Early morning and late afternoon drives, led by expert Field Guides, take guests into a wilderness where the abundance of wildlife is king. Traversing its basalt plains, open grasslands and teak forests to meet the shores of the Masuwe River, guests encounter a great diversity of animals. This includes all of the Big Five, with a healthy population of the extremely rare and endangered black rhino. Being in a private reserve, vehicles have the freedom to follow herds through the bush with ‘consideration for the delicate ecosystem’ and observe their natural behavior. Guest are in for another treat with the refreshment stops set up at a scenic spot on the reserve.

Africa’s vast wilderness vividly comes to life when experienced on horseback. The experience combines a heady mix of adventure, natural beauty, up-close wildlife encounters, and a sense of nostalgia. At Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, riders explore just as the earliest pioneers did in this African Eden, unchanged by time. The reserve is a remarkably beautiful place to traverse, and its plains and riverscapes set a constant backdrop for this adventure. The diverse landscapes makes for rich riding experiences. With hectares to roam, riders are guaranteed to encounter more wildlife than people for miles, making for a more personal and exclusive safari experience.

A Natural Wonder of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Victoria Falls are one of Zimbabwe’s most visited attractions. But fully appreciating its beauty doesn’t mean having to fall in with the crowd. Book your own exclusive tour and our expert guide will take you on a tailor made and personalised journey through this Wonder of the World. The Zambezi River is over 2km wide at this point (in season), where it plunges down a series of basalt gorges for 108m and sends up an opalescent mist that can be seen over 20km away. There are few major waterfalls that can be viewed on foot at such close proximity – so close in fact, guests can feel the spray (raincoats are provided). Our local guide leads them to the route’s 15 lookout points, and shares tales with a fresh perspective of the area’s fascinating history.

The only walking safari of its kind in a private Big Five Reserve within the vicinity of Victoria Falls. It’s a rare opportunity to be in Africa on foot, where everything somehow feels more ‘real’. Traversing the wilderness by vehicle allows guests to see more big game, while walking in the bush puts them directly in touch with nature. From fresh spoor that indicate an animal’s presence to the liquorish taste of a medicinal plant, highly-skilled guides draw guests’ attention points of interest they wouldn’t usually notice. Guides will tailor walks around guests’ personal interests, focusing on mammals as well as birds, insects, reptiles, plants, geology, etc. Encounters with dangerous animals are avoided, and guides carry rifles to ensure guests’ safety.

Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve (VFPGR) was awarded custodianship of four black rhino in June 2006, becoming a designated rhino Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ). The programme has been a resounding success, and the thriving population on the reserve today has surprised even conservation experts. This is all thanks to the extraordinary effort and intelligence of the VFPGR Anti-Poaching Unit. In an effort to drive funding for this critical function, and to bring visitors closer to these extraordinary animals, Stanley & Livingstone have designed the Exclusive Black Rhino Conservation Experience. The late afternoon activity includes an immersive talk with an expert VFPGR Guide, followed by a drive into the reserve in search of the black rhino. This experience is a very personal and unique view into the world of a pre-historic creature now fighting for its survival on this planet.