Mana Pools
DMC Zimbabwe - Bushtracks Africa
ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe is a country in Southern Africa. It is landlocked between South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique. These are some of the signature products we offer in Zimbabwe, which are perfect for accommodating large groups:
Steam Safaris
Climb aboard one of our elegant and opulent steam trains. Steam locomotives and carriages have been carefully and lovingly restored by Bushtracks Africa and Rovos rail, to create a whimsical experience of a bygone era. The carriages have been beautifully and luxuriously decorated in a theme reminiscent of a dazzling and forgotten era. Guests are greeted with a welcome drink to sip on while looking out at the surrounding scenery. Guests will then indulge in a delicious five-course meal and fine wines, served in a romantic, vintage setting. After dinner enjoy sundowners on the Victoria Falls bridge, appreciating the spectacular sunset views of the falls and the gorge below, before returning to the platform.
River Safaris
Bathe in tranquility while meandering down the Zambezi River on one of our deluxe water crafts. Activity hums through the trees as the bush breathes with the flap of bird’s wings. Hippos disturb the peaceful water by blowing small pockets of water from their snouts, while crocodiles break the surface of the river and glide onto the banks to warm themselves in the sun’s rays. Occasionally, elephants will submerge their bodies into the river and swim from island to island.
Set against this picturesque backdrop, delicious snacks and chilled refreshments are served by a team of friendly staff, ensuring ultimate relaxation and a level of comfort and grace unsurpassed on the Zambezi river.
Bushtracks river safari boats each have two engines for increased safety and are jet propelled, so the Zambezi River can be experienced as it was by David Livingstone when he canoed, unknowingly, towards The Victoria Falls.
Tour of Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls possess a beauty that is impossible to replicate through any man-made efforts, a natural wonder created by Mother Nature reminding us of her power and complexity. A trip to Southern Africa would not be complete without laying eyes on this incredible spectacle.
During the dry season the Victoria Falls is best viewed from the Zimbabwean side. A guided tour of the falls enables you to delve into the local customs and traditions while gaining insight into how such an exquisite creation came to be. The adventure ends at a craft market at the entrance of the rainforest, where guests can appreciate the talent of local craftsmen and purchase memorabilia of this special experience.
Elephant Art Safaris
Enjoy a truly unique eco-conscious experience with orphaned elephants. The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage was founded on the principle of conservation, they believe the most effective ways to evoke a sense of environmental responsibility is to showcase what stands to be lost.
The experience begins in an open thatch Boma, granting guests uninterrupted views of the beautiful Masuwe River. Guests will have the opportunity to talk to guides that have journeyed incredible distances, both physically and metaphorically, with the elephants in order to learn more about the complexities of each individual as well as the structure of the herd.
Guests will then venture down to the waterhole, where they will find a chair and easel set up with a fresh sheet of paper, under the shade of an enormous Mopane tree. Brightly coloured aprons and palettes with splotches of paint will be handed out. A private tutor is provided to guide guests through a painting workshop, using their sketch pads and brushes to capture the scene before them. Once finished, guests will return to “The Wallow” for a delicious two-course buffet style lunch, rounding off a perfect morning experience.
Hwange National Park
Victoria Falls Town
The African Queen will be offering full moon dinner cruise options
The African Queen cruise vessel based on the Zambezi River, above the Victoria Falls, will be including a ‘Full Moon Dinner Cruise’ option to their list of activities.
This option will include a delicious 3-course buffet style dinner to be enjoyed with live classical music in the background. The cruise will be be offered on select dates only, and will be approximately 2 hours long.
The 2019 dates set aside for this activity are as follows:
19 February
21 March
19 April
18 May
17 June
16 July
15 August
14 September
13 October
12 November
12 December
Please note that booking is essential, and this activity is subject to availability, as well as weather dependent.
Zimbabwe’s Kazungula Border Post will offer faster clearing
It has been announced that there will be more clearing counters at the Kazungula border Post in Zimbabwe.
This was implemented by the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Immigration Department. The border post will have 5 additional clearing counters and a building that will hold up to 100 travellers. This is expected to help travellers crossing the border enjoy a quicker and more efficient experience. This border post is used by travellers travelling between Zimbabwe and Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.
The Bushtracks Express alternative run dates for 2020
Please see below the dates for 2020 on which the Bushtracks Express, Zimbabwe, will host alternative runs:
The Lookout Cafe in Victoria Falls will reopen this year
The Lookout Cafe experienced severe fire damage during the festive season of 2018 and was forced to close it’s doors.
It has recently been announced that the cafe is being rebuilt and is due to open in the middle if this year. The cafe will be rebuilt in an environmentally friendly way with sustainability in mind. All the wooden decks are being replaced with composite decking, and the thatch roof will be replaced with chromadek roofing. The cafe will also adjust their design to enhance the stunning view of the Victoria Falls and gorge below.
Image: The Lookout Cafe
White Water Rafting area shifting due to high water
White-water rafting activities on the Zambezi Rive below the Victoria Falls are being shifted further downstream due to rising water levels.
The white-water rafting will now take place between Rapid 11 and 22, as the water level is too high between rapids 1 – 11, which makes the rafting between these rapids dangerous. The Rafting Association of Zimbabwe have been closely monitoring the water levels, and have decided that the rafting will be shifted until further notice.
The Zambezi River usually experiences high water levels between April to October.
Images: Safari Par Excellence
The brand new Victoria Falls Activities APP!
Bushtracks Africa has recently launched the Victoria Falls Activities App
The FREE mobile application is an instant activity booking system for guests visiting the Victoria Falls region. It is now available on the Google Play Store for Android users and on the App Store for Apple users. Using an online payment system users will be able to secure their activities on ground as well as abroad. The App books activities through the trusted DMC and service provider Bushtracks Africa. Bushtracks have an expert team that are highly experienced in the field, with their own signature activities on offer as well as an amazing group of third-party suppliers that provide quality activities.
Victoria Falls Activities have carefully chosen the suppliers for various activities and services, and have come to build strong relationships with them over the years. Bushtracks Africa is affiliated with the very best suppliers in the region, and therefore can guarantee excellent service and one of a kind experiences and adventures. The app is a direct booking system to some of the best available options in the region.
‘’As the travel industry is becomes more technology based, we thought developing an instant booking system in the form of a downloadable app would be the perfect way to offer people visiting our area a convenient way of experiencing what the region has to offer in the way of unique activities, getting the most out of their trip. This app is the first of its kind, as far as I am aware there are no similar apps that offer the same service and convenience in the region. We are very excited about the launch of our app and expect it to revolutionize the way guests book activities in the Victoria Falls area.’’
Megan Conn, Brand Manager
Bushtracks Africa Steam Safaris
Climb aboard one of our elegant and opulent steam trains, that have been beautifully and luxuriously decorated, recreating a whimsical experience of a bygone era. Guests will visit the Victoria Falls bridge, where spectacular sunset views of the falls can be enjoyed, followed by a delicious five-course meal.
STEAM SAFARI ITINERARY
Winter Timings / Summer Timings
S: 16:30 / W: 16:00
Guests will be picked up from their hotels by our luxury Bushtracks vehicles and transferred by road to your respective station. A safety brief will be given by the Bushtracks guide en-route to the station. Tickets (including an indemnity on the back) will be issued to all guests.
S: 17:00 / W: 16:30 (depending on the guests’ hotel)
On arrival at the station, a red carpet welcome will lead guests to the train and the locomotive will be ‘in steam’: the perfect photographic opportunity. (NB: children are fascinated by the train, but should not be encouraged to approach too near to the train as it is a moving vehicle and can be dangerous!)
S: 17:30 / W: 17:00 The train will depart and chuff its way through the African bush to the border. The train will pause at the border so a ‘general declaración’ can be given by the train guard to the immigration authorities and then continue to the bridge.
S: 18:20 / W: 17:50 The train will arrive on the bridge between these times, depending on the game that has been viewed en route. Guests may alight from the train once on the bridge for some tremendous photo opportunities of The Victoria Falls, the train, the bridge and the sunset. Perfect photographic opportunities of the locomotive have a beautiful sunset background.
S: 18:50 / W: 19:45 The train will depart the bridge for its journey through the respective conservancy to pull into a siding for service of a 5 course crystal service dining experience.
S: 21:00 / W: 20:20 The train makes its return journey to it’s station
S: 21:40 / W: 21:00 The Train will arrive at the platform where a Bushtracks transfer will be waiting to take the guest back to their hotels.
Bushtracks Express introduces High Tea Steam Safari for groups
The perfect activity for MICE and larger traveling groups.
The Bushtracks Express has recently introduced a High Tea Steam Safari. These runs provide a magical, delightful way to discover a new and unique approach to safaris. Avoid rocky roads and uncomfortable safari seats and step back into gentler times when life moved to the slow, measured beat pulsed out by the steam locomotive.
Experience freedom to move about the cars, viewing wildlife from the comfort of any of the luxurious 1920’s themed carriages. The route will include a historic trip onto the famous Victoria falls bridge, followed by a wildlife safari through to Jafuta conservancy. Indulge in the renowned Victoria Falls Hotel High Tea whilst on the trip, a delicious spread catered by their first-class chefs. The signature High Tea will include a variety of delicious drinks and tantalizing high tea finger foods to delight in, as you relax and enjoy the romance of the African Bush.
The High Tea Steam Safari will be available to groups of with a minimum of 30 guests, only then will bookings open to the public. Exclusive hire of the train for the High Tea Safari will require a group minimum of 50 guests. These runs can be requested for any day of the week, the train will depart Victoria Falls Station at 15:00 and return at 18:00.
Picture this marvelous spread on board a luxury steam train, the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
High tea image courtesy of Victoria Falls Hotel.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge revamps to relish in better views of Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge has recently completed a $3 million upgrade to capitalise on the incredible views available of Lake Kariba. Nestled in Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe, Bumi Hills gutted and reconfigured their lake-view rooms.
In addition, the garden rooms have been converted to a spa and gym, the pool decking was extended and additions were made in the formof a fire pit, bar and dining room.
Bushtracks Express Canapé Run 2018
As advertised, Bushtracks Express Zimbabwe, is running as a dinner train. However in order to cater to a diverse travel budget we will be running FRIDAY SPECIALS on the following days:
The banks of the Zambezi is home to a new camp
Great Plains Conservation has launched the Mpala Jena Camp in the Zambezi National Park. The camp is 16 kilometres away from the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and is anticipated to be an amazing spot of luxury and enjoyment.
Comprised of four tents and the Mpala Jena Suite (which offers a private two-bedroom suite for families or smaller exclusive groups), the camp also includes a private plunge pool overlooking the river, a main lounge and dining area. In addition, each tent has a small lounge/seating area with decking in front.
In true Great Plains Conservation style, the camp is focused on being Eco-friendly and was created using only recycled hardwoods and canvas. All electricity is run by harvesting the solar power produced by its solar farm.
As a guest, activities on offer include gave viewing drives, guided walks, a ticket to view the Falls and boat based activities on the Zambezi. Also included in cost is certain transfers. This is definitely a must-visit camp!
Image: Great Plains Conservation
Zimbabwe Adjusts Visa Conditions Effective Immediately
The government of Zimbabwe has announced that a revised visa regime will be implemented whereby 29 countries will move from being Category C to Category B.
This change has been made with the hope of unlocking the potential of the tourism industry and to better facilitate travel. This new visa regime is being acknowledged with immediate effect. Various countries, including India, Ethiopia, Romania, Panama and Mexico, will now be included on the Category B regime. This will allow tourists from these countries to be issued with a visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe.
Category C requires tourists to obtain a visa before travelling. The full list of 29 countries moved into Category B will available soon.
Please note we do not have a full list yet, keep an eye on our Travel Updates for that announcement.
| Added | File | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 21.04.2017 | Bushtracks Africa Information Brief | Download |
The time now:
;04/20/2019 2:14:02 AM
Currency :
United States Dollar
Climate :
Hot
Languages:
English, ShonaHow to get there:
| Company Name: | DMC Zimbabwe - Bushtracks Africa |
| Contact Person: | Rosalind |
| Phone: | +27828021031 |
| Email: | ros@bushtracksafrica.com |
| Website: | http://www.bushtracksafrica.com |
| Address: | Shop 4 Landela Center Mallett Drive Victoria Falls Zimbabwe |
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