Rediscovering Rhinos

The excitement is palpable as you approach Victoria Falls International Airport. Depending on the weather and your pilot, you may be lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the world’s biggest waterfall from the air, a great way to appreciate its mind-boggling scale. You will be driven from VFIA to the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel, which borders the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. Spend your time tracking rhino, seeing the Falls, shopping in the markets and even white-water rafting. Why we love the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel: Away from the bustle of Victoria Falls Town but still conveniently located Gorgeous views over the neighbouring black rhino reservation Age-appropriate kids’ programme plus satellite television in rooms Fine dining and interiors that are just as beautiful as the gardens

All aboard the Elephant Express! Today you experience an unusual transfer: a literal open-air train trip from the Ngamo Siding to Dete, all through Hwange. It’s impossible to say how long this will take as sometimes you have to stop for wildlife on the tracks but that is all part of the fun. You check into Camelthorn Lodge and spend your days visiting the black and white rhino at the Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary as well as undertaking thrilling game drives and pump runs. Why we love Camelthorn Lodge: Located in Tsholotsho with close links the community there Tranquil setting in a forest edging the Ngamo Plains Very comfortable double-storey villas all have starbed balconies Classic thatch with roaring fireplaces, all built around a camelthorn tree

A different transfer today as you take the sky for your flight to Nehimba Lodge. This moves you from the eastern side of Hwange to a more central position in the north, with changes in landscape to mopane woodland (an elephant delicacy) and Kalahari sandveld. More safari fun awaits in the form of game drives as well as thrilling nature walks. Or stay at camp and enjoy herds of elephants come through to drink right next to the deck! Why we love Nehimba Lodge: Situated in a massive private concession for more exclusivity A hugely popular pool attracts a constant stream of elephants Explore 17 600 hectares by foot and by game-drive vehicle Night drives are possible to find Hwange’s nocturnal creatures

All good things must come to an end. Depending on your onward arrangements, you may have time to squeeze in one last dawn game drive or nature walk before enjoying your final breakfast out on the deck. Bid farewell to the thirsty ellies as you return to the airstrip for your short flight back to Victoria Falls Town. This trip reveals a new side of Zimbabwe and underscores how fledgling rhino reintroduction programmes are working to return this ancient animal to the wild.