Zimbabwe Safari IS9A

Visit three of Zimbabwe's UNESCO World Heritage sites in this 9 night safari through Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Matobo Hills and Great Zimbabwe ruins

3 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
3 Nights Hwange National Park
2 Nights Matobo National Park
1 Night Great Zimbabwe Ruins
10 Days / 9 Nights
Reference: IS-9A
Starts Victoria Falls / Ends Bulawayo Airport

Total Price 9 nights (2024): US$ 3479 (low season) | US$ 3708 (high season)
per person sharing
Based on a minimum of 2 people travelling. The more people travelling (up to a max of 6) the cheaper the cost per person.

Safari Overview

This trip takes you on a tour around the western part of Zimbabwe, starting in Victoria Falls and ending in Bulawayo. You will enjoy the wonderful activities in Victoria Falls; experience some Zimbabwean culture and enjoy great game activities in Hwange; learn some fascinating Zimbabwean history and be captivated by the views of the Matobo Hills; and amazed by historical magnificence of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins - all the while taking in the varying landscape that makes Zimbabwe an irresistible destination. It is a chance to visit three of Zimbabwe's five World Heritage Sites. Getting around to these destinations is ordinarily quite a task but we have teamed up with Travel Africa to provide a vehicle and personal driver and guide to escort you.

Zimbabwe Safari IS9A Inspired Journey Overview

Notes: Day 1, 2 & 3

DAY 1
Upon arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, you will be picked up for your transfer to Bayete Guest Lodge in town, a 30-minute ride on tarred road. Check into your room and relax, or get transport into town. From there, you may take part in any of the activities on offer which we can assist you with booking - activities can be found on our activities page.

DAY 2 & 3
You have a full day to soak up the wonderful atmosphere of Victoria Falls, it is the adventure capital of Africa and there are activities on offer to cater for everyone's needs. View the mighty Falls, partake in the many activities on offer or wander around the streets to do a bit of curio shopping, then finish off at a café for refreshments and a bite to eat. Please have a look at the available Victoria Falls Activities and contact us to arrange a suitable itinerary just for you.

Victoria Falls

One of the original natural 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: Bayete Guest Lodge

Bayete Guest Lodge offers comfortable and affordable accommodation and is situated in the heart of the Victoria Falls Residential Area. The lodge is 2 km away from the Victoria Falls rainforest and 22 km from the airport. Recently renovated, this family run lodge has 25 rooms which are set in a lush tropical garden. Central to the lodge is the large tear drop pool which is hugged by the Caldecott Boma and Ngwezi Tavern. Breakfast is served in the Caldecott Boma every day. Lunch and dinner are also available on special request and are delicious home cooked meals. Buffets and BBQ's are available for group bookings or by special request.

Notes: Day 4, 5 & 6

DAY 4
On this day, you will have your breakfast at Bayete Guest Lodge, and then you will be picked up for your drive out to Hwange. Ivory Lodge is about 180 kilometres from Victoria Falls town, mostly on tarred road up to the highway turnoff which is a few kilometres from the lodge. Check into your room and have lunch. The rest of your afternoon is at your own leisure, but spending some time in the private safari hide overlooking the salt lick and waterhole is highly recommended. Later, you will be taken on a game drive on the 6000-acre concession which will be concluded with sundowner drinks and snacks overlooking the Dete vlei. To follow, you will be driven back to camp after sunset for the opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals. A 3-course dinner will be served at the Captain's Table.

DAY 5
An early wake-up call with tea/coffee starts your day before a full day game drive into Hwange National Park. A packed breakfast will be provided before you head off in an open game drive vehicle. It is an estimated 45-minute drive from Ivory Lodge to the Main park gate. You will be provided with wind breaker, fleece lined ponchos to keep you warm during the drive. You will also be offered teas and coffee's overlooking the waterhole at Nyamandlovu Pan, as well as lunch and snacks later on. In the late afternoon, you will go back to the lodge for some rest, sundowners and snacks in the hide before dinner.

DAY 6
After a full continental breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the Dete Old Age home. This will allow you to interact with some of the elderly patrons of the Hwange region. The Local Village tour is a cultural experience for you to get first-hand experience of what life is like in a local African village, or if you prefer you can visit the Painted Dog Conservation centre. On your return to Ivory Lodge, lunch will be served and you have a chance to relax and enjoy your surroundings before a late afternoon game drive on the lodge's concession, which ends with sundowner drinks and snacks overlooking the Dete vlei. You will be driven back to camp after sunset for the opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals. Once at camp, continue with pre-dinner drinks in the hide or at the lodge campfire. A 3-course dinner will be served at the Captain's Table.

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, and visitors have the choice of game drives, guided walks or horseback safaris as a means of experiencing the park and its creatures.

Overnight: Ivory Lodge

A small intimate lodge featuring 7 luxurious tree houses and 2 Presidential Elephant Suites set on elevated platforms amongst the indigenous flora of Hwange National Park. Deep in the mystical teak forests of Hwange is this unobtrusive camp, bathed in the tales of pioneering hunters and explorers such as Fredrick Courtney Selous. Lumbering giants drift around your stilted platforms, their tusks glinting in salute to the sanctuary of shade offered up by these massive trees.

This is Ivory Lodge – place of elephants. It is here that great herds of elephants are found – sometimes over 100 strong.

Hwange is renowned for its huge tuskers – big old bulls with magnificent tusks. It is also here that the famous Presidential Herd drinks – these elephants' home-range is amongst the dense feeding areas of the Sikumi Vlei and where they find refuge from the scorching heat at Ivory's water hole.

Silently, elegantly, the lodge stands over the waterhole. Watch by flood light under a star spangled African night sky – the elephants in their play-fighting; their display of instinctive rituals; their caressing and murmurings.

Activities at Ivory Lodge

Game Drives
Morning, afternoon & full day game drives can be arranged on the concession and into the National Park. An abundance of game species can be spotted within the concession and National Park including Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Cheetah, Zebra, Sable, Wild Dog, Leopard and much more! Within the concession, evening game drives can be arranged with a sunset stopover for sundowners and your choice of beverage. Returning to the lodge by spotlight to find those elusive night animals & arriving back in camp in time to freshen up for dinner.

Walking Safari
After a fireside coffee and delicious muffins, journey into the bush on foot with your professional guide on a walking safari. Enjoy the early crisp mornings as you discover the wonders of the African bush and witness its wildlife come to life. Starting time is first light. Walking Safaris are carried out on our private concession of 6000 acres and are weather dependent. Walking Safaris only available upon request during reservation.

Painted Dog Conservation Centre
Zimbabwe boasts one of the largest populations of this endangered species. A visit to the Hwange Research Centre to learn more about these beautiful painted dogs and the rehabilitation, research and conservation efforts surrounding the centre is highly recommended. There is no entry fee charged but the program kindly asks visitors to either buy something from the curio shop with proceeds going to the program or welcomes any donations.

Culture & Community
Zimbabwe offers a rich, dynamic culture and through the support of our non-profit project 'The Mother Africa Trust' we offer visits to local clinics, rural schools and the Dete Old Age Home. A fantastic way to get to know the friendly people and culture of Zimbabwe!

Pan Sits
Spend the day, half a day relaxing near the pan with full waiter service and watch the animals as they get up close and personal.

Notes: Day 7 & 8

DAY 7
On this day you will have a Continental or Full English Breakfast at Ivory Lodge. You may want to spend some time in the hide before you check out and depart at 10am. You will be picked up for your transfer out to Matobo Hills, a 4-hour drive via Bulawayo and onto Matobo Hills. You will arrive in the early afternoon, and may decide to do one of the activities (not included in this package) or relax and then later have drinks while you chill and watch the sun set over the hills before dinner.

DAY 8
On this full day at Matobo Hills you have a choice from various activities which include game viewing or rhino tracking, a visit to Worlds' View/Rhodes Grave, bush walk, bike trails, and cultural activities which includes visiting the famous San rock art galleries in the mountain caves. These are the highest concentrations of rock art found anywhere in the world. These activities are not included and best arranged at check-in with your hosts.

Matobo National Park

Idyllically located in the spectacular Matobo Hills, the renowned Matobo National Park is known for its rich human history, its remarkably diverse flora and fauna and its magnificent rugged terrain. This unspoiled natural wilderness features a range of massive red-tinged, granite boulders interspersed with gorgeous wooded valleys making it a dream destination for hikers, climbers and nature lovers alike. The reserve is compact, easily accessible and is home to an impressive range of African wildlife including the highly endangered black and white rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hippo, warthog and crocodile as well as Africa's largest concentration of leopard and black eagles. This unforgettable national park serves as an ideal stopover for travellers heading to the popular tourist sites of Hwange and the majestic Victoria Falls.

Overnight: Farmhouse Matopos

The Farmhouse Lodge is located 48 kms from the city of Bulawayo on the Matopos road in the heart of the Matopos World Heritage site. Both the Farmhouse lodge and restaurant provide the ideal location from which visitors can discover the many natural wonders of the Matobo Hills. Guests can participate in the many activities offered at the Lodge or arrange their own trips in the area.

The private property has undergone a redevelopment program which included the introduction of additional wildlife species. Granite Ridge Wildlife Reserve now offers an upgraded Farmhouse Lodge, World View Campsite and a new range of activities on offer. Activities include mountain biking that will enthuse the more adventurous, whilst a leisurely sunset game drive gets you to relax and soak up the scenery.

The Farmhouse guests are accommodated in 12 thatched Cape Dutch style cottages which are built on the fringe of a majestic granite outcrop. Each individual cottage has a twin bedded bedroom, en-suite shower, toilet and wash-hand basin, open plan lounge with tea/coffee facilities and fridge.

Activities at Farmhouse Matopos (These activities are not included in the package price)

Bush Walk
Follow the wildlife trails with one of our guides, for an informative walk through the African bush. Visit either the Bushman cave paintings, ancient grain bins or Iron Age iron smelter. Track the wild animals to try and approach on foot.

Game Drives
Conducted in open Safari vehicles, take a leisurely drive in search of the game living on the Wildlife reserve. As dawn breaks, capture some wildlife photos with a sunrise back drop and return for a hearty breakfast. The sunset drive leaves late in the afternoon to view the animals coming to the waterholes for the last drink of the day. Finish with your sundowner drinks, snacks and a short night drive home.

Rhino Tracking
This activity takes place inside the Matobo National Park. Guests can enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to creep up on these wonderful animals on foot once the correct area has been located by the professional guide.

Mabazvi Climb
Your own activity, where you can climb the rocky outcrop behind the Farmhouse Lodge. When reaching the top, you are greeted by spectacular views of the National Park.

Mounting Biking
Ride the challenging dirt trails and rocky paths to get your exercise for the day.

Caveman Paintings
Visit the interesting cave paintings found on the Farmhouse property. Take a leisurely guided hike to paintings that have been around for 10,000 years. Look for Black eagles along the way.

Rhodes Grave and World's View
Cecil John Rhodes was extremely fond of the Matobo Hills, and he set up a trust, which administered the newly formed "Rhodes Matopos National Park". He also funded a railway line, in his own words "to make a short railway line....So that the people may enjoy the glory of the Matopos from Saturday to Monday". Rhodes died in 1902 in Muizenberg, in the Cape. His body was brought up via rail, and then the body was transported on the back of a gun carriage drawn by a team of oxen. Also buried at Worlds View as it was better known, is Leander Starr Jameson (Rhodes partner in crime in the infamous Jameson raid), as well as Allan Wilson and the 34 men killed on the banks of the Shangani river, while in pursuit of king Lobengula. Worlds view is also the spiritual home for the Ndebele people and so named Malindidzimu. The Ndebele chiefs requested that guns not be fired at the funeral as tradition would have, but rather sent him on his way with the royal salute "Bayete".

Notes: Day 9 & 10

DAY 9
On this day, you will have your breakfast early before your 8am departure to Great Zimbabwe, a 5-hour drive on tarred road. After your arrival at Romelda Retreat, enjoy the afternoon touring the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, which are just 40 minutes away from the hotel. A 1-hour sunset cruise is included in your stay. You will overnight at Romelda.

DAY 10
Wake up for your breakfast as you will have an early departure to Bulawayo, or drive through to Victoria Falls for your onward flight.

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Once Zimbabwe's capital, the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe is the biggest and most significant stone archaeological complex in sub-Saharan Africa. It is also one of its oldest – thought to date back to the 11th century and second only to South Africa's Mapungwe. Composed entirely of rectangular granite blocks stacked on top of one another without the use of mortar, the walls and towers of the city measure up to 12 metres in places, and it is unsurprising that Great Zimbabwe was designated a World Heritage Site in 1986.

Overnight: Romelda Retreat

Romelda Lakeside Retreat is located on the foothills of the Glenlivet mountain range, which borders Lake Mutirikwi (formerly Lake Kyle) between two rivers, Mutirikwi and Popoteke. The lodge allows families, groups, and couples to enjoy Zimbabwe's best-kept secrets being a short drive from the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Kyle Recreational Park, and other historical and cultural landmarks within the area.

Built with comfort and practicality in mind, the tents each face the open and vast views over the lake, with unimpeded views of the spectacular sunsets.

Activities Around Romelda Retreat (These are not included in the package price)

Visit Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Visiting the Great Zimbabwe Ruins is one of the highlights of the Masvingo area, and relatively easy to get to from Romelda Lakeside Retreat. A 40km drive either back through Masvingo town and on the Main Beitbridge Road or over Murray McDougall Drive, around the lake, through the traditional farmlands and over the Dam Wall. National Monuments charge a small fee for entrance and the option to take a guided tour.

Track Wild Rhino
Romelda Lakeside Retreat offers an exclusive activity where you enter the National Park by boat, approximately 30-minutes from the lodge, and met by the parks scout and a walking guide. From there, a short vehicle ride from the drop-off point at Mturikwi picnic site, through the Mopane forests and over the granite hills into the park Savannah lands, you begin your tracking! During the drive keep an eye out for the prolific numbers of plains game; wildebeest, giraffe, buffalo, zebra and impala are most typical but many other species are in the park.

Price

Total Price for 9 nights (2024): US$ 3479 (low season) | US$ 3708 (high season)
Per person sharing
Based on a minimum of 2 people travelling. The more people travelling (up to a max of 6) the cheaper the cost per person.

Included in this safari

BAYETE GUEST LODGE
• Accommodation in a trendy and comfortable room
• Breakfast daily

IVORY LODGE
• Accommodation in an elevated tree house with views of the African bush
• All meals and local beverages
• Two activities per day (Half day game drive; Full day game drive; Visit to the painted dog conservancy; Village tour; Walking safaris (on request); Game Count (on request)
• Laundry
• Conservation fee and National parks fee

FARMHOUSE MATOPOS
• Accommodation in a thatched Cape Dutch style cottage
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

ROMELDA RETREAT
• Accommodation in a tented room overlooking Lake Mutirikwe in a superb natural woodland surrounding
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Soft drinks
• Sunset cruise

TRANSFERS
• All road transfers

Excluded

PARK FEES
• National Park fees (except at Ivory Lodge)
• Activities other than at Ivory Lodge
• Meals and drinks other than those stated

More Travel Information

• Victoria Falls Travel Information
• Victoria Falls Activities
• Great Zimbabwe Information
• Hwange National Park Information

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