You are in: / Zimbabwe / Suggested Itineraries / Self Drive from Harare to Victoria Falls

Self Drive from Harare to Victoria Falls

This is an ideal trip for those really wanting to explore this beautiful part of Africa. The self drive itinerary takes you to the Zimbabwean Highlands, before continuing to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Visit Hwange, Zimbabwe’s most famous National Park before setting off for Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world.

We design tailor-made itineraries. Contact a Zimbabwe specialist on 020 7622 5114

This trip can be tailor made to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Please contact us.

Day 01
Depart from London Heathrow on evening overnight flight to Johannesburg.

Day 02
On arrival check in for mid morning flight to Harare. On arrival at lunch time, you will be met and assisted to your waiting car rental or guide and vehicle. Transfer to the Wild Geese Lodge for a one night stay, breakfast included. Afternoon optional Harare city, must sees include the excellent soap stone carving market and Unity Square, the heart of the city. For activities in Harare, please contact us.

Day 03
Set off this morning heading east towards Zimbabwe’s Highlands. Savannah with unmistakable granite koppies (hilly outcrops) becomes sub tropical forest as you pass through the town of Mutare and ascend the Bvumba Mountains. The views are breathtaking, stretching across to Mozambique. Check into Leopard Rock Hotel for a two night stay, breakfast included. Driving time: 4 hours

Day 04
Time today to explore this scenic area at your leisure. There is a circular route which covers many of the viewpoints, as well as the excellent Vumba Botanical Gardens. Local batik work is for sale along the route, as well as charming coffee shops on the plateau edge. Your hotel has magnificent gardens, a championship golf course, swimming pool, tennis courts and a private game reserve, where you can see plains game thriving in these pristine surroundings.

Day 05
Descend the mountains today and head south towards Masvingo, passing fine examples of African Baobabs along your route and traditional Shona villages. A stop at the well kept Italian chapel in Masvingo, built by Italian prisoners of war, is recommended, before continuing to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins for a one night stay at the Lodge at The Ancient City, all meals included. Please contact us for more information.

A World Heritage Site, the ruins date back to successive Shona civilisations in the 15th and 16th centuries and are remarkable in their scale. They stretch from the hilltop above the site, to the plain below, where the iconic Great Enclosure is found. Allow yourself a couple of hours at least to explore the site and museum, with the views more remarkable in late afternoon. Guides are available at the entrance. Driving time: 4 hours

Day 06
Set off this morning for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second city. Lunch is recommended at the genteel and atmospheric Bulawayo Club before continuing another half hour to Camp Amalinda, in the Matobo Hills for a two night stay, all meals, local drinks and two schedule game viewing activities per day included. This afternoon, join your guide for a walk to Cecil John Rhodes’ grave, the founder of Rhodesia and an important colonial figure regionally. His grave site boasts some of the finest views in this National Park. Driving time: 4 hours

Day 07
A full day in the Park with your qualified guide awaits you. Choose between a host of included activities, such as rhino tracking on foot, game drives in the Matobo National Park, walks to the numerous rock formations and remarkably well preserved San paintings, as well as sundowner options amongst the boulders. Please contact us for more information.

Day 08-10
Depart this morning after breakfast for Hwange, Zimbabwe’s most famous National Park. Home to countless elephant, numerous lion prides and rare antelope such as sable and roan, it offers excellent game spotting opportunities around the many waterholes found throughout the Park. Day ends at The Hide Safari Lodge for a three night stay, all meals, local drinks and schedule game viewing activities included. Driving time: 3 hours to Hwange Main Gate and a further 1 hour to the lodge in open vehicle.

Day 11
Time this morning for a final game drive before setting off for Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. The sheer size and beauty of the Falls never fails to impressive and highly recommended is a guided tour of the Falls and rain forest, as well as a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. Day ends at the Victoria Falls Hotel for a two night stay in a deluxe room, breakfast included. Driving time: 1 hour to Hwange Main Gate and 2 hours to Victoria Falls

Day 12
A full day to appreciate the many activities that this area has to offer, including helicopter flights over the Falls, elephant back safaris, lion cub encounters, jet boating and a tour of a local village and the craft market. A full day tour to Chobe National Park in Botswana is also possible. Please contact us for more information.

Day 13
Drive to the Victoria Falls Airport, return your hire car and check in for afternoon flight to Johannesburg. On arrival check in for evening overnight flight to London Heathrow.

Day 14
Arrive London Heathrow early morning.

Note: Suggested self drive itinerary or this can be done as a fully guided tour.

Prices
Subject to availability, the cost of this itinerary will be from £3,195 per person sharing inclusive of International and regional flights, airport taxes, car hire and accommodation with meals as specified.

Excludes: Visa Fees, entrance fees, car hire extras, one way drop off fees, drinks, laundry and items of a personal nature.