7 NIGHT HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, VICTORIA FALLS AND
Transcription
7 NIGHT HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, VICTORIA FALLS AND
Page |1 7 NIGHT HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, VICTORIA FALLS AND ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK BRONZE B SAFARI 3 nights Hwange National Park 3 nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 1 night Zambezi National Park 8 Days / 7 Nights Reference: IB-7B Starts Victoria Falls Airport / Ends Victoria Falls Airport Total Price 7 nights: US$1318 (high season) / US$1243 (low season) per person sharing Page |2 Overview Mixed budget and luxury accommodation in this safari, from a thatched chalet in Hwange National Park, to a bed and breakfast lodge just 3.5kms from Victoria Falls, and a private bush camp within Zambezi National Park. You get some the best of the Hwange-Victoria Falls area without breaking the bank. Inspired Journey Overview Accommodation Night 1 – 3 Miombo Safari Camp Night 4 – 6 Lorries B & B Night 7 Pioneers Camp Transfers Included Day 1 Road Transfer: Victoria Falls Airport to Miombo Safari Lodge Day 4 Road Transfer: Miombo Safari Lodge to Lorries B & B Day 7 Road Transfer: Lorries B & B to Pioneers Camp Day 8 Raod Transfer: Pioneers Camp to Victoria Falls Airport Page |3 Day 1 – 3 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, and visitors have the choice of game drives, guided walks or horseback safaris as a means of experiencing the park and its creatures. Overnight: Miombo Safari Lodge Miombo Safari Camp bordering Hwange National Park offers a choice of rustic or deluxe accommodation and is ideally situated for day safaris into the national park. The area enjoys the highest concentration of wildlife and is famed for its large herds of elephant. Hwange's elephant population is estimated at 30,000. Miombo features four luxury tented tree houses and one honeymoon tented suite. Each suite is built to the highest quality with a world of comforts. Set in verdant Miombo woodland with our own waterhole providing you with the ultimate game viewing and birding experience at your doorstep. Page |4 Notes: Day 1, 2, 3 DAY 1 You will be met at Victoria Falls International Airport by one of our representatives and transferred by airconditioned minibus to Miombo Safari Camp near Hwange National Park. This is a 155km drive on the Vic Falls Bulawayo tarred highway, arriving at Miombo in the early evening. After check in, you can relax with a sundowner and soak up the sights and sounds of Africa. Game frequents the waterhole in front of the lodge. You can go also go on a night game drive around the camps concession if you wish and then return for dinner. DAY 2 & 3 Hwange offers some of the best wildlife sightings available in Africa without the congestion of numerous tourists. During the next two days you have the opportunity to experience the activities offered by the Miombo Camp and its guides, see details below of the activities available and arrange these with the lodge managers onsite to suit your individual needs. Two activities per day are included in this package. The days will end with an al fresco dinner at the safari lodge and drinks around the campfire. Activities Info Morning Game Drive Equipped with camera, sun hat, binoculars & any specialist bird or animal guide books, you are ready to depart on morning game drive in a custom-designed safari vehicle in Hwange National Park with your assigned local professional safari guide, as the sun caresses the surrounding tree tops. Hwange National Park proudly is home to a tremendous cross-section of wildlife; in fact with over 105 species of mammals, 430 species of birds - 50 species of those being raptors (birds of prey) & more than 100 species of trees & bushveld shrubs, it is amongst the most densely populated & diverse safari environments anywhere in the world. The close-by Dom waterhole is a prime game viewing area with massive game concentrations especially so in the dry season (late July to October) when a steady procession of all manner of mammals & birds congregate here throughout the day to quench their thirst. Nyamandhlovu Pan features a high-rise viewing platform located directly in front of a dam which is not only a draw card for all manner of mammal & bird species coming to drink here, but it is home to hippo & some not so small crocodile. Afternoon Game Drive Afternoon game drive commences with your choice of beverage & snacks mid-afternoon & it is once again, into Hwange National Park in search of new safari encounters. P a g e |5 At an appropriate time & at an appropriate spot picked by your professional safari guide, just as the sun begins to sink on the western horizon, a stop will be made & traditional ´sundowner´ drinks will be served. This time is ´Out of Africa` personified. Painted Dog Conservancy The Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) is a leading model for community-based predator conservation, combining the most advanced modern technology with traditional knowledge of local communities, the PDC has experienced great success – Zimbabwe's African Wild Dog population has increased from 400 to 700 individuals since the project's inception. PDC's model also brings direct benefit to local people with increased employment & unparalleled education opportunities. Residents of PDC’s neighboring communities not only benefit from its programs but also actively contribute to them. For example, community members are employed in anti-poaching units & in addition produce beautiful, unique art from the confiscated snare wire. They assist in systematic monitoring of the African Painted Dog population & teach environmental educational. The active engagement of local residents empowers communities, strengthens conservation & unreservedly raises environmental awareness. Night Game Drives Miombo Safari Lodge also offers our guest night game drives around the Miombo concession where you can experience the wild nocturnal activity. Guests can expect to see nocturnal game such as hyena, jackal, porcupine, civet, genet, white tail mongoose, & occasionally leopard & lion. Walking & Birding Safaris As well, during the day time guided nature walks & bird watching excursions on the Miombo concession can be tailor-made to suit individual couples, a family or an in-house group’s abilities & desires. Village Visits Miombo Safari Camp can also arrange an excursion for guests to the Dete Village which exposes visitors to the village lifestyle & to learn about local traditions. P a g e |6 Day 4 - 6 Victoria Falls 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: Lorries B & B Lorries B&B is family run with the focus on personal attention to detail and guest satisfaction. Lorries B&B is a short walk from the mighty Victoria Falls and all that this Amazing destination has to offer. All rooms are well appointed en-suite with own verandas set in a quiet tropical garden. Recently converted to Solar Geysers and Air Conditioning available in all rooms on request. Notes: Day 4, 5, 6 DAY 4 Today after breakfast and another early morning activity if you wish, you will be transferred by air-conditioned minibus from Miombo Safari Camp to Lorries B&B in Victoria Falls town arriving around midday. This gives you time to settle in and relax or do one of the multitude of activities on offer. Although these 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. Page |7 DAY 5 & 6 You have 2 full days 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 activities available Victoria Falls Activities and contact us to arrange a suitable itinerary just for you. Day 7 – 8 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: Pioneers Camp Pioneers Camp is an intimate, beautifully appointed, tented camp. It is located inside the Zambezi National Park, on a lovely quiet stretch of Zambezi River shoreline with a natural spring-line, Mpala Jena, running through the site. This spring-line attracts an abundance of wildlife throughout the year. It’s conveniently located close to Victoria Falls – for easy access – but far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the busy town. This area has a healthy, and increasing, game count and with the Zambezi River along the park’s boundary. There are many other activities available such as fishing, canoeing, sunset cruises as well as guided walking along the Mpala Jena spring line. It is so close to Vic Falls you can easily go into town to enjoy some ‘adventure’, a game of Page |8 golf, high tea at the Vic Falls Hotel or anything equally decadent! In the park we will offer game drives, walking, bird-watching, and of course, ‘river’ activities too. The camp is open all year round. Phase one of the camp includes six luxury tents, well-appointed and nestled under shady trees – each bragging breath-taking views of the river. There is a central dining and lounge area to mingle and relax in. The camp is ecofriendly, with modern solar lighting, solar geysers for showers, flushing toilets and efficient and correct waste disposal. Meals are prepared from a selection of fresh produce, and are served either al fresco, or in our shady dining tent overlooking the river. Notes: Day 7, 8 DAY 7 After breakfast you will be picked up and transferred to Pioneers camps for the final section of your safari. Your journey starts with a game drive through the Zambezi National Park, which is only 25kms and takes roughly 1 hour. The drive, in places, takes you close to the river. You are likely to see a variety of game on your way, so have your bino’s and camera ready! You will be in camp by mid-morning so you will have plenty of time to do the activities on offer (please see below for details), please arrange these with the lodge managers to suit your requirements. The emphasis for this camp is to get onto the Zambezi river, you can do this by either power boat or by canoe whichever you prefer. After your afternoon activity have a nice hot shower (or cold if you prefer) and meet around the camp fire to relive the day’s events and enjoy a drink with some snacks before dinner is served. After dinner, retire to your luxury tent and listen to the river as it lulls you to sleep. DAY 8 Today is your final day but you have time, if you get up early, to do another game activity from the selection below. After breakfast you will be transferred to the Victoria Falls airport in time to catch your international flight. P a g e |9 Activities Info Fishing For the serious fisherman (or lady!) we recommend a dedicated boat and skipper so that you may enjoy a full day out on the river, for maximum fishing time! Meals, drinks, etc. will be co-ordinated with you if you would prefer to stay out all day. Whilst there is a selection of fishing tackle and rods, you are recommended to bring your own if you plan to fish seriously when at the camp. (Fishing is not a scheduled activity as specific guides are brought in, therefore an additional cost is charged and pre-booking is necessary) Walking Safaris The Zambezi National Park offers a great many walks, following springlines where game often congregates in the drier months, looking for both mammal and birdlife along the way. We have access to a number of fantastic Professional Walking Guides based in the area, and will happily set up a walking safari for you (walking is not a scheduled activity as specific guides are brought in, therefore an additional cost is charged and pre-booking is necessary) P a g e | 10 Canoeing From the camp we operate half day and multi-day canoeing safaris in our inflatable ‘crocodils’ which are perfect for this stretch of the Zambezi River. Typically, you will be taken by vehicle upstream, and following a comprehensive briefing by your Canoeing Guide, the next few hours will be spent paddling downstream (or rather steering, as the gently flowing water current generally means little actual paddling is needed) – looking for game along the shoreline, as well as birds and just enjoying the scenery. On some stretches of the river there are some small rapids, which are great fun … nothing serious like the Whitewater rafting below the Falls.. this is fun, easy stuff! We take a coolbox for drinks along the way, and of course you are provided with proper life-jackets and a full safety briefing before you get into the boats. Our canoes are two-man inflatables, quite sturdy and are lightweight and very easy to paddle. For this activity we recommend you wear shorts, sandals or closed shoes (for when you get out of the canoe), a hat and bring a kikoi or something to cover your legs etc if its gets too hot in the sun. As the game is generally active early mornings and late afternoons, we also generally undertake the canoeing at that time of day too. Game Drives There are a good variety of game drive routes in this park – some along the river, some up the ridges to the teak forests… the terrain is varied and quite scenic. During your stay you may enjoy a variety of game drives, including the odd late evening drive with a spotlight, looking for nocturnal species coming out in the early evenings. Game often seen in the area includes large herds of elephant, buffalo, plus zebra, giraffe, sable, warthog, porcupine, lion, leopard, impala, waterbuck and kudu to name but a few. The bird-life in the area is excellent, and if you are a keen birder – we recommend the summer months (Sept-April) as you may also get to see some of the migratory species passing through. P a g e | 11 Price Total Price for 7 Nights US$1318 (high season) / US$1243 (low season) per person sharing Included MIOMBO SAFARI CAMP • Accommodation in a charming thatched rondavel • All meals and local beverages • Two safari activities per day • Visit to the Painted Dog Centre • Laundry LORRIES B and B • Accommodation in a comfy standard room with garden view • Daily breakfast PIONEERS CAMP • Accommodation in a luxury safari tent • All meals, snacks, local drinks including beers, wine, soft drinks and spirits, tea and coffee • Scheduled activities • Laundry TRANSFERS • Return road transfers between Hwange and Victoria Falls • Return transfers between Vic Falls and Pioneers Camp • Return Victoria Falls Airport transfers Excluded PARK FEES • National Park fees at Miombo Safari Camp and Pioneers Camp • Pioneers camp - Fishing and walking activities are additional, and must be pre-booked in advance • Premium imported beverages • Gratuities P a g e | 12 Travel Information A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife. Banking and Currency Currency Zimbabwe uses US$ as its own unit of currency (the Zimbabwe Dollar) is suspended. 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. P a g e | 13 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.