CLASSIC ZIMBABWE SAFARI

Day 1 Arrive Bulwayo

Begin your Classic Zimbabwe Safari in Bulawayo where you will be met and transferred to Matobo National Park. Situated on a small estate within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matobo Hills, 45km from Bulawayo and 10 minutes from the National Park entrance is Camp Amalinda, a stunning, privately owned lodge. Tucked away in an ancient Bushman shelter the extraordinary architecture embraces the strong sculptural designs of the surrounding rock kopjes of Matobo Hills. Accommodation consists of nine stunning rock "suites", three of which are perfect for families as they are simply massive. Set within granite boulders each suite has a distinctive look and feel. The main lodge offers panoramic views of the Matobo Hills and features a lounge, a covered dining area, a wine cellar and a cosy library. There is also a secluded chess room amongst the tree tops, a fire lit boma and at the base of the camp, a large swimming pool with comfortable loungers and a bar with views over the waterhole.

Overnight: Camp Amalinda

Day 2 Camp Amalinda

Spend the day at leisure enjoying the extensive activities including bush walks, game drives, rhino tracking on foot, a visit to Rhodes grave, San Bushman paintings, birding and cultural tours. A full day walk is available on request.

Overnight: Camp Amalinda

Day 3 Matobo Hills - Hwange National Park

The much loved Hide Safari Camp is situated in a private concession within Hwange National Park. Nestled under dense, shady African bushveld, The Hide lies on the edge of an active waterhole which is the only water source for miles, thus offering a great wildlife experience. Accommodation at The Hide consists of 11 extremely comfortable standard, deluxe or honeymoon tented suites (there is one family tent). Classically styled with solid Zimbabwean teak furniture, all tents include a private verandah from where guests may be entertained by the comings and goings of zebra, kudu, giraffe and elephant. The more adventurous guest may enjoy spending a night under the stars in the romantic Dove Nest. This rustic tree house is the perfect vantage point from which to view wildlife safely and quietly! The hub of the camp is a majestic "A" frame which has the dining room and sun lounge downstairs and a large comfortable sitting room and viewing area upstairs. Breakfast is served al fresco and lunch and dinner are served around a magnificent 22-seater teak dining table. Private and peaceful with no TV or internet to distract guests the emphasis at The Hide is on great game and bird viewing. There is also a plunge pool.

Overnight: The Hide

Day 4 - 5 Hwange National Park

Spend the next two days at leisure exploring Hwange National Park with your highly experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. The activities on offer at The Hide are extensive and include: morning, afternoon and evening game drives, walking with a professional guide, bird watching and excursions to the resident animal hide where guests can view game at extremely close quarters.

Overnight: The Hide

Day 6 Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls

Today you will transfer by road from Hwange Main Camp to Victoria Falls River Lodge. Victoria Falls River Lodge is a luxury tented lodge about 10 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls, inside the 60,000 hectare Zambezi National Park. The lodge is spaciously laid out along the banks of the Zambezi River, with uninterrupted views across the river towards Zambia. Accommodation is in seven open-plan air-conditioned tents. Strong on glass, wood and space, with clean lines, Scandinavian floors, hanging chairs, Nguni cushions and hammocks, River Lodge has a modern African feel with a European twist. The fresh natural tones are carried through to the main guest areas with a spacious open plan lounge, dining and business desk area set slightly back from the river. There is a separate swimming pool, shaded deck and a viewing platform high amongst the trees offering birding, game viewing and Zambezi tranquillity.

Overnight: Victoria Falls River Lodge

Day 7 Victoria Falls

Spend the day at leisure exploring the world famous Victoria falls, known locally as the 'smoke that thunders'.

Overnight: Victoria Falls River Lodge

Day 8 Victoria Falls - Lake Kariba

Perched on the sandy shores of Lake Kariba, your serene tented resort is loacted in the heart of the magical Matusadona National Park. Its two camps are the perfect place to wind down with their sparkling swimming pools providing a refreshing respite from the glorious sunshine, while open, shared seating areas are ideal for swapping your exciting safari snaps and stories. The tented guest suites' traditional African décor, combined with all the luxuries of contemporary living, allow you to immerse yourself in the Zimbabwean way of life with maximum comfort, all while being just a sheet of canvas away from the mesmerising African bush. The island's guides will enrich your stay with their impressive knowledge of Matusadona National Park's colourful range of flora and fauna, while the chef's thoughtful and creative dishes are sure to leave you pleasantly satisfied after a day marvelling at the fascinating local wildlife.

Overnight: Luxury lodge

Day 9 - 10 Lake Kariba

Spend your last two days enjoying the spectacular scenery and wide range of activities on offer from your island tented resort.

Overnight: Luxury resort

Day 11 Depart

Today you will transfer board your light aircraft flight from Fothergill Island to Harare. On arrival you will then continue your journey to Johannesburg before catching your international flight home.