Explore Zimbabwe with Forrest Valkai - (Returning Travelers ONLY)

In the afternoon, after you've settled in at the hotel, you'll be picked up for a short 15-minute transfer to the dock. There, you'll embark on a shared cruise along the Zambezi River to enjoy the sunset views. The cruise lasts about 3 to 4 hours and offers comfortable lounge spaces, bathrooms, tables, and seating areas. The maximum capacity of the cruise varies depending on the confirmed boat, but it's usually around 50 people. The cruise takes you through the upper part of the river, offering a unique perspective above the roaring waterfall. During the peak flow season, the thundering falls send up a billowing cloud of soaking mist, visible for miles around. As you cruise along the Zambezi River, you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, with the towering cliffs and lush vegetation framing the majestic Victoria Falls in the distance. Throughout the cruise, you'll enjoy a complete dinner, sampling the best of the local cuisine. You'll also have the opportunity to raise a glass with your fellow travelers in anticipation of the trip ahead. After dinner, the cruise will navigate back to the dock, where a brief 15-minute transfer will take you back to your hotel.

Your welcome dinner will be served during your cruise on the Zambezi River. As you take in the sunset views, you'll be treated to a delicious 2-course set menu, accompanied by a selection of soft drinks, beers, wines, and local spirits. Please note that additional food cannot be purchased onboard. All drinks are included in the cruise package.

Overnight in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. At Rainbow Hotel Victoria Falls, you can enjoy a full buffet breakfast. Please note that the specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

Early in the morning, after finishing your breakfast, you will be picked up for a one-hour drive to the countryside. Upon arrival at the headtrail, lace up your hiking shoes and prepare for an impressive exploration of Batoka Gorge. Following a safety and procedural briefing, you will enjoy a three-hour walk along the top of the gorge, descending alongside the Zambezi River and following its rafting rapids. The Batoka Gorge, through which the Zambezi water flows below Victoria Falls, is one of the most spectacular gorges in Southern Africa. A walk through this valley offers unique views of the gorge and the river, as well as close encounters with the birds and other creatures that inhabit the gorge. Guided by an experienced guide, you will learn about the local flora and fauna, the history of the area, the Zambezi River, and the community's way of life. After the hike, you will take a 20-minute drive to a local Ndebele village, where you will be welcomed by the headman and have the opportunity to interact with his family. These gracious hosts are eager to showcase their home and share their cultural way of life, including family dynamics, education, livestock, diet, and anything else you find intriguing. The locals will prepare and serve a traditional meal for you, which you will enjoy under the thatched shade of their decorated mud huts. After lunch, a short transfer will take you to Victoria Falls National Park, where the adventure continues.

During your visit to the Ndebele village, the locals will greet you with a delicious lunch. The meal offerings vary based on seasonal products, availability, and daily preparations. Typically, the meal includes one main dish, accompanied by water. Additional beverages can be purchased on-site at your own expense, so it is advisable to bring some cash with you.

Upon arriving at Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls National Park, you will leave your vehicle behind and embark on a guided walking tour to explore the park's highlights on foot. As you set out, the distant roar of the falls guides your path. The trail winds through lush rainforest, alive with the calls of birds and occasional wildlife rustles. The overhead canopy provides a refreshing break from the African sun, casting dappled light on the forest floor. Your guide will point out various plant species, highlighting their medicinal or cultural significance. As you approach the first viewpoints, the sheer power and beauty of Victoria Falls come into full view. The mist rises high into the air, creating rainbows that dance in the sunlight. The sight is awe-inspiring, and you pause to take it all in, feeling the spray on your skin. Continuing along the trail, you'll discover new vantage points offering different perspectives of the falls. Each view is more breathtaking than the last, showcasing the grandeur and scale of this natural wonder. You'll stop at various lookout points, capturing the moment with your camera, though no photo can truly capture the majesty before you. The park features at least 15 different viewpoints, covering a total distance of approximately 2 miles on well-maintained trails. The length of the walk will vary depending on the group's interests. Inside the forest, you'll find a cozy café where you can stop for a coffee and some tasty pastries. As the walk concludes, you'll return to your vehicle and be transferred back to your hotel in a 15-minute ride. Please note that you should present your passport at the entrance gate, so please keep it handy.

Overnight in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. At Rainbow Hotel Victoria Falls, you can enjoy a full buffet breakfast. Please note that the specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After a hearty breakfast, you will pack your luggage and check out the hotel. After that, you will hop into the vehicle and begin with a transfer to the Zambia border, which is approximately 10-15 minutes away, depending. Upon reaching the border, you'll go through customs and immigration, so make sure to have your passport handy. After crossing the border, you'll continue your journey to the Livingstone Island launch site, which is about a 5-10 minute drive. Here, you'll board a small boat for a short trip to Livingstone Island, situated in the middle of the Zambezi River, right on the edge of Victoria Falls. Once on the island, you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding landscapes. Your guide will lead you on a tour, providing insights into the history and significance of the island. During the visit to the island, you will cover approximately 0.5 miles on foot. Along the way, you will find places where you can purchase beverages and snacks to enjoy during your exploration. The highlight of the tour is the visit to Devil's Pool, a natural rock pool located at the edge of the falls. During the low water season (mid-August to mid-January), you can swim in the pool and even peer over the edge, feeling the rush of the Zambezi River flowing over the precipice. After the visit to Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool, you'll take a boat back to the launch site and then a transfer to Kasane, Botswana, which is approximately a 2 hour drive from Livingstone. Along the way, you'll have the chance to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and wildlife sightings. Devil’s Pool is open during the drier months of the year, usually between mid-August and late December, when the Zambezi water levels are low enough for swimmers to take the plunge. NOTE: DEVIL’S POOL AND ANGEL’S POOL ARE ONLY AVAILABLE WHEN THE ZAMBEZI IS LOW.

After a hearty breakfast, you will pack your luggage and check out of the hotel. You will then hop into the vehicle and begin with a 15-minute transfer to the Zambezi River shorelines. Upon arrival, you'll board a specially designed jet boat that offers a thrilling ride through the rapids beneath the falls. As you jet through the waters, you'll feel the spray from the thundering 300-foot wall of water above, creating a truly immersive experience. The boat is equipped with safety measures, including life jackets and experienced guides to ensure your safety throughout the tour. The tour provides unique perspectives of the falls, taking you right under the Falls into the Boiling Pot. The true power and intensity of the Falls can only be felt as you view them from below, covered in their spray. After leaving the Boiling Pot, it’s time for a fast-paced thrill ride, up and down the rapids as you speed through the Batoka Gorge. After the tour, you'll take a transfer to Kasane, Botswana, which is approximately a 2-hour drive. Along the way, you'll pass through the border and customs, so please have your passport handy.

Immediately after the tour, you will hop into the overland truck to begin your journey to Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park. The length of the transfer is about 2 hours, but it may vary based on the border traffic. Please have your passport handy, as you will need it for the border crossing. Stops for restrooms and shopping will be made if needed, ensuring a comfortable journey as you make your way to your next destination.

Overnight in Kasane, Botswana.

Your safari today will start before sunrise, so you can expect to enjoy a packed breakfast during the safari. The breakfast is simple but filling, consisting of tea and coffee, a selection of breads and spreads, cereals, yogurts, and fruits. Breakfast is prepared by the guide and served from the truck, camping style. This will provide you with the energy you need to start your day of wildlife exploration in Chobe National Park.

Your day starts early, with a short 15-minute transfer from your lodge to the Chobe gate, where your safari adventure begins. You will enjoy a packed breakfast during the safari, providing you with the energy you need to start your day of wildlife exploration. The shared safari is conducted in open safari vehicles, with a maximum capacity of 9 travelers each, ensuring a personalized experience. The group will be split into smaller groups for the safari. The duration of the safari is approximately 3 hours, during which you will have the opportunity to see the incredible wildlife that Chobe National Park is famous for. As you explore the park, known as the Land of Giants for its large elephant population (over 150,000 during peak season), keep your eyes peeled for other impressive wildlife, including predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. You'll also see herds of zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species. Please note that there are no bathrooms available during the safari. Remember to wear neutral-colored clothing and avoid feeding any wild animals. After the safari, you will return to the town to have lunch on your own.

Your adventure begins in the afternoon, with a short 15-minute transfer from your lodge to the river dock, where you'll board a shared boat for your cruise. The cruise will last approximately 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and take in the stunning surroundings. The boat is open, allowing for panoramic views of the river and its wildlife. There are no planned disembarkations during the cruise, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience. As you glide along the Chobe River, you'll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, water buffalo, crocodiles, and more. The river is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with many different species of birds to be seen along the way. This Chobe River boat cruise offers a truly unique perspective, allowing you to observe wildlife from the water and witness the beauty of this pristine natural environment. Relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you cruise along the river, taking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. Once the cruise ends, you will disembark at the dock, and a short 15-minute transfer will take you back to your hotel. This will allow you some free time to relax and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Overnight in Kasane, Botswana.

We can enjoy a quick breakfast in the morning, making sure that we are ready for the truck to depart at 07:30am sharp to cross the border back into Zimbabwe.

Early in the morning, you will check out of the lodge and board the overland truck. You'll cross the border back into Zimbabwe, embarking on approximately a 3-hour transfer. Please note that the length of the transfer may vary depending on the border traffic. Keep your passport handy to expedite the customs process. Upon arrival at your lodge in Hwange National Park around midday, you will have some free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure.

Embark on an unforgettable safari game drive in Hwange National Park, starting in the afternoon from your lodge. You will board open safari vehicles, with a maximum capacity of 9 travelers each, ensuring a personalized experience. The group will be split into different vehicles to enhance your safari adventure. Keep your eyes open and be on the lookout for the famous Big Five of Africa, which include the lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant. These iconic species are among the most sought-after sightings on safari, and Hwange National Park offers a chance to encounter them in their natural habitat. During the safari, you will make a stop at the park entrance for a restroom break, allowing you to refresh and stretch your legs before continuing your adventure. After approximately 4 hours of exploring the park and encountering its wildlife, you will return to your lodge. The rest of the evening will be free for you to relax, and make use of the lodge facilities.

Overnight in Hwange National Park.

Your safari today will start before sunrise, so you can expect to enjoy a packed breakfast during the safari. The breakfast is simple but filling, consisting of tea and coffee, a selection of breads and spreads, cereals, yogurts, and fruits. Breakfast is prepared by the guide and served from the truck, camping style. This will provide you with the energy you need to start your day of wildlife exploration in Hwange National Park.

Today, you will wake up early to embark on a thrilling safari adventure in the heart of Hwange National Park. You will board open safari vehicles, with a maximum capacity of 9 travelers each, ensuring a personalized experience. The group will be split into different vehicles to enhance your safari adventure. The animal behavior during the sunrise and morning is quite different from the rest of the day, so you will appreciate different species and activities than the safari you experienced the day before. Keep your eyes open and be on the lookout for the famous Big Five of Africa, which include the lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant. These iconic species are among the most sought-after sightings on safari, and Hwange National Park offers a chance to encounter them in their natural habitat. During the safari, you will make a stop at the park entrance for a restroom break, allowing you to refresh and stretch your legs before continuing your adventure. After approximately 4 hours of exploring the park and encountering its wildlife, you will return to your lodge. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax, enjoy lunch at your leisure, and make use of the lodge facilities.

Overnight in Hwange National Park.

Your transfer today will start early, so we will have a good breakfast in the morning at the lodge before returning to Victoria Falls.

Early in the morning, you will check out of the lodge and board the overland truck. You'll head back to Victoria Falls in a short journey of approximately 2 hours. You will arrive before midday, and you will have the afternoon free to explore the town and its surroundings.

In the early evening, you will be picked up at your lodge and taken on a short 5-minute transfer to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate. Here, you will enjoy a legendary dining and entertainment experience that offers an unforgettable fusion of mouth-watering local cuisine, energetic dance performances, interactive drumming, and traditional storytelling. The Boma experience includes a selection of typical Zimbabwean foods. Beverages are not included and can be purchased at your own expense. After dinner, you will be part of an interactive drumming show, the perfect way to conclude your trip with your fellow travelers.

Overnight in Victoria Falls.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. At Rainbow Hotel Victoria Falls, you can enjoy a full buffet breakfast. Please note that the specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.