Zimbabwe and Madagascar

Gonarezhou National Park, Matobo National Park, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Johannesburg, Antananarivo, Morondava, Kirindy Private Reserve and Andasibe

An exclusive tour of Zimbabwe and Madagascar.

Highlights include:

  • Victoria Falls
  • A tribal cultural weekend as a guest of the chief
  • Privileged access to watch the annual cultural ceremony
  • Madagascar's Avenue of the Baobabs
  • Lemurs

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1 - 4

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge - Gonarezhou National Park (3-Nights)

Chilo Gorge is a luxury safari lodge on the edge of the stunning wilderness of Gonarezhou National Park, in South-East Zimbabwe. We offer guests access to the pristine wilderness of Gonarezhou, with the authentic animal interaction which goes with a park which is rarely visited. Gonarezhou is a gem amongst African parks, and offers experienced sfarai travellers and increasingly rare ability to explore untouched Africa. In addition, through the work of Chilo director, Clive Stockil, there is a very powerful community and conservation story which is at the centre of how the lodge operates.

Chilo Gorge Tented Camp is a semi-luxury seasonal tented camp on the banks of the Runde River. This is an 'old Africa' camping experience, with a good standard of comfort, and a great place from which to explore Gonarezhou by vehicle and on foot.

Ivory Trail Adventure is a mobile fly camping experience, allowing experienced safari travellers the ability to explore remote corners of this large wilderness park at a relaxed pace.

Gonarezhou National Park

Bordering Mozambique in the southeastern lowveld of Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou, meaning ‘place of elephants’, is Zimbabwe’s second-largest national park and home to over 10 000 elephants. The park extends across a vast area of floodplains, baobab-dotted scrubland, mopane woodland and pale orange sandstone cliffs. It is home to 4 of Africa’s ‘Big Five’ – elephant, leopard, lion and buffalo – as well as a multiplicity of other animal and bird species.

Visitors can camp in an unfenced campsite for a truly close encounter with an array of spectacular wildlife including 140 species of mammal, at least 100 different reptile species and over 500 species of bird. Other highlights include: viewing the beautiful Chilojo Cliffs towering over the scenic Runde River valley, bird watching and game viewing.

Day 4 - 7

Amalinda Lodge - Matobo National Park (3-Nights)

Amalinda Lodge is a unique four-star luxury lodge set in the granite boulders of The Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This exclusive, privately owned & family run safari lodge is the premier accommodation in the area.

Tucked away in an ancient bushmans shelter, Camp Amalinda boasts a spa, infinity rock pool, library, wine cellar, sunset lounge, show kitchen and many varied activities. Ranging from game drives to rhino trekking, cultural tours, hikes to the renowned San bushman paintings & a chance to follow in the footsteps of Cecil John Rhodes at his world famous tomb known as "View of the World.”

Matobo National Park 

Idyllically located in the spectacular Matobo Hills, the renowned Matobo National Park is known for its rich human history, its remarkably diverse flora and fauna and its magnificent rugged terrain.

This unspoiled natural wilderness features a range of massive red-tinged, granite boulders interspersed with gorgeous wooded valleys making it a dream destination for hikers, climbers and nature lovers alike.

The reserve is compact, easily accessible and is home to an impressive range of African wildlife including the highly endangered black and white rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hippo, warthog and crocodile as well as Africa's largest concentration of leopard and black eagles. This unforgettable national park serves as an ideal stopover for travellers heading to the popular tourist sites of Hwange and the majestic Victoria Falls.

Day 7 - 9

Victoria Falls Safari Club - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (2-Nights)

Located just 4kms from Victoria Falls, and situated within the magnificent grounds of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge resort.

The Safari Club comprises 16 Club Rooms & 4 Club Suites. The luxurious rooms have uninterrupted views of the unspoilt bushveld and spectacular sunsets.  All rooms have three-quarter beds that can be converted into king beds. There are 2 sets of interleading Club Rooms and 2 sets of Club Suites interleading into Club Rooms.

Room facilities include: complimentary mini bar which is re-stocked daily with local beer and soft drinks, house wine and bottled water, digital safes large enough to hold laptop computers, international multi sockets, beverage station including Nespresso machine, LED lighting, gauze screens and sliding glass doors opening out onto a private balcony, complimentary WiFi, and air-conditioning. The Club Suites offer the same facilities as the Club Rooms, but also include a spacious adjacent sitting room.

The Safari Club has its own Club Lounge, and offers a butler-style service, complimentary afternoon tea and pastries served 15h30 to 16h30, complimentary sundowners and canapés served from 17h30 to 18h30 and a complimentary shuttle service to the Victoria Falls, town centre and markets.  Light meals are available from 11h00 to 21h30 and bar service from 11h00 till late.

Day 9 - 10

Peermont D'oreale Grande Hotel at Emperors Palace (1-Night)

Discover untold luxury and regal comfort ... the 5-star Peermont D'oreale Grande hotel at Emperors Palace is conveniently located next to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The hotel features 182 beautifully designed and impeccably appointed rooms and suites that are fitted with plush, state-of-the-art indulgences.

The hotel’s comfort levels are enhanced by superior levels of service and guest relations, as well as international language and culture proficiencies, while the Club Floor and Lounge offers a full bouquet of personal and concierge services dedicated to the discerning business traveller. A complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport is available.

Dine in the newly-styled Aurelia’s restaurant, indulge your senses at Octavia’s Sensorium Day Spa or sip a cocktail while watching the African sunset at Neptune’s Pool Bar at the spectacular pool terrace with its Roman water fountain cascading into clear waters.

Day 10 - 11

Relais Des Plateaux - Antananarivo (1-Night)

Relais des Plateaux is surrounded by lush greenery in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The rooms at the hotel come equipped with TVs, air-conditioning, safes, mini-bars, hairdryers, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and a spa. Local area attractions include the Tsarasaotra Park, Tana Water Front, and Antananarivo Pirate Museum.

Antananarivo

Antananarivo, also known as Tana, is Madagascar’s capital city. It is perched at 1400 metres above sea level crowning a spectacular mountain range. Founded in 1625, Antananarivo boasts a rich historical heritage that is complemented by scenic landscapes covered in a large network of popular hiking routes.

The city serves as a great base from which to explore the magnificent surrounding area, which hosts several nature reserves, including the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, with its fantastic limestone karsts.

Known for its vibrant nightlife, Antananarivo features local live music at a variety of clubs and bars. Visitors can look forward to exploring the remnants of the French colonial era in the old heart of the city, as well as discovering ancient Malagasy palaces interspersed between the faded grandeur of these colonial relics.

Day 11 - 12

Palissandre Cote Ouest Resort & Spa - Morondova (1-Night)

Located in Nosy Kely, Madagascar, Palissandre Cote Ouest Resort & Spa is an excellent option for a beachside getaway. Accommodation options feature 30 sea-facing bungalows which are equipped with air-conditioning, TVs, minibars and terraces. Inclusive breakfasts and dinners are served daily at the on-site restaurant, and guests can relax with a cocktail at the bar. Guests can make use of amenities such as the swimming pool and spa. Activities and attractions include windsurfing, fishing and embarking on a tour to the Baobabs Alley.

Morondova

The seaside town of Morondova is situated on the west coast of Madagascar. The town serves as a gateway to the area’s claim to fame and main attraction: the world-renowned ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’. These massive, ancient Baobab trees tower over the terrain and create magical otherworldly silhouettes at sunrise and sunset.

Other places to explore in the surrounding area include: Kirindy Forest, home to a host of endemic lemurs; and the magnificent Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park to the north, featuring unique, spiny rock formations. Don’t miss the opportunity to browse Morondava’s local market for a selection of locally made textiles and other sought-after Madagascan handicrafts.

Day 12 - 14

Le Camp Amoureux - Kirindy Private Reserve (2-Nights)

Located close to the famous Avenue of Baobabs, 44kms north of Morondava and close to Kirindy, Le Camp Amoureux is a simple, but well looked after camp. There are seven tented bungalows, each of which has en-suite toilet and shower. The tents are set on a solid wooden platform and are perfectly comfortable for a short stay. The camp also has a restaurant offering local food, with a real favourite being the coconut chicken. It is in the perfect location from which to explore the area and wildlife viewing is generally very good close to camp.

Kirindy Private Reserve

With the Mozambique Channel to its west and encircled by lush natural landscapes, the Kirindy Private Reserve lies on Madagascar's beautiful western coast. This privately managed reserve provides a sanctuary for a host of endangered ecosystems namely dry deciduous forests, and a collection of wildlife which includes the giant jumping rat, seven endemic lemur species and an array of bird species that inhabit this swathe of unique vegetation. Known for its extreme seasonal changes, this reserve is most popular after the rainy season when verdant landscapes explode into existence.

Visitors can look forward to night hikes, spotting the giant umbrella-branched baobab tree, catching a glimpse of a variety of nocturnal mammals, reptiles, and insects filling the spectacular night skies.

Day 14 - 15

Palissandre Cote Ouest Resort & Spa - Morondova (1-Night)

Located in Nosy Kely, Madagascar, Palissandre Cote Ouest Resort & Spa is an excellent option for a beachside getaway. Accommodation options feature 30 sea-facing bungalows which are equipped with air-conditioning, TVs, minibars and terraces. Inclusive breakfasts and dinners are served daily at the on-site restaurant, and guests can relax with a cocktail at the bar. Guests can make use of amenities such as the swimming pool and spa. Activities and attractions include windsurfing, fishing and embarking on a tour to the Baobabs Alley.

Day 15 - 16

Palissandre Hotel & Spa - Antananarivo (1-Night)

Palissandre Hotel & Spa is located in downtown Antananarivo and features an outdoor pool, a spa and a restaurant with a terrace offering panoramic city views. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

The rooms are equipped with a TV, telephone, minibar and air conditioning. Featuring a bath or shower, the bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and bathrobes. Guests can also enjoy city and pool views from the rooms.

The restaurant serves local and French cuisine. The hotel's bar is equipped with sofas and overlooks the garden. Guests can enjoy drinks, cocktails and snacks. Other facilities at the hotel include a fitness centre, a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and meeting facilities. The property offers free on-site parking.

Day 16 - 19

Andasibe Hotel - Andasibe (3-Nights)

Surrounded by the Eastern Forest in Andasibe, Madagascar, Andasibe Hotel is an excellent option for a nature getaway. Accommodation options consist of standard rooms and luxury bungalows. The bungalows are equipped with heating, fans, TVs, minibars, welcome trays, and living rooms. Guests can enjoy mouth-watering meals at the on-site restaurant and relax with a drink at the bar.

Amenities include a swimming pool and a children’s playground. Attractions and activities include visiting the National Park of Andasibe, kayaking, and indulging in a massage at the hotel.

Andasibe 

Located in eastern Madagascar in the Moramanga District, the small village of Andasibe is surrounded by a belt of protected rainforest and several parks boasting incredible natural scenery and an array of exotic Madagascan wildlife. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the spectacularly scenic surrounds.

Visitors can look forward to discovering the natural wonders of the nearby Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Analamazaotra Reserve and Perinet Special Reserve. Don't miss the opportunity to hear the unique song of the large indri lemur, explore a network of incredible trails that wind passed glistening lakes and magnificent waterfalls and discover the rich biodiversity in the local flora and fauna.

Day 19 - 20

Palissandre Hotel & Spa - Antananarivo (1-Night)

Palissandre Hotel & Spa is located in downtown Antananarivo and features an outdoor pool, a spa and a restaurant with a terrace offering panoramic city views. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

The rooms are equipped with a TV, telephone, minibar and air conditioning. Featuring a bath or shower, the bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and bathrobes. Guests can also enjoy city and pool views from the rooms.

The restaurant serves local and French cuisine. The hotel's bar is equipped with sofas and overlooks the garden. Guests can enjoy drinks, cocktails and snacks. Other facilities at the hotel include a fitness centre, a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and meeting facilities. The property offers free on-site parking.

Rates

INCLUDED

MEALS:

  • Chilo Gorge: All meals
  • Amalinda Lodge: All meals
  • Victoria Falls Safari Club: Breakfast
  • Madagascar: Most meals. check the details below

DRINKS:

  • Chilo Gorge Lodge: local drinks which include local spirits, beers and wine and soft drinks. 
  • Amalinda Lodge: local drinks which include local spirits, beers and wine and soft drinks. 
  • Victoria Falls Safari Club: one comp drink with canapés is available each evening from 1730 – 1830 hrs.
  • There is also a comp high tea available from 1530 – 1630 hrs. All other drinks are to the guest's account.
  • Madagascar: None

EXCLUDED

MEALS:

  • Victoria Falls Safari Club: Lunch and Dinner
  • Madagascar: Some meals; check the details below

DRINKS:

  • Victoria Falls Safari Club: Most drinks
  • Madagascar: All drinks
  • All properties: All Premium drinks

 

  • All OPTIONAL and RECOMMENDED activities
  • All international flights
  • Any services not mentioned herein
  • Any items of a personal nature
  • Tips and Gratuities