Wild Zimbabwe

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Zimbabwe is breathtakingly wild and pristine, like hardly any other country in southern Africa. Discover first-class tourist highlights such as the Victoria Falls or the Great Zimbabwe Monuments and experience unforgettable safaris in the country's animal-rich national parks. The beautiful Gonarezhou National Park with its countless elephants is far from the classic tourist routes and Hwange offers an incomparable wealth of species. Individual changes to the itinerary or the rental car category are possible on request; we will be happy to send you a personalized offer. A four-wheel drive vehicle is required for this route. Although the main roads on this tour are paved throughout and in an acceptable condition, the access roads to some lodges are unpaved and partly sandy. If necessary, transfers to the lodges that are difficult to access can be arranged on request.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 1x Harare
• 1x Eastern Highlands
• 3x Gonarezhou
• 2x Masvingo
• 2x Matobo
• 2x Hwange
• 1x Victoria Falls

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 12x overnight stay in the Comfort ***/**** category
• 12x breakfast, 7x lunch, 10x dinner
• 1x rental car class N (Toyota Hilux D-Cab 4×4 Automatic or similar)
• Game drive in Gonarezhou National Park
• Activities Matobo National Park
• Game drives Hwange National Park
• Comprehensive travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Flight performance
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Additional costs for rental car (conditions see below)

DAY 1 TO DAY 2:

HARARE

On arrival at Harare airport or at the agreed station, you will receive your rental car. Harare is the green capital of the country and, despite its population of over one million, exudes a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The city is located in the highlands of Zimbabwe, around 1500 meters above sea level, so the temperatures are still moderate and pleasant even in midsummer. Harare is not only the political but also the cultural and economic center of Zimbabwe. The city offers good shopping opportunities, a varied nightlife and, with the Queen Victoria Museum and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, two world-class institutions that are well worth seeing.

York Lodge is a charming lodge in a quiet location. The beautiful garden with pool invites you to relax. All of the city's sights can be reached quickly by car. (19 rooms: bath/WC, heating, fan, TV, hairdryer, WLAN. Lodge: restaurant, bar, pool, garden, fitness area, lounge with book corner, laundry service).

YORK LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 2 TO DAY 3 (APPROX. 210 KM):

EASTERN HIGHLANDS

The Eastern Highlands are something like the Garden of Eden of Zimbabwe. The fertile highlands stretch along the border with Mozambique from Nyanga National Park in the north via the provincial capital Mutare near the Bvumba Mountains to Chimanimani. Unique mountain landscapes, impressive waterfalls, centuries-old ruins and rural idylls await you here. Nature lovers will get their money's worth with hiking, fishing, horse riding and mountain biking.

You stay at the beautiful Musangano Lodge, nestled between wooded hills and striking cliffs. The cozy chalets are detached on the large property and offer fantastic views over the landscape. The spacious grounds of Musangano Lodge offer a variety of activities such as cycling and hiking trails, sports fields and playgrounds as well as a large pool. The lodge also works very closely with the local communities and can arrange farm tours or village visits on request, which offer a very authentic insight into the life of the Zimbabweans. (These visits should definitely be arranged a few weeks before arrival)
About 30 minutes by car from Mutare and centrally located in the Eastern Highlands, the lodge is an excellent starting point for excursions into the Bvumba Mountains with their mountain forests or into the valleys and mountains of Nyanga with their many prehistoric quarry stone structures.
(10 chalets: bath/WC, tea/coffee station, fridge, TV, fireplace, veranda, WLAN. Lodge: garden, pool, terrace, restaurant, playground)

MUSANGANO LODGE (CHALET )

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 3 TO DAY 6 (APPROX. 340 KM):

GONAREZHOU

The 5,000 km² Gonarezhou National Park is more wild and undeveloped than almost any other national park in southern Africa, given the small number of accommodations. Gonarezhou means "place of the elephants" and with over 12,000 of the imposing pachyderms, it lives up to its name. The park is also home to all the big cats, African wild dogs, thousands of buffaloes, kudus, impalas, waterbucks, hippos and zebras. However, the animals are not as accustomed to vehicles as in other parks and the poaching of the past has also left its mark. In addition to the animals, Gonarezhou impresses with a fascinating variety of landscapes, the impressive highlight undoubtedly being the Chilojo Cliffs. The viewpoint of the cliffs is located directly on the 170-metre-high steep edge of these eroded sandstone cliffs and offers a breathtaking view. The river winds like a thin ribbon through what appears to be a completely untouched primeval landscape.

Chilo Gorge Lodge enjoys a fantastic location on a cliff and is only separated from Gonarezhou National Park by the Save River. From the spacious terrace you can enjoy the view over the river at breakfast, where hippos and crocodiles love to frolic on the sandbanks. (10 chalets: shower/WC, fan, minibar, tea/coffee station, hairdryer, safe, mosquito net, veranda. Lodge: pool, terrace, viewing platform, lounge, restaurant, bar, fireplace lounge, WLAN)

The price includes various activities during your stay, e.g. day trip to the Chilojo Cliffs, game drives, hikes, village visits, bird watching or sundowners. All activities are in English and are carried out with other people.

CHILO GORGE LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 3 ACTIVITIES

DAY 6 TO DAY 8:

MASVINGO

The historic ruins of Great Zimbabwe are located a few kilometers south of Masvingo and were once the capital of the defunct Monomotapa Empire. Zimbabwe translates as "Great Stone Houses" and parts of this once mighty city can still be seen today. Great Zimbabwe's heyday is dated to the 11th to 15th centuries and the remaining walls and towers still give an idea of its former wealth and power. The ruins have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.

On the northern shore of Lake Mutirikwi (Lake Kyle) about 30 km outside Masvingo lies the highly recommended new owner-managed lodge Romeldas Lakeside Retreat. You stay in one of six tent chalets on the lakeshore, some of which are on stilts, all of which have their own bathroom/WC, a fan, a tea/coffee station and a private veranda with a view of the lake. The accommodation offers a cozy bar, a restaurant, a pool, a viewing deck, a fireplace, free Wi-Fi and a terraced camping area with sanitary facilities and electricity a little further away from the main building. The small, tranquil site has been lovingly landscaped and planted, and there are boat trips and other activities on offer (for a fee).

ROMELDA LAKESIDE RETREAT (TENTED ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 8 TO DAY 10:

MATOBO

The unique Matobo National Park south of Bulawayo is the oldest game reserve in the country. It is best known for its population of white and black rhino. It is also home to antelopes, big cats, giraffes and zebras. Matobo impresses with its striking granite rocks. Huge, round granite spheres can be found here and sometimes they balance on top of each other as if stacked by a giant. The grave of the British explorer Cecil Rhodes is located in the middle of huge boulders at the so-called World's View and numerous caves in the park are dotted with ancient rock paintings by the indigenous people.

Stay at the luxurious Amalinda Lodge just a few minutes from the national park. The main building and the chalets blend harmoniously into the rugged landscape with their natural building materials of granite, clay and thatch. The pool is also integrated into the natural rocks and offers a fantastic view over the landscape. (9 chalets: bathroom/WC, mosquito net, fan, minibar, tea/coffee station, veranda. Lodge: pool, terrace, lounge, bar, fireplace, restaurant.

This package includes two lodge activities per night, for example excursions to the sights of Matobo National Park, rhino tracking or village visits. All activities are in English and are carried out with other people.

AMALINDA LODGE ACTIVITY PACKAGE (STANDARD SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 10 TO DAY 12 (APPROX. 340 KM):

HWANGE

The almost 15,000 km² Hwange National Park is located in the foothills of the Kalahari and is the most important nature reserve in Zimbabwe. The park's dense animal population includes over 40,000 elephants, 17,000 buffaloes, 6,000 impalas, 5,000 other antelopes and kudus, as well as 3,000 giraffes. Cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, lions, waterbucks and many other animals of southern Africa are also at home here. The whole area is an almost flat savannah, with few natural waterholes and sparse vegetation, especially in the west. The best time for good game viewing is the dry season in winter from May to October.

The rustic Ivory Lodge is located in a private concession right next to Hwange National Park. There are no fences between the parks, so the animals can move freely. However, the camp is fenced, making it suitable for families with children. The chalets are all built on wooden platforms and have a beautiful view of the landscape and the waterhole in front of the camp. (9 chalets: bath/WC, fan, mosquito net, veranda. Lodge: restaurant and lounge, pool, observation stand with view of a waterhole, bar)

The price includes two activities per night (game drives, walking safaris), local drinks and laundry service. The transfers and activities are in English and are carried out with other people.

IVORY LODGE (STANDARD TREE HOUSE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 12 TO DAY 13:

VICTORIA FALLS

The mighty Victoria Falls are located directly on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and are without doubt one of the main attractions of southern Africa - a natural wonder that is second to none! The locals call the mighty waterfall "Mosi-oa-Tunya", which translates as "thundering smoke" and describes the natural spectacle very aptly. The Zambezi River plunges abruptly into a 110-metre-deep gorge over a length of more than one kilometer, producing an enormous spray that can be seen for miles depending on the season and water level. On Zimbabwe's side of the falls, a paved circular path leads directly along the gorge and offers a constantly changing view of the water masses from 16 different vantage points.

You will stay at the cozy Bayete Guest Lodge, which is situated on the outskirts of Victoria Falls. This beautiful and stylish lodge is run as a family business. Many attractions in the area and the town center can be reached on foot in about 30 minutes. (25 rooms: bath/WC, coffee/tea station, air conditioning. Lodge: garden, pool with sun deck, bar, dinner on request)

Please return your rental car to the Victoria Falls airport or the agreed station at least two hours before departure.

BAYETE GUEST LODGE (CLASSIC ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 12 (APPROX. 30 KM): VICTORIA FALLS

SUNSET CRUISE ON RA-IKANE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 115 € PER PERSON

You take a sunset cruise on the upper part of the Zambezi River and have the opportunity to spot hippos, elephants and crocodiles as well as numerous bird species. As the sun slowly sinks, you can enjoy a cool drink and savor the wonderful moment.
The Ra-Ikane is a small, exclusive boat for a maximum of 16 people. It was named after Lazarus Ra-Ikane, the guide of Victoria Falls explorer David Livingstone, and is modeled on the boat of the mission at the time.

You will be picked up at your accommodation for the activity and brought back after the tour. The tour lasts approx. 2 hours, the national park fee is included in the price. The tour language is English and other people take part in this activity.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 12: VICTORIA FALLS

TOUR OF THE FALLS

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 100 € PER PERSON

On this tour, you will get up close to the mighty Victoria Falls. Together with a local guide, you will visit the various viewpoints on the paved circular trail along the gorge. During these impressive views of the masses of water, you will learn a lot about the geological formation of the Victoria Falls and the history of their discovery by the British David Livingstone from your guide.

You will be picked up at your accommodation for the activity and brought back after the tour. The tour lasts approx. 2 hours, the national park fee is included in the price. The tour language is English and other people take part in this activity.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 13 (APPROX. 190 KM): VICTORIA FALLS

CANOPY TOUR

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 85 € PER PERSON

Experience the Victoria Falls and the deep gorge of the Zambezi from a completely different perspective! A network of nine ziplines, hiking trails and a rope bridge leads you through the dense forest along the mighty gorge and to unique viewpoints of the Zambezi, the spray of the Victoria Falls and the imposing Victoria Falls Bridge.

You will be picked up at your accommodation for the activity and brought back after the tour. The tour lasts approx. 2.5 hours and the national park fee is included in the price. The tour language is English and other people take part in this activity.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. A tourist visa must be obtained upon entry. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may need to carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

Apart from a few regions above 1200m, Zimbabwe is an area at risk of malaria. Please ask your doctor whether prophylaxis is advisable for you.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

Left-hand traffic prevails on the roads of southern Africa.

CAR RENTAL CONDITIONS FROM EUROPCAR

We will provide you with the conditions on request.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs around EUR 7 (small salad, soup) to EUR 13 (pizza, pasta, burger) per person, a dinner around EUR 18 (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to EUR 25 (steak, fish) to EUR 31 (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer or soft drinks cost around EUR 3.00 per cup or glass. Prices may vary upwards or downwards depending on the region or type of restaurant.

A liter of fuel (petrol or diesel) costs around EUR 1. Allow around EUR 128 for fuel for this trip.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.