ON OCCASION WE MAY RUN TWO DEPARTURES ON THE SAME DATE, SO CLIENTS MUST BE AWARE THAT THEY MAY COMPLETE THIS ITINERARY IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION.

 Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries on the sub-continent, Zimbabwe cannot only boast spectacular features such as ancient ruins from an unknown past, one of the largest rivers in Africa and an abundance of game, but also an efficient tourism infrastructure with a vibrant, friendly local population. Our tour is a camping safari with limited comforts but unlimited adventure. Flexibility and an open mind are essential.                              

DAY 1: JHB – ZIMBABWE RUINS
Depart JHB early, travel north to cross the border at Beit Bridge around noon. Continue northward towards Masvingo and on to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, where we spend our first night in relative comfort (own expense meals).

DAY 2-3: SAVE RIVER GAME RESERVE
Rising with the sun, we visit the ruins to view the magnificent structures, and to ponder over the mystery surrounding their origin. Thereafter we continue east to the Save River Game Reserve, an area offering some of the finest game viewing in Zimbabwe. We will spend two nights here in our private rustic bush camp, and will explore the area both on foot and in an open vehicle. B L D                       
DAY 4: EASTERN HIGHLANDS
Leaving the Lowveld, we travel though Mutare, and into the Eastern Highlands, an area of spectacular scenery, forests, mountains and waterfalls. This afternoon we will conduct a short hike in the surrounding forest. Camp the night. B L D

 DAY 5: CHINHOYI
(Fly –in passengers join today in Harare)
After an early start, we travel westward along the winding descent into the capital city, Harare, where we enjoy a short stop for lunch (own expense). Leaving Harare, we continue to our overnight stop near Chinhoyi, where we spend the remainder of the day viewing the excellent Bushman paintings surrounding our camp. B D

DAY 6: KARIBA
This morning we enjoy a short walk to an ancient Mashona cave dwelling before descending into the Zambezi Valley, and on to Lake Kariba, third largest man-made lake in the world. In the afternoon we enjoy a boat cruise on the lake, and return to camp the night on the shores. B L D                     

DAY 7: ZAMBIA
After exploring the town of Kariba, we cross the dam wall to enter Zambia. Our next stop is Gwabi, at the confluence of the Kafue and mighty Zambezi rivers. The afternoon is spent preparing for the upcoming canoe trip. We camp the night. B L D     
       
DAY 8- 10: ZAMBEZI CANOE TRIP
A mighty river literally boiling with hippo and crocodiles, and luring every kind of animal imaginable to drink from its muddy banks, the Zambezi need very little introduction, and justifiably so. We start the adventure from Gwabi and then continue down the river, past Mana Pools, at our own pace. Paddling with the strong current, we spend two days on the water, game viewing and bird watching, camping wild on islands each night. Day 10 is spent at the Chongwe River in the Lower Zambezi National Park, before transferring back by boat to overnight once again at Gwabi camp where we enjoy a welcome restaurant meal. (own expense). B L D                   

DAY 11 –12 VICTORIA FALLS
An early start this morning, we travel though Zambia, via Livingstone, and then view the phenomenal Victoria Falls before crossing the original steel Railway Bridge to Zimbabwe. Here you are able to wander around, exploring the multitude of curio stalls and the other attractions that this bustling town has to offer. We spend two nights here in the DRIFTERS VICTORIA FALL INN, giving those who wish to do so the opportunity of participating in a day’s white-water rafting below the falls (own expense). We will eat at a restaurant on one of these two nights (own expense). B D

DAY 13: HWANGE
(Passengers flying out will depart today from Victoria Falls).
Leaving the vibrant town of Victoria Falls, we head for our private bush camp in Hwange. This afternoon / evening we will conduct an extensive open-vehicle game drive in search of the herds of game that this park is so well known for. Camp the night. B L D               

DAY 14: BULAWAYO – MATOBO
An early start, after breakfast we head for the wide streets of Bulawayo, and then on to our camp nestled amongst the precariously balancing boulders of Matobo. This afternoon we enjoy a game drive in the National Park, before returning to camp for a celebratory meal at the local restaurant. (own expense). B L.D

DAY 15: NORTHERN PROVINCE
Starting the homeward journey, we cross the border back into South Africa, and then travel the short distance to our camp within a private game reserve in Kalahari sandveld. We will spend the afternoon here simply relaxing, and viewing bushman paintings on the property. B L D                  

DAY 16: JOHANNESBURG
A leisurely start this morning, we pack up camp and continue south to arrive in Johannesburg in the early afternoon. B

                               

This fly-in tour option joins up with the 16-day overland tour in Harare and leaves it at Victoria Falls, or vice versa.  It includes the Lake Kariba, Zambezi canoeing, and Victoria Falls with the option of white water rafting.