Transfer and Other Options:

8-day Deluxe Safari

Day 1:  Arrive in Victoria Falls around noon. Transfer to the 5* Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. You will be picked up by your horse guide at 3.30pm for your pre trip briefing and introductory ride - this will be your first introduction to this area and a chance to see if you are happy with your horse, your saddle and so on before we leave on our long safari tomorrow. You will ride for at least three hours today, experiencing sunset over the Zambezi River. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2:  Pick up at 6.00 - 7.00 am. Tea, coffee, fresh fruit and biscuits will be served while Alison talks to each client individually to ensure everyone is allocated a horse most suitable to their needs. Alison has owned and ridden horses all her life, and with many years in the safari industry, is an expert at allocating horses to riders. After a brief orientation and safety talk you will move off with your guides. As the stables adjoin Victoria Falls National Park, game viewing often starts from the stable yard with last nights elephant tracks. The morning will be spent exploring this game area which includes the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls National Park, and surrounding game areas. None of these areas are fenced so both horses and wildlife move freely from one area to another. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the Zambezi, or on the Masuie river under the shade of acacia albidas, depending on the time of the year. After this break we will ride across the long Kalahari sand dunes bordering Zambezi National Park, looking for sable and buffalo. We will reach the  outer edge of Victoria Falls National Park in the afternoon. A short drive from here will take you to Gorges Lodge, with its spectacular setting on an 800 ft cliff. **.
Gorges Lodge itself is part of a community based project - but what will interest you is its spectacular location - where you can watch black eagles souring below you. Gorges Lodge is also the home of the rare taita falcon Night spent at Gorges
**Today's ride is about 7 hours - plus a beautiful vehicle transfer. Very fit riders may ride longer - then we spend longer in certain areas or go further afield.
Day 3: Early 5.45am start: Transfer by vehicle for your canoe trip on the Upper Zambezi River, is a wonderfully relaxing way to enjoy the astonishingly beautiful scenery that lines the river before it takes its plunge over the Victoria Falls. This part of the river is dotted with many islands of varying size; inhabited by a variety of birds and small animals. This is the route David Livingstone took on his way in search of the rising clouds of mist. It was in fact along these banks that he remarked "scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight". Breakfast is enjoyed on the banks of the Zambezi, followed by a safety talk by the professional river guide, before the day's canoeing begins. Lunch is a picnic usually taken on one of the remote islands. The day is spent running (small) rapids, exploring channels and bird and game viewing.
The last hours of the day will be spent on horseback with a sunset ride through the area. After your canoe trip, and sunset ride, you will be driven back to Gorges at dusk.
Day 4: You may be reluctant to leave Gorges, but we have another long ride back exploring new areas of this dramatic landscape along the ancient tribal footpaths above Batoka Gorge. We will be riding through Monde Rural area, giving you a unique opportunity to see a less 'touristy' aspect of life here. This is remote and sparsely inhabited country where horses are an exciting event.
As some of the Gorges staff are from this area you will visit with their families and experience the simple dignity of traditional village life
Our route will take us towards Fuller forest, exploring the wide open vistas of Jafuta vlei - less game here, but lovely riding country with plenty of opportunities to canter.
We will arrive at Old Ursula in time for a late lunch and a break, The evening will be spent on a night drive and bush dinner – giving you an opportunity to view animals seldom seen by day and explore this estate further. Night spent at Old Ursula
Day 5:  After breakfast we will set off on horseback again to explore this area, riding up towards the Kalisosa, looking for giraffe zebra and sable. Carrying our picnic lunch with us we will ride over the sand escarpment with its magnificent views before crossing the river and roaming the wide open spaces towards Sekuti’s and the Kalisosa. After a long mornings ride exploring this magnificent area we will return to Old Ursula Camp for lunch and time to relax by the pool, or in the gardens, watching birdlife or game coming in to the waterhole. The rest of your afternoon will be spent on your Lion Encounter, which starts at 3.45pm. Night spent at Old Ursula Camp, surprise dinner at Stanley and Livingston.
Day 6 : We will leave after breakfast, on horseback, for our ride back to Victoria Falls.
Long canters along bush trails will take us towards Chomabonda and over the kalahari sand escarpments towards the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls National Park. Today is fairly flexible – our choice of lunch spot will depend on what we want to see and where we want to go! Our ride will end at the horse stables with welcome cold drinks and refreshments. We will then transfer you back to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (or B&B depending on your options) – to freshen up and change. We then transfer you to the rain forest (a guided 2-hour tour is available for about $20 and the park entry fee is $30). This is also a good time to visit the falls if you arrived late on Day 1. Depending on how much time you want to spend, we collected you from the either the rain forest itself, or from your hotel for the elephant ride - returning in time to change for your dinner at the Boma at the hotel. The Boma is not just another ethnic restaurant, but a cultural experience that bombards the senses with the tastes, sights, sounds and smells of Africa and its people. After dinner guests are invited to wile away the evening with the restaurant's very own sangoma - a traditional story teller - to learn more about the country's folk-lore, culture and heritage.
Day 7:  Early morning horse safari along the banks of the Zambezi - you will be picked up at 6.00 am (optional)  for your last ride through this very special area. The early start might give you a chance to view hippos grazing on shore by our  secret island. You will then say farewell to your horses and return to your lodge to collect your luggage for the transfer to the Imbabala Lodge at 10.45 am.  Imbabala is situated on the banks of the Zambezi, near the Chobe confluence. The surrounding private National Parks Estate includes a magnificent floodplain covered with massive acacias. The private estate also includes 14km of river frontage. Carefully positioned in the riverine fringe of the Zambezi, Imbabala offers not only the chance to unwind but also some of the most amazing game viewing and bird watching in the region, in the seclusion of a private National parks concession. This area is well known for its massive elephant population and herds of up to 1500 have been seen on the floodplains below camp. Here you will spend your time on river cruises, game drives and night drives - most likely starting with a sunset cruise followed by a splendid four course meal.
Day 8: Morning game activities at Imbabala, before being transferred directly to the airport and your flight home.

7-day regular Safari Option B
- the 2 nights in Victoria Falls will be at a local B&B instead of at the Safari Lodge. Trip ends on Day 7 after the morning ride and transfer to the airport, unless you select the option for the stay at the Imbabala Safari Lodge.
For 2010 trips and rates the last night at Imbabala is still included.

Note: We may choose to vary the order and type of camps used, most especially to take advantage of game movement.
Please note that any variation in route or camps will be only to increase the value and quality of the safari and always in the client’s best interest. Cost will remain the same.
On any day and at any camp there are plenty of opportunities for game viewing, and each day’s riding includes a wide variety of magnificent scenery. Park fee is ~$40 per person and is mandatory.

Seasons
Basically Zimbabwe has a hot dry season, a hot wet season and winter.

During the rains, any time from late November –early March, it can still be very hot, with clear skies as well. When it does rain, even when the rain is torrential, it is never cold, and often is hot and dry shortly after, so your rain wear must be good, but lightweight and easy to carry. Bring a fleece for the evenings and early mornings in case it’s cool. 2006-7 was a drought so mostly hot and dry.

By April it may be cooling off slightly in the evenings, but still hot during the day – bring layers again.

May’s much the same, but can be cooler.

June-July should be the coldest months – very cold at night and in the early mornings, on vlei areas there may even be frost in July,, but going up to about 26 degrees Celsius ( 78 Fahrenheit) in the day.

So layers you can remove are best.

August gets a bit warmer – but still cool at night.

September-October, most of November - hotter still, these are the hot dry months that we have before the rains start. You might need a fleece so bring one, but mostly dress for hot weather, and strong sun.

Mostly people tend to underestimate how hot their clothes might be. But to give you an idea, your guide rides in sandals, jeans or light weight cotton trousers and t-shirt in summer, much the same and short boots in winter.

All Camps and Lodges are fully equipped with beds bedding towels and so forth.
All have bathroom or shower en suite. Electricity outlets are the same as in the UK ... so you may need an adapter for the Type G (a British three-pin rectangular blade)

Clothing: Please wear safari colors: no white. Cotton is preferable.

•  Jeans /trousers – whatever you’re comfortable riding in
•  Jeans /trousers for evenings - 1 pair.

•  Short sleeved cotton shirt or t shirt x 2.

•  Long sleeved cotton shirt x 2: light weight for sun protection.

•  1 warm jerseys/ fleece- more in winter: June – July can be very cold at night and in the early morning

•  Money belt to carry cash, small camera & sun block when riding.

•  Sunglasses.

•  Sun hat

•  Camera – one that incorporates a zoom like a Panasonic Lumix DMC H17, a Nikon PS100, Canon S5 IS those small Sony’s or whatever you prefer.

•  Trainers / short boots  (long boots are too hot)

•  Trainers / sandals for in camp.

•  Swimming costume – all camps have a swimming pool

•  Chaps or half chaps   - optional.

•  Riding gloves   - optional.

•  Plenty of Sun block   - the stronger the better.

•  Insect repellent.

•  Malaria pills - this is a malaria area. Note: be wary of taking larium – at this altitude it has bad side effects on almost everybody and can ruin your holiday.

•  Any personal medication. If you suffer from allergies please bring necessary medication and, in the case of food allergies, an epipen with you.Victoria Falls and surrounding areas have remained free of the health problems that have affected some parts of Zimbabwe. A big community effort has ensured that our water supplies are pure, our hospitals and clinics are well supplied with medication and equipment. Please bring any personal medication with you.

•  Remember the pollen count is high - so if you are prone to allergies or hay fever and have a preferred treatment that does not make you sleepy you may want to bring that as well. We do carry some and you can buy medicines of course - but if you have to buy anything here it will of course cost more than you'd pay at home. 

•  All camps are fully equipped with sheets, towels, blankets, en suite bathrooms - and real beds

• Finance: bring cash – US$ in small denominations if possible, as well as travelers cheques. Park fees are payable in cash only. Entry fee to the Falls is additional, and will cost US$20pp. Whilst extra activities must be paid for in foreign currency, you may use local currency for meals, drinks and shopping. But you may not exchange traveler’s cheques for local or foreign cash, nor can you use your credit card to buy foreign cash. Do not count on crossing into Zambia to draw cash with your credit card – the visa fees are now much higher than those for Zimbabwe -US$125 for a US citizen, 75 pounds or US$140 for British passport holders.

• Credit cards are not accepted in Zimbabwe, but you can use them elsewhere. Do not change money on the streets or at the airport.

Other stuff:
A broad-brimmed hat in canvas or light felt is essential, ventilated if possible. Plain leather or heavy felt is too hot, straw is too fragile. Peaked caps do not shade your head properly, but are useful as an extra.
If you only feel comfortable wearing a helmet, it’s always better to bring your own- for a helmet to be truly safe it must fit. If you are buying specially a ventilated one is a good idea. The sort of lightweight ventilated helmet used for endurance or western riding is ideal, and it must have a peak However do bring shady hat as well. Please note that all children under 16 MUST wear a helmet. We do have a selection available, but your own is always best. Again – no black, no white, and no bright colors.  
Avoid tight clothing and shoes – go one size up if anything.
Avoid synthetic boots or shoes, always leather or canvas – actually long boots in any form should be avoided, and if you like to wear something on your lower leg go for half- chaps, in canvas for this climate.
If you usually ride in gloves, bring them, they do not take up much space.
Chose your jodhpurs, jeans or riding trousers carefully –not all cuts of jeans are suitable for riding – and you will be in the saddle for long stretches of time.  Avoid anything with lumpy seams.
Pay special attention to the knees – knee seams and even knee pads can be agony after a while.
It is important to remember that even in midwinter it can be very hot in the middle of the day, so coolness is on paramount importance, and layers of clothing are best.
Always wear cotton, or cotton mix. There s nothing cooler. And please no white or bright colors go for fawns, tans, khakis and greens. Very dark colors, black and navy blue are very hot and very uncomfortable to wear for any stretch of time.
Wear a loose fitting cotton shirt with short sleeves and a collar – this will protect your neck and shoulders from sunburn. You are also protected from thorns. Bring a long sleeved one if you are sensitive to sun
Some clients bring a lightweight fleece seat saver, to put on their saddle, which can make all the difference! 

Finally no-one wants to loose their luggage, but it happens very often on international flights the world over so try and carry your most vital things and at least one change of clothing with you. Check the maximum baggage size and weight you can take on board the aircraft, and pack all you can in there!

Enjoy your Safari!

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge - Option A for Luxury
Set high on a natural plateau, the westward facing Victoria Falls Safari Lodge borders the Zambezi National Park and is just four kilometers from the thundering Victoria Falls, Southern Africa's foremost attraction. Enjoying uninterrupted views of spectacular African sunsets and year round game at its on-site waterhole, the Lodge is ideally positioned to offer the most discerning traveller a taste of Africa at its best. Appointed in the utmost luxury, the Lodge offers outstanding hospitality together with an authentic wildlife experience. 
This deluxe 72-roomed African Lodge prides itself on hospitality and food rivalled only by uninterrupted views and magnificent sunsets. Created with a keen eye for detail; hardwoods, thatch, vibrant colours - the effect is awe inspiring. Each bedroom has its own balcony, remote controlled air-conditioning and modern bathroom. In the Buffalo Bar, Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant and pool deck you will enjoy not only the wonderful views, but excellent service from friendly Zimbabwean staff renowned for their warmth and understanding of the needs of international visitors. Other services include:- * 24 hour reception * Currency exchange facility * Major credit cards accepted * Guest library and games room * TV lounge with satellite link * Curio & gift shop * Disabled facilities * Babysitting facilities * Swimming pool with sundeck * 24 hour security * Private shower facility for early arrival and late check-out guests.
Spa:  To help you further unwind, and enjoy some special pampering a visit to the Safari Spa is a must! Situated near the Lodge the Spa treatments include: Aromatherapy, reflexology, sports therapy, Swedish massage, personalized skin care, body treatments, body waxing, manicures, pedicures, shiatsu, sauna.

B&B in Victoria Falls - Option B for Economy
We use a nice B&B for our overnights ion Victoria Falls - usually the Pamushka Lodge, but depending on availability we may select a similar facility.

Gorges Lodge
Gorges is situated within private land south east of Victoria Falls and between rapids 19 and 20 on the Zambezi River. Gorges is built from brick and natural stone, all under thatch. Its decor is ethnic, focusing mainly on earthy colors. From the lodge there are magnificent views of the Zambezi River 800 feet below. This cannot truly describe the awe inspiring experience of watching eagles soar above the roaring waters below you! In addition to the black eagle , Gorges is home to the rare Taita falcon.
There are extensive gardens, kept green and lush by water which is pumped up from the river below. The emphasis is on indigenous plants, particularly aloes and acacias. The is a swimming pool setset in the grounds. Accommodation at Gorges is in ten stone and brick thatched chalets, all situated on the edge of the Zambezi River gorge, eight of which are twin and two which are double. Four of the chalets are double story, with bedroom upstairs and bath and dressing rooms below, while the other six are single storied. All have verandas overlooking the river and all are en suite. The dining room is open plan with extensive views over the river. It is connected to the the sitting and bar area. Breakfast is a hot and cold selection. Dinner is Table d'hote served at 20h00, with the focus on international cuisine and local venison. The cuisine is homely and wholesome. Individual requirements, such as vegetarian, can be catered for.

Old Ursula
The Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, on which Old Ursula Camp is situated, is a 6 000-acre
private reserve. The reserve borders on the Zambezi National Park, offering an African experience with a distinct difference. The reserve is host to black rhino, making it the only one of its kind in the Victoria Falls area to treat guests to an extraordinary Big 5 experience. The gardens are beautiful with massive acacia albidas, with a pool deck from where you may relax and watch zebra and other game on the vlei in front of the lodge.
As this is a special protection area , we include a night drive and bush dinner to give you an opportunity – a chance to view these rare and vulnerable animals in the wild.

Lodgings:
• 4 classic A-frame thatch chalets, each with views of the waterhole and Victoria Falls Private Game
Reserve: 1 x main suite with lounge, 2 x twin chalets and 1 x double
• All chalets have an en-suite bathroom with bath, shower and air conditioning
Facilities and Services:
• A communal lounge and dining area
• Swimming pool

Imbabala Safari Lodge
Situated where Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia converge, 80km west of Victoria Falls, Imbabala Lodge has its own safari park in which Game drives are conducted and is directly on the banks of the Zambezi River, offering pontoon cruises to view the game and extensive bird life. The lodge offers every luxury and comfort for your sojourn in the wilds. There are just 8 thatched chalets accommodating a maximum of 18 Guests, so individual attention and service is guaranteed. Each chalet has a view over the Zambezi, and each is individually and imaginatively decorated with a particular theme. Each has en-suite facilities and mains electricity. Meals are taken al fresco or in the main dining room, and are of a very high culinary standard. The swimming pool offers cool relaxation during the heat of the day. Activities at Imbabala include 4x4 game viewing safaris in the Lodge's own concession and in the nearby Chobe National Park, walking safaris and river cruises on Imbabala's own pontoon - enabling close viewing of the wildlife that comes down to the River to drink as well as the amazing variety of birds that are attracted by the papyrus reeds that border the Zambezi. Elephant lovers will be fascinated by the huge herds of elephant in the Chobe National Park.

The Boma "Place of eating"
Partially open to the African skies and sheltered by the indigenous Gusu forest lies the award winning Boma restaurant.
This offers a unique African experience that bombards the senses with the tastes, sights, sounds and smells of Africa - together with the warmth and hospitality of Zimbabwe and its people.
Specializing in a superb selection of traditional Zimbabwean dishes, fish, a variety of game meat and potjiekos (hunter’s stew) - as well as vegetarian meals - you are invited to sample such ethnic delicacies as deep fried kapenta and groundnuts.
Traditional customs, such as local beer tasting and pre-dinner handwashing, are observed while the sights and sounds of the evening are accentuated by Ndebele performers who captivate diners with their vibrant and energetic songs and dance.
Steeped in mystery, a witchdoctor adds a touch of drama and after dinner guests are invited to wile away the evening with the restaurant’s sangoma - a traditional story teller - to learn more about the country’s folklore, culture and heritage

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Australian Stock saddles - snaffle bits. English on request.
Horses:		Anglo Arab, Thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay , Thoroughbred cross and Warm bloods
Pace:		Moderate with trots, canters and some gallops, 5-7 hours daily. Riders do need to have a firm seat and in control at all paces. You should be able to post to the trot and gallop if necessary. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 198 lbs
Riders:		Min 2	Max 6

Riders should be confident at all paces, and capable of riding a horse at a strong canter through rough country if necessary. Riders should be able to do a rising trot, and happy to canter for long stretches – game permitting.

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months beyond date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. Three blank pages are needed.
Passport Note
All visitors to Zimbabwe must be in possession of return tickets (or funds in lieu) and sufficient funds to support themselves. The granting of a visa is not a guarantee of entry.

Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of Cyprus, Ireland and Malta;
(b) passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 6 hours by the same or connecting flight, provided holding tickets with reserved seats and documents for onward travel and not leaving the transit area.

2. Nationals of the following countries may obtain visas valid for up to 90 days on arrival in Zimbabwe, provided holding tickets and documents for return or onward travel and sufficient funds for their stay: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA.
Note: Due to the current political situation and ever changing regulations - we do recommend to aquire a visa in advance - it will save you time at the entry.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Visa at port of entry: cost dependent on nationality, British nationals £36 or US$55 single-entry, US$70 double-entry; contact consular section at embassy for further details.
Validity
Six months from date of issue.
Applications to:
Embassy; see Contact Addresses. For multiple-entry visas, travellers must apply direct to the Chief Immigration Officer in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Working Days Required
Seven.