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5 NIGHT ZAMBEZI NATIONAL AND PARK VICTORIA FALLS GOLD (E) SAFARI 2 Nights Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe

3 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

6 Days / 5 Nights

Reference: IG-5E

Start Victoria Falls Airport / End Victoria Falls Airport

Total Price 5 Nights: US$ 1830 (high season) / US$ 1630 (low season) per person sharing

Overview On this safari, you will enjoy luxurious and comfortable lodging in the Victoria Falls area while you spend a few

days in the Zambezi National Park taking in awesome views and bountiful wildlife, and then a couple of days in

the town of Victoria Falls enjoying the various exciting activities on offer.

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Inspired Journey Overview

Accommodation

Night 1 – 2 Luxury Tent at Victoria Falls River Lodge

Night 3 – 5 Standard Room at Ilala Lodge

Transfers Included

Day 1 Road Transfer: Victoria Falls Airport to Victoria Falls River Lodge

Day 3 Road Transfer: Victoria Falls River Lodge to Ilala Lodge

Day 6 Road Transfer: Ilala Lodge to Victoria Falls Aiport

Highlights

Day 1 Sundowner river cruise

Day 2 Morning game drive, Kandahar Island bird watching

Day 3 Morning boat cruise

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Day 1 - 2

Zambezi National Park

Zambezi National Park together with Victoria Falls National Park cover an area of 56,000 hectares. The northern

border of the Park is formed by the great Zambezi River which also forms the border between

Zimbabwe and Zambia for much of its length.

A wide variety of larger mammals may be found within the Zambezi National Park including elephant, lion,

buffalo and leopard. In addition, herds of sable antelope, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala as

well as many of the smaller species of game can be viewed. The Zambezi River is home to over is 75 species of

fish and is famous for its bream and fighting tiger fish.

Overnight: Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge is the first private game lodge to be set in the Zambezi National Park. This newly built

luxury tented lodge is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.

Uninterrupted panoramic views of African sunsets and exceptional wildlife viewing makes this uniquely located

lodge the ideal place from which to explore Victoria Falls as it combines the safari experience with one of the

world's most famous tourist destinations!

The main lodge has an open plan design and has been positioned just back from the river – in view of the

elephants' natural evening route. Sit back and sip on a cocktail, under the shade of the thatched roof, as the

elephants graze along the river line. It's a cool escape from the African sun.

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Notes: Day 1, 2

DAY 1 From Victoria Falls International Airport, you will be picked up and driven to Victoria Falls River Lodge within the

Zambezi National Park. The transfer takes about 45 minutes. Check into your luxury tent and take in your

surroundings. Enjoy high tea in the main lodge before embarking on a sunset river cruise complete with your

sundowner, views of wildlife big and small, and a professional guide to enlighten you on the Zambezi River and

its surroundings. After your river cruise, return to the lodge and freshen up. Dinner will be served in the main

lodge's dining area. You may enjoy drinks after dinner and/or retire to your room.

DAY 2 Wake up early on this day for a morning game drive through the Zambezi National Park. Morning tea and coffee

with snacks will be served during the game drive. Return to the lodge for brunch. Spend some time in your room,

in the main lounge, by the deck, or take in the view of the Zambezi while you sit at the jetty. Lunch will be served

and then you will go for a walking and birding safari to Kandahar Island. The island is a short boat ride away.

After your bird watching safari, return to the lodge for high tea and drinks by the bar or the main deck. You may

have dinner in the dining area, or opt for a private bush dinner, or a private dinner at the lodge jetty. You are free

to enjoy drinks after dinner before going to bed.

Activities Info

Game Drive

Guests have choice of either a morning or evening game drive in the Zambezi National Park. For the ultimate

bush safari experience, head out in a game-viewer to explore the Zambezi national Park early in the morning,

armed with hot beverages and a delicious supply of traditionally baked rusks.

Alternatively, track a magnificent elephant herd as they move silently through the bush, or admire stately giraffe

as they effortlessly weave their way through spikey acacia thicket – stopping to enjoy the phenomenal sunset

with sun-downers and a variety of scrumptious snacks before returning to camp for dinner.

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River Cruise

Watch from the comfort of a private river cruiser as the world awakens and the sun’s first rays skip and dance

across the shimmering surface of the mighty Zambezi River – A truly revitalising way to start any day!

For the not-so-early birds, sit back and let the gentle ebb and flow of the Zambezi lull and relax you, while you sip

on sundowners, viewing nature’s creatures, big and small, coming to the water’s edge.

Additional On-Site Activities (optional)

Kandahar Island Picnic Lunch Canoe Safari

On this canoe safari, you will paddle from the lodge to Kandahar Island for a Picnic Lunch and some bird-viewing.

This activity is about 2 to 3 hours long.

Half Day Canoe Safari

This can be a morning or afternoon 4 hours long activity with lunch or dinner back at the lodge.

Full Day Canoe Safari

For 8 hours on the Zambezi River, this safari comes with a packed picnic lunch and drinks which can be enjoyed

on the Zambezi River bank or on one of the islands on the river. Dinner will be served back at the lodge.

Fishing Safaris

Guests have a choice between fishing off the boat and fishing off the jetty.

Walking Safaris

These are done with an armed professional and licensed guide.

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Day 3 - 6

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 our 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 our 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. 56 rooms in total including 2 Executive Suites, 2 Standard Suites, 10

x Standard double rooms with a king-size bed in each and 42 other standard rooms that have 2 x ¾ beds in each.

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!

We have a tours desk in the hotel where you can book all your activities. Ilala Lodge also has a spa, where you

can spoil yourself after that long safari!

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Cruise down the river of time and follow the route that ancient explorers took, on the luxurious Ra-Ikane. She is

the only one of her kind in Victoria Falls; The Ra-Ikane is a small luxury cruise boat that is out-fitted to suggest, in

exquisite detail, an ambiance of a bygone era. Sip chilled white wine, or Gin & Tonics whilst nibbling on canapés,

as well as the sumptuous high tea, whilst you glide up to Elephants feeding on the shoreline.

Notes: Day 3, 4, 5, 6

DAY 3 Wake up for an early morning boat cruise, or a bit of fishing on the jetty (optional extra) on your last day at

Victoria Falls River Lodge. Head back to the lodge for brunch and prepare for your transfer out to Ilala Lodge in

Victoria Falls town.

At Ilala Lodge, drop off your bags and take a stroll into town, or the other way to the Victoria Falls Rainforest (all

within walking distance). You may have lunch at one of the restaurants in town or at the Rainforest Cafe at the

Falls. You are free to take part in Victoria Falls activities, or relax back at your hotel room.

DAY 4 & 5 You are free to take part in any activities that are on offer. Visit our Activities Page or ask us to arrange your

activities for you.

DAY 6 On this day, you will be picked up from Ilala Lodge after breakfast for your transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for

your departure flight.

Activities Info

You are free to take part in any activities that are on offer. Visit our Activities Page or ask us to arrange your

activities for you.

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Price

Total: US$ 1830 (high season) / US$ 1630 (low season) per person sharing

Included

VICTORIA FALLS RIVER LODGE

• Accommodation in a superb luxury tent

• All meals and local beverages

• Two game activities per day: Morning or Afternoon game drive in the Zambezi National Park OR a

sunrise/sunset river cruise, Bird watching on Kandahar Island, Tour of the Falls

ILALA LODGE

• Accommodation in a delightful standard room

• Daily breakfast

TRANSFERS

• Return Victoria Falls Airport transfers

• Two optional daily transfers from camp to Victoria Falls town

Excluded

NATIONAL PARK FEES

• Victoria Falls Rainforest entrance fees to be paid on entry

• Zambezi National Park fees to be paid on entry per person per day

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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

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.

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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.

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.