Two Weeks in Zimbabwe Wildlife and Luxury
Zimbabwe is a premier destination for your African adventure! Hitting three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and one of the Natural Wonders of the World, there will be no shortage of incredible landscapes and wildlife sightings! Your journey starts in Matobo Hills National Park with its iconic granite kopjes, also home to a thriving population of Black and White Rhinoceros. Up next is a stop in Victoria Falls to experience the sheer power of this natural wonder, before continuing on to Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hwange National Park! Finally, you will head to the iconic Mana Pools National Park, home to standing elephants and unforgettable experiences on foot! This itinerary is perfect for the adventurous travelers who love a splash of luxury, whether you’re traveling solo, couples,or with friends!
Day 1-3: Arrival and Matobo National Park
Welcome to Zimbabwe, the Jewel of Africa! Your adventure starts in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city, you will be greeted at the airport with a warm welcome before being transferred to the beautiful Amalinda Lodge. Nestled into the rocks of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Matobo Hills, and built inside an ancient bushman’s shelter, you will be able to feel the rich history.
While you won’t find the big five in Matobo, you will find a healthy population of Africa’s most endangered species, the rhino. Matobo National Park offers a unique opportunity to track rhinos on foot, under the supervision of the ever important National Park scouts, this is a truly memorable experience! In addition to this you will find a wide array of activities to immerse yourself in the history and heritage of the region. Take a bicycle ride through African homesteads and visit a Matabele village, explore the thousands of years old cave paintings by the San Bushman, or hike up to the tomb of Cecil John Rhodes and learn the history of Zimbabwe!
In between all of your activities be sure to check out the famous granite rock infinity pool and enjoy a delicious cocktail, or schedule a relaxing spa session!
Day 4: Goodbye Matobo, Hello Victoria Falls
Say goodbye to Matobo and get ready for the next leg of your adventure! You will be transferred back to Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo in Bulawayo where you will catch a quick flight to Victoria Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World! Upon arrival you will be transferred to the luxurious Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing or take a tour of Victoria Falls and learn about its immense power and biodiversity. Cap off your afternoon with a helicopter tour over the falls. Have a delicious dinner and get a great night’s sleep because the real safari starts tomorrow!
Day 5-7: Private Concession Just Outside of Hwange National Park
This morning you are headed to a beautiful private concession just outside Hwange National Park. After about an hour and a half drive you will arrive at Sable Valley Lodge and be welcomed with smiling faces, cool towels, and a refreshing beverage! After settling into your room, you can have a light lunch, lounge by the pool, or check out the iconic hide before your evening game drive.
Hwange is a big five national park renowned for its massive elephant population and exceptional game viewing, especially in the dry season! You will also find dense lion and leopard populations, endangered African wild dogs, large herds of buffalo, cheetah, over 95 other species of mammals, and 400 recorded bird species! No fences separate the park and the private concessions so all of the wildlife are free to move wherever they please, which is why staying on a private concession is a great choice and provides a more intimate game viewing experience.
For the next two days you have the opportunity to explore the concession or venture into the National Park. Two daily game drives are included, a full day drive can be arranged if you are feeling adventurous. If you do go into the park, don’t forget to stop at the craft market just outside the entrance to pick up some souvenirs!
If you truly want to immerse yourself in nature, a starbed sleepout can be booked as an add on, perfect for a romantic evening under the stars!
Private safari vehicles can be arranged at all locations if you would prefer a more exclusive and tailored experience.
Day 8-9: Hwange National Park
From the private concession you will be transferred to your new accommodation inside of Hwange National Park. You will be staying at the luxurious Somalisa Camp, where you will be met with luxury tented suites, all with their own fireplace, copper bath, indoor and outdoor showers, and a private viewing deck! This gorgeous property also embraces sustainability and holds The first GOLD Green Tourism Certification to be awarded by Zimbabwe.
When you’re not on a game drive or bush walk, enjoy the lounge, pool, and bar area that overlooks the Elephant Pool. Enjoy all inclusive food and drinks, the wonderful staff will assure you never go hungry or thirsty!
Staying inside of the national park allows you to explore further and slow down!
Day 10-13: Mana Pools National Park
It is an early morning as it is time to leave Hwange and fly to Mana Pools National Park, your third and final UNESCO World Heritage Site of the trip. You will be met by your guide from Nyamatusi Camp, who will take you back to camp to get settled in. Nyamatusi has sweeping views of the Zambezi River, which you will also be able to see from your stunning tented suite! Each suite is equipped with air conditioning and a private plunge pool, spend your down time in comfort and see what visitors may come by. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful main camp area and ask to have dinner in the wine cellar, before you enjoy the evening sharing stories by the fire pit.
You have three full days to explore this incredible park! If you are into walking, Mana Pools is the place for you, combine game drives and bush walks for an incredible hybrid experience and participate in dangerous game approaches, with your highly trained guide! Keep your fingers crossed that you will see Boswell or one of the other famous elephants that stand on their hind legs to reach the high branches. Don’t forget to arrange a canoe excursion down the mighty Zambezi, soak it all in and enjoy your sundowners after successfully navigating all of the hippos and crocs in the river!
Day 14: Until next time!
Unfortunately it is time to say your goodbyes! Your guide will transfer you to the Mana Pools Airstrip where you will board a flight to Harare and continue your journey!
Use the contact form if this itinerary sounds like something you would want to do for your next trip. I would be happy to assist in booking your dream safari!
