This 12-night safari explores Zimbabwe’s four key National Parks of Gonarezhou, Matobo, Hwange, and Mana Pools. The amazing diversity of experiences makes it ideal for everyone, whether on a romantic or family escape.
Included:
Accommodation, activities as per the itinerary, National Parks Fees and Community Levies, all meals, bar (excluding premium brands), road transfers as specified in the itinerary, domestic flights and transfers starting and ending in Harare.
Excludes:
Any other flights, including international flights; any expenses of personal nature; gratuities and porterage; any visa fees; travel, medical and cancellation insurance.
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge 3 nights
Amalinda Lodge 3 nights
Khulu Camp 3 nights
John’s Camp 3 nights
From US$10574 per person sharing.
Valid: May – October
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa lying between the Limpopo and Zambezi Rivers and known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife, much of it within parks, reserves and safari areas. The wonders of the landscape are matched by a variety and density of wildlife comparable with the world’s best, and this safari explores some of Zimbabwe’s safari hot spots.
Gonarezhou National Park, in Zimbabwe’s South-East Lowveld, covers just more than 5 000 km² of some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. Gonarezhou means place of elephants and is home to over 8000 elephants, mainly large tuskers, which are always a treat to see. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge lies on the edge of the park and offers guests an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Matobo National Park is infused with history and spiritual mystery, evidenced by the incredible number of San rock art paintings, many still pristine and found in caves and on rock faces. Established in 1926, Matobo Hills is Zimbabwe’s oldest national park and was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2003. It is most famous for the magnificent granite rock kopjes surrounding it and is home to one of the world’s largest populations of black eagles and several black and white rhinos.
Hwange National Park, where Khulu Camp is located, is the largest wildlife reserve in Zimbabwe, occupying roughly 14,650 sq. km. Visitors to Hwange are guaranteed to see an incredible range of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species recorded.
Mana Pools National Park is a beautiful 2,196 sq. km wildlife conservation area in northern Zimbabwe. Mana means “four” in Shona, (one of the main vernacular languages in Zimbabwe) and it refers to the number of large permanent pools left by the Zambezi River as it flows into the flood plain, and it is here that you will find John’s Camp.
Day 1:
Depart Harare International Airport on Seat-In Charter flight to Mahenye Airstrip(flight included).The Chilo Gorge team will meet and transfer you to the lodge (10mins). Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge sits on the cliffs of the Save river with panoramic views over Gonarezhou National Park. The lodge was established by International Award-Winning Conservationist Clive Stockil ,as part of his initiative in “Community Led Conservation”. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge offers guests access to the pristine wilderness of Gonarezhou, with the authentic animal interaction which goes with a park which is rarely visited. Gonarezhou is a gem amongst African parks and offers safari travellers an increasingly rare ability to explore untouched Africa. Each chalet is light and spacious, simple and elegant, with all the comforts of home. A handsome palette of natural materials was used to provide you with a haven from the heat of the day, a place to rest and recoup, and to prepare for your next big adventure. The 10 chalets are spacious, simple and elegant, with all the comforts of home. The main lodge has a shaded swimming pool, a sumptuous lounge, a library, a bar and dining room, all surrounded by beautifully tended gardens. Even here, at the heart of Chilo, the great African wilderness is never far away. You can watch elephants, hippos and crocodiles cooling off in the waters of the river from the viewing deck. Whether it’s exhilarating game drives through the park, excursions to the epic Chilojo Cliffs, or a day spent bird watching, there is a wide range of activities to suit every guest. When the day is done and you’ve enjoyed sundowners on the Save River, filled page after page of your journal around the campfire, or spent a day with the people of Mahenye Village, sleep will come easy. You know when you wake, it will be there waiting for you, all over again.
CHILO GORGE SAFARI LODGE Day 2:
Morning game drive or game walk in Gonarezhou, including a visit to Tembwahata – the largest natural water pan in Zimbabwe, the Palm Forestand Machaniwa Pan. Afternoon Cultural visit to the Mahenye community–the birthplace of the Community Led Conservation initiative started by Chilo founder Clive Stockil. This project is now widely known as CAMPFIRE and has been replicated thousands of times across Africa. Sundowners overlooking the Chivilila Falls.
CHILO GORGE SAFARI LODGE Day 3:
Full day game drive safari in Gonarezhou National Park, including a visit to the iconic Chilojo cliffs. Finish the day with sundowners overlooking the Save River.
CHILO GORGE SAFARI LODGE Day 4:
After leisurely breakfast, 10min Road Transfer to Mahenye Airstrip. Private Charter to Bulawayo Intl (flight included).Road Transfer to Amalinda Lodge. An African inspired refuge, where world class facilities effortlessly harmonize with the cultural and spiritual energy, allure and unique beauty for which the Matobo Hills is renowned and celebrated. This exclusive, privately owned safari lodge is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Matobo Hills, the oldest National Park in Zimbabwe, tucked away into an ancient Bushman’s shelter. The granite domes and castle kopjes echo the essence of tranquillity and majesty of untamed Africa, where wildlife and birdlife species thrive in prolific numbers. Famous for its healthy population of endangered rhino, the area is one of the most sought-after destinations within Zimbabwe.
AMALINDA LODGE Day 5:
Walking on our property is entirely safe–you could bump into warthog, zebra, klipspringer, kudu, impala, wildebeest, reedbuck, duiker, steenbok, hyrax and a vast variety of bird life. Watch out for the elusive leopard, although he’ll see you first….The Matobo Hills is one of the last bastions of both black and white rhino in Africa. The most unforgettable safari experience will be an approach up to this endangered species. This encounter is offered within the skills and knowledge of our experienced guides. Please note: For rhino tracking on foot, guests will need to hire national parks scouts-rates available upon request. Explore the hills where mysterious nomads once held their sacred ceremonies. The rocky granite topography boasts more than 2000 sites of the San (Bushman) tribes and is probably the richest source of San rock art known. This area, and several famous rocks here–known to the Ndebele people–hold spiritual significance of bygone rituals. Here, you can learn about their trials and tribulations, hopes and aspirations. Drive through the granite hills in the footsteps of Cecil John Rhodes. Visit his world-famous tomb known as “View of the World”, it’s an historical experience not to be forgotten. Leander Starr Jameson is also buried here and together with the spirits of soldiers killed in battle by Matebele warriors, they gather around at sunset, there is a definite spiritual presence. This “dwala” is known as “the dwelling place of spirits” or rather “Amalindidzimu”, the view will leave you breathless…….Take a tour to an African homestead and get down to earth with the local Matabele people. Enjoy their gracious hospitality as they show you around their “pole and dagga” huts. Use this opportunity to get an insight into the way of life for the local people and to experience their culture. We offer a chance to visit a clinic, traditional healer and local primary school where one begins to understand no matter what adversity children face, one of their basic wants is to learn. Many projects at the school, clinic and orphanage have been completed, and some are ongoing, through our social responsibility program, The Mother Africa Trust. The “My Beautiful Home” By-cycle ride is a well-plotted and carefully planned cycle route through these villages and rural homes in the Matopos is a once in a lifetime experience. It is a bucket list opportunity to touch the very essence of rural life and feel the warm heart and soul of Zimbabwe.
AMALINDALODGE Day 6:
Choice of Activities as above.
AMALINDA LODGE Day 7:
Road transfer to Khulu Bush Camp–approx. 3 hours. Arrive Khulu Bush Camp. Khulu Bush Camp is the smaller, more intimate sister lodge to its neighbouring Ivory Lodge. The excellent accessibility does not take away from its unparalleled feeling of seclusion and remoteness in the true African wilderness. Khulu Bush Camp is a tribute to Cedric Wilde, one of the Directors of the Amalinda Safari Collection, who it is named after. Khulu is the community and staff’s affectionate name for Cedric and it means ‘grandfather’. If you are lucky enough to be in camp with Khulu himself your evenings will be spent around the fire, talking of days gone by and strumming to old country tunes. The beauty of this camp is that it combines luxurious and private accommodation with old world hospitality. Khulu overlooks an ancient riverbed, in today’s terms called a ‘vlei’, known to attract a variety of the greatest wildlife and bird life in Hwange National Park, right on your doorstep. All rooms are similar, each boasting a magnificent view of a productive waterhole set in an ancient river bed, with abundant local wildlife. All rooms are equipped with Nespresso machines, mini bars, His and Her basins, outside and inside showers. Rooms can be converted to luxurious king sized or twin beds to suit the needs of the guest.
KHULU BUSH CAMP Day 8:
Morning, afternoon & full day game drives can be arranged on the concession and into the National Park. An abundance of game species can be spotted within the concession and National Park including Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Cheetah, Zebra, Sable, Wild Dog, Leopard and much more! Within the concession, evening game drives can be arranged with a sunset stopover for sundowners and your choice of beverage. Returning to the lodge by spotlight to find those elusive night animals &arriving back in camp in time to freshen up for dinner. Walking Safaris are carried out on our private concession of 6000 acres and are weather dependent.
Zimbabwe offers a rich, dynamic culture and through the support of our non profit project “The Mother Africa Trust“ we offer visits to local clinics, rural schools and the Dete Old Age Home. A fantastic way to get to know the friendly people and culture of Zimbabwe!
KHULU BUSH CAMP Day 9:
Game activities as per the lodge.
KHULU BUSH CAMP Day 10:
Road Transfer to Hwange Main Airstrip. Depart on scheduled charter flight to Mana Pools airstrip (flight included). Arrive Mana Pools airstrip. Meet and transfer to the camp. Mana Pools National Park is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River where you will find John’s Camp nestled amongst canopies of Trichelia and Mahogany trees, it is a truly natural wilderness. Across the vast floodplain one can walk with the giants-our African Bull elephants, dine amidst herds of buffalo, gaze upon prides of lion, enjoy sundowners with hippos on the banks of the Zambezi River and bird watch over 400 species of birds. The camp comprises of 12 beds, made up of 6 twin or double en-suite Meru style tents, a common dining area and a star gazing sleep-out platform for the more adventurous safari traveller. Each tent has en-suite bathroom facilities with flush loo and overhanging safari-style bucket showers. Inside the tent is a lit changing area complete with a running water basin. With privacy in mind, the tents are generously spaced out along the floodplain adjacent to the Zambezi River. The dining area is centrally located between the tents, positioned in thick shade, and there is a campfire overlooking the floodplain for evening cocktails and snacks before dinner.
JOHN’S CAMP Day 11:
Game activities as per the camp. Various activities to choose from. Game drives are all conducted from Toyota Landcruisers,9-seaterbench arrangements on a 3 tier frame with an overhead shade for comfort. Walking safaris lead by professional armed licensed Guides. Bush lunch prepared in the main camp and served in a remote and beautiful part of the park overlooking the Zambezi River. Land based fishing, catch a variety of species from the great African Tiger Fish to the tasty Tilapia (bream).
JOHN’S CAMP Day 12:
Game activities as per the camp. A typical day on safari has guests woken just before sunrise for a quick cup of tea or coffee, a bowl of porridge or a muffin. You will head out on either a game walk or drive returning to camp for a late morning brunch. Midday siesta time is spent in camp and afternoon tea is served at 3.30pm. Head out again for an afternoon of game viewing as the day cools. Fishing from the banks of the river is also an option. Sundowners can be enjoyed while out on your afternoon game drive or back in camp. All guests will be back in camp by 6.30pm. Warm bucket showers will be ready on your return. Gather around the campfire to share your stories from the day before enjoying a three-course dinner.
JOHN’S CAMP Day 13:
Road transfer to Mana Pools airstrip. Depart on scheduled charter flight to Harare International Airport (flight included) for your onward connection.