Description



Discover the beating heart of Zimbabwe on this immersive safari that delivers a truly unique perspective into one of Africa’s most beautiful countries.

Begin your African odyssey at the breathtaking Victoria Falls before immersing yourself in the beauty of the Hwange National Park. Meet some of the amazing people working tirelessly to protect Zimbabwe’s endangered wildlife, and enjoy privileged, behind-the-scenes access to the conservation and community empowerment projects they champion.

Then spend time amongst Africa’s majestic animals at Mana Pools and enjoy the expert company of renowned guide Nick Murray as he shares his passion for this truly magical place. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is just a few months away, and only 12 spaces are available, so contact Leonie today to reserve your place.

Overview

• 1 night at Victoria Falls, staying in Nkosi Lodge
• 4 nights at Hwange National Park, staying in Bomani Tented Lodge
• 2 nights at Victoria Falls, staying in Nkosi Lodge
• 4 nights at Mana Pools National Park, staying in Vundu Camp 
  

Nestled on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is a breathtaking showcase of Mother Nature's incredible power, as it plunges dramatically into the Zambezi River gorge. Wrapped in a mystical mist, this immense curtain of water spans nearly 1.7 kilometers, captivating all who are fortunate enough to witness its grandeur. The falls owe their name to Queen Victoria, bestowed upon them by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone back in 1855, giving them a majestic and regal aura that never fails to leave visitors in awe.

Recognized as a globally renowned natural wonder and honored with UNESCO World Heritage status, Victoria Falls ranks among the largest sheets of cascading water on our planet. It's a destination that has captured the hearts of countless adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. For those seeking an extra thrill, the Devil's Pool on the Zambian side of the falls beckons. Here, you can swim right at the edge of the precipice, a unique blend of serenity and exhilaration, immersing yourself in one of nature's most magnificent marvels. It's an experience like no other, etching memories that last a lifetime.

The charming town affectionately known as Vic Falls, nestled near the falls themselves, exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that's just perfect for winding down after a day of exploration. This delightful town rests on the southern banks of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe and serves as an excellent starting point for your journey into the wonders of Victoria Falls.

Vic Falls boasts a diverse range of charming accommodations, charming family-run eateries, and an abundance of exciting tourism experiences. If adventure is your thing, you're in for a treat. The area is a veritable paradise for thrill-seekers, offering a thrilling menu of activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and zip-lining. Each of these adventures brings you closer to the heart-pounding, awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls. It's an all-encompassing experience that will leave you with lasting memories of this incredible place.

Nkosi Guest Lodge is the latest addition to the Bayete Collection and is located in a peaceful residential area. The lodge boasts 24 superior category rooms, including two wheelchair-accessible rooms. Each room features a spacious en-suite bathroom with both a shower and a bathtub for added comfort and convenience.

The lodge features a lovely pool area that is conveniently located near the restaurant and executive bar. Here, our top-class chefs prepare and serve delicious meals daily. Nkosi Guest Lodge has been thoughtfully designed to offer guests ample space for socializing and relaxation during their Victoria Falls holiday.

Victoria Falls offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy, catering to various interests and preferences. From thrilling high-wire adventures and exhilarating white-water rafting to serene boat cruises and scenic helicopter flights, there's something for everyone to experience in Vic Falls.

Experience the one-of-a-kind unique Elephant express rail car which is an exceptional activity and a definite highlight of any stay.

The Elephant Express travels along a 70-kilometre track that runs from Dete Station to Ngamo Siding in Hwange National Park. This route takes passengers through diverse landscapes, including open grasslands, teak forests, and wildlife-rich areas. The train journey provides an excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing. Passengers can spot a wide range of animals, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species, all within the confines of the national park.

The train’s carriages are designed with open sides and canopied tops, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding wilderness. This design ensures an immersive and authentic safari experience. Knowledgeable guides accompany passengers on The Elephant Express, providing insightful information about the wildlife, vegetation, and history of Hwange National Park.

On individual coach seats, the train has room for 22 passengers. There is plenty of space for luggage, and for the comfort of the passengers, there is a restroom as well.

Hwange National Park invites you to immerse yourself in Zimbabwe's breathtaking natural landscapes. As the largest and most frequented national park in the country, Hwange is an essential destination on your journey through Zimbabwe's vast grasslands. Covering 14,650 square kilometers, the park offers an incredibly diverse range of opportunities for observing flora and fauna. Its unspoiled wilderness is home to 108 wildlife species, including the renowned "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros), making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Sightings are virtually guaranteed during your visit, particularly in the dry season when animals congregate at Hwange's expansive watering holes. A visit to Hwange National Park promises an intimate encounter with the finest of Zimbabwe's biodiversity, guided by local naturalists and just steps away from your nearby lodge.

Hwange National Park is a stunning destination that actively contributes to vital global conservation initiatives, inviting you to participate in this essential worldwide endeavor. The park is dedicated to anti-poaching, rehabilitation, and re-introduction efforts, ensuring the preservation of the most natural way of life for its wild residents. Immerse yourself in the presence of incredible animals that roam and frolic amidst the desert sands and mopane woodlands of Hwange National Park. Depart with a profound sense of inspiration from the authentic connection you've forged with the natural world.

Imvelo Safari Lodges are spearheading the return of white rhinos to Hwange. The project is called CRCI—Community Rhino Conservation Initiative and is a massive paradigm shift to introduce rhinos onto community land; this is a world first for white rhinos. Accompany the rhinos at sunrise for their day’s first walk alongside the Cobras Community Wildlife Protection Scouts.

 At its peak in the 1980s, the rhino population in Hwange National Park numbered several hundred, of which about 120 were white rhinos. By the early 2000s, poaching had once again eradicated the population from the park. The communities living on the park’s south-eastern edge are already conservation conscious, and CRCI builds on this to establish highly protected rhino sanctuaries on community land bordering the park. This is to be the catalyst for a bigger conservancy and buffer zone between the park and communities, supporting local people through gate entry fees, employment, increased tourism, and reduced human-wildlife conflict. This is certainly one of the most ground-breaking conservation projects in Africa today. 

Bomani Tented Lodge stands as a testament to the vibrant ecosystems of Hwange National Park. Located on a private reserve adjoining the park's Ngamo Plains, this eco-lodge is a gateway to an authentic wilderness experience. It offers guests a rustic yet serene retreat, fully immersed in nature. The lodge is uniquely positioned around a bustling watering hole, a natural magnet for wildlife.

At Bomani Tented Lodge, the connection between guests and the wildlife and landscapes of Hwange is paramount. The lodge demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship, actively working to preserve its natural surroundings. Moreover, Bomani fosters a strong bond with local communities, providing employment opportunities, and supporting community initiatives and ethical charities, further cementing its role as a responsible and integral part of the region.

Bomani Tented Lodge offers a diverse selection of activities, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience in Hwange National Park. Tailor your ideal adventure, blending exhilarating encounters in the stunning reserve with immersive community experiences, tranquil canoe adventures, and picturesque game drives. The lodge's private guides are always available, eager to share their knowledge and provide an authentic, memorable experience that will leave a lasting impression.

The culinary journey at Bomani is also a celebration of Hwange's essence. Dining al fresco, guests can savour traditional recipes made with local ingredients, accompanied by the finest regional wines and beers. This gastronomic experience not only tantalises the taste buds but also deepens the connection with the natural and cultural richness of Hwange.

The GSGC Mentor’s Resource Centre is a place where visitors can come to meet and connect with local change makers/leaders who are having a tremendous effect within their communities and in the lives of the girls and boys that they mentor. This centre is a place where continuous skill training and education programs are being held for the betterment of the GSGC alumni – the boys and girls who have now graduated from high school and looking for opportunities.

Depending on the program schedule on the day, visitors may be pulled into a training session where they are helping the alumni by practicing their restaurant skills by hosting and serving the visitors refreshments in a set up café. Or perhaps grabbing a garbage bag and walking alongside the Mentors/Alumni through the community to help pick up trash and keep the area clean – all the while interacting and connecting with GSGC members. The exact details of the program will depend on the schedule on the day and further details can be given closer to the time of travel. 

It is a 2 hour activity which will leave the visitors with a sense of how this community-led organization is making a big difference in the lives of both girls and boys which has a tremendous ripple effect into the communities where they are from and in the wildlife areas where they live.

The group will be picked up at 08:30 on the 8th of June from Shongwe for roughly a 2-hour excursion 

Stretching along the banks of the glorious Zambezi River, in northern Zimbabwe, is the incredibly biodiverse Mana Pools National Park. Covering almost 7,000-sqkm of land, the park encompasses an impressive array of physical landscapes, including huge oxbow lakes and a surprisingly green stretch of grasslands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true haven of untouched wilderness, protecting an abundance of African wildlife, including elephants, warthogs, wild dogs and cheetahs. The park has the highest concentration of hippos and crocodiles in Zimbabwe, speaking to its impressive conservation efforts. Over 450 bird species have been recorded in the areas, fluttering among the treetops of riverine forests and loitering around vast wetlands. Both birdwatchers and mammal enthusiasts will feel they have stepped into paradise following their warm welcome into Mana Pools National Park.

Immersive and insightful game drives bring you past incredibly dynamic wildlife communities, offering unique perspectives of Zimbabwean landscapes. The raw beauty of the region is revealed by safaris around the park, exposing the workings of its web of eco-systems as well as the intricate cultural history of the area. Each hidden corner of Mana Pools is steeped in history, also exhibiting the possibility of a future brimmed with flourishing wildlife and natural beauty.

Nick is the founder of Vundu Camp and has been guiding in Mana Pools since 1997.

Well respected in the industry for his wealth of wildlife knowledge, he is a qualified Zimbabwean Professional Guide, one of the most prestigious game-guiding qualifications in Africa. He also has a Bachelors degree in Zoology and Wildlife Management from Pietermaritzburg University. Nick has worked throughout Southern Africa – spending a lot of time in Zimbabwe and travelling through Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Tanzania.

He is currently pursuing a Masters degree of Zoology, studying the wild dogs of Mana Pools. His passion project is the Bushlife Painted Wolf Conservancy.

In 2017 he finished guiding the BBC Dynastic crew on a wild dog shoot which took place for 300 days over a two year period for a documentary. 

During your journey across the fascinating landscapes of Mana Pools National Park, Vundu Camp is there to keep you comfortable and looked after. This premier safari camp encourages you to seek an intimate and authentic wilderness experience, sleeping you blissfully in the heart of the iconic park. Guided tours across the beautiful grounds of Mana Pools give you the option to personalise your experience, whether you wish to take a 4X4, a canoe down the river or a game walk. You are guaranteed multiple sightings of magnificent wildlife during your stay at Vundu Camp, assuring you with a visit which will make memories to last a lifetime.

Shaded by the region's distinctive riverine trees, beside the rippling waters of the Zambezi River, Vundu Camp welcomes you into its homely yet immersive facilities and rooms. Solitude characterises your stay at the camp, as there are only eight chalets on the site. Exciting escapades across the park's awe-inspiring forests and wetlands are crowned by down time amidst rustic and secluded spaces. Vundu Camp's lounge and dining area provides a peaceful, al fresco ambience coupled with communal meals. High-quality wines and ingredients are available to nourish you three times a day, and your preferences are prioritised at every meal. 

Harare, Zimbabwe's capital city, graces the northeastern landscape of the country. With its international airport, it serves as a pivotal gateway for the swift bush flights linking various local safari destinations.

Harare, Zimbabwe's most populous city with a thriving community of over 1.5 million inhabitants, was originally named Fort Salisbury. In a celebratory gesture marking the country's second year of independence in 1982, the city's name was officially changed to Harare. With its warm climate, it serves as a vital international trading center for commodities such as tobacco, maize, cotton, and citrus fruits. Additionally, the local economy derives strength from the mining of significant minerals and various manufacturing activities.

Mark’s family has been in Kenya for six generations and he follows in the footsteps of his grandfather and father as a guide. He grew up in the UK countryside outside Cambridge and left the UK thirteen years ago, working in Sudan, Nigeria, Tanzania and Lebanon as a guide, photographer, ornithologist and teacher before settling in Kenya over a decade ago. He studied at Eton College in the UK before reading ecology and conservation biology at Durham University and is now a qualified member of the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association as well as a published scientific author. 

Mark guides safaris all over Africa and has also previously run some of Africa's top camps and lodges. He is a passionate and award-winning photographer whose images have been published in magazines and newspapers all over the world. He is always delighted to share his tips and skills with guests.

Mark is heavily involved in conservation and charitable work, and when not guiding is based in Nairobi consulting to charitable foundations working to protect wildlife in Kenya and partnering with the people who live on the periphery of parks and reserves.

It is important that we work with partners who strive to have a positive impact on the local community, whether this is through employment, education or healthcare. 

In wildlife conservation areas we work with selected camps and lodges who are committed to conserving their local communities and environments. With our accommodation selections you will find that we feature properties who are dedicated to responsibility and sustainability within their communities and environments.