Zimbabwe's Best hosted by Brian Keating - September 14 -28, 2023

September 14, 2023

Welcome to Harare, 

Upon arrival this morning, a representative will transfer you to the starting hotel. This afternoon you will have a city tour of Harare. 

Overnight:  Armadale Hotel, Harare - 1 night

September 15, 2023

This morning the group will fly from Harare to Mana Pools to officially start your safari and the 'Best of Zimbabwe'.  

Situated on the eastern boundary of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chikwenya overlooks an open floodplain and the broad Zambezi, with the Rift Valley mountains as a backdrop.

Overnight:  Chikwenya, Mana Pools - 4 nights 

September 16-18
Boat along the vast, legendary Zambezi River as the sun sets, watch an elephant herd cross or water birds swoop and land.  On a game drive, find a treed leopard,  or other predators in action: lions, hyaenas, wild dogs. Greet the resident eland and elephants who often frequent camp in the early evening. Listen to the local lore: tales of river gods, and of a beloved female ruler – Chikwenya – buried beneath a nearby baobab tree, said to be guarded by the spirits. This luxury camp on the Zambezi has it all to welcome you. 

Activities: Day & Night Safaris, Guided Walks, Boating, Canoe/Kayaking, Catch & Release Fishing

Overnight: Chikwenya Camp

September 19-22, 2023

The group will be privately transferred to our waiting Charter flight, flying to the next Best of Zimbabwe. Be prepared to be wowed.   Verney’s Camp, situated in a remote southeastern part of Hwange National Park,  is on a concession not open to regular park visitors. Being far away from other camps ensures that game viewing is an unrushed and very exclusive experience, 

Zimbabwe's guides are second to none, and with them, view a wide range of game including  wild dogs, elephants, kudus and lions among a long list of Africa's animals.  Most importantly, the one thing you won't see much of is people.

 After a day of game drives, come back to Verney's  to be pampered.  Fine food, drinks and accommodation are offered with a fabulous Zimbabwean hospitality that leave you wanting for nothing other than another day to do it all again.

Overnight: Verney's Camp - 4 nights 

September 23, 2023

Upon arrival from your scheduled morning flight, you will head straight to tour one of the seven natural wonders of the world: Victoria Falls.    After canoeing and exploring the Zambezi River up in Mana Pools, you'll now be walking beside the massive waterfall or as the locals refer to it as:  Mosi-oa-Tunya which means "smoke that thunders". Lunch will be in the National Park of Victoria Falls before checking into your hotel for the evening.  Victoria Falls town is a great spot for shopping for wood carvings or wall art. 

Overnight: Victoria Falls hotel - 1 night

September 24-25, 2023

Gonarezhou means 'Place of the Elephants' - which the National park doesn't disappoint boasting over 8000 of the gentle giants.  This is a country of red sandstone, thorny scrub and baobabs. Buffalo gather at watering holes, big cats prowl silently in pursuit of painted impala, hippo wallow midstream attended by squadrons of fluttering birds. The presence of elephants is everywhere; on the earth and the vegetation, as their families travel along routes passed from one matriarch to another in search of food, safety, and water. 

Your group will be transferred here by private charter with a game drive en route to the camp. Brian's good friend Clive will meet your group one evening to share his passion and some laughs & memories with you, Brian & the group. Clive Stockil is the founding father of Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge. Born and bred in the area and qualified as a Zimbabwean Professional Guide in 1973, Clive’s passion for the African bush began in childhood, when he often sought out adventures in the wilderness with his Shangaan friends. He is universally renowned as an authority on the lowveld communities and their wildlife, and continues to build on his vast knowledge.

Overnight: Chilo Gorge Lodge - 2 nights

September 26-27, 2023
 

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, there is  Pamushana Lodge and the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve.  Set on 502 square kilometers in the southern corner of Zimbabwe the reserve borders the Gonarezhou National Park, and is renowned for its unique sand stone outcrops, Mopane Forests, Baobab Trees and over 100 rock art sites that are over 2000 years old.

Your group will have a road transfer from Chili Lodge to Pamushana. 

 Pamushana Lodge is set beneath a canopy of trees. The lodge has a magical ambience, with mesmerizing views of the valley and lake. Featuring a series of staggered and interlinked platforms, the main lodge area provides a variety of living spaces from which to appreciate the astounding natural beauty of the area.  Pamushana Lodge is renowned for luxury,  service and especially the quality of fresh food with a special focus on fine presentation. A spectacular home away from home as you explore Zimbabwe's southern park.

Overnight: Pamushana Lodge - 2 nights

September 28, 2023

Today, after the morning game drive or a peaceful morning relaxing at your gorgeous lodge, it is time to end your Civilized Adventure.

Your express flight from Singita airstrip takes you directly to Johannesburg International Airport. 

Travel is timed to connect with international flights homeward bound or to extend your holiday in South Africa or Mozambique.

Ask us for options.