Day 1 - Victoria Falls

Welcome to Zimbabwe! Stepping foot on African soil, observe your senses. They will be sensitive to Africa's uniquely different sounds, smells and touches. Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will clear customs and be greeted by a Hills of Africa Travel representative who will transfer you to your hotel.

Once you check-in, delight in lunch on the terrace, where you will be able to see the spray from the Falls. (Lunch is included)

Take the afternoon to rest, before heading (by foot) to the Victoria Falls Station at 5pm. Get a feel for high society colonial life and travel from the 19th century by enjoying a real life, steam train ride on the "Victoria Falls Express." Enjoy snacks and beverages while you ride in style. Traveling over the bridge, you will get a perfect view of the Falls at sunset.

Dinner this evening is in the Livingstone room of the Victoria Falls Hotel.

The Victoria Falls Hotel

The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as "the grand old lady of the Falls", is situated in the Victoria Falls National Park, a world heritage site, and is a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group. It is one of only three 1S0-accredited hotels in Zimbabwe.

The Edwardian-style five-star hotel, built in 1904, was recently redecorated and refurbished and now combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new. Set in lush tropical gardens with lily ponds, palm trees and semi-tropical shrubs, it provides the tranquility and seclusion that many guests seek.

The famous Victoria Falls are just a ten-minute walk away using the hotel's private pathway, and "the smoke that thunders" or "Mosi-O-Tunya" in the local dialect, is clearly audible and visible from this luxurious landmark.

World-class service, and food and beverage choice and preparation second to none, make the hotel a magnet for international visitors and locals alike. The opulent Livingstone Room for fine dining and dancing, the Jungle Junction with its famous breakfast and dinner buffets and ethnic entertainment in the evenings, offer variety and wide choice. Stanley's Terrace, with its clear view of the Victoria Falls Bridge, connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia, is renowned for its cocktails and afternoon teas. The Terrace has been a rendezvous for adventurers in Africa for over a century.

Day 2 - Victoria Falls

This morning, we will take a trip to the Victoria Falls and enjoy a fascinating tour. When David Livingstone first saw the falls in 1865 he was in the company of 2 local tribesmen who showed him this Mighty Wonder of World. This site today is a world heritage site with the largest single curtain of falling water on the planet, also known as "The Smoke that Thunders."

After our tour of the Falls, we will settle into a lovely spot under a shady tree overlooking the Batoka Gorge below the falls. Here we will experience a three hour workshop by Ainslie MacLeod.

After lunch and a short nap, we will be taking you for an incredible encounter with lions. Situated on the Masuwe Estate, only 10 minutes from the centre of Victoria Falls town you'll find an ongoing research project which is a captive breeding program to safeguard the genetic diversity of Africa's greatest carnivore. The adult lions have been rescued from all parts of the world and because were never introduced to the wild, will have to be captive for the rest of their lives. The good news is that they are brought here, treated, introduced to their new dwelling and once established, the adult lions are bred. It's their cubs that get to be introduced to the wild and that's what you will get to witness in this activity.

The lion cubs you will see at this site, range from 3 to 16 months of age. Part of their daily program for introducing them to the wild is a walk through the bush. The lions are unrestrained and roam free as you join them on a walk through riverine vegetation and African bush on the banks of the Masuwe River.

Dinner this evening is at the Boma Restaurant. 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 - coupled with the warmth and hospitality of the local people. Styled in the traditional manner, the thatched boma has an open fire to enhance the vibrant atmosphere which is clearly evident from the moment you step across the threshold.

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 colourful and energetic songs and dance. Steeped in mystery a witchdoctor adds a touch of drama and after-dinner guests are invited to while away the evening with the restaurant's Sangoma - a traditional story teller - to learn more about the country's folklore, culture and heritage.

Day 3 - Victoria Falls

Another early morning, but the reward is a peaceful canoe safari with our destination a shaded island in the middle of the mighty Zambezi River. This will be our classroom for the morning's 3 hour workshop with Ainslie MacLeod.

This will be followed by a "Build-a-Burger" picnic lunch. After lunch, we will canoe back to the hotel where you will get some time to rest up for the evening entertainment.

This evening, you will enjoy a stunning treat - a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, topped off with a lovely dinner right on the banks. Here, you are likely to get a glimpse of fascinating African wildlife while enjoying a tranquil feast for both the stomach and the eyes.

Day 4 - Victoria Falls

Rise early this morning for another spectacular day. We will transfer to the Wallow, a sanctuary for elephants where we will begin our day with an elephant back safari. This safari is not just a ride on the largest animal in Africa, it's an unforgettable experience where you will get to interact with the elephants as well as enjoy a ride through wilderness areas and beautiful riverine scenery.

Each of the elephants here were orphaned at a very young age, and would have died if not saved by this program. The elephants have been given a second chance at life and you will get to enjoy it. They take 2 daily walks through the national park, which is an integral part of their day.

Game viewing from the back of an elephant is very different from the seat in a vehicle. The animals that you encounter see the elephant and not you, and react the way they would react to another animal in the bush, not a human.

Whilst on the ride, you may see other wild elephant as well as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a host of other plains game. Along the Zambezi River, hippo and crocodile are common and there is a wide variety of bird species. Each elephant has its own handler and you will leave having witnessed the elephant's incredible skills, intelligence and willingness to respond to instruction.

After our extra-curricular pleasures, we will enjoy a breakfast cooked over a bush fire. After breakfast the Wallow will serve as our outdoor classroom for this morning's 3 hour workshop with Ainslie MacLeod.

This afternoon, we will go into a local village to interact with the community and take a tour of a real-life African village to experience their daily life. The Monde Village Tour is not only recognized for the quality of its content, but also for its inclusion of the local people in a real and beneficial manner. The Monde Community is a shareholder in the tour and the guides are local villagers.

Dinner this evening will be at Jungle Junction, at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Day 5 - Hwange National Park

This morning, after a full breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the Victoria Falls Airport for our Sefofane charter to Makalolo.

Little Makalolo Camp

Little Makalolo lies in the heart of Hwange National Park, in one of its best game viewing areas, overlooking a vibrant waterhole. The camp's six rooms have en-suite facilities, with both indoor and outdoor showers. Solar power is used for electricity ensuring a lighter environmental footprint. The living areas include a dining room, lounge, plunge pool and an open fire area for those convivial evening fireside tales.

There is a log pile hide overlooking the waterhole in front of camp where guests can enjoy wildlife viewing during the siesta hours. Activities centre on open 4x4 Land Rover game drives and guided nature walks throughout the Makalolo concession. The area's large number of waterholes attracts game in both quantity and variety, especially in the winter months when Hwange is literally home to a Noah's Ark parade of animals as they come down to quench their thirst.

Makalolo is one of the best areas for seeing impressive herds of buffalo and elephant as well as apex predators such as lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah. Other general game is very abundant in the Park.

Makalolo Plains

Makalolo Plains is situated in a remote area within the vast Hwange National Park and is one of the few camps built within the Park. Hwange is legendary for its wonderful array of wildlife and massive herds of Elephant and Buffalo - especially in the dryer winter months.

There are excellent opportunities to view game from open 4x4 vehicles during the early morning and late afternoon, when game is most active. Foot safaris are also offered, and are accompanied by an armed professional guide. The camp is set in a unique location, overlooking the Samavundhla Pan - which attracts game in good concentrations.

The entire camp is raised on wooden boardwalks and platforms, giving guests excellent views over the waterhole and floodplain in front of the camp. Accommodation consists of nine large, comfortable tented rooms with en-suite shower, toilet and basin - all with hot and cold running water.

There is an outdoor shower for those who enjoy showering under the stars. The lighting in the rooms is battery powered - ensuring peace and quiet in camp. Meals are enjoyed in the separate raised dining area.

There is also a lounge, pub and plunge pool. The camp has hides overlooking the waterhole, which allow guests to enjoy close up game viewing.

Day 6 - Hwange National Park

Our home for the next 4 days is the Makalolo Concession in Hwange National Park. There are 2 safari lodges located within a short game drive of each other, on this concession. The two camps are Makalolo Plains Camp and Little Makalolo Camp. Our group will be split between the 2 camps, but we will share meals and activities together.

The schedule for the next 3 days on safari will be the same. We will rise very early, around 5 AM, gather for coffee and tea and then set off on our 3-hour game drive in open top landrover. Soak in the sun as it rises, the earthy smell of the red dirt below, the wind in your face and the incredible game-viewing to feast your eyes. The guides will entertain with great stories, details and facts about the nature that surrounds you.

After the game drive, at around 9 AM, we will come back to camp for a large, English style breakfast. This consistes of cold options like fruit, yogurts, cereals, nuts, toast, as well as hot options like eggs - cooked your style, omelets, bacon, sausage, grilled tomatos, mushrooms and onions. Picture large, family style tables filled with your Soul Safari tribe members, laughing, conversing and comparing stories of the morning's exploits.

Immediately following breakfast, from about 10 AM to 12 PM, we will meet for our 2 hour workshop with Ainslie MacLeod. It is here you will submerse yourself in the teachings of Ainslie and his spirit guides. You will be fascinated by the information you learn, and witness many shifts in yourself and fellow travelers. Once the workshop is over, you will have much needed time to rest and relax. Go back to your tent, take a nap, read, meditate or journal.

Around 3 or 4 PM, we will meet again for high tea, late lunch, and another exciting game drive. Each day, we will stop for cocktails in the bush to watch the sunset over Africa. We then return to camp for dinner, conversation, laughter and then bed.

Day 9 - Hwange National Park

After breakfast today, you will fly via charter to Victoria Falls Airport where you will connect with your onward flights.

Today is your last day in Africa. We hope you have soaked in as much goodness of Mother Africa as possible. Say your goodbyes and dream of returning again some day.