ZIMBABWE LAND OF WONDERS A unique escorted tour of the wonders and wildlife of 8th to 24th October 2015 & 31st March to 16th April 2016

Noble Caledonia imbabwe is a country of astounding natural beauty with extraordinary wildlife and majestic WHAT TO EXPECT Zlandscapes which cast a life-long spell on all who visit. A landlocked nation in the centre of Southern We operated our first departure of this Zimbabwe exploration in 2014 and below is an extract from the tour report which , it borders the magnificent and provides an informative overview of what to expect: mighty River, offering lush landscapes and dense wildlife populations where close-encounter Our grand tour of Zimbabwe commenced on a sunny wildlife viewings are the order of the day. warm day on the verandah deck of the famous Victoria Falls Hotel, where an excellent lunch was enjoyed while we Despite its past political turmoil and economic admired views of the spray rising from the falls. Activities “such as a morning tour of this the most expansive curtain of struggle, it is fair to say that in recent years water in the world and a sunset cruise on the mighty Zimbabwe has shown encouraging signs of recovery Zambezi river was a well-balanced start to this adventure. For and slowly but surely visitors are returning to this the next 12 days we travelled extensively through this country of breath-taking beauty, where its richness fascinating and welcoming country. We flew small light aircrafts into small and exclusive camps in the wildlife havens in culture and colour remain. Despite being forced of Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks. Our comfortable to sacrifice so much, Zimbabweans have not lost bus drove us across the lowland outskirt of Kalahari, the their humour or resolve, with many professional rocky hills of southwest and to the majestic Eastern Zimbabwean guides returning. The pure beauty of Highlands. This gave us great insight into both natural and cultural wonders, as well as seeing everyday life for the this country will allow you to forget its complex majority of Zimbabweans. structure and indulge yourself in the magnificent The cultural and historical sites were impressive. We drove to Victoria Falls, observe the African wildlife and take hidden caves watching some of the thousands of rock yourself back in time to the Ruins. paintings that give insights into the lives of the san people With few visiting the country, those that do will be who inhabited these areas for tens of thousands of years. met with genuine warmth. Another highlight was the visit to Great Zimbabwe, the site of a successful Shona state that existed between the 11th and 14th centuries. At its peak it was one the Africa’s most We have selected some of the finest accommodation eminent cities with twenty thousand people living within available and a fitting start to our adventure is our sight of its towering walls. stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel, one of Africa’s most The wildlife was spectacular. Within an hour of landing in famous hotels. We also stay in a classic African Hwange our open topped land rovers came to an abrupt halt tented camp in the ; an as a pride of 18 came walking through the bush. Later exclusive privately owned safari lodge in Matobo several elephant herds blocked the road, putting on a great display, and we arrived at our luxury tented camp elated and Hills which has been voted in the top three safari already in love with this place. In Mana Pools there was an lodges in Zimbabwe. Whilst exploring the Great endless variety of mammals and sharing the river banks Zimbabwe Ruins we are based at the Lodge where with us, day and night. Another highlight was a morning on the luxurious chalets are built from stone and thatch foot tracking the rare White Rhino in Matopo Hills, the area being one of its African strongholds. capturing the atmosphere of the great ruins. In addition we stay at the Rock Hotel, one of The last evening in Mana Pools the sky turned yellow, then orange and finally deep red. In the distance a roared, Zimbabwe’s legendary hotels and finally we end our elephants rumbled, and below us hippo wallowed and tour with a relaxing three night stay at Ruckomechi grunted, preparing to leave the river and forage on the Camp on the banks of the Zambezi River with superb river banks. What a perfect end to a memorable safari. views of the mountains of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. ”

Sunset over the Zambezi River ver i Ri bez

Zam • Q Mana LAKE KARIBA Pools National Park Victoria Falls • Harare • Vumba Hwange National • Park • • Hwange ZIMBABWE National Park • •Great Q • Zimbabwe Matobo Hills ruins BOTSWANA National Park

Matobo Hills National Park and eland on the plains of Hwange National Park Escorting you on this tour Rhett Butler was born in Zimbabwe and has lived there Days 5 & 6 Hwange National Park – Davison’s Camp. We have two full most of his life. Although he has travelled widely in all days to explore, using our camp as a base. Both mornings there will be an the continents, mostly in pursuit of new species, he optional walking safari. We will be accompanied by a very experienced and still considers Zimbabwe to be the most beautiful and armed guide who will ensure we can enjoy this unique adventure in safety. interesting country in the world, with a wonderful climate Alternatively there is the option of a safari in open jeeps. We will be back in to match. He has spent much of the past 30 years camp in time for an extensive brunch. During the hot mid-day hours we rest building and operating safari camps and lodges, and in camp or enjoy a dip in the pool. Keeping an eye out for wildlife visiting leading birding and wildlife tours both in Zimbabwe and the camp or the waterhole, it can certainly be a very rewarding mid-day in many other African countries. activity to witness nature in its truest form. When the heat is slowly losing its grip we head out on an afternoon game drive, turning into a night drive after the mighty African sun sets below the horizon.

The Itinerary Day 7 Hwange National Park to Matobo Hills National Park. This morning we will have a combined game drive. Travel by jeep to Hwange main camp Day 1 London to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Fly by scheduled flight via Johannesburg. where we board our comfortable bus and head south for Matobo Hills National Park. En route we will enjoy lunch in Zimbabwe’s second largest city, Day 2 Victoria Falls. Arrive this afternoon at Victoria Falls airport where you Bulawayo. Late afternoon we arrive in Camp Amalinda, hidden away in the will meet your local guides. Transfer to the Victoria Falls Hotel for a two night rocky outskirts of Matobo Hills National Park. stay. Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and both countries share its World Heritage Site status. The Falls, with a drop of Day 8 Matobo Hills National Park. Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage more than 100 metres into the sheer Zambezi Gorge and the Zambezi River Site, is one of the most scenic parks in Africa, with hills and rocks stumbling are the central points in an area of spectacular scenic beauty: from the Falls over each other in all sorts of forms and shapes. The Matobos is reputed themselves to the broad, picturesque course of the Zambezi River upstream, as one of the parks in Africa with the highest concentration of the adjacent and the stark jagged gorge downstream, the power and here, we also have very good chances of seeing rhinos. In the early and timelessness of nature’s forces are evident throughout. We have the morning we head out for our first game drive in the park. Apart from rhinos afternoon to relax before we enjoy dinner at the hotel. and leopards we also hope to see numerous other mammals and birds in this small but very scenic park. This is also one of the best areas in Africa to Day 3 Victoria Falls. After breakfast enjoy a guided walk through Victoria see bushman paintings with more than 100 registered sites. We return to Falls National Park. Here we will get in close contact with the most expansive the lodge for lunch and this afternoon we will visit a cave full of bushman curtain of water in the world. There will be time for those who want to try paintings, some of them surprisingly detailed and well preserved. Before out one of the optional adrenalin activities on offer here such as helicopter sunset we will arrive to Cecil Rhodes grave, situated among a number of or micro light rides over the falls. In the late afternoon there will be a private sunset cruise on the leisurely and majestic Zambezi River. Dinner in the hotel this evening.

Day 4 Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park. Morning at leisure. After an early lunch we depart for Victoria Falls Airport where we take our private light aircraft transfer to the luxurious Davison’s bush camp deep inside Hwange National Park. The camp is an oasis of comfort and luxury in a wild and unforgiving environment. The camp is unfenced and offers one of the best game viewing areas of the entire park, and we should expect to be visited by various interesting animals here. Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe at 14,651km² with varied habitats and vegetation types, and has served as a haven for one of the densest concentrations of game in Africa. In particular, its great herds of Cape buffalo and elephant (nearly 30 000) are a sight to see. We arrive in time for an afternoon jeep safari, which after sunset turns into a spotlighted night drive back to camp. Rhino, Matobo Hills National Park Crowned Cranes www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Elephant drinking,

Ruins of Great Zimbabwe Young male lion, Hwange National Park

naturally balanced rocks on top of a hill, from where we will have fantastic will enjoy a walk on a private estate to Prince of Wales outlook. This afternoon views of the Matobo landscape. perhaps enjoy a game of golf on the spectacular hotel golf course - once rated as the second most difficult in the world. Alternatively take a guided Day 9 Matobo Hills National Park. Enjoy a morning game drive in walk to the base of the mountain, or try a horse safari in the private game Matobo Hills. After brunch at Camp Amalinda we head towards the reserve. You may prefer to relax in the scenic garden/pool area of the hotel. cultural highlight of our tour – the monuments of Great Zimbabwe. In There will also be the opportunity to enjoy a 30 minute smooth climb to the the afternoon we arrive at the impressive Lodge at the Ancient City, top of the mountain. Here the views towards Mozambique are spectacular. from where we can enjoy the sunset and at the same time catch our first glimpse of the major structures in the distance. Day 13 Vumba Mountains to Mana Pools National Park. After breakfast we drive to Harare airport and transfer by light aircraft to Mana Pools. We Day 10 Great Zimbabwe Ruins. After breakfast we make an early morning transfer to the small and exclusive Ruckomechi Camp for a three night visit to the monuments. The energetic will have the chance to climb the stay. We have the whole area to ourselves and will make the most of it hill for great photo opportunities in the soft morning light. A guided tour by using different modes of transport for our game viewing safaris. The will include a visit to the Great Enclosure and the small but informative sound of the hippos preparing themselves for their regular nightly walks museum. We return back to the lodge for lunch and spend mid-day relaxing adds great value to our evening drinks on the pool deck. at the lodge. In the afternoon we will catch the breeze on Lake Mutirikwi during a private boat safari along the Kyle Game Reserve shore line. Days 14 &15 Mana Pools National Park. In the early mornings we have the option of either a walking safari, or a game drive in the area. These activities Day 11 Great Zimbabwe ruins to Vumba Mountains. After breakfast we can also be combined with each other. Early mornings usually gives us the enjoy one last view of the monuments from the pool deck at the Lodge best chance of spotting the predators, being at their most active at this at the Ancient City. Continuing east we have a scenic drive ahead of us time of day. During the midday heat we relax at the lodge. From the private to Vumba Mountains. As we ascend the landscape changes to sharp veranda of each tent we can enjoy some breeze from the river, and enjoy hills and rocks in all sort of formations. Finally we enter the mountains the sights of various animals visiting the river for a drink. The afternoons with high peaks and green valleys. Enjoy lunch en route, arriving at the are great to spend on the river. We will either use canoes or speed boats, elegant Leopard Rock Hotel in the late afternoon, where we will have a finding a great spot on the river banks for to enjoy the great sunset. In the two night stay. There will be time for a walk in the lush garden and a dip evenings we board our jeeps for an exciting night drive back to camp. in the pool before dinner. Day 16 Mana Pools to London. Transfer to Harare airport by light aircraft Day 12 Vumba Mountains. After breakfast we explore the nearby Vumba before connecting to our international flight back to London. National Park and its botanical garden. The mountain forest has a very different scenery from the western and central parts of the country and we Day 17 London. Arrive this morning.

Prices per person based on double occupancy

8th October 2015 31st March 2016 Twin £6795 £7095 Single £7995 £8295 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, internal flights as mentioned in itinerary on light aircraft, 14 nights accommodation (two nights at the Victoria Falls Hotel, three nights at Davison Camp Hwange, two nights at Camp Amalinda Matopo Hills, two nights Lodge at the Ancient City Great Zimbabwe Ruins, two nights at the Leopard Rock Hotel Vumba Mountains, three nights at Ruckomechi Camp Mana Pools National Park), all meals, excursions, transfers, airport taxes, services of a tour manager. Not Included: Travel Insurance, optional excursions, visas, gratuities. Crowned Cranes , Hwange National Park +44 (0)20-7752 0000 YOUR ACCOMMODATION We have selected some of the finest accommodation available for our tour:

Hotel exterior Guest room Lounge Victoria Falls Hotel Davison’s Camp Hwange Popularly known as “the grand Davison’s Camp lies deep old lady of the falls” the historic in Hwange National Park, in Victoria Falls Hotel overlooks the south-eastern Linkwasha the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Concession- one of the best game gorges below. Situated in acres viewing areas of the entire park. of private garden, the charm and It is a classic African tented camp, tranquil atmosphere of this five with the units tastefully hidden star hotel has earned international Lounge beneath a grove of false acclaim. The elegant decor and the trees, overlooking a waterhole and Guest room old world charm of this gracious hotel is reflected in the wide colonial open plain. Named after the verandahs. The hotel’s 180 rooms are decorated in a manner that founder of Hwange National Park and its first warden, Ted Davison, recaptures the comfortable charm of a bygone age, with colonial prints, this camp, with its 8 tents and a family tent, offers a wonderful bush four poster and canopied beds, antique furniture and well-chosen artifacts. experience. Both the tents and the separate main area, comprising a Modern facilities and amenities mingle well with the old-fashioned lounge, dining room, and open campfire area and pool, look out over ambience, including such 21st century travellers’ necessities as personal the productive waterhole. Game viewing is productive year-round in the safes, minibars, bathrobes, digital satellite television and umbrellas for the Linkwasha Concession and wildlife frequently encountered here includes convenience of guests visiting the Rain Forest surrounding the Falls. The lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, leopard, spotted hyaena, southern main lounge with its old-fashioned traditional elegance and decor has , , blue , , common and a warm welcoming style, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxing with . Bird life in the area is prolific and varied, with species friends. The Bulawayo Room offers surroundings of exceptional comfort frequenting the teak woodlands as well as those typical of the drier and luxury, going back to the turn of the century. Kalahari being present.

Dining room

Pool

Pool Guest room Lodge at the Ancient City Take a few steps back in time to the era of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe Guest room Guest room when you enter the luxury Lodge at the Ancient City. The Lodge evokes the splendour and mystery of the Great Zimbabwe Monument – the Camp Amalinda famous remains of the city that once housed a thriving African civilisation. An African inspired refuge, where world-class facilities combine with the The colonial government used to refer to it as the Zimbabwe Ruins. Built spiritual energy, allure and unique beauty, for which the Matobo Hills is so on a granite outcrop, the Lodge at the Ancient City has sweeping views of celebrated. This exclusive, privately owned safari lodge is in the UNESCO a valley filled with trees, and faces in the direction of the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site of Matobo Hills. Tucked away into an ancient monument, so that you can see the Great Enclosure with its famous Bushman’s shelter, Camp Amalinda was voted in the top 3 Safari Lodges Conical Tower from the Hotel. The main complex and guest lodges in Zimbabwe in 2010. The granite domes and castle kopjes of the Matobo are built from stone and thatch, with structures of granite stonewalling Hills echo the essence of tranquility and the majesty of untamed Africa capturing the atmosphere of Zimbabwe’s oldest UNESCO World Heritage where mammal and bird species are abundant. Included here are the Site. The Lodge accommodates just 48 guests in luxurious chalets which highest concentrations of Leopard and Black in the world, as well as are all en-suite, equipped with bath, shower, toilet and basin. Square 13A a healthy population of the endangered Black and White Rhino. 220V sockets are also provided. Hotel exterior View over the Zambezi River from the camp

Guest room Pool Guest room Guest room Leopard Rock Hotel Ruckomechi Camp The Leopard Rock Hotel is one Ruckomechi Camp lies on the banks of the Zambezi River, shaded by a of Zimbabwe’s legendary hotels. large grove of acacia and mahogany trees and with a superb view of the Located in the Vumba Mountains mountains of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. The camp accommodates guests in the Eastern Highlands of in ten spacious en-suite tented units, all of which overlook the Zambezi Zimbabwe, this unique hotel River. Each tent has both indoor and outdoor showers, and the camp enjoys a delightful French chateau boasts a favourite amongst guests: its outdoor ‘bath-with-a-view’ in a atmosphere. The grounds are also secluded, scenic spot. The central dining, bar, library and lounge areas face home to an excellent golf course, the escarpment and are connected to the rest of the camp by low-level a floodlit tennis court, swimming walkways. There is a separate deck with infinity pool for swimming and pool, squash courts and sun bathing, and an inviting, cushion-strewn star gazing deck. The camp Lounge gymnasium. Guests are vegetation is dominated by broad canopied albida trees and the area is accommodated in 58 supremely stylish rooms, all en-suite and equipped renowned for large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and the birdlife with hair dryer, air-conditioning, safety deposit box, flat- screen satellite TV, here is also superb, particularly for both mopane woodland and riverine Wi-Fi, direct dial telephone, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bar, 13A 220V species with numerous local specials like collared palm-thrush, racket-tailed square plugs and 24-hour room service. roller, purple-banded and black-throated wattle-eyes.

Elephants at a waterhole, Hwange National Park

Noble Caledonia 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Victoria Falls

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