Accommodation: Tented accommodation on the banks of the Zambezi River
Destination: Johannesburg, Victoria Falls Zimbabwe, Mana Pools National Park, Victoria Falls Zimbabwe, Johannesburg
Activities: Game drives, river cruises, nature walks, birding, catch-and-release fishing
The Zambezi River is one of the greatest rivers in Africa. This safari will take you through the heart of Mana Pools and there will be plenty of opportunities to encounter animals up close on game drives, by foot and from a canoe. A selection of other optional activities is also aimed at introducing safari-goers to firsthand animal encounters.
Nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River, Ruckomechi Camp boasts views of the Rift Valley and a vegetation of acacia and mahogany trees. This tented safari accommodation in Zimbabwe is equipped with creature comforts and rustic features such as an elephant peeking through your window or casually strolling by your tent.
Depart from Johannesburg in a flight heading for Zimbabwe. Upon arrival at the Victoria Falls International Airport, you will be met by a tour representative and taken on an air transfer to Ruckomechi Camp in the Mana Pools National Park.
Settle into your tented suite before setting out to explore the Zambezi Valley on an afternoon game drive or a sunset boat cruise. Watch as the crocodiles sunbathe on the river banks and the hippos wallow beneath the water's surface. Return to a freshly prepared dinner, served either indoors or al fresco under the stars, depending on the weather.
Your days in Zimbabwe will be filled with great wildlife sightings - from the giant elephants to the small insect-catching birds. On your Zimbabwe safari, you will partake on two game viewing activities per day. Elephant frolic in the river on a daily basis and divide their time between the mainland and the reed islands. Large herds of females and babies cross over to the islands regularly and you will be amazed by the ability of these graceful animals to swim across the powerful current with their young.
There are over 400 bird species in Mana Pools and you will enjoy fantastic birding excursions. Africa skimmers are great sightings and they have been seen feeding on the river's edge. Lillian's lovebirds, pearl-spotted owls, painted snipe and western-banded snake-eagles are some of the many birds seen whilst canoeing down the river.
After an early morning game drive or nature walk, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast at the camp. Your bush discoveries will leave you excited for more. Photographic opportunities are endless in the African wilderness and the early mornings and late afternoons are the best time to capture shots of the wildlife and landscapes.
Spend your afternoon preparing bait and casting your line into the Zambezi River from the river banks or from a boat. Fish for bream, barbell and tiger fish as you take in the magnificent surroundings. Once your luck has run out, return to your suite to freshen up before dinner.
Enjoy pre-dinner drinks while the chef prepares a special meal. After dinner, you can spend the night star gazing or enjoying a nightcap around a blazing campfire.