10 Days of Zimbabwe: A Sample Itinerary for the Adventurous

On May 21, 2010, In Family Safaris, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, By Sandy Salle

White Rhino and Giraffe

If you’re looking to take a traditional safari trip to Africa with a close group of friends or family, Zimbabwe is the perfect place to visit. With some of the top game reserves and wildlife observation areas in the continent, including Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Matobo National Park, and Victoria Falls, a trip to Zimbabwe is full of diverse, yet equally stunning wildlife, flora, accommodations, and terrain.

Not convinced to visit Zimbabwe yet? Get a taste for your Zimbabwe family vacation or group vacation from the sample itinerary below. But keep in mind, this itinerary showcases just a few activities and accommodations in Zimbabwe. There are dozens of accommodations and hundreds of varying activities to choose from in Zimbabwe. This sample itinerary in particular is for the adventurous traveler.

Below is a sample itinerary for an adventure-seeking family or group:

Day 1: An Exciting Arrival

Arrive at the Johannesburg International Airport, where you will take a short connecting flight to beautiful Harare. Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted by a guide from African Bushcamps. You will then be escorted to African Bushcamps’ intimate Vundu Camp in the majestic Mana Pools. Here, sprawling waterways burst with wildlife and over 380 species of indigenous birds speckle the river banks.

As you retire to your spacious walk-in-tent and nestle into your plushy bed, you’ll feel the charm of Africa come to life as the soft sounds of nature put you to sleep.

In the morning, experience traditional hot bucket water showers, and get ready for the exciting day ahead in your personal en-suite facilities. As you take your first step outside your walk-in tent, you’ll be delighted at the sight of elephants sipping from the Zambezi River, and herons sitting peacefully in the cast of the rising morning sun.

Day 2 – 4: Close Encounters

On your second day in Zimbabwe, you will partake in the journey of lifetime through the heart of the Mana Pools on Wilderness-Safaris’ 3-day Mana Canoe Trail. During your first day aboard your two person canoe, you’ll see hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and other shore dwelling animals and birds at an amazingly close proximity.

Each day, you will experience a full day of canoeing safaris, and walking safaris through the lush wilderness of the Mana Pools, and experience a completely new and stimulating side to nature you’ve never seen before.

At night, you will stay in full-serviced dome tented camps and awake to another day of exciting activities and magnificent sights.

The Hide Safari Camp, Zimbabwe

Day 5: “Hiding” in the Bush

After an exciting Mana Canoe Trail experience, you will take an aircraft to your next destination, Hwange National Park. Upon your arrival to the Hwange Airstrip, you will be greeted by a guide from The Hide, a lodge located in one of Hwange’s most wildlife-rich locations. You will then take an hour and a half game drive through the Park, where you will then reach The Hide.

The Hide provides guests with furnished tents—which are built for luxury, not mobility—that exude the essence of the area’s natural surroundings. Each tent provides guests with their own en-suite bathroom for convenience and privacy.

During your stay at The Hide, you’ll partake in an assortment of fantastic safaris including night drives, day drives, and walking safaris in the bush. When you are not on a safari tour, but still feel the urge to get up-close to the wildlife of Zimbabwe, visit one of The Hide’s two concealed “hides” located on either side of The Hide’s waterhole. Here, you can see elephants and other large game at a remarkably close proximity with the security of the hide.

At the end of your stay at The Hide, you will clearly understand why The Hide has coined the phrase: “You’ll arrive as a stranger and leave as a friend.”

Day 9: The Rumbling Falls

Today, you will journey to one of the world’s seven natural wonders where you will experience an explosive energy you’ve never felt before. This riveting wonder is none other than Victoria Falls.

But, before you can arrive at Victoria Falls, you must take two-hour road transfer with a Hills of Africa guide to your next accommodations, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

Located on an exclusive, natural plateau overlooking The Zambezi River, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers a panoramic view of an on-site waterhole, sprawling grasslands, and lush treetops. During your stay, you’ll have the ability to sharpen your photography skills as you witness residential wildlife flock to the waterhole for a morning drink.

As night falls, watch as the sun melts behind the horizon while enjoying a five-star dining experience at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s relaxing outdoor dining area.

Day 10: The Grand Finale

Your adventure in Africa is by no means over yet! Today, you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime, private elephant back safari at The Elephant Wallow. After your personal guide takes you through the expansive and wildlife-rich landscape of The Zambezi River area, you’ll embark on your next journey, the Tour of the Falls. Here, you’ll witness Victoria Falls up-close and immediately understand why it is categorized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

After your Tour of the Falls, you will embark on your next adventure—a favorite among travelers to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge—where you will walk with the lions.

On this activity, you will visit with lion cubs at an ongoing research project, which is a captive breeding program to safeguard the genetic diversity of Africa’s greatest carnivore. The adult lions have been rescued from all parts of the world and were never introduced to the wild. They are treated and introduced to their new dwelling and once established, the adult lions are bred. Then, the cubs are reared and introduced to the wild, and will one day be fully released. Part of the re-introduction is walking in the bush, on a daily basis. On this activity you will join a professional guide in the national park, while he walks with his cubs. A truly exciting and rewarding experience to take part in!

The day isn’t over yet.

As the evening approaches, you will experience a traditional African nighttime experience with food, music, and plenty of dancing.

Day 11: The Journey Will Continue Once Again

You will arrive home and eagerly book your trip to Africa for next year!

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Reptile Spotlight: The Gaboon Viper

On January 18, 2010, In African Wildlife, Family Safaris, Honeymoon Safaris, Safari Safety, By Sandy Salle
Considered one of Africa’s deadliest snakes, the gaboon viper is one of three vipers in the African giant viper group—the other two of the group include the puff adder and the rhinoceros viper.
As a native to Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, I’ve seen many of these gorgeous, yet frightening snakes throughout my years growing up in the region. These snakes are also primarily found throughout central Africa in the dense rain forests.
Weighing in at an average of 18 lbs., and growing up to 7 ft. in length, you would think these snakes would be obvious to spot. They’re not. Their ability to mesh in with the surroundings often makes this deadly snake an unseen predator.
Interesting facts:
• Equipped with some of the largest fangs of any snake, the gaboon viper’s fangs can grow up to 2 in. in length.
• The gaboon viper’s brown, triangle-shaped head has a shocking resemblance to a fallen leaf, which allows it to blend perfectly into the rainforest floor. In addition to its head, the gaboon viper’s body is thick and comprised of colorful geometric shapes and hues including brown, black, white, purple, and pink.
• When going in for the kill, the gaboon viper waits completely still and very patiently for their prey. These reptiles will eat smaller animals such as mice, rats, frogs, and birds, but have also been known to eat much larger prey if they can handle it. Their venom is deadly and is injected to kill.
• The gaboon is a nocturnal ambush predator that waits patiently beneath leaves in the dark for the perfect time to strike its unsuspecting prey. Although they only hunt at night, the gaboon can attack at any time of the day if threatened—often, if a human is attacked it’s because they stepped on a sleeping gaboon.
• Other names the gaboon viper goes by include the butterfly adder, swampjack, and forest puff adder.
• The gaboon viper gives birth live—an average of 20 offspring at a time.
• Gaboon vipers are usually calm and only attack when agitated.
 
Photo from Fitnesssafaris.com

Photo from Fitnesssafaris.com

Considered one of Africa’s deadliest snakes, the gaboon viper is one of three vipers in the African giant viper group—the other two of the group include the puff adder and the rhinoceros viper. 

As a native to Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, I’ve seen many of these gorgeous, yet frightening snakes throughout my years growing up in the region. These snakes are also primarily found throughout central Africa in the dense rain forests.

Weighing in at an average of 18 lbs., and growing up to 7 ft. in length, you would think these snakes would be obvious to spot. They’re not. Their ability to mesh in with the surroundings often makes this deadly snake an unseen predator.

Interesting facts:

  • Equipped with some of the largest fangs of any snake, the gaboon viper’s fangs can grow up to 2 in. in length.
  • The gaboon viper’s brown, triangle-shaped head has a shocking resemblance to a fallen leaf, which allows it to blend perfectly into the rainforest floor. In addition to its head, the gaboon viper’s body is thick and comprised of colorful geometric shapes and hues including brown, black, white, purple, and pink.
  • The gaboon is a nocturnal ambush predator that waits patiently beneath leaves in the dark for the perfect time to strike its unsuspecting prey. Although they only hunt at night, the gaboon can attack at any time of the day if threatened—often, if a human is attacked it’s because they stepped on a sleeping gaboon. 
  • Other names the gaboon viper goes by include the butterfly adder, swampjack, and forest puff adder.
  • The gaboon viper gives birth live—an average of 20 offspring at a time. 
  • Gaboon vipers are usually calm and only attack when agitated.  
  •  When going in for the kill, the gaboon viper waits completely still and very patiently for their prey. These reptiles will eat smaller animals such as mice, rats, frogs, and birds, but have also been known to eat much larger prey if they can handle it. Their venom is deadly and is injected to kill.
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Zimbabwe: Top 5 Reasons Why Zimbabwe is a Must-Visit Destination

On May 29, 2009, In Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, By Sandy Salle

walking_with_buffalocanoeing with elephant

Known for its wonderful game-viewing, captivating scenery, and mesmerizing soul, Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s greatest unspoiled terrains. Zimbabwe is home to some of Africa’s most breath-taking parks and adventure sites including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Kariba, Mana Pools National Park, and Matobo National Park.  Known for its many luxurious accommodations, picturesque scenery, and deep cultural heritage, Zimbabwe is the perfect place to enjoy an African family safari or honeymoon safari.

Top 5 reasons why you should take an African safari vacation in Zimbabwe:

Spectacular game-viewing: Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s most popular places to observe the Big Five up-close. Zimbabwe is the perfect place to enjoy a variety of safari excursions, such as the traditional vehicle safari, and canoe safaris. An African canoe safari boasts a fresh perspective on animal behavior. The rivers and water holes provide a place for animals drink, bath, and play. Watch a hippo charge into the water, a sly crocodile bask on a rock, or a baby elephant play with his mother. In addition to observing animals behaving in a different environment, a canoe safari boasts a large variety of birds and water-dwelling animals, which cannot be seen on any other type of safari. A canoe safari is so smooth you can even hold a cocktail while enjoying the surrounding wildlife and grandiose beauty. At the southern bank of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe lies the Mana Pools National Park. Famous for its plentiful wildlife, majestic scenery, and unspoiled terrain, this Park is often referred to as Zimbabwe’s Wildlife Riviera. The river is an excellent magnet for a spectrum of wildlife, making a canoe safari a must.

walk with lions warren and jim

The opportunity to walk with the lions: Not too long ago, over 250,000 lions roamed the African continent. Today, there are only about 20,000 and the numbers are continuing to decrease. Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe offers adventurists the rare opportunity to walk through the bush with up to three lion cubs for a period of 90 minutes. If you’re daring enough, you will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about the lion’s behavior and social habits. There is no danger on the lion walk. It is an extremely safe activity and is supervised and managed by an experienced and qualified team who has been working with lions for over 20 years. The lions that you will be walking with range in age from three to sixteen months-old.

MAK-006_thumb

The unspoiled wilderness in Hwange National Park: The Park resembles what much of the interior of Africa was like more than 150 years ago, and is arguably Africa’s greatest wilderness haven. The park has been set aside solely to conserve wildlife in its natural habitat. Almost all of Zimbabwe’s specially protected animals are to be found in Hwange. It’s the only protected area where gemsbok and brown hyena can be found in reasonable numbers. The population of wild dog found in Hwange is thought to be the largest surviving in Africa today. With over 100 different species of animal and 400 species of bird, Hwange National Park is a must-visit destination for those looking to enjoy an African family safari or a honeymoon safari.

vic falls white water rafting

The “Adrenalin Capital of the World”: Experience what it must have been like for David Livingstone to discover Victoria Falls over 100 years ago. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls has the largest curtain of falling water on earth—more than twice the size of Niagara Falls. This incredible natural phenomenon is known locally as Mosi oa Tunya, or “The Smoke that Thunders.” It’s the “Adrenalin Capital of the World” with activities to blow you away, such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, elephant-back riding, abseiling, and gorge swinging. For those looking for more relaxing activities, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Upper Zambezi River, visit a local village, or shop for locally made crafts at the traditional craft markets. Whatever your mood, Victoria Falls will satisfy.

pamushanaThe Luxurious Accommodations: Boasting a wide spectrum of places to stay, including lodges, hotels, and camps, Zimbabwe offers high-end accommodations for those looking to enjoy authentic Zimbabwe safari tours with an essence of luxury. One of  Zimbabwe’s most highly-acclaimed lodge’s, Singita’s Pamushana Lodge in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, was included in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler annual “Hot List” for 2009.  In addition to the spectacular Singita’s Pamushana Lodge, The Hide is another amazing place to soak in the rich natural surroundings of the African plains. Celebrated for its joyful staff, friendly atmosphere, prime location, and marvelous accommodations, The Hide is one of the few lodges directly situated in Hwange National Park, and is the perfect place to stay on a Zimbabwe safari trip. The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is another excellent place to stay, famous for its picturesque views, exhilarating activities, and ideal location in the unspoiled wilderness.

Explore unspoiled territory as you venture to Zimbabwe on an African family safari or honeymoon safari. You’ll be captivated by the abundance of wildlife, lush scenery, and blissful atmosphere. Let Hills of Africa Travel make your African safari dreams come true. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802 and experience an authentic African safari trip of a lifetime.

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