2021/10/02 – Wild Zimbabwe

• Starting at Victoria Falls and ending in Harare, Zimbabwe
• Safari dates: October 2nd 2021 to October 14th 2021
• 1 night in Victoria Falls, 4 nights in Hwange NP, 2 nights in Matusadona NP, 5 nights in Mana Pools NP
• 6 participants on two vehicles (max 8 if two couples share a row of seats)
• Guided by Federico Veronesi

Four days in Hwange NP

At the height of the dry season, the waterholes of Hwange NP attract large families of Elephants, Buffalos and other herbivores. Predators also abound, especially Lions, with magnificent dark-maned males and their prides. Interactions at the waterholes are common, with Lions hunting or feeding on dead animals. Majestic antelopes such as Sable and Roan can also be seen, along with Giraffes, Zebras, Cheetahs, Leopards and Wild Dogs.

Two days at Matusadona NP

Matusadona NP is excellent for Elephants and Lions on the lake Kariba shore, with the wonderful backdrop of the dead trees rising from the lake. Birdlife is extraordinary and sunsets are breathtaking.

Five days on the floodplains of Mana Pools NP

The most striking and unique feature of Mana Pools is the possibility to approach animals on foot. Animals are habituated to people walking and generally are not alarmed or scared. The thrill of sitting next to a pride of Lions or a few meters away from an Elephant feeding is nothing short of unforgettable. Photographically it is also extremely interesting; the photographer has much more freedom in choosing the position, the angle, the distance, the framing, as opposed to when you are confined to a vehicle on a track

In the dry season the floodplains attract families of Elephants and solitary bulls, along with Buffalos, Elands, Impalas, Greater Kudus, Waterbucks, Zebras and Warthogs. Predators also abound. It is probably the best place in Africa to see big packs of Wild Dogs and Lions are also commonly seen. We’ll have a chance to follow the predators on foot, while they hunt, drink, play or simply rest. We’ll also have a chance to spend time with Elephants on foot at extremely close range, a simply unforgettable experience.

Small group of keen photographers

This safari is for only a maximum of 6 guests. In Hwange NP we will have two cars, so each photographer will have a full row of seats to photograph on both sides. In Matusadona and Mana Pools, due to the fact that photography here is made mostly on foot, we will all sit on one vehicle. Federico will be able to offer each guest a very personalized photographic support.

Walking Safari

In Matusadona NP and Mana Pools NP, walking is allowed. We’ll live extraordinary experiences in close contact with the wildlife. We’ll leave camp in the morning with our 4×4 vehicle and head out in the floodplains looking for predators or their tracks. Upon locating a fresh track we’ll leave our vehicle and follow it on foot until we find the animals we are looking for. While walking in the park we’ll have to strictly follow the rules the guide will give us, and there will be no danger. Upon encountering wild animals we’ll have all the time for our photography.

Accommodation in the heart of the parks

In Hwange we will sleep in a small and beautiful tented camp overlooking a waterhole, visited regularly by Elephants. The food and service are amazing. Furthermore, we will have access to a large private concession within the park, which will enable us to enjoy exclusive game drives and to venture off-road if needed.

In Matusadona we will sleep in a beautiful lodge right on the shores of lake Kariba, visited regularly by Elephants.

On the floodplains in Mana Pools NP we’ll sleep in a comfortable luxury camp right by the Lower Zambesi river. We will have access to a private concession along the Lower Zambesi floodplains where Wild dogs are often seen, along with Lions, Leopards and Elephants.

Federico teaming up with one of the most experienced local guides in Mana Pools

Federico Veronesi will be your accompanying professional photographer. In Mana Pools, our guide is one of the most experienced and sought after guides in the park, with an unmatched experience, intimate knowledge of the park and its animals. He is the guide that was used by the BBC to film the episode dedicated to Wild Dogs of their recent documentary “Dynasties”.

The local guides and Federico will work together to ensure that our guests will be in the optimal position for photography and to live amazing experiences in safety in the wilderness of Zimbabwe.

Price for this safari is USD 10,940 per person sharing.

The price includes:

• Full board accommodation for 11 nights in the parks as per above itinerary: Somalisa Expeditions Camp in Hwange NP (4 nights) with standard bar drinks included; Rhino Camp in Matusadona NP (2 nights) with limited drinks included such as water, teas, coffees, sodas, wine with meals, and sundowners; Vundu Camp in Mana Pools NP (5 nights) with all drinks included except spirits and premium-brand drinks. Laundry in all camps.
• Bed and breakfast accommodation for 1 night on arrival at Phezulu Guest House in Victoria Falls.
• Game viewing activities: game driving, boating and walking with private local professional walking safari guides (Nick Murray in Mana Pools NP).
• Park fees for 11 nights including conservation fees and lake usage fees in Kariba.
• Airport pick-up on arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport and all airstrip transfers as specified in the itinerary.
• Victoria Falls to Hwange NP road transfer; Kariba to Matusadona NP return boat transfer.
• Charter domestic flights from Hwange NP to Kariba, Kariba to Mana Pools NP and Mana Pools NP to Harare; including 2 extra seats for extra luggage for the group to carry photographic equipment on each sector. Each guest can carry max 30 kg, including hand baggage, in soft bags only. Please note that because of safety issues, pilots are very strict on weight and may refuse to carry any excess weight.
• Guiding services by professional photographer Federico Veronesi .
• Private guiding services by local professional safari guides in each location ( Nick Murray in Mana Pools).
• VAT and government taxes where applicable.

The price does not include:

• International flights.
• Entry visa in Zimbabwe (check your visa requirements well before departure).
• Personal travel and medical insurance (medical insurance is mandatory).
• Meals and drinks on arrival day in Victoria Falls; visit to Victoria Falls.
• Hotel, meals and drinks in Harare at the end of the trip.
• Airport transfers outside the itinerary dates; supplement for pick up at Livingston Airport instead of Victoria Falls Airport on arrival.
• Eventual increase in or introduction of new park/concession fees and levies by the Government.
• Tips and extras in the hotel/camps.
• Any other item not expressly mentioned in the inclusions