Zimbabwe SafarisZimbabwe Cultural SpecialITINERARY AT A GLANCE
ITINERARYDay 1 - 4 Camp Amalinda, Matobo Hills Nationalpark Upon your arrival at the Joshua Nqabuko Nkomo airport in Bulawayo, you will be met by your private guide & transferred to Camp Amalinda in the Matobo Hills of Matopos National Park. Where you will spend the next three nights of your stay in the peace and tranquility of the exotic balancing boulders which will form your surrounds. Amalinda is a splendid camp tucked away in an ancient bushman's shelter in the Matobo Hills. Accommodation at Amalinda consists of eight individual thatched rooms, including two romantic honeymoon suites. The rooms are architecturally extraordinary, built around huge boulders, and luxuriously appointed. All have en suite facilities. The main area is located high up on a hill with a panoramic view across the Matobo Hills. Delicious and abundant meals are served on a massive teak table in the open-air dining room. A cozy library and chess room, located amongst the tree tops, is a haven of peace and tranquility. There is also an extensive wine cellar housed in a natural cave. In the evenings, sundowners can be enjoyed under the stars, around a warm fire in the enclosed "Boma" area. At the base of the camp is a well equipped open-air gym, where the more energetic can work off the effects of Amalinda's fabulous food. Afterwards, jump into the large swimming pool or relax in the comfortable chaise lounges enjoying a drink from the bar, while watching the waterhole and absorbing the atmosphere of the Matobo landscape. Some of the most majestic granite scenery in the world is found in the Matobo Hills. It is here that the hopes, trials and tribulations of the San Bushmen are recorded in the ancient rock art. Mammal and bird species are prolific and include the highest concentration of Leopard and Black Eagle in the world. The natural granite domes and castle kopjes of the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe are among some of the most majestic rock sceneries in the world.
As a part of your stay at Camp Amalinda, you will enjoy the historic experience of visiting Great Zimbabwe on your third day. After an early morning breakfast you will depart the Matobo Hills for a three hour drive to the ancient ruins. Taking great delight as you will be able to climb the historic monument during your time there, as well as receiving excellent information from your guide. Having finished a relaxing picnic lunch under one of the many large trees, you shall depart the Great Zimbabwe ruins on your journey back to Camp Amalinda for your final nights stay in the Matobo Hills Construction starting in the 11th century and continuing for over 300 years, the ruins at Great Zimbabwe are some of the oldest and largest structures located in Southern Africa, and are the second oldest after nearby Mapungubwe in South Africa. At its peak, estimates are that Great Zimbabwe had as many as 25,000 inhabitants. The ruins that survive are built entirely of stone. The ruins span 1,800 acres (7 km²) and cover a radius of 100 to 200 miles (160 to 320 km). The ruins can be broken down into three distinct architectural groups. They are known as the Hill Complex, the Valley Complex and the Great Enclosure. The Hill Complex was used as a temple, the Valley complex was for the citizens, and the Great Enclosure was used by the king. Over 300 structures have been found so far in the Great Enclosure. The type of stone structures found on the site give an indication of the status of the citizenry. Structures that were more elaborate were probably built for the kings and situated further away from the center of the city. It is thought that this was done in order to escape sleeping sickness. What little evidence exists suggests that Great Zimbabwe also became a center for trading, with artifacts suggesting that the city formed part of a trade network extending as far as China. Chinese pottery shards, coins from Arabia, glass beads and other non-local items have been excavated at Zimbabwe. The site was not abandoned but rather the court of the king moved further north as his empire declined in order to gain more direct access to trade revenues. The Great Zimbabwe was left in the care of a local tribe.
Day 4 - 7 Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park After breakfast on your last morning at Camp Amalinda, you will be transferred by road to Hwange National Park which is a 3 hour drive from Bulawayo. Upon entering the National Park you will proceed on a game drive through the park to Somalisa Camp where you will spend three nights. Somalisa Camp is set in the heart of Hwange National Park, known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds. Somalisa is an authentic bush camp, a blend of old African charm and elegance together with an exclusive safari experience. Its stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain gives it breath taking views of the savannah plains of the famous Kennedy Vlei line. At Somalisa Camp, you will experience the heightened romance of the African Bush in one of the most natural environments in Africa. This is the way Africa was meant to be explored. Only six elegantly furnished canvas tents with en suite bathrooms, flush toilet and romantic alfresco bush shower make up this camp. The décor echoes of an old era, from colonial to the ancient tribes of Africa, telling the story from all corners of this magnificent continent. It’s stunning main area and pool lends to complete relaxation, whether it be with a cup of tea or one of our refreshing cocktails; overlooking the pan where the herds of game congregate in large herds, offering rare moments of outstanding nature. Your senses will be awakened and you will feast on our sumptuous cuisine, a balance of organic produce and innovative gourmet meals complemented by a choice of South African and Australian wines. Our meals are inspired by the Far East, Europe and Africa. You will discover new and seasonal flavours, which our imaginative chef will present you with. The use of solar lighting ensures your comfort without interfering with the environment and the area's natural surrounds. The lounge and dining area is at the forefront of the camp, tucked under a soaring canopy of trees. Wide and well-traversed Elephant paths make up the paths connecting your room to the main area. 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 spot lighting as well as game viewing from hides. Walking and game drives will allow you the opportunity to observe elephant, kudu and sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, white rhino, lion, leopard, hyena, and many other wildlife species. The Kennedy vlei is littered with flamboyant colors from all its seasonal wild flowers that emerge as the first rains begin, and as the grass dries out, the large herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant are in abundance.
Day 7 – 9 Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls After your final morning’s relaxing activity and breakfast at Somalisa Camp, you will be transferred by road to Ilala Lodge Hotel, where you will spend 2 nights Along the route you will notice traditional Ndebele villages as you drive up to the “Smoke that Thunders”. Ilala lodge offers distinguished yet affordable accommodation in warm elegant surroundings. The décor evokes an era of early adventure and the quest for discovery in Africa. The hotel is ideally situated being closest to the mighty Victoria Falls as well as the town centre. The national Park borders the front of the property and wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the falls in the background. A warm welcome awaits you at our world class a la Carte Palm Restaurant. We offer superb cuisine while you relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the gracious surrounds. Dining outside under the African night sky amidst the sound of the mighty waterfall makes for a romantic evening to be remembered. All our rooms have en-suite facilities bathroom with separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV, hair dryer, tea & coffee making facilities and a safe. The rooms are spacious with railway sleeper teak furnishings and patio doors leading onto either open lawn or a balcony.
Included in your stay at Ilala is a sun set cruise on the Ra-Ikane as well as a guided tour of Victoria Falls. Having finished your final exciting activity or a leisurely morning’s breakfast at the Hotel, you will depart for your onward travel arrangements. End of safari SAFARI INCLUDES
SAFARI EXCLUDES
|
  
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contact Us | Links | Site Map
1-800-886-7321 • phone: (415) 444-5100 • fax: (415) 444-5560
Skype:
We recommend travel insurance  |
   
|
  |
|