Best of Zimbabwe; Victoria falls is Zimbabwe’s prime tourist destination. The most visited in Africa. Discover Zimbabwe and its very best safari, nature and cultural heritage as you take on this tour that travels through Bulawayo, Great Zimbabwe and Hwange.
First stop Victoria Falls. Best of Zimbabwe Tour is the highlights of Zimbabwe as a country that will surprise many. The Victoria Falls is the biggest waterfalls in the World. It spans for over 1700 meters and falls to a depth of 110 meters.

Hwange National park is one of Zimbabwe’s nature reserve. It has more than 450 species of birds, huge herds of elephants and buffaloes, scores of varieties of antelopes rangid from eland, kudus and impalas. Just outside the national park there is a rehabilitation centre for painted dogs.The park is 14,6 ha in area and in this dry region of Matebeland North province water is scarce. The dry resistant trees like Mopani/butterfly trees and mostly acaccia provide food and shadow to rest under from the scotching heat.

Hwange national park on the other hand has 19 species of big mammals. The park boasts of conservation programs. Notably the painted-dogs. There is a good number of safari lodges in Hwange. All designed to be able view wildlife.

Best of Zimbabwe

Matopo National park is well known for the conservation of the white and black rhino, both species are endangered already. The national park has scores of other animals as well as birds although the hilly landscape makes it difficult to see further. There is also the grave site of Cecil John Rhodes, the architecture of the colony of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. The warmth and silence of the national park makes it more close to nature to anyone wanting to relax. The balancing rocks on the hills are a rare sight you can never have elsewhere in the World. In the company of a ranger you can walk on the park in search of the rhinos.

Great Zimbabwe has the oldest ruins in the region that dates back to the 11th century. The stone walls are still standing today. Before you leave there is another safari in South Africa’s best national park. The Kruger national park stretches for over 300 km.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

This Tour has a mix of lodges and camping. From the Hwange chalets to the Matobo Hills and the old stone-work of the ancient World the Masvingo, you have the best sightings of nature. Enjoy the Savanna vegetation and the expanse of the country-side and the communal lands of Zimbabwe. Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s biggest city. First as the chief Lobengula’s homestead before colonial era, it is still the capital of the Ndebele tribe. The Tour ends in Kruger national park for more game viewing.

Tour Highlights

Victoria Falls
Hwange National Park
Matobo Hills and Bulawayo
Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Kruger National Park

Day 1 :

Victoria Falls

Welcome to Victoria Falls World Heritage sight and one of the 7 wonders of the World. This is Africa’s most visited tourist destination outside of Cape Town and the Pyramids. Besides the inclusive visit to the waterfalls and the Rain forest both in the national park there is whole range of activities that takes place in the small town. Take a look at our Activities Page to Book online. Accommodation in Victoria Falls is quite diverse. From 5 star hotels to lodges by the river and B&Bs. There are also chalets and campsite and we have listed a few on our Accommodation Page.

Day 2 :

Victoria Falls

The neighboring town Livingstone in Zambia is just 10 km from here and offers also just as many activities as in Victoria Falls but mostly unique is the Devils pool and the microlight flights. Visit our activities page to explore some you can take part in. You have 2 days to explore Victoria Falls and Livingstone. While you are here the most important of of all is to check-in and meet your guides at Shearwater Village Reception to outline the schedule of the Tour.

Day 3 :

Hwange National Park

Hwange is host to over 100 mammals and 400 species of birds including 19 large herbivores i.e the elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes and more. It has 8 large carnivores that includes the lion, the leopard, the cheetah, painted dogs and more. Special to Hwange is the population of the Cape African wild dogs, the last in the World. Just outside the park there is a painted dog rehabilitation and conservative programme center. Today you have all day game drive in the national park. You will be on 4x4 open vehicles in the park for better visibility. Accommodation: Ganda Lodge is within the Hwange national park.

Day 4 :

Bulawayo

Your first stop is just outside the Hwange national park to witness the extra-ordinary work being done for the Painted Dog conservation . Off to Bulawayo in the morning today for a 5 hours drive. Bulawayo city was established in 1896 but has long been the chieftainship residence of the Ndebele tribe the second biggest in Zimbabwe. It has seen its better days as the most industrious town of Zimbabwe. The wide streets in town are the architecture of the colonial times as transportation of goods and services was through horse-carts. A short city tour as you proceed to your lodge just outside Matobo national park. Accommodation: Farmhouse Lodge. The facility here is situated on the Hills outside Matobo national park. The campsite has hot showers but no wi-fi. However you can buy a local sim card to be able to connect anywhere in the country. The lodge has amazing staff, wi-fi and a swimming pool.

Day 5 :

Matobo National Park

Today its all day activities from the lodge that would include game drive to the national park. In the national park you trek the rhino on foot with a Ranger and a Guide to get to understand wildlife behavior. Later in the day you visit the Rhodes grave and other places of interest in the national park. The balancing rocks of Matobo will be visible from anywhere in the park. You visit also the rock paintings of the bushmen. Accommodation: Farmhouse lodge - Free wi-fi -

Day 6 :

Great Zimbabwe

Masvingo is further inland in Zimbabwe a 5 hour drive from Bulawayo. The Great Zimbabwe monument is World Heritage site. The remnants of a Kingdom that once dominated the Bantu people in the Southern region. Constructed in the 11th century, by balancing flat granite rocks without mortar , the buildings still stands up to date. Get insight into the History of the vaRozvi dynasty; the name Zimbabwe is derived from this work of ‘The house of Stones’. Accommodation: Norma Jean's Lakeview Resort - Free wi-fi - Laundry service - campsite well maintained

Day 7 :

Tshipise a Forever Resort; South Africa

You head south today on the countries busiest road to neighboring South Africa. Enjoy the savanna vegetation today as you drive through the communal lands of Zimbabwe. The Beitbridge border between Zimbabwe and South Africa on the Limpopo river is the busiest border-post in Africa. Tshipise is a campsite on the hot springs and the afternoon you can relax on the warm bath. Accommodation: Tshipise Resort _ indoor and outdoor warm pools - Air-conditioned rooms - wi-fi at the restaurant - wheelchair accessible - campsite well maintained

Day 8 :

Kruger National Park

Today we drive 100km in the morning to Kruger National Park. Kruger Park is South Africa's prime national park which stretches from about 300 km from the South Gate of Pafuri to the North Gate of Nungwi. The first day we explore the Southern half of the park. Game drives in the morning and in the afternoon. Accommodation: Inside the park. Generally the Lodges have the same facilities as they are run by South Africa Parks. _ wi-fi at the restaurant - nearby waterhole - bar and restaurant

Day 9 :

Kruger National Park

The second day we explore the central part of the park. Game drives as we drive further to the central park. All day game drive. Accommodation: - wi-fi - nearby waterhole - bar and restaurant

Day 10 :

Kruger national park

Third day of game drive inside the park as we head out through the northern gate. All day Game drive. Accommodation: Nkambeni safari lodge - pool - wi-fi available - Bar and restaurant - child-friendly

Day 11 :

Panorama route

There is an option for a morning walking safari from the lodge before we head of to Graskop. In Graskop we do the scenic view of the God's window, the canyon and the 3 rondavels as we head to Johannesburg. Accommodation: Dove's Nest lodge - wi-fi available - Bar and restaurant - child-friendly - breakfast free - Just outside OR Tambo airport The Tour ends Today!!! There is an option to book for the Tour of Soweto on the next day if you still have time to explore the history of Johannesburg.

Frequently asked Questions

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How fit do I need to be ?

Anyone can book this Tour. Most of the activities are from the vehicles. The walking safaris are more or less 3 hours with stops along the way. For activities in Victoria Falls you can check fitness requirements for the individual activities.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

There are charging points in the lodges and campsites throughout the Tour. The facilities all have hot showers.

Are there ATMs on the way?

Most ATMs in Zimbabwe do not have cash available so as long as you are here it’s advisable to carry cash. However on lodges Master cards and Visa cards are acceptable as payment methods. In South Africa ATM’s are available with cash. You can make use of your cards as well to reduce risk of carrying too much cash.

What about internet access?

Internet access is available at most of the facilities. However while others offer for free others would sale vouchers for connection. In most cases if you want to remain connected at all times you would have to buy local sim cards and register with local service providers

Is it necessary to hire Guides?

No. All our Tours are run by qualified Guides who the region very well. However for optional activities you wo=ill have separate payments for the Guides.

How much do guides and porters cost?

Since our Guides are on contractual basis you would be required to pay a minimum of $5 per day as tips. The porters on airports would cost between $10-$20 while on lodges it could be $5. In most of our Tours you do not need porters anyway.