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Our 6-Day Best of Zimbabwe Safari begins at Victoria Falls, the adventure capital of Africa. From there we drive to Hwange National Park for superb game viewing. All of Zimbabwe’s endangered species, as well as one of Africa’s biggest elephant populations, reside in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s biggest game reserve.
Then, we move on to Matobo National Park, with its unusual landscape of granite boulders, where we embark on a game drive. From there we visit a World Heritage Site, the spectacular Great Zimbabwe Ruins, and marvel at these ancient remains of a once important trading centre. Moving on, we cross the border into South Africa, to stay at a private Game Reserve on the borders of Mapungubwe National Park, before ending our adventure-packed safari in the dynamic city of Johannesburg.
Our Best of Zimbabwe Safari departs from Victoria Falls, famous not only for the awe-inspiring waterfall but also for its many adventure activities. Before we leave the unofficial Adventure Capital of Africa be sure to visit Victoria Falls, the largest sheet of falling water on the planet. The local name for Vic Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya which means 'the Smoke that Thunders', a name you'll fully appreciate when standing before the falls.
From the natural wonder that is Victoria Falls, we drive south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's flagship national park. Hwange is home to a diverse array of large animals such as lions, leopards, and rhinos, and has one of Africa's highest concentrations of elephants.
We will spend our first two nights at a Safari camp inside Hwange National Park (two per en-suite room). Tonight, we have dinner at camp and spend our first evening around the campfire under a myriad of stars.
We recommend spending a day or two at Victoria Falls before this lodge safari begins, to participate in some of the many exciting adventure activities available at Victoria Falls. Activities include Zambezi sunset cruises, bungee jumping, helicopter flights, gorge swinging, and white-water rafting. Pre-tour accommodation can be arranged through us.
Day 2 of our Zimbabwe Safari is set aside for game viewing in Hwange. This morning you are collected bright and early for your full-day Hwange safari. The whole day is spent exploring the African bush in open 4x4 safari vehicles, searching out wildlife and birds with the help of your expert guide.
Hwange National Park is home to Africa's Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant), plus all of Zimbabwe’s endangered species. This leading Zimbabwe national park is renowned for hosting one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. The game park is home to more than 100 mammal species, including one of the world’s largest populations of endangered wild dogs, living alongside cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, and giraffes.
Today our Best of Zimbabwe Safari heads further south overland. Leaving Hwange National Park behind us we travel to Matobo National Park, south of Bulawayo. The park is located in the culturally important Matobo Hills, exposed granite boulders that were formed millions of years ago making for a mysterious and surreal landscape. The Ndebele word “Matobo“ means “bald heads”. The Matobo Hills are regarded as a sacred site by the local Shona, who perform rituals in these ancient hills. The rain shrine of the Ndebele, dedicated to the god of the ancestors, is also found in these hills.
This afternoon we embark on a game drive in Matobo National Park. Established in 1953, Matobo Park covers some 44,500 hectares (424 square kilometres). Highlights of this Zimbabwe national park are the possible leopard and black eagle sightings. Matobo National Park is home to one of the world's highest concentrations of black eagles. Black and white rhinos have been introduced to the national park and we are sure to spot them on our game viewing adventure.
After exploring Matobo Hills we head to our charming lodge in Bulawayo where you can take a refreshing dip in the pool and have a drink at the bar.
This fascinating country is home to many treasures, one of which is the world-famous Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the next destination on our overland tour. Once a royal palace and capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, research has shown that this World Heritage Site was once home to Iron Age settlements, but the remains there today date back to the 11th century and later. Legend has it that the ruins were once used by the Queen of Sheba.
There has been much debate and speculation regarding the origins of these ruins, but the consensus is that the structures were constructed by the forefathers of the Shona. The building was constructed without the use of mortar, serving as a testament to the skill of the builders. This extensive complex includes walls that tower up to 11 m high, measuring as much as 5 m in thickness.
The renowned bird carvings, out of soapstone, were found here at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Today these 8 carved birds are featured on the Zimbabwean National Flag and replicas are often carved by locals.
After visiting the Great Zimbabwe Ruins this afternoon, we head to the nearby town of Masvingo and our comfortable lodge overlooking Lake Mutirikwi.
Day 5 of our budget Zimbabwe Safari Overland takes us across the border into South Africa. Entering the country, we drive through the Limpopo Province of South Africa. We spend the last night of our epic Africa adventure at Mapesu Private Game Reserve, 12,000 hectares adjoining UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mapungubwe National Park. There are breathtaking panoramas that overlook the convergence of the majestic Sashe and Limpopo Rivers, where three nations, South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, come together. The reserve a haven for birdwatchers and also boasts ancient rock art sites that provide a glimpse into the rich history of civilization within the Mapungubwe area.
On the final day of our Africa Overland Tour, we drive south along the Great North Road to Johannesburg. This dynamic city is the economic heart of South Africa and one of the strongest commercial centres in Africa. Johannesburg, commonly known as Jo'burg, is a great place to gain insight into the cultures and history of this colourful nation.
Arriving in Johannesburg late afternoon, our 6-Day Best of Zimbabwe Safari comes to a close.
Accommodation on this Zimbabwe Safari is in twin-share rooms, with two people sharing a room. These clean and comfortable rooms have en-suite bathrooms with hot showers.
We recommend arriving in Victoria Falls a day or two before your lodge safari starts and departing from Johannesburg the day after the overland tour ends. We can arrange accommodation for before and after your safari on request.
For more details contact African Budget Safaris
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
Zimbabwe Safari Activities:
This tour does take children.
There is a minimum age limit of 8 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departures, however, children aged 8 and 9 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 10 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date. Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.
Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and you must be aware of these restrictions before confirming children on tour.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
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