For an off the beaten path, beautiful and active adventure, journey south! This 10 day private guided roadtrip delivers some of Zimbabwe’s most stunning yet lesser known landscapes. From mountaintops to wild lowveld elephants to ancient ruins, this trip is distinctly Zimbabwean and ideal for families, adventurers and those wanting an authentic experience off the tourist track.

Day 1 to 2 – Amanzi Lodge, Harare

Arrive to Harare International Airport, where you will be greeted by your private guide. Rest from the journey or explore some of the vibrant markets of this sunshine city, and a visit to the world renowned Patrick Mavros silversmith studio.

Day 2 to 4 – Aberfoyle Lodge, Honde Valley

An early morning start towards the mythical Eastern Highlands. Once you arrive to the mountains of Nyanga you begin one of the most spectacular drives in southern Africa, down to the Honde Valley, and through to Aberfoyle’s rolling green tea plantation. Aberfoyle Lodge sits amongst the riparian forests and overlooks the roaring Nyamkombe river, a birder’s paradise. Spend the next two days exploring the plantation and enjoying the tea factory, the nine hole golf course, nature walks, tree-top canopy tours, fishing, rafting ‘bum slides’ or kayaking through the mountain streams.

Day 4 to 5 – Leopard Rock, Vumba Mountains

Continue from the sunny tea slopes to the misty mountains of the Bvumba, but not before stopping in at Tony’s Patisserie. This cosy haven, and the legendary ‘Tony’, serve the most delectable cakes and coffees anywhere in Africa!  Spend the night in the epitome of colonial romance at the historic Leopard Rock.  

Day 5 to 8 – Nhambo Tented Camp, Gonareazhou National Park

Continue southbound in search of big game. Gonarezhou means “Place Of The Elephants” The park is home to over eight thousand of them. Gonarezhou is the second largest National Park in Zimbabwe, cutting a swathe of sandstone cliffs, scrubs and baobab trees along the country’s southeastern border with Mozambique. Largely undiscovered by the outside world, this striking land is one of the most pristine wildernesses in Africa and takes in a huge diversity of habitats. Lions, cheetah, wild dogs, hyena, buffalo, hippo and giraffe are residents. Enjoy three nights in this wild and magical park with your private guide at Nhambo Tented Camp, for an active walking safari, or open air safari vehicle.

Day 8 to 9 – Lodge at the Ancient City, Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe Ruins are one of Southern Africa’s most striking archaeological features. Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, they are testament to a culture of great wealth and great architectural skill. Overnight at the Lodge at the Ancient City.

Day 8-10 – Camp Amalinda, Matopos National Park

Travel northwest to Camp Amalinda for a relaxing final two nights. Enjoy the cultural and spiritual energy, allure and unique beauty of the Matopos Hills, and those who are still up for an adventure, climb in search of ancient cave art and track white and black rhino on foot. Depart Bulawayo Airport.

SOUTHERN ROAD TRIP