An unforgettable safari adventure through Zambia and Zimbabwe exploring diverse highlights - from lush forests and mountains to wild rivers, ancient ruins, and epic game parks.
Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia, before canoeing along the Lower Zambezi River. Then, cross into Zimbabwe and visit the mysterious Chinhoyi Caves and the lush forests of Nyanga Mountain National Park. Next, explore the scenic Honde Valley and the mountains of Chimanimani National Park on foot. Travel back in time at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and head to Matobo National Park for an open game drive and guided walk to discover its San rock art, history, and wildlife. End off with a thrilling Big 5 safari in Hwange National Park, home to one of the largest elephant populations in the world.
A fascinating and varied African journey, rich in culture, history, nature, wildlife, and intrigue.
Our Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari begins with incredible views of the mighty Zambezi River as it plunges 110 meters over Victoria Falls. We spend the afternoon exploring the mile-wide waterfall of Victoria Falls and the surrounding rainforest sustained by the spray. We settle into camp in the late afternoon and your guide briefs you on the adventures ahead. Then we head out for dinner (own expense) at a local restaurant in Livingstone.
If time allows you have the option of booking a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River or a scenic flight over Victoria Falls, at your own expense, today.
We pack up camp and depart Livingstone for the long drive across southern Zambia to our camp on the Kafue River.
The whole day is spent on the road, traveling via scenic but rough roads and stopping to sightsee and enjoy lunch along the way. We pass small villages, and the rolling landscape offers interesting views before we drop down into the lower Zambezi River valley.
We spend the late afternoon in preparation for our canoeing expedition down the lower Zambezi River.
True adventure begins. This morning we pack our canoes and head out onto the Zambezi River. Home of the tribal mythical god – Nyami Nyami. The river is lined with small villages and diverse scenery. For the entire day, birdwatching and photographic opportunities abound. We paddle with the river current and take time to enjoy the calm and serenity, new views are offered as the river snakes its way through the valley, and the sound of the African fish eagle can be heard as it calls from the tree tops. We stop for a rest and lunch on the banks of the river before heading out again for the afternoon.
Our camp is wild on the riverbank in the heart of untamed Africa. The following morning we canoe further downstream into a wildlife-rich area with opportunities of seeing hippos, elephants, and other wildlife. Before we are collected by motorboat and make our way back to the starting campsite.
We cross into Zimbabwe at the Chirundu border post and traverse the Hurungwe Safari area to our next stop at Chinhoyi Caves. Crystal-clear, cobalt-blue water lies at the bottom of the “pool of the fallen”. The extensive system of caves and tunnels was used as a place of safety for Mashona tribesmen against the Matabele raiders.
We spend the next two days of our Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari exploring Nyanga Mountain National Park. The park offers breathtaking vistas and diverse landscapes with Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe’s highest point at 2592m above sea level. As we explore its trails, you’ll encounter lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes. The air is crisp, and the sounds of nature surround us, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
The variety of ecosystems and climate in the area make it a birder haven. Interesting birdlife includes the Blue Swallows in summer, the Wattled Cranes breed in the area during the winter months, and a variety of raptors.
In the morning, we walk through Honda Valley before we make our way to Chimanimani National Park, where we make camp for the next two nights. The scent of wildflowers fills the air as you explore the winding trails, immersing yourself in nature's beauty.
On day 9, we embark on a full-day walk in Chimanimani National Park. The park offers breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. The Afro-Montane forests are home to 74 species of endemic birds, eland, bushbuck, and blue duiker.
Dating back to the 11th century, Great Zimbabwe was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. These are some of the oldest stone structures in Southern Africa. The remnants of a civilization of up to 20,000 people survived on trade in gold, cattle, and crops. The word Zimbabwe means “houses of stone”. The complex drystone walls and ruins leave archeological clues as to the lifestyle of the people of the area. We explore this national monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site on foot with a guided walk through the hill complex and valley ruins.
The next destination on our Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari is Matobo National Park. Arriving in the late afternoon, we set up camp on the outskirts of the park. We spend the following day exploring the park.
Matobos National Parks’ giant granite boulder landscapes, ancient rock art, and surrounding wildlife make this a highlight of the tour. We embark on an open game drive into the reserve, where we take a guided walk to get closer to nature and hopefully track the endangered white rhino. After lunch, we learn about the bushman paintings that adorn some of the rock overhangs. We visit the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave and enjoy the magnificent sights from World’s View.
We return to our camp in the late afternoon and enjoy a sundowner and evening around the campfire.
One of the most famous wildlife reserves in Southern Africa, Hwange National Park, the biggest game reserve in Zimbabwe, is our next stop. We camp on a wildlife concession bordering the park and spend the following full day in search of a big game on an open vehicle game drive.
Proclaimed in 1928 this reserve forms an important conservation area along the Zimbabwe and Botswana Border. Photographic opportunities abound, as we search for the large herds of elephants, buffalo, and plains game that inhabit the park. Great birdwatching with 420 species recorded in the park, and if we are lucky, we might spot some of the elusive predators. The waterholes also offer good opportunities as the wildlife comes down to drink. We stop for a rest and lunch at a picnic site in the park before enjoying the afternoon's sightings. We head back to camp in the late afternoon for our final night around the campfire.
On the final day of our Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari, we have a short transfer from our last camping site to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where the tour ends around lunchtime.
This tour does take children.
Children aged 12-17 are permitted on this Zimbabwe & Zambia Safari with an accompanying adult.
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