Best of Zimbabwe for 11 days

Somalisa Camp is set in the heart of the Hwange National Park which is known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds. Somalisa is an authentic bush camp, a blend of old African charm and elegance, and offers an exclusive safari experience. Its stunning location tucked away on an acacia island along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain gives it breathtaking views of the savannah plains of the Kennedy Vlei line.

Accommodation comprises of seven elegantly furnished tents with gauze sliding doors and en-suite bathrooms complete with flush toilet, indoor and outdoor showers and a copper slipper- style bathtub. Each tent has a glass wood-burner fireplace for the colder winter nights, and an overhead fan for the summer nights.

The split level main area and pool overlook the pan where large numbers of game congregate thus offering rare moments of outstanding nature.

Activities consist of guided walks, game drives and spot lighting as well. Wildlife includes elephant, kudu, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, giraffe, white rhino, lion, leopard and hyena amongst others. During the rainy season, the Kennedy Vlei is littered with flamboyant colours from the seasonal wild flowers that emerge as the first rains begin and, as the grass dries out, large herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant are in abundance.

Zambezi Life Styles is a mobile safari located on the shore of the Lower Zambezi River with Mana Pools National Park, well known for its wildlife rich flood plains, the mighty Zambezi River and the magnificent views of the back drop of the Zambezi escarpment.

The camp consists of 4 twin bedded tents, with en-suite bathroom facilities that include flush toilets and an alfresco hot bucket shower. The camp gives luxury camping safaris a new definition by the virtue of its detailed furnishings and facilities which include 12 volt lighting and charging facilities for cameras. A well serviced mess tent with a dinning and seating area forms part of the camp. Our wonderful Shona and Tonga staff will arrange brunch, tea and cake, and dinner. The camp can communicate by satellite phone in case of emergency.

Some of the wildlife you can expect to see is eland antelope, elephant, African wild dogs, water buck, and big herds of buffalo, kudu antelopes, lion and leopard. You will explore a rich aquatic life under a sky inhabited by fantastic bird species. Game drives along the flood plain in open 4 x 4 Land cruisers are one of the main highlights, taking you into the core of the wildlife scene that is abounding with a diversity of wildlife. Our guides are some of the most experienced naturalists and professional guides in Zimbabwe. The camp is designed to give you access to the Zambezi river affording you canoeing excursions on the river, fishing either from the banks or off an island in the middle of the Zambezi river. The camp only opens from May to October.

This private wilderness retreat is an island in the Matusadona National Park, on Lake Kariba, overlooking the Ume River and Matusadona Mountains. Hosts Steve and Wendy Edwards guarantee personal attention at all times. Musango is the only owner-run safari camp on the Lake.

The accommodation at Musango consists of 6 large twin luxurious safari tents, each with an en-suite bathroom built of natural stone. Musango also boasts two large honeymoon suites with private plunge pools. These tented rooms are set in thick forest, and all face east over the lake, towards the rising sun.

Your professional guide, who is also a photographer and ornithologist, will ensure guests receive nothing but the best whilst at this wildlife paradise.

Activities on offer are safari walks, game-viewing drives, boat cruises, canoeing, cultural village visits and dinosaur fossil trips, fishing and birding safaris.

Gorges Lodge is a 22 km road transfer from Victoria Falls and a 19 km road transfer from Victoria Falls Airport. The Gorges offer the most exquisite views and are well worth the effort of travelling. The lodge is situated on a natural outcrop overlooking the Batoka Gorge, some 200 awe-inspiring metres above the mighty Zambezi River cutting its way downstream after falling 111 meters down the Victoria Falls.

Accommodation consists of 10 stone thatch chalets. 4 of the chalets are double storey and the other 6 are single storey both with private verandas that provide stunning views. The chalets are set in an indigenous garden and have en suite bathrooms with showers, mosquito nets, overhead fans and tea and coffee making facilities. The main lodge is built on stilted decking, crafted of indigenous hard wood and has a lounge, dining room and bar that all offer extraordinary views right over the gorge into Zambia.

A pair of Verreaux's Eagles nest in the gorge opposite the lodge and provide guests with amazing displays of their aerobatic skills and courtship rituals, often at eye level. The eagles are not the only birds resident here – lanner falcons, peregrine falcons and augur buzzards also call the gorge home. Guests can explore the area around the lodge accompanied by a guide and when done enjoy refreshments and freshly prepared snacks while watching the sun set at Peregrine Point.

Activities guests can choose from (2 per night stay) includes a guided tour of the Victoria Falls, curio shopping at the craft village, visit to the local village, a school tour, traditional dancing display, gorge walk with sun-downers and snacks, black eagle viewing with sun-downers and snacks and a sun-downer cruise on the Zambezi.