May 7 – 18, 2023
Join like-minded safari travelers as you take off toward southern Africa on the world’s largest and most luxuriously spacious private jet, the Crystal Skye. This lavishly outfitted Boeing 777 has been completely transformed to the highest standards of aviation design, featuring handcrafted, fully-reclining flatbed seats, a dedicated stand-up bar and social lounge, a team of Crystal Skye Butlers and an Executive Chef preparing exceptional Michelin star-inspired cuisine. In Zimbabwe, you will have exclusive access to a once-in-a-lifetime, 9-night safari experience while staying in a collection of classic African safari camps curated for the discerning safari traveler.
Our 9 nights on safari in the most capable hands of our field and hospitality teams will be split so that each traveler is able to enjoy 3 nights of safari in all 3 camps as the three locations complement each other. They are notably different in geography, camp setting and design. All 3 camps operate on exclusive use wildlife areas and while at each location every game drive easily has the potential to show you the most amazing wildlife sighting you have ever seen.
Crystal Skye Aircraft Operated by Comlux Aruba NV
A maximum of 66 guests may participate in this unique journey. Upon arrival into Africa guests will be dispersed to 3 camps as each rotates through all three locations over the 9 nights. While in each camp the Wilderness Safaris field and hospitality teams will work with each room to ensure that their stay is as personalized and private as the guests request.
May 7, 2023 – Arrive into Sarasota/Tampa/Ft. Myers where you will be greeted and transferred by road to a downtown Sarasota luxury hotel for check-in. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure prior to a welcome reception. We will ensure all travelers are prepared for departure to Africa in the morning.
Sarasota, Florida
May 8, 2023 – Mid-morning private road transfer to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport for private check-in, dedicated TSA screening and boarding of the Crystal Skye aircraft.
Late morning, we depart from Sarasota, Florida, U.S.A. for the direct non-stop flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Overnight in your most comfortable surroundings aboard the Crystal Skye.
Crystal Skye Aircraft Operated by Comlux Aruba NV
Aboard the Crystal Skye your Lay Flat Beds and the Skye Bar, Lounge and Dining area are meticulously kept by our Skye Butlers
May 9, 2023 – Upon arrival into Victoria Falls, all guests will pass through health, immigration and customs formalities before transferring to Victoria Falls River Lodge, gateway to one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls!
Once at the lodge, the team will welcome us for orientation and check-in for 3 nights.
Victoria Falls
is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures 1708 metres in width.
The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer.
The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking and trips to the Chobe National Park.
May 9 – 12, 2023 – Victoria Falls River Lodge
Victoria Falls River Lodge is the first private game lodge built in the Zambezi National Park. This luxury tented lodge is situated right on the banks of the Zambezi River, so close to the Falls you can see the spray in the distance. Erected upon raised decks, under vast thatched roofs, each of the 13 spacious tents have been tastefully decorated in earthy hues and offers a larger than king size bed, comfortable sitting area, and open plan bathroom with freestanding bath as well as indoor and outdoor showers. Each private viewing deck affords spectacular views of the river and surrounding natural fauna and flora, and has its own plunge pool. Family suites are also available. Standard to each tent are mosquito nets, electronic safes, tea/coffee making facilities, ceiling fans, air conditioners and international adapters.
INSIDER’S TIP: We are the closest game park to the Victoria Falls and exceptional game and bird viewing can be seen from your own private deck.
Daily Itinerary while in Victoria Falls
A typical day in the bush involves waking up early ahead of the sunrise for a delicious light breakfast and welcome cup of coffee before heading out to explore the magnificent landscape in search of Africa’s famous wildlife, by game vehicle, boat or on foot.
On return to the lodge in the late morning, we will have some time to relax and enjoy the sumptuous facilities provided by the camps before a delicious lunch is served. After lunch, take an opportunity to explore the area from the charming town of Victoria Falls, to the magnificent Falls themselves, or simply relax and enjoy a siesta at your leisure.
The evenings offer guests an opportunity to mingle over cocktails and share their experiences of the day around a blazing fire before a scrumptious dinner is served.
Activities
Morning and Afternoon Game Drives:
Join your Guide and head out in a game-viewer to explore the 150,000 acres that make up the Zambezi National Park. Whether the opting to be the first to catch the ‘bush telegraphs’ early broadcast of the previous night’s events – or preferring to take a leisurely break, from an afternoon of game spotting, to enjoy the phenomenal sunset with sun-downers – a Victoria Falls River Lodge’s safari experience promises to be memorable.
Guided Tour of the Falls:
There is not much that can compare to the heady fragrance of drenched earth and sun-kissed Rainforest foliage, the intense power of the wall of water – its deafening rumble coursing through your veins – or letting the cooling and constant spray of “the Smoke that Thunders” saturate the senses…
Join your passionate and knowledgeable Victoria Falls River Lodge Guide on a truly unforgettable tour of Victoria Falls and experience this Natural Wonder of the Word first hand.
Guided Bush Walks:
Experience the wonder of the African bush on foot and, when accompanied by an expert Guide, enjoy the thrilling opportunity to an up close and personal introduction to some of the Zambezi National Park’s resident wildlife.
Fishing:
The Upper Zambezi is home to a wide variety of fish species and Victoria Falls River Lodge offers half-day guided fishing trips leaving directly from the Lodge. Tiger fishing is a highlight and a unique experience on this iconic river.
May 12, 2023 – Transfer to Hwange National Park
After your morning game viewing activity, transfer by road to Victoria Falls Airport for a light aircraft to your second safari experience where you will be greeted and welcomed plane-side by the field team and transferred to the lodge to check-in for 3 nights at one of three Wilderness Properties located in Hwange: Linkwasha, Little Makalolo or Somalisa.
Enjoy Daily game drives along with a myriad of other included activities throughout your stay in Hwange.
Hwange National Park
Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife.
Home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, the park is a wonderland for animal lovers
Several protected animals inhabit the awe-inspiring open landscapes, including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable – along with lion, cheetah, and around 500 bird species.
May 15, 2023 – Transfer to Mana Pools
After your morning game viewing activity, transfer by light aircraft to your third safari experience where you will be greeted and welcomed plane-side by the field team and transferred to the Lodge to check-in for 3 nights at one of the three Wilderness Camps in the region: Ruckomechi, Little Ruckomechi or Chikwenya
Enjoy Daily game drives along with a nature walks, river cruises, fishing, birding or a host of other activities included with your stay in Mana Pools National Park.
Mana Pools
Located in northern Zimbabwe, the life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most lush and flourishing regions.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its natural beauty and as one of the continent’s premier game-viewing areas.
Visitors can look forward to an array of activities such as canoe trips which are offered year round and provide a unique and memorable way for visitors to experience the area’s striking scenic beauty and diverse fauna, while guided walks are a great way to take its pristine riverside forests.
ON SAFARI WITH WILDERNESS SAFARIS
Conservation as a way of life
Founded in Botswana in 1983, Wilderness Safaris is widely acclaimed as the continent’s foremost ecotourism operator, dedicated to conserving and restoring Africa’s wilderness and wildlife. They do this by creating life-changing journeys for guests in some of the most remote and pristine areas in Africa – and in so doing help conserve Africa’s spectacular biodiversity and share ecotourism’s benefits with the communities that live alongside these areas.
Behind everything Wilderness does there is a purpose; they have always been driven by purpose. Everything they do is aimed at conserving Africa’s wilderness and wildlife and including local communities in this process. Everything they do is aimed at creating journeys that change lives and inspire positive action.
World-class Hospitality
Our 9 nights on safari in the most capable hands of the Wilderness Safaris field and hospitality teams will be split so that each traveler is able to enjoy 3 nights of safari in all 3 camps as the three locations compliment each other. They are notably different in geography, camp setting and design. All 3 camps operate on exclusive use wildlife areas and while at each location every gamedrive easily has the potential to show you the most amazing wildlife sighting you have ever seen.
Exceptional Africa wildlife observation and interpretation
Tasty delights in magical settings indoors and outdoors
On each of our 9 full days of safari we will enjoy twice-daily gamedrives in search of unique African big-game encounters and animal behavior safely by vehicle with your Guide. There are also a number of other options and activities that you can enjoy as a guest; spa treatments, boutique and gallery, game walks, etc.
Watch the video below for inspiring footage from Little Makalolo log pile hide
Culture, wildlife, and exceptional hospitality
Cost: From $11,500 per person for Zimbabwe Safari
Includes:
• 3 night Victoria Falls River Lodge
• 3 night Linkwasha, Little Makalolo or Somalisa Camps
• 3 night Ruckomechi, Little Ruckomechi or Chikwenya Camps
For Crystal Skye: Cost is $18950 for one way from SRQ to Victoria Falls
Return on Crystal Skye one way back to SRQ: $13,500 per person
Seats on the aircraft, camps, and room preferences will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Call Ryan Hilton or Malaka Hilton at 1.941.951.1801, ext. 107 for Ryan and ext. 109 for Malaka to secure your space on this departure today!
U.S.A. Department of Transportation Public Charter approval number PC-20-067
PLEASE NOTE:
- Founder’s Journey will always be priced at or below published rates, but never higher.
- Travel with like-minded individuals on these exclusive departures.
- Enjoy a welcome cocktail party to meet your fellow travelers.
- A hosted dinner will be offered during one night of the trip with the Hiltons.
- On many occasions, optional shore events are offered as an option that only our group is invited to join.
- Special global relationships that the Hiltons have formed over the years will allow you privileged access opportunities.
- Trips are offered well in advance to give ample time for your future planning.
- Minimum numbers must be met in order for the Hiltons to host the journey.
- The Hiltons reserve the right to adjust the duration of their participation should any schedule conflicts arise.