9 Night Victoria Falls, Hwange

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9 NIGHT VICTORIA FALLS, HWANGE, MATOBO HILLS & GREAT ZIMBABWE SILVER (A) SAFARI 3 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 3 Nights Hwange National Park 2 Nights Matobo National Park 1 Night Great Zimbabwe Ruins 10 Days / 9 Nights Reference: IS-9A Starts Victoria Falls / Ends Bulawayo Airport

Total Price 9 Nights: US$ 2689 (High season) / US$ 2569 (low season) per person sharing. Based on a minimum of 2 people travelling. The more people travelling (up to a max of 6) the cheaper the cost per person.

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Overview This trip takes you on a tour around the western part of Zimbabwe, starting in Victoria Falls and ending in Bulawayo. You will enjoy the wonderful activities in Victoria Falls; experience some Zimbabwean culture and enjoy great game activities in Hwange; learn some fascinating Zimbabwean history and be captivated by the views of the Matobo Hills; and amazed by historical magnificence of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins - all the while taking in the varying landscape that makes Zimbabwe an irresistible destination. It is a chance to visit three of Zimbabwe's five World Heritage Sites. Getting around to these destinations is ordinarily quite a task but we have teamed up with Travel Africa to provide a vehicle and personal driver and guide to escort you.

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Inspired Journey Overview Accommodation Night 1 – 3 Deluxe room at Bayete Guest Lodge Night 4 – 6 Elevated tree house at Ivory Lodge Night 7 – 8 Standard double room at Big Cave Camp Night 9 Standard double room at Norma Jeans

Transfers Included Day 1 Road Transfer: Victoria Falls Airport to Bayete Guest Lodge Day 4 Road Transfer: Bayete Guest Lodge to Ivory Lodge Day 7 Road Transfer: Ivory Lodge to Big Cave Camp Day 9 Road Transfer: Big Cave Camp to Norma Jeans Day 10 Road Transfer: Norma Jeans to Bulawayo Airport (BUQ)

Highlights Day 1 No scheduled activities Day 2 No scheduled activities

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Day 3 No scheduled activities Day 4 Hide sit, Game drive Day 5 Full day game drive, Hide sit w/ sundowners Day 6 Visit Dete Old Age Home, Visit local village, Afternoon game drive w/ sundowners Day 7 Morning hide sit Day 8 Rhino tracking, Visit San cave paintings, Visit Rhode’s grave/World’s View Day 9 Tour the Great Zimbabwe Ruins

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: Bayete Guest Lodge Bayete offers comfortable and affordable accommodation and is situated in the heart of the Victoria Falls Residential Area. The lodge is 2 km away from the Victoria Falls Centre and 22 km from the airport.

Recently renovated, this family run lodge has 25 rooms which are set in a lush tropical garden. Central to the lodge is the large tear drop pool which is hugged by the Caldecott Boma and Ngwezi Tavern. Breakfast is served in the Caldecott Boma every day. Lunch and dinner are also available on special request and are delicious home cooked meals. Buffets and BBQ’s are available for group bookings or by special request.

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Notes: Day 1, 2, 3 DAY 1 Upon arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, you will be picked up for your transfer to Bayete Guest Lodge in town, a 30-minute ride on tarred road. Check into your room and relax, or get transport into town. From there, you may take part in any of the activities on offer which we can assist you with booking (activities can be found on our activities page).

DAY 2 You have a full day in Victoria Falls (or you may sign up for a trip to Chobe National Park for a day).

DAY 3 You have a full day in Victoria Falls.

Activities Info Optional Victoria Falls activities. Ask us to pre-book your activities for you.

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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: Ivory Lodge A small intimate lodge featuring 7 luxurious tree houses and 2 Presidential Elephant Suites set on elevated platforms amongst the indigenous flora of Hwange Game Park.

Deep in the mystical teak forests of Hwange is this unobtrusive camp, bathed in the tales of pioneering hunters and explorers such as Fredrick Courtney Selous. Lumbering giants drift around your stilted platforms, their tusks glinting in salute to the sanctuary of shade offered up by these massive trees.

This is Ivory Lodge – place of elephants. It is here that great herds of elephants are found – sometimes over 100 strong.

Hwange is renowned for its huge tuskers – big old bulls with magnificent tusks. It is also here that the famous Presidential Herd drinks – these elephants’ home-range is amongst the dense feeding areas of the Sikumi Vlei and where they find refuge from the scorching heat at Ivory’s water hole.

Silently, elegantly, the lodge stands over the waterhole…. watch by flood light under a star spangled African night sky – the elephants in their play-fighting….their display of instinctive rituals, their caressing and murmurings…all which speak of years gone by.

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Notes: Day 4, 5, 6 DAY 4 On this day, you will have your breakfast at Bayete Guest Lodge, and then you will be picked up for your drive out to Hwange. Ivory Lodge is about 180 kilometres from Victoria Falls town, mostly on tarred road up to the highway turnoff which is a few kilometres from the lodge. Check into your room and have lunch. The rest of your afternoon is at your own leisure, but spending some time in the private safari hide overlooking the salt lick and waterhole is highly recommended. Later, you will be taken on a game drive on the 6000-acre concession which will be concluded with sundowner drinks and snacks overlooking the Dete vlei. To follow, you will be driven back to camp after sunset for the opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals. A 3-course dinner will be served at the Captain's Table.

DAY 5 An early wake-up call with tea/coffee starts your day before a full day game drive into Hwange National Park. A packed breakfast will be provided before you head off in an open game drive vehicle. It is an estimated 45- minute drive from Ivory Lodge to the Main park gate. You will be provided with wind breaker, fleece lined ponchos to keep you warm during the drive. You will also be offered teas and coffee's overlooking the waterhole at Nyamandlvou Pan, as well as lunch and snacks later on. In the late afternoon, you will go back to the lodge for some rest, sundowners and snacks in the hide before dinner.

DAY 6 After a full continental breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the Dete Old Age home. This will allow you to interact with some of the elderly patrons of the Hwange region. The Local Village tour is a cultural experience for you to get first-hand experience of what life is like in a local African village, or if you prefer you can visit the Painted Dog Conservation centre. On your return to Ivory Lodge, lunch will be served and you have a chance to relax and enjoy your surroundings before a late afternoon game drive on the lodge's concession, which ends with sundowner drinks and snacks overlooking the Dete vlei. You will be driven back to camp after sunset for the opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals. Once at camp, continue with pre-dinner drinks in the hide or at the lodge campfire. A 3-course dinner will be served at the Captain's Table.

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Activities Info

Game Drives Morning, afternoon & full day game drives can be arranged on the concession and into the National Park. An abundance of game species can be spotted within the concession and National Park including Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Cheetah, Zebra, Sable, Wild Dog, Leopard and much more!

Within the concession, evening game drives can be arranged with a sunset stopover for sundowners and your choice of beverage. Returning to the lodge by spotlight to find those elusive night animals & arriving back in camp in time to freshen up for dinner.

Walking Safari After a fireside coffee and delicious muffins, journey into the bush on foot with your professional guide on a walking safari. Enjoy the early crisp mornings as you discover the wonders of the African bush and witness its wildlife come to life. Starting time is first light. Walking Safaris are carried out on our private concession of 6000 acres and are weather dependent. Walking Safaris only available upon request during reservation.

Painted Dog Conservation Centre Zimbabwe boasts one of the largest populations of this endangered species. A visit to the Hwange Research Centre to learn more about these beautiful painted dogs and the rehabilitation, research and conservation efforts surrounding the centre is highly recommended. There is no entry fee charged but the program kindly asks

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Culture & Community Zimbabwe offers a rich, dynamic culture and through the support of our non-profit project “The Mother Africa Trust” we offer visits to local clinics, rural schools and the Dete Old Age Home. A fantastic way to get to know the friendly people and culture of Zimbabwe!

Pan Sits Spend the day, half a day relaxing near the pan with full waiter service and watch the animals as they get up close and personal.

Captain’s Table Guests are wined and dined around the Captain's Table & served a set gourmet meal. Private/Romantic dining can be arranged with the managers in camp. Specific dietary requirements can be catered for and must be advised upon reservation.

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Day 7 - 8

Matobo National Park Idyllically located in the spectacular Matobo Hills, the renowned Matobo National Park is known for its rich human history, its remarkably diverse flora and fauna and its magnificent rugged terrain. This unspoiled natural wilderness features a range of massive red-tinged, granite boulders interspersed with gorgeous wooded valleys making it a dream destination for hikers, climbers and nature lovers alike. The reserve is compact, easily accessible and is home to an impressive range of African wildlife including the highly endangered black and white rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hippo, warthog and crocodile as well as Africa's largest concentration of leopard and black eagles. This unforgettable national park serves as an ideal stopover for travellers heading to the popular tourist sites of Hwange and the majestic Victoria Falls.

Overnight: Big Cave Camp Big Cave Camp reposes atop an enormous granite whaleback commanding inspirational views across the famous Matobo National Park. Sophisticated African architecture incorporates colossal boulders into a comfortably appointed thatched lodge positioned amidst ancient Khoisan rock art.

Retire at a day's end to the natural rock-pool and sundeck, the Leopard’s Lair lounge and bar, a cave-style boma for pre-dinner drinks or the popular lodge library. The seven thatched A-frame cottages, each with en-suite bathroom and private balcony, resonate African creative flair.

Find solitude within an intimate retreat as secluded as the original Kalanga grain bins that nestle amongst the rocks.

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Notes: Day 7, 8 DAY 7 On this day you will have a Continental or Full English Breakfast at Ivory Lodge. You may want to spend some time in the hide before you check out and depart at 10am. You will be picked up for your transfer out to Matobo Hills, a 4-hour drive through Bulawayo and onto Matobo Hills. You will arrive in the early afternoon, and may decide to do one of the activities on offer or relax and then later have drinks while you chill and watch the sun set over the hills before dinner.

DAY 8 On this full day at Matobo Hills you have a choice from various activities which include game viewing or rhino tracking, a visit to Worlds' View/Rhodes Grave, game walk, sundowner drive, and cultural activities which includes visiting the famous San rock art galleries in the mountain caves. These are the highest concentrations of rock art found anywhere in the world. These activities are all included and best arranged at check-in with your hosts.

Activities Info

Game Viewing & Rhino Tracking View Rhino on foot...

Big Cave borders the Matobo National Park, and game viewing is done both on the private property as well as into the Whovi Game Park. The Whovi wilderness area is a specially protected area for both white and black rhino. Matobo Hills has the last significant population of rhino in Zimbabwe, and the best way to view and photograph these rare creatures is on foot, with a professional guide.

Big Cave offers drives into the Whovi Park, with a professional guide-to view not only rhino, but also leopard and a selection of plains game. Guests can enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to creep up on these wonderful animals on foot once the correct area has been located by the professional guide.

Activities on the Big Cave 2000-acre private wilderness area include game walks, game drives (approximately 1.5 hours), and the not-to-be-missed sundowner drive to get the Matobo Hills at its very best!

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Night drives on the Big Cave wilderness area can be enjoyed on the private property (depending on the time of the year) to view the nocturnal creatures of the Matobo Hills.

Yoga & Wellness Yoga and meditation on massive, million-year-old granite rocks in this spiritual heartland is a unique experience.

In the glow of the rising sun we start the day in silence in seated meditation, followed by an asana (physical) practice.

Then, find a sunny spot with a view as you enjoy breakfast in silence.

For the rest of the day choose from a range of activities – guided nature walks, game drives, hikes, tours, guided meditation and talks - or simply do nothing but sit back and relax around the lodge.

Meals are taken in silence and in the evenings we enjoy the yang of the campfire followed by a closing meditation.

This is an opportunity to connect with nature and animals on many levels and to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful area.

We welcome all those who are curious to learn more about yoga as well as intermediate and advanced practitioners.

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Cultural Activities Famous Rock Art Galleries

Highest concentrations of rock art in the world...

Matobo Hills gained its World Heritage Status principally on the rich cultural diversity of this area. The Matobo Hills boasts one of the highest concentrations of rock art found anywhere in the world. This ancient Khoisan art can be viewed in the both the National Park and even within the immediate vicinity of Big Cave Camp. These famous rock art galleries can be visited on foot or by 4x4.

Nswatugi Cave: One of the more famous sites is Nswatugi Cave, which is normally combined with a trip to Rhodes Grave, World’s View which is a beautiful drive through the Recreational Park. View the hidden lady, who can only be seen when shadow is cast over the painting. The small museum at the car park is also very informative.

Bambata Cave: This very large cave combines fantastic rock art with a wonderful 4 km walk through the National park, with incredible views into the Whovi Game Park. The path first winds its way through the natural forest, and then you slowly gain altitude along a large granite ridge that leads up to the cave. Bambata cave was one of the first sites in Zimbabwe to be excavated, and revealed occupation deposits that date back 3000 years. The rock art is estimated at between 300 - 1500 years old, and is a combination of animal species and depictions of people in trance.

Inanke Cave: Inanke is the remotest of the famous rock art galleries, and pre-booking a tour to Inanke is essential, as this is a full day’s activity. Guests should also be decently fit, as it is a 7 km walk each way from the car park, with steep inclines and declines. The cave is on the eastern side of the Recreational park, and is also a 1.5-hour drive from camp. The walk is well worth the effort though, as the path is a combination of walking on granite along high ridges, as well as winding ones way through giant whale backs, while walking in superb natural forest. The paintings in my mind have to rate as some of the most incredible rock art on the planet. The paintings are amazing in both diversity and quality, and entering the cave for the first time is just mind blowing.

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Tours to the nearby Ndebele Village and Whitewaters Secondary School provides an insight into the lives of the local people. The school in particular has been supported by guests of Big Cave Camp for many years. To date a library has been constructed and school fees, science equipment, desks, chairs, sporting goods and building materials have been donated. In times of real hardship, a guaranteed meal has also been provided for all the school children. In addition, a number of children have had their education sponsored by guests of Big Cave Camp.

Bird Watching Birds of prey abound!

Matobo Hills boasts one of the highest concentrations of birds of prey anywhere in the world. Big Cave has several nesting sites on and adjacent to the property. The Black Eagle is one of the more majestic birds to grace the area, and other sought after species is the elusive Cape (Mackinder's) Eagle Owl.

Big Cave offers excellent opportunities for the bird watcher.

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Rhodes Grave and World's View Cecil John Rhodes was extremely fond of the Matobo Hills, and he set up a trust, which administered the newly formed "Rhodes Matopos National Park". He also funded a railway line, in his own words "to make a short railway line....So that the people may enjoy the glory of the Matopos from Saturday to Monday". Rhodes died in 1902 in Muizenberg, in the Cape. His body was brought up via rail, and then the body was transported on the back of a gun carriage drawn by a team of oxen. Also buried at Worlds View as it was better known, is Leander Starr Jameson (Rhodes partner in crime in the infamous Jameson raid), as well as Allan Wilson and the 34 men killed on the banks of the Shangani river, while in pursuit of king Lobengula. Worlds view is also the spiritual home for the Ndebele people and so named Malindidzimu. The Ndebele chiefs requested that guns not be fired at the funeral as tradition would have, but rather sent him on his way with the royal salute "Bayete".

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Day 9 – 10

Great Zimbabwe Ruins Once Zimbabwe’s capital, the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe is the biggest and most significant stone archaeological complex in sub-Saharan Africa. It is also one of its oldest – thought to date back to the 11th century and second only to South Africa’s Mapungwe. Composed entirely of rectangular granite blocks stacked on top of one another without the use of mortar, the walls and towers of the city measure up to 12 metres in places, and it is unsurprising that Great Zimbabwe was designated a World Heritage Site in 1986.

Overnight: Norma Jeans Resort Norma Jeane's Lake View Resort is set in the granite hills and Msasa woodland overlooking Lake Mutirikwe (formerly Lake Kyle) and a short 10 minutes The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The emphasis is on luxury accommodation for the more discerning visitor, offering fully furnished and equipped self-catering lodges and luxury hotel rooms. The dining room providing breakfast, lunch and dinner with a view over the lake.

Notes: Day 9, 10 DAY 9

On this day, you will have your breakfast early before your 8am departure to Great Zimbabwe, a 5-hour drive on tarred road. After your arrival at Norma Jeane's Resort, enjoy the afternoon touring the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, which are just 10 minutes away from the hotel. You will overnight at Norma Jeane's.

DAY 10

Wake up for you breakfast as you will have an early departure to Bulawayo, or drive through to Victoria Falls for your onward flight.

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Activities Info

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Price Total for 9 Nights: US$ 2689 (High season) / US$ 2569 (low season) Per person sharing Based on a minimum of 2 people travelling. The more people travelling (up to a max of 6) the cheaper the cost per person.

Included BAYETE GUEST LODGE • Accommodation in a trendy and comfortable room • Breakfast daily

IVORY LODGE • Accommodation in an elevated tree house with views of the African bush • All meals and local beverages • Two activities per day (Half day game drive; Full day game drive; Visit to the painted dog conservancy; Village tour; Walking safaris (on request); Game Count (on request) • Laundry

BIG CAVE LODGE • Accommodation in a spacious double room with views of the Matobo Hills • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner • Local beverages • Activities: Bird watching, Game viewing/rhino tracking, World's view/Rhode's Grave, famous rock art galleries, Ndebele village tour, yoga and wellness, mountain biking

NORMA JEANE'S RESORT • Accommodation in a hotel room overlooking Lake Mutirikwe in a superb natural woodland surrounding • Daily breakfast

TRANSFERS • All road transfers

Excluded PARK FEES • National Park fees • Activities other than those stated • Meals and drinks other than those stated

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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.

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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.

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.