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7 NIGHT KARIBA, HWANGE AND VICTORIA FALLS GOLD (C) SAFARI 2 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 2 Nights Hwange National Park 3 Nights: Lake Kariba 8 Days / 7 Nights Reference: IG-7C Starts Victoria Falls Airport / Ends Victoria Falls Airport
Total Price 7 Nights: US$ 3016 (high season) / US$ 2428 (low season) per person sharing
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Overview Take a trip around North-western Zimbabwe in this classic Victoria Falls - Hwange - Kariba safari. Spend a few days in the adventure capital and home to the mighty Victoria Falls while staying in one of the best hotels in town, then have a game-filled safari out in Hwange while staying in a luxury lodge, and finish your trip in true holiday fashion on a houseboat on Lake Kariba.
Inspired Journey Overview Accommodation Night 1 - 2 Deluxe Room at Ilala Lodge Night 3 – 4 Deluxe Safari Suite at The Hide Night 5 - 7 Double cabin on the Lady Jaqueline Houseboat
Transfers Included Day 1 Road Transfer: Victoria Falls Airport to Ilala Lodge Hotel Day 3 Road Transfer: Ilala Lodge Hotel to The Hide Day 5 Road Transfer: The Hide to Lady Jacqueline Houseboat Day 8 Road Transfer: Lady Jacqueline Houseboat to Victoria Falls Airport
Highlights P a g e | 3
Day 1 Optional Victoria Falls activities Day 2 Optional Victoria Falls activities Day 3 Night game drive Day 4 Morning walking safari, Afternoon game drive, Dove’s Nest Day 5 Beach barbeque Day 6 Fishing, Game viewing Day 7 Fishing, Game viewing
Day 1 – 2
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: Ilala Lodge The warmest of welcomes awaits you at Ilala Lodge Hotel. A gracefully distinguished ambiance. Attentive yet discrete service that always comes with a smile. The sublime surroundings of our boutique hotel will reawaken your senses while the power of the majestic Victoria Falls renews your spirit.
Relax in luxurious style. Listen to the meditative rhythm of the great Zambezi as you drift off to sleep. As morning comes, gently awake and lift your head to see the spray of the majestic Victoria Falls across the unspoiled horizon – and let your soul sigh.
Feel at ease in our elegant and spacious rooms with African Teak furniture, soft, crisp linen – all en-suite facilities, bathroom with separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV, hair dryer, tea & P a g e | 4 coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi and a safe. 56 rooms in total including 2 Executive Suites, 2 Standard Suites, 10 Standard double rooms with a king-size bed in each and 42 other standard rooms that have 2 x ¾ beds in each.
The view from your room looks across the lawns to the National Parks where elephant, warthog, impala or the occasional buffalo might be passing by or simply grazing on the lawn or in the tree line.
Experience new tastes, indulge in unusual flavours and enjoy delectable dishes at our award winning restaurant "The Palm”; dine in view of the spray of the majestic Victoria Falls!
Lodge also has a spa, where you can spoil yourself after that long safari!
Notes: Day 1, 2 DAY 1 From Victoria Falls Airport, your transfer vehicle will take you to the classy and luxurious Ilala Lodge Hotel, one of the closest hotels to the Victoria Falls. Check into your deluxe room, and take a break on the terrace of the hotel enjoying a 5-star meal or drinks by the bar. There are no scheduled activities while you are at Ilala Lodge, so feel free to have a walk around town, or participate in the amazing activities in Victoria Falls.
DAY 2 You are free to take part in any activities that are on offer. Visit our Activities Page or ask us to arrange your activities for you.
Activities Info Pick from various activities available in Victoria Falls.
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Day 3 - 4
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, and visitors have the choice of game drives, guided walks or horseback safaris as a means of experiencing the park and its creatures.
Overnight: The Hide Well known and much loved, The Hide Safari Camp is situated within Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest game reserve. ‘The Hide’, into its third decade, accommodates up to 20 guests in well-appointed deluxe tents under thatch, all tents overlook the productive waterhole. Tents have en-suite facilities that include outdoor showers and bath tubs.
Up to 4 game activities per day, bush walks, day and night drives, ‘hide’ sits including our new underground tunnel to one hide. Enjoy a “sleep-out” in the romantic Dove’s Nest.
Notes: Day 3, 4 DAY 3 P a g e | 6
On this day, you will be picked up after breakfast for your road transfer to Hwange. This takes about 2.5 to 3 hours on tarred road and then 30 minutes to an hour on dirt road. You will arrive at The Hide and check into your comfortable deluxe suite. You may take some time to rest and take in your surroundings, have some refreshments at the main lodge or go on a night drive. After dinner, gather around the fire pit and exchange stories with some of the other guests at the lodge.
DAY 4 Take an early morning walking safari and then return to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, go on a game drive and enjoy some of the best of Hwange National Park. Return to the lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, relax by the main lodge or go out on an afternoon game drive. On this night, you can opt to sleep under the stars in the "dove's next" in the bush. Dinner will be served there.
Activities Info
Guided Walks Morning and afternoon guided walks are offered at The Hide Safari Camp. The Hide Safari Camp is fortunate to have the best of both worlds. While located within the Hwange National Park, it is also surrounded by a private concession which allows us to offer activities not otherwise permitted. Hwange is a vast playground worth exploring so you don’t have to worry about being bored. Early morning walks are there for the thrill of encountering wildlife on its own terms and exploring the little surprises of the bush.
Day and Night Game Drives Morning and afternoon game drives as well as night drives with a spotlight are offered at The Hide Safari Camp. Days can be spent further afield on game drives in search of predators and prey alike. Sundowners are an important part of the experience. Enjoy the natural beauty with a cold drink in hand. The guides at The Hide are very much part of the family and have been with the lodge for many years. They have undergone some of the most rigorous training in Africa and their passion for and knowledge of the bush is often what makes a safaris so special. P a g e | 7
The Hide's Restaurant Returning to the camp after a morning walk to a spread of fresh fruit, pastries and a farmhouse breakfast is more than a perk… it’s a necessity. We like to think that sitting down to freshly brewed coffee to relate the morning’s sightings and plans for the rest of the day is all part of the safari experience. To increase variety, you may find meals are something of a moveable feast. Sometimes dinner will be enjoyed altogether around a giant teak table, where many new friends have been made, and tall tales told. There may be an alfresco breakfast overlooking the waterhole, or tea and cake served upstairs in the A-frame overlooking the pan.
The Dove's Nest Treehouse The Hide’s little secret, the Dove’s Nest, is just about the best way to get away from it all. There are few things more exciting than spending a night out in a tree house. Overlooking the open tree-lined vlei and pan, this rustic gem is a perfect vantage point from which to view wildlife safely, quietly. Just the two of you. Kept simple, as a tree house should be, the bedroom of the Dove’s Nest is reached by a wooden stairway and with a closable door. You won’t have to forego your hot shower and warm bed and the location is second to none.
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Day 5 – 8
Lake Kariba The planet’s most voluminous man-made lake, Kariba is a popular tourist destination that was created in the 1950s when the mighty Zambezi was dammed. It stretches for more than 200 kilometres along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, forming a natural boundary between the two countries. The lake’s waters are home to abundant crocodiles, hippos, fish and aquatic birds, while its shoreline and islands are rich with terrestrial game such as elephant and buffalo. It has become one of Zimbabwe’s main tourist attractions offering houseboat holidays, fishing safaris and wonderful game viewing experiences.
Overnight: Lady Jacqueline Houseboat Known as the Lady of the Lake, this 65ft cruiser moored in Binga is simply luxurious. Ideal for groups of 4 to 10 people.
The advantage of hiring a houseboat from Binga on the western side of Lake Kariba is that it is easily accessible if you are including Victoria Falls and Hwange in your holiday. This is sometimes called the golden triangle all within easy driving distance of each other on good tar roads. Combined is a natural wonder of the world, Victoria Falls, pristine big five game viewing in Hwange and ultimate relaxation, good fishing and game viewing aboard a luxury floating hotel.
The disadvantage is that the choice of houseboats in Binga is limited, unlike Kariba town on the eastern side where there are many boats to choose from. However, the Lady Jacqueline is a perfect choice and you need look no further. Her advantage, being a mono hull cruiser is that she is faster and more manoeuvrable than the pontoon houseboats, the disadvantage is that she is not as wide as them with the huge decks that they have.
The Lady Jacqueline boasts facilities such as a Garmin GPS navigational equipment, spacious upper deck with bar, sunbathing deck, a fully air conditioned saloon, colour TV and DVD home theatre, a selection of books, novels, video and games, and a Jacuzzi. It also includes an 18 ft. tender boat with 90hp Yamaha engine for Game Viewing, Fishing and Sunset Cruises, which can take up to 10 people. An additional tender can be arranged (at an extra cost). P a g e | 9
Notes: Day 5, 6, 7, 8 DAY 5 On this day you will be picked up after breakfast and transferred to Binga to meet the Lady Jacqueline Houseboat. Get on board the boat and the first cruise will take you to Nyembra Island, on Lake Kariba. There, you will be greeted with drinks and a beach barbeque. When the evening is done, get back onto the houseboat and retire to your room.
DAY 6 On this day, you will have tea/coffee with muffins before going on out for some fishing. The boat will cruise to Senkwe, where the tiger fishing is amazing. Return to the houseboat for brunch/lunch. Take some time to rest before afternoon tea/coffee. The tender boat will take you out again for some more fishing and game viewing - your cooler box with refreshments on board. Return to the houseboat at sunset where savoury snacks and drinks will be waiting for you. Enjoy the view before dinner is served.
DAY 7 On this day, the boat will cruise to Diamond fishing camp. There is brilliant bream and tiger fishing in this area, and the game viewing is good. Have your breakfast and then do some fishing on the lake. At lunch time, head back to the houseboat and soak in the view after your meal. Later, take a dip in the plunge pool or go out on a game viewing safari. Return at sunset for some drinks and snacks while you watch the sun sink over the horizon. Then, enjoy your last 3 course dinner on this part of your trip.
DAY 8 Wake up early for breakfast and prepare for your transfer out of Binga. You will be picked up at the harbor, and then driven to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward flight.
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Price Total Price 7 Nights: US$ 3016 (high season) / US$ 2428 (low season) Per person sharing
Included ILALA LODGE • Accommodation in a beautiful classy standard room with garden views • Breakfast daily
THE HIDE • Accommodation in a deluxe tent with views of the waterhole • All meals, local drinks, house wine, teas/coffees • Laundry • Up to 4 activities per day: morning and afternoon guided walks; morning and afternoon game drives; night drives with a spotlight; ‘hide sits’ around the pan; an overnight sleep-out in the “Dove’s Nest” tree house for 2 people
LADY JAQUELINE HOUSBOAT • Accommodation in a luxury houseboat • Service of a crew • All meals and non-premium drinks and house wines • All activities: Fishing, Boat Ride, and Bird Watching
TRANSFERS • All road transfers to and from Hwange, Binga, Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls Airport
Excluded ILALA LODGE • Meals other than stated, and drinks • Activities
THE HIDE & LADY J • National Park fees • Premium beverages
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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 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. P a g e | 12
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.
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.