7 Nights Canoe Victoria Falls, Walk Hwange – Standard

[divider_line]

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1 & 2: IMBABALA SAFARI LODGE, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

[divider_line]

Upon arrival into Victoria Falls Airport, guests will be met and transferred by road to Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge where they stay for two nights.

Ideally situated on the banks of the Zambezi River bordering the Chobe Forest Reserve, Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge is only 45 minutes from Victoria Falls. With 14km of exclusive Zambezi river frontage on a large private concession, Imbabala offers a true wilderness experience with some of the best game viewing and bird watching in Zimbabwe.

Imbabala offers comfortable thatched chalets accommodating a maximum of 16 guests thus ensuring individual attention and service. There are 3 double chalets, 2 twin chalets, 1 honeymoon suite and 1 family room. The chalets are all en-suite and have fans and mosquito nets as well as spectacular views over the Zambezi River and each veranda has a comfy hammock in which you can relax and take in the spectacular view.

Activities include river cruises which allow you to drift slowly down the Zambezi River in a specially designed pontoon boat, game viewing safaris in the private concession, walks through the bush led by an armed professional guide, fishing and excursions to the Victoria Falls. The variety of birds attracted by the papyrus reeds that border the Zambezi is exceptional. (Fishing guides are available on request at an extra cost).

DAY 3 & 4: UPPER ZAMBEZI CANOE SAFARI, Zambezi National Park

[divider_line]

After an early morning game drive, guests will be collected and transferred to Vic Falls Town for their canoe safari safety briefing. Following the safety briefing guests will game drive through the Zambezi National Park to the riverside camp where they will spend the night.

 

The rustic riverside camp includes large walk in tents, equipped with camp beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows and duvets, camping water basin (which are filled with hot water each morning), a paraffin lantern, a bedside table and hand towels. There is a portable toilet and hot bush shower in camp. The camp and dining table are set up under the stars on the riverbank with stunning views of the river.

On all overnight trips there are limited beers and minerals (approximately 2 per person per night), wine (1 bottle per 2 guests). Guests are welcome to supply their own preferences. During winter months (April, May, June, July and August), the evenings, nights and early mornings will be very cold. Clients must bring their own warm clothing. Space is limited on these trips and we suggest one carry bag per person.

The guide will give a thorough brie?ng, which will cover; conditions of the river and rapids, canoeing instruction, safety and general information. Clients will be asked to sign an indemnity form.

The Upper Zambezi River is a vast contrast from the rapids of the Gorge below Victoria Falls. Upper Zambezi canoeing offers these safaris inclusive of game drives in the Zambezi National Park, a fully back up riverside camp, the excitement of running Grade 1 and 2 rapids, picnics on remote islands and exploring secret overhung channels. The silence of our inflatable two-man canoes makes them unbeatable for bird and game viewing. This is novice canoeing at its best and no previous experience is required.

On the morning of Day Four, a full English breakfast is served before an hour drive up-stream to the put-in point.  Today is spent canoeing – (18kms) – downstream, running small grade one and two rapids, exploring channels and bird and game viewing. This day includes the Sansimba rapids. A picnic lunch is served on the mainland or an island and the night is spent camping on the banks of the Zambezi River.

DAY 5: THE ELEPHANT CAMP, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

[divider_line]

A delightful English breakfast is served, after which clients board their canoes and the day is spent canoeing another 18 km downstream to the mighty Victoria Falls. Rapids canoed today include the “Kandahar Rapids”. The scenery, channels and the rapids on both respective days are very different.   Cold minerals & beers are served at the end of the canoe safari.

Clients are transferred the short distance back to Victoria Falls and arrive at The Elephant Camp in the late afternoon. This afternoon guests will enjoy an elephant interaction with Wild Horizons.

Situated on a private concession within and bounded by the Masuwe River and Zambezi gorges, The Elephant Camp has breathtaking views of the Victoria Falls’ spray, and the spectacular gorges that separate Zimbabwe from Zambia. The Elephant Camp is a luxury and intimate lodge under canvas within easy reach of Victoria Falls and all its attractions and activities, yet secluded in its own private game reserve so as to allow close-up encounters with wildlife.

The Elephant Camp offers exclusive suite accommodation for only 24 guests in 12 luxury tents. All suites face the gorge and offer a private viewing deck, plunge pool, private lounge area, air-conditioning & fans, mini bar and tea and coffee stations. The en-suite facilities include a bath as well as an inside and outside shower so that you can shower under the starry skies of Zimbabwe.

The Elephant Camp offers close interaction with wildlife – in particular elephants at the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary. All guests will have the opportunity of meeting the elephants at the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary. All other activities on offer in Victoria Falls as well as Spa treatments are available at an additional cost and can be booked at the lodge.

 

DAY 6 & 7: CAMP HWANGE, Hwange National Park

[divider_line]

After a relaxing night and a full breakfast, guests will be collected and transferred by road to Mbala Boom for their safari transfer to Camp Hwange where they will spend the next two nights exploring this massive and productive park.

Set in one of the most remote parts of Hwange National park, the Sinamatella area was established in 1966 and was a former cattle ranch, the area is known for its rocky, hilly county with thick teak woodland. The name, Sinamatella, is a distortion of the name of a local shrub called “chinamatira” which characteristically will stick to clothing when brushed against.

Small and intimate, Camp Hwange offers 8 canvas and thatch bungalow accommodations of a unique style, all bungalows have en-suite bathroom facilities. The camp offers guests the rare opportunity to track Rhino within an Intensive Protection Zone and the terrain here is ideally suited to walking safaris with excellent birding opportunities.

Camp Hwange is found on its own private concession within the park, it offers excellent drives and walking and game likely to be encountered include all of the cat family, wild dog, elephants and buffalo in huge numbers and the usual plain’s game. Walks to the natural springs found in this area are a special highlight.

DAY 8: SAFARI END IN VICTORIA FALLS

[divider_line]

This morning after breakfast, guests will depart on a safari transfer to the Mbala Boom for their onward road transfer to Victoria Falls Airport and onward travel arrangements.

***END OF ARRANGEMENTS***

Excludes

[list style=”list5″ color=”gray”]

• All flights
• Visas
• Premium or imported wine, champagnes, spirits & liqueurs where drinks are included
• Drinks at Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge
• Additional activities at the Elephant Camp
• Any increases in park fees & government levies
• Errors and omissions

[/list]

2014 Package Prices (Rates Based On A Minimum 2 Pax)
Other packages available

Seasons	Per Person Sharing	Single Supplement
January – June & November – December 2014	US$ 2130.00	US$ 521.00
July – October 2014	US$ 2252.00	US$ 512.00

Notes

Single supplement is for accommodation only, applicable when travelling with more than 2 guests and excludes a flying surcharge for guests travelling solo – rate available on request

Please note that where a booking crosses over 2 different rate periods e.g. Oct & Nov, neither rate is applicable – please request a special quote.