Classic Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is well known as the home of Victoria Falls - one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, named by David Livingstone in 1855 in honour of his Queen but known to locals as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" literally meaning "Smoke that Thunders". Less well known is the Matobo Hills National Park, the magnificent landscape providing not only traditional game drives but excellent walking safaris due to the lack of elephant and lion. So beautiful is this area that explorer Cecil John Rhodes chose it as his final resting place. The Zambezi winds its way down through dramatic gorges into Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest manmade lakes - canoe and boat trips are a great way to explore the lake and shoreline in the game rich Matusadona National Park.

Day 1 - London/Johannesburg
Depart London Heathrow this evening for your overnight flight to Johannesburg.

Day 2 - Johannesburg/Victoria Falls
On arrival in Johannesburg connect to your flight to Victoria Falls, arriving around midday. West facing, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is set high on a plateau just four kilometres from the Falls. Enjoy your stay in rooms lavishly decorated with hardwoods, thatch and vibrant African colours with private balconies overlooking the unfenced Zambezi National Park or the lodge's own water hole, frequently visited by elephants, buffalo, impala and kudu. The hospitality and food are rivalled only by uninterrupted views and magnificent sunsets. A complimentary shuttle runs every 30 minutes to the Falls and other attractions of the area.

Day 3 - Victoria Falls
Twice the height of Niagara Falls, the pounding waters of Victoria Falls represent nature's raw power and provide an alternative view of Africa - one of adventure and excitement. The falls can be viewed from the Zambian or Zimbabwean sides although more of the falls are visible from Zimbabwe. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the bridge dividing the two countries, raft the white-water rapids or swing across the canyon. A more sedate activity is to cruise the Zambezi River at sunset. The town of Victoria Falls is located on the Zimbabwean side, just a short walk through weaving paths from the falls and has some excellent craft markets for the souvenir hunter.

Day 4 - Victoria Falls/Hwange National Park
Transfer this morning to Victoria Falls Airport for your shared light aircraft flight to Hwange Airport (flying time is around 30 minutes). Hide Safari Camp is a comfortable tented camp inside the majestic surroundings of the Hwange National Park - a haven for wildlife and one of Africa's premier game parks.

Day 5 - Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is the largest and probably the most popular national park in the country. With a land area of more than 14,000 square kilometres, the park has over one hundred species of animal and over 400 species of bird. Hwange is also one of the few great elephant sanctuaries left in Africa.

Day 6 - Hwange National Park/Bumi Hills
Take a short flight this morning from Hwange Airport to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. The pool, bar, dining deck and each of the 20 bedrooms at Bumi Hills has an amazing panoramic vista of the lake. Spend time observing the game grazing on the shoreline below.

Day 7 - Bumi Hills
Lake Kariba is among the world's largest man-made lakes and a genuine African wilderness with far more animals than people. This allows for amazing game viewing by boat, 4x4 vehicle and walking in the wilds to see elephant and buffalo, huge Nile crocodiles, lions, hippo, the elusive leopard, kudu, impala, warthog, monkeys, baboons, sable, zebra - the list is endless. It is also possible to track rhino in the nearby Matusadona National Park.

Day 8 - Bumi Hills/ Ruckomechi
A shared light aircraft transfer takes you to Kariba Airport, from where you will have a private charter to Ruckomechi airstrip. Ruckomechi Camp is situated on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park in Northeast Zimbabwe, in a large grove of acacia and mahogany trees overlooking the Zambezi River.

Days 9 and 10 - Ruckomechi
The combination of great game viewing, a multitude of activities and stunning scenery, make Ruckomechi Camp one of the best. There is a private concession around the camp in an area renowned for its regular lion, elephant and leopard sightings. The central dining and lounge area is under cool thatch on the river's edge facing the escarpment and a wooden viewing deck provides the perfect place for gazing at the Zambezi River and the mountains.

Day 11 - Ruckomechi/Harare
Depart on a shared light aircraft transfer via Kariba to Harare International Airport, where on arrival you will be driven to Meikles Hotel. Since 1915, this famous hotel conveniently situated in the central shopping district of Harare overlooking Africa Unity Square and the colourful flower gardens, has been renowned for providing the very best service and attention to detail. Spend your final night in Zimbabwe in the elegant tea lounge or the "Out of Africa" bar that is one of Harare's most popular venues for a drink and a chat.

Day 12 - Harare/London
Depart Harare this afternoon on your flight to London Heathrow via Johannesburg, arriving early the following morning.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, this 12 day Classic Zimbabwe itinerary will cost from £4,625 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.