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7 NIGHT HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, KARIBA AND VICTORIA FALLS PLATINUM (C) SAFARI 2 Nights Lake Kariba 3 Nights Hwange National Park 2 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 8 Days / 7 Nights Reference: IP-7C Start Victoria Falls Airport / Ends Victoria Falls Airport Total Price 7 Nights: US$ 5149 (high season) / US$ 4149 (low season) per person per night
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Overview This safari takes you to an exclusive camp on Lake Kariba, then deep into the Hwange National Park staying at an exclusive luxury camp, and finally, onto a private game reserve just 20 minutes away from Victoria Falls. Experience the beautiful lake, incredible game, and real luxury and the Victoria Falls on this bush safari.
Inspired Journey Overview Accommodation Night 1 – 2 Luxury safari tent at Musango Safari Camp Night 3 – 5 Luxury tent at Linkwasha Camp Night 6 – 7 Luxury suite at Stanley & Livingstone Hotel
Transfers Included Day 1 Boat transfer: Bumi Hills Airstrip to Musango Safari Camp Day 3 Boat transfer: Musango Safari Camp to Bumi Hills Airstrip Day 3 Road transfer: Linkwasha Airstrip to Linkwasha Camp Day 6 Road transfer: Linkwasha Camp to Linkwasha Airstrip Day 6 Road transfer: Victoria Falls Airport to Stanley & Livingstone Hotel Day 8 Road transfer: Stanley & Livingstone Hotel to Victoria Falls Airport
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Flights Included Day 1 Victoria Falls Airport to Bumi Hills Airstrip Day 3 Bumi Hills Airstrip to Linkwasha Airstrip Day 6 Linkwasha Airstrip to Victoria Falls Airport
Highlights Day 1 Afternoon boat cruise Day 2 Walking safari/Rhino tracking, Visit to local fishing village, evening game drive Day 3 Night game drive Day 4 Morning game drive, Visit to local village Day 5 Guided nature walk, Evening game drive Day 6 Optional waterhole game viewing, Evening game drive w/ bush dinner Day 7 Walking safari, Afternoon in Victoria Falls town
Day 1 – 2
Lake Kariba The planet’s most voluminous man-made lake, Kariba is a popular tourist destination that was created in the 1950’s 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.
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Overnight: Musango Safari Camp Musango Safari Camp is an exclusive 16 bed camp situated just off the shoreline of the Matusadona National Park. Musango is the only owner run safari camp on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe.
Just a short flight away from Victoria Falls or Kariba, Musango offers an abundance of wildlife and bird life, with a wide selection of activities available or the option to simply relax.
The Musango activities include walking safaris, Big 5 game drives, boating safaris, cultural tours, sailing trips to Starvation Island and tiger fishing on the famous Lake Kariba. The activities offered are fun, informal and operated by trained and experienced guides.
Walking safaris provide guests the experience of tracking and photographing a wide variety of wildlife. Musango was involved in the re-introduction of black rhino into the Matusadona National Park, and guests can track the wild black rhino on foot within the park.
The Musango game drives are conducted across the water on the mainland in a classic game vehicle where guests can discover the prolific wildlife inhabiting the area.
Lake Kariba is a fantastic fishing location, and Musango caters for both novice and experienced fishermen. The famous tiger fish is found in abundance in the lake in addition to a variety of other fish species.
Musango offers cultural visits to the local village, Musampa, where guests can learn about the local culture and lifestyle.
Sailing to Starvation Island is a unique way to explore the bird life and wildlife in the area and view the spectacular Kariba sunsets. Musango offers trips to the island on-board a 23-foot catamaran.
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Notes: Day 1, 2 DAY 1 From Victoria Falls Airport, board your chartered flight to Bumi Hills Airfield in Kariba. From there, you will be picked up for a boat transfer out to an island on Lake Kariba, and check in to Musango Safari Camp. Drop your bags and enjoy a boat cruise on the lake as the sun goes down. Then return to camp for dinner and mingle with the other guests over drinks.
DAY 2 After breakfast, join your highly experienced guide for a walking safari into Matusadona National Park where you will track rhino as well. Return to camp for brunch, and then head out to visit a local fishing village and take a cultural tour, visiting the Tonga people. This is an eye-opening and fascinating experience, in which you will learn how the villagers live a subsistence lifestyle, reliant on the land and the water to survive. Return to camp for afternoon tea, and then go for a game drive. After your evening activity, you will return to camp for dinner and retire for the night.
Activities Info
Safari Walks With a professional guide, tracking a multitude of animals, including the Big five, for which this area is famous. Our specialty is the rare Black Rhino.
Game Viewing Cruises In either boats or pontoons. This is simply the most productive way to experience wild life up close.
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Canoeing Along the shoreline and exploring the many wild life rich rivers, which abound in the vicinity. Experience the peace, tranquillity and relaxation whilst gently gliding past the prolific wild life, multitude of birds and stunning scenery. Discretion of guide as to crocodile behaviour.
Game Drives Within the private wild life concession. Our drives are always very popular and productive.
Cultural Village Trip This genuine, non-tourist Fishing Village offer an insight to the Batonka people and their interesting traditions and way of life. Enjoy the Fish Market and net repairs, the village life and the school.
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Black Rhino Tracking Matusadona National Park is home to the rare Black Rhino. The recent and ongoing onslaught of Rhino in Southern Africa, makes being able to track and hopefully see this prehistoric animal a privilege and challenging adventure.
Dinosaur Fossil Site Wander around with your guide and see the wide variety of Dinosaur fossils found by Steve. The area boasts fossils of many species of dinosaurs, including some of the oldest fossils in Southern Africa.
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Specialist Birding Safaris The immediate area around Musango Safari Camp offers more the 400 species of birds. Steve is a bird enthusiast and will delight you with some of the very special birds that this area has to boast, including Pel’s Fishing Owl, Night Herons, Spinetails, Narina Trogon, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Lilian’s Love Birds and many others.
Fishing Lake Kariba offers many species of fish including the famous fighting Tiger Fish, huge Vundu catfish, as well as the delicious Bream. A world record Tiger Fish caught on a fly rod was landed near Musango. We supply all fishing equipment, including fly fishing tackle.
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Day 3 - 5
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: Linkwasha Camp Linkwasha Camp is situated on a private concession in the best location in Hwange National Park. The camp is situated near the famed Ngamo Plains, which offers fantastic summer game viewing – to add to the already excellent winter viewing from the camp itself; Linkwasha overlooks a pan that is a magnet for game in the dry season.
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The fresh, open and airy design of the camp is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors. The nine luxurious en-suite tents (eight twin and one family) all offer uninterrupted views of the waterhole, while the main area includes various multi-level decks and a cosy winter lounge complete with fireplace and library. Shaded salas surround an inviting pool.
Notes: Day 3, 4, 5 DAY 3 On this day, you will take your boat transfer to Bumi Hills Airfield for your air transfer out to Hwange National Park. Your flight will take you to Linkwasha Airstrip, and then you will be driven up to Linkwasha Camp. You will arrive at camp and check into your room. Familiarise yourself with your surroundings, then have drinks and snacks before dinner. After dinner, you will be taken for a game drive where you will experience the nightlife of the wild. Head back to camp for more drinks at the camp fire or to retire to your room.
DAY 4 Wake up early in the morning for a game drive into Hwange National Park. Tea/coffee and snacks will be served during the game drive. You will return to camp for brunch and a rest. After lunch, go out on a tour of a local village and learn about the culture and ways of a true rural Zimbabwean community. Return to camp to freshen up and enjoy sundowners at the lounge. Dinner will be served and you can enjoy drinks by the camp fire afterward.
DAY 5 On this day, you will have breakfast and then go on a nature walk with an experienced guide. Return to camp for a rest and spend some time enjoying the camp facilities. Then you may go on an evening game drive and experience the night life of the wild, where nocturnal and diurnal species meet. Return to camp for dinner and drinks under the stars.
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Activities Info
Game drives in open Land Rovers Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe at 14 651 km² with varied habitats and vegetation types – meaning that game drives are exciting with always something new to be seen. (Wind-resistant ponchos are provided during winter months.)
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 one of our experienced safari guides.
Evening drives The Hwange ‘night-act’ includes nocturnal species such as lesser bush baby, spotted hyena, leopard, lion, Selous mongoose, pangolin, caracal, porcupine, scrub hare, springhare and even honey badger.
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Village visit An authentic village experience takes place in a manner that is respectful to all parties. Usually around four hours and guided by one of the local villagers or a Wilderness guide, it often includes a guided tour of the school, meeting the headman or headwoman and enjoying cultural exchanges with the villagers.
Day 6 – 8
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: Stanley & Livingstone Hotel The 6000-acre Stanley and Livingstone Private Game Reserve, situated mere minutes from the Victoria Falls, borders on the Zambezi National Park, offering guests a diverse and unique African experience. Home to the Big 5, activities include morning and evening game drives, game walks and rhino interactions.
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The Game Reserve boasts two lodges - the luxury 5-star Safari Lodge and the comfortable Ursula's Camp with 4 chalets.
Each of the 16 exquisite suites at Safari Lodge consists of a spacious bedroom, en-suite Victorian-style bathroom, gracious lounge and individual secluded patio overlooking tropical gardens and nearby waterholes.
A wealth of activities is on offer; from game-drives and walking safaris, to the numerous adrenaline activities on offer at the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River. Of course, a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the most compelling sites in the world, is a must-see!
Notes: Day 6, 7, 8 DAY 6 After breakfast, you will be picked up for your transfer to Victoria Falls. The transfer involves a drive to the airstrip and then an hour long flight to Victoria Falls Airport. There, you will be picked up and driven about 20 minutes to Stanley and Livingstone Private Game Reserve. Relax and enjoy your surroundings and a sundowner while watching the animals at the local waterhole. Then embark on an evening game drive around the reserve. A bush dinner will be served at the end of the night game drive.
DAY 7 Wake up for an early morning walking safari or rhino search around the private reserve. After lunch, get onto a shuttle which will take you to Victoria Falls town, and leisurely tour the rainforest and see majestic Victoria Falls. After your tour, head back to the reserve for sundowners and then dinner.
DAY 8 On this day, have your breakfast and prepare for your transfer to Victoria Falls Airport. You will be picked up for the 20-minute drive for your onward flight.
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Activities Info
Morning and afternoon Game Drives Guests can expect to see the Big 5 during the 3-hour game drive along with a great variety of antelope and exceptional bird life. Game Drives are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles.
Night Game Drive Similar to the AM and PM Game Drives, the Night Drive departs slightly later to allow for nocturnal animals to become active. After this exciting game drive, guests sit down to a bush dinner.
Walking Safari The Walking Safari takes place on the Reserve and guests will be accompanied by an armed ranger. Being specialist guides, the ranger will introduce you to the many mammals, birds, trees and plant life on the Reserve.
Rhino Search The sheer magnitude of these animals will leave you awestruck! Highly endangered, this interactive safari will get you up close to these amazing animals.
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Price Total Price for all 7 Nights: US$ 5149 (high season) / US$ 4149 (low season) Per person per night
Included MUSANGO SAFARI CAMP • Accommodation in an east-facing luxurious safari tent with views of Lake Kariba • All meals, local spirits and drinks • Laundry • Game activities: Walking safaris, Game drives, Boat safari, Fishing, Cultural tour, Sailing to Starvation Island
LINKWASHA CAMP • Accommodation in a generous and luxurious tent with views 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, Village visits
STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE HOTEL • Accommodation in a spacious suite with a private balcony overlooking the gardens and natural bush • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • One game drive per day • Emergency medical evacuation
TRANSFERS • Air transfers between Victoria Falls, Mana Pools and Hwange • Road transfer from Hwange to Victoria Falls • Return Victoria Falls airport transfers • Three daily scheduled transfers to Victoria Falls town at Stanley & Livingstone
Excluded • Premium imported brands and champagne • Other activities and meals not mentioned
MUSANGO SAFARI CAMP • National Park fees
STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE • Drinks • Laundry
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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.