On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport you will go through departure formalities and onto your road transfer to The Hide Safari Lodge, Hwange National Park
Early morning walks are there for the thrill of encountering wildlife on its own terms and exploring the little surprises of the bush. Alternatively, the day 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. Hwange National Park is the largest park in Zimbabwe and the third largest in Africa (I don’t think this is true). Famous for its healthy elephant population. The beauty of this area is in its diversity – vast, palm-fringed plains and classic grasslands are interspersed with acacia woodlands and teak forests and this diversity ensures the sighting of great numbers of animals all year round. Of course, keen photographers will want to spend time in the hide that overlooks the popular waterhole.
Today you are off onto your next stop and will catch your 1hr30m flight to Lake Kariba. On arrival at Lake Kariba, you will be met by a Changa representative and transferred (US$15 pp one way) to the stunning Changa Safari Camp
A typical day in the camp starts early to coincide with the best times to view animals. You will be awoken by the age old “knock knock” at your door, accompanied by your choice of tea and coffee. You will then depart for your morning activity – either a game drive or walk or a fishing safari. The game in the area is excellent, home to a wide range of mammals, and over 350 bird species. Then, just before it gets too hot, we will have you back in camp for a delicious full breakfast set up. After lunch why not hop on a short boat ride across the lake 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.
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airstrip (US$15 ppn one way) to catch your 30 min flight to Mana Pools where the John’s Camp team will meet you. The name ‘Mana’ means ‘four’ in the local Shona language, this applies to the four large pools inland from the Zambezi River. Mana Pools is home to a wide range of mammals and over 350 bird species
A typical day on safari has guests woken just before sunrise for a quick cup of tea or coffee, a bowl of porridge or a muffin. You will head out on either a game walk or drive returning to camp for a late morning brunch. Midday siesta time is spent in camp and afternoon tea is served at 3.30pm. Head out again for an afternoon of game viewing as the day cools. Fishing from the banks of the river is also an option. Sundowners can be enjoyed while out on your afternoon game drive or back in camp. All guests will be back in camp by
6.30pm. Warm bucket showers will be ready on your return. Gather around the campfire to share your stories from the day before enjoying a three-course dinner.
On the final day you will be transferred back to Mana Main Airstrip in time for your onward connection to Gonarezhou. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge sits on the cliffs of the Save river with panoramic views over Gonarezhou National Park. The lodge was established by International Award-Winning Conservationist Clive Stockil, as part of his initiative in “Community Led Conservation”. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge offers guests access to the pristine wilderness of Gonarezhou, with the authentic animal interaction which goes with a park which is rarely visited. Gonarezhou is a gem amongst African parks and offers safari travelers an increasingly rare ability to explore untouched Africa.
Each of Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge’s 10 chalets are spacious, simple and elegant, with all the comforts of home. The main lodge has everything you need; a shaded swimming pool, a sumptuous lounge, a library, a bar and dining room, all surrounded by beautifully tended gardens. Even here, at the heart of Chilo, the great African wilderness is never far away. You can watch our local elephants, hippos and crocodiles cooling off in the waters of the river from the viewing deck.
Morning game drive or game walk in Gonarezhou, including a visit to Tembwahata – the largest natural water pan in Zimbabwe, the Palm forest and Machaniwa Pan. Afternoon Cultural visit to the Mahenye community – the birthplace of the Community Led Conservation initiative started by Chilo founder Clive Stockil. This project is now widely known as CAMPFIRE and has been replicated thousands of times across Africa.
Sundowners overlooking the Chivilila Falls
After leisurely breakfast, 10min Road Transfer to Mahenye Airstrip for your onward connection
