The Highlights of Zimbabwe

ITINERARY

Imire – Mutare – Bvumba Mountains – Nyanga National Park – Masvingo – Matobo National Park – Eastern Hwange National Park – Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

15 Days / 14 Nights
Minimum 4 persons

Zimbabwe

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 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.

Introduction

Included

• Driver’s accommodation, meals, fuel, and toll fees
• Arrive RG International Airport & transfer to Imire Lodge
• 2 x night2 Imire Lodge on D.B&B basis with activities
• Road Transfer to La Rochelle
• 2 x nights at La Rochelle on D.B&B
• Road transfer to Aberfoyle Lodge
• 2 x nights Aberfoyle – Full board
• Road transfer to Great Zimbabwe
• 1 x night Ancient City Lodge – Full board
• Road transfer to Matobo Hills Lodge – Matopos
•  2x nights Matopos Lodge – Full board and activities
• Road transfer from Vic Falls airport to Hwange Lodge
• 3 x nights Hwange – all-inclusive of all meals, local drinks, activities, and parks fees
• Road transfer from Hwange lodge to Victoria Falls
• 2 x nights Victoria Falls– D.B&B
• Guided tour of the Victoria Falls
• Look Out Café lunch & transfers
• Dinner cruise on the Zambezi with drinks, 3-course dinner, and drinks
• Dinner at hotel or lodge
• Transfer from Vic Falls accommodation to VFA for flight home

Excluded

• Visa’s
• Flight from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls – guests must book this flight directly
• NO Drinks at any lodges
• Entrance fees at Botanical gardens in the Vumba / Nyanga
• U$58 entrance fee to the Victoria Falls
• Additional activities at Aberfoyle
• Monument fees at Great Zimbabwe & Rhodes Grave 
• Activities in Vic Falls apart from those mentioned above
• Drinks at Lookout Café and Dusty Road dinner
• Laundry
• Gratuities
• Items of a personal nature
• Curios

Itinerary

Day 1 to Day 3 – Sable Lodge Imire, Imire or Similar

Situated only 90 minutes from Zimbabwe’s capital of Harare, Imire is a rhino-focused wildlife conservancy area providing a safe sanctuary for several species. Elephant, lion, hyena, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, and more than ten different types of antelope have a safe home here.

Bird enthusiasts can look forward to spotting over 150 different species of birds, including raptors such as snake eagle, martial eagle, and African hawk-eagle, and water birds including fish eagle, green-backed heron, grey heron and kingfishers, plus secretary birds and saddle-billed storks.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, volunteer to help rhinos and elephants by day, and enjoy spectacularly bright starry skies by night.

Overnight: Sable Lodge Imire

Against the dusty backdrop of Zimbabwe’s beautiful bush is a cool, green retreat, a true cocoon of relaxation, just one and a half hours from the capital, Harare.

Sable Lodge at Imire offers seven comfortable lodges of varying sizes, fine home cooking and a sparkling swimming pool set in a beautiful garden, all within the amazing African bush. This is what you could call roughing it in comfort.

A typical day at Sable Lodge may include an early morning Elephant Ride. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows you to interact closely with these astoundingly intelligent and sensitive animals.

Follow this with a full English Breakfast, go out on a game drive or bird walk, climb Castle Kopje or visit Markwe Caves to see bush paintings and ancient tribal artefacts.

Lunch is served out in the game park (weather permitting!), with a visit from the elephants or rhino a highlight of the day; not to mention sundowners from the lookout point later – after that must-do afternoon siesta! If you like, you may learn more about our active community projects, we’ll be happy to fill you in and show you our work.

At night, enjoy chatting around a fire with some star-gazing and end off the day with a hearty meal and a good night’s rest, lulled to sleep by the sounds of nocturnal Africa.

Transfers

• Pickup: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport [HRE]
• Drop Off: Sable Lodge Imire
• Basis: Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 3 to Day 5: Aberfoyle Lodge, Nyanga National Park

The rolling hills of the 47,000-hectare Park Nyanga National Park, on Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands, are home to a multitude of scenic rivers, refreshing streams, and breathtaking waterfalls.

The park boasts both Zimbabwe’s highest mountain peak and its highest waterfall, and the elevated altitude provides a cool and pleasant climate and fresh mountain air, perfect for rest, relaxation, and plenty of outdoor adventures.

The mountainous terrain and its sparkling fresh water sources offer excellent opportunities for fly fishing, sailing, canoeing, swimming, and hiking. Visitors are likely to encounter a variety of fascinating wildlife, including, among others, kudu, zebra, impala, sables, and eland.

Overnight: Aberfoyle Lodge

Nestled amongst rolling tea plantations, rivers, mountains, and lovely riparian forest, Aberfoyle Lodge is situated in a very special part of Zimbabwe. At Aberfoyle Lodge, they take pride in offering their guests a themed experience.

Accommodation consists of tastefully decorated rooms with modern amenities, including en-suite bathrooms, hairdryers, coffee and tea stations, desks, ceiling fans, and verandas overlooking the golf course or the forest. The iconic 9-hole golf course is visible from the main lodge. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a game with beautiful scenery as their backdrop.

The lodge also offers various activities, from self-guided walks and picnics along the riverside to a thrilling zipline tour through the treetops over the river. The fantastic diversity of the Honde Valley and Aberfoyle areas makes it a paradise for birders. The resident bird guide, Morgan, is exceptional in his knowledge of the area’s avian inhabitants. He will go above and beyond to help guests spot that special bird they have been searching for.

In addition, the lodge has a versatile venue that caters to various events and functions, such as conferences, weddings, and art exhibitions. Please note that our property does not offer any camping facilities.

Day 5 to Day 7: La Rochelle Centre, Mutare or Similar

Resting in a scenic valley surrounded by mountains in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands, Mutare is one of the largest cities in Zimbabwe, known for its mountainous terrain, lush forests, melting pot of cultures, and friendly, hospitable locals.

Mutare has a small-town feel but boasts all the modern conveniences of a large city. Points of interest include: the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, archaeological sites on Murahwa Hill, the Mutare Museum, and Cross Kopje, bearing a memorial to African soldiers killed in World War One.

The nearby Nyanga Mountains offer exquisite views, scenic hiking trails, and a wealth of wildlife, while the Vumba Mountains are known for their lush vegetation, botanical gardens, and mist,y mystical mountain atmosphere.


Overnight: La Rochelle Centre

La Rochelle is a newly re-opened Country House in Penhalonga, near Mutare. It was renowned in the 1950s and 60s for Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia Courtauld’s lavish and warm hospitality and has long been recognized as one of the most celebrated botanical gardens in Zimbabwe.

This luxury country house is an oasis of tranquility and charm. It has a refreshingly relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Nature, History, Culture, and the Arts intersect at La Rochelle to create an ambience of holistic wellbeing.

La Rochelle is located on a 182-hectare estate and boasts over 40 acres of landscaped gardens, both formal and informal, a beautiful dam, as well as one of the finest arboretums in Southern Africa encompassing some 800 varieties of trees from around the world, which adjoins the natural forest and woodland. It is famous for the orchid collection that can be found in the Orchid House.

Explore the Bvumba Mountains whilst staying at La Rochelle

Resting on the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border, 30 kilometres southeast of Mutare, the spectacular Bvumba or Vumba Mountains rise to an impressive 1911-metre peak at Castle Beacon. The year-round abundance of exotic flora and fauna makes Bvumba an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking the region’s rarest bird and butterfly species.

Keep a close eye out for the endangered Samango monkey and the elusive mountain leopard. Spend your days hiking Bvumba’s picturesque hillsides, verdant natural forests, and breathtaking landscapes, where you will discover a botanical treasure trove of unique African bird, animal and plant life.

Don’t miss the Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve and the nearby Bvumba Botanical Garden, designed around several small streams and includes a vital cycad collection, with 59 of the 189 known species.

Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast

Day 7 to Day 8: Lodge At The Ancient City, Masvingo or Similar

Situated in southeastern Zimbabwe, the capital of Masvingo Province, Masvingo town was formerly known as Fort Victoria. It is located near the Unesco-listed Great Zimbabwe National Monument, the ruins of an ancient city of mysterious origins that dates back thousands of years and shows evidence of an advanced civilisation.

Masvingo serves as an excellent base from which to explore several attractions such as this in the surrounding region, including beautiful Lake Mutirikwi Recreational Park, the enthralling Kyle Dam, and the Kyle National Reserve, home to abundant wildlife.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the neighbouring Mushandike National Park, known for its stunning natural landscapes.

Overnight: Lodge At The Ancient City

Overlooking the ancient city and a valley of msasa trees, Lodge At The Ancient City offers accommodation located in Masvingo, Zimbabwe.

The property features 19 thatched bungalows decorated with authentic artefacts. Each bungalow features an overhead fan, a minibar, tea/coffee-making facilities, a TV with DStv, and Wi-Fi. Guests can conveniently enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant.

Additional amenities include a bar and a pool. Local activities include boat cruises, guided tours of rock art and caves, game viewing, birding, fishing and community visits.

Basis:
Lunch, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 8 to Day 10: Matobo Hills Lodge, Matobo National Park or Similar

Idyllically located in the spectacular Matobo Hills, the renowned Matobo National Park is known for its rich human history, its remarkably diverse flora and fauna and its magnificent rugged terrain. This unspoiled natural wilderness features a range of massive red-tinged, granite boulders interspersed with gorgeous wooded valleys, making it a dream destination for hikers, climbers and nature lovers alike.

The reserve is compact, easily accessible and is home to an impressive range of African wildlife including the highly endangered black and white rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hippo, warthog and crocodile as well as Africa’s largest concentration of leopard and black eagles.

This unforgettable national park serves as an ideal stopover for travellers heading to the popular tourist sites of Hwange and the majestic Victoria Falls.

Overnight: Matobo Hills Lodge

Matobo Hills Lodge is a unique retreat nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering guests the rare opportunity to sleep among ancient granite kopjes in the heart of Matobo National Park. Our lodge combines natural stone architecture with sweeping views of the surrounding hills, delivering an immersive and comfortable wilderness experience.

We cater to the discerning traveller seeking both adventure and tranquillity. Our guided activities include rhino tracking on foot, sunset drives through dramatic landscapes, and cultural excursions to ancient rock art sites. The lodge is also a haven for birders, with species like the elusive Cape Eagle Owl and Black Eagle frequenting the area.

At Matobo Hills Lodge, warm hospitality meets practical comfort. Our team is known for their exceptional service, and our cuisine blends local flavours with international favourites. With 17 en-suite stone-thatched chalets, a swimming pool, and panoramic dining areas, we provide a relaxed, safe, and authentic Zimbabwean experience.

Whether you’re including us in a longer circuit or offering a short escape into Zimbabwe’s oldest national park, Matobo Hills Lodge adds soul, history, and story to your itinerary.

Activities

• Full Day Tour
• Rhodes Grave

Full Day Tour

This Tour leaves Bulawayo at 9am to the Matobo Hills to view the Bushman Paintings, rock formations and scenery in the National Park during the morning. Also Visiting Rhodes Grave upon request.

N.B. There is an additional Museum Charge of US$10 per person to visit Rhodes Grave.

We then leave the National Park and enter the African Villages where we meet some of the local community and visit an African Village.

At lunch time we find a suitable spot for lunch where cold meat, salads etc, are supplied.

For the afternoon, we enter the Game park section of the National Park where we track Rhino on foot with our guides, as well as looking for other game, chat about some of the different uses of plants etc.

We then return to Bulawayo at approx 7pm. leaving the park at 6pm.

For guests staying at Matobo Hills Lodge, pick up is between 9.30 and 10 am.

(Minimum of 4 pax per vehicle)

Rhodes Grave

The hill on which Cecil Rhodes is buried is called Malindidzimu, the legendary place of benevolent spirits, and here he used to rest and dream of his beloved Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and its development, and of further expansion to the north of Africa.

Actually, he came across the site by chance when riding through the hills with lord Grey (the administrator who succeeded Dr. Jameson), and it appealed to him greatly, as it has done to countless thousands of visitors since then.

(N.B. There is an additional Museum Charge of US$10 per person to visit Rhodes Grave).

Day 10 to Day 13: Ivory Lodge, Eastern Hwange National Park or Similar

Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife.

Home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, the park is a wonderland for animal lovers. Several protected animals inhabit the awe-inspiring open landscapes, including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable – along with lion, cheetah, and around 500 bird species.

Adventurers can look forward to guided bush hikes, game drives, and horse riding safaris, all of which offer excellent photographic opportunities.

Hwange boasts several unique natural features, most notably the natural seeps such as Nehimba and Shakwanki, where animals dig for water.

Overnight: Ivory Lodge

A small, intimate lodge featuring 7 luxurious tree houses and 2 Presidential Elephant Suites set on elevated platforms amongst the indigenous flora of Hwange Game Park.

Deep in the mystical teak forests of Hwange is this unobtrusive camp, bathed in the tales of pioneering hunters and explorers such as Fredrick Courtney Selous. Lumbering giants drift around your stilted platforms, their tusks glinting in salute to the sanctuary of shade offered up by these massive trees.

This is Ivory Lodge – a place of elephants. It is here that great herds of elephants are found – sometimes over 100 strong.

Hwange is renowned for its huge tuskers – big old bulls with magnificent tusks. It is also here that the famous Presidential Herd drinks – these elephants’ home range is amongst the dense feeding areas of the Sikumi Vlei, and where they find refuge from the scorching heat at Ivory’s water hole.

Silently, elegantly, the lodge stands over the waterhole…. watch by flood light under a star-spangled African night sky – the elephants in their play-fighting… their display of instinctive rituals, their caressing and murmurings… all which speak of years gone by.

Activities

• Game Drives
• Walking Safari
• Pan Sits

Game Drives

Morning, afternoon, and full-day game drives can be arranged on the concession and into the National Park. An abundance of game species can be spotted within the concession and National Park, including Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Cheetah, Zebra, Sable, Wild Dog, Leopard, and much more!

Within the concession, evening game drives can be arranged with a sunset stopover for sundowners and your choice of beverage. Returning to the lodge by spotlight to find those elusive night animals & arriving back in camp in time to freshen up for dinner.

Walking Safari

After a fireside coffee and delicious muffins, journey into the bush on foot with your professional guide on a walking safari. Enjoy the early crisp mornings as you discover the wonders of the African bush and witness its wildlife come to life. Starting time is first light. Walking Safaris are carried out on our private concession of 6000 acres and are weather-dependent.

Walking Safaris are only available upon request.

Pan Sits

Spend the day, half a day relaxing near the pan with full waiter service and watch the animals as they get up close and personal.

Basis:

Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees, laundry, and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine, and Beers) Included

Day 13 to Day 15: Victoria Falls Oasis, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Similar

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 metres in width.

The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer.

The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenaline-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.

Overnight: Victoria Falls Oasis

Located in the heart of Victoria Falls town, just 1.5km from the magnificent Falls entrance, our family-owned lodge offers 24 comfortable rooms – 16 Standard and 8 Deluxe accommodations.

At 311 Fox Road, our central location puts you within easy walking distance of the town center’s markets, restaurants, and attractions. We provide quality, affordable accommodation without compromising on comfort or experience. All rooms come equipped with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, tea & coffee making facilities, hair dryer, fan, and air conditioning.

Our crowning glory is our lush, verdant garden – a true oasis in the center of Victoria Falls town. The vibrant tropical plants and shaded areas create a peaceful retreat where guests can unwind and reconnect with nature. Within this green sanctuary, you’ll find our main swimming pool with two splash pools, an on-site restaurant serving Afro-fusion cuisine, and a welcoming pub overlooking the pool area.

The lodge combines modern comforts with authentic hospitality, creating the perfect base for exploring Victoria Falls and enjoying moments of relaxation between adventures.

Day 15: End of Itinerary – Transfer to VFA for Flight Home.

Transfers

Pick Up: Victoria Falls Oasis Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA]

Lucky Bean Travel Terms and Conditions

• Minimum 4 persons to book and confirm this package, or 2 or 3 persons to pay for a minimum of 4 persons.
• 25% non-refundable deposit to confirm
• All requests are subject to availability at all lodges and hotels mentioned above.
• All Safari Lodges, Safari Camps, Hotels, B&Bs, and Service providers’ cancellation policies will be implemented.
• Pre-payment is required for all bookings. All bank charges must be paid by the client.
• Travel insurance is required in order to travel.

General Info

Please have a look at this page on the Lucky Bean website as to what to pack for your trip:

⦁ https://luckybeantravel.com/what-to-take-on-safari-in-africa/
⦁ https://luckybeantravel.com/facts-on-zimbabwe/
⦁ Visa’s – costs etc … do not apply for an E-visa buy on entry at Bulawayo airport.
⦁ Money: Please bring U$ in cash and small denominations, as change is a problem. Visa cards are good to use in Vic Falls.
⦁ Old clothes, sneakers, bras, babies’ clothes, nappies, colouring pencils /crayons, pens, pencils are gratefully received by communities.