More infoabout the Best of Zimbabwe
The Best in Zimbabwe explores four key National Parks: Gonarezhou, Matobo, Hwange, and Mana Pools.
Best of ZimbabweTerms & Conditions
- Itinerary: 3 nights Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, Gonarezhou NP; 3 nights Amalinda Lodge, Matopos NP; 3 nights Khulu Bush Lodge, Hwange NP and 3 nights John’s Camp, Mana Pools NP
- Rates: From US$10574 per person sharing.
- Included: Accommodation, activities as per the itinerary, National Parks Fees and Community Levies, all meals, bar (excluding premium brands), road transfers as specified in the itinerary, domestic flights starting and ending in Harare.
- Not included: Any other flights, including international flights; any expenses of personal nature; gratuities and porterage; any visa fees; travel, medical and cancellation insurance.
- Valid June to October
Key facts of Best of Zimbabwe
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Walking with the giants at Johns Camp Walking with the giants at Johns Camp -
Mana Pools National Park Mana Pools National Park -
Khulu Bush Camp Khulu Bush Camp -
Khulu Bush Camp Khulu Bush Camp -
Amalinda Lodge Amalinda Lodge -
Amalinda Lodge Amalinda Lodge -
Amalinda Lodge Amalinda Lodge -
Adventurous safari activities at John's Camp Adventurous safari activities at John's Camp
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Zimbabwe - a world of wonders.
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa lying between the Limpopo and Zambezi Rivers and known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife, much of it within parks, reserves and safari areas. The wonders of the landscape are matched by a variety and density of wildlife comparable with the world’s best, and this safari explores some of Zimbabwe’s safari hot spots.
Gonarezhou National Park, in Zimbabwe’s South-East Lowveld, covers just more than 5 000 km² of some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. Gonarezhou means place of elephants and is home to over 8000 elephants, mainly large tuskers, which are always a treat to see. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge lies on the edge of the park and offers guests an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Matobo National Park is infused with history and spiritual mystery, evidenced by the incredible number of San rock art paintings, many still pristine and found in caves and on rock faces. Established in 1926, Matobo Hills is Zimbabwe’s oldest national park and was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2003. It is most famous for the magnificent granite rock kopjes surrounding it and is home to one of the world’s largest populations of black eagles and several black and white rhinos.
Hwange National Park, where The Hide is located, is the largest wildlife reserve in Zimbabwe, occupying roughly 14,650 sq. km. Visitors to Hwange are guaranteed to see an incredible range of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species recorded.
Mana Pools National Park is a beautiful 2,196 sq. km wildlife conservation area in northern Zimbabwe. Mana means “four” in Shona, (one of the main vernacular languages in Zimbabwe) and it refers to the number of large permanent pools left by the Zambezi River as it flows into the flood plain, and it is here that you will find John’s Camp.
Itinerary of Best of Zimbabwe day by day
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Day 1 - 3: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Gonarezhou National Park, in Zimbabwe’s South-East Lowveld, covers just more than 5 000 km² of some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. Gonarezhou means place of elephants and is home to over 8000 elephants, mainly large tuskers, which are always a treat to see. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge lies on the edge of the park and offers guests an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge sits on the cliffs of the Save river with panoramic views over Gonarezhou National Park. The lodge was established by International Award-Winning Conservationist Clive Stockil, as part of his initiative in “Community Led Conservation”. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge offers guests access to the pristine wilderness of Gonarezhou, with the authentic animal interaction which goes with a park which is rarely visited. Gonarezhou is a gem amongst African parks and offers safari travelers an increasingly rare ability to explore untouched Africa.
Day 4 - 6: Amalinda Lodge
Amalinda Lodge is an African inspired refuge, where world class facilities effortlessly harmonize with the cultural and spiritual energy, allure and unique beauty for which the Matobo Hills is renowned and celebrated.
This exclusive, privately owned safari lodge is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Matobo Hills, the oldest National Park in Zimbabwe, tucked away into an ancient Bushman’s shelter. The granite domes and castle kopjes echo the essence of tranquility and majesty of untamed Africa, where wildlife and birdlife species thrive in prolific numbers. Famous for its healthy population of endangered rhino, the area is one of the most sought-after destinations within Zimbabwe.
Day 7 - 9: Khulu Bush Camp
Khulu Bush Camp is the small intimate camp. The excellent accessibility does not take away from its unparalleled feeling of seclusion and remoteness in the true African wilderness. Khulu Bush Camp is a tribute to Cedric Wilde, one of the Directors of the Amalinda Safari Collection, who it is named after. Khulu is the community and staff’s affectionate name for Cedric and it means ‘grandfather’. If you are lucky enough to be in camp with Khulu himself your evenings will be spent around the fire, talking of days gone by and strumming to old country tunes.
The beauty of this camp is that it combines luxurious and private accommodation with old world hospitality. Khulu overlooks an ancient riverbed, in today’s terms called a ‘vlei’, known to attract a variety of the greatest wildlife and bird life in Hwange National Park, right on your doorstep.
Day 9 - 12: John’s Camp
Mana Pools National Park is next on the Ultimate Zimbabwe Safari. The Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perfectly located in the heart of a natural valley on a unique flood plane, rich and diverse in flora, fauna and wildlife. It is home to 4 of the Big 5 (excluding only Rhino). It’s the only National Park in the world where you are allowed to freely walk with the wild animals and get to experience Africa as it should be - on foot! Being one of the least developed National Parks in the whole of Southern Africa, Mana is simply bursting with birdlife and wildlife. It is home to substantial concentrations of big game such big cats, wild dogs, buffalo and elephant, which are abundant in large herds, roaming the floodplains. The river teems with crocodile and hippo in some of the largest concentrations in Zimbabwe!
A typical day on safari at John's Camp starts with a wakeup call just before sunrise for a quick light breakfast before heading out for your activity, either a walking safari, exploring the magical wonders of Mana Pools or game drive into the wilderness. Once back in camp, and after a hearty meal, you can choose to have a siesta before the next game drive. Head out again for an afternoon of game viewing as the day cools down, giving you a chance to see the animals unwind as well as the opportunity to see some nocturnal wildlife before your return. Sundowners are always a must and can be enjoyed while out on your afternoon game drive or back in camp. No visit to Zimbabwe would be complete without a trip to Mana Pools!
Itinerary of Best of Zimbabwe by map
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