Exodus Zimbabwe Walking & Wildlife

• All Accommodation
• 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 6 dinners included
• London flights

• Mt. Nyangani, Zimbabwe’s highest peak
• Chimanimani mountains
• Zimbabwe Ruins
• Safari in Matobo and Hange NPs
• Victoria Falls

Day 1: Depart London

Day 2: Arrive Harare; drive to the Eastern Highlands

Passengers not on the group fight can either be picked up at the pre-tour hotel or meet the group at Harare airport when the group flights land (normally late morning). We travel from Harare Airport approx. 5 hours (excluding stops) towards the Eastern Highlands near the town of Mutare where we will base ourselves for the next 3 days exploring the region.

Day 3: Gentle hike in the morning; free afternoon to relax or go on a self-guided walk

Our first day walking is a gentle one as we spend the morning walking through valleys and up mountains. We pass by a small Zimbabwe ruin and a local Bushman painting site before getting to a viewpoint where we can see Mt. Nyangani, our challenge for tomorrow.

Day 4: Summit Zimbabwe’s highest peak, Mt. Nyangani.

After approximately 2hrs transfer we reach the base of our goal: the summit of Zimbabwe’s highest peak, Mt. Nyangani (2,592m). This is a moderate hike up to the summit though there are some steep sections. The walk to the top should take about 3 hours and we aim to get there in time to enjoy our picnic lunch admiring the panoramic view.

Day 5: Transfer to the Chimanimani Mountains; afternoon hike to the top of Bridal Veil Falls.

This morning we transfer south to the Chimanimani Mountains with their volcanic peaks, deep valleys and gorges. The Chimanimani National Park has preserved the mountains’ pristine wilderness with most of the park only accessible by footpaths. Our transfer should take around 3 hours and we aim to arrive at the lodge around lunch time.

Day 6: Full day hike through the Chimanimani Mountains.

Following a short transfer we spend the whole day hiking through the Chimanimani National Park. Our hike, which involves some scrambling, takes us up the quartzite ridges of the Chimanimani Mountains and onto a large plateau. From here views stretch out over the highest peak, Mt Binga, towards the Mozambican border and beyond.

Day 7: Transfer to Great Zimbabwe; afternoon informative walk around the ruins.

Leaving the eastern highlands behind we head west into the heart of Zimbabwe and the Great Zimbabwe ruins (about 5hrs). This grand monument dates back to the 11th to 15th centuries and is the greatest ancient man-made site in Southern Africa. It has become a symbol for the country which took its name after independence.

Day 8: Drive to Matobo National Park; afternoon hike through granite ridges to cave paintings.

We continue on our journey via the cities of Masvingo and Bulawayo to the Matobo National Park and our lodge just outside the park (about 5hrs drive plus stops). The park (also known as Matopos National Park) is famous for its giant boulders precariously balanced on top of each other known as kopjes and for being the final resting place of coloniser, Cecil Rhodes.

Day 9: Full day exploring Matobo NP by vehicle and on foot in search of rhino and other wildlife.

Matobo National Park is one of the best places in the world to spot both Black and White rhinos along with other emblematic African animals such as leopards. We set off on a game drive looking for wildlife before heading out on foot in the hope of spotting the local White rhino population. We should, hopefully, see a variety of other animals one foot as well, set amidst the granite backdrop of the park.

Day 10: Rural walk through some of the local villages; afternoon time at a hide watching animals come to a water hole.

Today we explore the cultural surroundings near the park as we go for a walk and visit local villages on foot. As we wander through these rural surroundings we get an insight into the local way of life.

Day 11: Drive to Hwange National Park; later sit by a waterhole looking for wildlife or relax by the pool.

The drive to our next destination, Hwange National Park, is about 5 hrs (plus stops). The largest national park in Zimbabwe, Hwange occupies roughly 14,650 square kilometres and is famed for its large elephant population.

Day 12: Full day safari by 4WD vehicle in Hwange NP.

We spend the whole day exploring the park in an open 4WD game-viewing vehicle. As well as large populations of elephants, we will be looking for various other animals such as lions, giraffe, hippo, rhino, leopard, cheetah and even Wild dog amongst others.

Day 13: Transfer to Victoria Falls; later we visit the mighty falls themselves.

It’s a relatively short drive (about 3 hrs plus stops) to our final destination, the town of Victoria Falls, located just a short walk from the mighty falls themselves. This afternoon we have a 2-3hr guided walk of the falls from the Zimbabwean side giving a spectacular view of the tumbling Zambezi River rushing over basalt cliffs.

Day 14: Free day for optional activities such as scenic flights, rafting or river cruise.

Today is a free day to enjoy the many activities on offer in the area such as white-water rafting, taking a flight over the falls, going on a sunset cruise or crossing into neighbouring Zambia to see the falls from that side.

Day 15: The trip ends today, those on the group flights will depart this afternoon.

The trip ends this morning. Those on group flights will be taken to the airport for their flight back to London.

Day 16: Arrive London.

• 4 days walking and 3 half-day walks
• 13 nights hotel and lodges, mostly en suite
• Altitude maximum 2592m, average 1700m
• Group normally 4 to 12, plus local leader

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.