Spend 9 magnificent days exploring legendary sites and experiencing the scenic beauty and prolific wildlife in this extraordinary land known as Zimbabwe, translated as ‘Great Houses of Stone’. Explore this ancient land and discover its astonishing archaeological sites, its extensive wildlife sanctuaries and of course, the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls waterfall. On this captivating tour we visit the three of the invaluable World Heritage sites found in Zimbabwe. Carefully selected hotel accommodation, transportation in top of the range vehicles and the services of a highly qualified guide ensures that you enjoy this journey of discovery in absolute comfort and style.
Tour the Ancient ruins in Great Zimbabwe built in 1,200AD, a World Heritage Site.
Follow the route of the Matopo Hills World Heritage Site through giant balancing rocks.
Birders are in for a special treat, Motopo Hills has the highest concentration of eagles in the world.
Marvel at the breathtaking scenery at View of the World, where Cecil Rhodes was buried.
Travel in open game drive vehicles through the densely populated Big 5 territory in Hwange National Park.
On arrival at the Harare International Airport, you will be met by a warm and friendly Thompsons Africa representative before proceeding through Zimbabwe’s Capital City with its wide open thorough-fares, fascinating history and quaint mix of traditional and modern buildings before you reach your hotel. Relax at the hotel and spend the afternoon lazing in the sparkling pool, have a drink at the mirrored bar or book the optional Harare City afternoon tour with your guide (for own account). This tour exposes an impeccably clean city, bustling with busy shops, wide open streets and warm hospitable people. Dinner at the Crowne Plaza in Harare is included.
This morning after breakfast, we depart for Masvingo, The Ancient City, where we will be inspired by the Ruins of Great Zimbabwe built in 1200AD, which were first discovered by the Settlers in 1888. The Ruined City of Great Zimbabwe is the largest and most significant ancient monument south of the Sahara and only second to the Egyptian pyramids. Here your guide will take you through the Acropolis, the Great Enclosure and the Conical Tower.
After a hearty breakfast we depart Masvingo for Bulawayo, where we arrive around midday (lunch for own account). This is the second largest city in Zimbabwe with wide tree lined streets and is surrounded by beautiful parks, a legacy of Cecil John Rhodes. Within the city are many examples of early Victorian buildings which are maintained by the Bulawayo City council and landlords as heritage sites. We learn more about this beautiful country by visiting the Bulawayo National Museum before checking into our hotel.
The Matobo Hills has long been recognized as an area of exceptional beauty with a rich, colourful and mythical history. A full day will be spent exploring the area and some highlights include cave paintings, panoramas of the countryside at ‘View of the World’, where Cecil Rhodes is buried. We hope to catch a glimpse of black rhino and plains game, but this area is famous for its dense concentrations of birds of prey.
After breakfast we depart for Hwange National Park. This is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to the herds of presidential elephants. It is also home to many predators and endangered species and seethes with varied birdlife. We transfer onto an open vehicle and proceed on a game drive transfer to our lodge. Once we have checked in we will enjoy lunch overlooking the beautiful plains, we will proceed on an afternoon game drive. After sundowners a sumptuous dinner will be enjoyed to the sounds of the night.
Dawn breaks with a morning game drive through the vast plains to experience the drama of the previous night. We hope to view more of the many species that live in the national park whilst exploring the magnificent landscape that includes desert sand to sparse woodland as well as grasslands and granite outcrops. We will return to the lodge for an afternoon siesta and later proceed on an evening game drive to view the nocturnal inhabitants of the Hwange National Park.
An early rise accompanied by tea & coffee before we enjoy a last game drive transfer out of the National Park. Our first stop is at the Painted Dog Conservation centre in Hwange, here we will learn more about Wild Dogs and the Centre’s efforts to protect these beautiful animals from extinction. After this, we head for the Falls or as the local people call it ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – the smoke that thunders. This quaint town offers a variety of activities and attractions both on land and water. Your afternoon can be spent at leisure, or you can book one of many activities available, such as a Sunset Cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.
This morning we visit a secluded and unexplored Zimbabwean Village where you will speak with a Traditional medicine healer and witness age old customs and way of life. Afterwards we enjoy a tour of the Victoria Falls. These Falls constitute one of the most spectacular Natural Wonders of the World. You will stop at various vantage points to view the falls and walk through the rain forest whilst witnessing the rainbows and feeling the spray and thundering noise of water falling into the gorge. The rest of your afternoon will be spent at leisure, where you can book one of many activities with your guide.
Visas may be needed by some passport holders.
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