Friday: We will arrive in Victoria Falls at approximately 12:15 p.m. local time. You will need to purchase a double-entry visa (currently $45.00) and transfer directly to Mowana Safari Lodge (about 1½ hours). 2:00pm -- welcome drink and check-in at Mowana. Afternoon at leisure. 6-10p.m. – Dinner at leisure included in your package. During this time a hospitality desk will be set up with Eclipse Edge representatives where you can pick up programs, badges, etc. There is a large informal lounge with a bar to relax in overlooking the Chobe River.
Saturday: Breakfast and lunch at leisure. Enjoy game drives and river cruises which last three hours and leave at 6:15 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 3:30 p.m. and will be pre-arranged. One game drive and one river cruise is included for each guest daily. These times can be changed at the hotel tour desk if necessary. 7:30 p.m. – get acquainted theme dinner at the pool area.
Sunday: Breakfast and lunch at leisure. There will be opportunities for a 6:15 a.m. and/or a 10:00 a.m. game drive or river cruise. Everyone would be back at the lodge by 1:00pm. 2:00 p.m. – Transfer to Victoria Falls (this involves a boarder crossing into Zimbabwe, hence the need for the double visa). On board the bus you will receive tickets to the magnificent Victoria Falls, along with a briefing of the various options for touring the falls and precautions for those choosing to go on their own via a path behind our hotel. 4:00 p.m. – Welcome drink and check-in at the Kingdom Hotel. Dinner at leisure. 6-10 p.m. – There will be a hospitality desk set up in the lobby to sign up for optional tours and seek advice on restaurants and shopping in the area. Many sites and restaurants are within walking distance. At the Kingdom is a separate activities building for all ages, including a casino, various lounges, a sports bar, pizza parlor, play room, and shops.
Monday: Breakfast at leisure. Adventure Day! Brace yourself for your choice of adrenaline pumping adventure! Real daredevils can white water raft, or river board down the gorges of the Zambezi River (just after the falls). This is a full day of rafting over level 4/5 rapids. It’s very exciting and not for the timid. Rafters may choose to paddle or just hang on. Lunch is included. Those wanting to do the “Gruesome Twosome” can then be taken the Victoria Falls Bridge for a sunset Bungee Jump down the gaping gorge to within a meter or two of the Zambezi River. This is the highest natural point in the world from which to Bungee jump (111 meters) so if you’re ever going to do it, this is the place! Other adventures include:
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“the Flight of Angels” – a buzz over the falls in a helicopter. This offers amazing photo ops, and game can often be seen from the Arial safari.
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Elephant rides.
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Canoeing and kayaking in the peaceful, serene waters of the Upper Zambezi, above the falls, with guides.
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We can also arrange horseback riding, fishing, skydiving, or mountain biking excursions.
7:30 p.m. – Transfer by coach to the nearby banquet location. We will enjoy an elegant outdoor bar-b-q on the banks of the Zambezi with native tribal dancing. 9:30 p.m. – Transfer back to the Kingdom.
Tuesday: Breakfast at leisure. More adventures or just relax by the pool. Enjoy the many activities the hotel has to offer. For those wishing to visit the falls, they are within walking distance from the back of the hotel along a guarded path. (This is national park property and there can be wild animals.) A guided tour can be arranged inexpensively. You may also wish to visit the curio shops (within walking distance), or visit the Victoria Falls Hotel (also walking distance), the first and most luxurious of the hotels in the area. 7:30 p.m. – Evening lecture on the eclipse and other exciting new astronomical findings, at the Kingdom.
Wednesday: Breakfast at leisure. 10:00 a.m. – check-out of Kingdom. Motor coach transfer to Kariba. 5:00 p.m. – Arrive in Kariba. Transfer to rooms on houseboat on the Lake Kariba. Sunset cruise; dinner; pre-eclipse briefing; star-gazing.
Thursday: Breakfast at hotels. 10:00 a.m. – Transfer by motor coach to eclipse viewing site (1½-2 hours), driving through the Zimbabwean mountain wilderness. 12:00 p.m. – Arrive at Chirundu, stopping at convenience store for use of facilities, get snack. 12:30 p.m. – Arrive at the viewing site, a beautiful private residence on a hillside overlooking the river. 12:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. – Eclipse viewing with outdoor picnic lunch. 4:00 p.m. – Transfer back to Kariba and disperse to hotels. 8:00 p.m. – Dinner at hotels with gathering afterwards (location to be determined) for traditional showing of eclipse videos (possibly at the country club next to the Most High or at the Breezes).
Friday: Breakfast at hotels. 8:00 a.m. – Transfer to Harare for flights home around 2 p.m.
Extended expedition options (some possibilities include):
For those wishing to spend more time in Victoria Falls, it is possible to return from Kariba to Victoria Falls: Suggested hotels for a much different experience –
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Victoria Falls Safari Lodge – for those seeking a relaxing atmosphere
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The Elephant Hills Hotel – has a great view and golf course
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The Victoria Falls Hotel – very elegant colonial style
Fly nonstop from Kariba to Hwange and enjoy a 2-night tent-camping safari.
Fly from Kariba to Bulawayo for a much different experience in a large city and beautiful mountainous region.
Fly from Kariba to Johannesburg and spend 2 nights at Sun City.
Other options include Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambek.