Day 1 - 2 UK to Harare, Zimbabwe

After taking your included VIP door-to-door service to the airport fly to Harare via Addis Ababa. Transfer to the 3-star Pamuzinda Safari Lodge (3Q) for a two-night stay (61 miles, two hours). The lodge is set on the banks of the Serui River, in 13,000 acres of pristine bush and savannah.

Facilities include a swimming pool with pool bar, barbecue area, dining room, lounge, and bar. There are 15 lodges, each with a balcony, en suite with shower, mosquito nets, a ceiling fan, minibar, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Relax after your journey or get stuck into the experience of a lifetime with a range of activities, before a complementary ‘Welcome to Africa’ barbecue and traditional dance performance. D

Day 3 Pamuzinda

Savour the first morning in Zimbabwe from the luxury of a private balcony overlooking the Serui River.

After breakfast, canoe the gentle waters of the Serui River or go out game spotting in the Pamuzinda Game Reserve by 4x4 or on foot or, for the truly adventurous, experience the beauty of this immaculate reserve on horseback.

After lunch and a siesta set out on an afternoon game drive to see the abundant plains game and end the day with sunset drinks at ‘Ayres Rock’. B, L, D

Day 4 Pamuzinda to Mana Pools National Park

After an early breakfast, travel by road Maka Pools (261 miles, 7 hours), via one of Zimbabwe’s best-kept secrets, the eerily beautiful Chinhoyi Caves. The jewel in the crown of this network of caves, tunnels and sink holes is the Wonder Hole and its cobalt blue Sleeping Pool. Visibility in its cool depths can exceed 160 feet and it is popular with technical divers and sightseers alike.

After lunch in Chirundu, take a 90-minute boat ride into Mana National Park, scouting the banks for wildlife.

Arrive early evening at the 4-star Mana Pools Safari Lodge (3Q+), for a two-night stay. The Lodge is situated close to the National Park’s eastern boundary and has a main dining and lounge area. Each of the 12 chalets has an en-suite bathroom, framed mosquito net, and USB charger. Wi-Fi is available at reception. Enjoy a sundowner drink on a sand bank on the banks of the Zambezi River before supper and bed. B, L, D

Day 5 Mana Pools National Park

After breakfast, relax in camp or head out on fishing and walking excursions, boat trips or guided game drives around one of the most remote and unspoilt parks in Africa.

After lunch, board safari 4x4s and set out in search of the abundant wildlife of this Mana Pools concession, including plains game, rhinos, elephants, crocodile, hippo and lions.

Night-time wildlife dives are also available after dinner. B, L, D

Day 6 Mana Pools National Park to Kariba Town

After some more early morning animal exploration, return by boat to Chirundu and after lunch drive through the Zambezi Escarpments to the 3-star Kariba Safari Lodge (3Q+), for a two-night stay (92 miles, three hours and 30 minutes). The lodge boasts outstanding views of the lake and surrounding landscape where abundant birdlife, zebra, bushbuck, impala and warthog reside.

Facilities include a swimming pool, lounge, dining room and bar. The en-suite rooms have a patio, ceiling fan, mosquito net, mini bar and tea and coffee-making facilities. Relax and enjoy welcome snacks and drinks on the elevated Kariba Safari Lodge deck this afternoon before sipping a sundowner and an open air barbecue on the lake shore. B, L, D

Day 7 Kariba Town

Spend the day getting to know Kariba, including a visit to the 400-foot dam and Santa Barbara church, which was built for project workers and dedicated to those who lost their lives during the build. Perched 2000 feet above the lake, on Kariba Heights, the church provides stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

After, venture into the suburb of Mahombekombe for a spot of shopping in its bustling flea market and colourful local shops. End your day with more breathtaking sunset views across the lake. B, L, D

Day 8 Kariba Town to Three Finger Bay

After a leisurely breakfast board your 4-star cruiser and sail along Lake Kariba to a secluded inlet in Three Finger Bay. Lunch is served on board before setting out on a unique safari experience to discover the abundant wildlife and emblematic submerged forests of Lake Kariba and the Matusadona National Park. As the sun sets drinks and snacks are served before dinner on the cruiser.  B, L, D

Day 9 Three Finger Bay to Crocodile Creek

After breakfast, transfer by tender boats to the mainland for a combined walk and drive safari around a private concession and Matusadona National Park, including a visit to a forest of 220-million-year-old petrified trees. After lunch, return to the vessel to relax as it sails on to Crocodile Creek. Marvel at the quintessential Kariba sunset while you enjoy drinks and snacks before dinner. B, L, D

Day 10 Crocodile Creek to the Sengwa River

Your cruiser leaves its mooring before dawn, embarking on a 13-hour voyage into the Sengwe Basin, through the Kota Kota Narrows. Relax and take in the immensity of the lake and its breathtaking vistas. Once the cruiser has reached the Sengwa River System, board tender boats to explore the remote wilderness of the Sengwe Basin, with its rich bird life and stunning scenery.  B, L, D

Day 11 Sengwa River to Binga

Continental breakfast is served on board tender boats as they navigate the Sengwa river in search of hippo and crocodiles.

Back on the cruiser, lunch is served while the boat completes its voyage to Binga, the heart of Tonga tribal land.

Check into the 3-star Masumu River Lodge (3Q+) for one night. The lodge overlooks Lake Kariba’s western side, and the main building has a dining room and bar offering views across the water. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi in reception. Each en-suite lodge has a private balcony, fan, mosquito net, minibar and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Go exploring Binga town and its quaint Tonga tribe museum, hot springs and geyser and school (during term time), then after lunch, there’s time to relax before the spectacle of a stunning Lake Kariba sunset over the islands and bays of Binga, accompanied by sundowner drinks. B, L, D

Day 12 Binga to Victoria Falls

After breakfast, embark on a drive through the wilds of Matabeleland, passing the Gwaai and Kamativi river gorges (193 miles, four hours). Check into the 4-star Bayette Collection Guest Lodges (4Q), where you’ll stay in one of the three guest lodges: Beyete, Nkosi, Phezulu for two nights.

Each eco-friendly lodge has a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi. Rooms have a mosquito net, air conditioning, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Local wines, beers, soft drinks, tea, coffee and filtered water are included. B, L, D

Day 13 Victoria Falls

After breakfast, join a guided walk of Victoria Falls, taking time to marvel at the raw beauty of the falls from the best viewpoints. A sundowner cruise in the afternoon provides the opportunity to spot hippo and other wildlife before returning to the hotel and dinner. B, L, D

Day 14 Victoria Falls to UK

After breakfast transfer to Victoria Falls airport for your overnight return flight to the UK via Addis Ababa. B

Day 15 UK

Arrive in the UK for your included VIP door-to-door travel service home.