This tour showcases the best of Zimbabwe, from the scenic Eastern Highlands and historical Great Zimbabwe to the wildlife-rich Matobo and Hwange National Parks, ending at the majestic Victoria Falls. This journey is perfect for those looking to experience Zimbabwe’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and incredible wildlife.

Safari Highlights

Day 1: Harare International Airport to Monomotapa Hotel

Upon your arrival at Harare International Airport, a Zambezi Expedition Travel and Tours Representative will welcome you. We’ll drive through Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, known for its clean streets, busy shops, and warm hospitality. You’ll visit the lush botanical gardens and marvel at the balancing rocks, unique natural formations that defy gravity. After checking into the Monomotapa Hotel, you can relax and enjoy your first dinner in Zimbabwe.

Day 2: Harare to Nyanga (The Eastern Highlands)

After an early breakfast, we head east towards Nyanga, traveling through a landscape of diverse farmlands and striking rocky outcrops. As we ascend into the Eastern Highlands, you’ll notice why this area is called “The Little England” of Zimbabwe, with its cool climate and verdant scenery. Upon arrival at our hotel, you can enjoy the calm views and serene setting. Optional activities include horse riding through the picturesque landscape, playing a round of golf, or trying your hand at fishing in the clear streams.

Day 3: Exploring Nyanga at Troutbeck Inn Resort

Today is yours to explore or relax. You can enjoy the amenities of Troutbeck Inn Resort or take a leisurely stroll down to the dam to watch rainbow trout diving in the waters. For those seeking more adventure, a full-day tour of Nyanga National Park is available (at your own expense). Highlights include visiting ancient stone-age villages known as Pit Huts and exploring a Rainbow Trout hatchery set in the natural pools of a sparkling river.

Day 4: Nyanga to Great Zimbabwe, Masvingo

After breakfast, we depart for Masvingo, home to the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe. Built in 1200 AD, Great Zimbabwe is the largest and most significant ancient monument south of the Sahara, second only to the Egyptian pyramids. Upon arrival, your guide will take you through the Acropolis, the Great Enclosure, and the Conical Tower, explaining the fascinating history and significance of these ruins.

Day 5: Exploring Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Spend the morning exploring more of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Wander through the ancient stone structures, and let your guide share stories of the people who once lived here. After lunch, we head towards Matobo Hills, passing through Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city. Known for its wide, tree-lined streets and preserved Victorian architecture, Bulawayo offers a glimpse into Zimbabwe’s colonial past.

Day 6: Matobo National Park

A full day of exploration awaits in Matobo National Park. This area is famous for its ancient cave paintings and dramatic landscapes. Visit “View of the World,” where you’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The park is also home to black rhinos and a high concentration of birds of prey.

Day 7: Matobo to Hwange National Park

After breakfast, we travel to Hwange National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife havens. Known for its large herds of elephants and diverse animal populations, Hwange promises exciting wildlife encounters. We’ll switch to an open safari vehicle and enjoy a game drive on our way to the lodge. After lunch, we’ll embark on an afternoon game drive, culminating in a beautiful sundowner experience. Dinner will be accompanied by the sounds of the African night.

Day 8: Hwange National Park

Start your day with a dawn game drive, where the cool morning air makes for excellent wildlife viewing. Look out for predators and other nocturnal animals ending their night’s activities. After returning to the lodge for a leisurely afternoon, we’ll head out again for an evening game drive to spot Hwange’s nocturnal creatures.

Day 9: Hwange to Victoria Falls

We begin the day early with tea and coffee before transferring to Victoria Falls. En route, we’ll stop at the Painted Dog Conservation Center in Hwange to learn about efforts to protect these endangered animals. Once in Victoria Falls, you’ll have time to relax or book optional activities. Later, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, witnessing the spectacular scenery as the sun sets over the water.

Day 10: Victoria Falls

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Walk through the rainforest and visit various viewpoints to experience the full majesty of the falls. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Optional activities include white-water rafting, elephant-back safaris, helicopter rides over the falls, lion walks, canoeing, and adrenaline activities like bungee jumping and gorge swinging.

Day 11: Victoria Falls to Victoria Falls Airport

Enjoy a final breakfast before checking out. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for your departure, concluding your unforgettable journey through Zimbabwe.

Entry Requirements for This Tour:

On this 11 Days Explorers Tour from Harare to Victoria Falls adventure, all visitors must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages.  Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler.  For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest Zimbabwe Embassy or Consulate.

Language On This 11 Days Explorers Tour from Harare to Victoria Falls adventure

English

Time:

GMT +3

Voltage:

220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the government in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

Currency:

Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort.   Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country.  Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency.

Clothing:

Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

Baggage:

Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

Water:

You will find many different of opinions of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water, especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

Health;

Zimbabwe is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions.  Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards to malaria prophylactics.

You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs.  Be sure to wear long-sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or a safari hat.

Dietary Requirements:

For those guests with specific dietary requirements, please ensure we are notified prior to travel

Gratuities:

As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following: The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

Photography:

Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform.  Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages.  If in doubt, please check with your guide.