On this 7-Day safari you have the opportunity to see Victoria Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwe side, and then embark on an unforgettable safari to Hwange National Park and Lake Kariba.
The itinerary starts and ends in Johannesburg with flights into and out of Livingstone, Zambia. It is a great safari for first-timers to Africa who want to see Victoria Falls and also have an authentic safari experience at the same time. We can easily add or remove sectors to this itinerary should you have some specific ideas in mind!
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 - Depart Johannesburg for Livingstone, Zambia.
Day 2 - Day to enjoy the activities on offer at Thorntree Lodge (Tour of the Falls, Game Drives, Bush Walks, Sunrise and sunset Boat Cruises, and more).
Day 3 - Transfer to Livingstone Airport, light aircraft transfer to the Hwange National Park.
Day 4 - On Safari at Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park
Day 5 - Transfer to Manga Airstrip, light aircraft transfer to the Bumi Hills Airstrip at Lake Kariba.
Day 6 - On Safari at Lake Kariba’s Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.
Day 7 - Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Johannesburg.
Day 01 - Johannesburg to Livingstone, Zambia (Victoria Falls)
On arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will board your early flight to the Livingstone Airport in Victoria Falls on the Zambian Side of the falls. Here you will be met and transferred to the Thorntree River Lodge, where you will spend the next (2) nights of your 7-day safari on a fully inclusive basis, with a choice of guided activities which include: Game drives in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Rhino Tracking, Bush Walks, Sunrise & Sunset Boat Cruises, Simonga Village Visit, A Visit to Zambian Side of the Falls, A Visit to the Zimbabwean side of the Falls in low water season (excludes visa fees), Visit to the Livingstone Museum, Canoe Trips, Visit to Maramba & Makuni Markets, Catch & Release Shore Fishing and the services of professional ranger and camp staff.
Day 02 - Day to enjoy the Activities on offer at Thorntree Lodge
Today is spent at your own leisure whilst enjoying the many activities on offer at the Lodge. The Thorntree Lodge is located in the Mosi oa Tunya National Park on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
Away from the bustling town of Livingstone, the lodge has a great safari style & feel with just twelve rooms each with its own small swimming pool and all overlooking the Zambezi River. A peaceful and ideal base from which to explore the Falls and experience the many other activities.
Day 03 - Thorntree Lodge to Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park
After your breakfast, you will be transferred back to the Livingstone Airport, where you will board your light aircraft transfer to the Manga Airstrip in the Hwange National Park. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Somalisa Camp to spend the next (2) nights on a fully inclusive basis, which also includes twice daily guided safaris (game drives or walks) in this national park, one of the region’s premier game viewing destinations.
Day 04 - On Safari at Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park
Today is spent on safari in the Hwange National Park. Established in the 1930’s this game reserve quickly developed into one of Zimbabwe’s wildlife jewels. The habitat at Hwange is diverse and varied and an abundance of wildlife roam the plains, vleis and Mopane forests including lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, wild dog and a range of other species like sable antelope, giraffe and more.
Day 05 - Hwange to Lake Kariba’s Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
After your safari and early breakfast, you will be transferred back to the Manga Airstrip, where you will board your light aircraft and transfer to the Bumi Hills Aistrip at Lake Kariba. Here you will be met and transferred to the Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, spending the next (2) nights on a fully inclusive basis, which also includes twice daily guided game viewing activities such as Morning, Afternoon & Night Game Drives, Walking Safaris, Boating, Fishing, Village Visits and Sunset Cruises.
Day 06 - On Safari at Lake Kariba’s Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Today is spent on a safari at Lake Kariba. This giant man-made lake is in itself a feature in Zimbabwe’s wildlife & touring offering. The lake covers 5400 sq kilometres most of which laps the shores of wildlife areas and reserves, making it a great wildlife as well as a fishing destination. Bumi Hills has been built on some high ground which offers wide and breathtaking views of the vast lake, and being located very close to the Matusadona National Park the game viewing in the area is also very good.
Day 07 - Lake Kariba to Johannesburg (via Victoria Falls)
This morning after your breakfast, you will board your early charter flight back to Victoria Falls Airport OR to the Harare Airport, where you will connect with your outbound flight back to the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Alternatively, you can board your outbound flight back home from Zimbabwe.
Safari Cost
$7,030 per person sharing (Apr - May & Nov 2023)
$9,720 per person sharing (Jun - Oct 2023)
$7,850 per person sharing (Apr - May & Nov 2024)
$10,915 per person sharing (Jun - Oct 2024)
* Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar each year (wet season), Mana Pools is closed
Cost Includes
02 Night’s accommodation on a fully inclusive basis - Thorntree River Lodge only: All meals, bar accounts (excluding premium imports), laundry, emergency medical evacuation insurance, park fees and twice daily activities. Activities include a choice of: Game drives in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Rhino Tracking, Bush Walks, Sunrise and sunset Boat Cruises, Simonga Village Viist, A Visit to the Zambian Side of the Falls, A Visit to the Zimbabwean Side of the Falls (in low water season), Visit to the Livingstone Museum, Canoe Trips, Visit to the Maramba & Makuni Markets, Catch & Release Shore Fishing.
02 Night’s accommodation on a fully inclusive basis - Somalisa Camp Hwange: All meals, bar accounts (excluding premium imports), laundry, emergency medical evacuation insurance, park fees and twice daily game viewing activities. Activities include Morning and Afternoon Game Drives, Walking Safaris, Hwange Main Camp Village Visit and Conservation & Wildlife Fund.
02 Night’s accommodation on a fully inclusive basis - Bumi Hills Safari Lodge Lake Kariba: All meals, bar accounts (excluding premium imports), laundry, emergency medical evacuation insurance, park fees and twice daily game viewing activities. Activities include Morning, Afternoon and Night Game Drives, Walking Safaris, Boating, Fishing, Village Visits, Sunset Cruises and Conservation Levy.
All road transfers as per itinerary
All light aircraft transfers as per itinerary
Services of professional rangers and camp staff at the safari camps
Tourism levy
Flights: Johannesburg - Livingstone one way excl. taxes and Victoria Falls - Johannesburg one way excl. taxes
Cost Excludes
Visas if required
Airport taxes
Personal items and gratuities
Additional activities/sightseeing/entry fees/park fees
Transfers to and from alternative/outside activities in Livingstone
Travel Insurance
Bar accounts not specified and Premium Imports
Laundry not specified
Meals not specified
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