Best of Zimbabwe: 13 Days of Safari & Culture

Airport Transfer

We’re excited to welcome you to Zimbabwe! On your arrival, a member of our team will be there to personally greet you and ensure a smooth, comfortable transfer to the peaceful Dzimbahwe Guest Lodge. This welcoming retreat will be your home for the first two nights, providing the perfect space to relax and unwind after your journey. We’re confident you’ll feel right at home as you settle in and prepare for the incredible adventures that lie ahead.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

For an unforgettable evening, our Dinner Cruise offers a perfect fusion of fine dining and wild African beauty. After a convenient pick-up from your lodge, you will board for a magical sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. As the sun dips below the horizon, you will be treated to a freshly-prepared, three-course dinner served right on deck. The true magic lies in the atmosphere: with the African bush as your backdrop, the sounds of wildlife and the rustling vegetation create a truly unique symphony. Be sure to look out for game, as elephants are often seen crossing the river to the islands and hippos are a common sight.

Guided Victoria Falls Rainforest Tour

Following breakfast, your expert guide will escort you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Victoria Falls rainforest. Here, amidst the spray of the falls, you’ll witness one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, known to locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke that Thunders”). This experience goes far beyond just a view; your guide will share captivating facts about the unique geology that shaped the falls, the diverse wildlife that thrives within this ecosystem, and the compelling history of this iconic African landmark.

Village Tour

This afternoon, you’ll be driven from your lodge through Chinotimba, Victoria Falls’ largest and oldest township, offering a unique glimpse into local urban life. From there, the journey continues about 15 km to the tranquil Monde Village. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the local inhabitants, who are eager to share their culture, customs, history, and daily lives with you. This immersive experience includes a tour of a traditional homestead, where you’ll see how their homes are set up, the animals they keep, the utensils they use, and the types of food they eat. It’s a truly authentic and enriching way to connect with the local community.

Boma Buffet Dinner

Prepare for an unforgettable evening at The Boma, where a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwean culture and cuisine awaits. Your experience begins with a delicious four-course meal, featuring a tantalizing choice of starters from the kitchen, a hearty soup from the campfire, and a substantial barbecue buffet served on traditional cast-iron plates. The feast is accompanied by a spectacular lineup of nightly entertainment, including performances by the renowned Amakwezi traditional dancers and singers, captivating stories from a local storyteller, and insights from a traditional healer. Later in the evening, you are invited to join the exhilarating drumming extravaganza and become part of the celebration.

Transfer by Road

After your final breakfast at Dzimbahwe Guest House, your driver will pick you up for a scenic three-hour road transfer to Gwango Heritage Resort. The journey will take you through the rustic and charming town of Hwange, offering a fascinating glimpse into rural African village life. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be welcomed by the sight of wildlife roaming freely, seemingly unbothered by human presence, an incredible preview of the untamed beauty that awaits you.

Evening Game Drive

After your lunch and a period of relaxation, you’ll be picked up from your lodge for a thrilling evening game drive. This safari offers a unique opportunity to witness the park’s nocturnal animals as they become active. With the aid of spotlights, you’ll have excellent chances to spot a variety of elusive creatures, including lions, leopards, hyenas, genets, porcupines, civet cats, lesser bushbabies, mongoose, and honey badgers, with a lucky chance of seeing the ever-elusive pangolin. No evening game drive is complete without a stop for snacks and drinks under the stars. The tour will conclude with dinner back at your lodge.

Full day game drive

Embark on a captivating full-day guided game drive through Hwange National Park, a true gem of Zimbabwe and a testament to successful conservation. Spanning over 15,000 km², this is the country’s largest and oldest national park, an area once known as the royal hunting ground of King Mzilikazi. It is a land of incredible contrasts, from the dry, sandy woodlands of the Kalahari in the south to the vast, open grasslands and teak forests of the north. Your journey in an open-game-drive vehicle will immerse you in this diverse ecosystem. Hwange is celebrated for its monumental elephant population—one of the largest in the world—and it’s a breathtaking sight to watch these magnificent “super herds” congregate around the park’s vital waterholes. As you traverse different routes and visit iconic pans like Ngamo Plains and Nyamandhlovu Pan, your guide will point out a thrilling array of predators and their prey, including lions, cheetahs, and African wild dogs, alongside great herds of buffalo, zebra, and a variety of antelope like roan and sable. Beyond the large mammals, Hwange is a genuine birding hotspot, home to nearly 500 species. Its unique habitats attract a number of rare birds, from the soaring bateleur to the stunning southern ground hornbill and the distinctive Bradfield’s hornbill. The day is a complete safari experience. You will pause amidst the wilderness for a delicious picnic lunch, a moment to fully appreciate the sounds and sights of the bush. As the sun begins its descent, you’ll find a scenic spot to enjoy a classic African sundowner drink, watching the sky transform into a canvas of colour. The day concludes with a final drive back to the lodge, where dinner and a chance to share stories of your extraordinary day await.

Road Transfer

Following your departure from Gwango Heritage Resort, you will begin a captivating road transfer that serves as an introduction to Zimbabwe’s diverse landscapes. The journey takes you through the heart of the country, passing through the historic city of Bulawayo, with its wide, jacaranda-lined avenues and colonial-era architecture that give it a unique charm. After leaving the urban bustle behind, a 52 km drive will take you deeper into the ancient wilderness of Matobo National Park. As you approach, the landscape dramatically transforms, revealing a breathtaking panorama of massive granite domes and balancing rocks that seem to defy gravity. Tucked away within this magnificent scenery is your destination: Matobo Hills Lodge. Upon arrival, you’ll feel the lodge’s unique ambiance. Its stunning design, with floor-to-ceiling windows and open spaces, seamlessly blends with the natural environment, offering an uninterrupted connection to the iconic views. As the day cools and the golden light of sunset begins to soften the landscape, you have the perfect choice for the evening. You can embark on a short, invigorating hike up one of the granite hills near the lodge. The effort is more than rewarded by a spectacular 360-degree view, where you can watch the sun melt into the horizon, casting incredible colors over the entire park. Alternatively, you can choose to simply relax by the lodge’s sparkling poolside. Surrounded by the serene sounds of the bush, you can unwind with a refreshing drink as your dinner is prepared, marking a perfect end to a day of travel and an introduction to the spiritual heart of Zimbabwe.

Matobo day tour

After a hearty breakfast, your day of discovery begins. You will embark on a full-day excursion into Matobo National Park, a spiritual and geological marvel that offers a new perspective on Africa. This ancient landscape is a masterpiece of nature, with immense granite domes and gigantic balancing rocks that have been shaped by millennia of erosion. The local people know this area as “The Home of the Spirits,” and as you enter, you will immediately feel its powerful and serene energy. Your journey starts with a thrilling and intimate wildlife encounter. You’ll join your experienced guide for a rhino tracking on foot, a respectful and humbling experience that allows you to get closer to these endangered giants than ever before. This is a chance to truly connect with the bush and its most majestic inhabitants. Following this, you will be led to one of the park’s many sheltered caves, home to a treasury of ancient San Bushmen paintings. Your guide will bring these magnificent rock art galleries to life, explaining the stories of daily life, hunting, and rituals depicted thousands of years ago. Following your morning of adventure and discovery, you will settle in a scenic spot for a delicious three-course lunch prepared by your guide. Surrounded by the raw beauty of the park, it’s a moment to relax and reflect on the morning’s incredible experiences. The afternoon culminates in a visit to one of the park’s most iconic sites, the Rhodes’ Grave (World’s View), a spectacular granite outcrop that serves as a burial site for Cecil Rhodes and other colonial pioneers. Your visit is perfectly timed to coincide with a breathtaking sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky explodes in a riot of fiery colours, casting long shadows over the landscape of rolling kopjes. It’s a truly magnificent and moving moment that beautifully concludes your day, leaving you with lasting memories of Matobo’s wild beauty and rich history.

Road Transfer

Today, after breakfast and checking out of Matobo Hills Lodge, you’ll begin your journey to Ancient City Lodge. The drive takes you through the town of Masvingo, a city with wide, palm-lined streets, located just 27 km from the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to The Lodge at the Ancient City, a unique hotel built into a granite outcrop in the same style as the ruins themselves. The lodge offers stunning views of the valley and the ancient city. As the day ends, you’ll be treated to a delicious dinner at the lodge’s enclosed restaurant, which is uniquely designed to resemble the historic city of Great Zimbabwe.

Guided Tour of the ruins of Great Zimbabwe

After breakfast and checking out of the lodge, you will set off to explore the spectacular ruins of Great Zimbabwe, a World Heritage-listed site and one of the nation’s most treasured sights. So profound is the historical importance of this ancient city that the country was named after it. For nearly two hours, your expert guide will lead you through the ruins, bringing this medieval grandeur to life with fascinating insights into the history and ingenuity of its builders. Once a thriving capital, Great Zimbabwe is the largest and most significant stone archaeological complex in sub-Saharan Africa. Believed to date back to the 11th century, the remarkable complex is composed entirely of rectangular granite blocks stacked on top of one another without the use of mortar. The imposing walls and towers, which reach up to 12 meters in height in places, stand as a testament to the sophistication of its original inhabitants.

Road Transfer

Following your captivating tour of the ancient city, you will embark on a fascinating road transfer that takes you from the granite-strewn highlands of Masvingo down to the low-lying plains of southeastern Zimbabwe. As the landscape gradually changes, you’ll feel the air grow warmer and see the msasa and brachystegia woodlands give way to vast sugarcane fields and the baobab trees that signify a new ecosystem. This scenic journey brings you to the town of Chiredzi, a gateway to the country’s wild Lowveld region. Your destination is the tranquil Palm Tree Place, a unique oasis nestled amidst serene, lush gardens. This charming lodge, aptly named for its beautiful variety of palm trees, provides a peaceful and comfortable retreat after a day of travel and historical exploration. Upon arrival, you can settle in, relax, and prepare for the adventures in Gonarezhou National Park that await you tomorrow.

Full day game drive

Gonarezhou, “The Place of Many Elephants”🐘, is a truly special ecosystem, a remote wilderness that offers an authentic and unforgettable safari experience. You’ll set off for a full-day trip into the park with a packed lunch, ready to explore its astonishing flora and fauna. This unique corner of Zimbabwe is a sanctuary for a significant population of elephants, and you’ll have the chance to see four of the iconic Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo—as well as a rich diversity of other mammals and birds. Your journey will take you through the park’s varied landscapes, from the iconic Runde River, where you can spot aquatic wildlife like the Zambezi shark and the vibrant turquoise killifish, to the beautiful woodlands where you’ll come across different species of antelope. Keep your eyes peeled for the agile klipspringers perched on rocky outcrops and the graceful kudu and impala grazing nearby. The park is also a birder’s paradise, home to nearly 500 species, including raptors like the lesser spotted eagle and the amusing fork-tailed drongo. After a well-deserved picnic lunch, your adventure continues with a visit to Gonarezhou’s most iconic natural feature: the majestic Chilojo Cliffs.  These magnificent cliffs of striated red Jurassic/Cretaceous sandstone rise 180 metres above the river and have been formed over eons of erosion. As you marvel at their scale and beauty, you will understand why they are the park’s most prominent and enduring landmark. The day’s exploration will conclude as the sun sets, and you will be transferred back to the lodge for a well-earned evening dinner.

Road Transfer

Following a final check-out from Palm Tree Place in Chiredzi, you will begin a truly remarkable road transfer that sees you journey from the warm, arid Lowveld to the lush, temperate climate of the Eastern Highlands. As you depart the vast sugarcane plantations, you will witness the landscape undergo a dramatic and beautiful transformation. The flat plains give way to rolling green hills and dense forests, and the air becomes cooler and crisper with every kilometre you travel. This scenic drive takes you deep into the heart of the beautiful Honde Valley, a region celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, cascading waterfalls, and meticulously manicured tea plantations that carpet the hillsides. Upon arrival, you will check in to the tranquil Aberfoyle Lodge, a peaceful retreat nestled perfectly amidst this pristine environment. This charming lodge will be your home for the next two nights, providing the perfect base to explore and unwind in one of Zimbabwe’s most picturesque regions.

Mermaids Pool tour

After a day of scenic travel and settling into Aberfoyle Lodge, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Eastern Highlands. In the late afternoon, with the sun’s warmth beginning to soften, you can embark on a pleasant excursion to the enchanting Mermaids Pool. The journey to this hidden gem is an experience in itself. You can take a refreshing 45-minute walk through the lush indigenous forest, where the air is crisp and filled with the sounds of the bush, or opt for a quick 10-minute drive that winds through the picturesque landscape. Upon arrival, you will find a secluded oasis. A stunning waterfall cascades into a large, crystal-clear natural swimming pool, creating an inviting spot to cool off. Whether you choose to take a revitalizing dip in the tranquil waters or simply relax on the sun-warmed rocks and listen to the soothing sound of the falling water, Mermaids Pool offers the perfect escape to unwind and connect with nature after your journey.

Guided Birding Tour

After breakfast, your morning will be dedicated to exploring the extraordinary birdlife of the region with an expert guide. The Eastern Highlands are a haven for bird watchers, with a variety of unique and rare species to be found. For those who are not avid birders, there are a variety of other exciting activities to choose from. You can opt for a thrilling tree canopy tour or explore the scenic mountain biking trails. A visit to one of the beautiful local waterfalls is also a popular choice.

Tea Plantation/Factory Tour

This afternoon, following a relaxing lunch, you will be treated to a delightful and insightful tour of a local tea plantation. This experience is the perfect way to truly immerse yourself in the culture and economy of the Eastern Highlands. You’ll have the chance to walk among the meticulously manicured rows of vibrant green tea bushes that carpet the hillsides, all while your guide brings the story of tea to life. From the skilled hands of the local pickers to the delicate process of fermentation, drying, and sorting, you’ll learn about every stage of production—taking you on a journey from “crop to cup.” The tour offers not only a fascinating glimpse into a major industry but also an opportunity to be surrounded by the tranquil and breathtaking scenery of the Honde Valley.

Road Transfer

Following a final breakfast in the serene surroundings of Aberfoyle Lodge, you will begin a significant road transfer that marks the final leg of your journey. As you depart the tranquil Eastern Highlands, you’ll feel the air grow warmer and the landscape slowly transform, leaving behind the lush, misty mountains for the flatter, drier plains of Zimbabwe’s interior. This final drive is a chance to reflect on the incredible adventure you’ve had. You’ll pass through the heart of the country, witnessing the subtle beauty of rural life before the landscape gives way to the tell-tale signs of the city. As you approach the bustling capital, Harare, you will feel the energy of a vibrant urban centre come to life. Upon arrival, you will check in to the comfortable Cresta Lodge Harare, a welcoming urban oasis that provides the perfect place to settle in for your final night. Here, you can unwind and reflect on the amazing experiences of your trip, from the thunderous Victoria Falls to the wild plains of Hwange and the ancient wonders of Matobo. This last evening offers a chance to reminisce about your escape for the soul before your departure.

Airport Transfer

On your final morning in Zimbabwe, you will enjoy a last breakfast, allowing for a moment of reflection on the incredible journey you have just completed. After exploring the wildlife-rich plains of Hwange, the spiritual granite domes of Matobo, the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, and the lush Eastern Highlands, this final farewell marks the end of an extraordinary adventure. Your driver will then be ready to transfer you to Harare International Airport, with the timing carefully coordinated to ensure a comfortable and stress-free departure. We hope you leave with a heart full of cherished memories and the desire to one day return to this magnificent country and its warm, welcoming people.