Day 1 to Day 2 - Livingstone
On arrival into Livingstone International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your lodge. (0,B)
The next day you continue your trip south to the Victoria Falls, referred to by the Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya, or “the Smoke that thunders,” while taking in breath-taking views from the Zambian side. Cap off an incredible day with a serene sunset cruise along the mighty Zambezi River, basking in the warm afterglow and tranquillity of the African landscape.
Accommodation: 2 nights Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya, Livingstone Resort (or similar).
Tune out from the rest of the world and connect to the natural beauty of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. This exceptional UNESCO site is home to one of the largest waterfalls in the world and a wildlife park.
Relax in this magical setting or find an adventure – in addition to 200 rooms and suites, our hotel offers locally-inspired restaurants, a river cruiser, and a sports pavilion. Unwind at our Amani Spa Center and appreciate views of the river and nearby nature. Explore Livingstone and its stunning surroundings at our Activity Center or enjoy family fun and endless excitement at the hotel’s Kids Club.
Day 3 to Day 4 – Chobe National Park
Departure: 09h00
Distance: 85 km
Your adventure begins with a hearty breakfast before you embark on the next leg of your journey. You will make your way across the border into Botswana through the town of Kasane onto your lodge in the Greater Chobe region, one of the most biodiverse and wildlife-rich areas in Africa. Here, you will be staying in a comfortable lodge that offers the perfect blend of luxury and adventure. Once you arrive, you’ll have the option to take a sunset game drive, where you’ll have the chance to spot some of the region’s most iconic animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and more.
The next morning is spent on the concession, in search of African wildlife. In the afternoon you enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise along the Chobe River. (BLD,BLD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Hideaways Camp Kuzuma (or similar).
Hideaways Camp Kuzuma is a private and exclusive safari lodge situated in the pristine Kazuma Forest reserve in the Chobe region of Botswana located 85km from Kasane in Northern Botswana and approximately an hours’ drive from the Kasane airport. Overlooking a regularly frequented waterhole and open plains of the Kazuma Pans, the lodge is situated in the busiest elephant corridor that joins two of the world’s greatest parks, the Chobe National Park in Botswana and the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
The natural plant life at Camp Kuzuma is carefully preserved by elevated wooden walkways that connect the 5 Luxury Tented Suites to the main guest areas. The main lodge area, built under a large canvas tent, is home to an open plan bar, lounge and dining area. The main area extends onto a large wooden deck with a sparkling swimming pool that overlooks a floodlit waterhole that is frequently visited by an abundance of wildlife including elephant and lion.
Day 5 to Day 6 – Hwange National Park
Departure: 08h00
Distance: 82 km
Today you make your way across the border into Zimbabwe and onto your lodge located in a private concession in the heart of Hwange National Park. Here you will spend the next two nights in this wildlife rich area. This day is spent on a half day game drive. Over the following two days, you will have plenty of time to explore this vast wilderness on game drives and walking safaris. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to massive herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife. (BLD, BLD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Hideaways Nantwich Lodge (or similar).
A hidden gem within a hidden gem, experience this unique and intimate eco-lodge reclaimed from a bygone era. Hideaways Nantwich Lodge has a history closely tied to that of Hwange National Park, as described here by acclaimed author Tony Park. Nantwich Lodge attracts true safari lovers who want to get off the beaten track and discover the pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife of Northern Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Perched up on a hill overlooking a large dam with resident crocodile and hippo, the game lodge boasts some of the best game viewing in the area. This remote safari lodge in Hwange National Park promotes conservation and responsible tourism by preserving the natural heritage of this great wilderness.
Day 7 to Day 8 – Hwange National Park
Departure: 07h00
Distance: 180 km
Today you make an early start as you travel East through the park to your next lodge. In the coming two days, you’ll have the chance to delve deeper into your exploration of African wildlife. The first day offers an afternoon game drive, followed by a full-day game drive on the second day. (BLD, BLD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Camp Silwane (or similar).
Camp Silwane is an exciting new camp located on a stunning, private wildlife rich conservation area situated adjacent to Hwange National Park, one of the last true great wilderness areas of Zimbabwe. Silwane Conservation Area is an innovative new project where what was previously a hunting area is being transformed into a protected, photographic safari area. This initiative began with a small group of conservationists with a passion for Hwange National Park and its surrounds. These individuals had a vision of transforming part of the hunting area, adjacent to the National Park, into a conservancy where wildlife is free to roam between the two. Some of the landholders in the area whose income used to be derived from hunting now share this desire to protect the wildlife for future generations and have joined the initiative. It is hoped that the success of Silwane will encourage other landholders to join in the conservation area.
The name Silwane is derived from iSilwane from the Ndebele language word for lion. Indeed, the visitor to Camp Silwane will hear the regular roar of the dominant male lion as he patrols his area and often see the resident pride at the Silwane waterholes. Silwane Conservation Area is beautiful, with 3 large permanent waterholes as well as seasonal water pans that attract prolific game and birdlife.
To stay at Hwange and its surroundings, even for a fleeting visit, has been out of reach of many people, especially families, due to the high cost of luxury accommodation. Keeping this in mind the developers of Silwane have provided comfortable but affordable accommodation that will enable guests to enjoy this majestic wilderness.
Day 9 to Day 10 – Zambezi River
Departure: 07h00
Distance: 170 km
. (BLD, BLD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Simwenge River Lodge (or similar).
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will embark on a scenic journey to our next lodge nestled on the banks of the Zambezi river. Over the next two days, you will enjoy guided game drives on the camp’s concession, which is situated only 30km from the lodge, providing an opportunity to experience the diverse and rich wildlife of the area. Birding enthusiasts can indulge in the vibrant birdlife of the region while fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at catching the elusive tiger fish. In addition, guests can experience an unforgettable sunset pontoon cruise on the stunning Zambezi River, providing a tranquil and stunning end to a day filled with adventure.
Day 11 to Day 12 – Victoria Falls
Departure: 07h00
Distance: 115 km
Get ready to embark on a delightful adventure as you journey towards the magnificent Victoria Falls and spend a leisurely afternoon indulging in one of the many exciting optional activities that the charming town has to offer.
Experience the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls from a new perspective as you embark on a tour from the Zimbabwe side, providing a fresh and breath-taking vantage point of this natural wonder. After a day filled with adventure, unwind and take in the stunning views of the Zambezi River on a tranquil sunset cruise, the perfect way to end an unforgettable day. (B, B)
Accommodation: 2 nights Ilala Lodge Hotel (or similar).
Offering distinguished accommodation with gracious and secluded ambiance, the décor evokes a bygone era of adventure and discovery. The elegant hotel is close to the Falls and town centre and borders the National Park, so wildlife is often seen on the lawns as well as the spray from the Falls themselves. The lodge offers 52 air-conditioned rooms, plus four suites, all with en-suite bathroom, patio doors opening on to gardens or balcony, overhead fans and satellite TV together with the fabulous Palm Restaurant.
Day 13 - End of your Grand Zambezi Tour
Departure: 07h00
Distance: 30 km
Your safari ends today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your onward flight. (B)