Feline adventurous? Walk with lions in Zimbabwe
ITV1’s new ‘Lion Country’ series is putting Zimbabwe’s magnificent wildlife back on the tourist map while highlighting its unique Big Cat conservation efforts.
The six-part series follows the African Lion and Environmental Research Trust’s (ALERT) admirable efforts to help reverse the decline in the number of wild African lions. With reports indicating that their numbers have dropped by as much as 80% in the last 50 years, the series follows the non-profit organisation’s initiative to reintroduce captive-bred lions to the wild.
Of Zimbabwe’s many national parks and game reserves, Antelope Park - where the Trust’s activities are based - stands out as being the only place in the world where visitors can walk with lions. Whilst giving Big Cat enthusiasts the chance to learn more about their natural environment, all funds generated from the lion walks are channelled back into ALERT’s programme.
For those inspired to enjoy this unique experience, Imaginative Traveller offers a number of trips which take in the feline delights of Antelope while supporting this commendable project:
Botswana & Zimbabwe Adventure – 22 days from £932pp
This 22-day adventure offers a great overview of the wildlife and scenic highlights of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Starting with rhino trails in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, the trip takes the back roads of Botswana to explore the spectacular floodplains of the Okavango Delta in mokoros (dug-out canoes).
Travelling on to Chobe National Park, known as Africa’s greatest elephant sanctuary, the tour heads to camp overnight at Victoria Falls before more game viewing opportunities in Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife sanctuary, Hwange National Park.
Finally, after walking with lions in Antelope Park and enjoying some of the private reserve’s other activities, such as horseback game viewing and swimming with elephants, Kruger National Park’s world-renowned game and Blyde River Canyon, the largest green canyon in the world, conclude this animal-packed trip.
Prices start from £1,165pp land only. This includes experienced safari and local guides, a driver and camp cook whilst on safari, park fees, all camping equipment, transport in custom-built safari and open game-viewing vehicles and 21 nights accommodation (20 nights camping, 1 night lodge). A local payment of US$600 is payable locally. Return flights start from £588pp.
SPECIAL OFFER: Imaginative Traveller is currently offering 20% off their 28 February departure, down to £932pp land only.
Wild Africa – 10 days from £440pp
This short safari gives travellers a wonderful overview of Zimbabwe’s natural charms in just 10 days. Starting on a cultural note, the group visits the architectural wonder of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, once the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, before walking with lions in Antelope Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities continue at Matobo National Park, noted for its white rhino population, and Hwange National Park. Then it’s a trip concludes with two adrenaline-fuelled days in Victoria Falls - home to a wide range of activities, from white-water rafting to bungy jumping.
Prices start from £550pp land only This includes experienced safari and local guides, a driver and camp cook whilst on safari, park fees, all camping equipment, transport in custom-built safari and open game-viewing vehicles and 9 nights accommodation (8 nights camping, 1 night lodge) and a local payment of US$300 is payable locally. Return flights start from £704pp.
SPECIAL OFFER: Imaginative Traveller is currently offering 20% off for their 28 February departure, making the land only price just £440pp.
To find out more about these and other Zimbabwe trips, visit imaginative-traveller.com.
