Extraordinary Journeys Offers Unforgettable Chance to Experience Zimbabwe's Mahenye Festival

  • July 14, 2016
Extraordinary Journeys Offers Unforgettable Chance to Experience Zimbabwe's Mahenye Festival
This exclusive 8-night itinerary, departing September 22, 2016*, will be led by internationally-recognized conservationists and guides Clive Stockil and Paul Hubbard, and will include visits to Gonarezhou National Park, the Machangana (Mahenye) Culture and Arts Festival, Great Zimbabwe and Matobo National Park. The dates have been arranged to coincide with this year's Mahenye Festival; a modified program may be arranged by Extraordinary Journeys, excluding the festival, for those who wish to travel at a later date.

This excellent value itinerary is a favorite of Elizabeth Gordon, Extraordinary Journeys' Co-Founder & CEO, who embarked upon her own journey to Zimbabwe a few years ago, where she met Clive Stockil and Paul Hubbard and was impressed by their knowledge of lowveld communities and wildlife as well as their passion for the African bush.

Clive Stockil, a member of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, is especially known for his work with the Shangaan people in and around the Mahenye village, and for creating the first CAMPFIRE program (Communal Areas Management Program for Indigenous Resources) at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge. Stockil is a recipient of the French government's Order of Merit for Conservation as well as the inaugural Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa. His CAMPFIRE programs have since been replicated among indigenous communities all over the world.

Paul Hubbard, rated by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top guides in Africa, specializes in the culture and history of Zimbabwe, spending most of his time in the majestic and marvelous Matobo Hills World Heritage Site where he works exclusively from Camp Amalinda. He holds degrees in archaeology from the University of Zimbabwe and University College London, and also works as an Associate Researcher at the Natural History Museum in Bulawayo.

Pricing for this itinerary is $6,020 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplements $370 per person. Package includes charter flight within Zimbabwe, accommodations throughout, wildlife viewing by 4x4 open roof vehicle, game park entry fees, sightseeing excursions and game viewing activities, meals, laundry and transfers as specified in the itinerary. International airfare, regional flight (Johannesburg to Harare), passport and visa fees and personal activities and items not specified in the itinerary are not included.

Highlights Include:

  • Overnight stays at Johnnesburg's Peech Hotel (1), Zimbabwe's Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge (4), Great Zimbabwe Hotel (1) and Camp Amalinda (2);

  • Experience the music, culture and artwork of the Shangaanp people at the annual Mahenye Festival;

  • Meet with conservationist Clive Stockil and learn about his founding of the first CAMPFIRE program, a community-based resource management program since replicated across Africa;

  • Visit Mahenye village's local clinic, secondary school and palm forest where palm wine is produced;

  • Enjoy picnics atop the impressive Chilojo sandstone cliffs and along the Runde River on a full day safari drive in Gonarezhou National Park;

  • Explore Great Zimbabwe Ruins, once the capital of ancient Zimbabwe and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accompanied by pre-eminent guide Paul Hubbard;

  • Track rare black and white rhino, leopard, and raptor species in Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site once traversed by Nzilikazi Khumalo, first king of the Ndebele people, and arch-imperialist Cecil John Rhodes.


For more information, please visit: https://www.extraordinaryjourneys.com/itineraries/the-mahenye-festival-zimbabwe-culture/

* To coincide with this year's festival, the set dates are September 22 - 30, 2016, though the Extraordinary Journeys team would be happy to discuss additional dates or an alternative, customized version of this program.