Zimbabwe - The Path to the Smoke that Thunders

Day 1 - Pamuzinda

Join your tour group at the hotel, where we stay in a lodge set in wilderness along the banks of the Serui River. Africa tours are all about wildlife experiences - and this afternoon, enjoy the heart-thumping anticipation of our first game drive together. Perhaps we’ll spot prowling lions and elegant giraffe or hear the distinctive bark of the hyena. This evening, sample the local culture with a traditional barbecue dinner and dance show.

Day 2 - Pamuzinda

There is a selection of morning activities available today, including a walking safari, horse riding, canoeing and fishing. This afternoon, we’ve arranged a visit to a school. After, look forward to another game drive, looking for wildlife. We finish at Ayre’s Rock for a tipple as the sun sets, and then a Mongolian braai (barbecue) under the stars.

Day 3 - Kariba

We leave our enchanting lodge behind and make tracks for the shores of Lake Kariba, via the Chinhoyi Caves. Sacred spirits are said to watch over ‘The Wonder Hole’, a spectacular cavern with a 150ft vertical drop into a cobalt-blue pool. Arriving at our next lodge, relax before an evening sundowner on the viewing deck, watching one of the famous Kariba sunsets.

Day 4 - Kariba

Our tour of Kariba includes the massive dam across the Zambezi River, and the beautiful little church of St Barbara. The dam’s assembly was set back several times by floods, said to be the work of an angered mythical creature - Nyami Nyami. Throughout the town, you’ll find art depicting the half-serpent, half-fish spirit. Spend the afternoon relaxing in your tranquil surroundings, or join us for a guided nature walk in the local forest. We’ll head to the beach at sunset, drinks in hand and toes in the sand.

Day 5 - Kariba - Lake Kariba

We board our ship and cruise across the lake to Matusadona National Park, one of the last wild sanctuaries of the Zambezi River. We’ll have exciting opportunities to go fishing or cruising in game viewing tender boats, heading along the rivers and inlets looking for wild inhabitants. It’s a great place for spotting lions and elephants.

Day 6 - Lake Kariba

After a morning of game viewing in our water wonderland, relax and enjoy the views as we cruise along Lake Kariba. We moor again late afternoon and take another tender boat excursion to hopefully spot some lion and hippos emerging from the water, ready for an evening grazing on the grassy banks.

Day 7 - Lake Kariba

Enjoy a morning of game viewing before we cruise to our final mooring spot. We’ll hop into tender boats this afternoon for more wildlife viewing or fishing, followed by a barbecue either on the beach or back on board our boat.

Day 8 - Kariba - Hwange National Park

A short flight will take us to Hwange National Park. The park is home to a diverse roll-call of animals, including lions, elephants and the unusual black sable antelope. We take a safari to see what we can find. Back at our tented camp, we’ll enjoy dinner and a Boma fire, keeping an eye out for the elephants who come here for their evening drink.

Day 9 - Hwange National Park

We have a full-day safari in Hwange National Park, with a picnic lunch in the bush. With over 100 mammal species roaming through vast areas of forests, semi desert scrub, granite hills and water holes, there’s a lot to see today. Will you tick off all of the Big Five? Will you spot a cheetah chasing its prey?

Day 10 - Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls

We journey by road to our final lodge, on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls. We head into Victoria Falls Town for lunch and time to explore and reconvene later for a Boma dinner.

Day 11 - Victoria Falls

Early this morning, we board the Bamba Tram, an authentically styled 19th-century tram which follows tracks out into the wilderness. We’ll watch the sun rise, whilst enjoying interesting details about the area’s history. We’ll get breathtaking views of the falls from the bridge before heading back to the lodge for breakfast. Visiting Victoria Falls is a true highlight of holidays in Africa. Every minute, millions of gallons of water plunge over the edge of the world’s largest waterfall. The constant rush of the Zambezi River has carved out a series of precipices stretching over a mile. Later this morning, experience the great roar when we view Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side (often considered the best side), and admire Victoria Falls Rainforest, soaked by the Falls’ tremendous spray. This afternoon we’ll take to the waters of the Zambezi River to enjoy a dinner cruise as the sun sets on our final night in Zimbabwe.

Day 12 - Victoria Falls

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.