On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport you will be met and transferred y road to Zambezi Sands River Lodge. This transfer takes approximately 35 minutes, during which time your driver will give you a brief but informative commentary on the area and places of interest. (D)
Enjoy scheduled activities as offered by the lodge. (BLD)
Day 4 - Overnight Train
Today after lunch you will be transferred back to Victoria Falls and dropped at the Railway Station to join the Stimela Star and your overnight rail journey to Hwange Nationbal Park. (BLD)
Accommodation: 1 night on board Stimela Star.
Two sleeper carriages each sleep 12 passengers in twin or single compartments with shared toilet and shower facilities at either end of each carriage, for a total of 10 twin and 4 single berths. Compartments are snug but roomy enough for two. (They have single beds which are 92 x 188cm). Each compartment has electric lights and 3 round pin power sockets, and plenty of luggage room under the beds and in overhead racks.
Day 5 - Hwange National Park
After breakfast on the train you will have free time before joining the The Elephant Express rail car to the Ngamo Siding at approximately 14:00. Set in the shade of ancient Zambezi teak trees, you will board the Elephant Express and feel like you have been transported back in time to an era when safari by rail was part of the adventure. At this exclusive siding in the forest, you will sip cold drinks and enjoy snacks prior to the 70 km, 2 hour trip to the Ngamo Siding. On arrival, you will be met by a representative from Camelthorn who will then transfer you by road to the lodge. This transfer takes approximately 20 minutes. (BLD)
The Elephant Express seats 22 passengers and the finishes are comfortable and elegant. They include individual coach seating, a chemical toilet, teak tables, plenty of space for luggage and a large aisle that allows guests to walk around comfortably and provide unrestricted game viewing. The railcar has every safety feature too. The Elephant Express has been deliberately designed to travel either forwards or backwards, with an independent engine and gearbox at either end of the vehicle. There are also sidings every 10 km on the straight route to allow traffic to pass, and your drivers are experienced railways’ engineers each with over 30 years experience on this line. They are in constant communication with other trains and traffic control and have 25 km of visibility in both directions. Imvelo guides are also on board at all times to ensure guest comfort and help them enjoy the wildlife, scenery and vegetation enroute.
Accommodation: 3 nights Camelthorn Lodge.
Camelthorn Lodge is situated in one of Hwange’s last remaining well-protected and un-spoilt acacia woodlands, on the edge of the South Eastern corner of the park. Here, you will be treated to a truly memorable safari experience, in pure comfort and style. Enjoy al fresco dining under our ancient camelthorn tree, savour your morning coffee in front of a roaring fire, track herds of elephant by foot, and enjoy close up photography from inside our look-up blind. The main lodge is unique in its style and design and has as its centre piece a huge ancient Camelthorn tree that spans a 35-metre outdoor dining area. Accommodation is in 8 luxuriously furnished forest villas with private en-suite bathrooms, fireplaces, ground level decks, and upstairs outdoor maisonettes with hammocks and day beds.
Day 6 to Day 7 - Hwange National Park
Enjoy scheduled game viewing activities. (BLD)
Day 8 - Hwange National Park
After breakfast, depart on your game drive transfer to Nehimba Lodge, via Hwange Main Camp. This transfer takes approximately 3 hours. (BLD)
Accommodation: 3 nights Nehimba Lodge.
Deep inside a private concession, nestled inside the remote northern region of Hwange National Park, hides Nehimba Lodge. By combining luxury living with ultimate elegance and lashings of African charm, this Lodge is designed to create the most exceptional safari experiences. The Main guest area and 7 spacious guest accommodations are thatched tents built on teak decks, overlooking the magnificent lodge pan – a favoured spot frequented by a variety of wildlife and large numbers of elephants, particularly in the dry season. Nehimba sits on the edge of the mopane woodlands associated with the north of the park and the Kalahari sandveld of the south and west. All the diversity of Hwange’s fauna and flora is within easy reach.
Day 9 to Day 10 - Hwange National Park
Enjoy scheduled game viewing activities. (BLD)
Day 11 - End of Willdlife and Waterfall Rail Safari
Today you will be transferred by road to Hwange Main Camp to connect with your road transfer to Victoria Falls Airport. This transfer takes approximately 3 hours. (B)