9 Days Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matobo NP and Gorilla Trekking Experience

This magnificent 7 Days Victoria Falls and Gorilla trekking Experience includes the wonder of Victoria Falls, some of the best game viewing in the country experienced in Hwange National Park and the spectacular Matobo National Park. Victoria Falls has a large variety of activities including white-water rafting, elephant interaction, Zambezi river cruises, and many more. Game viewing in Hwange is a magical experience and Matobo is known for its rich human history, San Bushman paintings, diverse flora, wildlife, and rugged terrain.

9 Days Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Highlights

Day 1-2: Begin in Victoria Falls – Palm River Hotel

Day 3-4: Sable Valley – Hwange National Park

Day 5-6: Amalinda Lodge – Matobo National Park

Day 7: End of Tour – Bulawayo Airport

9 Days Victoria Falls and Gorilla trekking  Itinerary

Day 1-2: Begin in Victoria Falls – Palm River Hotel

On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, your Remarkable Wild Resources Zambia representative will be waiting in arrivals with your name on a sign and will transfer you to the Palm River Hotel. This stunning hotel is built on the banks of the Zambezi River offering river views and as this is all part of the Zambezi National Park you may see crocodiles and hippo in the river and have elephant and game visit you in the hotel grounds. There food here is delicious and with a complimentary scheduled shuttle you can easily explore the town and falls.

There are many activities available and we recommend a sunset cruise, helicopter flight and an elephant encounter. There is also rafting, bungee jump or high wire activities for the thrill seekers. You do not need a guide to see the falls as the paths are clear and well signposted but we can arrange one if you prefer and book any activities.

Main Destination: Victoria Falls

Accommodation: The Palm River Hotel

Day 3-4: Sable Valley – Hwange National Park

Today after breakfast you will be collected and transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Hwange where you will be met and transferred on a game drive to the lodge.

The lodge is on a private concession adjacent to Hwange National Park but there are no fences so game is free to move between them. Here you have activities included such as walks game drives night drives on the concession, or game drives into the park. There is also a waterhole in front of the camp with a fantastic photographic hide as well as a viewing platform. We love the food here and the excellent guidance and staff.

Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest game park. Its sheer size means that its scenery, vegetation and game vary hugely, ranging from the semi desert scrub on the edge of the Kalahari in the south, to forests, granite hills and valleys of mopane woodlands in the north. The national park is home to over 100 mammal species, including lion, leopard and is known for its large population of elephant.

Main Destination: Hwange National Park

Accommodation: Sable Valley Lodge

Mid-range lodge located just outside Hwange NP

Day 5-6: Amalinda Lodge – Matobo National Park

After breakfast, you will be collected by your transfer operator and driven 3 hours to Amalinda Lodge. Idyllically located in the spectacular Matobo National Park is an African-inspired refuge called Amalinda Lodge. It is here that world-class facilities combine with spiritual energy, allure, and unique beauty – something for which the Matobo Hills is celebrated.

This unique camp is nestled amongst the granite domes and castle kopjes of the Matobo Hills, which are among the most majestic rock sceneries in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amalinda consists of 9 individually thatched rooms including 3 honeymoon suites, 3 family rooms, 2 double rooms & 1 single room, which are all set into the huge boulders. Each room is steeped in African historical artefacts and tucked away into an ancient bushman’s shelter. The lodge’s charm will leave a magical impression on every visitor.

Main Destination: Matobo National Park

Accommodation: Amalinda Lodge

Luxury lodge located just outside Matobo NP

Day 7: Bulawayo Airport for a Flight to Kigali for Gorillas

On this day, you will check out from the guest house and transfer to the airport for your flight to Kigali International Airport. On Arrival, our professional English-speaking driver guide will pick you up and drive you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a Gorilla trekking experience the next day.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorilla trekking)

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Experience

After breakfast, head out to the park head offices with a packed lunch while accompanied by your guide and have a briefing about the dos and Don’ts while in the park with gorillas. After that, head for gorilla trekking through the mist rainforest. Trekking can take 2 hours or up to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gentle giants. Make sure you carry enough water, sturdy shoes, non-flash cameras, and rain jackets

At the end of this long and exciting adventure, you’ll return to the lodge for a well-deserved shower and relaxation.

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge

Day 9: Last Day With Us | Transfer To Kigali Airport

End of 9 Days Victoria Falls, Hwange NP, and Matobo NP Experience

A Guide to this 7 Days Victoria Falls, Hwange NP, and Matobo NP Experience

Entry Requirements for This Tour:

On this 9 Days Victoria Falls, Hwange NP, and Matobo NP Experience, all visitors must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blank pages.  Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler.  For further information on Visa requirements, visitors are advised to contact their nearest Zimbabwe Embassy or Consulate.

Language On This 9 Days Victoria Falls, Hwange NP, and Matobo NP Experience:

English

Time:

GMT +3

Voltage:

220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK-style, 3-pin square plugs. Power is from the government in the city/major towns and a generator with inverter backup in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

Currency:

Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort.   Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, and American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country.  Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency.

Clothing:

Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

Baggage:

Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to a medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus a reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is a 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

Water:

You will find many different opinions of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water, especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

Health;

East Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions.  Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards to malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential.

You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs.  Be sure to wear long-sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or a safari hat.

Dietary Requirements:

For those guests with specific dietary requirements, please ensure we are notified prior to travel

Gratuities:

As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following: The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

Photography:

Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag, and people in uniform.  Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages.  If in doubt, please check with your guide.