5 Day Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari - Zimbabwe Small Group Safaris
A great 5-day break near Victoria Falls, combining the largest curtain of falling water on earth with a memorable visit to Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park and an introduction to the wonderfully welcoming people of this beautiful country.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Victoria Falls Days 2 & 3: Hwange National Park Days 4 & 5: Victoria FallsTour Highlights
- Victoria Falls
- Zambezi Sunset Cruise
- Hwange National Park
- Wild Dog Project
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Victoria Falls
You will be met on arrival at Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe and transferred to your comfortable lodge on the edge of Victoria Falls town. The lodge is set amidst landscaped gardens with swimming pool. Depending on your arrival time, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to settle into your new surroundings and maybe take a plunge in the pool, before we head out to the Upper Zambezi River for a late afternoon cruise. Enjoying a few sundowners as we watch the hippos and crocodiles languish nearby, is a great way to begin this Victoria Falls break.
Day 2: Hwange National Park (Bx1 / Lx1 / Dx1)
Departing Victoria Falls we drive south heading for the world famous Hwange National Park. It became the royal hunting grounds to the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19 th Century and was set aside as a National Park in 1929. Our camp is located on the edge of the Park. The largest National Park in Zimbabwe and covering an area of more than 14,600 sq kms is approximately the same size as Wales. After setting up camp we can relax before an afternoon visit to the Hwange Wild Dog project. Here we take a fascinating tour of the centre to see the efforts going into the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned dogs. This is extremely valuable work being carried out, on a species of which there are thought to be only 3000 individuals remaining in the world. This evening we will take a night game drive in a game concession area adjacent to the National Park. Here we will search for a variety of nocturnal animals including the ever elusive Leopard.
Day 3: Hwange National Park (Bx1 / Lx1 / Dx1)
Today we will transfer to open safari vehicles to game drive in Hwange National Park. In the far west of the country, Hwange National Park sits in a remarkable belt of Africa, that extends into Botswana and lays claim to home of the largest surviving continuous elephant population. As well as healthy elephant herds the park is home to over 100 mammal species including the Big 5, giraffe, gemsbok and brown hyena. The park's conservation project with its wild dog population has been a recent success story and is thought to be one of the largest surviving groups in Africa. The will be a morning and an afternoon game drive through the bushveld, hoping to spot many of its animals and birds. We arrive at dusk back in our camp and swap stories of today's sightings over dinner.
Day 4: Victoria Falls (Bx1)
The following morning we are out early for our return north, to Victoria Falls. We arrive back at Victoria Falls by mid-morning. Leaving the rest of the day free, to take part in some of the many optional activities on offer. There is something to suit all tastes. For adrenaline seekers why not get wet and wild, white water rafting the Zambezi. Alternatively jump at the Bakota Gorge's 111m bungy site, experience a gorge swing or try abseiling above the rapids. For something more sedate, take a canoe safari on the Upper Zambezi and paddle the river past elephants and wallowing hippo. Enjoy scenic flights over the Falls by helicopter and plane or take an elephant back safari, riding atop one of the Big 5 for a unique game walk in the African bush. This evening, why not indulge yourself in an African Culinary Extravaganza at 'The Boma' restaurant. Enjoy an amazing array of dishes whilst being entertained by traditional dancers. Then join in the fun with some interactive drumming.
Day 5: Victoria Falls (Bx1)
This morning we visit Victoria Falls National Park and take walks to the many lookout points from which you can see Africa's greatest natural spectacle. At over a mile wide and 100m deep it forms the largest curtain of falling water in the world and its spray can be seen for miles around during high waters in April and May. Our tour finishes on return to our lodge and a transfer to the airport for onward travel.
