REDISCOVERING RHINOS

9 Days & 8 Nights | Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls & Hwange

HIGHLIGHTS

GREAT FOR

Families – older children will appreciate adventure activities

Honeymooners – unique experiences to celebrate your new chapter

Photographers – rare chance to capture endangered rhino in Zimbabwe

AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES

Game drives

Rhino tracking

Pump runs

Starbed sleepouts

Nature walks

Birding

Train ride

Victoria Falls excursions

BEST TIME TO GO

High Season:  July to October

Green Season:  November to March

Shoulder Season:  April to May

OVERVIEW

This is a Zimbabwe safari with a difference. While the Victoria Falls and Hwange are the not-to-be-missed stalwarts of any trip to the country, this unique itinerary includes not one but two chances to see and appreciate rhino – a fantastic addition that makes this a genuine Big 5 journey.

You start at the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve and the possibility of seeing majestic black rhino. Then, after time at the Falls and an unforgettable rail trip through Hwange, you visit the Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary, home to black and white rhino and the first of their kind in the park since 2007. This is the chance to see conservation in action and understand why it is so important to preserve these astonishing creatures.

THIS ITINERARY WAS DESIGNED BY VERA

Having lived and travelled in Zimbabwe, it holds a special place in my heart. Mana Pools offers incredible wildlife experiences, adventurous walking safari, beautiful landscapes and unbeatable golden light. I’ve been to Vic Falls five times and still haven’t done everything there is to do! A real hidden gem is Nyanga in the Eastern Highlands, which comprises spectacular mountains, stunning rivers and dense forests, and is a birder’s paradise.

TRIP SUMMARY

DURATION

8 Nights / 9 Days

DESTINATIONS VISITED

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

DAILY ITINERARY

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.

INCLUDED*

  • All activities specified
  • All transfers specified
  • All meals, drinks and sundowners specified
  • Laundry if specified

EXCLUDED*

  • International flights
  • Items from the safari shop
  • Pre- and post-itinerary accommodation
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical insurance, tests and vaccinations where stipulated
  • Tips / gratuities

* Subject to change. Your personal consultant will confirm all the details with you while helping you plan your safari to Africa so you have a full understanding of costs with no surprises.

PRICE IS IMPORTANT

This itinerary is here to inspire you and prices may change due to availability, season and the year that you plan to travel.

WHY BOOK WITH BIGGESTLEAF TRAVEL

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  • The most competitive and flexible rates

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  • Our consultants specialise in different safari experiences
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