Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe Community & Wildlife Safari

10 days
4.9 /5
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Based on over 1000 Verified Reviews.

Highlights

  • Game drives and guided bush walks – superb wildlife viewing
  • Stay at exquisite African lodges in breath-taking locations
  • Immersive cultural experiences showcasing community upliftment projects
  • Marvel at incredible Victoria Falls on the Zambian side
  • Visit Lake Kariba, Zambia’s undiscovered riviera

Overview

This 10-day luxury community and wildlife safari takes you into the heart of Africa, where you will spend your days immersing yourself into local African culture, learning about what is being done to empower the people of the continent, and enjoying big game viewing.

Your safari sojourn begins by staying at a luxurious eco-conscious lodge in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, upstream from the world’s biggest curtain of falling water, Victoria Falls. Thorntree River Lodge is one of Zambia’s most contemporary lodges and where you will be introduced to behind-the-scenes community development work that makes travel meaningful.

Then escape to Zimbabwe’s biggest reserve, Hwange National Park, an immense area that is home to large numbers of elephant and buffalo. Somalisa Camp is within a private concession which means you will enjoy walking safaris, night drives and game viewing from secret hides. You will also visit local communities and leave inspired by the creative spirit of the locals and their entrepreneurial endeavours.

The last leg of your community and wildlife tour will take you to Lake Kariba, to the magical Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. The lodge is nestled into the remote hills that cradle the lake and you can spend your last few days soaking up the sun beside Bumi’s celebrated infinity-edge swimming pool or watching the sun set on a boat cruise.

 

Why Is This a Trip with a Purpose?

  • African Bush Camps is one of a handful of companies that established their Foundation on the day they started their business. Every single bed night bought goes to these projects. They also contribute far more - over and above to communities, wildlife and conservation - behind the scenes. A really wonderful opportunity to meet people on the ground who are benefiting from tourism.
  • Visit Maunga Village, including the clinic and school.
  • Full day in Hwange National Park is assigned to visiting community projects - local primary schools, sewing groups run by women who re-purpose old items into something beautiful.

Make a Positive Impact Through Travel

This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative

When you book this safari Go2Africa will donate $30 to Maunga Village Primary School near Livingstone, to improve the school’s facilities and provide access to food for learners.

Summary

  • Tour Duration: 10 Days

Accommodations Visited

Day to day

Itinerary

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Day 1-4: Arrive in Victoria Falls (Zambia)

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Detailed breakdown

Day 1-4: Arrive in Victoria Falls (Zambia) | 3 Nights

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Situated along the southern border of Zambia, Victoria Falls is a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring grandeur and where your community and wildlife journey begins. You will spend three nights at Thorntree River Lodge, set in Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, a short distance from the Falls. The lodge has been built with an environmentally-conscious design, leaving a feather-light footprint on the pristine natural environment surrounding it.

While staying at Thorntree River Lodge you will visit Maunga Village, an inspiring community upliftment project. Access to quality and affordable healthcare facilities and services is a challenge for many rural communities in Zambia. Maunga Clinic and Maunga Primary School are undergoing tangible changes that make travel spending matter. You will not only be immersed in the local culture but be an active contributor to positive educational opportunities for local school children.

Your days will be spent engaging with the local community as well as tracking rhinos on bush walks, enjoying sunset boat cruises, and visiting the lively Maramba & Markuni markets - when you aren’t witnessing the sheer power of one of the World’s most iconic attractions. Wildlife viewing and community visits are perfectly paired with experiencing authentic Africa at Thorntree River Lodge.

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Day 4-7: Southern Hwange National Park | 3 Nights

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Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

After breakfast, you will be flown to Somalisa Camp for your next three nights. Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. It is also home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world. You can look forward to guided bush hikes, game drives, and even horse-riding safaris, all of which offer exceptional photographic opportunities.

This intimate bush camp is where raw Africa is showcased, and where luxury accommodation and nature work in harmony. At the edge of its expansive deck in the main area, is where you will find an elephant pool that is frequented by elephant families - a true highlight of this beautiful safari camp.

When you aren’t traversing this stunning landscape on safari, you will spend time at community projects, from local primary schools to sewing groups run by local women, taking items that would usually be thrown away and repurposing them into something beautiful. A full day will be set aside for you to engage with the local community and learn about all the work that is going on behind-the-scenes to uplift and empower the people of Africa.  

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Day 7-10: Lake Kariba | 3 Nights

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Matusadona National Park, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

After an early breakfast, you will be flown to Lake Kariba, the planet’s most voluminous man-made lake. It stretches for more than 200 kilometers (124 miles) along the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, forming a stunning natural boundary between the two countries. The lake’s waters are home to crocs, hippos, fish, and aquatic birds, while its shoreline is rich with terrestrial game-like elephants and buffalo.

You will spend your next three nights at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, a beautiful property situated on a range of remote hills, offering an elevated view of the vastness of Lake Kariba. Taking center stage at the lodge, there is an infinity pool to enjoy refreshing dips and you can sip wine on dining terraces on different levels. Your days will be spent enjoying morning, afternoon, and evening game drives, walking safaris, boating, fishing, village visits, and sunset cruises. After a spectacular safari and learning all about community upliftment projects, you will be charter flown to Victoria Falls International Airport for your onward travel arrangements.

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Inclusions tick icon

Inclusions

  • Complimentary Inclusions
  • Meals
  • Private vehicle at Somalisa to visit the local community
  • Transfers as stated
Exclusions tick icon

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Airport taxes
  • All meals and drinks not specified
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature