Arrival in Victoria Falls
Welcome to Zimbabwe. Upon arrival in Victoria Falls, a local representative will be waiting for you at the airport. You’ll transfer to the family-run Ilala Lodge, your base for the next two nights. Bordering the Victoria Falls National Park, on the Zimbabwean side of the mighty Zambezi River, the lodge is perfectly placed for an afternoon visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls. Overnight at Ilala Lodge.
Things to do:
See the spray of Victoria Falls from your terrace at Ilala Lodge
Face to face with 'The Smoke That Thunders'
Go on safari from your starbed at Victoria Falls River Lodge
An interlude of African history: The Victoria Falls Hotel
The Palm River Hotel: A slice of serenity near Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Relax in the hotel’s impressive garden and unwind by the pool, to the constant soundtrack of the ‘Smoke that Thunders’. You’ll hear the pounding-drum like force of the nearby water and see the spray from the hotel grounds. It’s a short stroll to Victoria Falls town for local markets, crafts shopping, cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss the optional ‘Flight of the Angels’ helicopter trip over the Falls. Watching the world’s largest body of water cascading over the edge of a plateau and flying through the legendary mist is an unforgettable experience. Overnight at Ilala Lodge.
Things to do:
See the spray of Victoria Falls from your terrace at Ilala Lodge
Flying high in a helicopter over the Victoria Falls
Step back in time on a luxurious sunset Zambezi cruise
Seeing moonbows in the dark at Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls & Hwange National Park
Today is ‘elephant day’. Hwange National Park is known for its impressive elephant herds and spotting them will be memorable. But the fun starts before you even get to the park. After a transfer to the railway station at Dete you’ll board the Elephant Express, an elegant 24-seater open-sided train that passes right through the park. Look out for giraffes, baboons and elephant en route, before disembarking the train at Ngamo. You’ll spend the next 3 nights at Bomani Tented Lodge, an intimate safari lodge within a private concession on the dramatic Ngamo Plains. A natural water hole in front of the camp offers great wildlife spotting opportunities. Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge.
Things to do:
Bomani Tented Lodge: a synergy of community, environment and awesome wildlife
Safari on the Elephant Express across Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park
This morning you’ll head off on a guided safari in Hwange National Park, where you might spot lion, water buffalo, leopard or even cheetah. You might also want to explore Bomani’s private concession on foot, with an expert safari guide. After lunch there’s time to relax with a spot of 'sofa safari' or spend some time in the game viewing hide to get even closer to those iconic elephants. Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge.
Things to do:
Bomani Tented Lodge: a synergy of community, environment and awesome wildlife
Safari in a private slice of Hwange National Park
Meet Hwange’s white rhinos
Hwange National Park
Relax on your private deck or watch elephants drinking at Bomani Pan from the lodge’s viewing platform. You’re welcome to explore on another game drive, or in the dry season you can head off on the ‘Pump Run’, helping to deliver fresh food and technical supplies to pump attendants manning Hwange National Park’s numerous waterholes. The pump project is one of many local initiatives aimed at sustaining the wildlife in Zimbabwe’s most famous park. Overnight at Bomani Tented Lodge.
Things to do:
Bomani Tented Lodge: a synergy of community, environment and awesome wildlife
Help sustain the wildlife in Hwange National Park
Safari in a private slice of Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park & Victoria Falls
After breakfast, drive for 4-hours back to Victoria Falls where you’ll return to Ilala Lodge. If you’re keen to explore some more, there’s plenty of adventurous fun to be had in and around the Falls. Optional activities range from ziplining and white-water rafting to a dare-devil free-fall gorge swing - how brave are you feeling? This evening you may want to sample the lodge’s fine-dining restaurant, The Palm, where you can dine alfresco under the stars. Overnight at Ilala Lodge.
Things to do:
See the spray of Victoria Falls from your terrace at Ilala Lodge
Thrills, spills and heart-pounding adventures at Victoria Falls
A thrilling zip ride through the treetops in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Today is yours to spend as you wish. Enjoy a lazy breakfast, soak up some sunshine by the pool, head into Victoria Falls town for some last-minute shopping and maybe re-visit the UNESCO-listed Victoria Falls for one final look. Or join a local family for an optional home cooked meal and fascinating insight into day-to-day culture. Overnight at Ilala Lodge.
Things to do:
See the spray of Victoria Falls from your terrace at Ilala Lodge
A taste of authentic home cooking in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls & Departure
Your trip comes to an end today. After breakfast you’ll transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your return flight to the UK or onward travel.
