Introducing Zimbabwe
- Johannesburg
- Hwange National Park
- Mana Pools National Game Park
- Victoria Falls
- Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Enjoy two distinct Zimbabwean safaris in the vast Hwange and remote Mana Pools before a finale on both side of Victoria Falls
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
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All internal and charter flights
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All accommodation with breakfast (some may include other meals and activities)
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Full board and standard activities at your chosen safari lodge(s) or camp(s)
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All private ground transfers
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All tours specified in the itinerary description
At a glance
Experience a comprehensive and comfortable introduction to the wildlife and natural wonders of Zimbabwe with two distinct safaris followed by a finale on both sides of Victoria Falls.
Fly into Johannesburg for a night’s layover and rest before flying across the border to your first lodge or camp in Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hwange. Here enjoy your first experience of the depth and breadth of wildlife in Zimbabwe to be heard, tracked and observed almost all to yourself. Daily game drives will bring you up close prides of Lion, African wild dog and water buffalo amongst many more. Then it’s onto the very remote, beautiful and UNESCO-awarded Mana Pools game park to experience a safari in the pristine and watery world of the Lower Zambezi Valley. Here the common wildlife sightings on your walking, 4WD or canoe safaris are of elephant, hippo, crocodile, and vibrant birdlife plus other predators that roam unchecked in this unfenced park.
Finally it’s a restful and luxurious two nights on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls and a further final two nights on the Zambian side before returning home.
Example trip itinerary
Johannesburg
Meet and greet at Johannesburg Airport
On arrival at Johannesburg airport you will be met airside by a Jacada representative as you enter the terminal building. You will be fast-tracked through immigration, assisted with baggage collection and assisted to your onward arrangements.
Transfer
Private transfer from Johannesburg airport to your hotel in the city
Accommodation in Johannesburg
- 5 Luxury Rooms, 4 Luxury Suites, a Madiba Suite and a Penthouse
- Spa
- Swimming pool
- Tennis courts
A warm, hospitable welcome awaits you at The Residence, located in the historic suburb of Houghton, which is also home to many famous residents including former President Nelson Mandela. The Residence exudes a charming air of quiet dignity, with an abundance of bougainvillea blossoms cascading down the terraced gardens.
This is a gorgeous spot where you are treated with personalised service and are invited to make yourself at home.
The Residence is an extraordinary boutique hotel that is truly one of a kind, no effort has been spared in creating the most sublime surroundings to surpass your greatest expectations. On arrival at The Residence, you are greeted warmly and graciously before being shown around the guest areas on the ground floor. There is an immediate awareness of the sophisticated splendour of the interior and an all-pervading atmosphere of total tranquillity.
The entrance hall leads through to the sumptuous lounge and sitting room with plush furnishings inviting carefree relaxation for all seasons. A cosy log fire is lit in the fireplace on chilly days, while doors opening onto the long, spacious veranda offer a cool respite from the warm African sun.
Guests are welcome to take a stroll through the manicured gardens and enjoy a game of tennis or swim a few lengths in the large outdoor pools. Enjoy a work out at our gymnasium or play a round of golf on the Houghton Golf Course.
- Nine suites
- Swimming pool with deck
- Restaurant
- Lounge with fireplace
- Library
- Thirty minutes from the airport
Surrounded by private landscaped gardens in the upmarket suburb of Atholl, this intimate boutique hotel is an elegant property which combines modern pieces with classic design. Not only is AtholPlace part of the prestigious Morukuru Family, but it also holds the status of a Relais & Chateaux property, promising excellence in both style and cuisine.
The nine comfortable suites range from deluxe to superior, each with their own individual style with a bold monochrome design and neutral colours presiding throughout. Deluxe rooms feature interleading doors, which makes them ideal for families. All enjoy a homely ambience and provide bundles of space and comfort – plus mod cons and a private balcony.
Choose to dine on delicious meals in the sophisticated dining area or under the trees in the lovely garden where the large swimming pool and deck are also found. Continuing with the theme of relaxation, AtlholPlace also features a library and lounge offering further spots to unwind, while the service from the team is truly top-notch.
- 138 rooms (soundproofed)
- Gym
- Spa
- Indoor Pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- WiFi
A typically Western business-style hotel, the standard of service, on-site facilities not to mention the Intercontinental’s enviable position so close to the Johannesburg Tambo Airport makes it an excellent and convenient hotel for those on their way out or in to the country. In fact this is the most sophisticated hotel next to an airport in the whole of Africa.
The rooms are all soundproofed and smartly dressed with all the creature comforts that one expects from such a hotel.
- 24 suites
- Spa
- Gym
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
- Gardens
The Saxon is the most elegant mix of class, quiet gardens, history and luxury service.
Even though this hotel is known for being Nelson Mandela’s home whilst he penned his ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ autobiography after being released from prison, it has been made famous by its attentive staff, excellent Spa, chic African style and for being an intimately smart sanctuary in this busy city.
Located in the upmarket business district of Sandhurst, the Saxon’s 24 suites are contemporary with definitive African influences and impressions throughout. The overall effect is a deluxe boutique one which never fails to remind you of the vibrant character and culture around you.
Overnight in Johannesburg
Enjoy your evening in this lively metropolitan city. You'll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of your stay.
Transfer
Private transfer from hotel to Johannesburg airport
Flight
Flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Flight
Light aircraft flight from Victoria Falls to airstrip in Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park
Camps in Hwange National Park
- Eight luxury tents and a family tent
- Star bed
- Swimming pool
- Winter lounge with library
Wilderness Linkwasha Camp lies in the south-eastern corner of the legendary Hwange National Park, on a private concession close to the famed Ngamo Plains, offering excellent year-round game viewing that peaks during the summer months. Though Hwange is Zimbabwe’s most popular national park, Linkwasha’s private concessions means that guests will never see another game vehicle except those from the camp.
A completely new camp, built from the ground up on the footprint of the old Linkwasha, the fresh, open and airy design is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors with the original spirit and essence of safari.
Eight en-suite luxury tents and one family tent overlook the waterhole, with the communal areas, including a pool area and a winter lounge complete with library, enjoying the same view.
If you want to get even closer to nature, spend a night on Wilderness Linkwasha’s Star Bed, located on a raised platform a short drive from the main camp with nothing but a mosquito net between you and the wild. Overlooking Scott’s Pan, a favourite drinking spot for game, you can be assured of incredible sightings and a guide will be set up a short distance away should you need any assistance during the night.
Wildlife frequently encountered in this area includes lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, leopard, spotted hyena, giraffe, sable, blue wildebeest, impala, waterbuck and reedbuck. In summer, wildebeest, zebra and eland are found in abundance on the open plains, while in winter elephant congregate in enormous numbers around the waterholes. Typically for Zimbabwe, birdlife in the area is prolific with over 400 species recorded.
Aside from day and evening game drives, the bush can be explored on foot and respectful visits to a local village can also be organised.
- Ten tents
- Plunge pool
- Wine cellar
- Underground hide at the waterhole
The Hide Safari Camp was set up in 1992 by the Preston family out of their passion for nature and the beauty of Hwangwe National Park. The area, now a private concession on the park’s eastern edge, was once the royal hunting ground of Ndebele kings and is famous for its abundant and diverse wildlife. Today, this camp has established and partnered with foundations to protect the wildlife and benefit the local community.
The Hide’s main camp has ten tents, two of which are slightly larger than the others. Each tent is mosquito-proof and has an en-suite bathroom, a fan for your comfort in summer and extra warm blankets and hot water bottles for the cool winter months. There’s also Tom’s Little Hide, a secluded three-bedroom cottage with awesome views of the waterhole that’s best suited for up to six adults and four children. For an unforgettable night, The Dove’s Nest Treehouse is a sleep-out experience for those who are a little more adventurous.
The hub of the camp is the ‘A-frame’ which houses the dining room, a downstairs sun lounge and a large comfortable lounge area upstairs. There’s also a plunge pool near the main lounge and dining room, and a tunnel leading to a wine cellar and hide.
During a stay here you can expect to see herds of elephants, buffalo, lion, leopard and African wild dog, as well as some of the four hundred bird species, which you can spot on game drives and walking safaris. There’s a waterhole just metres away from the tents, which attracts a wide variety of wildlife and can be viewed from your personal veranda or the hide. Other activities include visits to community projects and conservation initiatives.
- Eight Tents
- One family tent
- Lounge area
- Dining area
- Pool
Within one of the best game viewing areas in Hwange National Park, the south-eastern Linkwasha Concession, Wilderness Davison’s Camp is a classic and very comfortable tented safari stay.
Its nine spacious, green canvas tents are uniquely designed in beautiful Zimbabwean textiles and canvas materials. There is a main tent with a tasteful and traditional lounge, dining area, open campfire and pool.
The real highlight though is the variety of wildlife experiences in this region, that makes Wilderness Davison’s Camp one of the best game experiences in all Zimbabwe. It’s common to see a wide array of animals; from lions, large herds of elephants, buffalo, leopards, buffalo, spotted hyena, southern giraffe, sable, blue wildebeest, impala, common waterbuck and reedbuck – many of which simply come to you at the camp’s nearby waterhole.
- 6 Tented chalets
- Plunge pool
- Dining room
- Veranda
- Outdoor fire pit
One of the few camps in this, the Park’s 31,000 hectare Makalolo concession, Wilderness Little Makalolo also affords a fantastic position in front of a busy waterhole, which is often surrounded by a wide variety of fascinating game life and African birds.
The camp is small and intimate, with only six chalets, each of which has been decorated with a combination of wooden and brass furnishings. Built in the shade of large teak trees, the walls are made of gauze to allow for plenty of air to flow through for a pleasant night’s sleep. Each of the tents also comes with an en-suite bathroom, with indoor and outdoor shower facilities and his and hers copper sinks.
The camp’s pool offers a great place to relax and cool off, there is also an elevated decking area where guests can sit and enjoy a sundowner, while looking out at the wildlife surrounding the popular watering hole.
Four days on safari in Hwange National Park
Spend your days here in Hwange witnessing a vast array of exciting animals in this National Park the same size as Northern Ireland. This wildlife paradise is Zimbabwe's largest national park with huge amounts of elephant, African wild dog plus large prides of lion and buffalo.
Flight
Light aircraft flight from Hwange to Mana Pools
Mana Pools
Camps in Mana Pools
- Ten en-suite tents
- Dining area, lounge, library & lounge
- Infinity pool & deck
Set by the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp is located by the elephants’ much-loved albida trees, favoured for their pods, which makes the camp ideal for being able to view these massive mammals without even having to leave the lodge.
From the camp’s position on the banks of the river, you can see the Great Rift Valley on the opposite side of the Zambezi, a view which you can take in from the comfortable star-gazing deck. Each of the ten tented rooms have indoor and outdoor showers, and there’s a dining and lounge area, plus an infinity pool for cooling off after a safari.
When it comes to exploring the land, there are a variety of options. You can discover the area on foot on a walking safari, or take to the water for a cruise in a nine-seat pontoon, six-seat speed boat or even a canoe. Naturally, game drives leave every morning and afternoon, too.
Birds are prevalent, with species including the western banded snake-eagle, three-banded courser, Arnot’s chat, African golden oriole, and Meve’s starling. Other types of wildlife you can see on safari from Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp (aside from the resident elephants) include leopard, hippo, Burchell’s zebra, lion and buffalo.
Two days on safari in Mana Pools National Game Park
Spend your days in this remote and pristine national game park on canoe and walking safaris. Get a close look at the amazing resident animals as you track lions and head out on thrilling game drives.
Flight
Light Aircraft Flight from Mana Pools to Victoria Falls Airport
Victoria Falls
Transfer
Private transfer from Victoria Falls airport to your hotel
Lodges at Victoria Falls
- 176 rooms
- Three restaurants
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis Courts
- Library
- Reading Room
- Chapel
- 18-hole Golf Course at Elephant Hills Resort nearby
- Business Facilities
- Spa and hair salon
A historic landmark and an attraction in itself, the ‘grand old lady of the Falls’ still packs as much colonial flair and character as she always has, and has long been one of the most magnificent places to stay here.
The stately Edwardian style building has been here since 1904 and still commands the atmospheric appeal of the age of adventurer, standing at the rendezvous point where many pioneers have chosen to meet over the last century.
Of course outfitted with the modern comforts and demands, the hotel has kept up with the times and all of its 176 well-equipped rooms are proof of this. Furthermore there are a phenomenal level of facilities here to spoil you right in the middle of untamed Africa, and their wonderfully manicured and tropical gardens are lovely to take a stroll around.
One of the best things about the Victoria Falls hotel is its position, being seated just ten minutes’ walk away from the cascades along one of the hotel’s private pathways. There is nothing quite like taking afternoon tea on the Stanley Terrace, listening to the muted roar of the falls, and a royal view of the rising mist from the ‘smoke that thunders’ and the silhouette of the Victoria Falls bridge that links Zimbabwe with Zambia.
If you choose to stay here, you’ll be following in many a royal family’s footsteps and those of many a famous figure, that aside you can’t fail to the feel the history and enduring elegance of this hotel.
- Eight luxury tents with private plunge pools
- Five luxury family suites
- Dining and lounge area
- Swimming pool
- Tree hide
- Tao Spa
- Wi-Fi
As the first lodge to be built in the Zambezi National Park, this property has certainly nabbed one of the best positions, so close to the Falls that you can even see the spray billowing into the sky in the near distance.
With thirteen vast tented chalets with contemporary style twists and modern amenities, you awake with folding back your canvas door, strolling onto your private wooden terrace, to be greeted by wild nature and sublime river views. Five of these feature a children’s room and all are to feature their own plunge pools out on private decks overlooking the Zambezi.
Activities from the lodge include game drives and walking safaris into the national park, river cruises, canoeing, fishing and birding. On request, the more adventurous can try activities that Victoria Falls is renowned for – white water rafting, bungee jumping and flights over the falls.
Two days exploring Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
You can enjoy both sides of Victoria Falls easily, however if staying on the Zimbabwean side, along the southern banks of the Zambezi River you do enjoy a different side of things. In fact from this angle, this is where the largest volumes of water in all the falls can be seen. More activities include tours of the Falls by foot or helicopter, safari and sunset river cruises, game drives to nearby reserves and excursions into Victoria Falls town. Speak to your personal travel designer about how you wish to spend your time here.
Transfer
Transfer and border crossing from Zimbabwe into Zambia
Livingstone
Lodges and Camps in Livingstone
- 173 rooms and suites
- Restaurant
- Bar and Lounge area
- Pool
- Riverside deck
- Massage rooms
- Gym
Set just a short walk away from the falls themselves on the banks of the Zambezi, one can admire the coil of steam and spray rising from the falls on the horizon.
The 173 rooms and suites are set in well manicured gardens along the banks of the river. This is one of just a few hotels from which the falls can be accessed on foot, making it ideal for those who want to be as close as possible. The hotel has been built in a colonial style, harking back to the days of it’s namesake, with grand dining and lounge areas as well as a large outdoor pool and riverside deck.
- Four open fronted chalets
- Honeymoon chalet
- Private island
Sindabezi Island is unique – the discerning traveler’s best kept secret. An idyllic, exclusive camp on Tongabezi’s very own private isle on the Zambezi River it is the only luxury bush camp from where Victoria Falls can comfortably be explored.
Experience the large number of activities in the area during the day and return to a tranquil haven, a thousand light years away from the bustle at night. Sindabezi Island is currently one of the top 10 eco lodges in Africa according to Fodor’s.
Sindabezi has only five open-sided thatched cottages, allowing you to soak up the sights and sounds of the African bush in the perfect, pristine setting. Views across the flood plains of the Zambezi and into the nearby National Park complete the experience. Tongabezi Lodge, the sister property, is just a short boat ride away.
- 6 Luxury Chalets
- 1 Honeymoon Suite
- Massage Suite
- Swimming Pool
Located in the heart of the mighty Zambezi River, and spread over two small and untouched islands, this fantastic lodge offers you comfort, beauty and relative privacy while you are visiting the spectacular Victoria Falls. Approximately twenty-four miles from the famous waterfall, you are set away from the buzzing crowds that can frequent Livingstone town and have the chance to simply relax in peace and quiet before and after your excursion to the falls.
The lodge only has six luxury chalets and one stunning honeymoon suite, each with unique views of the flowing hippo-filled waters that eventually cascade over the enormous waterfall just down river. All of these colourfully decorated rooms are standalone and pleasingly private, with luxurious furnishings and private viewing decks where you can enjoy unrivalled views over the stretch of water before you. The honeymoon suite is often the highlight of our honeymoon trips, where the romance of your union is optimised in this beautiful Zambian setting.
- 10 suites (River Lodge)
- 4 island villas (Island Lodge)
- Spa
- Dining area and lounge
Set on a quiet secluded spot some distance up the Zambezi river. Royal Chundu is a place to come and relax by the river. There are two lodges, the River Lodge of ten suites and the Island Lodge of four large villas. Located on a very quiet stretch of the Zambezi this lodge is extremely luxurious with an excellent spa facility and fine-dining in camp.
Activities here are a mix of river-based relaxation and adventure as well as visits to the Falls.
Two days exploring Victoria Falls from the Zambian side
The mighty Victoria falls rank as one of the most spectacular sites in all of Africa. As the mighty Zambezi river crashes over sheer cliffs onto the rocks below it sprays a cloud of water high into the air. Enjoy a variety of activities in this area (as well as the falls themselves).
Transfer
Transfer from your lodge or hotel to Livingstone airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Introducing Zimbabwe
How we work
Experience a comprehensive and comfortable introduction to the wildlife and natural wonders of Zimbabwe with two distinct safaris followed by a finale on both sides of Victoria Falls. Fly into Johannesburg for a night’s layover and rest before flying across the border to your first lodge or camp in Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hwange. Here enjoy your first experience of the depth and breadth of wildlife in Zimbabwe to be heard, tracked and observed almost all to yourself. Daily game drives will bring you up close prides of Lion, African wild dog and water buffalo amongst many more. Then it’s onto the very remote, beautiful and UNESCO-awarded Mana Pools game park to experience a safari in the pristine and watery world of the Lower Zambezi Valley. Here the common wildlife sightings on your walking, 4WD or canoe safaris are of elephant, hippo, crocodile, and vibrant birdlife plus other predators that roam unchecked in this unfenced park. Finally it’s a restful and luxurious two nights on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls and a further final two nights on the Zambian side before returning home. | Whats included?
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Days 1-2 |
Johannesburg |
| Meet and greet at Johannesburg Airport On arrival at Johannesburg airport you will be met airside by a Jacada representative as you enter the terminal building. You will be fast-tracked through immigration, assisted with baggage collection and assisted to your onward arrangements. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Johannesburg airport to your hotel in the city |
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Accommodation in Johannesburg
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The Residence - $$$$$
A warm, hospitable welcome awaits you at The Residence, located in the historic suburb of...
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AtholPlace Boutique Hotel - $$$$$
Surrounded by private landscaped gardens in the upmarket suburb of Atholl, this intimate...
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The Johannesburg InterContinental - $$$$$
A typically Western business-style hotel, the standard of service, on-site facilities not to...
•
The Saxon - $$$$$
The Saxon is the most elegant mix of class, quiet gardens, history and luxury...
|
|
| Overnight in Johannesburg Enjoy your evening in this lively metropolitan city. You'll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of your stay. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer from hotel to Johannesburg airport |
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| Flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | |
| Light aircraft flight from Victoria Falls to airstrip in Hwange National Park | |
Days 2-6 |
Hwange National Park |
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Camps in Hwange National Park
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Wilderness Linkwasha Camp - $$$$$
Wilderness Linkwasha Camp lies in the south-eastern corner of the legendary Hwange National...
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The Hide Safari Camp - $$$$$
The Hide Safari Camp was set up in 1992 by the Preston family out of their passion for nature...
•
Wilderness Davison’s Camp - $$$$$
Within one of the best game viewing areas in Hwange National Park, the south-eastern Linkwasha...
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Wilderness Little Makalolo - $$$$$
One of the few camps in this, the Park’s 31,000 hectare Makalolo concession, Wilderness...
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| Four days on safari in Hwange National Park Spend your days here in Hwange witnessing a vast array of exciting animals in this National Park the same size as Northern Ireland. This wildlife paradise is Zimbabwe's largest national park with huge amounts of elephant, African wild dog plus large prides of lion and buffalo. |
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Flights & transfers
Light aircraft flight from Hwange to Mana Pools |
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Days 6-8 |
Mana Pools |
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Camps in Mana Pools
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Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp - $$$$$
Set by the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp is located by...
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| Two days on safari in Mana Pools National Game Park Spend your days in this remote and pristine national game park on canoe and walking safaris. Get a close look at the amazing resident animals as you track lions and head out on thrilling game drives. |
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Flights & transfers
Light Aircraft Flight from Mana Pools to Victoria Falls Airport |
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Days 8-10 |
Victoria Falls |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Victoria Falls airport to your hotel |
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Lodges at Victoria Falls
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Victoria Falls Hotel - $$$$$
A historic landmark and an attraction in itself, the ‘grand old lady of the Falls’...
•
Victoria Falls River Lodge - $$$$$
As the first lodge to be built in the Zambezi National Park, this property has certainly...
|
|
| Two days exploring Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) You can enjoy both sides of Victoria Falls easily, however if staying on the Zimbabwean side, along the southern banks of the Zambezi River you do enjoy a different side of things. In fact from this angle, this is where the largest volumes of water in all the falls can be seen. More activities include tours of the Falls by foot or helicopter, safari and sunset river cruises, game drives to nearby reserves and excursions into Victoria Falls town. Speak to your personal travel designer about how you wish to spend your time here. |
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Flights & transfers
Transfer and border crossing from Zimbabwe into Zambia |
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Days 10-12 |
Livingstone |
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Lodges and Camps in Livingstone
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The Royal Livingstone - $$$$$
Set just a short walk away from the falls themselves on the banks of the Zambezi, one can...
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Sindabezi Island - $$$$$
Sindabezi Island is unique – the discerning traveler’s best kept secret. An idyllic,...
•
Islands of Siankaba - $$$$$
Located in the heart of the mighty Zambezi River, and spread over two small and untouched...
•
Royal Chundu - $$$$$
Set on a quiet secluded spot some distance up the Zambezi river. Royal Chundu is a place to...
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| Two days exploring Victoria Falls from the Zambian side The mighty Victoria falls rank as one of the most spectacular sites in all of Africa. As the mighty Zambezi river crashes over sheer cliffs onto the rocks below it sprays a cloud of water high into the air. Enjoy a variety of activities in this area (as well as the falls themselves). |
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Flights & transfers
Transfer from your lodge or hotel to Livingstone airport |
