11-day Best of Zimbabwe

Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located only 8 minutes away from the spectacular Victoria Falls, making it geographically the closest hotel to the waterfall on the Zimbabwean side. As a family-run hotel, Ilala Lodge has 73 stylish, well-appointed rooms, that offer the ultimate in comfort and luxury. The hotel’s location affords guests unique views of the mist that rises from the mighty waterfall, known as the ‘smoke that thunders

Experience gourmet dining at Ilala Lodge Hotels' top-rated Cassia Restaurant. Centrally located only minutes away from Victoria Falls, the newly-renamed restaurant offers a delicious breakfast buffet, lunch and al fresco evening dining under the starry African sky.

Relive the historical journey embarked by David Livingstone exploring the mighty Zambezi River aboard the Ra-Ikane fleet. Named after his instrumental guide, the boats represent the grace of a bygone era honouring the rich history of Victoria Falls and its explorers, adventurers and heroes. The Ra-Ikane offers a variety of cruises, including birdwatching, breakfast, lunch and sunset, as well as private charters.

Somalisa Expeditions is set in the heart of Hwange National Park and is known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds. As an exact replica of the original Somalisa Camp, Somalisa Expeditions offers one of the most authentic ways to experience this exceptional wildlife haven. Nestled under an incredible grove of Acacias, along the edge of a seasonal flood plain.

Somalisa Expeditions' main area includes a lounge and dining area on raised decking which overlooks a small pool, which elephants have become habituated to drinking out of. Add to this, the waterhole, frequently used as a 'mud-bath' and a popular rendezvous for the elephants. The up-close encounters and photographic opportunities with these majestic animals are endless.

Consisting of six elegantly furnished Luxury Meru Style Tents, each tent has en-suite bathroom facilities with an outdoor feel. Activities include guided walks lead by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you, game drives and night drives. Wildlife sighting include elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena and many other wildlife species.

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 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 onboard a 23 foot catamaran.

The legendary Mana Pools is known for its wildlife rich flood plains and magnificent views of the Zambezi River, with the Zambezi Escarpment in Zambia as a dramatic backdrop to the scenery. The river boasts some of Africa’s most amazing tiger fishing and adventure canoeing safaris, creating the perfect combination of beauty and fun and making this World Heritage site a must-visit national park.

Zambezi Expeditions offers one of the best ways to experience Mana Pools on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Comfortable yet classic, the camp offers the kind of intimacy with nature that can only be achieved by immersing yourself in the heart of the wild. Fall asleep to the sound of the flowing river and chuckles of hippo and wake-up with the dawn chorus to a spectacular African sunrise. The 12-bed luxury camp comprises of 6 twin bedded mini-meru style tents with en-suite bathroom facilities and bucket showers.

With unique access to the Zambezi River, your days will be filled with adventurous canoeing safaris, tracking game along the shorelines by foot, fishing for the iconic tiger fish and game drives in an open 4x4 along the flood plains and into the heart of the Mana Pools UNESCO World Heritage Site.