Matusadona National ParkMatusadona has been a protected area since 1958 and comprises some 1,400 square kilometres of wilderness bordering Lake Kariba. Elephant, impala, buffalo, lion, leopard and cheetah are plentiful here, with black rhino a specialty (though seen increasingly rarely). Birdlife in the park is exceptional due to its varied habitats, with over 400 species having been recorded. It is still a relatively unknown park and a great place to enjoy a safari. Bumi Hills Safari Lodge MIDSet on a hill with commanding vistas of the magnifi cent Lake Kariba, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is a wonderful 'r and r' stop. It has a stunning infi nity pool and 20 lake-facing rooms, all with modern conveniences and many with spacious balconies. The food here is spectacular and the welcome is warm and friendly. Elephant and buffalo graze on the shoreline below the lodge with zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck and impala. Activities here include game-viewing and sunset watching.Mana Pools National ParkMana Pools, a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful national park in the Zambezi Valley largely opposite Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park and has great views towards the mountainous escarpment on the Zambian side of the river. It is a park with rich riverine woodland, open plains and a great variety of wildlife including a good elephant population that especially enjoys feasting on the winterthorn trees that are so populous here. The area is renowned as one of the best destinations in southern Africa for walking safaris and canoe safaris. Mana Pools offers visitors a private and secluded safari experience with spectacular views of the river, the sunsets and the endless fl oodplains. Ruckomechi HIGHRuckomechi Camp is on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park, 100 kilometres below Lake Kariba. The camp, which is right on the bank of the mighty Zambezi, is nestled in a beautiful grove of trees, and has superb views of the mountains of Africa's Great Rift Valley in Zambia. The camp accommodates 20 guests in ten en-suite tented chalets. Wildlife-viewing in the area is excellent and Ruckomechi offers a good range of game-viewing activities including day and night-time safaris in open 4-wheel drives, boat safaris and canoeing.Matobo National ParkThis is an internationally acclaimed park in the south-western region of the country. Established in 1953, the park was awarded World Heritage status in 2003. Matobo National Park is an Intensive Protection Zone for endangered black and white rhinos. Its beautiful and unusual rock formations have inspired the cultural beliefs and have particular associations with particular wildlife including klipspringer and rock hyrax which occur here in large numbers and black eagles which are plentiful in the area too. Amalinda Lodge HIGHThe charming Camp Amalinda is located just outside Bulawayo, within Matobo National Park. It is an exclusive safari lodge tucked away in an ancient Bushman's shelter consisting of nine individually thatched rooms set amongst the massive granite boulders and accommodating 20 people. The granite domes and castle kopjes of the Matobo Hills echo the essence of tranquility and the majesty of untamed Africa.See us on the web at www.wildlifeworldwide.com for reservations call us on 0845 130 698229AFRICA | ZIMBABWETHE MANA CANOE TRAIL This is the ultimate in exciting safaris! It gives you the closest possible encounters with wildlife, some of the very best photographic opportunities, and an amazing 'below eye-level' view of almost everything you come across from elephant and buffalo, to kudu and impala. It is a truly thrilling experience!Our three night safari traverses the Mana Pools National Park, through the heart of Mana Pools and along the Zambezi shoreline, canoeing past countless hippos and crocs on the way. Nights are spent camping on the banks of the Zambezi and the trip ends 65 kilometres downstream. Encounters with animals, whether on canoe or on foot, are up close and awe-inspiring. You need to be reasonably fi t to enjoy this safari, which is led by an experienced guide, but there are support vehicles and staff to assist with setting up camp each day.TAILOR-MADESUGGESTED ITINERARYDay 1 Arrival at Ruckomechi airfi eld. Safety briefi ng then begin canoeing Day 2 Full day canoeing and walking in Mana Pools National Park Day 3 Full day canoeing and walking through the Wilderness area of Mana Pools Day 4 End canoeing, arrive Chikwenya airfi eld for your fl ight outDeparture dates Monday and Thursday, May to NovemberCost per person Please contact us for detailsWhat's included Transfers, three nights camping, guided activities

30See us on the web at www.wildlifeworldwide.com for reservations call us on 0845 130 6982ITINERARYDay 1 Depart the UK for Victoria Falls (via Johannesburg) Day 2 Guided tour of the Falls followed by a sunset cruise and overnight stay on the Zambezi River. Day 3 Day at leisure to enjoy the Falls area (consider pre-booking an elephant-back safari or white-water rafting). Evening dinner at The Boma restaurant (BD) Day 4 Head off to Hwange where you spend three nights in an authentic mobile safari camp. Lots of great wildlife to see here on your game-drives (BLD) Day 7 Bulawayo and the Matobo Hills are next, where you spend two nights in a safari lodge. Rhinos, black eagles and walking safaris are the order of the day here (BLD) Day 9 Take a step back in time and discover the 'early' Zimbabwe at the Great Zimbabwe Monument and stay overnight nearby (BLD) Day 10 Drive to Bulawayo in time to meet your homeward fl ight (BL) Day 11 Arrive UKDeparture dates Frequent departures throughout the yearFlight inclusive cost per person From £2995Land only cost per person From £2100Single room supplement From £370What's included Flights (fl ight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, three nights lodge/hotel accommodation, fi ve nights campingTour code WZIDZIMBABWE'S WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTSThis is a really authentic African safari designed for those who really love to be in the bush. Some nights are spent under canvas in private camping areas but with every detail taken care of by an expert and a professional safari team.This itinerary visits some of Zimbabwe's best known parks, and includes time in Victoria Falls with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, a guided tour of the Falls and a dinner at the famous Boma Restaurant. Exploring Hwange, well known for its large herds of elephants, is next, followed by Matopos National Park, home to black rhino, and fi nally a visit to the ruins at Great Zimbabwe.GROUP TOURFact!This is a full two day safari, and a fantastic extension to any safari in the area or to any Victoria Falls stay. Departing Victoria Falls straight after breakfast you drive far upstream into the Zambezi National Park. Enjoy some game-viewing in the morning, followed by lunch and a safety briefi ng, then head out onto the river for some afternoon canoeing - hopefully seeing wildlife and birds along the way. As you are heading downstream this is not a strenuous paddle, and when you arrive at your camping spot the camp will already be set up on the banks of the river!The camp has large (3.5m x 6m) tents, each with en-suite facilities. The tents have comfortable camp beds and hot showers will be provided. There is a small mess-tent for meals with proper chairs and tables - so there is no need to balance a plate on your knees!Your second day begins with a bush walk with a professional guide followed by brunch and then, in the cool of the afternoon, a downstream paddle to the vehicle for the return transfer to Victoria Falls where you arrive late afternoon. Upper Zambezi Canoe trail