Situated on a high plateau between the Limpopo and the Zambezi rivers, Zimbabwe offers majestic landscapes, mysterious ruins of past civilizations, excellent game viewing safaris and hotels and restaurants of international standing.
The landscape is as diverse as the wildlife - the Savannah and the Mopane forests of Hwange; the valleys and moorlands of the Eastern Highlands; the vast expanse of Lake Kariba to the arid mystery of Gonarezhou, and not forgetting the most spectacular sight of all
- the Victoria Falls.
When Livingstone first set eyes on the Victoria Falls in 1855
he exclaimed: "A sight so lovely - it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight."
The Zambezi teems with crocodiles and hippos, so any journey made on the water is certain to provide travelers with some photo opportunities. The mildly fit, but wildly adventurous, can opt for an escorted canoe trail on the Zambezi through Mana Pools National Park – a marvellous way to view bird and animal life at a more sedate pace – up close and personal.
Travel Log: Victoria Falls & Zambezi Canoe Trip
Zimbabwe is Wild Africa at its most beautiful.
A sample of our Zimbabwe Experiences:
4 Day Zambezi Canoe Trail
or 1 Day Upper Zambezi Canoe trip
9 Day Waterfalls & Wildlife Deluxe Safari
10 Day Best of Vic Falls & Botswana - Private Safari in Lodges & Luxury Safari Tents (pdf)
11 Day Classic Zimbabwe – Fully Escorted Hotel & Lodge Safari
14 Day Ultimate Wildlife Camping & Accommodated Safari (semi-participation)
16 Day Victoria Falls Express - the Shongololo Train Experience
Enquire about more Safari options here
TravelBoecker Tailor-Made
- combing your personal preference with our expertise.
We create unique & authentic experiences
designed to suit your budget and desired style of travel.
Republic of Zimbabwe:
• Area: 390,757 km²
• Capital: Harare
• Currency: Multi-currency, predominantly US dollar and South African Rand
• Climate: Temperate conditions prevail all year, moderated by altitude and the inland
position of the country.
The best months to visit are April, May, August, September and October.
• People: Shona 80%, Ndebele 15%, other Bantu groups 5%
• Official language: English. Shona and Ndebele is widely spoken.
• Time: GMT +2
CLASSIC ZIMBABWE Fully Escorted 11 Days (TT01)
Harare • Nyanga • Great Zimbabwe • Matopos • Hwange • Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe features legendary sites, scenic beauty and prolific wildlife!
In the Shona language it means ‘Great Houses of Stone’ in proud reference to the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe (1200 AD).
Whether you’re a photographer, wildlife enthusiast, explorer or lover of natural beauty, the rolling green misty plains of Nyanga, the world-renowned Victoria Falls aka ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, or Hwange National Park will leave you in awe at the end of our journey through this vast African landscape.
We go beyond the key highlights to the other world of local culture and concerns – a secluded, traditional healer’s village, or a trip to the Painted Dog conservation centre for the unique African wild dog. Visiting Zimbabwe takes you into another world, and you’ll be spellbound.
ITINERARY
Day 1:(Sun) Harare (D)
On arrival at the Harare International Airport, you will be met by our friendly representative and proceed through Zimbabwe’s’ Capital City with its wide open thorough-fares, fascinating history and quaint mix of traditional and modern buildings before you reach your hotel. Relax at the hotel and spend the afternoon lazing in the sparkling pool, have a drink at the mirrored bar or book the optional Harare City afternoon tour with your guide (for own account). This tour exposes an impeccably clean city, bustling with busy shops, wide open streets and warm hospitable people. Accommodation: Crowne Plaza or Similar
Day 2: (Mon) Harare / Nyanga (B,D)
After an early breakfast we leave Harare and head through diverse scenery of farm lands, rocky outcrops and into the magnificent mountainous area of the Eastern highlands, also known as “The little England” of Zimbabwe. Mount Inyangani is the tallest mountain in Zimbabwe, deeply shrouded in local folklore; this mountain forms a stunning backdrop to the resort. Arrive in time for lunch (own account) and settle into your room, see the fire lit in 1951 that has never been extinguished but continues to offer a warm welcome to each guest and take some time to soak in the beautiful calm views and serene settings. (Optional activities are available – horse riding, golf, fishing, for own account) Accommodation: Troutbeck or similar
Day 3: (Tue) Nyanga (B,D)
The day is yours to explore or relax. Curl up in the lounge with a book, and take in the panoramic view or stroll down to the dam to watch the rainbow trout diving through the waters. Optional activities are available at the resort as well as a full day Nyanga National Park tour (for own account). Here you will experience a village from the stone ages known as Pit Huts, a Rainbow Trout hatchery set in the natural pools of the sparkling river. Scramble down the mountain side to view exceptional views of the local falls. Accommodation: Troutbeck or similar
Day 4: (Wed) Nyanga /Great Zimbabwe (B,D)
This morning after breakfast, we depart for Masvingo, The Ancient City, where we will be inspired by the Ruins of Great Zimbabwe built in 1200AD, which were first discovered by the Settlers in 1888. The Ruined City of Great Zimbabwe is the largest and most significant ancient monument south of the Sahara and only second to the Egyptian pyramids. Here your guide will take you through the Acropolis, the Great Enclosure and the Conical Tower. Accommodation: Lodge at the Ancient City or similar
Day 5: (Thu) Great Zimbabwe / Matopos (B,D)
After a hearty breakfast we depart Masvingo for Bulawayo, where we arrive around midday (lunch for own account). This is the second largest city in Zimbabwe with wide tree lined streets and is surrounded by beautiful parks, a legacy of Cecil John Rhodes. Within the city are many examples of early Victorian buildings which are maintained by the Bulawayo City council and landlords as heritage sites. We learn more about this beautiful country by visiting the Bulawayo National Museum before checking into our hotel. Accommodation: Holiday Inn Bulawayo or similar
Day 6: (Fri) Matopos (B,L,D)
The Matopo Hills has long been recognized as an area of exceptional beauty with a rich, colourful and mythical history. A full day will be spent exploring the area and some highlights include cave paintings, panoramas of the countryside at “View of the World”, where Cecil Rhodes is buried. We hope to catch a glimpse of black rhino and plains game, but this area is famous for its dense concentrations of birds of prey. Accommodation: Holiday Inn Bulawayo or similar
Day 7: (Sat) Bulawayo / Hwange National Park (B,L,D)
After breakfast we depart for Hwange National Park. This is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to the herds of presidential elephants. It is also home to many predators and endangered species and seethes with varied birdlife. We transfer onto an open vehicle and proceed on a game drive transfer to our lodge. Once we have checked in we will enjoy lunch overlooking the beautiful plains, we will proceed on an afternoon game drive. After sundowners a sumptuous dinner will be enjoyed to the sounds of the night. Accommodation: Makololo or similar
Day 8: (Sun) Hwange National Park (B,L,D)
Dawn breaks with a morning game drive through the vast plains to experience the drama of the previous night. We hope to view more of the many species that live in the national park whilst exploring the magnificent landscape that includes desert sand to sparse woodland as well as grasslands and granite outcrops. We will return to the lodge for an afternoon siesta and later proceed on an evening game drive to view the nocturnal inhabitants of the Hwange National Park. Accommodation: Makololo or similar
Day 9: (Mon) Hwange National Park/ Victoria Falls (B,D)
An early rise accompanied by tea & coffee before we enjoy a last game drive transfer out of the National Park. Our first stop is at the Painted Dog Conservation centre in Hwange, here we will learn more about Wild Dogs and the Centre’s efforts to protect these beautiful animals from extinction. After this, we head for the town of Victoria Falls or as the Local people call it “Mosi-oa-Tunya” - the smoke that thunders. This quaint town offers a variety of activities and attractions both on land and water. Your afternoon can be spent at leisure, or you can book one of many activities available, such as a Sunset Cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. Accommodation: The Kingdom Hotel or similar
Day 10: (Tue) Victoria Falls (B,D)
This morning we visit a secluded and unexplored Zimbabwean Village where you will speak with a Traditional medicine healer and witness age old customs and way of life. Afterwards we enjoy a tour of the Victoria Falls. These Falls constitute one of the most spectacular Natural Wonders of the World. You will stop at various vantage points to view the falls and walk through the rain forest whilst witnessing the rainbows and feeling the spray and thundering noise of water falling into the gorge. The rest of your afternoon will be spent at leisure, where you can book one of many activities with your guide. Accommodation: The Kingdom Hotel or similar
Day 11: (Wed) Victoria Falls (B)
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before checking out and being transferred to the Victoria Falls airport.
We bid you “Hamba kahle uphinde ubuye” - ‘Go well and come back again soon’! Top
TOUR COST: from US$3,499 per person sharing twin
Single Supplement: US$850
Departs: bi-weekly between January and October
Type of Safari: Fully escorted hotel & lodge safari
Accommodation: standard hotels and lodges
Includes:
- 10 nights accommodation in double rooms with private facilities
- Meals: 10 Dinners, 3 Lunches, 10 Breakfasts
- Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles and open game drive vehicles
- Services by highly qualified professional local guides
- All touring and game drives as mentioned
- Hwange Conservation Levy
- Donation to the Painted Dog conservation program
Excludes: international flights to Harare and from Victoria Falls; airport taxes; passport and travel visa fees; medical or travel insurance; drinks; gratuities and personal expenses.
Please Note: Travel Visas are required by most passport holders. Top
4 Day Zambezi Canoe Trail from US$1325 (WS02)
Paddling in Mana Pools National Park
This safari is perfect for adventurous travellers, allowing the closest possible encounters with wildlife on one of the greatest rivers in Africa. This thrilling experience traverses the heart of Mana Pools and along the Zambezi's shoreline, canoeing past countless hippos on the way!
Each night is spent camping on the banks of the Zambezi River, ultimately finishing 65km downstream with many adventures to recall. Encounters with animals, whether on canoe or on foot, are up close and awe-inspiring.
Highlights:
-
Abundant up close wildlife viewing and spectacular birding
-
Strong and stable Canadian canoes enhance experience and comfort
-
A wonderful sense of being close to nature in the heart of Africa
-
One of the best walking areas in Southern Africa, including awe-inspiring 'on foot' interactions with elephant
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Ruckomechi airfield, safety briefing and begin canoeing in Mana Pools National Park
Day 2: Full day canoeing and walking in Mana Pools
Day 3: Full day canoeing, walking through Wilderness area of Mana Pools
Day 4: End canoeing, arrive Chikwenya airfield for flight out
Typically, canoeists are awakened before dawn with tea/coffee and biscuits and we try to get onto the water just before sunrise. This is a magical time on the river as the water is usually calm and the peace and tranquillity is amazing.
After paddling for usually about two hours, we beach the canoes on the bank of the Zambezi River and set out for a game walk. The guide chooses a suitable area, based on his knowledge of the area and game movements and we take a few hours to explore on foot, and unravel some of the intricacies of the bush.
After returning to the canoes, and a light snack, we continue canoeing to a suitable lunch spot, arriving around midday. Lunch is carried in the canoes and is usually consists of a salad and cold meats. We normally rest up in the shade for a while or take another short walk before moving on arriving at the next camp at dusk.
The camp, and all the luggage, will have been moved by the camp staff and all that is required to be done by participants is to enjoy a hot shower under the stars, and a cold drink, followed by dinner. The daily distances covered from one camp to the next are around 20 to 25 kilometres and the daily routine will vary according to wildlife movements.
The Zambezi Canoe Trail departs every Monday and Thursday between May and November.
The Trail is for reasonably fit guests and is led by an experienced guide. Support vehicles and staff assist guests and set up camp each day.
Top
For the time-challenged we offer a 1 day Upper Zambezi Canoe Safari from US$95 (TT02)
9 Day Waterfalls & Wildlife from US$3,215 (TT03)
This deluxe safari takes in the majestic Victoria Falls ‘the smoke that thunders’ - the largest curtain of water in the world.
Wonder at the great herds of elephant, buffalo and sable in Hwange National Park, and observe the superb wildlife located within the floodplains of Africa’s Great Rift Valley at Mana Pools.
TravelBoecker Adventures has combined these three spectacular areas to offer you an unsurpassed safari adventure. Top
ZAMBIA
Zambia remains one of the least accessible of Africa's countries from a wildlife-tourism point of view. It is home to the Luangwa Valley, famous for its magnificent herds of elephants. With one of the largest concentrations of game outside Kenya and Tanzania, the South Luangwa National Park boasts countless crocodiles, hippos and a profusion of bird-life. Zambia provides a magical formula for excellent camping and/or walking safaris.
This African gem lies on the other side of the mighty Zambezi River from Zimbabwe, and plays host to many of the wildlife and adventure activities that take place on this magnificent river.
A sample of our Zambian Experiences:
4 Day South Luangwa Walking Trail
6 Day Victoria Falls & Chobe Luxury Safari
11 Day Great Wilderness Luxury Journey in Botswana & Victoria Falls
12 Day Wildlife Safari & Camping in Zambia & Malawi
15 Day Northern Desert & Delta from Zambia to Namibia
21 Day Grand Desert & Delta Lodge Safari in Botswana, Namibia & Zambia
21 Day Trade Route Camping Safari - Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique & South Africa
21 Day Southern Cross Grand Explorer - Cape Town to Victoria Falls
Enquire about more Safari options here
TravelBoecker Tailor-Made
- combing your personal preference with our expertise.
We create unique & authentic experiences
designed to suit your budget and desired style of travel.
Republic of Zambia
- Area: 752 614km²
- Capital: Lusaka
- Currency: Kwacha
- Climate: There are three seasons: December - April which is warm and wet; May-August which is cool and dry and September - November, which is hot and dry.
- People: African (98%, including Lozi, Ngoni, Tonga, Lunda, Bemba, Kaonde, Luvale), European (1%)
- Official language: English (over 70 indigenous languages)
- Time: GMT +2
4 Day South Luangwa Walking Trail from US$1325 (WS04)
This Walking Trail allows safari goers to experience the thrill, majesty and pristine nature of the Luangwa wilderness on foot, while catering to your creature comforts!
Wild and remote, the legendary South Luangwa National Park is sustained by the waters of the Luangwa River, an impressive watercourse that famously supports high densities of game along its banks.
Walking takes place in unique "wilderness" areas where there are no vehicles or roads, while each night is spent at a 'one of a kind' camp: Chinengwe Riverbed Camp and Kalamu Star-Bed Camp on the banks of the River.
Itinerary
Day 1: Settle into Kalamu Lagoon Camp, South Luangwa National Park. Accommodation consists of 8 safari-style reed and canvas tents, each en-suite with both an indoor and outdoor shower.
Day 2: We trek down towards the Mapandwe Stream and head downstream to the Luangwa River, where we have lunch on its banks. In the afternoon, we continue our walk westwards and explore the Chinengwe area, arriving at Chinengwe Riverbed Camp in time for a sundowner and a shower.
Accommodation consists of three dome-style tents erected on the base of the Luangwa River, right on the edge of the water. Each tent has its own bucket shower and hand wash basin, with hot water brought to the tent by staff when you wish to shower.
Day 3: Today, we cross the river in a mokoro and explore the northern bank, up to the Kalauzi Stream, stopping for lunch at the confluence of the Kalauzi Stream. Later in the afternoon we cross back over to the southern side where we will walk along the banks of the Luangwa River to Kalamu Star-bed Camp.
Accommodation consists of three timber platforms, raised 10 feet above the ground, with twin beds under mosquito nets and the stars as the roof! Each platform has its own bathroom with hot and cold running water.
Day 4: After an early morning continental breakfast at Kalamu Star-beds, we trek downriver in the direction of Kalamu Lagoon Camp. At our tea stop, we will be met by a vehicle which will transport us back to Kalamu Lagoon Camp in time for brunch on the lagoon.
This pristine wilderness area, in a remote and wild corner of the park, is an unforgettable journey into pure wilderness.
Departs Mondays between June and October.
Top
6 Days Victoria Falls & Chobe from C$1,315 (TT04)
This first class safari includes 3 nights on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls with a sunset cruise and tour of the mighty Falls, followed by 2 nights in Chobe, a great wilderness experience at the Chobe River, home to a great variety of wildlife and many, many elephants. Top
TRADE ROUTE (SuS03)
Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique & South Africa
21 day small group participation CAMPING Safari
from Livingstone to Johannesburg
Travel through the heart of the wild continent,
from Zambia through Malawi and along the Mozambique coast to South Africa.
A diverse and fascinating journey along the old trade routes!!
The perfect experience for those veteran Africa travellers.
Tour price: from US$2,525 per person sharing accommodation
+ local payment US$300
Single tent supplement (only if requested, and only on camping nights) US$150
Highlights
- Victoria Falls – natural wonder of the world
- Lower Zambezi – canoeing
- South Luangwa NP – game walk & 4WD game drives
- Lake Malawi – snorkelling & beaches
- Benguerra Island – explore the islands on a dhow
- Inhambane – beaches and scuba diving
- Kruger National Park – morning and afternoon game drives
Participants in this safari should expect some rustic camps and some long travel days, but
amazing experiences.
Detailed Itinerary (pdf)
Includes
- Small Group Safari: Max 12 people
- Professional Safari Guides
- Transport in safari truck & 4WD
- Meals: B = Breakfast (20) L = Lunch (18) D = Dinner (15)
- Entrance Fees
- 6 nights in cabin / casitas & 14 nights camping
- Use of camping equipment (except sleeping bags)
- Canoeing on the Lower Zambezi
- Magaruque Island excursion
Safari Grade:
Participation camping with hot shower facilities (14 nights). Mats and chairs with backrests are provided. Tents are large, easy to erect.
Casitas – 2 nights where two rooms share facilities
Tented Lodge and Chalet – 4 nights with en suite facilities
Tour leader will shop and prepare meal and we eat around the camp fire or in communal dining “lapas”. Group participation in camp chores is required.
Responsible Tourism
In the Luangwa Valley we stay at Wildlife Camp who donate 60% of their revenues to the Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia. A local guide will lead us on a game walk and night drive. Your visit will support employment opportunities.
Return to Malawi / Mozambique
Return to South Africa
Top
TravelBoecker Tailor-Made
- combing your personal preference with our expertise.
We create unique & authentic experiences
designed to suit your budget and desired style of travel.
