Zimbabwe Classics

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Three fantastic national parks await you in Zimbabwe's west. You start your trip at the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, the Victoria Falls. You will stay in a comfortable guest house (category of your choice) very close to the waterfalls and explore the impressive viewpoints from there (either on your own or on a guided tour). We then head south to the unique Hwange and Matobo National Parks. Here, too, you have the choice between various lodges of different categories. The animal-rich Hwange National Park is the largest national park in the country, where you can experience the Big Five and many other African wild animals in their natural environment. Finally, you will discover the unique Matobo National Park, known for its rhinos and a rugged and bizarre granite landscape. Individual changes to the tour itinerary are possible on request and we will be happy to send you a personalized offer.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Victoria Falls
• 3x Hwange
• 2x Matobo

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 7x overnight stay in the Comfort ***/**** category
• 7x breakfast, 5x lunch, 5x dinner
• Transfers according to program
• Sunset boat trip on the Zambezi
• Game drives Hwange National Park
• Activities Matobo 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
• Continuous tour guide

DAY 1: VICTORIA FALLS

SHUTTLE VIC FALLS AIRPORT - HOTEL

At Victoria Falls Airport you will be met personally, usually in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it.

If an explicit pick-up location is stated on your voucher, please go there in good time. The transfer will be carried out by an English-speaking driver and possibly with other people.

DAY 1 TO DAY 3:

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)

BAYETE GUEST LODGE (CLASSIC ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 1 TO DAY 3:

VICTORIA FALLS

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM 195 € PER PERSON

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.

The luxurious Ilala Lodge is just a ten-minute walk from the spectacular Victoria Falls. The town center of Victoria Falls, with its restaurants and numerous souvenir stores, is also just a few minutes' walk away. From many points of the lodge you can admire the spray of the falls. The lush garden of the lodge is occasionally visited by antelopes for a snack. The 73 rooms are equipped with bath/WC, air conditioning, fan, TV, coffee/tea station, hairdryer, safe, balcony or terrace. The lodge also offers a restaurant, a bar, a terrace with a view of the park and a pool.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

ILALA LODGE (CLASSIC ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 1 TO DAY 3 (APPROX. 10 KM):

VICTORIA FALLS

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €780 PER PERSON

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.

Wallow Lodge is situated outside Victoria Falls in a private concession area of the Victoria Falls National Park, bordered by the Masuwe River and the gorges of the Zambezi. The lodge was opened in 2022 and is slightly elevated along the Masuwe River with magnificent views from the spacious main area of the lodge as well as from all tented suites. The main lodge building is spacious and open plan, allowing guests to enjoy the view of the African bush and the animals along the river from the dining area, bar and lounge as well as from the outdoor terrace with pool and fire pit. The 16 tented suites have a bathroom/WC, an additional outdoor shower, a terrace with a view of the river, air conditioning, a fan, a minibar and a tea/coffee maker.

The price includes various activities such as a guided tour to Victoria Falls, game drives in the concession area, sundowners at Batoka Gorge, and a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. Transfers to the city and from/to the airport or train station, as well as local drinks, are also included. All activities and transfers are in English and are carried out with other people.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

THE WALLOW LODGE (SAFARI SUITE)

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

DAY 1: VICTORIA FALLS

SUNSET CRUISE ON RA-IKANE

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.

DAY 2: VICTORIA FALLS

TOUR OF THE FALLS

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 110 € 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 3: VICTORIA FALLS

SHUTTLE VIC FALLS - HWANGE

You will be met and picked up personally in the lobby of your accommodation in Victoria Falls, at the airport or, by arrangement, at a different meeting point in Victoria Falls. At the airport, please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it.
The driver will take you to Hwange Main Camp at the entrance to Hwange National Park.

If an explicit pick-up location is stated on your voucher, please go there in good time. The transfer will be carried out by an English-speaking driver and possibly with other people.

DAY 3 TO DAY 6 (APPROX. 180 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)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 6 ACTIVITIES

DAY 3 TO DAY 6 (APPROX. 280 KM):

HWANGE

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM 730 € PER PERSON

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.

Camp Hwange is situated in a private concession in the middle of the wilderness of Hwange National Park. The open-plan main building and the free-standing tented suites all offer a magnificent view of nature and a waterhole that is frequently visited by elephants and other game. (8 tents: bath/WC, mosquito net, fan, safe, tea/coffee station, WLAN, veranda. Lodge: lounge, veranda, fireplace, restaurant, bar, waterhole)

The price includes transfers from/to Hwange Main Camp, local drinks as well as half or full day game drives in Hwange National Park, walking safaris and night drives on the concession area. Transfers are in an open 4x4 vehicle and the drive takes approximately 2.5 hours. All transfers and activities are in English and are conducted with additional persons.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

CAMP HWANGE 3 NIGHTS PACKAGE (TENTED CHALET)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 6 ACTIVITIES

DAY 3 TO DAY 6 (APPROX. 240 KM):

HWANGE

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €940 PER PERSON

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.

In the eastern part of Hwange National Park, the authentic Somalisa Expeditions offers a pure African feeling! The close-to-nature camp is the perfect blend of African elegance, warm hospitality and untamed wilderness. Dinner is traditionally taken around the campfire under the clear starry sky. The permanent tents have been erected under old acacia trees and are perfectly embedded in nature. (6 tents: bathroom/WC, mosquito net, fan, veranda. Camp: lounge, dining area, bar, boma (traditional campfire dining area), elephant pool.

The price includes transfers from/to Hwange Main Camp, local drinks as well as half or full day game drives in Hwange National Park, walking safaris and night drives.
Transfers are in an open 4x4 vehicle and the drive takes approximately 3 hours. All transfers and activities are in English and are conducted with additional persons.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

SOMALISA EXPEDITIONS 3 NIGHTS PACKAGE (LUXURY TENT)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 6 ACTIVITIES

DAY 6: HWANGE

ONE-WAY TRANSFER TO MATOBO AMALINDA

You will be received personally at the main camp of Hwange National Park or, by arrangement, at a different meeting point. The driver will take you to your lodge at Matobo National Park or, by arrangement, to another meeting point near Matobo or Bulawayo.

If an explicit pick-up location is stated on your voucher, please go there in good time. The transfer will be carried out by an English-speaking driver.

DAY 6 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 310 KM):

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.

The Big Cave Camp is situated on a large granite rock and offers a unique view over the Matobo National Park. The lodge is integrated into the Matobo Mountains and adapted to the rugged granite landscape. The main area, built under a thatched roof, resembles a light-flooded cave. (8 chalets: bath/WC, tea/coffee station, veranda. Lodge: rock pool, fireplace, lounge, bar, 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.

BIG CAVE CAMP ACTIVITY PACKAGE (STANDARD ROOM)

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

DAY 6 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 310 KM):

MATOBO

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €150 PER PERSON

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 service can be booked for an additional charge.

AMALINDA LODGE (DELUXE SUITE)

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

DAY 7: MATOBO

RHINO TRACKING

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 105 € PER PERSON

You drive into Matobo National Park in an open off-road vehicle and set off with your professional guide in search of rhinos. With a bit of luck, you will spot the animals and then continue on foot. Depending on the state of the day and the mood of the animals, you can get very close to the impressive rhinos and observe them at close range.

Please note: The wilderness is not a zoo, so there is no guarantee that you will actually see the rhinos during this tour.

The tour is in English and takes place with other people. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to take part in this activity.
This excursion lasts around 3-4 hours and should be booked in advance during the high season, as places are rarely available at short notice.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 8: MATOBO

ONE-WAY TRANSFER FROM BULAWAYO AIRPORT

For transfers from your accommodation, you will be picked up in the lobby of your hotel or in the entrance area of your guest house at the time stated on the voucher.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally, e.g. at the exit of your boarding gate. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it.

If an explicit pick-up location is mentioned on your voucher, please go there in good time. All transfers are in English and can be carried out with additional persons.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking and are based on the number of participants stated. 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.

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 17 (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to EUR 24 (steak, fish) to EUR 29 (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer or soft drinks cost around EUR 2.80 per cup or glass. Prices may vary upwards or downwards depending on the region or type of restaurant.

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.