Grand Zimbabwe

Cultural tour & Safari of Zimbabwe

Experience magical Zimbabwe with this intimate overland tour through its wildlife and cultural highlights. Our journey starts at majestic Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world and a highlight of African safari tours. Our adventure continues as we discover world-class game-viewing at Zimbabwe’s most famous national parks, including Hwange and Mana Pools, and immerse ourselves in the country’s unique history with a rare visit to the 900-year-old Great Zimbabwe Ruins, rumoured to be the capital of the legendary Queen of Sheba. Cruising the great inland lake of Kariba during sunset, tracking rhinos through stunning scenery in Matopos, and sampling traditional Zimbabwean hospitality are all included on this exciting journey.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites covered in this tour
1. Victoria Falls 2. Great Zimbabwe National Monument
3. Matobo Hills 4. Mana Pools
Tour Information
Duration : 15 days
Minimum : 04 persons
Maximum : 12 persons
Price (From) : US$ 5370
International air not included
Day 01: Arrive Victoria Falls
Day 02: Victoria Falls/Hwange National Park (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 03: Hwange National Park
(B, L, D)
Day 04: Hwange National Park/Lake Kariba (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 05: Lake Kariba
(B, L, D)
Day 06: Lake Kariba/Matobo Hills (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 07: Matobo Hills
(B, L, D)
Day 08: Matobo Hills/Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 09: Great Zimbabwe/Harare (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 10: Harare/Mana Pools (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 11: Mana Pools
(B, L, D)
Day 12: Mana Pools/Lake Kariba (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 13: Lake Kariba
(B, L, D)
Day 14: Lake Kariba/Harare (Drive)
(B, L, D)
Day 15: Depart Harare
(B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 01: Arrive Victoria Falls

Welcome! We are met upon arrival in Victoria Falls and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or enjoy one of the many exciting optional activities available, including a traditional village or canopy tour, or a breathtaking helicopter flight. Contact Bestway Tours & Safaris for a list of optional activities and to pre-book. This evening, we meet with our guide and the rest of our group at the lodge at 6:00 PM.

Overnight: Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls (1 night)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)

Day 02: Victoria Falls/Hwange National Park (Drive)

Aerial view of victoria falls in zimbabwe

Our first stop of the morning is Victoria Falls, one of the wonders of the world! As the largest waterfall on earth, Victoria Falls* is a vast 1,708 meters wide and a highlight of Africa safari tours. Our guide will take us on a tour viewing this mighty waterfall. Afterwards, we journey to the northern section of Hwange National Park. Over the next two days, we will dive into this vast wilderness area on game drives. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s great wildlife havens, home to massive herds of elephant, buffalo and zebra, as well as large concentrations of giraffe. Various predators and birds can be seen here as well.

Overnight: Nantwich, Hwange National Park (2 nights) (B, L, D)
(Chalets with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool and bar area)

Day 03: Hwange National Park

An exciting day ahead as we enjoy a full day game drive through Hwange National Park. As the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe, Hwange is home to over 100 mammal and 400 bird species, including all of Zimbabwe’s specially protected animals. (B, L, D)

Day 04: Hwange National Park/Lake Kariba (Drive)

Journey to the shores of beautiful Lake Kariba, one of the world’s biggest man-made lakes. At more than 220 kilometers long and 30 kilometers at its widest point, this breathtaking body of water is truly an inland sea! Nestled in the mountains and guarded by enormous reserves of game, the lake provides a spectacular opportunity for scenery and wildlife viewing alike. We arrive at our lodge, which provides magnificent views over the islands of Lake Kariba’s western side. Remainder of the day is free to relax at the pool, or partake in optional activities like catch and release fishing.

Overnight: Masumu River Lodge, Lake Kariba (2 nights) (B, L, D)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant)

Day 05: Lake Kariba

Herd of Impala and a Catle Egret on the shoreline of Lake Kariba

Spend the day with your feet up by the pool, or enjoy one of the optional activities available. Then, meet for our unforgettable afternoon sunset cruise, with chances to view elephant, crocodile and hippo, as well as many water birds. (B, L, D)

Day 06: Lake Kariba/Matobo Hills (Drive)

After breakfast, travel to the majestic Matobo Hills*, a beautiful region rich with tribal history and dramatic rock landscapes. This national park has been given UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s home to the extremely rare white and black rhinoceros, as well as the world’s densest population of leopard. Birdlife is also prolific and includes the highest concentration of black eagles on earth. Once the home of the San Bushman, this area is replete with beautiful and ancient rock art.

Overnight: Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge, Matobo Hills (2 nights) (B, L, D)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar and swimming pool)

Day 07: Matobo Hills

Balancing rocks in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe, formed by millions of years of weathering

We spend the day exploring this unique national park. Morning is dedicated to tracking rhino spoor by vehicle and foot, with the chance to see these endangered creatures. Afternoon we further explore the scenery and wildlife of the park on a game drive, ending with a visit to the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, who was laid to rest on the “Hill of the Benevolent Spirit”, or “World’s View”, as it was named by him. (B, L, D)

Day 08: Matobo Hills/Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Drive)

A one-of-a-kind day ahead as we drive to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins*. According to ancient legend, the ruins were built to replicate the palace of the Queen of Sheba in Jerusalem. As some of the oldest and largest structures in Southern Africa, these ruins are a unique testimony to the Bantu civilization of the Shona between the 11th and 15th centuries. We have an opportunity to explore these ancient ruins before checking in to our accommodation for the night.

Overnight: Lodge at the Ancient City, Great Zimbabwe Ruins (1 night) (B, L, D)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool, restaurant and bar)

Day 09: Great Zimbabwe/Harare (Drive)

Male Lion resting on the African plains with a safari game vehicle and another lion in the distance

Today, we journey to Pamuzinda Safari Lodge, located approximately an hour outside of Harare. Upon arrival, we will have our choice of a game drive, a game walk or a horseback safari through a private game reserve, with opportunities to see elephant, lion, buffalo, giraffe, and 350 species of bird.

Overnight: Pamuzinda Safari Lodge, Harare (1 night) (B, L, D)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool and tea garden)

Day 10: Harare/Mana Pools (Drive)

An early morning journey by road to Chirundu, where we take a boat ride to Mana Pools*. Centered on the Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s most lush and flourishing regions, and the country’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also one of Zimbabwe’s premier game-viewing destinations.

Overnight: Mana Pools Safari Lodge, Mana Pools (2 nights) (B, L, D)
(Rooms with e suite bathrooms, swimming pool, restaurant and bar)

Day 11: Mana Pools

Elephants quenching thirst at African waterhole

Discover the teeming wildlife of Mana Pools with the opportunity to enjoy wildlife focused activities such as guided safari walks and game drives. Elephant, hippo, buffalo, and crocodile are some of the more prominent game species found here, while predators like lion, leopard, hyena and wild dog are also regularly spotted. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Mana Pools/Lake Kariba (Drive)

Lioness looking down

We make our way to Lake Kariba for our second opportunity to sample the activities and game of this beautiful region from a different perspective. Upon arrival, relax by the pool and enjoy the panoramic lake views, or take part in some of the many optional activities on offer.

Overnight: Kariba Safari Lodge, Lake Kariba (2 nights) (B, L, D)
(Rooms with e suite bathrooms, swimming pool, restaurant and bar)

Day 13: Lake Kariba

Full day to relax or take part in the many optional activities available. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Lake Kariba/Harare (Drive)

Panorama of a sunset over Lake Kariba with a silhouette of a Grey Heron and Egyptian Geese in flight, Zimbabwe

Transfer by road to Pamuzinda Safari Lodge, approximately an hour outside of Harare and perfectly situated for our departure flights the next day. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Pamuzinda Safari Lodge, Harare (1 night) (B, L, D)
(Rooms with en suite bathrooms, swimming pool and tea garden)

Day 15: Depart Harare

Our fascinating safari through the highlights of Zimbabwe comes to an end as we are transferred to the airport in time for our departure flight. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here

Notes

N/A

Inclusions


Tour Price Includes
  • Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
  • 34 Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All sightseeing and transfers by private transportation
  • Services of local English speaking guides cum drivers
  • Entrance fees to museums, sites & game parks included in the itinerary
  • Park fees for safaris in 2024 have been included in your tour cost. However, if a new levy or an increase in the existing fee structures is introduced and is made effective for 2024, then the increase in cost will be charged separately to all travellers
Not Included
  • Any airfares
  • Insurance/visas
  • Tips/gratuities

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 04 and a maximum of 12 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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