Explore Zimbabwe on a great safari

A Life-changing Safari Through Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has taken hold of our hearts. With its immense Zambezi River, tumbling thunderously over Mosi-oa-Tunya… That great waterfall known world-wide as Victoria Falls, which calls to the explorer in each of us like Earth’s own natural smoke signal, with its spray bouncing into the gorge. Zimbabwe, with her corners of magnificent wildlife, some of Africa’s largest species, roaming freely, peacefully, letting the traveller discover the animal soul of the continent. And the country’s transformation to conservation, in exciting reserves that are giving new life to the people, land and animals of Zimbabwe. Yes, Zim. You have our hearts. And we’d like to share you with others. Because the world always needs more hope and more beauty.

Explore Victoria Falls, Sapi and Hwange with this special eight-day itinerary below, taking you from Mpala Jena Camp, in the Zambezi National Park, to Deteema Springs Camp in Hwange National Park, and ending at Sapi Explorers Camp, your base to explore our 120,000 hectare private Sapi Reserve, Mana Pools and the Zambezi River~ with a great nightly rate.

Where to Start…

DAYS 1 – 2: MPALA JENA CAMP, VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western end of the eponymous Victoria Falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two-thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or microlights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.

Mpala Jena Camp offers professionally guided wildlife viewing open vehicle drives, walks, morning or afternoon boat cruises and / or canoeing (water level dependent / seasonally) throughout the day.

OVERNIGHT: MPALA JENA CAMP

Mpala Jena Camp is an exquisite and exclusive tented camp located on a private concession within the Zambezi National Park. It is conveniently located 16 kilometres inside the Zambezi National Park allowing easy access to Victoria Falls town but is far enough away from the hustle and bustle to allow guests to relax and unwind.

Named after the natural spring-line which runs through the centre of the concession, Mpala Jena Camp attracts an abundance of wildlife throughout the year. Overlooking a beautiful stretch of the Zambezi River shoreline the four guest tents and one two-bedroom exclusive use villa are all under flowing canvas, with open (yet netted) views of the river frontage and Moroccan influences throughout the decor. Each tent has a small lounge / seated area with a desk, and en-suite bathroom facilities. Decking in front of the tent leads to a private plunge pool with views of the calming and peaceful flowing waters of the Zambezi River.

Mpala Jena Camp boasts recycled hardwoods and canvas and all the camp’s electricity needs come from its solar farm.

The Next Adventure…

DAYS 3 – 4: DETEEMA SPRINGS CAMP, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Situated in western Zimbabwe, the Hwange National Park is the country’s biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides a 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. The park’s magnificent terrain ranges from desert dunes, savannah lands and mopane woodlands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests. Visitors
can look forward to game drives, guided walks or horse riding safaris. Other highlights include: the Bumbusi National Monument and the Nyamandhlovu Pan.

An intimate safari camp that celebrates, respects and protects the beauty of Africa and her people in order to share her natural splendour with you.

OVERNIGHT: DETEEMA SPRINGS CAMP

Deteema Springs Camp was opened in 2019, in a small concession area in a well-known northern region of the Hwange National Park, after the founders of Machaba Safaris saw an opportunity to create an intimate safari camp, in an incredible wildlife area, on a site which is hard to describe. Guests have the opportunity to travel on foot or in game vehicles to view this amazing area and also to view from the camp, Africa in its wildest form.

The Final Treat

DAY 5-7: SAPI EXPLORERS CAMP, SAPI RESERVE

Situated in the extreme north of Zimbabwe east of Mana Pools, the World Heritage Site of the Sapi
Reserve is known for its variety of parks, which boast remarkable natural scenery and wildlife. At the
Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas, the river and floodplains are overlooked
by majestic cliffs, and animals including elephant, buffalo, leopard, and cheetah roam the plains.
Nile crocodiles lounge in the waters. Converted from hunting to tourism, the parks in the area are
constantly developing further and provide several wonderful fishing camps, new photo-safari camps
and an array of exciting activities. The Zambezi River offers fantastic fishing opportunities, with various
species of catfish inhabiting its waters including giant Vundu, as well as Bottlenose, Cornish Jack,
Chessa and Nkupe. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the fossil ‘forests’ west of Mupata Gorge.

At Sapi Explorers Camp, experience up-close encounters with elephant, lion, leopard, hyena, wild dog, buffalo, eland, zebra and other ungulate species. Explore the Zambezi River by canoe and boat, watch as wildlife congregates along the river to drink and marvel at the setting of the African sun.

OVERNIGHT: SAPI EXPLORERS CAMP

The 290,000-acre private Sapi Concession was awarded to Great Plains Conservation to manage and look after in 2016 and was immediately converted to operating as a private photographic reserve. This amazing wildlife sanctuary, along with the neighbouring Mana Pools National Park, comprise over 337,000 hectares of prime protected wilderness. Collectively they form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the core of the Middle-Zambezi Biosphere Reserve. Sapi Explorers Camp, perfectly located along the Zambezi River, offers a base to explore the Sapi Reserve, Mana Pools and the Zambezi River. With only 5 Explorers-style tents, each with en-suite bucket shower and flush toilet, Sapi Explorers Camp offers the perfect combination of romance, adventure and discovery. The focus of your stay is exploring one of Africa’s remote wilderness areas on foot and on wildlife-viewing drives as well as canoeing and boating on the Zambezi River.

DAY 8 | END OF ITINERARY

2020 RATES in US $ Per Person Sharing
1 April – 31 May 2020 $6 570
1 June – 31 October 2020 $9 095
1 November – 19 December 2020 $6 570
20 December 2020 – 10 January 2021 $9 095
The pricing above is intended to serve as a guide. Pricing may vary based on changes or customizations made to the itinerary. Pricing assumes 2 guests sharing a room.

THE RATES INCLUDE:

MPALA JENA CAMP
Road transfer from Victoria Falls Airport to Mpala Jena Camp. Two nights accommodation at Mpala Jena. Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities. entrance fees and Tour of the Victoria Falls included. All Drinks including Premium Brands. Road transfer from Mpala Jena to Victoria Falls Airport.

DETEEMA SPRINGS CAMP
Scheduled air flight from Victoria Falls Airport to Hwange. Two nights accommodation at Deteema Springs. Fully Inclusive – Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities. All Drinks (excluding Premium Brands) included. Scheduled air flight from Hwange to Sapi.

SAPI EXPLORERS CAMP
Three nights accommodation at Sapi Explorers Camp. All Drinks (excluding Premium Brands). Scheduled air flight from Sapi to Victoria Falls Airport.

Great Plains Conservation reserves the right to review published rates in the event of currency exchange rate fluctuation or increases in costs or taxes, which are beyond our control.

EXTEND YOUR STAY WITH US

Great Plains Conservation has a variety of authentic camps and mobile experiences in Botswana and Zimbabwe. We would be happy to facilitate and plan any extended stay you might require in Southern and East Africa.

Contact us:
T: +27 87 354 6591 | E: RESERVATIONS@GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM

How to Explore Zimbabwe ~ A Great Plains Conservation Safari