11-Nights Tailor Made Zimbabwe: Wildlife & Victoria Falls - Luxury Tailor Made Travel from $19,390

Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made Zimbabwe: Wildlife & Victoria Falls

Day 1 Johannesburg, South Africa

Arrive in Johannesburg, where you are met by your A&K representative and transferred to your hotel. Set in the northeastern quarter of the country, the former mining town of Johannesburg is undergoing a renaissance, with theaters, restaurants, cafés and museums popping up throughout the city. The balance of the day is yours to spend at leisure or begin exploring.

Fly to Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Referred to locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), spectacular Victoria Falls drops a staggering 1.2-mile-wide curtain of water, sending up plumes of mist and rainbows. In the late afternoon, take a leisurely sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River.

Begin today with a guided walking tour of the breathtaking falls and through the surrounding forest, keeping watch for abundant bird life, as well as bushbuck, monkey, baboon and families of mongoose. Afterward, cycle along the Zambezi River, seeing the ancient, 3,500-year-old baobab tree; taking in spectacular views of the Batoka Gorge below the Falls; and crossing Victoria Falls Bridge.

Fly to Hwange National Park. Located an hour south of Victoria Falls in the northwest corner of Zimbabwe, it is the largest park in the country, with more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and one of the largest populations of elephants in the world. All of Zimbabwe’s specially protected animals — including a bevy of predators — call the vast, palm-fringed plains, grasslands and mopane forests home. Spend the remainder of the day, as well as two that follow, game viewing in this magnificent region. Opt to explore by open safari vehicle or set out on a walking safari through the concession’s savanna grassland habitat.

Set out on twice-daily game drives, taking advantage of a succession of outstanding photographic opportunities, getting quietly close to unexpected sights of nature's drama in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The plains are prime lion and rhino country, and Hwange National Park boasts 413 species of birds, many to be found in this area.

On a full day at leisure in the reserve, follow your heart’s desire: continue to check off your wildlife sightings list with morning and afternoon game drives, try a walking safari, visit the local village or indulge in your camp's amenities.

This morning, fly to Bumi Hills, set on hilly ground overlooking Lake Kariba. Fill your stay here with adventure, embarking on game drives, safari cruises and fishing expeditions. Alternatively, set out on walks in nearby Matusadona National Park. Bounded by the Ume River to the west and the Sanyati River to the east, the park is marked by “drowned forests” populated by large buffalo herds. It’s also home to a small but significant number of endangered black rhino; keep watch for them along the foot of the escarpment. You may also spot elephant herds along the lakeshore, as well as roaming lion, hippo and crocodile, not to mention some 200 species of birds. The sunsets here are often fiery red, so keep your camera handy as the sun dips below the petrified trees and shimmering waters.

Devote another full day game viewing in this magnificent region. Photographic opportunities abound, whether you choose to observe the wildlife by open vehicle, on walking safaris or by boat on Lake Kariba. Perhaps try your hand at fishing for tilapia or vundu on the lake or this evening venture out on a sunset cruise.

This morning, fly to Mana Pools National Park, where you are met and transferred to your intimate camp. Situated in the far northern corner of Zimbabwe on the banks of the Zambezi River, the wildlife-rich, waterfowl-populated park is a haven for large populations of elephants, hippos and Nile crocodiles, the latter of which gather at sunrise at Long Pool. Meanwhile, in the park’s south, lions wait for prey near the waterhole at Chitake Spring.

Enjoy a full day of game viewing in this wonderful park. The Zambezi River provides a scenic backdrop for photography of animals and flora, also attracting large numbers of waterfowl. Keep your camera and binoculars at the ready for the area’s dynamic predators, including lion, wild dog, leopard, and cheetah, as well as large concentrations of buffalo, which can be found along the river's edges.

Let your spirit roam free in this lovely wilderness on your last safari day in Zimbabwe. You can take game drives in 4x4 vehicles in search of lions and leopards, enjoy a walking safari or canoe trip, or enjoy a relaxing time “gone fishing.”

Fly to Harare International Airport and connect with your flight to Johannesburg. Enjoy access to the Premier Lounge before boarding your international flight home.