Getting in/out of a mini-bus; driving about 110 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Getting in/out of open-air 4x4 vehicles. Afternoon game drive 3 to 4 hours; evening game drive about 1 hour.
Lodge buffet.
A noted local historian will join us to discuss the story of Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone, who first visited Victoria Falls more than 150 years ago, and whose journeys laid the groundwork for the Colonial era that followed. Then, after checking out of the lodge, we will be driven south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's premier safari destination, arriving in time for lunch. Hwange is legendary for its wonderful array of wildlife, particularly the massive herds of elephant and buffalo. Shallow pans are spread throughout the park, around which wildlife congregate, making for excellent and reliable game viewing. Elephant, Cape buffalo, sable, roan, southern giraffe, blue wildebeest, impala and sometimes even gemsbok (oryx) can be seen here. This park is one of the best for predators. Lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah are regularly sighted, along with the smaller African wildcat, serval, honey badger, civet and spotted hyena. Bird life in the area is also prolific, with more than 400 species found.
At the camp, we’ll have a buffet lunch with a starter, main dish, side dish, and dessert, plus local brand alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages; other beverages available for purchase.
We will have some time during the heat of the day to rest, relax, and enjoy the camp's amenities. Following afternoon tea, we will embark on our first safari game drive of the program. We will move slowly through the plains in open-air 4x4 vehicles, searching for wildlife, birds, and the unique flora resident in the park. Each vehicle will have its own local safari expert. We will take a short break before dusk for drinks and snacks, a tradition referred to as “sundowners.” Upon completion of our game drive, we will return to the camp with time to freshen up before dinner.
At the camp, we’ll have a plated meal with salad or starter, main course with side dish, and dessert, plus local brand alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages included; other beverages available for purchase.
We’ll set out on a short night game drive with a local safari expert in search of nocturnal species that may be active in the area. With luck, we may spot civet, genet, bushbaby, pearl spotted owl, African scops owl, and Verreaux’s eagle-owl.