Description
Overview
Countries visited: Zimbabwe
The largest sheet of falling water in the world, Victoria Falls is a must-visit destination on any Southern Africa itinerary. This short but spectacular 5-day safari not only includes a guided tour of the Zimbabwe side of the falls but also the unique opportunity to interact with the elephant herd at the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary. As for accommodation, you’ll spend your first three days at a small and welcoming riverside lodge where you’ll be treated to a game drive and Zambezi River cruise; followed by a night of luxury in one of the tented suites at the award-winning Elephant Camp.
Perfect for solo travellers, couples, families, groups of friends, romantic getaways, wildlife and photographic enthusiasts.
Itinerary
Day 1: Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge
You’ll be met upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, and transferred to Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge in its peaceful setting on the bank of the Zambezi River. Imbabala is a small and unpretentious lodge with nine thatched chalets, each opening onto a private verandah where a shaded hammock invites you to settle in and enjoy the magnificent river views.
Spend a relaxed afternoon swaying in your hammock, stretched out alongside the swimming pool or indulging in a massage at the recently opened Imbabala Spa. Since Imbabala sits in a private wildlife concession don’t be surprised to see impala grazing on the lodge lawns, monkeys playing in the tree branches or even the occasional elephant wandering through camp!
Day 2: Game Drive & Zambezi River Safari
Wake up to coffee and home-baked rusks, followed by a morning game drive in this private game concession. Imbabala has highly skilled and enthusiastic guides who are only too happy to share their knowledge of the wildlife that you see: elephant, impala, warthog, giraffe, and (if you’re lucky) lion or even leopard!
You return from your game drive to brunch served out under shady trees, then there’s time to relax and enjoy your surroundings before afternoon tea and a sundowner cruise. Floating along the Zambezi River is not only wonderfully peaceful; it’s also great for game viewing as you drift past hippo, crocodile and herds of elephant gathered at the water’s edge.
Day 3: Safari Activities at Imbabala
How you spend today is completely up to you: enjoy another morning game drive or opt instead to go angling for toothy tiger fish – one of the best fighting fresh water fish in the world. Or perhaps you’d prefer a guided walking safari; not only is this a chance to focus in on the plants, birds and smaller creatures but there’s also the thrilling possibility of encountering larger game too!
In the afternoon we’d recommend another Zambezi River cruise, the perfect way to end the day as you toast the sunset whilst chugging along the river, then return to the lodge for an al fresco dinner served under the stars.
Day 4: Tour of Victoria Falls
Today you’re transferred from Imbabala Zambezi Game Lodge to The Elephant Camp, stopping en route for a guided tour of the mighty Victoria Falls. Nothing prepares you for the sight and sound of the Zambezi River in full flood thundering over the lip of the falls; the roar accompanied by clouds of drenching spray that can be seen up to 20km away!
Around two thirds of Victoria Falls lies in Zimbabwe (the rest being in Zambia) with well laid out paths winding through rainforest and opening up to viewpoints of pretty rainbow-lit mist and white curtains of water. Going with a guide not only gives you insight into the history of Victoria Falls, but your guide will also know all the best spots to take those make-your-friends-jealous photos of you in front of this most spectacular of waterfalls.
After the tour you’re transferred to The Elephant Camp, an easy 15-minute drive from the falls.
Day 5: Elephant Interaction & Departure
Wake up in your luxurious tented suite which has glass sliding doors opening onto a private deck and plunge pool with fantastic views. Breakfast is served on the main lodge deck, after which you’re taken to the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary (on the lodge grounds) where you’re able to meet and even feed the orphaned elephants – a true safari highlight!
From The Elephant Camp you’re driven to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight home or your onward travel arrangements.
Accommodation
Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge is situated on a riverine fringe of the mighty Zambezi River where Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia converge. Located 80 kilometers west of Victoria Falls, access is by transfer from Victoria Falls, Livingstone or Kasane. Imbabala offers the chance to unwind but also some of the most amazing game viewing and bird watching in the region, in the seclusion of a private National Parks concession. The 5,000 acre concession has 14 kilometers of private Zambezi river frontage and borders the Chobe Forest Reserve, which is renowned for its massive Elephant population.
Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge offers exclusive accommodation for only 18 guests in 8 individual thatch lodges with en-suite facilities. Each lodge is uniquely decorated and beautifully positioned with spacious verandas opening onto sweeping views of the Zambezi River. Imbabala has one family lodge, (Sleeps 4), four double and three twin-bedded lodges. All doubles can be converted to twins on request and vice versa
Situated on a private concession within and bounded by the Masuwe River and the Zambezi gorges, The Elephant Camp has breathtaking views of the Victoria Falls spray, and the spectacular gorges which separate Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Elephant Camp is a luxury and intimate lodge under canvas within easy reach of Victoria Falls and all its attractions and activities, yet secluded in its own private game reserve so as to allow close-up encounters with wildlife. Access is by road transfer from Victoria Falls (15 kilometers from Victoria Falls Airport and 10 kilometers from Victoria Falls town), Livingstone and Kasane. The Elephant Camp offers exclusive suite accommodation for only 24 guests in 12 luxury tents.
Wildlife
Imbabala Concession
Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge lies in a 5,000 acre (2,023 ha) wildlife concession bordering Chobe Forest Reserve. Chobe’s elephant herds regularly move through the concession, and elephant can often be seen cooling off in the Zambezi River or even swimming out to an island across from the lodge – the mothers helping the young ones along!
Other wildlife you’re likely to see includes buffalo, giraffe, hippo, kudu, impala, zebra and sable antelope. As for the predators – lion, spotted hyena and black-backed jackal are present in good numbers, along with more occasional sightings of leopard and the endangered wild dog. The birdlife too is abundant with over 400 species recorded from kingfishers and comical hornbills to regional specials such as the long-toed plover, western banded snake eagle and swamp boubou.
More Info
Prices Exclude:
Fishing, Game walks, all other excursions and additional permits,
National Park fees – Imbabala USD 10.00 per person per stay
Rainforest Entry Fee (Tour of the Victoria Falls) – USD 30.00 per person
At Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge additional beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be charged to guests account
FOR SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES AND LONG STAY RATES PLEASE KINDLY
CONTACT US ON + 27 606191220
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EMAIL [email protected]
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