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Zimbabwe - Unforgettable Zimbabwe Safari Zimbabwe
Matetsi River Lodge
     
Contents Unforgettable ZimbabweExperience the best of Unforgettable Zimbabwe on this exceptional 12-day journey. Travel to the World Heritage Site of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and enjoy an exceptional, interpretive tour. Additionally, revel in the opportunity to meet the elephants of Wild Horizon and delight in memorable sundowners at the Batoka Gorge. Your adventure doesn’t stop there. Embark on a series of unforgettable safaris to the renowned Hwangwe National Park, Matusadona National Park (on the shores of Lake Kariba), Matobo Hills with its ancient San rock art and, finally, ending your tour in the remote Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. Expect superb accommodation, mouth-watering menus and adventures that include game drives, nature walks, boat cruises, cultural excursions and excellent birdwatching.
Unforgettable Zimbabwe ItineraryDays 1 and 2 - Victoria FallsUpon arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you by road to &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge, clearing customs and immigration en route. Just as legendary missionary-explorer Dr David Livingstone was swept up by sheer wonderment, nothing can quite prepare you for the awe-inspiring spectacle that is the majestic Victoria Falls. Aptly named Mosi-oa-Tunya “the Smoke which Thunders”, the roaring, mist-filled chasm of the world’s largest sheet of falling water is an absolute must-see on an African safari. Just 40 kilometres (24 miles) above the Falls, the mighty Zambezi River that feeds this UNESCO World Heritage Site glides serenely past the wildlife haven of Matetsi Private Game Reserve. Here, set along 27 kilometres (17 miles) of private river frontage, a flourishing riverine habitat gives way to over 50 000 hectares (124 000 acres) of pristine wilderness. Matetsi Private Game Reserve boasts an exclusive, year-round game viewing experience – both on the water and in the reserve’s spectacular habitats. The exclusive &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge offers a safari oasis that combines an exceptional wildlife experience with easy access to the majestic Victoria Falls. The lodge pays homage to the wonderfully rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe by showcasing a vibrant theme of wood and copper, the “red gold” of the country’s historical mining industry. Splashes of bright blue remind guests of the rushing waters of the Zambezi River. Here, guests have the opportunity to take advantage of an extensive Safari Shop, fitness centre, massage sala and conference facility. A 20 meter long, rim-flow swimming pool stretches along the riverbank, while an exclusive wine cellar boasts eye-level views of the Zambezi River. &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge boasts two intimate camps of just nine river-facing suites each, including two family suites. Each camp features its own guest area with a variety of dining spaces, an interactive kitchen, a convivial bar and an al fresco area that encircles a blazing fire bowl. Each of the nine spacious suites, at the two intimate camps, are encased in local and repurposed materials that reference the ancient fishing and basket-weaving traditions of the region. The clean lines of the interiors are softened by authentic craft pieces and curated natural objects. A lovely ensuite bathroom boasts indoor and outdoor showers as well as a deep circular bath, which looks out over the Zambezi. A private veranda offers a refreshing plunge pool and a comfortable sitting area that overlooks the river. Spend two nights at &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge in a suite with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes accommodation, three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits, beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on game drives, scheduled safari activities, sundowner cruise on the Zambezi river, canoeing, fishing and laundry . Activities include twice-daily game drives, sunrise or sunset boat cruises, WILDChild activities, walking safaris, canoeing, birdwatching and fishing. Additional activities at Victoria Falls include a tour of the Falls, various adrenaline adventures such as bungee jumping and zip-lining, high tea overlooking the Falls, horseback safaris and community excursions.
Days 3, 4 and 5 - Hwange National ParkAfter an early breakfast you will be transferred back to the Victoria Falls International Airport for your scheduled flight from Victoria Falls International Airport to Hwange National Park, then a game drive transfer to the camp. Zimbabwe’s largest national park, the elephant stronghold of Hwange National Park is a game-rich area roughly the size of the Bahamas that was once the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior king Mzilikazi. It was proclaimed a national park in 1929. Here guests can explore a variety of landscapes, from desert sands and sparse woodland to grasslands and rocky outcrops. Vast herds of elephant and buffalo, gemsbok and packs of brown hyena can be found in this pristine slice of wilderness, which also boasts one of the largest surviving populations of wild dog. Situated on a floodplain in the middle of Hwange National Park, Somalisa Camp boasts elegantly furnished canvas tents with ensuite bathrooms, flush toilets and romantic al fresco bush showers. The pool and the stunning guest area overlook the pan. The sitting room and dining areas are tucked under a soaring canopy of trees. Spend 2 nights at Somalisa Camp in a tent with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes all meals, all beverages except premium imported spirits and champagne, two game viewing activities per day, National Parks Fees, laundry and transfers from nearest airstrip. Days 6 and 7 - Lake KaribaToday, after a wholesome breakfast, hop on to a private light flight to Kariba Lake, then a boat transfer to Changa Safari Lodge. Situated on the southern shores of Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park is a place of remarkable beauty, where scenic landscapes range from flat plains to rugged mountains. One of several protected wildlife areas on the shores of the Lake, Matusadona is bounded on the west by the Ume River and on the east by the Sanyati River. Remote and isolated, the park receives fewer tourist numbers and provides an exclusive game viewing experience. It is particularly well known for its large herds of buffalo, some of which number over a thousand individuals, which congregate along the shoreline in the dry season. Other frequently encountered wildlife includes elephant and hippo, as well as waterbuck, sable and roan antelope. The reserve is also rich in birdlife, with many species of herons, storks, plovers, bee-eaters and geese, as well as the ubiquitous fish eagle, inhabiting the river banks. Changa Safari Camp boasts tastefully furnished, spacious tented suites. Each suite has its own private deck with magnificent views of the Matusadona Mountains and vast Lake Kariba. Rustic wood, leather, crisp white linen and locally made furniture create an authentic African atmosphere. The main lounge and library offer a panoramic view of a beautiful and private beach. Curved stairs lead from a main deck to a wide beach, complete with a generous fire pit. Spend 2 nights at Changa Safari Camp in a deluxe tent with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes all meals, local drinks, house wines, up to three activities per day, teas/coffee and laundry. Days 8 and 9 - Matobo HillsAfter a mouth-watering breakfast, you will be transferred to Bulawayo Airport, where you will be met by a Camp Amalinda’s representative who will transfer you by road to the camp. Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated only 45kms from Bulawayo. The granite domes and castle kopjes of the Matobo Hills echo the essence of tranquillity and the majesty of untamed Africa, where mammal and bird species are prolific. Included here are the highest concentrations of Leopard and Black Eagle in the world, as well as a healthy population of the endangered Black and White Rhino. Some of the most breathtaking granite scenery in the world is found in the Matobo Hills. It is here that the hopes, trials and tribulations of the San Bushmen are recorded in the ancient rock art. The exclusive, privately-owned, Camp Amalinda is situated within the spiritual and pristine wilderness of the Matobo Hills. Here, tucked into an ancient Bushmen shelter and surrounded by granite domes and castle kopjes, nine thatched rooms with lovely ensuite bathrooms and panoramic views await guests. Tuck into delicious meals around a massive teak table in the open dining room or enjoy refreshing sundowners around a crackling fire in the traditional boma. Those in need of relaxation can lounge around the inviting swimming pool and bar area overlooking a popular waterhole, whilst the energetically-inclined can head to the fully-equipped gym for an exhilarating workout. The superb Heritage Spa spoils guests with soul-soothing treatments. Adventures include game drives, bush walks, birdwatching and visits to the historic caves to view the famed San rock paintings. Spend 2 nights at Camp Amalinda in a deluxe suite with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes all local beverages, all meals, 2 activities per day, laundry and return airport transfer to Bulawayo airport/ Bulawayo town.
Days 10, 11 and 12 - Malilangwe Wildlife ReserveToday, you will be transferred by road to Bulawayo Airport for your private light flight to Singita Pamushana’s Lodge. On arrival, game drive transfer to the lodge. Covering 150 000 acres of pristine wilderness, in the south eastern corner of Zimbabwe and bordering the Gonarezhou National Park. The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve remains virtually untouched. This remote destination is home to ridges and rocky outcrops, interspersed with flat-topped mountain acacia woodlands and ironwood thickets. Here, visitors will delight in the hundreds of baobab trees and more than 500 bird species, including many raptors. The reserve also boasts an exceptional variety of plains game, larger mammals and predators. Singita Pamushana Lodge is set in a lush forest overlooking a spectacular lake in the untouched wilderness of the fantastic Malilangwe Game Reserve. Gorgeous suites include spacious ensuite bedrooms, huge fireplaces, personal bars, air-conditioning, private plunge pools, comfortable sitting rooms and wide viewing-decks. Those in need of relaxing spots to unwind can sink into the cool depths of the inviting swimming pools or enjoy soothing soaks in the warm, bubbly waters of the luxurious Jacuzzi. An open-air sitting room, well-stocked library, superb spa and fitness centre, enhance the guest experience. Spend 3 nights at Singita Pamushana Lodge in a suite with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes all meals and beverages (including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne), twice-daily 4x4 safaris, walking safaris, boat cruises, fishing, excursions to ancient rock art sites (accompanied by experienced guides), tennis, return road transfers between Buffalo Range International Airport and the lodge, telephone calls and laundry service. Day 13 - DepartureToday, after a wholesome breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airstrip for your flight back to O.R. Tambo International Airport, with clearing customs en-route. Unforgettable Zimbabwe Safari Highlights
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