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9 NIGHT VICTORIA FALLS, KARIBA, AND MANA SHORELINE GOLD (E) SAFARI 2 Nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

4 Nights Lake Kariba

3 Nights Mana Pools National Park

10 Days / 9 Nights

Reference: IG-9E

Start Victoria Falls Airport / End Harare International Airport

Total Price 9 Nights: US$ 4165 per person sharing

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Overview This 9-night package takes you through three sections of the mighty Zambezi River. Start your safari with a

couple of days in Victoria Falls while staying at a beautiful riverside lodge, just a few minutes away from the

centre of the Africa’s adventure capital, where you can explore a variety of exciting Victoria Falls activities and

the largest waterfall in the world itself.

From there, travel up to one of Zimbabwe’s less travelled safari gems – Lake Kariba. Spend four nights taking in

the unforgettable scenery of the Matusadona hills and the vast Lake Kariba, home to impressive game and great

fishing!

Finish off with a wonderful three nights camping and canoeing further down the Lower Zambezi River in Mana

Pools National Park – one of the best safari regions in Zimbabwe. This part of the safari gets you very close to

nature and the wonderful wildlife that Mana Pools is known for.

Inspired Journey Overview

Accommodation

Night 1 – 2 River-facing Room at A’Zambezi River Lodge

Night 3 – 6 East-facing safari tent at Musango Safari Camp

Night 3 - 9 Mobile tents at Odyssey Canoe Safari

Transfers Included

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Day 1 Road Transfer: Victoria Falls Airport to A’Zambezi River Lodge

Day 3 Road Transfer: A’Zambezi River Lodge to Victoria Falls Airport

Day 3 Boat Transfer: Kariba airstrip to Musango Safari Camp

Day 7 Boat Transfer: Musango Safari Camp to Kariba airstrip

Day 7 Road Transfer: Mana Pools airstrip to Vundu Camp

Day 10 Road Transfer: Ilala Camp to Mana airstrip

Flights Included

Day 3 Victoria Falls Airport to Lake Kariba

Day 7 Kariba to Mana Pools West

Day 10 Mana airstrip to Harare International Airport

Highlights

View the spectacular and mighty Victoria Falls

Partake in the multitude of activities available at Victoria Falls from sedate sunset cruises to adrenaline crazy bungee jumping and everything in between

Fantastic land and water-based safari activities, fishing, cultural and scenic excursions at Musango

East-facing safari rooms with views of the lake – breath-taking sunrises to be expected

A four-night stay in a historic and wildlife park – Matusadona National Park, with a chance to track the rare and highly endangered black rhino on foot!

Follow the Zambezi River through Mana Pools National Park, and enjoy walking and canoe safaris in one of Zimbabwe’s best safari regions

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Day 1 – 2

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

One of the original natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and an extremely

popular tourism attraction. Known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, this spectacle is accessible from both

Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is an ideal place to combine a game viewing and water sports. There is excellent

fishing, a terrifying bungee jump and arguably the best commercial white water rafting in the world.

Overnight: A’Zambezi River Lodge

The immense beauty of the Zambezi has captured the hearts of explorers for over a century. A’Zambezi is famed

for its African-style design, curvy lay-out, distinctive thatched roof and its perfect blending into the surrounding

environment. Likewise, its accommodation follows the same theme, with thoughtfully decorated river-theme

rooms in a variety of options.

Notes: Day 1, 2

DAY 1 Upon arrival to Victoria Falls Airport, you will be picked up for your road transfer to A'Zambezi River Lodge. This

is a 45-minute drive on tarred road through the town and then on to the riverside hotel. You may drop off your

bags and have a meal or snacks at the hotel, or get onto a shuttle bus and go and enjoy lunch at one of the many

restaurants in town. There are no scheduled activities for this part of your trip, but we recommend a river cruise

on the Zambezi with dinner served on the river. You can sign up for some of the many Victoria Falls activities that

are available (price not included).

DAY 2 You have a full day to soak up the wonderful atmosphere of Victoria Falls, the adventure capital of Africa, and

there are activities on offer to cater for everyone’s needs. View the mighty Falls, partake in some of the many

activities, or wander around the streets to do a bit of curio shopping, then finish off at a café for refreshments

and a bite to eat. Please have a look at the activities available Victoria Falls Activities and contact us to arrange a

suitable itinerary just for you.

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Day 3 - 6

Lake Kariba

The planet’s most voluminous man-made lake, Kariba is a popular tourist destination that was created in the

1950s when the mighty Zambezi was dammed. It stretches for more than 200 kilometres along the border

between Zimbabwe and Zambia, forming a natural boundary between the two countries. The lake’s waters are

home to abundant crocodiles, hippos, fish and aquatic birds, while its shoreline and islands are rich with

terrestrial game such as elephant and buffalo. It has become one of Zimbabwe’s main tourist attractions offering

houseboat holidays, fishing safaris and wonderful game viewing experiences.

Overnight: Musango Safari Camp

Musango Safari Camp is an exclusive 16 bed camp situated just off the shoreline of the Matusadona National

Park. Musango is the only owner run safari camp on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. Just a short flight away from

Victoria Falls or Kariba, Musango offers an abundance of wildlife and bird life, with a wide selection of activities

available or the option to simply relax.

The Musango activities include walking safaris, Big 5 game drives, boating safaris, cultural tours, sailing trips to

Starvation Island and tiger fishing on the famous Lake Kariba. The activities offered are fun, informal and

operated by trained and experienced guides.

Walking safaris provide guests the experience of tracking and photographing a wide variety of wildlife. Musango

was involved in the re-introduction of black rhino into the Matusadona National Park, and guests can track the

wild black rhino on foot within the park.

The Musango game drives are conducted across the water on the mainland in a classic game vehicle where

guests can discover the prolific wildlife inhabiting the area.

Lake Kariba is a fantastic fishing location, and Musango caters for both novice and experienced fishermen. The

famous tiger fish is found in abundance in the lake in addition to a variety of other species of fish.

Musango offers cultural visits to the local village, Musampa, where guests can learn about the local culture and

lifestyle.

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Sailing to Starvation Island is a unique way to explore the bird life and wildlife in the area and view the

spectacular Kariba sunsets. Musango offers trips to the island on-board a 23-foot catamaran.

Notes: Day 3, 4, 5, 6

DAY 3 On this day, you will be picked up from the A'Zambezi River Lodge, and transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for

your chartered flight to Bumi Hills Airfield in Kariba. This is about a 2.5-hour air transfer with one stopover in

Hwange National Park. From the airstrip, you will be picked up for a boat transfer out to an island on Lake Kariba,

and checked in to Musango Safari Camp. Drop your bags and enjoy lunch and the view of Lake Kariba. After

lunch, take in your surroundings and have some rest before going on a boat cruise on the lake as the sun goes

down with your drinks and snacks in hand. After the cruise, return to camp for dinner and mingle with the other

guests over drinks.

DAY 4 Start you second day with breakfast, then join your highly experienced guide for a walking safari into

Matusadona National Park and track rhino as well. Return to camp for brunch, and then head out for a cultural

tour. A visit to the local village, Musampa, is a must if you want to learn more about the way of life of the people

who inhabit the shores of Lake Kariba. This is an eye-opening and fascinating experience, in which you will learn

how the villagers live a subsistence lifestyle, reliant on the land and the water to survive. Return to camp for

afternoon tea, and then go for a game drive. After your evening activity, you will return to camp for dinner and

retire for the night.

DAY 5 Wake up to some breakfast and a morning boat cruise along the Kariba shoreline, taking in the unforgettable

landscape and wildlife that roams along the banks of lake. The cruise provides excellent photo opportunities and

close encounters with such animals as the African elephant, hippos, crocodiles to name a few. Return to camp

for brunch and some rest. After High Tea, head out to explore Starvation Island - the sunsets from there are

spectacular. Sundowners and snacks will be served on this trip as you enjoy the beautiful sunset. Head back to

camp for dinner and drinks.

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DAY 6 On this day, wake up to breakfast and then head out for a boat cruise on the lake. You may request a game drive

through Matusadona instead – a ride which follows the Kariba shoreline. After your morning activity, return to

camp for brunch and some rest while you enjoy the views from the deck. Take a dip in the pool or just enjoy the

view. After High Tea, you may want to get onto the lake for some fishing. Sundowners and snacks will be served

while you wind up the evening, and a boat cruise will take you back to camp for dinner and drinks on your last

night in Kariba.

Activities Info

Safari Walks

With a professional guide, tracking a multitude of animals, including the Big five, for which this area is famous.

Musango’s specialty is the rare Black Rhino.

Game Viewing Cruises

In either boats or pontoons. This is simply the most productive way to experience wild life up close.

Canoeing

Along the shoreline and exploring the many wild life rich rivers, which abound in the vicinity. Experience the

peace, tranquillity and relaxation whilst gently gliding past the prolific wild life, multitude of birds and stunning

scenery.

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Game Drives

Within the private wild life concession. Musango game drives are always very popular and productive.

Cultural Village Trip

This genuine, non-tourist Fishing Village offer an insight to the Batonka people and their interesting traditions

and way of life. Enjoy the Fish Market and net repairs, the village life and the school.

Black Rhino Tracking

Matusadona National Park is home to the rare Black Rhino. The recent and ongoing onslaught of Rhino in

Southern Africa, makes being able to track and hopefully see this prehistoric animal a privilege and challenging

adventure.

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Dinosaur Fossil Site

Wander around with your guide and see the wide variety of Dinosaur fossils found by Steve. The area boasts

fossils of many species of dinosaurs, including some of the oldest fossils in Southern Africa.

Specialist Birding Safaris

The immediate area around Musango Safari Camp offers more the 400 species of birds. Steve is a bird enthusiast

and will delight you with some of the very special birds that this area has to boast, including Pel’s Fishing Owl,

Night Herons, Spinetails, Narina Trogon, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Lilian’s Love Birds and many others.

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Fishing

Lake Kariba offers many species of fish including the famous fighting Tiger Fish, huge Vundu catfish, as well as

the delicious Bream. A world record Tiger Fish caught on a fly rod was landed near Musango. The camp supplies

all fishing equipment, including fly fishing tackle.

Day 7 – 10

Mana Pools National Park

The life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most lush and

flourishing regions, designated as the country’s second World Heritage Site and known as one of the continent’s

premier game-viewing regions. Canoe trips are offered year round and provide a unique and memorable way for

visitors to experience the area’s striking scenic beauty and diverse fauna, while guided walks are a great way to

take its pristine riverside forests.

Mana Shoreline Canoe Safari

Natureways Mana Shoreline Safaris can either be canoeing or walking, paddle or stroll into your next campsite

situated on the banks of the Zambezi River. These safaris are fully backed up meaning guest do not have to lift a

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finger! Guest spend the night in comfort and leave for the day's activities, the Natureways staff with pack up the

camp, move and setup camp again at the next night's location. Hot showers and meals freshly prepared over the

open campfire await guest each night.

Overnight: Odyssey Canoe Safaris - Vundu Point Camp

Vundu Point Camp is the first night campsite of Natureways Safaris Mana Shoreline Canoe or Walking Safaris.

Situated upstream on the edge of the Mana Pools National Park's border this camp site has the closest view of

the Zambian Hills opposite, and a small island in front of the camp with its resident pop of hippos. Perfectly

positioned for observation!

Notes: Day 7

DAY 7 From Musango Camp, you will be picked up for a boat transfer to Bumi Hills Airstrip for your flight to Mana Pools.

Upon arrival at Mana West Airstrip, you will be met by a guide and driven up to Vundu Camp in Mana Pools

National Park. Lunch, usually consisting of cold meats, a variety of salads and freshly baked breads, will be served

on your arrival. After a refreshing break you will take a short drive to the canoe launch-spot near the confluence

of the Ruckomechi and Zambezi Rivers. Here, the guide will give a full safety briefing, pointing out where all

equipment - such as the first aid kit - is kept, as well as explaining what to do in an emergency. You will then

depart downstream, by canoe, returning to Vundu camp. You may begin to see some of the animals and birds

attracted to the water’s edge. Hippo, buffalo, elephant and crocodile, as well as a variety of antelope species, are

usually seen.

Arrival at camp is around sunset. The camp will be fully prepared and you will be able to sit back and relax with

sundowners and snacks – tea and coffee and hot showers are also available. A campfire is already burning and

this is invariably where guests will gather to discuss the day’s events and plan for the morning. In the

background your support staff and resident bush cook are busy preparing a three-course dinner for you.

Overnight: Odyssey Safaris Chessa Camp

Chessa Camp is the second night campsite of Natureways Safaris Mana Shoreline Canoe or Walking Safaris. Once

again on the bank of the Zambezi River, this camp looks over a small channel there is a large grass plain

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separating it from the main Zambezi. This camp is frequently visited by buffalo, waterbuck, elephant and hippos

in the evenings.

Notes: Day 8

DAY 8 An early wake up as dawn breaks - hot water for freshening up will be placed in raised basins outside each tent,

while tea, freshly brewed coffee, muffins or home-made biscuits are already waiting by the campfire. The aim is

to be in the canoes and on the water in time to watch the sunrise. As one of the most magical times of day, you

will be enchanted as you drift along quietly, listening to the sounds of the African wild wakening to a new day.

Following paddling for couple of hours, breakfast will be under a grove of acacia trees. After breakfast, guests

have the opportunity to set off on a walk on the floodplain and surrounding woodlands. This is a great time to try

and view predators before they hide up for the day. You may even be lucky enough to spot one or more of the

diurnal animals making their way down to the river. This walk offers an opportunity, not only for game viewing,

but also to explore some of the more interesting aspects of the environment. You will spot a variety of animal

spoor, and may even find yourself engrossed in tracking down a particular species. The guide will share

fascinating facts about strange insects and spiders as well as a wealth of knowledge about this miniature world

that forms such an integral part of the bush. Sounds of many brightly coloured birds can be heard while

marvelling at the beauty and tranquillity of this unique area.

Returning to the canoes, you will head downstream to an area renowned for its huge, old elephant bulls. The

guide tries to time the trip to catch them swimming or wading out to the grass islands, where the canoes will be

able to glide quietly alongside these awesome giants. Their age makes them placid enough that they tend to

ignore the canoes.

Lunch break coincides with the heat of the day. The canoes are pulled up below a grove of mahogany trees

whose dense shade provides a welcome relief. The meal generally consists of cold meats, freshly prepared

salads, pizza or quiche and cheese and biscuits. After eating and drinking your ice-cold drinks, you have a choice

to either take another short walk through the mahogany forest or to just relax and enjoy an afternoon siesta.

The late afternoon and evening is spent drifting down to camp and enjoying the game and birding along the

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river’s edge. You will be welcomed by support staff who will be waiting at camp, reached by sunset. This night’s

camp, Chessa, overlooks a small channel, with a large grass plain separating it from the main Zambezi, 500

metres away. Frequently the plain hosts buffalo, waterbuck, elephant and hippo in the evenings.

Overnight: Odyssey Safaris Ilala Camp

Ilala Camp is the third and final night campsite of Natureways Safaris Mana Shoreline Canoe or Walking Safaris.

Ilala is found in the 'Wilderness Area' of the Mana Pools National Park, sitting high up on one of the rivers steep

banks the camp overlooks one of the Zambezi River's largest islands, Chikwenya Island. As this is one of the most

remote parts of the National Park, game and fishing is fantastic! If you are a fisherman this is the ideal location

for the challenging Tiger Fish.

Notes: Day 9 & 10

DAY 9 This day follows the same basic itinerary as day eight with a pre-dawn wake up and the sun rising whilst drifting

down the Zambezi. However, this is the day that you will enter the “Wilderness Area” of Mana Pools National

Park where there is limited access to people and vehicles. Breakfast may be taken on the Mbera River floodplain,

which comprises stunning acacia woodland with large patches of thick “Adrenaline” grass – a habitat much

favoured by all the predators. Towards the end of the dry season it also hosts large groups of female elephants

with their babies.

The day is spent paddling through a maze of small channels before once again joining the main Zambezi. For a

change, lunch is on one of the shallow sandbanks in the middle of the river, where a table and chairs are set up in

ankle deep water with the whole width of the river stretching out on either side. This afternoon is the last chance

for canoeing. Depending on water levels and time allowed, there may be an opportunity to explore Chikwenya

Island on foot. This unique island is the largest on this section of the river and is host to prolific bird life as well as

a number of interesting mammal species. In the afternoon you will paddle into Ilala Camp to spend the last night

in the rustic luxury of the Odyssey Camp.

DAY 10

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Depending on how you are feeling, an early morning walk before breakfast is possible or a well-deserved lie in!

After which, there will be a short game drive to the airstrip for your transfer out of Mana Pools National Park.

Your air transfer takes you to Harare International Airport for your onward flight.

Price

Total Price for 9 Nights: US$ 4165

Per person sharing

Included

A'ZAMBEZI RIVER LODGE

• Accommodation in a smart river-facing room

• Daily breakfast

MUSANGO SAFARI CAMP

• Accommodation in an east-facing luxurious safari tent with views of Lake Kariba

• All meals, local spirits and drinks

• Laundry

• Game activities: Walking safaris, Game drives, Boat safari, Fishing, Cultural tour, Sailing to Starvation Island

ODYSSEY MANA SHORELINE CANOE SAFARI

• Accommodation in spacious mobile tents

• All meals and drinks including local beers, spirits, imported wines, minerals, cordials, mineral

water, tea and coffee

• Use of all camping and canoeing equipment

• Complementary laundry (time permitting)

• Services of fully qualified professional guide

• All activities: Photography, Fishing, Canoeing, Walking Safaris, Game Drives

TRANSFERS

• Road and boat transfers between hotels/lodges and airports

• Air transfers between Victoria Falls, Kariba, Mana Pools and Harare

Excluded

A'ZAMBEZI RIVER LODGE

• All other meals and activities not mentioned

MUSANGO SAFARI LODGE & MANA SHORELINE CANOE SAFARI

• Premium and imported beverages

• National Park fees

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TAXES

• All departure taxes for chartered flights

Travel Information

A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s

leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is

transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of

the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural

wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is

awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot

featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip

down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close

encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.

Banking and Currency

Currency

Zimbabwe uses US$ as its own unit of currency. South African Rands and Euros are also widely accepted. It is

advised to carry small denominations of change with you. However, it is best to pay for as much as possible

outside of the country. South African Rands work well in supermarkets, while US$ are preferred for curios,

accommodation and activities.

Banking

Banks in Zimbabwe are open for business Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 08h00 to 15h00, on

Wednesdays from 08h00 to 13h00 and Fridays from 08h00 to 11h30. They are closed on Sundays and Public

Holidays.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Taxis are safe and reliable, and can be booked through your hotel front desk. Taxis in cities travel within a 40km

radius of the city. Always take a taxi at night.

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Major airlines fly into Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo. Charter flights are available to most attractions and

camps.

Zimbabwe has a good road infrastructure, by African standards, although potholed. Between major towns, there

are frequent road blocks. Traffic drives on the left side of the road.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Zimbabwe's native cuisine is based on sadza, a cooked porridge made from ground maize which is normally be

accompanied by some tasty relish, perhaps made of meat and tomatoes, or dried fish. Safari camps will often

prepare sadza if requested, and it is almost always available in small restaurants in the towns.

Camps, hotels and lodges that cater to overseas typically serve a variety international fare, and the quality of

food prepared in the most remote bush camps is usually excellent. If you are driving yourself around and plan to

cook, then get most of your supplies in main towns.

Water in the main towns is usually purified. The locals drink it, and are used to the relatively innocuous bugs that

it may harbour. If you are in the country for a long time, then it may be worth acclimatising yourself to it.

However, if you are in Zimbabwe for just a short period of time, then try to drink only bottled, boiled, or treated

water available in towns and from all camps, lodges and hotels.

Clothing / Dress Recommendations

When in Zimbabwe the cardinal rule is to wear casual, comfortable clothes during the day as temperatures can

get very hot. It is advisable to wear light loose fitting clothing, such as cotton or linen, as they are cool and easy

to wash. Warmer clothes are advised for the evenings and rainwear for the wet season.

A brimmed hat and sunglasses are a good idea year round. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers will also guard

against the scorching sun rays. It is recommended you wear light shoes, especially if your itinerary entails a lot of

walking. For safaris, please remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Earth colour clothes, such as

browns, greens and tans are advisable.

Electricity and Plug Standards

Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. Both square and round plugs are used.