Brochure Itinerary 9 - Magical Zimbabwe

The Victoria Falls waterfall, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On your guided walking tour of the falls, you will have the opportunity to discover the many facets of the magnificent Victoria Falls. Explore the rainforest while learning about the history of the Falls, its geological significance and its flora and fauna. You'll have the opportunity to soak up the beautiful vistas, lush surroundings, magical waterfalls, and the spray of the Falls.

*Excludes rainforest entry fees

Walking at a comfortable pace allows you to experience nature more consciously, and guides will reveal the hidden gems you may have never noticed. There is no vehicle, no noise and no distractions.

Every detail dotted around the landscape forms part of a story, read with an expert eye by your professional guide. Broken branches and bird calls weave together a narrative and draw a map of animal movements across the rugged landscape. The birdlife at The Elephant Camp offers visitors an entirely new frontier in wilderness engagement, with over 420 bird species on the concession. Zebra, impala, sable, wildebeest, kudu and warthogs have also made the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary their home and curiously survey you as a guest exploring their world.

The Lookout Café has become a bucket-list experience in a bucket-list destination and a Victoria Falls landmark restaurant. Perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge above the raging Zambezi Rapids, the Lookout has panoramic views of the Victoria Falls Bridge that hangs in the chasm of the Gorge, connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Though called the Lookout Cafe, the meals are more refined than everyday eats. Enjoying dishes like the grilled lemon and garlic Zambezi bream, with the gentle rumble of the river drifting over the rim of the Gorge, makes the 'place on a plate' sentiment a reality. Every dish gains both place and style when paired with imported wine from South African vineyards. Casual dining has never been more decadent.

Indulge in a selection of cocktails and canapes on the rim of the Batoka Gorge, where the Zambezi Rapids rage 120 meters below. This hidden gem is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner and is exclusively for guests staying at The Elephant Camp.

Travelling is one of the ways we write the story of our lives. It is also one of the best ways to hear stories of other cultures, beliefs and people. The Village Tour digs beneath the surface of Victoria Falls' and celebrates cultural diversity. The Village Chief will take guests around a nearby rural village, explaining the local customs, traditions and lifestyles. The Village Tour empowers the local community to share their heritage with visitors, and the experience gives guests an insightful understanding of the local culture.

The Canopy Tour is a fantastic family-friendly adventure that consists of a network of slides, trails and rope bridge walkways within the Batoka Gorge. The activity and offers incredible views of Zambezi rapids, Victoria Falls Bridge & the spray of the Falls. Located next to the Wild Horizons Lookout Café, the guided two-hour tour reveals a unique birds-eye view of one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The Elephant Camp is surrounded by natural beauty, and we focus on creating a space where guests can form a relationship with and learn about the environment they are in. We do this through our partnership with The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, located in the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary adjacent to the lodge. The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, a non-profit entity and dedicated vehicle for promoting conservation awareness, education, and community empowerment.
A tour of the Trust is part of our guest experience. Guests will visit the High-Care Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and Laboratory facilities to learn about innovative conservation initiatives from a team of passionate research and wildlife experts.
Included Activity- this activity is included in our rates but must be scheduled with management on arrival and is subject to availability.

Included Activity- this activity is included in our rates but must be scheduled with management on arrival and is subject to availability.

The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage was established as a safe haven for orphaned and injured elephants after culling operations in the 1980s. The resident herds roam freely through the wilderness concession, and when guests visit the Sanctuary, they are taken to the elephant, not the other way around. The Elephant Encounter is best described as an experience and not an activity. Our goal is to have visitors spend time connecting with resident herds in the most positive and natural way possible while learning about this keystone species and gaining a deeper understanding of conservation initiatives.

In an open thatch boma on the edge of the Masuwe River in the Sanctuary, guests will listen to a presentation by one of our experienced elephant caretakers. They will learn about the history of the Sanctuary, the elephants, and the rescue-rehabilitate-reintegrate program. Then, guests venture out to where the herd has chosen to spend the afternoon. They are invited to take photographs, observe and immersive themselves in the experience.

The Zambezi River Sunset Cruise is one of the most popular activities in Victoria Falls. Typically lasting around two hours, the luxury Zambezi Royal cruise explores sections of the upper Zambezi close to the Victoria Falls and further upstream where the Zambezi and Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Parks flank the river. Guests can look forward to 5-star service, hot & cold canapés, creative cocktails and a selection of beverages. The cruise captain will give a brief presentation on the journey of the Zambezi while guests enjoy the stunning scenery on the upper Zambezi River.

Embarking on a game drive embodies the essence of a safari adventure. As the seasons transition from summer rains to winter chill, the wilderness and animal behavior evolve. Yet amidst this change, one constant remains: the chance to forge a profound and genuine bond with the natural world.

Led by expert, enthusiastic, and well-informed Guides, game drives at The Elephant Camp take place during the early mornings or the late afternoons when wildlife is most active during the day.

Selected Spa Treatments are available in the privacy of your suite (subject to availability, on request at an additional charge).

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.

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. We like to do things properly so 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 us 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.

You’re sitting on the deck at The Hide ‘A’ frame. The sun has just set, its residual warmth a soft tinge of pink in the sky. Just then, a family of elephants strolls into the scene and up to the waterhole. You watch, fascinated by their interactions. Now, here’s where you jump into action. Without the need for a guide or host, you can go directly from the deck into the underground hide and observe the elephant family from up-close. Just step off the deck and slip down the steps into a whole new world. Along a tunnel, you’ll walk for about 10 metres under the surface of the earth – and then emerge into a “window on the waterhole”, where you can sit quietly, the unobserved observing. It’s a special new addition and makes the experience of “game viewing” more intense and personal.

Along the same tunnel, guests are delighted to find, hidden away in the wall, a real wine cellar. Perfectly cooled at a steady 17 degrees Celsius, ambient-lit and stocked with a small selection of fine wines from around the world, this is a welcome addition to an already all-sensory experience at The Hide. Guests are invited to choose the wine they’d like with dinner – or suggestions are made based on wine pairing experts’ recommendations.

Our 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 closeable door. You won’t have to forego your hot shower and warm bed and the location is second to none.

Going on safari is an exciting prospect and, for many, when the dust has been wiped off your boots and the hat hung up till next time, there is no greater pleasure than poring over the special moments you’ve captured on camera.

A native Zimbabwean, Neil Fairlie is a professional wildlife documentary filmmaker with a profound knowledge and deep respect for Africa and its wildlife. His formal experience spans a decade, including the recent Netflix series Our Planet, but his intimate knowledge of the bush, natural instincts and his skill in capturing unique moments of animal behaviour on film make him a brilliant photographic safari guide.

If you enjoy taking photographs in the wild or love the idea of it, there are a few factors we’d like to focus on!

This is a rare opportunity for groups or individuals to benefit from Neil’s skills, both behind the lens and in the bush…

A leisurely drive in an open safari vehicle is a perfect way to discover the area, and provides an opportunity to see a wider variety of game and scenery as you cover much more ground than on a game walk. Accompanied by your guide, a game drive is a lovely way to spend the morning.

Arguably the best way to experience and feel in touch with the African bush. Our professional guides have a thorough knowledge of the area and, accompanied by them, you can experience Matusadona 'at its best'. Walks are conducted in the early mornings and late afternoons for your comfort.

Climb on board our pontoon boat and, together with our guide, you can explore the multitude of bays and river inlets where the birdlife is prolific and elephants and antelope abound.

Kariba is a fisherman’s paradise! Why not try your hand at fighting the renowned Tiger Fish for which people from all over the world return time and time again to catch. Alternatively bream fishing is always a pleasure and one's daily catch can be returned to you 'a la' snacks.

A short boat ride across the lake will bring you to the scenic Sanyati Gorge, where you can meander peacefully through the steep cliffs for up to 10 km. The Sanyati Gorge is both unspoilt and undisturbed with an abundance of birdlife, the occasional sighting of antelope and great fishing. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars for this activity as the dramatic landscape will leave you speechless.

Relax and enjoy one of Lake Kariba’s most popular activities and a favourite at Changa. If you are interested in birding, then our boat cruise is perfect for you as it will provide a different vantage point to get up close and personal to numerous species of birds. Whilst drifting along the banks of the lake, you will also encounter some great wildlife sightings in their peaceful surroundings.

What better way to end your day in Kariba, than listening to the sounds of hippo around you and witnessing an unforgettable sunset on the lake.

Going on safari is an exciting prospect and, for many, when the dust has been wiped off your boots and the hat hung up till next time, there is no greater pleasure than poring over the special moments you’ve captured on camera.

A native Zimbabwean, Neil Fairlie is a professional wildlife documentary filmmaker with a profound knowledge and deep respect for Africa and its wildlife. His formal experience spans a decade, including the recent Netflix series Our Planet, but his intimate knowledge of the bush, natural instincts and his skill in capturing unique moments of animal behaviour on film make him a brilliant photographic safari guide.

If you enjoy taking photographs in the wild or love the idea of it, there are a few factors we’d like to focus on!

This is a rare opportunity for groups or individuals to benefit from Neil’s skills, both behind the lens and in the bush…

Major highlight of Mana Pools is the walking experience in this remote wilderness.

Explore the Mana Pools on a game viewing vehicle

Canoe the Zambezi River and explore Mana Pools from a different angle.

At over 5,000 km², Gonarezhou is the second largest National Park in Zimbabwe, cutting a swathe of sandstone cliffs, scrub and baobab trees along the country’s southeastern border with Mozambique. Largely undiscovered by the outside world, this striking land is one of the last great pristine wildernesses in Africa and takes in a huge diversity of habitats. Lions, cheetah, wild dogs, hyena, buffalo, hippo and giraffe can all be seen within the boundaries of Gonarezhou, but this country is known, first and foremost, as the Land of the Elephant. These massive, intelligent creatures are called Nzhou in Shona, and give their name to the National Park where they number in their thousands. Gonarezhou National Park is one of Africa's last remaining true pristine wilderness areas.

Morning, Afternoon and Full Day Games Drives into Gonarezhou National Park, with our resident Guides.

There is no better way to explore an area than on foot. Chilo Gorge offers morning and afternoon Game Walks in Gonarezhou National Park, with our resident Professional Guides. Explore the Runde river floodplains from Chilo Gorge Tented Camp, or some of the more remote corners of Gonarezhou when on the Ivory Trail Adventure fly camping experience. Game Walks are also available for guests staying at the Main Lodge.

Min age of 12yrs.

A full day excursion to the Red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs, situated in the heart of the Gonarezhou National Park on the banks of the Runde River. Visit the Tembahata and Machanu Water Pans offering unrivaled bird watching & view large herds of Elephant and Buffalo. A picnic lunch is served at the spectacular Chilojo Cliffs, followed by a sundowner game drive back to the lodge.

Available in the dry season: April to November, with the top of the Chilojo Cliffs normally only accessible between June/July to November when the Runde River is fordable.

The intimate working relationship between the lodge and the local Shangaan community, makes a visit to Mahenye Village a uniquely rewarding cultural experience. This is the birthplace of the CAMPFIRE concept, which has since been replicated thousands of times around Africa. At it's core is the concept of "Community Led Conservation", and for his work setting up this initiative, and his ongoing commitment to conservation, Chilo Gorge Founder and Director, Clive Stockil, has won numerous international awards.

It will be a colourful and informative visit, likely to include the Secondary School and local Clinic, and guests are encouraged to interact with the local villagers. This is a unique opportunity to spend time exploring an authentic village, and watch daily village life in one of Zimbabwe’s remotest corners.

There is also a potential to visit the local palm forest, to meet the resident palm wine maker. Your guide will explain how palm wine is produced, together with providing different samples for tasting.

For those with a penchant for something a bit more active, the 2.5km hiking trail from the lodge to the beautiful Chivalila Falls is a great way to start or end your day. Trekking through a rugged landscape will lead you to a view point overlooking the Falls. As the water cascades over age-old rocks, take in the sights and satisfy your thirst with some well deserved refreshments.

The three major rivers, the Chilojo Cliffs and the vast water pans in the park support a rich variety of birdlife, including Kingfishers, Hornbills, Eagles and Raptors. Over 450 species have been recorded in and around Gonarezhou, making it one of Southern Africa's top birding destinations. The rivers attract many waterbirds from herons, storks and egrets to waders, African Skimmers and nesting Southern Carmine Bee-eaters. Purple-crested Turacos flash crimson through the denser riverine and Grey-headed, Brown-headed and Meyer’s Parrots squawk and shriek. The Chilojo Cliffs and the surrounding areas offer common sightings of Verreaux’s Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Black Storks, swifts and other raptors, including Bat Hawks and Taita Falcons. And the local Sacred Sand Forest also provides sightings of specials such as the Green Malkoha, Narina Trogon, Chestnut -fronted Helmet shrikes, and Square tailed Drongo.