Zambezi River Safari and Houseboat Cruise
From Victoria Falls To Matusadona National Park, Lake Kariba, Mana Pools, Chinhoyi Caves, Harare - 10 Nights

Package Details

Overview

Discover one of Africa’s hidden treasures on an unforgettable journey amid Zimbabwe’s natural beauty. Explore magnificent waterfalls, pristine national parks, and enjoy thrilling wildlife safaris.
Experience the mighty Zambezi River
Enjoy a unique and exclusive cruise on Lake Kariba
Discover Zimbabwe on a houseboat featuring nine cabins, all with panoramic views
Visit the immense Victoria Falls, also known as the Smoke that Thunders
Explore the Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Go on a safari in the Matusadona National Park, home to all big five game animals

Details

Day 1. Arrival

Landing in Victoria Falls, where you will be greeted at the airport and driven to your lodge. The afternoon is at your disposal for a bit of relaxation. Relax in your safari lodge and enjoy the view from your private balcony of a nearby watering hole that attracts numerous animals. At sunset, you will explore the Zambezi River by boat – with the opportunity to observe elephants and hippos in their natural habitat. You can enjoy your welcome dinner in style during the boat trip.

Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (or similar) (D)

Day 2. At Victoria Falls

In the morning, a guided excursion will take you to the mighty waterfall and the legendary Victoria Falls Bridge. After lunch you can fly over Victoria Falls in a helicopter (excursion of your choice). You will have your dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (or similar) (BLD)

Day 3. Welcome on board

After an early breakfast in the lodge is the approx. 5.5-hour transfer to Binga to board your houseboat, which will be your home for the next four nights. On your journey you will cross the territory of the Tonga tribe, whose members were resettled as a result of the construction of the Kariba Dam and now reside on the shores of the lake. While your houseboat casts off and begins its journey, settle into your cabin and enjoy your lunch. In the early evening you will anchor in front of the mouth of the Rusi River.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 4. Introduction to tracking

This morning you will have the opportunity to take a guided walk at eye level with animals such as buffalo, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, antelopes and numerous species of birds and improve your tracking skills. Lunch is served on board. In the afternoon you can relax on the sundeck or watch animals on land while sailing.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 5. Game drive in Matusadona National Park

In the morning you go on safari along the coast with the dinghies. In the afternoon you go on an extended game drive through the Matusadona National Park in open safari vehicles. It is one of the last refuge areas for the endangered black rhinoceros.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 6. Visiting the Batonga tribe at Lake Kariba

After breakfast, learn about the traditional life of the indigenous tribes that have settled around the lake. Most of them still live in isolation to this day. After lunch, continue to Antelope Island. The choice is yours: would you like to go on safari in a dinghy or try your luck at fishing?

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 7. Kariba

After breakfast, your houseboat will moor in Kariba. After saying goodbye to the crew, you drive to Mana Pools National Park (UNESCO World Heritage). First you will visit a lookout point with a fantastic view of the dam wall, which was built in the ’50s. After about 3 hours your journey will bring you to Chirundu. After lunch on the Zambezi you will set out on a 1.5-hour boat ride to your safari camp, the ideal starting point for further wildlife viewing trips. In the afternoon, relax on the terrace or go on a game drive. This is crowned with drinks at sundown in the middle of the park. On the way back to the camp you may come across some nocturnal animals…

Overnight: Mana Pools Safari Lodge (or similar) (BLD)

Day 8. Mana Pools National Park

A safari day means getting up early! After an early breakfast, your exciting game drive in Mana Pools National Park begins. Due to its inaccessibility, the park has so far been little developed for tourism. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, it enchants with its large animal populations and rare wild dogs. After lunch you have a good chance of seeing more animals. On hot afternoons in particular, the animals leave their shelter and come to the water.

Overnight: Mana Pools Safari Lodge (or similar) (BLD)

Day 9. Chinhoyi Caves

After breakfast, depart from Mana Pools National Park. On the approximately five-hour bus ride to the Chinhoyi Caves, you will stop in Karoi and experience the everyday life of the local population. After lunch, visit the caves filled with crystal clear, glowing blue water. After an approx. two-hour bus ride you will reach your safari lodge. End the day with a delicious dinner.

Overnight: Pamuzinda Safari Lodge (or similar) (BLD)

Day 10. Harare and the surrounding area

In the morning you will visit the nearby Chengeta elementary and secondary school (only on class days) for 750 children, which was built by the operators of the safari lodge. The children like to have small souvenirs, especially school utensils. In the morning as well as in the afternoon you can choose from several activities – would you prefer to experience the wild animals living on the property of the lodge on horseback or on foot? You will have your lunch in the midst of nature under a large fig tree. In the evening, a farewell dinner awaits you with a demonstration of traditional local dances.

Overnight: Pamuzinda Safari Lodge (or similar) (BLD)

Day 11. Goodbye, Zimbabwe!

After breakfast, you have the option of a final game drive on the grounds of the safari lodge. Then transfer to the airport. (B)

Inclusions

Discover one of Africa’s hidden treasures on an unforgettable journey amid Zimbabwe’s natural beauty. Explore magnificent waterfalls, pristine national parks, and enjoy thrilling wildlife safaris. The Victoria Falls are one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Lake Kariba is the largest human-made lake in the world by volume. These are just two of the highlights of your exclusive houseboat adventure in Zimbabwe!

Rates Include

• 4 nights on board the houseboat according to the category booked
• 2 nights in a safari lodge near Victoria Falls
• 2 nights in a safari camp close to Mana Pools National Park
• 2 nights in a lodge near Harare
• English-speaking guide throughout journey from Victoria Falls to Harare
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• All excursions and sightseeing, including admission fees
• Transportation to and from airport on the first and last day of the itinerary
• Transportation in air-conditioned buses to destinations specified in the itinerary

Hotels Planned

Victoria Falls: 2 nights, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Mana Pools National Park: 2 nights, Mana Pools Safari Lodge
Harare: 2 nights, Pamuzinda Safari Lodge

Not Included

• Add-on activities like the Victoria Falls helicopter flight (180 USD p.p.) or the Victoria Falls Bridge walking tour (65 USD p.p.)
• Visa fees
• Gratuities
• International flights

Entry Requirements

• Passport and visa required
• No vaccinations are prescribed

Important Notes

• Minimum number of 14 passengers, maximum number of guests: 18
• Please understand that we must reserve the right to alter the itinerary—e.g. because of unfavorable weather conditions or changes on the part of the local authorities
• This journey is generally not for guests with limited mobility or who depend on CPAP machines. Please contact us for more information about your specific requirements before booking

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