- The never ending story of the Mana Pools
- Boat trip on the mighty Zambezi
- Bush walk & game drives in South Luangwe National Park
- Taste culinary specialties
- Spend the night in the middle of the bush
- A trip to the impressive Victoria Falls
The heart of Africa
Zambia
Exclusive First Class Safari
Zimbabwe and Zambia manages to fly under the radar as safari country. Unfathomable, given the breathtakingly beautiful wildlife experiences it offers visitors from all over the world. If there’s one word to describe these vast, remote countries, it’s “wild.” Nowhere else in southern Africa is there such a pristine palette of wild Africa. You can feel the bush lost in stronger – here the cyclical forces of nature still dominate the animal kingdom.
RequestHighlights
Duration
13 Days
Price
from € 8.580 per person
Day 1: Arrival in Zimbabwe
After landing in Harare, you will be warmly welcomed by a local representative of our agency during a meet & greet at the airport. A transfer will take you to your hotel.
In the evening, you will have dinner to get in the mood for your upcoming safari adventure in the heart of Africa.
Hotel: Highlands House - 1 Night
At "Highlands House", a refuge of tranquility awaits you in the midst of Zimbabwe's up-and-coming capital, Harare. Surrounded by a picturesque garden, the old mansion welcomes its guests with light-filled and elegantly furnished rooms.
Standard Room
Each of our rooms has its own unique décor and charm. All rooms are en-suite with aircon units installed and ceiling fans to keep you cool in the summer months. All rooms include bath robes & slippers, non-allergic pillows & duvets, kettle & tea/ coffee station, high speed Wi-Fi, DSTV, a flat Screen TV, a safe and secure access. ms has its own unique décor and charm. All rooms are en-suite with aircon units installed and ceiling fans to keep you cool in the summer months. All rooms include bath robes & slippers, non-allergic pillows & duvets, kettle & tea/ coffee station, high speed Wi-Fi, DSTV, a flat Screen TV, a safe and secure access.
Including
Breakfast
Day 2: Continue to the Mana Pools National Park and John's Camp
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Harare Airport. From here you will take off towards Mana Pools National Park, where you will land in the middle of the bush after about 1 hour of flight time.
After landing on an airstrip you have arrived at Mana Pools National Park. From here a jeep transfer will take you to your camp. Already the one hour drive is like a game drive: you will be able to spot many big and small wild animals or your way will even be crossed by the wild inhabitants. In the afternoon, the first game drive of your safari adventure is scheduled – keep an eye out for elephants. Some of the animals stand on their hind legs and do “maneuvers” to reach vegetation in higher trees. Upon your return to camp, an authentic al fresco dinner awaits – listen to the sounds of the bush while you end the day with a drink.
Day 3: Game drives in the Mana Pools Nationalpark
In Mana Pools National Park the day starts early. You will be woken up at 5am and 30 minutes later you will start your first morning game drive. My personal highlight: combine this game drive with a bush walk – together with your guide you will set out on foot and experience impressive animal encounters. Back at the camp you will have breakfast and relax until the afternoon when you will go on another game drive through the national park. In the evening you will be welcomed again with a delicious dinner at the camp.
Hotel: John's Camp - 2 Nights
Situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River where you will find "John's Camp" nestled amongst canopies of Trichelia and Mahogany trees, it is a truly natural wilderness. It's the only National Park in the world where you are allowed to freely walk with the wild animals and get to experience Africa as it should be - on foot!
Tent
Six tents, based on the traditional Meru style, are grouped around an expansive dining area under shady trees in the center of the camp. In John's Camp you will experience an exclusive safari feeling in the style of "Out of Africa". You will eat under the open sky and in the evening you will gather around a crackling fireplace with a digestif. And no matter whether you are having breakfast, reading in the cozy and also open lounge area or enjoying a drink - the majestic Zambezi River is always in view.
Including
Full board
Local drinks
2 game drives per day in an open safari jeep
Bush walks
Park entrance fees
Day 4: Continue to the South Luangwa National Park and to the Nkwali Lodge
Already at 7:30 a.m. a transfer will take you about 30 minutes flow upstream where you will change into a boat and travel up the Zambezi River to Chirundu (travel time about 2 hours). Here you will cross the border into Zambia. On the spot the friendly staff will assist you with the formalities. Now you will continue by jeep for about 3 hours to Lusaka airport, from where you will take a Charterflug (flight time about 1 hr) to Mfuwe.
After landing at the small airport of Mfuwe, a transfer will be waiting for you to take you to your camp in the South Luangwa National Park. During the one-hour drive, dusk will fall, so you can end this travel day with a cozy dinner.
Day 5: Game drives in the South Luangwa National Park
The safari adventure continues. Two exciting game drives through one of Africa’s most breathtaking national parks await you. Both morning and afternoon game drives will take you through the fertile landscape that is home to over 230 different species of mammals, including of course the Big Five. South Luangwa is famous for its high lion and leopard population. Especially nice: the afternoon game drive ends after dark, so you will have the pleasure to meet many nocturnal animals.
Hotel: Nkwali - 2 Nights
On the banks of the Luangwa, Nkwali is grouped around an old ebony tree that forms the center of the classic camp. The bar nestles around the mighty trunk, from whose terrace jutting into the river you have a breathtaking view of the course of the Luangwa. Due to its traditional construction, the six chalets as well as the bar and restaurant nestle harmoniously into the pristine landscape. A special highlight: both the restaurant and the pool face away from the river and it is not uncommon to see wild animals passing directly by the camp.
Chalet
The six chalets are spacious and during the day are fully open to wonderful river views, in the evenings the Constantia grill doors are pulled together to close the open room fronts. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious with double sinks and showers from which you can enjoy the enormous African skies. Set back from the river on a lagoon is the dining room and swimming pool from which guests are often treated to elephants and other game coming down to drink during the day unperturbed by your presence.
Including
Full board
Local drinks
2 game drives per day in an open safari jeep
Bush walks
Park entrance fees
Day 6: Continue to Nsefu Camp
After the morning game drive followed by breakfast at the camp, a 30-minute transfer will take you to the next camp, located in the Nsefu sector of the South Luangwa National Park, which is praised as one of the best areas for game viewing.
In the afternoon, continue through the seemingly endless expanse of the South Luangwa National Park. As the park is still little developed, you will experience authentic safari feeling here.
In the evening you will end the day in style with dinner and a drink around the campfire.
Day 7: Game drives in the South Luangwa Nationalpark
Also today the safari adventure continues. In the morning and in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to marvel at the unique variety of animals.
Hotel: Nsefu - 2 Nights
The elegant Nsefu Camp, with its six thatched rondavels, has been welcoming safari guests who want to experience authentic Africa on an exclusive safari since 1951. Situated on a wide bend of the Luangwa River, in the Nsefu Sector of the National Park, the cozy facility blends harmoniously into its surroundings and, thanks to its set-back location, offers a wonderful view over the river as well as the terraced area in front of the camp. The dining area and bar are open plan, with a rustic interior that invites you to linger and enjoy.
Rondavels
The six rondavels at Nsefu Camp have been upgraded to include spacious en-suite bathrooms however the camp has tried very hard to keep the feel and fittings in the room in line with the origional "old fashioned" feel. Nothing can sum it up better than a guest's comment "understated elegance". Each room has a clear view of the river wether it be from the comfort of your bed or the chairs out on the verandah.
Including
Full board
Local drinks
2 game drives per day in an open safari jeep
Bush walks
Park entrance fees
Day 8: Continue to Tena Tena Camp
After the morning game drive and a subsequent breakfast at the camp, we will continue with a transfer of about 30 minutes to the next camp. After lunch at Tena Tena Camp, you will continue through the seemingly endless expanse of the South Luangwa National Park in the afternoon.
In the evening you will end the day in style with dinner and a drink around the campfire.
Day 9: Game drives in the South Luangwa Nationalpark
2 game drives are on the schedule today. In the early morning hours as well as in the afternoon you will drive through the national park in a 4×4 safari jeep. Animal encounters of a special kind await you on a bush walk: guided by a ranger and a scout, you will be led through the bush, track down many a secret and practice reading tracks.
Day 10: Game drives in the South Luangwa Nationalpark
Look forward to two more game drives today as well, during which you will venture into parts of the territory not seen before.
Situated between the river and the extensive lagoon system, this part of the national park is considered a real magnet for wildlife, which find food in abundance here. Thus, lion and leopard sightings are very likely. Alternatively, Tena Tena Camp also offers activities such as village tours, giving you a deep insight into life in the Luangwa Valley. In the evening, bid farewell to one of the most beautiful safari areas in Southern Africa at a dinner in the bush. Enjoy traditional dishes and listen one last time to the now familiar sounds of untouched nature.
Hotel: Tena Tena - 3 Nights
Translated, Tena Tena means "temporary home" - and the exclusive camp could not be described more beautifully. Openly designed, the conditions of the landscape are cleverly integrated into the architecture. For example, the camp is built around trees and shady canvas is stretched between the gnarled trees. Enjoy the breathtaking view over the Zambian bush from the lounge area and the open seating areas and feel at home.
Tent
The six tents are very private with plenty of space between them and each with it's own window onto the magnificent strech of the Luangwa River where the hippos wallow and the lions roam. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious and open to the elements, designed to copy nature with curved walls around the trees and simple subtle colors and a view from every facility. Each tent is specifically located to maximize privacy both in the rooms, bathrooms and on the verandahs with comfortable sitting and excellent views onto the river.
Including
Full board
Local drinks
2 game drives per day in an open safari jeep
Bush walks
Park entrance fees
Day 11: Continue to the Victoria Falls
At noon you land at the International Airport not far from the impressive Victoria Falls. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 12: Helicopter flight over the waterfalls & Sundowner Cruise
Today I can offer you two optional excursions. After breakfast, you will be picked up by a helicopter near your lodge and take off to experience the full splendor of the mighty waterfalls during the legendary “Flight of the Angels”. Afterwards, set out on a guided tour to explore flora & fauna on a hike through the rainforest. In the evening, take a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River. While you enjoy exquisite hors d’oeuvres, the African sun sinks into the horizon.
Hotel: Mukwa Safari Lodge - 2 Nights
Mukwa River Lodge is located on the Zambezi River, just upstream from one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. The luxurious boutique lodge was built to naturally blend luxury with its spectacular surroundings to create a truly unique experience for. The Mukwa River Lodge Spa invites you to reconnect with yourself through restorative activities. Treatments combine the best techniques with strong influence from the indigenous culture of Victoria Falls.
Island Suite
Each suite is crafted from natural materials, integrated into its surroundings and designed with comfort, sustainability and understated luxury in mind. Located near the river, each suite decorated with local crafts and custom-made furniture offers breathtaking views of the water.
Including
Full board
Local beverages
Visit to the falls on the Zambian side
Boat trips
Cultural tours
Activities
Day 13: Home Journey
After breakfast and around noon you will get a transfer to Livingstone Airport and you flight back to Germany via Johannesburg.
Including
- Transfer from Harare airport to the Highlands House
- 13 nights according to itinerary
- Meals and transfers according to the accommodation description
- Game drives & activities according to the itinerary
- All charter flights between the lodges
- 24-hour Emergency telephone number
- Detailed Travel Documents
- Taxes & Fees
Excluding
- International flights from Europe (from 1.200 Euro per person
- Visa fees
- Optional activities and additional meals
- Personal expenses & tips
- Additional optional excursions
- Additional meals different from the itinerary
- Travel insurance, such as travel cancellation insurance
