Day 1:

Departure

​

Just around midday, as the sun reaches its highest point of orbit, your plane will touch down on the gently steaming airport tarmac. A Flame of Africa representative will be on hand to usher you into the magical world of Victoria Falls, an intoxicating mix of fiery falls and wildlife, fine dining and dusty roads begging to be explored.

We will then escort you to your destination, The A’Zambezi River Lodge. The A’Zambezi is the only hotel situated on the banks of the infallible Zambezi River, and as such offers a truly unique accommodation experience. Its serene and tranquil setting provides the ideal escape from everyday stresses and strains as guests are soon enthralled by the surrounding African bush life and winding sensuality of the infallible Zambezi.

At 16h30, you will be conveyed to the mighty Zambezi, where you will board for your Dinner Cruise. As the sun begins its descent, step on board our floating restaurant for an exceptional evening on the Zambezi River. Guests are offered a drink of choice to sip as they settle into the plush cushioned furniture and relax before the journey along the Zambezi River begins; all the while looking out for the various birdlife and animals there are to be seen and then watching as one of Africa’s famous sunsets erupts in the sky. A barman and three intuitive waiters anticipate guests’ needs, serving a selection of lively cocktails and drinks throughout their journey. After the sun has sunk below the river line, dinner is served on the lower deck of the vessel exemplifying the hallmarks of exquisite cuisine prepared on board by two Chefs. The rich aroma of locally sourced, fresh ingredients wafts around diners as the dishes are plated.

Time seems to stand still as the boat gently glides along to the sound of water lapping up against her sides. Far removed from the glare of city lights and noise, the moon and stars shine brightly in the sky and an atmosphere of mystery and romance envelopes the evening’s experience. A captain completes the crew and their combined experience promises an insightful and memorable evening.

​

Day 2

​

Breakfast will be served early, to accommodate an 08h00 collection for a two-hour guided tour of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. No photograph or video clip can adequately reveal the reality of these Falls – which reach their zenith toward May every year. Prepare to overwhelm all five senses as you walk along the wet and paved paths, smell the sounds of the cascading water, hear the intermittent calls of the exotic birds as they dart in and out of the vibrant vegetation, tantalising you with flashes of colour. This is truly Nature’s supreme masterpiece and the sheer power of the Falls will inspire and humble every visitor. Look out for the Big Tree, and various points of historic interest pointed out by your Guides, who will also provide fascinating detail of the flora, fauna, bird and wildlife that surround your Vic Falls experience. Raincoats will be provided where needed, and Guides are equipped to assist clients with photographic opportunities along the tour.

From this multi-sensory experience, guests will then be provided with an afternoon of leisure to either relax and enjoy the comforts of their hotel facilities; or engage in the many optional Victoria Falls activities available for tourists.

At 19h00, you will be escorted to the famous, traditional Boma Dinner, a three-hour long experience that will leave you replete and engorged with exotic flavours! Be prepared for far more than an ethnic culinary experience, as the dinner provides guests with a truly cultural experience, beginning with a Shona and Ndebele greeting which invites you to engage in the hand washing ceremony. The meal is preceded by a sampling of potent tribal beer and snacks.

The excellent cuisine includes a variety of game dishes as well as traditional dishes peculiar to the Zimbabwean culture. Each course enjoyed under the spectacular African night sky is enhanced by a feast of unending entertainment which ranges from traditional dancers, to a Sangoma, or storyteller, an expert in local folklore and heritage. You may also opt to have your fortune told by the all-knowing local fortune teller.

​

Day 3

​

Linger in this magical African world awhile before departure and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before preparing for your onward journey. A Flame of Africa representative will be on hand to facilitate the transfer back to Victoria Falls Airport for your scenic air transfer to Somalisa Expeditions Camp.

Capturing the ambiance of a mobile camp but with all the trimmings, Somalisa Expeditions offers with authenticity and comfort. Slightly more grounded with common areas on the land giving you a closer connection to the true wilderness experience, without sacrificing any luxury. The honest and genuine design of this camps truly grants you the space to explore Africa as it should be. Where guests make themselves at home in Serengeti-style tents with contemporary finishes.

Dinner this evening in camp.

​

Day 4

​

Somalisa Expeditions offers one of the most authentic ways to experience the exceptional wildlife haven of Hwange National Park. Nestled under an incredible grove of acacia trees, along the edge of a seasonal flood plain, Somalisa Expeditions is perfect for your Zimbabwe adventure.

Somalisa Expeditions exudes adventure and brings you face to face with Africa’s giants. Sit in your armchair and let nature venture to you. Somalisa Expeditions is a place of bonfires, where stories and laughter are shared and where the striking African sky evolves from a bright orange blaze, with silhouetted acacia trees on the horizon, to the twilight of the night sky.

Senses are awakened on game drives, bush walks, bird watching excursions and cultural visits. Our professional guides transform an experience from passive viewing of sightings to a passionate demonstration of beauty and wonder. Their wisdom about the African wilderness will fascinate and amaze you.

​

Day 5

​

Somalisa Expeditions offers one of the most authentic ways to experience the exceptional wildlife haven of Hwange National Park. Nestled under an incredible grove of acacia trees, along the edge of a seasonal flood plain, Somalisa Expeditions is perfect for your Zimbabwe adventure.

Somalisa Expeditions exudes adventure and brings you face to face with Africa’s giants. Sit in your armchair and let nature venture to you. Somalisa Expeditions is a place of bonfires, where stories and laughter are shared and where the striking African sky evolves from a bright orange blaze, with silhouetted acacia trees on the horizon, to the twilight of the night sky.

Senses are awakened on game drives, bush walks, bird watching excursions and cultural visits. Our professional guides transform an experience from passive viewing of sightings to a passionate demonstration of beauty and wonder. Their wisdom about the African wilderness will fascinate and amaze you.

​

Day 6

​

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the finishing touch on your stay with Somalisa Expeditions Camp. You will be then be transferred to Kasane airport for your onward scenic charter flight to Kariba – Bumi Hills airstrip.

The first day on the Lovely Lady Jacqueline commences with a cruise from Bumi Hills to the Ume River. A stunning, untouched wilderness, the Ume boasts one of the best game viewing areas on the lake as it is well serviced by the Bumi Hill Anti-Poaching Unit (BHAPU). Not only is there a one-of-a-kind game viewing experience but some of the best fishing one Kariba is all the way out here. Unequalled views and an Al Fresco Luncheon on the top deck on the water is the ultimate day on the world’s largest man-made reservoir.

​

Day 7:

​

We invite you to sit back and relax whilst soaking in the spectacular views, sounds and remote beauty of the Matusadona National Park, as we embark on the four-hour cruise to Changa (behind Spurwing and Fothergill Islands).

Matusadona National Park is in Northern Zimbabwe and was formed in the late 1950’s. Matusadona was proclaimed a non-hunting area on the 7th November 1958 before being declared a Game Reserve in 1963 and only in 1975 did Matusadona become a National Park. Its vast area encompasses a combination of pristine and rugged wilderness, magical mountains and is home to an abundance of wildlife.

Back in the late 1950’s when Kariba Dam hydroelectric power station was being built and the dam wall constructed, the Kariba gorge was flooded and as it was home to thousands of animals along with the local Tonga people, relocation was required for the animals. Rupert Fothergill lead a wildlife rescue operation that lasted five years, calling it ‘Operation Noah’ Operation Noah saved over 6000 animals which were largely relocated to Matusadona National Park. The Matusadona National Park, locally known as the ‘Matuzviadonha Hills’ stretch along the lakeshore between the Sanyati and Ume rivers. The word ‘Matuzviadonha’ means ‘falling dung’ and came from the common sightings of elephant dung seen rolling down the steep slopes on the escarpment.

​

Day 8:

​

On the final day, we take a leisurely three-hour cruise to Palm Bay well-known for lion sightings. Should you wish to go for a game drive or a walk, Spurwing Island will be happy to oblige (additional costs apply). And sometimes, when the water is high enough and an island has formed, we can arrange a beach braai, fire crackling, sun setting…  Another sought-after option to consider is a magical boat cruise to the Sanyati Gorge. *Kindly note that there is an additional park fee, should you wish to cruise up the Sanyati Gorge.

​

Day 9:

​

You’ll awake to enjoy a final, delicious breakfast aboard The Lady Jacqueline, where after you will depart by scenic light aircraft to Zambezi Expeditions Camp.

Set under the shade of winter thorn and ebony trees, each tent has en suite bathroom facilities with hot bucket showers and the main area has charging facilities for your all-important cameras. With unique access to the Zambezi River, your days will be filled with adventurous canoeing safaris, tracking game along the shorelines by foot, and fishing for the iconic tiger fish. An absolute must, however, is a game drive in an open 4 x 4 along the flood plains and into the heart of the Mana Pools UNESCO World Heritage Site.

​

Day 10:

​

Zambezi Expeditions showcases one of the most magnificent settings in Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools National Park. 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. At Zambezi Expeditions you will connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way.

Activities include guided walking safaris, canoeing safaris and game drives all led by our qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you. You’ll explore Mana Pools National Park, an untamed wilderness nirvana and an explorer’s paradise.

Dinner enjoyed in camp.

​

Day 11:

​

Zambezi Expeditions showcases one of the most magnificent settings in Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools National Park. 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. At Zambezi Expeditions you will connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way.

Activities include guided walking safaris, canoeing safaris and game drives all led by our qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you. You’ll explore Mana Pools National Park, an untamed wilderness nirvana and an explorer’s paradise.

Dinner enjoyed in camp.

​

Day 12: Return

​

You’ll awake to enjoy a final, delicious breakfast at Zambezi Expeditions Camp, before departing by light aircraft to Victoria Falls Airport for your onward journey.