Renier Friis, General Manager: Procurement and Product Development, spent time in Zimbabwe recently and took some incredible photographs.
Of course, the photographs he took would not have been possible without the sensational ‘models’ putting on their best display. Couple that with properties who have perfected the art of delivering exceptional guest experiences and you have a perfect match for stunning photographs of a magical Zimbabwe safari experience.
Renier’s journey included a two night stay at the new Shearwater Explorers Village in Victoria Falls, two nights at Victoria Falls Safari Club and a further three nights at Linkwasha Camp in Hwange. En-route home, he ended his trip off with a one night stay at Victoria Falls Hotel.
Explorers Village offers the modern traveller a perfect haven from which to explore Victoria Falls, widely recognised as the adventure capital of the African continent.
Located just 400 metres from the Victoria Falls, 100 metres from Vic Falls town with its craft and curio markets, bohemian cafes and overlooking natural African bush panorama, Explorers Village is the perfect ‘base camp’.
Explorers Village has just opened their new restaurant, extended pool deck, lounge areas as well as their deluxe wing which comprises of 54 deluxe rooms.
Comprising of a mix of overland camping sites, modern ablution facilities and 42 chalets, the village is clean, cool and relaxing with excellent traditional food and exceptionally friendly hosts ready to welcome guests and guide them through their Vic Falls experience.
While at Explorers Village, Renier took advantage of the opportunity to explore the many attractions of Vic Falls which included a delicious breakfast on board the Ra-Ikane, a unique luxury cruise experience on the Zambezi River.
Breakfast Cruise pick-up/drop-off times
From Ilala Lodge Hotel: 6:45am
From Victoria Falls town: 6:30am from hotels in Victoria Falls
Drop-Off: 9:30am
Duration of cruise: 2 hours
For the more adventurous, there’s the Victoria Falls Historic Bridge Tour.
The Victoria Falls Bridge lies in no man’s land between the Zimbabwean and Zambian Boarder Posts. A theatrical and entertaining presentation is done on the history of the Bridge by a local actor who plays the part of Georges Imbault, the Chief Construction Engineer who oversaw the building of the Bridge.
After the Presentation, the walk under the bridge is an exciting option! A safety demonstration and a safety training is provided to ensure guest safety and for those scared of heights, a walk across the top of the Bridge along the pedestrian walkway can be taken.
Upon returning from the bridge, guests can take an optional guided walk around the Visitors Centre with a guide.
The Victoria Falls Safari Club is located within the magnificent grounds of the award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and offers internationally recognised Club facilities including personalised butler service and spacious rooms with panoramic views over the Zambezi National Park.
Breakfast and light lunches are served in the Safari Club’s private lounge, while complimentary afternoon tea with pastries and complimentary sun downers and canapés are also part of the offering at this luxurious facility.
A courtesy shuttle service running hourly from the Safari Club to the town centre, the markets and the Victoria Falls Rainforest make it easy to get around in this iconic destination.
If you or any of your guests are concerned about the news that Victoria Falls is experiencing a severe drought and that the Falls have dried up, take a moment to read our previous Blog https://thompsonsafricadbn.wordpress.com/2019/12/10/have-the-falls-really-dried-up/
In Hwange National Park, Renier spent two nights at Linkwasha Camp an ecologically diverse concession with opportunities for incredible wildlife sightings.
Linkwasha is a luxurious camp that lies in a private concession in the enormously productive south-eastern corner of Hwange National Park. Situated on the edge of the famed Ngamo Plains, which offer fantastic summer game viewing, the camp looks over a magnificent plain and a pan that is a magnet for game year round, especially in the dry winter months.
The fresh, open and airy design of Linkwasha Camp is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors. Eight sumptuous en-suite tents and one family unit offer incredible views, while the main area – including multi-level decks, a pool area and a winter lounge complete with library – overlooks the prolific waterhole.
Activities include walking safaris, game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, star bed experiences and evening drives.
And the opportunities for sightings of wildlife are endless. Hwange has over 400 recorded bird species. Look out for Arnot’s chat, Dickinson’s kestrel and Bradfield’s hornbill.
En-route back to Durban, Renier spent a final night at The Victoria Falls Hotel.
Renier’s key take away from this trip is that Zimbabwe is not just about Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe is a complete destination with diverse offerings and experiences.
Thompsons Africa is the expert in crafting tailor-made itineraries for guests. Its our passion for creating unforgettable memories and exceeding our customers’ expectations that make us the leader in our field.
Contact a Thompsons Africa consultant today for advice on putting together an inclusive itinerary taking in the many highlights of Zimbabwe.
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