Fly-In Safari
Deluxe Safaris
Experience a remarkable 9-day Fly-In Safari in Zimbabwe, starting at the majestic Victoria Falls. Stay at the elegant Ilala Lodge, where comfort meets stunning views, and then venture into Eastern Hwange National Park for thrilling game drives at Ivory Lodge. Conclude your adventure at Amalinda Lodge in Matobo National Park, where you can track rhinos and explore ancient San rock art. This journey combines the best of Zimbabwe’s natural beauty and cultural richness, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience.
Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day Fly-In Safari through Zimbabwe, where adventure awaits from the iconic Victoria Falls to the wild landscapes of Hwange and the stunning Matobo Hills. Begin your journey at Ilala Lodge, enjoying breathtaking views and the thrill of wildlife close by. Continue to Ivory Lodge for immersive game drives, spotting elephants, lions, and more. Finally, explore the rich cultural heritage of Matobo National Park at Amalinda Lodge, where you can track rhinos and discover ancient rock art. This safari promises an unforgettable experience steeped in nature and history.
Includes
- Accommodations, Meals and activities as indicated
- Road transfers as indicated
- Sit in plane charter flights as indicated
- National Park Fees where necessary
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Digital travel document
Excludes
- International Flights
- Visa Applications
- Anything of personal nature
- Gratuities
- Additional Activites not indicated
- Any Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increase beyond our control
- Any errors & omission
Map & Route
Route Map
Distance Table
| Destination | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Victoria Falls Airport to Ilala Lodge Hotel | 21 min |
| Ilala Lodge Hotel to Ivory Lodge | 2 h 39 min |
| Ivory Lodge to Amalinda Lodge | 5 h 35 min |
| Amalinda Lodge to Bulawayo Airport | 1 h 2 min |
Days 1 & 2
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Victoria Falls with an unforgettable early morning river cruise. Perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts, this experience allows you to spot rare species like the African Pitta and Narina Trogon while enjoying a delightful continental breakfast. Fresh pastries, fruit platters, and a selection of cheeses accompany your freshly brewed coffee as you glide along the Zambezi River, taking in the vibrant sounds of the African bush awakening.
During your stay at Ilala Lodge Hotel, relish the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views. Each moment spent here is filled with the promise of adventure and relaxation, making it the ideal base for exploring the wonders of this breathtaking region.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Optional
Ra-Ikane Birdwatching Cruise
You know what they say about the early bird? If you are a passionate birdwatcher, don’t miss out on this river cruise! Keen bird lovers will delight in marking off their sightings in the birding booklet provided on board while enjoying a delicious continental breakfast including fruit platters, fresh pastries and a variety of cheeses and biscuits. Rare birds such as the African Pitta and the Narina Trogon have been sighted here, as well as hundreds of other bird species. The knowledgeable and experienced guides conduct these early morning river cruises.
Ra-Ikane Breakfast Cruise
Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a continental breakfast as you cruise up the Zambezi River towards Kandahar Island while enjoying the sounds of the diverse birdlife and the African bush come to life in the early morning. Breakfast includes freshly baked pieces of bread and pastries, fresh fruit platters, jams, yoghurts and cheeses as well as an assortment of teas and coffee.
Lunch Cruise
Sit back and relax while sipping a cold drink and enjoying a few quiet hours along the banks of the Zambezi River. Our lunch buffet includes cold meats, fresh salads and a wide selection of biscuits and cheeses, all catered by the award-winning Palm Restaurant at Ilala Lodge Hotel. The fully stocked bar is available throughout the cruise and the attentive crew is at your service.
Ra-Ikane Sunset Cruise
There simply is not a better way to enjoy the dazzling African sunset than from the comfort of a Ra-Ikane boat on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Our ever-popular sunset cruise offers a unique way to explore the channels of the river and to get an up-close view of the pristine wilderness and African game along its banks. Enjoy an array of canapés, a full bar and a charming crew who can impart a bit of interesting Victoria Falls history with you on board the Ra-Ikane.
Days 3–5
Eastern Hwange National Park
Experience the thrill of Eastern Hwange National Park with a variety of game drives tailored to your preferences. Morning, afternoon, and full-day excursions allow you to encounter a rich array of wildlife, including Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Cheetah, and more. In the evenings, enjoy a sunset stopover during your game drive, sipping on your favourite beverage as you watch the sun dip below the horizon, before returning to the lodge under the stars to spot nocturnal creatures.
Your adventure continues with a walking safari at first light, guided by a professional who will lead you through our private concession of 6000 acres. This immersive experience allows you to appreciate the beauty of the African bush and its vibrant wildlife. After a day filled with exploration, return to the Refurbished Ivory Main Area for a fully inclusive dining experience that will delight your senses.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Game Drives
Morning, afternoon & full day game drives can be arranged on the concession and into the National Park. An abundance of game species can be spotted within the concession and National Park including Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Cheetah, Zebra, Sable, Wild Dog, Leopard and much more!Within the concession, evening game drives can be arranged with a sunset stopover for sundowners and your choice of beverage. Returning to the lodge by spotlight to find those elusive night animals & arriving back in camp in time to freshen up for dinner.
Walking Safari
After a fireside coffee and delicious muffins, journey into the bush on foot with your professional guide on a walking safari. Enjoy the early crisp mornings as you discover the wonders of the African bush and witness its wildlife come to life. Starting time is first light. Walking Safaris are carried out on our private concession of 6000 acres and are weather dependent.Walking Safaris only available upon request during reservation.
Painted Dog Conservation Centre
Zimbabwe boasts one of the largest populations of this endangered species. A visit to the Hwange Research Centre to learn more about these beautiful painted dogs and the rehabilitation, research and conservation efforts surrounding the centre is highly recommended. There is no entry fee charged but the program kindly asks visitors to either buy something from the curio shop with proceeds going to the program or welcomes any donations.
Pan Sits
Spend the day, half a day relaxing near the pan with full waiter service and watch the animals as they get up close and personal.
Days 6–8
Matobo National Park
Experience the breathtaking Matobo National Park, a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, where unforgettable encounters await with these majestic creatures, guided by our experienced team. For those wishing to track rhinos on foot, national park scouts can be arranged at an additional cost.
Delve into the rich history of the San (Bushman) tribes as you explore over 2000 rock art sites, and connect with the local Matabele culture through village tours. Visit the iconic tomb of Cecil John Rhodes, known as the ‘View of the World’, and enjoy safe walks around Amalinda Lodge, where you may encounter various wildlife. Your stay at Amalinda Lodge ensures a fully inclusive experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this remarkable region.
Accommodation
Meals
Activities
Rhino Tracking by Vehicle or Foot
The Matobo Hills is one of the last bastions of both black and white rhino in Africa. The most unforgettable safari experience will be an approach up to this endangered species. This encounter is offered within the skills and knowledge of our experienced guides. Please note: For rhino tracking on foot, guests will need to hire national parks scouts – rates available upon request.
Explore the sites of San Bushman Cave Paintings
Explore the hills where mysterious nomads once held their sacred ceremonies. The rocky granite topography boasts more than 2000 sites of the San (Bushman) tribes and is probably the richest source of San rock art known. This area, and several famous rocks here – known to the Ndebele people – hold spiritual significance of bygone rituals. Here, you can learn about their trials and tribulations, hopes and aspirations.
Cultural & Village Tours
Take a tour to an African homestead and get down to earth with the local Matabele people. Enjoy their gracious hospitality as they show you around their “pole and dagga” huts. Use this opportunity to get an insight into the way of life for the local people and to experience their culture. We offer a chance to visit a clinic, traditional healer and local primary school where one begins to understand no matter what adversity children face, one of their basic wants is to learn. Many projects at the school, clinic and orphanage have been completed, and some are ongoing, through our social responsibility program, The Mother Africa Trust.
Visit the world famous tomb of Cecil John Rhodes
Drive through the granite hills in the footsteps of Cecil John Rhodes. Visit his world famous tomb known as “View of the World”, it’s an historical experience not to be forgotten. Leander Starr Jameson is also buried here and together with the spirits of of soldiers killed in battle by Matabele warriors, they gather around at sunset, there is a definite spiritual presence . This “dwala” is known as “the dwelling place of spirits” or rather “Amalindidzimu”, the view will leave you breathless…….
Walks/Hikes around Amalinda Lodge
Walking on our property is entirely safe – you could bump into warthog, zebra, klipspringer, kudu, impala, wildebeest, reedbuck, duiker, steenbok, hyrax and a vast variety of bird life. Watch out for the elusive leopard, although he’ll see you first….
The " My Beautiful Home" Bicycle ride
No matter where one is in the world, home is where the heart is. It is where dreams are made and where children are born and grow. The walls of a home emanate familiar smells of the mother, favourite meals and fathers pipe. These walls have seen laughter, sadness and tears, reunions and farewells, birth and loss. Home is a safe haven, a security and comfort and that is why so much love, care and attention is given to it. Each home has a personal stamp of love and pride that makes it individual and uniqueThe Homesteads of Africa are some of the most extraordinary in the world. They are made entirely by hand, usually a family affair, using only what nature provides. Wooden poles cut from indigenous trees, supporting sweet smelling African earthen brickwork, fired and baked in homemade ovens. Intricate grass thatching provides a tightly woven roof that separates the lovingly polished floors and the stars. Rich mud walls smoothed by hand are painted and decorated in styles and colours associated with the resident family. Diligently swept yards are home to contently clucking chickens and usually one arrogant and formidable looking rooster. A central shady tree is the meeting place during the heat of the day where women shuck corn and men talk about the rains and their precious cattle.MBH17A well-plotted and carefully planned cycle route through these villages and rural homes in the Matopos is a once in a lifetime experience. It is a bucket list opportunity to touch the very essence of rural life and feel the warm heart and soul of Zimbabwe. A chance to pedal your way through the pulse of Africa. Every home is different. Authentic and uncontrived, with no planning permission needed. There is no duplication or carbon copy. Every home is complete. This is a livelihood where less is certainly more. An overdose of life in all its simplicity – yet this is where you will see the widest smiles and hear the most genuine laughter.Family values are the very core of The Amalinda Collection. A family run company that knows the importance of the comfort and the security of home. “My Beautiful Home” is a personal celebration of the preciousness of the family herd and they are thrilled to offer you this unimaginable heart-warming opportunity. There is no other like it in Zimbabwe. Matopos is home to the some of the most incredible rural homesteads and their proud residents are excited to share their warm hospitality and their home fires with you.Please contact The Amalinda Collection for more details and allow us to introduce you to “My Beautiful Home Cycle Tour.
Day 9
Bulawayo Airport
Your 9-day Deluxe Safari concludes today as you depart from Bulawayo Airport, reflecting on the breathtaking experiences you’ve had after unforgettable nights at Ilala Lodge Hotel, Ivory Lodge, and Amalinda Lodge. We hope you carry the spirit of Zimbabwe with you as you head home.
