If you are looking for a truly unique holiday experience this winter, this fantastic trip to Zimbabwe, brought to you from Wilderness Safaris, could be exactly what you are looking for!

Combining the magnificent Victoria Falls with Hwange National Park and Lake Kariba, this amazing wildlife and waterfall itinerary highlights the very best of what Zimbabwe has to offer!

Photo Courtesy of Mike Myers – Wilderness Safaris

This safari is a seamless combination of two of the most outstanding and spectacular areas in Zimbabwe. Beginning in eastern Hwange National Park, the largest park in Zimbabwe and renowned for its incredible concentrations of wildlife, we then move on to Changa Safari Camp. Built on the shores of Lake Kariba with stunning views of the mysterious Matusadona Mountains, activities on offer include game drives as well as walking and fishing safaris

Wildlife: Summer rainfall brings the plains of Hwange to life, practically guaranteeing concentrations of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, waterbuck, impala, kudu and even herds of eland. The plethora of game, especially young antelope, attracts a variety of predators and can include lion, cheetah, wild dog and leopard. Its’ great herds of buffalo and elephant (estimated at 30000 in Hwange) can be seen year round. Birding here is spectacular particularly in the summer months when the migrants arrive – boosting the already prolific numbers with over 400 species to be seen.

Little Makalolo Camp

Area and Location: Little Makalolo Camp is situated in the remote Makalolo Concession in the northeastern corner of Hwange National Park.

The Camp: Intimate and exclusive, Little Makalolo looks out at a waterhole to which animals are drawn in their numbers. The dining and lounge area provide guests with shaded relaxation while the plunge pool offers a place to cool off in the midday sun. Only six tents, including a family tent, offer spacious, en-suite accommodation with an indoor and outdoor shower as well as a private veranda.

Activities: Game drives or guided walks in the early mornings and evenings frame the day. Between these, watch wildlife from the comfort of your deck as wildlife congregates at the camp waterhole.

Davison’s Camp

Area and Location: Davison’s Camp is situated in the Linkwasha Concession, a remote northeastern corner of Hwange National Park. Named after the founder of the Park and its first warden, Ted Davison, the camp overlooks an extremely productive waterhole that attracts a variety of plains game and predators.

Activities: Game drives or guided walks take place in the early mornings and evenings, while during the siesta hours, guests can view game from their tent verandas, as thirsty wildlife comes down to the waterhole to drink.

The Camp: Nestled in a grove of beautiful false Mopane trees, Davison’s Camp consists of eight twin-bedded en-suite tents and one family unit, along with a main area comprising a lounge and dining room, which altogether offers the quintessential Hwange safari camp experience.

From Hwange, you will transfer by light aircraft to Kariba town. Originally built                       for construction teams working on the dam, it is the centre of the tourist industry for the Lake Kariba region where many of the attractions are water-based – fishing, game viewing and house boating are the most popular. On arrival, you will be met and transferred by road to the harbour, followed by a boat transfer across Lake Kariba (total travelling time approximately 1,5 hours). Spend three nights at Changa Safari Camp on a fully inclusive basis.

Area and Location: Changa Safari Camp is a luxury-tented camp situated on the shores of Lake Kariba in a private 5km² concession in the northeastern section of the Matusadona National Park, with magnificent views looking out across Hydro Bay towards the Matusadona Mountains.

Lake Kariba is the world’s largest artificial lake and reservoir by volume, covering an area of 5,580 square kilometres (2,150 sq mi), and the hydroelectric power station is a key source of power for the region. When the Zambezi Valley was flooded in the process of developing the dam between 1958 and 1964, Operation Noah came to the rescue of the wildlife in the area.

Led by Rupert Fothergill, the operation involved moving over 6,000 animals from the rising waters and relocating them to Matusadona National Park and around Lake Kariba.

Wildlife: There are a host of mammals and birds present in this diverse habitat. Leopard, lion, hyena and cheetah are found here, as well as elephant, hippo, crocodile and a multitude of antelope species. The bird life here is prolific – over 350 species have been recorded, which include many water birds.

Activities: The area is a walker’s paradise: early morning or late afternoon walks in the company of one of the camp’s professional guides are a special feature. Game drives or cruises also take place; fishing on Kariba is also available.

The Camp: Accommodation is in four large East African-style luxury canvas tents, all overlooking the lake. Each tent has its own en-suite bathroom, with indoor shower, flush toilet, his and hers basins, outdoor bathtub and outdoor shower. The central area consists of several thatched structures linked together by raised wooden walkways and decks, and includes a lounge library, dining room, bar, beautiful deck and swimming pool, all overlooking Lake Kariba.

Wilderness Safaris certainly know how to put a trip of a lifetime together, and if that doesn’t make you want to pack your bags and head to Zimbabwe – I don’t know what will!