Victoria Falls, Mana Pools & Lake Kariba

Day notes

You are met on arrival by a representative of dmAFRICA and transferred to the hotel.

The Victoria Falls Hotel is one of those legendary hotels in the world that is of the same genre as Raffles in Singapore, Reids in Madeira, Claridges in London, The Waldorf in New York and the Mount Nelson in Cape Town, for example. All these hotels are founded on history, tradition, elegance, quality and style, and are literally “fit for kings”!

Commonly referred to as the “Grand Old Lady,” it is located in the Victoria Falls National Park, and is a Member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel is worthy of a visit in its own right; its proximity to the Victoria Falls, which are within a 10 minute walk, is the added bonus. Whereas the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, partaking of traditional afternoon tea on the lawn overlooking the famous Victoria Falls Bridge offers one of the recognised Seven Best Views in the World.

The hotel has recently been refurbished and soft improvements are continuing all the time. There is no a hint of wear and tear, only of exquisite taste and an aura of grandeur.

The 161 rooms differ in location and size, but all have air-conditioning and a private bath and shower, safe, satellite TV, most have a sofa and views of the manicured lawns or courtyards. All rooms have a free internet and wireless connection.

Day notes

After breakfast there will be a guided tour of the Victoria Falls.

The rest of the day is at leisure until late afternoon when you take an enchanting journey from the hotel and travel back into time. After a red carpet reception at the Victoria Falls Station, you leave on an old fashioned sunset steam train journey for the impressive Victoria Falls Bridge, an historical landmark created in 1905. The Victoria Falls have been synonymous with tourism and adventure since Livingstone first gazed upon them in Victorian times. What better way to capture such a legendary era than on a fully refurbished train, viewing mystical Africa as it would have been over one hundred years ago.

Powered by a 1954 class 14° steam locomotive pulling painstakingly and beautifully restored Pullman Dining Cars and Coaches you edge onto the bridge and watch the sun go down with one of the most spectacular settings in the World. It is not only what you see, but how you see it that steals the moment. You relax in the luxury and comfort of a Pullman Lounge Car or wander along this beautiful bridge, whilst viewing the majestic Victoria Falls with its breathtaking, picturesque gorge, and the turbulent Zambezi River 110 metres below.

During the this two and a half hour odyssey, a selection of light snacks and drinks will be served while you experience what one world-famous, quality magazine recently voted the sixth most beautiful sunset encounter in the World.

On disembarking from the train, you will be transferred to a special Boma dinner, which includes game meat, whilst you are entertained by dancers, musicians, a witchdoctor, and have the opportunity to have your hair braided or your face painted! Or you can just continue with the wine!

Day notes

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Mana Pools by Solenta Air light aircraft.

Mana Pools National Park lies in the Zambezi Valley and is a beautifully remote place with stunning views of the Rift Valley Mountains which edge the riverine forests and flood plains of the Zambezi. In the Shona language, “mana” means “four”, and that is what Mana Pools is; four pools which offer year round water to myriad wildlife and aquatic birds during the dry season. Here you are likely to see Wild Dogs and Lions, as well as herds of Elephant, Buffalo, Plains Game and pods of Hippo. The birdlife is superb.

At dmAFRICA we know intrepid travellers who will swear that Mana Pools is the most rewarding of wildlife areas, in terms of game and beauty, that they have ever visited; we are not prone to doubt them.

On arrival you are transferred to Ruckomechi Camp.

Ruckomechi is located on the river in the western area of the Park, an area renowned for large numbers of Elephant, Buffalo and Eland as well as Hippo and Crocodile. There are frequent sightings of Lion, Wild Dog, Leopard and Cheetah. Over 350 bird species have been recorded.

The camp comprises 10 spacious tented units set on raised deck floors, all overlooking the wide Zambezi River. Each tent has an indoor and an outdoor shower, and a bedroom and sitting area.

The central area includes dining and lounge areas and there is a library. For extra relaxation there is an infinity pool and a cushion-strewn, star gazing deck.

Game viewing activities include * day and night game drives * guided walks * pontoon boats and mokoro canoes.

Following lunch, a siesta and afternoon tea, there will be a game activity which could be a game drive with a sundowner and an opportunity to see predators on the prowl at night.

Day notes

Early morning and late afternoon game activities which would include a boat trip and either a walk or a game drive.

Day notes

Early morning and late afternoon game activities which would include a boat trip and either a walk or a game drive.

Day notes

Check out of Ruckomechi after breakfast and take the short light aircraft flight to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge has recently (2009) been renovated and re-opened as the prime luxury wildlife lodge on Lake Kariba.

It sits in an elevated position commanding excellent views of the Lake and of the surrounding wildlife area. It now comprises 20 luxury rooms with private shower, 10 of which are premium rooms with a view of the Lake and 10 of which are garden rooms with a view of the lake through the garden and over the premium rooms.

Dining is an event. Not only is the cuisine recognised as a mouth watering international standard, but most meals are taken "al fresco," either at the lodge, which has an impressive deck with stunning views, or on the beach below the lodge, where light meals and sundowners are often served.

As well as the usual facilities, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge has a fine infinity pool.

For other moments of relaxation there are two well-placed viewing platforms, ideal for game and bird watching, or catching up with your book while you enjoy a drink and a snack.

For those who wish to be preened and pampered, the lodge has a Spa which offers Africology products used for a wide range of treatments.

And if you are one of those who cannot bear to get completely away from it all, then the lodge has free wifi in the main building.

Guided wildlife activities are by boat, 4 x 4 safari vehicles and on foot. This is a prime area for elephant, hippo, buffalo and birdlife, as well as other members of the Big Five and various antelope. There are also excellent opportunities for fishing for the very challenging Tiger fish.

We recommend a wildlife boat safari as your introductory activity in the late afternoon. You should see elephant, hippo, buffalo, antelope and hopefully the imperious Fish Eagle.

Day notes

Early morning wildlife activity which could be a game drive or a guided walk.

Walks are especially informative, as you not only get very close to game, but also enjoy the fragrance of the bush and learn about the intriguing cycle of Nature as portrayed by plants, trees and insects. Walks are guided by Dean McGregor, who is a legend throughout Africa, and now is becoming equally well known on other continents.

Breakfast and the rest of the morning at leisure to take in lake views, the wildlife activity around the lodge and even enjoy the infinity pool and spa.

Set off in the late afternoon for a game drive along the shoreline with sundowners by the Lake. Now a night drive, with the possibility of seeing the predators on the prowl.

Day notes

At leisure until your transfer to the airport to continue your arrangements with dmAFRICA.