8 Day Northern Hwange Discoverer
Countries: Zimbabwe
Destinations: Victoria Falls , Hwange National Park
Group Size: 0
Duration (days): 8
Number of Adults: 0
Number of Children: 0
This safari combines the Victoria Falls with two fabulous safari camp located in the northern reaches of the Hwange National Park.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victoria Falls | Ilala Lodge |
| 2 | Hwange National Park | Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp |
| 3 | Hwange National Park | Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp |
| 4 | Hwange National Park | Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp |
| 5 | Hwange National Park | Nantwich Lodge |
| 6 | Hwange National Park | Nantwich Lodge |
| 7 | Hwange National Park | Nantwich Lodge |
| 8 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Victoria Falls
Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will be transferred to Ilala Lodge. The choices of what to do for the rest of the day, are endless with various optional activities. From a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, a scenic helicopter flight over Vic Falls, bungee jumping, to gorge swinging, zip lining and canopy tours. A friendly reminder that pre-booking is recommended as activities are subject to availability. Get in touch with our reservation office for more information.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe - Making its way back into the tourist market, Zimbabwe is able to offer some incredible wilderness and exciting wildlife, along with the wonder that is Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe's political climate and issues have been well documented through the world's media, and it is no secret that tourist numbers to the country have dropped substantially.
However, everything which made Zimbabwe one of the most popular safari destinations is still available, with operators moving back into the world famous areas of Hwange, Mana Pools, the Lower Zambezi and Lake Kariba.
Victoria Falls thunders mightily on the Zambezi River, and the canoeing and rafting experiences are as exciting as ever.
The people of Zimbabwe have always been one of the major highlights, and it is particularly pleasing that tourists are filtering through the borders again, rewarding the patience of the fantastic guides and conservation workers who have remained dedicated to Zimbabwe's wildlife areas.
Victoria Falls
"Mosi Oa Tunya", or "The Smoke That Thunders", Victoria Falls are as magnificent on the 10th visit as they are on the 1st, and their thundering roar makes everything else seem strangely quiet once you leave them behind.
As the mighty Zambezi flows over a chasm of 1 mile wide, and 110 metres high, to violently crash on the rocks below, the resultant spray is sent tens of metres up into the air, before it lands back down in a continuous rainfall. The water then rushes through an opening of only 50 metres, as the Zambezi races further along, over churning rapids and through the deep Batoka Gorge.
While the Falls are the major drawcard, there is a thriving tourist industry developed around them, with adventure activities of all forms being available.
Tourism has been evident here ever since David Livingstone was the first European guided by the local tribes to this remarkable natural wonder.
Ilala Lodge
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located and it is very easy for guests to access all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls. The friendly and attentive staff of this welcoming hotel makes sure that your visit is perfect in every way.
Day 2 : Hwange National Park
Following breakfast you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Robins Airstrip. Upon landing, you will be met and transferred to Bumbusi Wilderness Camp, our game lodge in the northern side of Hwange National Park. The camp is surrounded by evergreen trees and a natural spring offering regular wildlife encounters inside the campgrounds. Daily game drives and game walks in Hwange are included in your experience.
Hwange National Park
Situated only 3 hours' drive south of Victoria Falls, and bordering Botswana to the west, Hwange National Park has become famous for its wildlife density and enormous elephant population.
Due to the arid region, the park is an incredible dry season safari destination, with animals converging on the many man-made water holes, and game viewing being especially rewarding.
With over 100 species of mammals, and 400 species of birds, Hwange National Park is sure to provide you with some excellent photo's and is a great inclusion on a Zimbabwe safari itinerary.
Recently added scheduled flights from Victoria Falls have made Hwange even more accessible.
Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp
There are few safari camps that are as unique and private as Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp. This camp’s historical ruins site and secluded game viewing offer guests the chance to experience a Zimbabwean safari with a difference. Located in a reclaimed corner of Hwange National Park where gorges, riverines, and hills are ideal for safari lovers, especially those who enjoy exploring on foot. The camp is tucked beneath a lush forest of mahogany and jackalberry trees, which provide a shady escape for wildlife, especially elephants during the drier season. In addition to the walking and game drive experience, visiting the Bumbusi National Monument adds a historical richness to any safari and is located a short drive from camp.
Day 3 - 4 : Hwange National Park
Hideaways Bumbusi Wilderness Camp offers an authentic safari experience, with wildlife frequently wandering through the camp. During your stay, partake in bush walks, history tours, and bush dinners, immersing yourself in the beauty and culture of Hwange National Park. Expert guides lead you through the bush, sharing insights into the flora, fauna, and ancient rock paintings of the area. And no safari is complete without game drives, where you'll encounter elephants, giraffes, big cats, and more.
Day 5 : Hwange National Park
A game drive to Nantwich Lodge awaits this morning. After lunch and a siesta, you can go on an afternoon game drive in this breathtaking natural wonderland. You can also visit our safari hide where you can game view from a whole new perspective. Watch birds soar and wildlife roam up close, including our resident crocodile and hippo, offering an unforgettable experience with wildlife and nature.
Nantwich Lodge
A unique, small and intimate eco-lodge reclaimed from a bygone era for true safari lovers who want to get off the beaten track and discover the pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife of Northern Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
Perched up on a bluff overlooking a large dam with resident crocodile and hippo, the lodge boasts one of the best views in the park.
Built from the foundations of an old Zimparks outpost, and using as many eco principles as possible, the refurbished lodge embodies the very essence of conservation and responsible tourism by re-purposing, preserving and celebrating the natural heritage of the site.
A hidden gem within a hidden gem, Nantwich is a lodge to which you’ll want to return again and again. Receive front row seats to one of the best wildlife stages in Africa and play an active role in your own safari experience. The stage is set for interactive experiences with our passionate team, their intimate knowledge of the wilderness area and your dreams of a truly memorable safari holiday. Wonderfully remote, there are fewer people in this part of the park and excellent game viewing awaits. The lodge provides exceptional views and extensive walking safari opportunities – for a truly immersive African wildlife experience.
Become a Hwange expert through guided bush walks and game drives. When not busy exploring the surrounding bush or spying wildlife right from your chalet, the Main Lodge is where you will find the open lounge and dining area, as well as a well-equipped library. Here, you won’t just be a visitor but a budding conservationist or African wildlife enthusiast. Your first fun fact? This part of the park has the highest density of lions in the park and those in the know refer to it as Big Cat country.
For the first time visitor to Africa looking to experience the continent’s remarkable wildlife in an authentic setting or the seasoned safari traveller looking to get off the beaten track and away from crowds and other vehicles, Nantwich is the perfect one-stop African destination.
Day 6 - 7 : Hwange National Park
The next two days are spent on game drives in the astonishing wilderness of Hwange. As the largest national park in Zimbabwe, it occupies approximately 14,650 square kilometers in the country’s northern corner and is just ninety minutes south of Victoria Falls. The park is home to one of the world's largest elephant populations; seeing these big grey beasts is undoubtedly high on the bucket list of many travelers. Twitchers will delight in the nearly 400 bird species roaming the skies.
Day 8 - Day of Departure
Our exciting Zimbabwe wildlife safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your departure flight.