Elephant Ride & Lion Encounter Combo
The Zambezi Elephant Trails and Lion Encounter Combo is operated 10 minutes drive from the centre of Victoria Falls town.
The combination is available as either a morning or afternoon activity. The trips are available 365 days a year.
Morning Safari Operation:
Pick up from Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 06h30-06h45
Drop off at Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 11h30-12h00
Guests are picked up from their respective hotel/lodge and transferred to the Lion operation on Masuwe estate. Upon arrival, tea, coffee and cordials are served – after which the guide will give a short introductory talk on the African Encounter Lion Rehabilitation Program and a brief on all safety aspects. It will be emphasised that although the lions are hand reared this is not a petting zoo and full interaction with the lions will be a bonus. Guests are then required to sign an indemnity. Guests are then taken to a designated area to meet both the lions and lion handlers.
This is where your Safari begins and will continue for up to one and half hours. The trail leads through the pristine bush and valley of the Masuwe River, which is home to numerous species of wildlife, including, Elephants, Kudu, Buffalo, Impala, Leopard and sometimes even wild Lions. There is excellent birding with over 50 species to be sighted.
Each lion is under the charge of a Handler – the trips are led by a professional Guide, who is armed and carries a first aid kit and handheld radio. The guide and handlers will answer any questions as well as provide knowledge on lions and the environment in general. The Lion Encounter Safari ends with a hearty Breakfast at the reception area. After breakfast the clients are transferred the 2km drive to the Elephant Reception where they will be met by their Elephant Guide.
The guide will give a short introductory talk including all safety aspects. Guests are then required to sign an indemnity. Guests are then walked down to the loading ramp where they are introduced to our Elephants and their Handlers.
On mounting the Elephants, the Safari begins. Each Elephant is under the charge of a Handler – the trips are lead by a professional Guide, who is armed and carries a first aid kit and handheld radio. The Safari ends with an interaction with the Elephants where the guests get an opportunity to take photographs of themselves feeding and interacting with these awesome African Elephants.
PLEASE NOTE IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ACTIVITIES TO HAPPEN IN THE OPPOSITE ORDER, AS IN ELEPHANT’S FIRST FOLLOWED BY LIONS.
Afternoon Safari option:
Pick up from Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 13h30-13h45
Drop off at Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 17h30-18h00
The Safaris in the afternoon, are done at the exact same locations, however they start with the Elephants and end with the Lion walks, with snacks and drinks served between the 2 activities instead of the breakfasts.
The guests also have the opportunity of viewing their separate safaris on DVD, of which a combination disc can be purchased, some of these proceeds go to the rehabilitation and maintenance of these awesome animals. DVD’s are available for purchase and will be delivered to the guests’ hotels that same day.
AGE & HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
There is an age limit and height restriction. Guests must be a minimum of 15 years of age and at least 155 cm (5 foot, 1 inch) tall. A Guardian must accompany children between 15 and 18 years of age throughout the trip. We have introduced a “child seat” whereby children under the age of 15 can enjoy a supervised encounter and educational with the younger lions prior to which they would have done the Elephant Back Safari. This seat will take place only during the mid-morning Lion activity as such the order would be Elephant’s first followed by Lions in this instance.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
There are no specific health requirements and physical disabilities will be considered on an individual basis. If a guest has any medical condition ie. epilepsy, diabetes or dangerous allergies, please ensure that our company is informed at the time of booking.
WHAT TO BRING / WEAR
Please bear in mind that guests will be responsible for carrying their personal effects while on the ride/walk. It is therefore advisable that belongings are kept to a reasonable limit. Bottled water and other refreshments will be available, so it is not necessary for guests to bring their own.
We recommend that guests bring the following:
¨ Sunblock
¨ Binoculars
¨ Cameras
¨ Personal Medication
¨ Glasses or Sunglasses
¨ Insect Repellent
Recommended clothing as follows:
¨ Long trousers with closed, comfortable shoes.
¨ Long-sleeved shirts, especially in the summer months.
¨ A wide brimmed hat.
¨ A sweater is recommended for the months of May to August.
¨ Guests should wear neutral coloured clothes. Wildlife may be encountered and therefore whites and bright colours should be avoided.
CUSTOM DESIGNED TRIPS AND CORPORATE GROUPS
We shall remain flexible and make every effort to accommodate the needs of such groups – alternative timings available upon request.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
All clients are covered by Medical Air Rescue Services (MARS) through Adventure Zone; however this only covers them for emergency evacuation in life threatening situations. It does not cover their hospitalisation and medication. As such travel and medical insurance is compulsory for all clients. Please ensure all clients bring the details of their insurance policy with them. Adventure Zone will not cover clients should they not have insurance.
PUBLIC LIABILITY
Our activities are all covered by a US$ 2 million Public Liability Insurance policy with SATIB and this is underwritten by Lloyds of London.
Elephant Back Safari & Lion Walk
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