Discovering the Beauty of Matusadona National Park and Lake Kariba.
Overview
This 10-day trip takes you to Matusadona National Park and Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. On the first 7 days, you’ll enjoy activities such as hiking and climbing escarpments, game viewing from safety boats, and sunsets over Kariba. On the 8th day, you’ll go for a morning game drive to see big game species, followed by a safari nature walk and a relaxing evening with drinks and dinner. On the 9th day, you’ll spend the day bird watching at Lake Kariba, seeing species like Sooty Falcon and Greater Flamingo. On the final day, you’ll bid farewell to Matusadona and Zimbabwe with a last meal before departing to the airstrip back to Victoria Falls, taking with you memories of the trip.
Day 1: Arrive in Zimbabwe.
Travel to Victoria Falls Town. Check into a luxurious lodge with a view of the Victoria Falls, known as Mosi-au-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders”. Spend the day exploring the area and interacting with the locals. Overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2: Experience the thrill of Victoria Falls with activities like bungee jumping, white water rafting, and zip lining.
Begin with the 111m bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge. Then, go on an adventurous white water rafting trip down the Zambezi River and observe breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Finish the day with a zip line experience over the Batoka Gorge, before returning to the hotel.
Day 3: Hwange National Park
Visit Hwange National Park, known for its large elephant herds, lions, and African wild dogs, and go on a walking safari. Observe wild animals up close and take in the stunning scenery. Afterwards, go on a local village tour in Monde Village to learn about rural life, interact with villagers, and gain insight into their culture and daily routines. Return to the lodge for an overnight stay.
DAY 4: Game Drive & Horseback Riding.
Take an early morning guided game drive to see various wildlife, learn about their behaviors, habitats and appreciate the stunning landscapes of Hwange National Park. Have a lunch break during the drive.
Next, go on a horseback riding adventure to explore Hwange’s unspoiled wilderness, from open savannas to teak and acacia forests. Experience the excitement of one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations. End the day by traveling to another renowned national park, Mana Pools, for an overnight stay
Day 5:Mana Pools National Park
Visit Mana Pools National Park known for its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and superb birdwatching. Enjoy a guided nature walk, where you can expect close encounters with species such as elephants and lions, as well as learn about their characteristics. Have a lunch stopover, then visit Chitake Springs, an area of importance for wildlife and strong flowing water. Return to the accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 6: Early Morning Game Viewing and Lion Tracking
Start the day with an early morning game drive in the heart of Mana Pools National Park. See large herds of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, kudus, elands, impalas, antelopes, and multiple prides of lions, wild dogs, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. After the game viewing, have a lunch break. Later, continue viewing wildlife and engage in lion tracking to study their behavior. End the day with a visit to Matusadona National Park.
Day 7: Matusadona National park and Lake Kariba
Wake up to the sounds of birds and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then go on a strenuous hike and climb the escarpments for game viewing. After lunch, continue viewing game and learn about the animals’ history and characteristics along the Lake Kariba shoreline with experienced guides. Admire the stunning scenery, including the sunsets and the silhouette of ancient trees rising from the water. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 8:Another day in Matusadona
Go on an early morning game drive in Matusadona National Park and see buffalo, elephants, and predators like lions and leopards. After the drive, take a guided safari nature walk and learn about the wild through your senses. Return to the lodge for a relaxing evening with cocktails, dinner, and a fireside chat before retiring to sleep.
Day 9: Bird Watching at Lake Kariba
Begin the day with a hearty African breakfast, then head to Lake Kariba for a full day of bird watching. Lake Kariba has numerous top birding spots, including national parks, forests, fishing camps, and more. The best time for bird watching is at dawn when birds can be seen perching on branches and singing in the sun. Some of the bird species found in the area include Sooty Falcon, Greater Flamingo, Grey Plover, and more. Return to the lodge after the excursion.
Day 10: Departure.
On the last day, have one final activity before departing after a farewell meal. Take a flight back to Victoria Falls, reflecting on the memories of the trip, and the desire to return to Zimbabwe’s wilderness.
Chat to an Expert
Or call us on +256 (0) 742 796708
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Park fees
- All activities as stated in the day by day
- All accommodation
- A professional driver/guide
- All Transportations
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals
- Drinking water
- All sightseeing
- VAT(18% by the Ugandan government)
Excluded
- International Fligths (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Vaccination fees/Proof of vaccination
- Anything not talked about in the itinerary