ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
Zimbabwe - The
Legend Visit: Mana Pools, Matusadona, Hwange, Victoria Falls Highlights: all inclusive, exclusive tented camps and lodges, transfers by air, wildlife viewing from open sided 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided hikes and walks, boating, canoeing on the lower Zambezi River and on Lake Kariba (optional), excellent wildlife and brilliant birding, guided tour of Victoria Falls ZIMBABWE Described as Africa’s Paradise this young country is home to roving herds of game and the haunt of cunning predators. Africa's top guides will introduce you to a wilderness punctuated by 3000 year old baobab trees, tumbling granite outcrops, open grasslands, and thickets of woodland humming to the music of a million birds. Days will be spent deep in the bush tracking wildlife on foot and in open 4 x 4 vehicles with professional guides and nights will be spent in the company of your spirited hosts at Zimbabwe's premier tented camps and lodges. From the hippo filled Lower Zambezi River to the awe inspiring Victoria Falls, one of the world’s seven natural wonders, you will traverse this great land and capture its spirit with not only your camera, but also your soul. Full itinerary and trip details below: DAYS 1, 2, 3 MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK You will be transferred by light aircraft (included) from Victoria Falls to Mana Pools and Chikwenya Camp. Situated on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools National Park in northern Zimbabwe, Chikwenya offers an unparalleled remote African wildlife and wilderness experience. Guests are accommodated in 9 large walk in tents raised on teak walkways with en suite shower and toilet and outdoor bath. Guests may also choose to stay at Ruckomechi Camp at the same cost. Mana Pools National Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. Wild and remote, the area abounds with elephant, lion, hyena, buffalo, hippo and numerous species of antelope. Discerning clients will enjoy the opportunity to explore untouched Africa on professionally guided wildlife viewing walks, on game drives in open 4x4 vehicles and on boating or canoe excursions. Fishing for Africa's infamous tiger fish proves exciting and if you are lucky you may photograph an elusive leopard or a pack of rare painted hunting dogs. Guests may choose to stay at Ruckomechi Camp for these three nights at the same cost. Guests may also choose to do a canoe/walking safari through Mana Pools for these 3 nights. Please see "trip cost" below for details. MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK, Chikwenya Camp, all inclusive DAYS 4, 5, 6 MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK On day 4 you will be transferred by light aircraft (included) to Water Wilderness. Situated in a secluded hippo filled bay on Matusadona National Park's shoreline this unique lodge caters to 8 guests in 4 floating chalets each with en suite facilities and verandah. The "mother ship" houses the bar, lounge and dining room. Guests commute between their chalet and the mother ship by canoe or on the camp pontoon. MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK, Matusadona Water Wilderness, all inclusive The Matusadona, which translates as "falling dung" from the local Batonga language, is home to the second highest density of lion in Africa not to mention all of Africa's Big 5 wildlife species. Wildlife viewing is fantastic with large herds of antelope, elephant, buffalo, and a host of predators - not to mention black rhino. Activities include wildlife viewing from open 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided walking safaris, canoeing along the shoreline, fishing and boating. MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK, Matusadona Water Wilderness, all inclusive DAYS 7, 8, 9 HWANGE NATIONAL PARK On day 7 you will be transferred by light aircraft (included) to Hwange National Park. Once the royal hunting grounds of King Lobengula you will follow in Livingstone’s footsteps in exploring this, the largest of all National Parks in Zimbabwe. Wildlife abounds with over 30,000 elephant and more than a hundred other mammal species. You will stay at Makalolo Plains, the premier wildlife and wilderness camp located deep within the park on an exclusive concession. Overlooking a waterhole where wildlife drinks daily, you will be accommodated in large walk in luxury tents. Each tent contains proper beds with duvets, is tastefully decorated, and has en suite facilities with a hot/cold shower, hand crafted fired clay wash basins, and toilet. The camp also has a pool (which elephant love to drink from). Early morning guided bush walks and game drives in open 4 wheel drive Land Rovers will give you ample opportunity to photograph the endless spectrum of wildlife and terrain. Enormous herds of buffalo and elephant roam the plains along with giraffe, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, and over 400 species of birds. It is not uncommon to hear lion roaring near camp at night (frequently seen). Guests may choose to stay at Little Makalolo, Giraffe Springs, Linkwasha or Little Linkwasha for these three nights at the same cost. Adventurous traveler's may opt to overnight in the underground wildlife viewing hide (affectionately known as the "bunker" one night at no extra cost (Professional guide Garth Thompson recently counted over 1,200 animals at the hide in just over 24 hours!). This is Africa at its best! HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, Makalolo Plains, all inclusive DAY 10 VICTORIA FALLS Today you will be transferred by light aircraft (included) to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. This colorful thatched roof lodge is considered one of the top 10 best kept secret places to stay in the world! All 72 colorful, ethnically furnished, rooms are air conditioned and there is an incredible rock swimming pool. After freshening up you will enjoy a guided tour of the world's largest waterfall. Known by the local name "Mosi Oa Tunya" or the smoke that thunders, the falls are a photographer's dream. The spray from the cascading water sustains a rainforest along the gorge’s edge and late afternoon regularly produces rainbows around the falls. Shy bushbuck and monkeys may be seen foraging along the paths. In the evening you will return to the Safari Lodge. Situated high on a plateau which forms a natural boundary to the Zambezi National Park you will enjoy uninterrupted views and a spectacular African sunset as you relax for dinner. VICTORIA FALLS, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, bed and breakfast DAY 11 EN ROUTE Today you will be transferred to the Victoria Falls Airport in time to board your onward flight.
Trip name: Zimbabwe - The Legend Type of safari: Premier Collection - Top quality all inclusive lodge and tented camp safari with light aircraft transfers which departs upon request on any dates. This is not a group safari and accommodations, activities, and total number of days can be altered to suit your needs. Trip length: 11 days Trip cost: US $3,495 per person January through March 2004. US $3,995 per person April through June and November 2004. US $4,995 July through October 2004. US $1,800 single supplement if traveling with others. Guests may also choose to do a canoe/walking safari through Mana Pools for 3 nights during the months April through November instead of staying at Chikwenya Camp. If you decide to canoe the trip cost is as follows: US $3,895 per person May through June and November 2004. US $4,595 per person July through October 2004. US $1,500 single supplement if traveling with others. Price excludes international airfare, includes internal flights. Air tickets: Click here to view airfares to Africa. Extensions:
When to travel: Wildlife viewing is best during the period April through October each year. Departures: This safari departs upon request for one or more travelers. This is not a group safari and accommodations, activities, and total number of days can be altered to suit your needs. Accommodations: The accommodations on this trip are all first class and very comfortable. From thatched bungalows to large walk in luxury tents raised to floating chalets, all of the rooms have proper beds with mattresses and duvets, en suite toilets, basins and showers with hot and cold running water. Other luxuries include mosquito netting, lamps, purified water in carafes, insect repellent, flashlights, wardrobes, and ethnic furnishings. Age limits: The minimum age on this safari is 8. Children under the age of 8 are allowed if clients book out an entire camp (this does not apply to Victoria Falls where there is no minimum age) - as many of the lodges and camps in Zimbabwe are very small (3 to 4 rooms) this is sometimes possible at little or no premium. There is no maximum age limit. Guides: You will enjoy some of Africa’s most remote wilderness areas in the company of Africa’s top professional and learner guides. Zimbabwean guides have all had to endure many years of intense training, both academic and in the field, and are rated as the most qualified of all African guides. Your safety and comfort are their highest concerns and they carry firearms for your protection. They are also trained and prepared to respond to medical emergencies. Luggage: As light aircraft are used for many transfers baggage is strictly limited to 12 kilograms (26 pounds) packed in one soft sided bag per person. Suitcases will not be permitted. If you wish to exceed the luggage limit please inquire about the extra cost of doing so. Trip price includes: all airport meet and greets and transfers to and from camps, lodges, hotels and airports (including light aircraft transfers from Harare to Chikwenya, from Chikwenya to Water Wilderness, from Water Wilderness to Little Makalolo and from Little Makalolo to Victoria Falls), all inclusive stays at Chikwenya, Water Wilderness, and Little Makalolo, bed and breakfast at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, guided game viewing (in open 4 x 4 vehicles, on foot, by boat, and from canoe), tour of Victoria Falls, Park's fees, MARS (Medical Air Rescue) coverage in Zimbabwe, most drinks, and Zimbabwe government taxes. Trip price excludes: international and domestic flights (unless stated), airport taxes, entry visas, and all items of a personal nature i.e. extra activities at Victoria Falls, trip insurance, tips and gratuities, some drinks, and telephone calls. Visas: American passport holders traveling as tourists DO require an entry visa for Zimbabwe. This may be purchased at any port of entry for US $30 cash per person. Reservations: Phone toll free 1 800 461 0682 within the United States and speak with one of our safari consultants or send us an email including the trip name, your full name, the number of people traveling, and proposed travel dates. Questions: If you would like to ask any questions send us an email or phone toll free within the United States on 1 800 461 0682 and speak with one of our safari consultants. Return to Ultimate Africa's Zimbabwe Safari Collection Links to other pages: ULTIMATE AFRICA
SAFARIS Send mail to info@ultimateafrica.com |
