taking scenery. This vast man-made lake and the Matusadona National Park are home to fantastic game, good fishing, incredible birdlife and unforgettable sunsets. Four nights at this safari camp allows you to experience the range of land and water based activities on offer. It’s an incredible 10-day journey that will leave you with a longing to return.

Zimbabwe Safari IP9C Inspired Journey Overview

Notes: Day 1 & 2

DAY 1
At the airport, you will be picked up for your road transfer to Old Drift Lodge. This involves a drive into town, and then out towards the Zambezi National Park. It is about 30 to 45 minutes to the jetty, and then a boat transfers takes you 7kms up the river to the lodge jetty. Alternatively, your airport transfer would take you to the park entry gate, then a 3km drive takes you to the lodge. After checking in, enjoy afternoon tea and some rest before going on a relaxed sundowner safari, complete with drinks and snacks.

DAY 2
Old Drift offers a variety of activities including game drives into Zambezi National Park, Guided walking safari, river cruises and a tour of the Victoria Falls, which you can pair up with a lunch at the Lookout Café. You may also use the lodge shuttle to get into town for some of the exciting Victoria Falls activities on offer. Visit our Victoria Falls Activities page, or speak to us about arranging these activities for you.

Victoria Falls

One of the original 7 wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, this spectacle is accessible from both Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine a game viewing and water sports. There is excellent fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world.

Overnight: Old Drift Lodge

Upstream from the iconic Victoria Falls in the Zambezi National Park lies a pristine piece of land on the banks of the Zambezi River. The untouched natural beauty of the park is sprawled over 56 000 breath-taking hectares. The activities offered at Old Drift Lodge emphasise the rich natural environment, focusing on the abundance of wildlife that roam through the Park and swim the Zambezi River. The Zambezi National Park can be explored by road, river or on foot, satisfying guests needs to experience every aspect of this natural utopia.

The main lodge area has 360-degree views, north facing onto the Zambezi & south facing onto a water hole. Only 5 kilometres from the town of Victoria Falls, Old Drift Lodge is one of the closest lodges within the National Park to Victoria Falls. Luxury boats transport guests to our natural utopia where we are able to accommodate safari goers in 10 double suites and 4 family suites.

Old Drift Lodge offers family friendly accommodation, with each air-conditioned suite decorated with stylish furnishings, fitting of the bygone eras, which blend in seamlessly with the natural environment. The spacious canvas en-suite rooms all have a private lounge, indoor and outdoor showers, plunge pool and an outdoor bath overlooking the Zambezi.

Activities at Old Drift

Morning or Afternoon Game Drive
Morning and afternoon game drives in 4 x 4 game viewing vehicles will take you along the Zambezi River through the Zambezi National Park. Game that can be seen include elephants, buffalo, kudu, giraffe, zebra, eland, impala, warthogs, lion, wild dog and on occasions, cheetah. Tea baskets and snacks will be taken on the morning drives and Sundowners and snacks on the afternoon game drives.

Walking Safaris
Morning and afternoon walking safaris will take place along the river but also in the spring lines of Zambezi National Park. Guests will be accompanied by a Professional Guide. Please note that children Under 16 years are not permitted on walking safaris.

Morning or Afternoon River Safari
Old Drift has two luxury 10-seater pontoon boats which will be used for morning and afternoon river safaris. Drinks and snacks will be provided on both safaris.

Guided Tour of the Falls – Zimbabwe (Excluding Rainforest Entry Fees)
A guided tour of “the Victoria Falls” is included in the nightly rate, but excludes park fees which are payable direct. This can be booked in conjunction with a lunch at the Lookout Café. Africa has an air of romance that sets her apart from anywhere else in the world. However, it is upon stepping into the Victoria Falls rainforest that guests are truly swept off their feet. There is no finer ambience than the gentle roar of the waterfall. The trees grow so closely together that their branches entwine, and their soft, wet drip across the stone path that weaves through this natural wonder. Submerge yourself in the fragrance of the fauna and the playful fauna in this enchanting and awe-inspiring space. A guided tour is included in the nightly rate, excluding park fees. Satisfy your wanderlust by visiting the more beautiful of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Notes: Day 3, 4 & 5

DAY 3
There is time for breakfast and an early morning activity before transferring to Victoria Falls airport around mid-morning for your charter flight to Linkwasha Camp in Hwange National Park. This scenic flight takes about 50 minutes followed by a short game drive to camp, which is situated on possibly the best private wildlife concession in Zimbabwe. After welcome drinks and settling into your room you might decide to go on an afternoon game activity or simply relax and savour the wonderful vista, as the animals come down to drink at the waterhole in front of the lodge. Dinner will be served at the main lodge dining area followed by drinks and coffee around the campfire.

DAY 4 & 5
Two full days of game viewing and cultural activities at Linkwasha, tailor-made to suit your needs and influenced by what the wildlife at the time of your visit is doing. Typically, guests take part in early morning and late afternoon activities and then relax during the heat of the day. The waterhole in front of the camp is a magnet for animals and watching this wildlife scene unfold in front of you, from your luxurious room or the main area is extremely rewarding. Please see below details of all the activities available at Linkwasha and arrange these with your camp managers to suit your exact requirements.

Meals consist of early morning tea / coffee and continental breakfast, followed by a big brunch after your activity. Afternoon tea consists of something savoury and something sweet as well as hot and iced tea and coffee to wash it all down with. Dinner is a delicious 3 course affair. Drinks and snacks are provided on all activities.

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species, including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent. Terrain ranges from desert dunes and savannah lands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests.

Overnight: Linkwasha Camp

Linkwasha Camp is situated on a private concession in the best location in Hwange National Park. The camp is situated near the famed Ngamo Plains, which offers fantastic summer game viewing – to add to the already excellent winter viewing from the camp itself; Linkwasha overlooks a pan that is a magnet for game in the dry season.

The fresh, open and airy design of the camp is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors. The nine luxurious en-suite tents (eight twin and one family) all offer uninterrupted views of the waterhole, while the main area includes various multi-level decks and a cosy winter lounge complete with fireplace and library. Shaded salas surround an inviting pool.

Activities at Linkwasha Camp

Game Drives
Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe at 14 651 km² with varied habitats and vegetation types – meaning that game drives are exciting with always something new to be seen. (Wind-resistant ponchos are provided during winter months.)

Walking Safaris
Hwange was proclaimed some 80 years ago and has served as a haven for one of the densest concentrations of game in Africa. There is no better way to experience this park than on foot with one of our experienced safari guides.

Evening Game Drives
The Hwange ‘night-act’ includes nocturnal species such as lesser bushbaby, spotted hyena, leopard, lion, Selous mongoose, pangolin, caracal, porcupine, scrub hare, springhare and even honey badger.

Village Visits
An authentic village experience takes place in a manner that is respectful to all parties. Usually around four hours and guided by one of the local villagers or a Wilderness guide, it often includes a guided tour of the school, meeting the headman or headwoman and enjoying cultural exchanges with the villagers.

Notes: Day 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10

DAY 6
You have a bit of time for an early morning activity at Linkwasha before catching your charter flight to the Airstrip in Kariba. From the airstrip, you will be transferred to the harbour where you will catch a speed boat transfer to Changa Safari Camp. After lunch, relax and take in the beautiful views of Lake Kariba before going on an afternoon boat cruise. After the cruise, return to camp for dinner and stories around the campfire..

DAY 7, 8 & 9
Three full days of activities at Changa, tailor-made to suit your needs and influenced by what the wildlife at the time of your visit is doing. The range of activity options is quite something and each day brings with it excitement and adventure - you won’t want to leave.

Meals consist of early morning tea / coffee and continental breakfast, followed by a big brunch after your activity. Afternoon tea consists of something savoury and something sweet as well as hot and iced tea and coffee to wash it all down with. Dinner is a delicious 3 course affair. Drinks and snacks are provided on all activities.

DAY 10
Sadly, your time at Changa Camp has come to an end. The time will be dependent on flight schedules on the day but at some stage in the morning you will be transferred back to the airstrip for your return charter flight to Victoria Falls and your onward arrangements.

Matusadona National Park

Matusadona National Park is situated on the shores of Lake Kariba but was proclaimed a non-hunting area on 7 November 1958 before the dam was built. It became a Game Reserve in 1963, and in 1975, in terms of the Parks & Wildlife Act, it became a National Park. The Park comprises some 1 400 square kilometres of diverse flora and fauna. Before the lake was built, Matusadona was a vast, rugged wilderness with limited access.

With the lake came ecological changes. One in particular, the lakeshore contributed greatly to the increase of large mammal populations in the area, especially elephant and buffalo. The grass found on the shoreline is Panicum repens and is a rejuvenative grass - needing only fluctuating lake levels to replenish its nutrients. With this ready food source, buffalo, waterbuck, zebra, and even impala have thrived and with them the predators. Matusadona is an Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) and home to several relocated rhinoceros.

Overnight: Changa Safari Camp

With a passion for the wilderness and African wildlife, the Higgins and Preston families have built a dream safari destination on the shores of Lake Kariba in the Matusadona National Park. Situated within a private concession and with our own 4.5 km of lake shore, you can realize the total raw African experience from tastefully furnished, fan cooled, spacious deluxe East African style tented suites. Each suite has its own private deck and stunning views of the mysterious Matusadona Mountains across the inland sea of Lake Kariba.

This rich wilderness area offers exceptional game drives as well as walking and fishing safaris, all in the company of highly trained professional guides. Healthy populations of predators, including lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah as well as elephant, buffalo and antelope frequent the shoreline. Hippos and crocodiles are abundant in the cool waters. If you are very lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the last remaining Black Rhinos. Birdlife is prolific, with 350 species having been identified in the area.

Accommodation at Changa consists of luxury tented suites each individually displaying truly unique African influences, from rustic wood, leather and weavery, against crisp white linen and locally made furniture. Styled with complete comfort in mind each tent has en-suite facilities and “under the stars” outside shower and bath. Whether you choose to relax in the comfort of your tent or enjoy spectacular lake vistas from your own private veranda you will be reminded time and again of the endless beauty around you.

Activities at Changa

Fishing
Kariba is a fisherman’s paradise! Why not try your hand at fighting the renowned Tiger Fish for which people from all over the world return time and time again to catch. Alternatively, bream fishing is always a pleasure and one's daily catch can be returned to you 'a la' snacks.

Bird Watching
Climb on board our pontoon boat and, together with our guide, you can explore the multitude of bays and river inlets where the birdlife is prolific and elephants and antelope abound.

Game Walks
Arguably the best way to experience and feel in touch with the African bush. Our professional guides have a thorough knowledge of the area and, accompanied by them, you can experience Matusadona 'at its best'. Walks are conducted in the early mornings and late afternoons for your comfort.

Game Drive
A leisurely drive in an open safari vehicle is a perfect way to discover the area, and provides an opportunity to see a wider variety of game and scenery as you cover much more ground than on a game walk. Accompanied by your guide, a game drive is a lovely way to spend the morning.

Boat Cruises
At the end of the day, enjoy a refreshing 'sundowner' whilst you marvel at the unequalled beauty of a famous Lake Kariba sunset. Although not plentiful in numbers, some predators, including lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah, as well as the more common elephant, buffalo and antelope species can be seen in the Changa Safari Camp and Matusadona surrounds. Hippos and crocodiles are abundant in the cool waters. If you are very lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the last remaining Black Rhinos. Birdlife is prolific: 350 species have been identified in the area.

Price

Total Price 9 Nights (2024): US$ 6587 (low season) | US$ 8843 (high season)
Per person sharing

Included in this safari

OLD DRIFT LODGE
• Accommodation in a spacious tented suite along the Zambezi River
• All meals and local brand drinks; Mini bar
• Laundry
• Conservation levy
• Lodge activities: Morning and evening game drives; Morning and afternoon boat cruises; Walking safaris; Guided tour of Victoria Falls

LINKWASHA CAMP
• Accommodation in a generous and luxurious tent with views of the waterhole
• All meals and local beverages
• Laundry
• Hwange National Park fees
• Twice daily scheduled camp activities: Morning and evening game drives, Nature walks, Village visits

CHANGA SAFARI CAMP
• Accommodation in luxury safari tents with en-suite facilities and “under the stars” outside shower and bath
• Laundry
• All meals and local drinks and house wine
• Up to 3 activities per day: Game drives; bird watching; boat cruises; fishing and/or sundowners; Walking safari (early morning or late afternoon)
• National Park fees and Conservation Levy

TRANSFERS
• Road and boat transfers between lodges and airports/airstrips in this itinerary
• Air transfers between Victoria Falls, Hwange and Kariba
• All departure taxes for chartered flights

Excluded

• Premium and imported beverages
• Victoria Falls National Park fees

More Travel Information

• Victoria Falls Travel Information
• Victoria Falls Activities
• Hwange National Park Information
• Matusadona National Park

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