9 Day Connect to the Wilderness - 4/5*

This nine-day journey travels through Zimbabwe’s most impressive and wildlife-rich National Parks: Hwange and Mana Pools. Beginning in Hwange, where the pristine landscape seemingly goes on forever, Linkwasha – based in its own private concession – is the ideal place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. The second half of the journey allows you to be swept up in some of the most evocative scenery that Africa has to offer and to totally immerse yourself in the wilderness.  End this tour in beautiful Victoria Falls, a must see for all.

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Linkwasha Camp (Hwange – Zimbabwe) – 3 Nights – VISIT WEBSITE
• Ruckomechi Camp (Mana Pools – Zimbabwe) – 3 Nights – VISIT WEBSITE
• Victoria Falls River Lodge (Zambezi River; Vic Falls – Zimbabwe) – 2 Nights – VISIT WEBSITE

KEYS

• BB – Bed & Breakfast
• DBB – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
• L – Lunch
• LD – Lunch & Dinner
• D – Dinner
• FB – Full Board (Breakfast; Lunch & Dinner)
• AI – All Inclusive (All Meals, selected drinks, Game Drives/Walk)
• G/Drive – Open Safari Vehicle Game Drive

Hwange – ZIMBABWE
LODGE:  Linkwasha Camp

Linkwasha is a luxurious camp that lies in a private concession in the enormously productive south-eastern corner of Hwange National Park. Situated on the edge of the famed Ngamo Plains, which offer fantastic summer game viewing, the camp looks over a magnificent plain and a pan that is a magnet for game year round, especially in the dry winter months.  The fresh, open and airy design of Linkwasha Camp is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors. Eight sumptuous en-suite tents and one family unit offer incredible views, while the main area – including multi-level decks, a pool area and a winter lounge complete with library – overlooks the prolific waterhole.

Mana Pools – ZIMBABWE
LODGE:  Ruckomechi Camp

Situated in a large private concession in the heart of the Zambezi Valley’s Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi looks out from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. It is a remote, beautiful place with spectacular views of the broad flowing river, the adjacent woodland and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment.  Ten spacious and beautifully decorated en-suite tents, including two family rooms, lie beneath the ana trees, best-beloved of local elephant for their nutritious seeds. The camp’s central living space includes an inviting firepit for pleasant evenings beneath the African night skies. Other unique features include a pool which overlooks a broad sweep of river, an outdoor “bath with a view” in a secluded, scenic spot, and a romantic Star Bed by a busy waterhole.

Zambezi River / National Park – Vic Falls – BOTSWANA
LODGE:  Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge is the first private game lodge to be built in the Zambezi National Park. This luxury tented lodge is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River – so close to Victoria Falls one can see the spray in the distance!
The Victoria Falls River Lodge is built upon raised decks, and sheltered by an extensive thatched roof, the 13 luxurious ‘tents’ are tastefully decorated in earthy hues with liberal splashes of crisp white, soothing sage and duck egg blue. Each offers a larger than king size bed (twin bed configurations are also possible in all rooms), comfortable sitting area, indoor and outdoor showers and a private viewing deck with plunge pool whereupon guests are able to sit comfortably and watch the hippos wallowing.
Your stay will include transfers (shared) from/to the Victoria Falls Airport, all meals, local beverages, an optional daily transfer from camp (typically departing at 10h00 and returning at 15h00) to Victoria Falls town, a Tour of the Falls (part of daily transfer to town, the entry fee into the Rainforest is for guest’s own account), bird watching on Kandahar Island, two game activities – i.e. a choice of either a morning/afternoon game drive in the Zambezi National Park, and a sunrise/sunset river cruise – per person per day (subject to availability). Snacks & drinks are included on the game drives and/or the sunset river cruises.

DAY 1 – Linkwasha Camp – Hwange – Zimbabwe

On arrival at Vic Falls Airport, you are met and assisted onto your scheduled charter flight to Linkwasha in the private Hwange concession.  Situated on the doorstep of the famed Ngamo Plains, which offers fantastic summer game viewing.  The Camp’s excellent location stands sentry over a magnificant plain and a pan that is a magnet for game year round.  Disconnect from the hubbub of the modern world.  The fresh, open and airy design of Linkwasha is complimented by an electic mix of contemporary interiors with the original spirit and essence of safari.  8 En-Suite Luxury Tents and one Family Tent look out over the surrounding plain.

Their fully inclusive rates are not just about the level of accommodation or the thread count of the linen. They encompass elements that cannot be counted or measured, such as exclusive access to vast tracts of Africa’s best wildlife areas, creating a unique sense of seclusion, comfort, privacy and space. In turn, your presence helps them in the conservation of all these areas.

DAY 2 – Linkwasha Camp – Hwange – Zimbabwe

Hwange’s mix of different veld and landscape types means that game viewing is productive year round.  Lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, spotted hyaena, giraffe, sable, eland, zebra, blue wildebeest, impala, waterbuck and reedbuck are often seen.   Exploration is done by 4×4 game viewing vehicles or thrilling walking safaris.  Game can also be viewed from a water-level hide in front of camp or from a romantic star bed at nearby Scott’s pan.  Cultural visits to the local village reminds us of the sheer remoteness and slow living of Hwange people.

DAY 3 – Linkwasha Camp – Hwange – Zimbabwe

Enjoy the Activities included in the package

DAY 4 – Ruckomechi Camp – Mana Pools – Zimbabwe

After breakfast a light aircraft takes you over Lake Kariba and onwards to the Zambezi Valley.  Situated on a large private concession adjacent to Mana Pools National Park.  Ruckomechi looks out from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.   Shaded by a large grove of acacia and mahogany trees, the camp accommodates guests in 10 spacious and beautifully decorated en-suite tents, including 2 Family Rooms, all of which overlook the evocative river and escarpment beyond.  While digital detox is in order of the day.  Ruckomechi’s elephant and other wildlife will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Their fully inclusive package is not just about the level of accommodation or the thread count of the linen. They encompass elements that cannot be counted or measured, such as exclusive access to vast tracts of Africa’s best wildlife areas, creating a unique sense of seclusion, comfort, privacy and space. In turn, your presence helps them in the conservation of all these areas. 

DAY 5 – Ruckomechi Camp – Mana Pools – Zimbabwe

Situated on the western boundery of the iconic Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi Camp is a photographers paradise, whether in a vehicle, on a boat or on foot.  The Camp offers a variety of activities, from day and night game drives, boating, canoeing, fishing to walking safaris.  The more adventurous can stay a night in the star bed situated near a productive waterhole falling asleep being serenaded by the sounds of nature while you gaze up at the starry skies of Africa.   Enjoy the Activities included in the package.

DAY 6 – Ruckomechi Camp – Mana Pools – Zimbabwe

Enjoy the Activities included in the package

DAY 7 – Victoria Falls River Lodge – Zambezi River / National Park – Vic Falls  – Zimbabwe

After breakfast you are transferred by air to Victoria Falls Airport.  You will be met by a representative from Victoria Falls River Lodge and transferred to the lodge. You will stay on an All Inclusive Package.  This includes the following; Accommodation is luxury canvas-under-thatch structures on the banks of the Zambezi River – within the Zambezi National Park, Transfers (shared) from/to the Victoria Falls Airport / Livingstone International Airport, All meals, Local beverages, An optional daily transfer from camp (typically departing at 10h00 and returning at 15h00) to Victoria Falls town, A Tour of the Falls (part of daily transfer to town) – the entry fee into the Rainforest is for guest’s own account, Transfers to/from National Park Gate / Jetty for 3rd party activities, Bird watching, Two game activities – i.e. a choice of either a morning/afternoon game drive in the Zambezi National Park, and a sunrise/sunset river cruise – per person per day (subject to availability).  Snacks & local beverages are included on the game drives and/or the sunset river cruises, Afternoon Tea Complimentary access to onsite Fitness Centre.

DY 8 – Victoria Falls River Lodge – Zambezi River / National Park – Vic Falls  – Zimbabwe

Enjoy the Activities included in the package

DAY 9 – Departure Day

You will be transferred back to the Airport for your flight home

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

•  All Meals & Selected Beverages (as indicated in day to day info)
•  All Activities at the Camp (as indicated in day to day info)
•  All Light Charter Flights between Camps
•  Flights between Countries while on tour (if applicable)
•  All Transfers between Camps
•  A Tour of Victoria Falls and many more at Victoria Falls River Lodge
•  VIP Meet & Greet & assist (as indicated on day to day info)

PACKAGE EXCLUDES:

•  Porterage for porters – not included
•  International Flights back & from your Hometown
•  Medical & Travel Insurance (for clients own account)
•  Visa’s (clients need to arrange)
•  Service Fees at Restaurants for staff (if applicable)