DAY ONE – VICTORIA FALS – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Approximate flight time 1 hour
Arrive at Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls Airport and clear customs, after which you’ll be met by a representative who will help you transfer to the domestic air terminal for your scenic 1hr flight to Nehimba Lodge in Hwange National Park. The flight will land at Giraffe Springs airstrip where you will be transported to camp by road in a 4 x 4 vehicle ( 20 minutes).
After settling into your chalet and having some time to unpack, relax and freshen up, take a sundowner on the Nehimba deck, watching the sunset over the lodge waterhole as the herds of elephants and other game arrives for their own sundowner drink. A 3-course dinner under the stars follows, surrounded by elephant drinking from the pool just steps away from the dinner table.
Overnight at Nehimba Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
DAY TWO & THREE – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Two full days to explore the surrounding 43,500 acre concession of northern Hwange National Park, with it’s abundant wildlife including Elephants, lion, leopard, buffalo and hyena all of which wander freely through the area. Spend time with professional and knowledgeable Guides on game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles, walking safaris and night game drives with filtered spotlights to seek out the various nocturnal species that can be found such as hyena, porcupine, civet, genet cat, and if you’re lucky, perhaps even a leopard on a hunt.
When you are not out, simply take time to relax back at the lodge with a drink whilst you watch the elephants that come to drink from the waterhole or take in the vistas from your chalet.
Overnight at Nehimba Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
DAY FOUR – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Elephant Express Railcar North to South East Hwange, approximate transfer time 2.5hrs
Time for one final early morning game drive or walk, returning to the lodge for breakfast. Embark on a 2-3hr game drive exploring the northeastern part of Hwange National Park before reaching Dete Railway Station just outside Hwange’s Main Gate. Drinks and a tasty light lunch will be served on the Elephant Express before departing Dete, for the 2.5hr trip down the eastern border of Hwange National Park to Camelthorn Lodge. This historic railway line demarcates the border of the park so there will be plenty of game viewing along the way!
Arrive at Ngamo siding in the late afternoon, depart the Elephant Express and board 4 x 4 game drive vehicles for an afternoon game drive and sundowners. Following a beautiful Zimbabwe sunset, take a night drive back to the lodge looking for nocturnal wildlife just starting their “day.” Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.
*Note The Elephant Express does not operate January-April 2024, an alternative transfer by road will be available during these months.
Overnight at Camelthorn Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
DAY FIVE – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Today you have the opportunity to visit the Imvelo Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary where you’ll meet Thuza and Kusasa, as well as the Cobra Rangers guarding them 24/7. Start with a behind-the-scenes look at the Cobras basecamp and learn more about their work along with Imvelo’s many other community and conservation programs. Hear a short talk on the origins and ideas behind the formation of the Cobras unit and how they protect the rhino, as well as the future plans for their ground-breaking Community Rhino Conservation Initiative.
Head off on foot or by vehicle with the Cobras to meet Thuza and Kusasa! There will be lots of photo opportunities and quality time to watch and enjoy the rhinos in their natural environment on the Ngamo plains; how close you will be able to get to the rhino will be subject to conditions on the ground.
Each guest at Camelthorn Lodge pays a rhino conservation and community levy; these funds all go into the rhino sanctuary along with community projects in the nearby villages.
Vehicles must stay on the roads in the Southern Hwange Park so often a game drive is combined with a spontaneous walking safari to explore more terrain off the roads. Stop at a water hole to enjoy a refreshing sundowner whilst you watch the sun sink beneath the horizon before heading back to the lodge to freshen up for dinner under the brilliant stars.
Overnight at Camelthorn Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
DAY SIX – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
This morning sees an early start with breakfast in the dining room before heading to nearby Ngunyana Village where guests can join the children on their morning walk to school or join the younger kids for a ride in our safari vehicles! Once at the school, guests meet the Headmaster and are welcomed with traditional songs sung by the students, followed by a short classroom interaction. This activity gives the school children a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with people from all over the world who have come to see the wildlife amongst which they live.
After the school visit, head to a nearby village for an un-choreographed visit of a local homestead, including a meeting with the headman of the village. Guests will be able to see some of Imvelo’s community initiatives firsthand and gain insight into the day to day life of a rural Zimbabwean including learning about thatching roofs, tilling fields, milling maize and weaving baskets.
In the afternoon, head back into Hwange in search of wildlife before making a stop for a bush lunch next to the specially built underground game-viewing blind at Stoffie’s Pan aka the “Look-up” blind, named such because its located at the water level so you’ll be looking up at the elephants! After lunch, enjoy some time in the blind with snout-level viewing of thirsty elephants just feet way! The blind is furnished with comfortable seating and has running water for flush loos and hand basins.
In the late afternoon, continue to explore the Ngamo plains on foot and by vehicle. After sundowners, take a night drive back to lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Camelthorn Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
DAY SEVEN – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
After an early wake-up call, head out to explore the wilderness as the sun is rising and with the possibility of seeing the big cats when they are still active.
Return back to the lodge for brunch and spend the afternoon at leisure within the lodge, before heading out again later in the afternoon.
All activities are flexible and the above program can be varied, for example with a departure after a full breakfast at the lodge, or with a picnic brunch in the bush.
In the late afternoon, head out again to explore the Ngamo Plains. Your guide will reveal the options available and make recommendations based on your own preferences and what has been sited during the day – game drives, walks, full-day excursions, bird watching and waterhole watches are all alternatives.
Return back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Camelthorn Lodge (Fully Inclusive)
DAY EIGHT – HWANGE NATIONAL PARK – VICTORIA FALLS
Approximate flight time 1 hour
After a final breakfast and morning game drive (time permitting), climb aboard your 1hr hour scenic air charter from the Bomani airstrip to Victoria Falls International Airport for your onward travel.
