South Africa & Zimbabwe
Timbavati - Vic Falls - Hwange
10 day / 9 night from $4375
Start out in South Africa in the Timbavati Reserve for a chance to see the big 5. A convenient commercial flight takes you from the Kruger area to Livingstone and on to Victoria Falls where you stay at the lovely Ilala Lodge. A tour of the falls as well as a sunset cruise are both included. Take a road and rail transfer on the Elephant Express (a highlight in it's own right) to Hwange for some all around excellent game viewing.
Itinerary
Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.
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Travel
Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport you will be met by a Menzies representative, who will assist you through passport control, baggage collections and customs and on to arrivals. From the arrivals hall, you will also be assisted to City Lodge.
Accommodations
City Lodge OR Tambo Airport
Based at Africa's busiest airport, City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo Airport will provide business and leisure travellers with home-away-from-home accommodation that is ideal for those commuting to and from Johannesburg and perfect for those who require immediate access to the airport.
Rooms
Standard Room
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Safe, Satellite Cable Television, Shower, Smoking Rooms, Tea/Coffee, Television.
Included
Rates include Breakfast, 15% vat and 1% tourism levy.
Amenities
24-hour Security, Bar, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Gym, Internet Access, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service.
Activities
World Class Restaurants, premiere shopping
Note from Bert:
Within easy walking distance of airport arrivals hall, without having to leave airport premises. No waiting around for a shuttle bus and the attendant hassles with luggage etc. Well-equipped rooms with WIFI available, separate bath & shower, HD TV and built-in safe. Very close to food mall with wide variety of restaurants including Ocean Basket & Nando's Chicken.
The beauty of the Timbavati Game Reserve is that it is unfenced and open, waiting to be discovered. Kambaku River Sands is a place of sanctuary for Africa’s Big 5: the leopard, lion, rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo and more. Our game rangers are seasoned experts and will furnish you with all the information you need as you encounter indigenous wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. Their home will become yours. (Scroll here for more details).
Travel
Fly to Kruger Park for 3 nights on safari in Timbavati. Scheduled flight from Johannesburg Airport to Hoedspruit Airport. Private road transfer from Hoedspruit Airport to Kambaku River Sands (English speaking driver/guide).
Accommodations
Kambaku River Sands
We’ve created an experience that will give you all the space and time you need to pause, breathe in and reconnect with the here and now. Our rooms and bathrooms are designed to create an atmosphere of blissful solitude. Glass-encased spaces invite the outside in as you immerse yourself in the vastness of the surrounding nature.
Rooms
Luxury Suites, all with their own private viewing decks, well equipped with Air-conditioning, all inclusive minibars as well as well stocked coffee stations. Our beds are super king and are all extra length, however these can be converted to separate beds if necessary. En-suite facilities include his & hers basins, spa baths, double indoor showers as well as an outdoor shower facility.
Inclusions
Rates include Game Drives, Bush Walks, daytime use of the hide, all meals, teas & coffees, soft drinks, local beers/wine/spirits, use of the gym, unlimited Wi- Fi, Mini Bar beverages, turndown service twice daily.
Activities & Interests Available
Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine.
Amenities Available on Property
Bar, Pool, Internet Access (Complimentary), Gym, Library, Meals on Request, Private Vehicle Available, Business Centre, Chapel, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Activity Desk, Airport Shuttle (Available), ATM, Chauffer Service, Credit Card, Foreign Exchange, Room Service, Travel Desk.
Note from Bert
On a recent visit to Kambaku I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the rooms and general areas, as well as the guiding and the quality of the game-viewing. In just a couple of game drives we saw lions, leopards in trees, buffalo, great elephant activity in a small dam and plenty of general game. Owners Bryce and Nicola live on the land and are raising their two kids there. They purchased Safari lodge first and River lodge is their 2nd venture in the Timbavati. Both lodges are situated in the lower section of the Timbavati and they can also drive on private land, whereas the other lodges need permission to traverse. As a result Kambaku offers some of the best game viewing in the area.
More Details
Located in the Mpumalanga Province, north of the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve shares a fenceless border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This 60 000 hectare reserve is best known for its two very rare white lions that were discovered here in the 1970s. The name ‘Timbavati’ refers to these two unique creatures, it means 'the place where something sacred came down to earth from the heavens'. It is home to a number of exclusive African-style bush lodges set amidst spectacular African savannah and abundant game including over 40 mammal species, 360 bird species and the famous Big Five. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of activities including: daytime safaris, night game drives, guided bush walks, and bird watching.
Fly to Victoria Falls where you will see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western end of the eponymous falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls.
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On the morning of Day 6, you will be collected from Batonka Guest Lodge and taken on a scheduled Tour of the Falls. In the afternoon, enjoy the Bushtracks Classic Jettboat/River Safari Sunset Cruise.
Travel
Private road transfer from Kambaku River Sands to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (English speaking driver/guide). Scheduled flight from MQP Airport to LVI airport. Be sure to get the KAZA Univisa on arrival for entry to both Zambia and Zimbabwe at a cost of $50.00 per person. Scheduled road transfer from Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone, MQP) to Ilala Lodge.
Accommodations
Ilala Lodge
Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located only 8 minutes away from the spectacular Victoria Falls. A family run hotel, Ilala Lodge has 73 stylish, well-appointed spacious rooms, that offer the ultimate in comfort and luxury. As we are the closest hotel to the beautiful Victoria Falls, the spray makes for a perfect backdrop during your stay.
Relive the historical journey embarked by David Livingstone exploring the mighty Zambezi River aboard the Ra-Ikane fleet. Named after his instrumental guide, the boats represent the grace of a bygone era honouring the rich history of Victoria Falls and its explorers, adventurers and heroes. The Ra-Ikane offers a variety of cruises, including breakfast, lunch and sunset, as well as private charters.
Rooms
Deluxe Room (New Wing). Private patio with sliding doors from the bedrooms, with magnificent views of the sun rising over the Victoria Falls. All rooms look towards the Victoria Falls, and the National Park. There are often wild animals grazing on the lawn, and the windows and doors rattle from the force of the water from the mighty Victoria Falls. All rooms have either a private patio or their own seating area on the lawn, facing the Falls.
All rooms have en suite bathroom with separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV hair dryer, safe and have individual coffee, free WiFi, room service and tea facilities. The rooms are spacious with railway teak furnishings.
Inclusions
Rates include Breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, Tourism Levy and 15% Zimbabwe VAT.
Activities & Interests Available
Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine.
Palm Restaurant:
The Palm Restaurant at Ilala Lodge Hotel is one of the finest restaurants in Victoria Falls and offers guests a delicious á la carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The accommodating and friendly staff at this top-rated restaurant will ensure your dining experience is perfect. Guests at The Palm Restaurant can choose from an extensive and top-quality list of South Africa’s finest wines and artisan gins; they can also enjoy a tasty cocktail by the pool at our Poolside Bar.
The ideal location of The Palm Restaurant has made it a favourite among all visitors to Victoria Falls. Guests can enjoy gourmet al-fresco dining under the starry African skies while listening to the roar of the Falls. The ambience of the restaurant and the superb cuisine make for a memorable meal. Some of our most popular dishes include the Crocodile Frikadelle, the Blesbok Shank and for dessert, the scrumptious Chocolate Delice.
Ra-Ikane Bird Watching Cruise:
You know what they say about the early bird? If you are a passionate birdwatcher, don’t miss out on this river cruise! Keen bird lovers will delight in marking off their sightings in the birding booklet provided on board while enjoying a delicious continental breakfast including fruit platters, fresh pastries and a variety of cheeses and biscuits. Rare birds such as the African Pitta and the Narina Trogon have been sighted here, as well as hundreds of other bird species. The knowledgeable and experienced guides conduct these early morning river cruises.
Ra-Ikane Breakfast Cruise:
Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a continental breakfast as you cruise up the Zambezi River towards Kandahar Island while enjoying the sounds of the diverse birdlife and the African bush come to life in the early morning. Breakfast includes freshly baked pieces of bread and pastries, fresh fruit platters, jams, yoghurts and cheeses as well as an assortment of teas and coffee.
Ra-Ikane Lunch Cruise:
Sit back and relax while sipping a cold drink and enjoying a few quiet hours along the banks of the Zambezi River. Our lunch buffet includes cold meats, fresh salads and a wide selection of biscuits and cheeses, all catered by the award-winning Palm Restaurant at Ilala Lodge Hotel. The fully stocked bar is available throughout the cruise and the attentive crew is at your service.
Ra-Ikane Sunset Cruise:
There simply is not a better way to enjoy the dazzling African sunset than from the comfort of a Ra-Ikane boat on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Our ever-popular sunset cruise offers a unique way to explore the channels of the river and to get an up-close view of the pristine wilderness and African game along its banks. Enjoy an array of canapés, a full bar and a charming crew who can impart a bit of interesting Victoria Falls history with you on board the Ra-Ikane.
Amenities Available on Property
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Conference Centre, Laundry Service (Available), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Airport Shuttle (Available), ATM, Babysitting Service, Credit Card, Room Service, Travel Desk.
Note from Bert
Ilala Lodge is a comfortable and small (compared with most other Vic Falls options) hotel in an ideal spot on the edge of Vic Falls town, adjacent to the Zambezi National Park. It is not unusual at all to see wildlife in front of the hotel, just beyond the edge of the property and there is a profusion of birds including some spectacular sunbirds flitting around the garden all the time. From the Ilala it is just a short walk to the Vic Falls Hotel (for high tea on the verandah) or into the village itself to pop into Mama Africa’s restaurant or to make arrangements for some adventure activity with Shearwater. Best of all, the Ilala is a short 10-minute or so walk to the entrance of Victoria Falls National Park, so perfect as a base for the self-guided walk along the Falls, which we recommend highly.
Jet-Boat Sunset Cruise:
Despite the 'jet-boat' description, it is a quiet and sedate trip; the jet portion simply refers to the method of propulsion, meaning a jet of water as opposed to a propeller. So the vessel can negotiate shallower water and get away from all the other 'standard' boats. This means a quieter and more peaceful experience watching the sun go down over the Zambezi River, enjoying canapes and drinks while the captain steers the boat past some hippo pods, possibly an elephant or two coming to the water, some interesting and colorful birds, and with a bit of luck a crocodile lurking on the shoreline.
More Details
Virtual 360 Pano Tour
About two-thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or microlights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation and restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.
Situated in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is the country's biggest reserve, home to a profusion of wildlife, including giraffe, lion, zebra and approximately 40 000 elephants. It provides a sanctuary for all the country’s endangered species, including a population of wild dogs thought to be among the most sizeable surviving groups on the continent. The park’s magnificent terrain ranges from desert dunes, savannah lands and mopane woodlands to rocky outcrops and sparse forests. Visitors can look forward to game drives, guided walks or horse riding safaris. Other highlights include: the Bumbusi National Monument and the Nyamandhlovu Pan.
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Travel
Take part in an exciting road/rail transfer to Hwange National Park where you will be on safari for 3 nights. Shared road and Elephant Express transfer from Ilala Lodge to Bomati tented Lodge included.
Accommodations
Bomani Tented Lodge
This comfortable and well-appointed lodge is nestled in a remote and untouched corner on the edge of Hwange National Park in our 5000 acre private reserve, and is famous for its impressive herds of elephant, not to mention many other spectacular species of wildlife.
Our main lodge is built on a spectacular viewing platform and overlooks Bomani Pan. You can enjoy your breakfast while watching zebra and wildebeest quietly graze or sip a sundowner as giraffe and elephant soak up the day’s final rays.
Of course the main pastime at Bomani is gameviewing, and whether you choose to go on a guided game walk in the lodge’s private concession or a game drive in the national Park, you will not be disappointed - these spectacular landscapes teem with a rich array of unique African wildlife and flora.
Rooms
Saddlebill Luxury Tents, roost upon spacious Zambezi teak platforms, which at five foot above ground level, offer stunning views across the open grasslands. Each tent has electricity by generator, hot water and en suite bathroom.
Rooms include Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Plunge Pool, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Inclusions
Rates include All meals, soft drinks, beers, wines & local spirits, laundry, transfers from Bomani Airstrip, Sipepa Airstrip (1 hour road transfer), or Ngamo Siding (20 min road hour transfer), game activities as available including walks, drives, all day excursions, hide sits and night drives, park entry fees per paying night, visit to the local village, tour of the village school and service of a licensed guide on safari.
Activities & Interests Available
Game Drives, Game Walks, Night Drives, Game-viewing Blinds, Pump Runs, School Tours, Village Visits, Horse Rides, Birding, Flora, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Note from Bert
This tented safari camp in the far southern region of Hwange, on the edge of the Ngamo Plains, offers superb game-viewing particularly in the dry season from about June through October & early November, when literally dozens and hundreds of elephants can be seen congregating around the artificially maintained water holes in the park. Guests can split their time between game drives, walking (real, authentic foot safari, not just a nature walk!), a visit to a nearby village & school, going on a ‘pump run’ to check and help with servicing the diesel-operated pump stations which pump life-saving water for the elephants and other wildlife. Bomani and its sister lodge Camelthorn have access to a private concession where night drives can be done; there are ample opportunities for walking and the ‘piece d’resistance’ is a superb sunken hide, much frequented by elephants and other wildlife in the dry season. I could see that the experience there would be akin to being in the stable with the horses – no need for a telephoto lens!
More Details
Amenities Available on Property: Bar, Pool, Internet Access (Complimentary), Gym, Chauffer Service Available, Foreign Exchange, Room Service.
Pricing
9-night safari
Low Season 2019: (15 Nov to 23 Dec 2019): $4375 per person
Low Season 2020: 02 Jan to 31 March 2020): $4375 per person
Notes:
Additional cost for scheduled intra-African flights JNB-HDS, MQP-LVI, VFA-JNB: $990.00 per person subject to pricing fluctuation when booked.
Price based on minimum 2 persons traveling.
Excludes airfare unless specified.
Document deliver via email: No charge
Inclusions:
All accommodation on a shared basis.
Meals as specified.
Excursions and transfers as included in the quote.
Most safari camps/lodges include two game activities per day in their rate – one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
Private activities and guide may be booked, at an additional cost, for sole use or special interest activities.
Please advise if you would like additional information on this service.
Services of the camp/lodge guides and staff
Relevant park fees and entrance fees as specified in the quote
Drinks as specified – drink inclusions may differ between camps/lodges
Laundry can be done at most camps/lodges and hotels. In some cases this is included in the rate as quoted.
Air transfers as specified, including Departure Taxes as relevant on Wilderness Air in Botswana and Namibia
Accommodation taxes, the applicable Tourism Levies and all relevant Value Added Tax (VAT) or Government Sales Tax (GST).
Exclusions:
Meals not specified in the quote such as lunch and dinner in city hotels.
Any drinks, park fees, entrance fees, porterage, tours/excursions and transfers not specified in the quote.
Any scheduled commercial flights and related taxes.
Cancellation, baggage and medical insurance.
Staff gratuities not included.
Any new Government Taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control.
Visa fees where relevant.
Should a visa payment be required, this will need to be made in US Dollar cash.
Change is often not provided and thus the exact amounts payable are essential (with small denominations encouraged for easier and quicker transactions).
Travellers Cheques and credit cards are not usually accepted for this purpose.
Departure Taxes are excluded on all light aircraft transfers in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Applicable at manned airports only, these taxes are to be paid direct in cash on departure, unless included in your air ticket cost.
Zimbabwe Airport Departure Taxes: paid in US Dollars only and in cash. Currently, and subject to change, these taxes are as follows:
On International flights: Departure Tax – US$ 35.00 per person; Aviation Infrastructural Development Fund – US$ 15.00 per person.
On Domestic flights: Departure Tax – US$ 10.00 per person; Aviation Infrastructural Development Fund – US$ 5.00 per person.
Any items of a personal nature.
Customize
Fish Eagle Safaris Tours can all be customized to your ideal itinerary. We offer extra days, more activities, and upgraded amenities suited to your tastes. Reach out to bert@fisheaglesafaris.com for more travel ideas.
