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9 NIGHT VICTORIA FALLS, HWANGE AND MANA POOLS PLATINUM (A) SAFARI 3 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

3 Nights Hwange National Park

3 Nights Mana Pools National Park

10 Days / 9 Nights

Reference: IP-9A

Start Victoria Falls Airport / Harare International Airport

Total Price 9 Nights: US$ 8127 (high season) / US$ 6201 (low season) per person sharing

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Overview

Explore three of Zimbabwe’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and world famous destinations. Enjoy beautiful

surroundings, lots of wildlife sightings, the Zambezi River, the cultural heritage of Zimbabwean people, and the

Victoria Falls itself, all while staying in superb luxury accommodation.

Begin in Victoria Falls for an adventure of a lifetime, taking part in exciting activities while staying in an award-

winning 5-star bush camp.

Then fly out into the wild Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve and home to huge

concentrations of the African elephant, and large varieties of animal and birdlife. Enjoy authentic safaris with

excellent guides while staying at a luxury safari camp on a private concession - perfect for real intimate bush

experiences.

End your trip with 3 nights in an area of outstanding natural beauty and phenomenal wildlife - Mana Pools

National Park, and enjoy comfort and luxury at a premier safari camp.

Inspired Journey Overview

Accommodation

Night 1 – 3 Luxury tented suite at Elephant Camp

Night 4 – 6 Safari tent at Little Makalolo Camp

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Night 7 – 9 Tented room at Ruckomecki Camp

Transfers Included

Day 1 Road Transfer: Victoria Falls Airport to Elephant Camp

Day 4 Road Transfer: Elephant Camp to Victoria Falls Airport

Day 4 Road Transfer: Wilderness Airstrip to Little Makalolo Camp

Day 7 Road Transfer: Little Makalolo Camp to Wilderness Airstrip

Day 7 Road Transfer: Mana West airstrip to Ruckomechi Camp

Day 10 Road Transfer: Ruckomechi Camp to Mana West airstrip

Flights Included

Day 4 Victoria Falls Airport to Wilderness Airstrip

Day 7 Wilderness Airstrip to Mana Pools

Day 10 Mana Pools to Harare International Airport

Highlights

View the spectacular and mighty Victoria Falls

Partake in the multitude of activities available at Victoria Falls from sedate sunset cruises to adrenaline crazy bungee jumping and everything in between

Intimate and romantic award-winning 5-star bush cam with views of the gorges

Exclusive activities such as tour of the Victoria Falls, sundowners by the Batoka gorges, lunch at the Lookout Cafe, village tours, birding and nature walks on the private concession

Remote location in one of Hwange National Park’s best and most diverse wildlife areas

Huge dry-season concentrations of elephant and buffalo

Enjoy various activities including game drives (day and evening), walking safaris, village visits, star bed, or simply visit the discreet log-pile hide which looks out over a productive waterhole right in front of the lodge

Generous tented suites with view of the Zambezi River at Ruckomechi Camp

Private concession with some of the best game viewing in Zimbabwe with fantastic game densities, and diverse and abundant birdlife which frequents the Zambezi shores.

Game drives, night drives, walks, boat cruises, fishing and canoeing are all on the private concession, meaning the drives are exclusive to guests of Ruckomechi Camp

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Day 1 – 3

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely

popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, this spectacle is accessible from both

Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine a game viewing and water sports. There is excellent

fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world.

Overnight: Elephant Camp

Situated on a private concession within and bounded by the Masuwe River and the Zambezi gorges, The

Elephant Camp and The Elephant Camp West have breath-taking views of the Victoria Falls' spray and the

spectacular gorges which separate Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Elephant Camp is a luxury, intimate lodge under

canvas within easy reach of Victoria Falls (approximately 10km) and all its attractions and activities, yet secluded

in its own private game reserve. The Elephant Camp offers exclusive suite accommodation for only 24 guests in

12 luxury tents.

The Elephant Camp West is an extension of The Elephant Camp, extending to the West of the current facility and

catering to groups and families. The facility operates independently of the main camp ensuring a more intimate

and serene experience for groups and guests. The Elephant Camp West offers exclusive suite accommodation

for only 16 guests (8 adults and 8 children) in 4 luxury tents. Each suite in The Elephant Camp West can

accommodate two adults and two children.

All suites are gorge facing and boast a private viewing deck and plunge pool, private lounge area, air-

conditioning and fans, bath (with a view), inside and outside shower, mini bar and tea/coffee stations. The

lounge, bar and dining area lead out to a sun kissed pool from where the roar of the water rushing over gorges

becomes a constant beat and soon settles into the background like an old friend. It is calming and therapeutic to

sit back, watch and listen to "the smoke that thunders"...

Select Spa Treatments are available in the privacy of your suite (subject to availability, on request at an additional

charge). Access is by road transfer from Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Kasane.

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Notes: Day 1, 2, 3

DAY 1 Once you get to Victoria Falls Airport, your transport will pick you up for a 20-minute drive to Elephant Camp. You

may drop off your bags and head into town for lunch at the Lookout Cafe. After your lunch, take a tour of the

Victoria Falls at your leisure for a few hours, then you will be picked up and returned to Elephant Camp. Enjoy

sundowners at the main tent, or out in the bush at the Batoka Gorges. Dinner will be served in the dining room

where you will get to mix with the other guests at camp.

DAY 2 On this day, wake up for breakfast and go on a birding and walking safari around the camp's concession with one

of the guides. After that, return to camp for lunch and then head out to meet the Wild Horizons Elephants. Visit

the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and learn how research and activities are contributing to wildlife conservation in

the area. You will also meet Sylvester, the Cheetah Ambassador. Return to camp for sundowners and snacks and

some relaxation before dinner.

DAY 3 On this morning, you will drive out of camp after breakfast, and visit a rural village where you will see local villagers going about their daily tasks and interact with them. This is a cultural activity and it shows you rural Zimbabwean life first-hand. After your tour, you may head back to camp and spoil yourself with a spa treatment, or go into town to enjoy some of the Victoria Falls activities offered (prices not included), or you may want to enjoy the afternoon in the pool and socialising on the deck while you watch the elephants at the waterhole. Dinner will be served either on the deck under the stars or in the dining room under the main tent.

Activities Info

Spa Treatments (Optional Extra)

Selected Spa Treatments are available in the privacy of your suite (subject to availability, on request at an

additional charge).

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Walking Safaris - Nature & Birding Walks

Explore our beautiful concession, part of the Victoria Falls National Park, with experienced guides who will bring

the landscape to life.

Lunch at The Lookout Cafe

The Lookout Café is perched 120m above the turbulent rapids of the Zambezi River, overhanging the giant chasm

of the Batoka Gorge, just down-river of the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. Delicious meals, exciting cocktails & ice

cold refreshments make The Lookout Café an ideal spot to enjoy these spectacular views in combination with a

Tour of the Falls or a High Wire activity. The café is located at the Wild Horizons High Wire facility where popular

activities such as the Gorge Swing, Flying Fox, and Canopy Tour are operated from.

The café has awesome views of the Batoka Gorge, Vic Falls Bridge and Spray of the Falls. It is a semi open-air café

with refreshing beverages and a lively cocktail menu, with cafe style cuisine with offerings to suit every taste and

occasion.

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Interaction with Sylvester, Ambassador Cheetah

Interaction with Sylvester, Ambassador Cheetah (At management’s discretion). Five years ago, the Wild Horizons

family was extended by the arrival of a very special member. Having tragically lost his mother and four siblings

after a fatal attack of a male lion, Sylvester is unfortunately unable to hunt or provide for himself. Yet Sylvester

was never destined to become a pet, and being a specially protected animal on the endangered species list, the

Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management were involved from the outset with Sylvester’s welfare.

A plan was needed for a future permanent home for Sylvester, and the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFWT)

became involved.

Despite numerous release attempts, cheetah, do not survive in the wild without experiencing the maternal care

of a mother for the initial twenty-two months of their lives. A plan was formulated by which Sylvester acts as an

‘Ambassador Cheetah’. Sylvester interacts with the public to raise awareness of the cheetah’s peril as a species

and the challenges they face being on the endangered species list.

A Village Tour

Guests will be transferred to a rural village where they will see local villagers going about their daily tasks and

interact with them. The tour enables them to see rural Zimbabwean life first hand.

Visiting the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust

Guests visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFTW), a non-profit whose mission is to advance environmental

conservation through hands-on wildlife research, the management of a veterinary laboratory and rehabilitation

facility and the education of local peoples in the sustainable usage of natural resources.

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Day 4 - 6

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion,

zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species,

including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent.

Terrain ranges from desert dunes and savannah lands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests.

Overnight: Little Makalolo Camp

Little Makalolo lies in one of Hwange National Park’s best wildlife viewing areas. It offers privacy for guests who

enjoy small camps and a sense of remoteness. The area is ecologically diverse, ensuring great numbers of

animals year-round.

The camp’s six spacious en-suite tents, with both indoor and outdoor showers, are nestled in the tree line. Teak

walkways lead to the main area where a false Mopane tree shades a separate dining and living area with views of

the much-frequented waterhole. During siesta hours, guests can enjoy up-close and outstanding wildlife viewing

at the log-pile hide that overlooks the waterhole in front of camp.

Activities centre on game drives in open 4x4 Land Rovers and guided walks. The area’s large number of

waterholes attracts game in both quantity and variety, especially in winter when water sources become scarce

and Wilderness Safaris takes responsibility for pumping 22 of Hwange’s boreholes in the Concession to sustain its

wildlife. Guests are also able to visit the nearby village for authentic cultural interactions. A “pizza stop” and

sleep-out option at the wildlife-rich Madison Pan completes the experience.

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Notes: Day 4, 5, 6

DAY 4 On this day, you will be picked up after your breakfast and taken to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight out to the

Makalolo Airstrip in Hwange National Park. From the airstrip, it is a short drive up to Little Makalolo Camp. Check

into your room and join the other guests for High Tea before going on an evening game drive. After your game

drive, drinks and dinner will be served. Socialise over drinks around the fire-pit before calling it a night.

DAY 5 Wake up very early for a light continental breakfast with tea or coffee before going on a morning walking safari

at about sunrise. This is a short drive out of camp and a 2-3 hour walk with an experienced guide. After the walk

you will be driven back to camp for a full brunch and some rest. Take a siesta, have a splash in the swimming

pool, or spend some time behind the log hide observing the animals that come to frolic at the waterhole. After

high tea, it is time for an evening game drive into Hwange National Park. You will be brought back from the

evening game drive for dinner. Join the other guests for drinks by the fire-pit before retiring to your room.

DAY 6 On this day, breakfast is served before you head out to the Ngamo area to visit a local village and school, and

discover what tourism is doing to help the local community and children in the area. You will return to the camp

in time for brunch and then some rest. In the late afternoon, join the other guests for High Tea. If you want to

spend the night under the stars in the camp's "Star bed", a guide will take you there and then set you up with

dinner and drinks while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the Hwange nightlife. If not, you may go on an

evening game drive and then have dinner in the dining area.

Activities Info

Game drives

The private Wilderness Safaris concessions are situated in the most productive area of Hwange National Park.

The varied habitats and vegetation types as well as countless waterholes mean that game drives are exciting

with always something new to be seen.

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Morning walking safaris

Hwange was proclaimed some 80 years ago and has served as a haven for one of the densest concentrations of

game in Africa. There is no better way to experience this park than on foot with an experienced safari guide.

Log-pile hide

This hide is beautifully placed at the camp’s productive waterhole and is the perfect place to spend your

afternoon siesta hours. Elephants are often the star attraction at the hide; just watch out for the sprays of water

propelled from their nearby trunks.

Evening drives

The Hwange ‘night act’ includes species such as lesser bushbaby, spotted hyaena, leopard, lion, Selous

mongoose, pangolin, caracal, porcupine, scrub hare, springhare and even honey badger.

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Star Bed

Situated on a raised platform overlooking Madison Pan, the Star Bed is just a 20-minute drive away from camp

and offers a truly secluded, remote wilderness experience – and the opportunity of sleeping under the stars.

Village Visits

An authentic village experience takes place in a manner that is respectful to all parties. Usually around four hours

and lead by one of the local villagers or a Wilderness guide, it often includes a tour of the school, meeting the

headman or headwoman and enjoying cultural exchanges with the villagers.

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Day 7 – 10

Mana Pools National Park

The life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most lush and

flourishing regions, designated as the country’s second World Heritage Site and known as one of the continent’s

premier game-viewing regions. Canoe trips are offered year round and provide a unique and memorable way for

visitors to experience the area’s striking scenic beauty and diverse fauna, while guided walks are a great way to

take its pristine riverside forests.

Overnight: Ruckomechi Camp

Ruckomechi Camp, situated in a private concession with access to the western areas of Mana Pools National

Park, accommodates guests in ten spacious en-suite tented units, including a family unit, all of which overlook

the wide Zambezi River. The camp is set amongst broad-canopied Ana trees, much loved by the elephants for

their rich nutritious seeds. Each tent has both indoor and outdoor showers, and the camp boasts a favourite

amongst guests: its outdoor “bath-with-a-view” in a secluded, scenic spot.

The central dining, bar, library and lounge areas face the majestic, evocative escarpment across the river in

Zambia, and are connected to the rest of camp by low-level walkways. There is a separate deck with a pool and

hammocks for swimming and sunbathing, and an inviting, cushion-strewn star-gazing deck. Wildlife viewing

takes place in open 4x4 vehicles, on motorised pontoon boats or on canoes, on foot and in hides.

NOTE: Ruckomechi is open seasonally between April and mid/late November each year.

Notes: Day 7, 8, 9, 10

DAY 7 On this day, you will be picked up after breakfast for your transfer out of Hwange National Park. You will be

driven to Makalolo Airstrip for your chartered flight out to Mana Pools National Park. This involves a 3-hour flight

to Mana West Airstrip and then a 20-minute road transfer to Ruckomechi Camp. You will arrive in time for lunch.

Take some time to get to know the place and watch the animals that come to visit the camp. Afternoon tea and

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snacks will be served, and then you will go out on a game drive. After your game drive, return to camp where you

might find a barbeque set up, or a three course dinner. Drinks will be served during and after the meal.

DAY 8 On this day, you will have a light breakfast before your first activity - a nature walk around camp with an

experienced guide. Mix it in with a bird watching to get the most out of your morning. When it is time, return to

camp for brunch and some rest. You may have a siesta, do a bit of catch and release tiger fishing, spend some

time on the platform watching the different animals that visit the river. Gather for afternoon tea, and then get

into a motorised boat for an afternoon river cruise cum sundowner cruise, complete with drinks and snacks and

a qualified guide to enlighten you on your surroundings. After your cruise, head back to camp to freshen up and

have drinks under the stars watching the animals in the river. Dinner will be served, after which you may opt to

sleep under the stars in the "Star Bed", located near camp and an active waterhole. Otherwise, it’s time to call it

a day.

DAY 9 Today, after your light breakfast, you will go out for half the day on a canoe trip on the Zambezi River. Your

brunch, snacks and drinks will be packed for you. You will be brought back to camp in the afternoon. It is a good

time to rest, or take a dip in the pool. Afternoon tea will be served and then go on a game drive around the

concession. Return in the evening for drinks before dinner. Dinner may be served in the dining area, or out on the

banks of the Zambezi River.

DAY 10 On your last morning in Mana Pools, you will be picked up after breakfast for your transfer out to the airstrip for

your flight to Harare International Airport, and your onward flight.

Activities Info

Game Drives

Game drives early in the morning or late afternoon take place in open Land Rovers, taking in a coffee break or a

sundowner at a scenic spot; seven seats allows everyone a window seat. We make our way through the private

concession as well as the National Park, accessing a diversity of habitats, and therefore a wide range of wildlife.

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River Cruises

Cruises down this stretch of the Zambezi River are in nine-seater pontoons or in a six-seater speed boat. Canoes

are a more adventurous option to see the large numbers of water birds and other wildlife that are attracted to

the river and seasonal pans.

Nature Walks

Mana Pools National Park is a remote, beautiful place that is best experienced on foot, led by a professional

guide. This thrilling way of exploring the surrounding bush often heralds many exciting sightings.

Catch-and-release fishing*

Bream (tilapia), barbel (catfish) and tigerfish are the some of the more common

fish found at Mana Pools. Catch and release is practised at all Wilderness Safaris

camps and keen fishermen are always encouraged to bring their own equipment

as we only carry basic fishing tackle. *This activity is subject to the availability of

boats and is at an additional cost, per boat per hour payable direct.

Star Bed

There is no better way of falling asleep than being serenaded by the sounds of

nature while you gaze up at the starry skies of Africa. Our romantic Star Bed is

situated near a productive waterhole.

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Fantastic Birding

The multiplicity of birdlife in the area includes three-banded courser, western banded snake-eagle, Arnot's chat,

green-capped eremomela, African golden oriole, Lilian’s lovebird, Böhm's spinetail and Meve's starling.

Price

Total Price for all 9 Nights: US$ 8127 (high season) / US$ 6201 (low season)

Per person sharing

Included

ELEPHANT CAMP

• Accommodation in a luxury tented room

• All meals, local brand drinks & house wines, complimentary mini bars in the rooms

• Laundry

• Emergency Medical Evacuation cover

• Activities: Meeting the Wild Horizons elephants; Sundowners at the Batoka Gorge; Birding & Nature walks on

the concession; Lunch at the Lookout Cafe - On Request (Including drinks)

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LITTLE MAKALOLO

• Accommodation in a comfortable safari tent, perfectly located for a spectacular view of the waterhole

• All meals and local beverages

• Laundry

• Hwange National Park Fees

• Twice daily scheduled camp activities: Morning and evening game drives, Nature walks, Game viewing (within

a log hide), Sleeping under the stars, Cultural tours/Village visits

RUCKOMECHI CAMP

• Accommodation in a cool and spacious tented room

• All meals and local beverages

• Laundry

• National Park Fees

• Twice daily scheduled camp activities: Game viewing from the hide; Birding safaris, Sleep-out, Catch and

release fishing, River cruises, Guided walking safaris; Game drives; Canoeing

TRANSFERS

• Return Victoria Falls Airport transfers and between safari camps and air strips in Hwange and Mana Pools

• Two transfers to Victoria Falls town per day from Elephant Camp

• Air transfers between Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools and Harare

Excluded

• Premium imported brands and champagne

• Other meals and activities not mentioned

Travel Information

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s

leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is

transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of

the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural

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wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is

awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot

featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip

down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close

encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

Banking and Currency

Currency

Zimbabwe uses US$ as its own unit of currency. South African Rands and Euros are also widely accepted. It is

advised to carry small denominations of change with you. However, it is best to pay for as much as possible

outside of the country. South African Rands work well in supermarkets, while US$ are preferred for curios,

accommodation and activities.

Banking

Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 08h00 to 15h00, on

Wednesdays from 08h00 to 13h00 and Fridays from 08h00 to 11h30. They are closed on Sundays and Public

Holidays.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Taxis are safe and reliable, and can be booked through your hotel front desk. Taxis in cities travel within a 40km

radius of the city. Always take a taxi at night.

Major airlines fly into Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. Charter flights are available to most attractions and

camps.

Zimbabwe has a good road infrastructure, by African standards, although potholed. Between major towns, there

are frequent road blocks. Traffic drives on the left side of the road.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Zimbabwe's native cuisine is based on sadza, a cooked porridge made from ground maize which is normally be

accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often

prepare sadza if requested, and it is almost always available in small restaurants in the towns.

Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of

food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent. If you are driving yourself around and plan to

cook, then get most of your supplies in main towns.

Water in the main towns is usually purified. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that

it may harbour. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it.

However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated

water available in towns and from all camps, lodges and hotels.

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Clothing / Dress Recommendations

When in Zimbabwe the cardinal rule is to wear casual, comfortable clothes during the day as temperatures can

get very hot. It is advisable to wear light loose fitting clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy

to wash. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings and rainwear for the wet season.

A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will also guard

against the scorching sun rays. It is recommended you wear light shoes, especially if your itinerary entails a lot of

walking. For safaris, please remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Earth colour clothes, such as

browns, greens and tans are advisable.

Electricity and Plug Standards

Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. Both square and round plugs are used.