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7 NIGHT VICTORIA FALLS, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK & KARIBA GOLD (B) SAFARI 2 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

3 Nights Hwange National Park

2 Night Lake Kariba

8 Days / 7 Nights

Reference: IG-7B

Start Victoria Falls Airport / End Victoria Falls Airport

Total Price 7 Nights: US$ 4125 (high season) / US$ 2992 (low season) per person sharing

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Overview Victoria Falls, Hwange and Kariba, often referred to as the golden triangle, offer a perfect combination of game

viewing, leisure and excitement. Starting with 2 nights at the upmarket Ilala Lodge allows you to see the

magnificent Falls and enjoy some of the exciting activities on offer. Followed by 3 nights at Somalisa, which is

situated on a premier wildlife concession deep within the Hwange National park, offering outstanding game

viewing opportunities. Finally wind down and relax at Bumi Hills Safari lodge on Lake Kariba with views that will

take your breath away along with some land and water based activities. Charter flights are included throughout.

This classic Zimbabwe safari will without doubt leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Inspired Journey Overview

Accommodation

Night 1 & 2 Deluxe room at Ilala Lodge

Night 3, 4 & 5 Luxury tented room at Somalisa Camp

Night 6 & 7 Standard room at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

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Transfers Included

Day 1 Road Transfer: Victoria Falls Airport to Ilala Lodge (30 mins)

Day 3 Road Transfer: Ilala Lodge to Victoria Falls Airport (30 mins)

Day 3 Road Transfer: Hwange airstrip to Somalisa Camp (30 mins)

Day 6 Road Transfer: Somalisa Camp to Hwange airstrip (30 mins)

Day 6 Road Transfer: Bumi airstrip to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge (20 mins)

Day 8 Road Transfer: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge to Bumi airstrip (20 mins)

Flights Included

Day 3 Victoria Falls Airport to Hwange airstrip (50 mins)

Day 6 Hwange airstrip to Bumi airstrip (1 hr)

Day 8 Bumi airstrip to Victoria Falls Airport (1 hr 30mins)

Highlights

View the spectacular and mighty Victoria Falls

Partake in the multitude of activities available at Victoria Falls from sedate sunset cruises to adrenaline crazy bungee jumping and everything in between

Outstanding and personalised game viewng on a private concession in Hwange National Park

Beautiful spacious en-suite tents with comfortably furnished private decks, overlooking Somalisa‘s waterhole

Fantastic relaxing getaway on Lake Kariba, with breath-taking views of the lake

Various activities while at Bumi Hills including game viewing, fishing, and cultural tours

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Day 1 – 2

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely

popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, this spectacle is accessible from both

Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine a game viewing and water sports. There is excellent

fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world.

Overnight: Ilala Lodge

The warmest of welcomes awaits you at Ilala Lodge Hotel. A gracefully distinguished ambiance. Attentive yet

discrete service that always comes with a smile. The sublime surroundings of this boutique hotel will reawaken

your senses while the power of the majestic Victoria Falls renews your spirit.

Relax in luxurious style. Listen to the meditative rhythm of the great Zambezi as you drift off to sleep. As

morning comes, gently awake and lift your head to see the spray of the majestic Victoria Falls across the

unspoiled horizon – and let your soul sigh.

Feel at ease in the elegant and spacious rooms with African Teak furniture, soft, crisp linen – all

en-suite facilities, bathroom with separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV, hair dryer, tea &

coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi and a safe.

The view from your room looks across the lawns to the National Parks where elephant, warthog, impala or the

occasional buffalo might be passing by or simply grazing on the lawn or in the tree line.

Experience new tastes, indulge in unusual flavours and enjoy delectable dishes at our award winning restaurant

"The Palm”; dine in view of the spray of the majestic Victoria Falls! Lodge also has a spa, where you can spoil

yourself after a long day!

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Notes: Day 1, 2

DAY 1 You will be met at Victoria Falls airport by one of our representatives and transferred by air-conditioned minibus

to Ilala Lodge arriving by mid-afternoon. This gives you time to settle in and relax or we recommend a sunset

cruise or helicopter flight on this first afternoon. Dinner can either be at the Ilala’s palm restaurant, which is

excellent or we can recommend other options in and around town. Although activities are not included in the

package price, please let us help you to arrange an itinerary of activities suitable for you. Have a look at this page

Victoria Falls activities to see what is on offer.

DAY 2 You have 1 full day to soak up the wonderful atmosphere of Victoria Falls. It is the adventure capital of Africa and

there are activities on offer to cater for everyone’s needs. View the mighty Falls, partake in the many activities

on offer or wander around the streets to do a bit of curio shopping, then finish off at a café for refreshments and

a bite to eat. Please have a look at the available Victoria Falls Activities and contact us to arrange a suitable

itinerary just for you.

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Day 3 – 5

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion,

zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species,

including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent.

Terrain ranges from desert dunes and savannah lands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests.

Overnight: Somalisa Camp

Somalisa Camp is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, and is known as the land of the giants for its big

elephant herds. Nestled in a stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient

seasonal flood plain, Somalisa provides guests with breath-taking views of the savannah plains across the

famous Kennedy Vlei line. Recently re-built, Somalisa Camp has upgraded its level of accommodation to that of

complete comfort and luxury whilst still maintaining its focus on the guiding and hosting of guests to ensure the

ultimate guest experience.

Consisting of seven elegantly furnished Sail Tents with gauze sliding doors, a glass wood-burner fireplace for the

cold winter nights, and an overhead fan for the hot summer days, each tent has en-suite bathroom facilities

including flush toilets, an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a copper slipper-style bathtub. The main decking

area includes split level decking with a separate lounge and dining area, as well as a small splash pool for guests

overlooking the “Elephant Pool” and a natural waterhole where herds of game congregate to drink and where

guests can relax whilst soaking in the African bush.

Activities include guided walks lead by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love

of the bush with you, game drives and night drives. Wildlife sightings include elephant, kudu, sable antelope,

zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena, and

many other wildlife species.

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Notes: Day 3, 4, 5

DAY 3 Today, you will be picked up after breakfast for your charter flight to Hwange. Your flight takes about 50

minutes, then it is a 30-minute game drive to Somalisa Camp. After lunch it’s siesta time during the heat of the

day, so take time to relax in your room or the main lodge area and watch animals as they come down to drink at

the waterhole. Then it’s your chance to see some fantastic wildlife on an afternoon and evening game drive with

your experienced guide. Return to the lodge after sunset, freshen up and enjoy a delicious dinner and evening

around the campfire, recounting stories of the afternoons wildlife sightings.

DAY 4 No two days are the same at Somalisa, game viewing experiences are tailor-made to guest’s preferences, please

see details below of the activities available and arrange these with the lodge managers onsite to suit your

individual needs. Whether you choose to track a herd of elephant on foot with your highly trained guide at dawn

or spend the afternoon relaxing overlooking the waterhole on the deck by the pool, this wild and unspoilt bush

paradise will guarantee you leave with memories to last a lifetime!

DAY 5 Another day of game viewing activities at Somalisa, tailor-made to suit your needs and influenced by what the

wildlife at the time of your visit is doing. Hwange offers some of the best wildlife sightings available in Africa

without the congestion of numerous tourists.

Activities Info

Game Drives at Somalisa Camp

Activities include game drives (day and night) by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge

and love of the bush with you.

The open land cruisers will accommodate six passengers on tiered seating so that views are not blocked and

photographic opportunities are enhanced. Each of our vehicles are fitted with permanent canvas roofing to

protect you from the varying weather elements, whilst still allowing an optimised up close and personal

experience of wildlife.

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Walking at Somalisa Camp

Activities include guided walks lead by qualified guides. Because there is much more to an African safari than

being driven around in a vehicle while passively viewing animals, Somalisa combines the ultimate itinerary with

an expert guide, creating the complete journey, where experiences, knowledge and passions are shared and

whereby a standard Safari is transformed into an extra-ordinary one.

Bird Watching at Somalisa Camp

Hwange National Park is known to be one of the highest diversities of wildlife and bird-life species more than any

other National Park in Southern Africa. There are up to over 470 birdlife species in the area.

Evening Drives at Somalisa Camp

Evening Drives on Somalisa’s Private Concession within the Hwange National Park are done in open land cruisers

that will accommodate six passengers on tiered seating so that views are not blocked and photographic

opportunities are enhanced. Each of the vehicles are fitted with permanent canvas roofing to protect you from

the varying weather elements, whilst still allowing an optimised up close and personal experience of wildlife.

Guests who have booked a private vehicle can request for the roofing to be removed in advance of their safari.

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Day 6 – 8

Lake Kariba

The planet’s most voluminous man-made lake, Kariba is a popular tourist destination that was created in the

1950s when the mighty Zambezi was dammed. It stretches for more than 200 kilometres along the border

between Zimbabwe and Zambia, forming a natural boundary between the two countries. The lake’s waters are

home to abundant crocodiles, hippos, fish and aquatic birds, while its shoreline and islands are rich with

terrestrial game such as elephant and buffalo. It has become one of Zimbabwe’s main tourist attractions offering

houseboat holidays, fishing safaris and wonderful game viewing experiences.

Overnight: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and Spa boasts one of Africa’s finest wilderness locations with an elevated position on a

range of remote hills overlooking the vastness of Lake Kariba. Bumi is easily accessible by light aircraft and boat,

allowing you to be swiftly transported into paradise without the stress of a long journey. Guests are welcomed

into luxurious comfort by a team of staff that are unfailingly passionate and committed to ensuring your stay will

forever be etched in a treasured part of your memory.

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The lodge has a total of 20 rooms, all with views over the lake. Ten of the rooms are premium rooms with

balconies and uninhibited views. The other ten are garden rooms with slated terraces, set a little way back

behind and on a level above the premium rooms. All rooms are air conditioned at night and during the day upon

request.

Taking centre stage is the beautiful infinity pool that seems to blend endlessly into the lake horizon. The pool is

surrounded by intimate wine and dining terraces on different levels. The lodge interiors have been beautifully

finished in a fusion of contemporary western and African styles. At the Spa you will have the opportunity to

indulge yourself with a visual sensory experience like no other - overlooking Lake Kariba.

The Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is situated on an extensive private wildlife conservation area. Bumi Hills is home to

lion, leopard, big herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as a multitude of different plains game. Guests can

indulge in superb fishing in the lake waters surrounding the lodge with bream and the fighting tiger fish in

abundance. Birding and cultural experiences also abound. Bumi Hills is a dream wedding destination - an

incredible setting for a wedding whilst enjoying special time with family and friends surrounded by the lake and a

myriad of wildlife!

Notes: Day 6, 7, 8

DAY 6 Enjoy another early morning activity, then after breakfast prepare for your transfer out of Hwange National Park.

The flight to Bumi Hills Airstrip takes about 1 hour and then it’s a short 20-minute drive up to the hotel. Check into

your room and then enjoy a lunch on the terrace, the view is breath-taking so just sit back and relax. Cool off in

the infinity pool, or enjoy a spa treatment (optional extra) to wind down the day, or go on a boat cruise on Lake

Kariba where you will spot the various animals that visit the shorelines to quench their thirst. Head back to the

lodge for some drinks and prepare for dinner at the lodge's restaurant.

DAY 7 Go for a morning game drive with an experienced and knowledgeable guide out on the concession in an open

4×4 game viewer where you are likely to spot a wide variety of game, over 300 bird species as well as numerous

insects, reptiles and trees! Return to the hotel for lunch and then if you wish take part in a cultural village tour to

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the sprawling mud-hut Tonga village under Chief Mola. A visit is both humbling and life-enriching to witness how

these friendly, spiritual people survive under such harsh conditions and how they keep their centuries-old

traditions alive along the length of the Zambezi River.

DAY 8 Sadly, this is the last day of your safari. After breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip for the 1 hour 30-

minute flight back to Victoria Falls airport in time for your onward flight.

Activities Info

Wildlife Game Viewing

Bumi is unique among luxury safari lodges because of

the exquisite added dimension of the water - Kariba is

among the world’s largest man-made lakes and a

genuine African wilderness with far more animals than

people. This allows for glorious game-viewing by boat

as well as the traditional open 4 x 4 vehicles and

walking in the wild with an armed professional guide.

Sailing

Bumi Hills has recently introduced sailing to its list of exciting

activities. The lake waters around Bumi Hills are ideal to

explore from our spacious 30-foot catamaran. Our fully

qualified skipper is on hand to take you on a special cruise

through beautiful archipelagos, bays, creeks and inlets to

discover sandy beaches, birding havens and game rich

ecosystems. As a special treat arrange with our activities

team to take a packed picnic lunch and stop off on an island

for a unique private dining experience.

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Birding at Lake Kariba

The Bumi area offers truly incredible birdlife,

especially water birds, and hundreds of species have

been recorded. It is a thrilling location for

photography of the majestic scenery and wildlife, but

also the prolific bird life for enthusiasts.

Lake Kariba Fishing

Bumi is the prime fishing region of Kariba and is a major attraction that sets it apart from any traditional luxury

safari lodge. Here it is rated one of Africa’s Top 20 adventures. You’ll thrill to catching the razor toothed tiger,

pound-for-pound one of the world’s most powerful freshwater species.

Cultural Excursions

The Bumi Hills Wildlife Area is bordered in the north west by

the Chalala and Mola communities, which are home to the

Tonga, a delightful and very spiritual people who have resided

in this area and along the length of the Zambezi River for

centuries. They have preserved ancient traditions and still live

a largely subsistence lifestyle that is reliant on fishing,

livestock and small scale farming. In the village of Chalala

these customs have melted together with the inevitable

infiltration of modern ways of life. However, the luxuries of a

permanent electricity and water supply to homes are still

absent, leaving the communities still largely reliant on the surrounding environment for their livelihood.

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Platform Sits

Bumi Hills has its own private game area, which extends below the lodge and includes a long stretch of

lakeshore. Note that this is outside Matusadona National Park itself, to the west of it, and is more limited than

the park’s vast area. Guests can use game hides, below the lodge, for closer views of the wildlife.

Price

Total Price for 7 Nights: US$ 4125 (high season) / US$ 2992 (low season) Per person sharing

Included

ILALA LODGE

• Accommodation in a beautiful classy deluxe room.

• Daily breakfast

SOMALISA CAMP

• Accommodation in a large, elegantly furnished tented suite

• All meals and non-premium drinks

• All game viewing activities

• Hwange National Parks Fees

• Laundry

BUMI HILLS SAFARI LODGE

• Accommodation in a standard room

• All meals and non-premium drinks

• Laundry

• Two activities per day: choice of game drive, boat cruise, guided walk, fishing, cultural village tour.

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TRANSFERS

• Air transfers between Victoria Falls, Hwange and Bumi Hills

• All road transfers between lodges and airports/airstrips

Excluded

ILALA LODGE

• Meals and beverages not mentioned

• Activities

SOMALISA CAMP

• Premium and imported brand drinks

• Gratuities and items of a personal nature

• $10 pppn conservation fee

BUMI HILLS

• Premium and imported brand drinks

• Lake fees for water-based activities

• BHAPU fees for land-based activities

• Spa Treatments

Travel Information

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s

leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is

transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of

the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural

wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is

awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot

featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip

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down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close

encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

Banking and Currency

Currency

Zimbabwe uses US$ as its own unit of currency. South African Rands and Euros are also widely accepted. It is

advised to carry small denominations of change with you. However, it is best to pay for as much as possible

outside of the country. South African Rands work well in supermarkets, while US$ are preferred for curios,

accommodation and activities.

Banking

Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 08h00 to 15h00, on

Wednesdays from 08h00 to 13h00 and Fridays from 08h00 to 11h30. They are closed on Sundays and Public

Holidays.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Taxis are safe and reliable, and can be booked through your hotel front desk. Taxis in cities travel within a 40km

radius of the city. Always take a taxi at night.

Major airlines fly into Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. Charter flights are available to most attractions and

camps.

Zimbabwe has a good road infrastructure, by African standards, although potholed. Between major towns, there

are frequent road blocks. Traffic drives on the left side of the road.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Zimbabwe's native cuisine is based on sadza, a cooked porridge made from ground maize which is normally be

accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often

prepare sadza if requested, and it is almost always available in small restaurants in the towns.

Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of

food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent. If you are driving yourself around and plan to

cook, then get most of your supplies in main towns.

Water in the main towns is usually purified. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that

it may harbour. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it.

However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated

water available in towns and from all camps, lodges and hotels.

Clothing / Dress Recommendations

When in Zimbabwe the cardinal rule is to wear casual, comfortable clothes during the day as temperatures can

get very hot. It is advisable to wear light loose fitting clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy

to wash. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings and rainwear for the wet season.

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A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will also guard

against the scorching sun rays. It is recommended you wear light shoes, especially if your itinerary entails a lot of

walking.

For safaris, please remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Earth colour clothes, such as browns,

greens and tans are advisable.

Electricity and Plug Standards

Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. Both square and round plugs are used.