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Excursions in
Zimbabwe

Back to Zimbabwe

Excursion

Lunar Rainbow

A romantic and utterly unique view of the Victoria Falls, the chance to view a lunar rainbow amidst the mighty waters is a privilege only feasible for those that time their visit to perfection and get lucky with the weather! Each full moon, the rainforest area surrounding the Falls is opened to visitors hoping for a view of this natural phenomenon, when the combination of unobstructed moonlight and abundant spray create refraction that causes an ethereal lunar rainbow to appear amid the gloaming. Although not as colourful and easy to photograph as its daytime equivalent, this is a magical sight that serves as a reminder of nature’s timeless beauty. The Zambian side of the Falls tends to provide the best conditions for viewing a lunar rainbow, as the moon rises behind viewers to provide a clearer view, although guests are still reliant on a relatively cloudless, rain-free night to maximise viewing possibilities. Tours usually run on three days over the course of the full moon period, with early evening, when the moon is at its lowest and the visits are operated, generally being the best time to see the rainbow.

Excursion

Zambezi White Water Rafting

The stretch of the Zambezi close to the Victoria Falls and Livingstone is a superb setting for white water rafting, with rapids to suit all ranges of ability and experience. Most of the rapids are graded IV and V, which are large and powerful, but there are sections which are fine for beginners with no prior experience, plus a selection of excellent guides to help with the demands. There are an ever increasing range of operators in Victoria Falls and Livingstone and different routes that depend on the time of year. Full-day excursions, usually departing from close to the base of the Falls, are available in the low water months (roughly July-December), while half-day trips are only possible during high water months, as some areas can become inaccessible due to unsafe torrents, whirlpools and undercurrents. All expeditions begin with a safety briefing and description of your route, with lunch, refreshments and guaranteed but unplanned entrances to the water once your passage begins! This is fantastic fun: undoubtedly hard work but extremely rewarding by the end, with safety and guiding standards of the highest quality. It is worth noting that the climb out of the gorge at the end of the route is usually steep and tiring, which makes a decent level of fitness essential in order to fully appreciate the day.

Excursion

Victoria Falls Adrenaline Activities

The Victoria Falls is an adrenaline junkie’s paradise with not only white water rafting but also bungee jumping into the gorge, sky diving, abseiling, zip lining, river boarding, jet boating, kayaking and quad biking. Many of these activities can be booked locally or your specialist can advise the best way to pre-book these if required.

Excursion

Flight of the Angels

When David Livingstone discovered the Falls in 1855 he was known to have said ‘scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’ which has led to helicopter trips to view the falls being called 'Flight of the Angels'. You can choose from a 15-minute or 30-minute flip, which will give you a unique perspective of the largest waterfall in the world and UNESCO World Heritage site – a wonderful way to experience the Falls. &; &;

Excursion

Tour of the Falls

The Victoria Falls is a truly awe-inspiring experience – the sight, the sound, the smell; of Nature’s Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality…and nothing prepares you for your first sight. A guided tour of the Falls is conducted in the morning and afternoon. En route you may be taken past the ‘Big Tree’ where you can stop and take photos. you'll be accompanied through the Rainforest by a qualified Guide who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist you with photographs and raincoats are provided when needed.

Excursion

Zambezi Cruises

Evening cruises on the Zambezi are tranquil, and picturesque, the perfect way to relax after a long-haul flight or a tiring day exploring the falls. you'll have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, elephant as well as enjoy the many different bird species. The Sunset cruise is very popular and includes finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks. You'll also have the opportunity for plenty of great photo opportunities against spectacular African sunsets.

Excursion

The Bushtracks Express

From the family behind one of the most luxurious trains in the world, Rovos Rail comes The Bushtracks Express. Chugging gently towards the Victoria Falls Bridge guests delight in a five-course meal prepared by the renowned Victoria Falls Hotel and accompanied by the finest local wines. As you arrive at the Victoria Falls Bridge, make your way to the observation car to watch the sun setting over the falls. Your dinner then continues as you return to Victoria Falls during this unique steam safari.

Excursion

The Bushtracks Express

From the family behind one of the most luxurious trains in the world, Rovos Rail, comes The Bushtracks Express. Chugging gently towards the Victoria Falls Bridge guests delight in a five-course meal prepared by the renowned Victoria Falls Hotel and accompanied by the finest local wines. As you arrive at the Victoria Falls Bridge, make your way to the observation car to watch the sun setting over the falls. Your dinner then continues as you return to Victoria Falls during this unique steam safari.

Excursion

Fishing

Fishing is offered from a selection of camps and can be tailored to your requirements. Normally you will go out with a guide for a half day fishing excursion, but for enthusiasts whole days out can be arranged. Drinks and snacks will be provided on the boat for you. In Zimbabwe all fishing is catch and release to protect the fish and their environment. Tigerfish, bream and barbell are the kinds of fish that you can expect to catch in the Zambezi River.

Excursion

Birding

Zimbabwe is one of the best countries in Africa for birding due to its combination of superb guiding and nearly 700 species of birds. Riverine regions such as Mana Pools, Victoria Falls and Kariba all flourish with bird species, but there is also the drier regions, such as the Western Kalahari which allows visitors to see different birds, with over 450 species noted in Hwange National Park alone. The rainy season (Mar – Oct) is the best time of year to travel for birding in Zimbabwe as the migrants are present and many species are breeding. For the keen spotter, the local species can be focussed on in the drier months of May to August.

Excursion

The Lookout Cafe

The Lookout Café is, as its name suggests, is a café with a view! Perched on the edge of the gorge, the restaurant is open-sided and looks all the way up the main gorge, downriver from Victoria Falls. The view takes in the Victoria Falls Bridge, where the bungee jumping happens, and is also close to the gorge swing and zip line, so you can watch the adrenalin junkies whilst enjoying your lunch! You can also look down into the gorge where the white water rafters and kayakers will go past. It is also open for supper but I would recommend going early for sundowner drinks, as the main attraction of the café is the view. The food is reasonably priced and is standard international fare.

Excursion

Lunar Rainbow Tour of the Falls

The Lunar rainbow can only be experienced for 3 days a month during full moon at Victoria Falls. Take a night-time boat trip to view this for an hour or two with a guide after supper. What is a Lunar Rainbow? A full moon is bright enough to have its light reflected by raindrops, just as is the case for the sun making a rainbow, and although the moon's light is not as strong as the sun's, this is still worth a viewing if you happen to be at the Falls over the right dates. The best months for a Moonbow at Victoria Falls are: April, May, June and July, August.

Excursion

Shopping with a purpose

This is fun activity yet it has a serious purpose.  On the advice of the Rotary Club of Victoria Falls, a selection of organizations or charities that need some form of support will be presented to you and you are able to choose which you would like to support and visit – it could be an old age home, orphanage, school or local clinic.  You will be given a wish list of items that they require, which you will source from the shops and markets in and around Victoria Falls town, with your guide.  Once the items have been sourced, you will be given the opportunity to deliver their goods and meet with the recipient organization where you can learn all about their projects and progress.

Excursion

Flight of the Angels

Take a helicopter flight over one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the mighty Victoria Falls. Choose from a 15 minutes or 30 minutes flip, which will give you a unique perspective of the largest waterfall in the world and UNESCO World Heritage site – a wonderful way to experience the Falls.

Excursion

Livingstone Island

A breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea trip can be taken during the dry season (roughly mid-July to mid-January) to Livingstone Island, in the middle of the Zambezi River and directly on the lip of Victoria Falls. A tour of the Falls and a swim in the Devil's Pool, right on the edge, provides a spectacular photo opportunity and awesome experience for the brave at heart!

Excursion

Adreneline activities

The Victoria Falls is an adreneline junkie's paradise with bungee jumping into the gorge, abseiling, zip lining, white water rafting (best during low water mid-July to mid-January), river boarding, jet boating, kayaking and quod biking.

Excursion

Chobe Day Tour

The Chobe National Park in Botswana is approximately an hour and a half drive from Victoria Falls and is one of the greatest game reserves in southern Africa, famous for the number of elephants that live there. Start off the day with a morning game viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Lunch is enjoyed at a lodge overlooking the Chobe River and the flood plains beyond prior to your afternoon open vehicle game drive.

Excursion

Zambezi River Cruise

The Zambezi River cruise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the River. Clients may have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, elephant as well as enjoy the many different bird species. The Sunset cruise is very popular and includes finger snacks, beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks. There are great photo opportunities against spectacular African sunsets.

Excursion

Tour of the Falls

The Victoria Falls, now In Its 150 millionth fantastic year, reaches its zenith in about May each year. It's a truly awe-inspiring experience - the sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is Nature's Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality...and nothing prepares you for your first sight. This tour is conducted in the morning and afternoon. En route clients may be taken past the 'Big Tree' where they may stop and take photos. Clients will be accompanied through the Rainforest by a qualified Guide who will give a brief history of the Falls themselves as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. Guides are also happy to assist clients with photographs and raincoats are provided when needed.

Excursion

Canoeing safari

Canoeing can be one of the most peaceful and spectacular ways to view birds and wildlife. Although a canoeing safari is not without dangers due to hippos and crocs in the water, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences on a safari. The guide will normally do the paddling so that you can sit back and enjoy the very close proximity of the wildlife and take some fantastic photographs.

Excursion

School Tours and Village Visits

Most of the lodges in Zimbabwe offer support to the local villages and schools by supporting them financially as well as offering guests the opportunity to visit and bring supplies or offer a monetary donation (not obligatory and completely optional). A village tour is normally conducted by the 'elder' of the village where you will take a tour and learn about the typical daily village activities and view the setup of the accommodation and communal areas of the village. You can also take a tour of one of the nearby schools, conducted by the Headmaster, where guests are given the opportunity to hear traditional songs sung by the children and enjoy a 'class interaction'. This is a truly genuine way to learn about and to support the local communities without creating too much of an intrusion on their daily lives and without it being a touristy 'excursion' - it is normally a stop made when on game drive and is inclusive of and supportive of families that work for these lodges.

Excursion

Pump runs

Imvelo Safari Lodges operates eight waterholes for the wildlife within Hwange National Park, the furthest of which is 55 km into the park, and a popular activity is to take an all day trip into the park to visit the waterholes and drop fuel and oil for the motors, and rations and supplies for the pump attendants. A picnic lunch is then enjoyed near one of the waterholes before taking an afternoon game drive back to the lodge. Alternatively, this can be quite a good activity as part of a transfer when combining two Imvelo lodges within the park and you would be dropped at the next lodge after the lunch stop.

Excursion

Game walks

Conducted by a fully licensed and highly experienced professional guide, walking safaris are usually undertaken in the mornings and replace a morning game drive or combine as part of it. The walks are at a gentle pace, so you don't have to be super fit to do them, however, they can last for two to three hours and therefore, require a reasonable level of stamina, particularly in the hotter months. Walks are ideal for photography of big game on foot and for those wanting to view wildlife at a different perspective. There is something very special about game walks as it is an incredibly quiet and peaceful way to explore the African bush and I would highly recommend experiencing a walk at least once on your safari; particularly in Zimbabwe which is renowned for having the best walking guides in Africa due to the difficult levels of exams and qualifications, as well as experience, needed to become a pro guide.

Excursion

Game drives

Traditional open safari vehicles driven by licensed experienced guides. In the early morning (exact times vary depending on the season but normally somewhere between 5am to 7am) you will be woken by your guide with a gentle 'knock' at the door and will gather for a quick cup of tea and snack before heading out on the morning drive. The drive is normally around 3 to 4 hours (including a tea and coffee stop in the middle) and you then return for a large cooked breakfast. Some months of the year you will have a larger breakfast before heading out on the morning game drive, meaning that you won't have a breakfast on your return, but will freshen up and then have brunch in the late morning. A lunch and/or high tea will then be served later in the day before heading out (depending on the season between 4pm to 5pm) on the afternoon game drive. The afternoon game drive will stop at sunset for a traditional 'sundowner' with drinks and snacks. You will then continue the rest of the drive in the dark, using a filter light and flash light to look for nocturnal animals. On return to the lodge you will then have time to freshen up before your three course dinner.  Land cruisers seat up to nine guests and Land Rovers seat up to seven guests but lodges will always try to take just four (preferred) or a maximum of six guests per vehicle, unless requested otherwise.

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