Victoria Falls & Chamabonda Safari 3 Star (4 Days) VFCH4D

Masuwe Lodge is located just 7 kms from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, it overlooks the Masuwe River and is surrounded by 1000 hectares (almost 2500 acres) of private wildlife sanctuary. The lodge offers accommodation in nine Wilderness Tents and one romantic Hide-Away. Each is constructed of canvas, thatch and stone and has a private en-suite bathroom and a private outdoor deck with views of wilderness and wildlife. There is also a Family Nest, built in the style of a farm homestead offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an outdoor living area with braai (BBQ) and private plunge pool. A range of guided activities are available such as visits to Victoria Falls and a tour of the Falls; game driving in the neighbouring National Park and guided bush walks. Masuwe includes transfers to town for other activities such as white water rafting, helicopter flights etc.

Masuwe offers the best of both worlds - life on safaris and wildlife encounters with easy access to all the activities on offer at the Falls.

Guided Walks in the Masuwe Sanctuary
Just 7kms from Victoria Falls is the Masuwe River. Flowing through the rugged and dangerously beautiful Zimbabwean savanna, with deciduous trees, grass, and open woodland surrounding it, the river gives its name to the Masuwe Lodge. It stands in the 1000 hectares of a private wildlife sanctuary. Masuwe is home to a wide variety of wild animals, including bush buck, impala, kudu, leopard, sable, and warthogs. Nearly 500 bird species make the open woodland their home.

The best way to explore any destination is on foot and Masuwe is no exception. As this is Africa and the wildlife among which we live is just that – wild – it’s advisable not to wander off into the bush on your own. Thankfully, expert wildlife guides host early morning and evening walks. These are the best times to encounter wildlife and while walking you can discover some of the smaller miracles of the African bush and immerse yourself in our extraordinary natural landscape. Masuwe guides know the land intimately and will help you spot any elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelopes, hyena, lion, leopard which may be around.

Guided Walking Tour of Victoria Falls
The best way to experience the greatest falling curtain of water on Earth, to learn how it was created, what local legends and custom say about it, is on a guided tour.

While the same view of the Victoria Falls can be seen from both the Zambian and the Zimbabwean sides, the fact that there are several names for them shows just what an impact the Falls have had in the imaginations of the people who had stood in awe before them. Names like the Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders, Seongo, or Chongwe, the Place of the Rainbow.

And rainbows are something you are almost guaranteed to see while experiencing the mist-shrouded vista of thunderous power, awe-inspiring beauty. In fact, you’re likely to see double rainbows, and occasionally moonbows.

At 1708m wide and 125m high, Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is so powerful that its sound and spray can be heard and seen over 40kms away. The basalt gorge carved by the mighty Zambezi River as it forces its way across Africa, dividing Zambia and Zimbabwe, to the Indian Ocean, is lined with a narrow and unique eco-system and rain forest. Walking through the beautiful rain forest is an adventure all of its own that is well-worth experiencing.

David Livingstone, Scottish missionary, and explorer, standing on what came to be known as Livingstone’s Island, said in 1855, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." The legends of the Falls do indeed make them seem almost supernatural in their power and beauty, and a guided tour will open the Falls to you in an unforgettable way. 

End the tour with a visit to a local art and crafts centre.

Within the sound, and the spray of the might Victoria Falls is the small Zimbabwean town which bears the same name – Victoria Falls. Lying on the southern bank of the Zambezi River at the western end of Victoria Falls it is separated from the Zambian city of Livingstone a few miles away by the iconic bridge which spans the Falls. Surrounding the town are three national parks – the Zambezi, Mosi-oa-Tunya and Victoria Falls National Parks. Wildlife, especially vervet monkeys, and even the occasional elephant stroll through the streets – and standing 3.2m high, and weighing up to 8 tons, elephants always have right of way.

There is evidence that this area has been lived in since the Stone Age. The Falls themselves found international fame thanks to Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone. But it wasn’t until 1901 that an actual town began and that was only because there were discussion taking place over the possibility of using the Falls as a source of hydro-electric power.

Despite being over 120 years old and being the city that hosts one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, as well as the principal tourism centre for the Victoria Falls, the town still has a small population.

The town grew when the railway from Bulawayo arrived and the Victoria Falls bridge was opened in 1905 as part of Cecil John Rhodes’ planned Cape-to-Cairo route.

It’s from this bridge, the Falls, and the surrounding National Parks that the town has become the launching-off point for those who have come to marvel at the wonder of the thunderous fall of water – the greatest in the world, or to raft or kayak along some of the best Class 5 rapids on Earth, zip-line, gorge swing or even bungie-jump from the bridge. The adventure sport industry is one of the town’s main tourist attractions. The little town is also known for its craft beer, craft markets and the surrounding stunning natural beauty.

At the edge of the small town, amid shady trees, green lawns, and with views over the Bakota Gorge, stands the famous and historic Victoria Falls Hotel, with its old-world charm and elegance reminiscent of a by-gone era. It is Zimbabwe’s grandest and oldest luxury hotel. Internationally trained chefs and a variety of dining options will gladden the heart of any food connoisseur. If you can’t stay for dinner, then afternoon tea here is a must.

Enjoying a Wild Horizons dinner cruise along the wide Zambezi River with the sunset illuminating the spray soaring moon-ward from one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and a world heritage site, is an experience you will never forget. Here, under the quiet moon and the Southern Cross that once marked the route of explorers, an atmosphere of mystery and romance pervades the distinctive aroma of the African bush.

From the moment you are collected from your hotel, the entire journey is a feast for the senses. The roar of Victoria Falls, the waterfall with the largest volume of water pouring over its edge, echoes all around you hanging in the air just like the mist from the spray. No wonder it is also called Mosi-oa-Tunya - the Smoke that Thunders.

Feast your eyes on the wild African bush on both sides of the wide river, where hippos and crocodiles live, sharing their deep, green home with both the predators and prey which drink at its edges among the Mopane scrub and riparian woodland. Elephant, lion, kudu and zebra, as well as other creatures from the timid and shy to the aggressive and heavily muscled - the river is home to all of the land’s wild creatures. Even the birds. Flying through the spray and the fading sunset are Goliath herons, firefinches, and kingfishers, all seeming to heed the lonesome call of the African Fish Eagle.

In the comfort and luxury of the two-tiered ‘Malachite’, experience one of the best traditions of by-gone times that has never faded - sundowners. Watch the sun sink slowly into the river while sipping a cold glass of champagne. In the magical, star-studded twilight, an exquisite feast of a different kind is served by friendly and professional Wild Horizon staff. This delicious and aromatic, four-course dinner replete with the freshest local produce and the wide range of drinks which are as plentiful as the Zambezi is wide.

Unwind and let Africa seep into your soul as you cruise along one of the legendary rivers of Africa. Come prepared in comfortable clothing, flat shoes, and a light jacket. Don’t miss a moment - bring your binoculars and camera. You will want to record every memorable moment of this incredible evening.

Game Drives in the Masuwe Sanctuary, Chamabonda National Park
The Zambezi National Park begins at the Victoria Falls and stretches up-river some 40 kms and is approximately 30km wide, stretching across the Victoria Falls to the Kazungula highway. On the other side of this road is the Chamabonda National Park forming a sub section of the large Zambezi National Park. Chamabonda is a name derived from a long vlei (pronounced flay) line. A vlei is a grassed water course, and the Chamabonda extends up to the nearby Matetsi Safari area.

The Chamabonda National Park is a newly revived paradise of African bush and increasing numbers of animals. Neglected for years by both tourists and management, the Park had deteriorated. But new interest has seen the refurbishment of the road network, the water holes and the vlei thanks to tender loving care provided a team of local people and companies. It’s been a great success. The game drive roads are in much better condition now, and the management of the ecosystem has resulted in a more balanced environment. An environment in which the animals can thrive. Species seldom seen in recent years have been attracted back. In fact, herds of over 800 buffalo are now frequent seen in Chamabonda.

Waterholes play a huge part in the health of a game reserve, as animals rely heavily upon them. During the dry season, they are especially important. In many reserves, waterholes have been created for this very reason and often have to have water pumped into them. But pumps have a way of breaking down and, driven by diesel generators, are noisy and bad for the environment. They are also expensive to maintain. Thankfully, Chamabonda has refurbished all the waterholes found in the vlei and hold water throughout the year. One of the waterholes’ pumps is now solar operated, which is better for the animals and guests.

Why come to Chamabonda? It’s simple, come and see what some tender, loving care can do to revive a beautiful wilderness and what effect that has on the wildlife that call it home. Be a part of the regeneration, the rebirth of beautiful, rugged Chamabonda.

Just 7kms from Victoria Falls is the Masuwe River. Flowing through the rugged and dangerously beautiful Zimbabwean savanna, with deciduous trees, grass, and open woodland surrounding it, the river gives its name to the Masuwe Lodge which stands in the 1000 hectares of the private wildlife sanctuary, Masuwe Sanctuary.

Masuwe is home to a wide variety of wild animals, including bush buck, impala, kudu, leopard, sable, and warthogs. Nearly 500 bird species make the open woodland their home.

The best way to explore any African wilderness is on a game drive and Masuwe is no exception. As this is Africa and the wildlife among which we live is just that – wild – which is why a guided game drive is the perfect way to explore our extraordinary landscape and her wild creatures. Expert wildlife guides host early morning and evening game drives. These are the best times to encounter wildlife and from the safety of the open game drive vehicle you can discover the wonder of the African bush and immerse yourself in its scents, atmosphere and beauty. Masuwe guides know the land intimately and will help you spot any elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelopes, hyena, lion, leopard which may be around.
 

Within the beautiful Victoria Falls National Park is the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. Their vision is to have both local and international communities across Southern Africa working together to ensure natural African ecosystems are sustained through effective management. They see their mission as one which actively advances and promotes environmental conservation and the sustainable use of indigenous resources in Southern Africa.

The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust has a number of different projects to action their vision and mission.

The Rescue and Rehabilitation Project is a high-care wildlife centre and has been the heart of the Trust since the beginning.  When wildlife has been injured or orphaned due to human interference, not only do they rescue the animals but also provide the veterinary or high care at the High Care Rehabilitation Facility until it is recovered and can be released safely into the wild. If care can be provided in the field that is even better. The trust has cared for everything from bush babies to buffalo to marabou storks and mongoose. Rehabilitation and release is the heart of the Trust. Technology plays a vital role in the constant monitoring post release that some animals may need.

Wildlife Research is the best way to ensure not only the survival and long-term conservation of many endangered species but also in exploring ways to sustainably solve human and wildlife conflicts.

The laboratory at the Trust, a registered veterinary laboratory in Zimbabwe which maintains ISO 17025 standards, continuously tests for both zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases to determine and hopefully prevent any diseases circulating among the different species of wildlife and nearby domestic animals. The laboratory is expanding its capacity to enable it to undertake wildlife forensics.

Community outreach is vital is the wildlife is to be able to exist alongside the humans and domestic animals in the area. The Trust has wildlife ambassadors such as Judge the vulture, Aardy the aardwolf, and Moyo the pangolin. Their most famous was Sylvester the cheetah who played a vital role in highlighting the disastrous plight of cheetahs in Zimbabwe.

Visit the Trust in an hour-long tour of the facilities, meet the crew and the animal ambassadors and experience African wildlife in a way you never have before.

Masuwe Lodge is located just 7 kms from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, it overlooks the Masuwe River and is surrounded by 1000 hectares (almost 2500 acres) of private wildlife sanctuary. The lodge offers accommodation in nine Wilderness Tents and one romantic Hide-Away. Each is constructed of canvas, thatch and stone and has a private en-suite bathroom and a private outdoor deck with views of wilderness and wildlife. There is also a Family Nest, built in the style of a farm homestead offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an outdoor living area with braai (BBQ) and private plunge pool. A range of guided activities are available such as visits to Victoria Falls and a tour of the Falls; game driving in the neighbouring National Park and guided bush walks. Masuwe includes transfers to town for other activities such as white water rafting, helicopter flights etc.

Masuwe offers the best of both worlds - life on safaris and wildlife encounters with easy access to all the activities on offer at the Falls.

Game Drives in the Masuwe Sanctuary, Chamabonda National Park
The Zambezi National Park begins at the Victoria Falls and stretches up-river some 40 kms and is approximately 30km wide, stretching across the Victoria Falls to the Kazungula highway. On the other side of this road is the Chamabonda National Park forming a sub section of the large Zambezi National Park. Chamabonda is a name derived from a long vlei (pronounced flay) line. A vlei is a grassed water course, and the Chamabonda extends up to the nearby Matetsi Safari area.

The Chamabonda National Park is a newly revived paradise of African bush and increasing numbers of animals. Neglected for years by both tourists and management, the Park had deteriorated. But new interest has seen the refurbishment of the road network, the water holes and the vlei thanks to tender loving care provided a team of local people and companies. It’s been a great success. The game drive roads are in much better condition now, and the management of the ecosystem has resulted in a more balanced environment. An environment in which the animals can thrive. Species seldom seen in recent years have been attracted back. In fact, herds of over 800 buffalo are now frequent seen in Chamabonda.

Waterholes play a huge part in the health of a game reserve, as animals rely heavily upon them. During the dry season, they are especially important. In many reserves, waterholes have been created for this very reason and often have to have water pumped into them. But pumps have a way of breaking down and, driven by diesel generators, are noisy and bad for the environment. They are also expensive to maintain. Thankfully, Chamabonda has refurbished all the waterholes found in the vlei and hold water throughout the year. One of the waterholes’ pumps is now solar operated, which is better for the animals and guests.

Why come to Chamabonda? It’s simple, come and see what some tender, loving care can do to revive a beautiful wilderness and what effect that has on the wildlife that call it home. Be a part of the regeneration, the rebirth of beautiful, rugged Chamabonda.

Just 7kms from Victoria Falls is the Masuwe River. Flowing through the rugged and dangerously beautiful Zimbabwean savanna, with deciduous trees, grass, and open woodland surrounding it, the river gives its name to the Masuwe Lodge which stands in the 1000 hectares of the private wildlife sanctuary, Masuwe Sanctuary.

Masuwe is home to a wide variety of wild animals, including bush buck, impala, kudu, leopard, sable, and warthogs. Nearly 500 bird species make the open woodland their home.

The best way to explore any African wilderness is on a game drive and Masuwe is no exception. As this is Africa and the wildlife among which we live is just that – wild – which is why a guided game drive is the perfect way to explore our extraordinary landscape and her wild creatures. Expert wildlife guides host early morning and evening game drives. These are the best times to encounter wildlife and from the safety of the open game drive vehicle you can discover the wonder of the African bush and immerse yourself in its scents, atmosphere and beauty. Masuwe guides know the land intimately and will help you spot any elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelopes, hyena, lion, leopard which may be around.