House of Stone - Zimbabwe

The Victoria Falls Hotel garden in Zimbabwe
The Victoria Falls Hotel garden in Zimbabwe
Greater Zimbabwe at Masvingo
Greater Zimbabwe at Masvingo
Sundowner at the waterhole in Hwange National Park
Sundowner at the waterhole in Hwange National Park
The Hide Safari Camp in Zimbabwe
The Hide Safari Camp in Zimbabwe

A fascinating guided tour through the beautiful and historical Zimbabwe 

 

This tour takes you to a complete different version of Africa! Experience the "true Africa" with all the highlights Zimbabwe has to offer. Amongst breathtaking landscape, good impressions and unforgettable experiences await you. 

 

Join us on this exclusive adventure journey, from the "Smoke that Thunders”, over the mystical Matobo Hills to the vibrant capital of Harare. We discover the 1000-year-old stone walls of the Greater Zimbabwe in one of the most beautiful game reserves in the world. Allow yourself to be inspired by this unique journey through the spectacular beauty of this original paradise.


Tour Highlights

Map of The great Zimbabwe Stone Structures route
Map of The great Zimbabwe Stone Structures route

- The famous Victoria Falls

- The mystical Matobo hills

- Elephant herds in the famous Hwange National Park

- The stone house, the Great Zimbabwe

- The former Salisbury - Harare

 

 

… and much more!!!

 

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Departure to Africa

Today the journey begins with a long-haul flight to Zimbabwe.

 

Day 2: Welcome to Zimbabwe 

You will arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport, where your English speaking tour guide will greet you with a big smile. We then start this fantastic tour by driving to the legendary Victoria Falls Hotel where we will be staying for the next two nights. The historic, built in English colonial style hotel is located near the mighty Victoria Falls. After checking in and freshening up, the wonderful gardens and the unique view of the Victoria Falls bridge invites you to relax and unwind after your long journey. In the early evening, a tasty dinner awaits us. 30 km / D

 

Day 3: Mosi or Tumya- The smoke that thunders!

Today we admire the Victoria Falls or as the locals say "Mosi or Tunya" -  meaning “the smoke that thunders”. After breakfast, we start our walk along the Southern edge of the world famous Falls, where we get spectacular views of the 1.7 km wide edge. The incredible masses of water rush with deafening thunder over the 100m deep, narrow gorge spraying water dense into the sky. Many viewing points ensure that photos can be shot from different angles, offering spectacular photos each time! The most daring among us can get an adrenaline rush by doing an adventurous bungee jump (optional - not included in the tour price). For those of us who prefer watching this from a safe distance, can view the thrilling bungee jumps from a viewing platform. The rest of the day is at your own leisure, or it can be used to explore the town of Victoria Falls. We will end our day with dinner at the hotel. B, D

 

Day 4: The famous Hwange National Park

After a tasty breakfast we drive South to Hwange National Park. The park is the largest national park in Zimbabwe with a size of 14.651 km ² and lies in the foothills of the Kalahari. A large animal population lives in Hwange and is one of the most important nature reserves in the country. The san Bushmen used to live here, later this area became one of the royal hunting grounds of the great Matabele king Mzilikazi. The area was declared as a nature reserve in 1928. Over 100 mammals and 400 species of birds can be discovered here. We will spend the next two nights in a delightful lodge in the middle of the park. Before we enjoy our dinner in the lodge’s restaurant, we will be enjoying our first game drive. 190 km / B,D

 

Day 5: On game drives to the "Big 5"

Today is all about the Hwange National Park. On game drives in open SUVs, we will search for traces of the "Big 5". An estimated 20,000 elephants liver here. One of the largest populations of the African wild dog, as well as large herds of lions, buffalo herds, leopards, rhinos and spotted hyenas can be discovered here. In the evening, a delicious dinner awaits us at our lodge. 0 km / B, L ,D

 

Day 6: Bulawayo and Matobo National Park

In the morning we drive Southeast into the city of Bulawayo, surrounded by lilac-flowering Jacaranda trees. There we visit the Natural History Museum, one of the best museums in the country. We then continue to Matobo National Park, where we check into our beautifully located lodge in the afternoon, which will be our home for the next two nights. In the early evening we enjoy a sundowner at our lodge, with an enchanting view of the granite cliffs. Dinner is served in the lodge’s own restaurant. 410 km / B,D

 

Day 7: Matobo National Park- a view of the world

The Matobo National Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of incredible natural beauty, famous for its granite boulder formations. In the morning we explore the park and visit some rock extensions. These rocks offered the people protection about 40 000 years ago. The painting and ornaments have been preserved up to this day. We can also visit the tomb of Africa's most famous imperialist, Mr Cecil John Rhodes at the "Worlds View". In the afternoon you can relax at the lodge's own swimming pool or we can hike along the impressive granite cliffs. We also have the option to participate in an unforgettable foot safari with a ranger from the National Park. Among other things, the ranger will try to guide you to the endangered white rhino (optional - not included in the tour price). In the evening we enjoy our dinner together at the lodge. 68 km / B,D

 

Day 8: An orphanage for wildlife 

After a relaxing breakfast, we set off to visit the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage, an orphanage for wildlife. Here, injured, orphaned and confiscated wild animals get a second chance. They are cared for and prepared for an independent life in the wilderness. During a guided tour we learn more about the life of these animals. We then drive towards Masvingo. Tonight we arrive at our nearby guest house. The guest house is situated on a hill and offers an impressive view of the Mutirikwe Lake. Before a home-cooked dinner, we can relax in the guest house’s beautiful garden. 355 km / B,D

 

Day 9: Great Zimbabwe - The house of stone

After breakfast we visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Zimbabwe National Monument. It is believed that the first stone walls were built here about 1,000 years ago. This impressive ruined city has a size of 722 ha and is the largest stone structure ever built South of the Sahara. The name Zimbabwe comes from the Shona words "dzimba dzamabwe" and means "stone house”. On a fascinating tour we learn more about the former great empire of Shona. In the afternoon we will be back at our lodge, where dinner awaits us in the evening. 34 km / B,D

 

DAY 10: The vibrant metropolis of Zimbabwe- Harare

After breakfast we leave and head North. In the early afternoon we reach the largest city in Zimbabwe, Harare. The state capital is alive and well worth seeing. Harare is located in the Northern third of the country and is located at 1,490 m above sea level in the tropical climate zone, so it is hot and semiarid. However, with an average annual temperature of 18 ° C, it is relatively pleasant. Harare, the former Salisbury, is not a destination for a typical city break. Harare is a colourful African city, with lilac-flowering Jacaranda trees and wide streets. Tourists are welcomed here with open arms. We move into our hotel for the night and during dinner we review this unique journey. 310 km / B,D

 

Day 11: Farewell to Zimbabwe

Together we travel to Harare Airport, as the trip has come to an end. A long-haul flight brings you back to your home country. 16 km / B

 

Day 12: Return home

Arrival in home country. 

 

Prices and Dates

Prices and Dates on request. Tour code: Bush Tea

 

* The offer is valid for a group size of 6 - 9 participants.

* At the latest, 30 days before departure, the achievement of the minimum number of participants is confirmed (see Terms and Conditions).

* The travel price excludes general increases in transport costs and currency fluctuations.

* Prices are subject to the availability of selected accommodation.

* We reserve the right to change the travel program at short notice.

 

Included in tour price:

  • Private, local, qualified, English speaking tour guide from Victoria Falls Airport to Harare Airport in Zimbabwe
  • 9 nights in selected, upscale accommodations
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner as advertised (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
  • Excursion and round trip program with a modern, customary minibus with air conditioning
  • All entrances, activities and parking fees as mentioned (except optional program points)
  • Drinking water supply during bus rides
  • EUR 5.00 per person to support the pre-school kindergarten Penguin Kidz in Betty's Bay, South Africa
  • Luggage transport

 

Excluded in tour price:

  • I nternational flights to Victoria Falls and Harare in Zimbabwe
  • Visa costs for Zimbabwe (currently USD 30.00 one-time entry)
  • Optional activities and additional services
  • Travel Insurance
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses