Charting the Mighty Zambezi

Day 1 - 2 UK to Harare, Zimbabwe

After taking Saga’s included door-to-door service to the airport fly to Harare.

Transfer to the locally rated 3-star Pamuzinda Safari Lodge on the banks of the Serui River, in 13,000 acres of pristine bush and savannah, for a two-night stay.

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 to 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 50 metres 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.

Late afternoon arrive at the locally rated 4-star Mana Pools Safari Lodge, for a two-night stay. 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 take a scenic two-hour drive through the Zambezi Escarpments to the locally rated 3-star Kariba Lodge, for a two-night stay.

Relax and enjoy welcome snacks and drinks on the elevated Kariba Safari Lodge deck, which boasts outstanding views of Lake Kariba, this afternoon before sipping a sundowner in front of an open air barbecue on the beach on the lake shore. B, L, D

Day 7 Kariba Town

Spend the day getting to know Kariba, including a visit to the 128-metre dam and Santa Barbara church, which was built for project workers and dedicated to those who lost their lives during the build. Perched 600m 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 locally rated 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 Sengwe 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 locally rated 3-star Masumu River Lodge for one night, then go exploring Binga town and its quaint Tonga tribe museum, hot springs and geyser and school (during term time). 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 five-and-a-half hour drive through the wilds of Matabeleland, passing the Gwaai and Kamativi river gorges.

Check into the locally rated 4-star Elephant Hills Resort, perched on a bluff upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls, for two nights. B, L, D

Please note: wine is not included in the free bar at your resort.

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 - 15 Victoria Falls to UK

After breakfast transfer to Victoria Falls airport for your overnight return flight to the UK. Arrive the next day for your included UK door-to-door travel service home. B