This comprehensive 7-day Zimbabwean safari offers participants an exploration of three diverse areas, providing opportunities for natural wonder appreciation, wildlife viewing, and cultural interactions.
Duration: 7 Days
Places to Visit: Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park, Bulawayo
Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Victoria Falls
Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport and transfer to Victoria Falls Town. The town, with a population of about 33,000, serves as the gateway to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Visit the Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The falls are 1.7 km wide and drop 108 meters into the Zambezi Gorge. The local Tonga name for the falls is “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” meaning “The Smoke that Thunders.”
Explore the Victoria Falls Rainforest, home to unique plant species adapted to the constant spray from the falls. Learn about the geological history of the falls and how they’ve shaped the surrounding landscape over millennia. Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The Zambezi is the fourth-longest river in Africa, flowing through six countries before reaching the Indian Ocean.
Visit the Victoria Falls Bridge, built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes’ vision for a Cape-to-Cairo railway. The bridge offers views of the falls and the opportunity to learn about the region’s colonial history. Take a cultural tour of a nearby village to learn about Zimbabwean traditions. Participate in activities like traditional cooking, pottery making, or dance performances. Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about conservation efforts in the area. The trust works on various projects, including anti-poaching initiatives and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Hotel or similar (2 nights)
Day 3-4: Victoria Falls – Hwange National Park
Drive to Hwange National Park (approximately 3 hours), Zimbabwe’s largest national park covering 14,651 square kilometers. Spend two days exploring Hwange’s diverse habitats, from teak forests to open savannah. The park is home to over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species. Take game drives to observe Hwange’s famous elephant herds. The park has one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, with over 40,000 individuals.
Visit the Painted Dog Conservation Center to learn about efforts to protect the endangered African wild dog. Hwange is a stronghold for this species. Learn about the San Bushmen’s historical presence in the Hwange area and their traditional hunting techniques. Participate in a night drive to observe nocturnal animals and learn about celestial navigation techniques used by local guides.Visit a local school supported by tourism to understand educational initiatives in rural Zimbabwe.
Accommodation: The Hide or similar (2 nights)
Day 5-6: Hwange National Park – Matobo National Park
Drive to Matobo National Park (approximately 5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique granite rock formations and rich cultural heritage. Explore the park’s diverse landscapes, including the iconic balancing rocks and ancient San rock art sites. Matobo has over 3,000 registered rock art sites, some dating back 13,000 years. Take a guided walk to track white and black rhinos on foot. Matobo has a successful rhino conservation program. Visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, located at the summit of Malindidzimu, or “World’s View.” Learn about the controversial figure’s impact on Zimbabwean history.
Participate in a cultural tour to learn about the spiritual significance of Matobo to the local Ndebele people. The park is considered a sacred site and is still used for traditional ceremonies. Visit the Amagugu International Heritage Center to learn about Ndebele culture, including traditional music, dance, and crafts. Take a guided birding walk to spot some of Matobo’s 330 recorded bird species, including the highest concentration of black eagles in the world.
Accommodation: Camp Amalinda or similar (2 nights)
Day 7: Matobo National Park – Bulawayo Take a final morning game drive in Matobo National Park.
Drive to Bulawayo (approximately 1 hour), Zimbabwe’s second-largest city with a population of about 650,000. Visit the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, home to an extensive collection of archaeological and ethnographical artifacts. Explore the Bulawayo Railway Museum to learn about the city’s important role in Zimbabwe’s railway history. Take a walking tour of Bulawayo’s city center, known for its wide streets and well-preserved colonial architecture. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Zimbabwean cuisine.
Transfer to Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport for departure.
