Zimbabwe

Dreaming of going on safari? Want an authentic experience and a great deal?

Contact Perry now as we only have space for 10 guests on this private departure!

 

Join Perry and Butch on an authentic exploration into the wilds of Zimbabwe during the lush green season where we have Hwange Park practically all to ourselves and the rich cycle of life blossoms before our eyes. We will travel in the heart of calving season witnessing the timeless birthing spectacle - imagine baby impalas, newly born zebra, and young wildebeest frolicking about and learning to walk. This is also a time when predatory cats like cheetah, lion, and leopard are on the hunt. Unlike the traditional safari months of June to August the foliage will be resplendently green with flowering trees and plants. On some days there will likely be some magnificent afternoon thunderstorms booming across the landscape so we will time our game drives and walks accordingly.

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For most guests the true highlight of this journey will be the elephant and rhino encounters. Butch and his company, Imvelo, have pioneered elephant conservation for over 30 years and more recently have established two rhino sanctuaries which we will have exclusive access to. Picture yourself walking within feet of an endangered African white rhino. Now imagine you are being guided by the man who created the sanctuary, the former park ranger, and a legendary guide who will personally take you on walking safaris where we safely encounter elephants on foot.

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This adventure is a superb value and has it all including:

 

* Welcome sundowners at a lookout tower over Victoria Falls to start the trip on a high note.

 

* A ride on a private rail car called the Elephant Express which travels within the national park where lions and cheetah are often spotted.

 

* 3 nights at Camelthorn Lodge which was built and is owned in partnership with the local community and is now a rhino sanctuary. 

 

* Potential elephant observations from underground hides at water holes.

 

* An authentic school and village visit.  Welcomed with warm hospitality and genuine joy by the kids and the elders (Imvelo built the school and supplies meals/fresh water).

 

* 3 nights at the brand new pioneering Tum Tum Tree House Lodge where elephants wander under our feet and birds join us in the canopy.

 

* Visits to the rhino sanctuary, walking safaris, night drives (where allowed).

 

* Diversity of landscapes including old growth teak forest, water holes, and savannah plains where cheetah roam.

 

* Rich wildlife environment including a super herd of up to 45,000 elephant (one of largest in Africa), thriving cheetah/wild dog/lion populations, and the usual suspects.

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We are proud to partner with Butch and Imvelo as they are doing amazing community and conservation work. This is the real deal - no green washing. Just look at these statistics:

 

800 million litres of water pumping across 26 wildlife pumps (no other safari company comes anywhere close to pumping this much water in Hwange).

 

450,000+ school meals provided to 12 schools throughout the year, serving upwards of 3,000 kids PER DAY

 

30,000 kg + of maizemeal distributed to 750 homesteads across 16 different villages

 

49,300+ patients during Smile and See Programs since 2011, with over 7,100 patients treated in 2024

 

63 free cataract surgeries provided to rural people in 2024

143 polio vaccinations carried out as part of our programmes

 

65 people trained, equipped & organised into sewing cooperatives, producing clothes & reusable feminine hygiene products

 

A head spinning amount of conservation and community work. As Butch says, don't buy the greenwashing from the safari industry - ask for verification and numbers!

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Click here  to see a video of a rhino named Thuza walking into reception of Camel Thorn Lodge. This video also shows Mark Butcher's conservation efforts which you'll contribute to when you travel with us. 

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The New York Times recently featured Mark Butcher in a very extensive article. Read here Walking With Rhinos in Zimbabwe: ‘Everyone Benefits’

On the fringes of an African game park, an ambitious project brings together tourists, local communities and white rhinos, emerging from the brink of extinction.

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For more details, please e-mail Perry  robertson@blueodyssey.com​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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