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Zimbabwe

Conservation + Safari + Adventure

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Itinerary Options

What's included?
Let's go

Looking for something more flexible? Get in touch and we'll chat through options more suited to you.

Depart

Itinerary Options

What's included?
Let's go

Looking for something more flexible? Get in touch and we'll chat through options more suited to you.

Welcome to Zimbabwe

Lions, Victoria Falls and the Mighty Zambezi

Midlifers, this is our chance to experience the best of Africa, by immersing ourselves into a unique combination of culture, conservation and adrenaline adventures based at Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This unique town borders an unfenced National Park, so it is not uncommon to have elephants, lions, buffalo, warthogs and baboons wandering the streets.

During the course of our time here, we will experience life on safari, sleeping river side and on top of landrovers, before hurtling down the white water in a raft and dancing to the sound of African drums.

However, as a true Midlife experience, contribution is key, so we have arranged for us to help our partners at the Lion and Wildlife Sanctuary, located just 20 mins outside Victoria Falls. You will stay in their reserve at the lovingly named Roar and Snore Camp and help with the daily tasks required to conserve and protect their lions who are being rehabilitated and prepared for a life back in the wild.

This is what we have planned for Feb 2024.

Discover Zimbabwe and help with lion conservation, whilst experiencing life on safari, canoeing down the Zambezi and hurtling down the whitewater rapids.

Trip Itinerary

This is a journey which combines the mighty Victoria Falls, adrenaline activities on the Zambezi, with hands on lion conservation under the African stars.

Day 1

Arrive in Victoria Falls Explore

We will all arrive in Victoria Falls, where we will be met and transferred to the Roar and Snore Campsite at the Lion and Wildlife Sanctuary. This will be our new home for the next few days which is a stone’s throw away from the Zambezi River and the dramatic Victoria Falls, with its thundering 108m drop into the narrow Batoka Gorge below.

To ease us into your adventure, we’ll spend our first day exploring one of the seven wonders of the natural World and the vibrant town, to find our bearings and recover from the long flight.

The Roar and Snore camp is nestled in Fuller Forest – 2000 hectares of prime forest, surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna. We will sleep in spacious safari tents of 4-6 people. Down time is spent in the volunteer hub overlooking a water hole.


Accommodation

Roar and Snore Campsite - 20-minute drive from the Victoria Falls town and a 10-minute drive from the Victoria Falls International Airport.

Food

3 meals a day included

Days 2, 3 + 4

National Park Conservation and Explore

Our first few days will focus on the conservation aspect of the adventure based at The Lion and Wildlife Sanctuary. Inter-twinned into your time will be an evening game drive in the spectacular Stanley and Livingstone National Park and a magical Zambezi Sunset cruise.

Conservation: The Lion and Wildlife Sanctuary covers 2000 acres of the Fuller Forest which was in a rapid state of decline, so the project focuses on both rehabilitating the land and the wildlife it supports. The vision is to aid a rapidly declining lion population by helping to rehabilitate captive lions. The lions, their prey base, and vegetation are clearly interdependent and all need attention to the keep the eco-system intact.

While we are here we'll become part of the volunteering team to help with a mix of the following daily jobs:

  • Assisting with the care and welfare of the captive lions and other sanctuary wildlife. Caring, feeding and cleaning.
  • Snare sweeping and enclosure checks, camera trapping.
  • Tree nursery, planting or invasive plant removal, bush management.

Safari game drive and Zambezi sunset cruise: promises to immerse you into the wild so you can see see flocks of birds skimming the waterline, hippos bathing, crocodiles watching, elephants foraging, and a meddle of birds and cats.

Accommodation

Roar and Snore Campsite

Food

3 meals will be provided.

Day 5

White Water Rafting or Historical Bridge Tour Adventure

Two options are available for this day and no one has to decide until we get there...choose to throw yourself down the white water of the mighty lower Zambezi, white-water rafting OR, if that doesn't appeal, then a gentler historic Victoria Falls Bridge Tour followed by high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel (a proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Edwardian-style hotel built in 1904.)

The Zambezi River is considered to provide one of the best white water rafting experiences in the world. It is a deep channelled, high-volume river with class 3-5 rapids interspersed with tranquil pools. When you are not paddling furiously you can sit back and enjoy the stunning views of the canyon.

Accommodation

Roar and Snore campsite

Food

3 meals a day provided

Day 6 + 7

Canoe safari Adventure

Another day on the water but at the more peaceful end of the Zambezi – we promise this is a bucket list moment as the plan is to potter down the river spotting the birds and wildlife, followed by a magical night camping under the stars on the river bank.

After a hearty breakfast, we will slowly meander our way back. You will love this, this is one of Africa's greatest experiences.

Accommodation

Wild camping, in mozzi-proof tents.

Food

3 meals a day provided

Day 8

Optional activities and culture Adventure

Adrenaline junkies today can either bungee jump or gorge swing, whilst those seeking peace can choose a relaxed canopy tour. All decided when you are there.

On your last night we will be taken to a Boma Dinner and Drum Show to taste traditional Zimbabwean dishes while we dance and dine to the sounds of African drums https://theboma.co.zw/

The highlight of the evening’s entertainment is the renowned energetic interactive drumming show after dinner. Everyone is handed a djembe drum and taught a few rhythms.

Tonight you will stay at the one of the rather more luxurious Victoria Falls hotels to round off the adventure...

Accommodation

Palm River Hotel or similar

Food

3 meals a day provided.

Day 9

Departure

Departure Day


Program Details & Costs

This is a journey which will not only take you to Victoria Falls, a bucket list highlight, and all its adrenaline activities, but also promises to get you up close to lions whilst helping with hands on conservation, before floating down the Zambezi and sleeping under the African stars.

Min 6, max 12 Midlifers.

Costs

9 days
8 night, 9 day Zimbabwe Adventure
2024: £2470

Included
  • Safety and induction course on arrival
  • Transfer to and from all locations - airport and actvities
  • All National Park fees and accommodation throughout the program
  • Program guide
  • All meals at Roar and Snore Camp
  • White water rafting
  • All activities listed
  • Leap T shirt




Not Included
  • International flights.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Some meals while traveling.
  • Private transfers to and from the airport if you do not arrive on the main team flight.
  • Soft drinks/beers and snacks (at Roar and Snore there are soft drinks, beers and ciders available to purchase, drinks can also be bought anywhere in town).
  • Tips for staff at the reserve – budget £30pp. In Zimbabwe it is customary to tip 10% at restaurants but for all other activities it is fully left to the discretion of the guest and is not generally expected.
  • Optional – tours – e.g. helicopter ride over Victoria Falls
  • Personal transfers to town

Dates Don't Suit?

Don't worry - we can work around this, just get in touch and we'll chat through options more suited to you.

Social Life

Guaranteed. You will be part of a tight team of like minded Midlifers from start to finish.

Environments

Wild Africa, where you can contribute and explore.

Conservation

Contribute to hands on wildlife projects.

Challenge

Invigorate and reset you body and mind.

Working Hours and Time Out

Each day will vary but prepare to be busy.


Lion and Game Park Management

Your program will be run by Wynand Bosch who runs the Lion and Game Park Management Project, set up to help the declining lion population across Africa. In partnership with ALERT (African Lion and Environmental Research Trust), they have developed a model that generates long term funding through commercial ventures, providing both physical and financial assistance to various conservation and community development initiatives.

"The trip exceeded my expectations."

When I signed up I was a little apprehensive as I only knew one person and wasn’t sure how the dynamics of the group would work. As it turned out the group could not have gelled better. The trip exceeded my expectations. I felt we had the chance to give something to the local communities as well as have some fun.

I would highly recommend doing a MidLife Leap – super-duper organised, with attention to detail which meant we were all able to relax and enjoy every minute as we had nothing to think or worry about. It was the most fantastic amazing opportunity that I feel blessed to have experienced.

- Nicci Caswell

"Their passion and committment was infectious."

Being at Oana really was one of the happiest and best experiences of my life and I am going back in 2020.

The hands on conservation work included removing old fencing to enable wildlife migration, building a wildlife hide, putting out hay mangers and setting camera traps for wildlife monitoring - all of which was great fun. On our last day we visited the local village where we had a soup kitchen and had 90 children come along. The children were unforgettable, singing and dancing with huge smiles on their faces.

- Elaine Mackensie Yates

"It was the perfect combination of challenge and fun."

Dear gorgeous Milly,

Just wanted to drop you a note and say from the bottom of my heart how fabulous our trip to Peru was. It was the perfect combination of challenge and fun, mixed together with a group of amazing women and life- affirming experiences. It was a privilege to be part of the group and I am so grateful that Claire asked me to join you all on the adventure, but more importantly the planning that you (very specifically) and your team put into the trip made it so special. Your dedication and hard work, together with your amazing team - Kerri, Reuben, Jo-Lyn (to name but a few) made the trip most memorable.

So grateful for all of it and still remembering the laughs….when’s the next adventure?

Lots of love

Tash xxx

- Tash

"How we laughed .. I felt reinvigorated"

It was all I had hoped for and with much more. I felt I had a glimpse of a gap year which was exactly what I had wanted. I loved staying in the hostel at Monteverde, testing my nerve on the zip wires and finding I could do it. A great mix of fun and learning.

Throughout we were looked after with kindness and thought. Gently pushing us out of our comfort zones from where I feel we all flew away from our cosy safe nests! In all this I think the Midlife Leap is very clever. We were able to experience a country, get under the skin of it and see it properly, feel comfortable without it seeming we were on a ‘holiday’. Which we weren’t . Volunteering and meeting locals and having Chris guiding us through it all made the ordinary extraordinary . Milly you are brilliant and cajoled and encouraged us keeping up any flagging spirit.

- Nicola Hussey

"Incredible camaraderie and kindness"

During our time we slept in dorms, washed out of a bucket, painted a school, planted shrubs and trees for nesting turtles, swam with whale sharks and manta ray. What struck me through all of our incredible experiences was the camaraderie and kindness of everyone. No-one thought of themselves first. Mosquito spray was given to your pal before you used it yourself. And we're tough old birds! No whingeing at all which was quite something for a bunch of mums who have got used to a comfortable way of live back at home.

The Leap's people on the ground are vital to the smooth-running of anything so off-grid and they found the dream team who were largely locals and knew exactly how the islands ticked and what would work. I think it's brilliant to 'take the leap', venturing outside your comfort zone and realising that at 40/50/60 you've still got what it takes.

- Emma Cripwell

"The value for money was incredible and The Leap is plainly a great company – not only to deal with buy also to travel with."

Having just returned from the mid-lifer trip to Peru ( Nov 22) at the age of 55, I genuinely didn't think I would get the opportunity to backpack again and feel like an intrepid teenager. We were able to stay, visit and get involved with local NGO projects in areas not usually accessible to the average traveller. Meeting, walking and talking with the locals we met (using my basic O’level Spanish) gave me a deeper understanding of the history and beauty of Peru and just how fascinating a country it is. The trip was beautifully organised by the NGO team in Peru, the homestay experience although very basic was a delight with wonderful food at every meal. The value for money was incredible and The Leap is plainly a great company – not only to deal with buy also to travel with.

Thank you Milly and your team!

Sign me up for the next one....

- Lucy Schoonhoven

"The most rewarding and valuable trip of my life"

My trip to Namibia will be the platform for the rest of my life. It was vitally important for me to be challenged, tested and taken far away from home. The environment in Namibia is so far removed from the privileged life I lead in England and the enormous personal strain from family illnesses and teenage demands. Namibia was so utterly dramatic in its beauty and so humbling in its simplicity. To be ‘unplugged’ from my life was incredible. It made me ‘regroup’ amongst nature that is so pure - I felt honoured to be there.

Living in tents and being part of a group was fantastic fun. Getting to know myself in that environment was valuable and liberating. So many fears were dispelled by the whole experience.

Thank you for organising a fantastic trip with love and laughter! Thank you for letting me rest when I needed to and encouraging me to ‘push on’ when it mattered. Thank you for the most fabulous memories and happy times.

- Sara Koe

"It was freedom, stillness, exhilaration"

‘There were a thousand reasons why I absolutely couldn’t or shouldn’t take my ‘Leap' to Namibia. The most pressing and logistical reasons were my two boys at day school (one only 8) and my husband being half way across the world for work at the same time. However I just couldn’t let it go. There would always be reasons why not. I HAD to make it work. I had wanted to go to Namibia for years and was just really desperate for adventure. Needless to say it was worth every second of the UN-like logistics to get myself out of the door. It was a strike out of my comfort zone (in many layers not perhaps immediately obvious), it was switching off into proper wilderness (no phone reception or WIFI here, just miles and miles of echoing desert), it was back to brilliant basics in our sleeping bags and tents, it was physical work and walking and climbing and rafting, and it was with a group of people, some I knew, most I didn’t with whom we laughed and laughed, nattered and confided, supported and explored with.

It was freedom, stillness, exhilaration. What can I say? DO IT, DO IT, DO IT! Strike out, press your reset button, be BOLD. For all us it was life-affirming, for some a game changer.’

- Sacha Kent

"Quality time with girlfriends, old and new. "

Having not been backpacking at the traditional backpacking age this MidLife Leapers' trip was an opportunity too good to pass up. It was a chance to leave the husband and kids behind, to experience a little bit of what kids do while travelling and to spend quality time with girlfriends, old and new.

I was initially attracted by the opportunity to help conserve the turtles and, despite being there in the turtle ‘low season’, we were exceptionally lucky to be involved in locating and moving a nest of recently laid eggs and to watch newly hatched turtles being released into the ocean. A totally unforgettable experience. At Cirenas we met some inspiring young Ticos and I would love to go back in a year or two to see where their vision and hard work has got them.

Thank you Milly, and Chris on the ground, for organising such a fabulous trip for us. We loved it all - the zip wire, the cloud forest, the baby sloths and the anteater, the turtles, the absolutely delicious food wherever we went, and the scary light aircraft to get us home. An amazing trip.

- LIza Curtis

"We took in the breathtaking sights of Petra arriving on horseback and foot"

We have wanted to visit Jordan for a long time, but weren’t quite sure how to go about organising the right type of trip. One taking into account the culture, the temperatures, terrain and distances between places. So when we came upon this trip we knew it covered all we needed and more. It had just the right mix of history, sightseeing, adventure, new experiences and rest and relaxation at the end.

We took in the breathtaking sights of Petra arriving on horseback and foot. Our group had split to take into account differing abilities, giving everyone in the group the support they needed. From walking in wadis to a night in the desert, the thrills and adventure continued. The Jordan based team that the Leap have, meant that we were supported at all times and given information that we would not have been party to had we been travelling alone. The trip was rounded off with some rest and relaxation in a Dead Sea resort. Time to reflect on what had been an amazing adventure. Memories made to last a lifetime.

We would highly recommend this trip and the services of Midlife Leap.

- Mark and Tina Foster

" I would highy recommend this trip"

This was the first time either of us had been to a Middle Eastern and/or desert country. The Leap prepared us very well both culturally and practically - we were advised what kit we would need, what the temperatures and terrain would be like and consequently we had everything we needed.

From the moment we landed in Amman we were swept up in the special Leap cocoon - totally safe and supported but with a sense of adventure and wonder. We had the ease of being part of a group but the luxury of our individual needs being met - at one point, the group split due to fitness differences and both groups enjoyed and experienced the wonder of Petra. Owing to the Leap's Jordan-based contacts, we were able to change and adapt our itinerary on the go and never was this too much trouble. After Petra and Wadi Rum, we ended our trip in indulgence at the Dead Sea having had a fabulous adventure. I would not hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone.

- Charlie and Annie Redmayne

"Reflect and Reset"

Although I had been promised true wilderness, it wasn’t until we finally arrived in camp that I properly understood that this was exactly what we were getting. Completely off grid, in beautiful surroundings, we were made incredibly welcome by Red and Dre, who then proceeded to put us to work!

What was so extraordinary about the trip was that not only did we feel that what we were doing, along with all the other volunteers, really would make a difference in helping to transform and rewild the landscape in this remote corner of Namibia, but also that by being there as individuals, with no other halves or children to worry about or manage, it was a chance to reflect and to reset. I came home a changed person and cannot recommend the experience highly enough. If you can, just do it!

- Lucy Walsh-Waring

"Meaningful adventure has been a wonderful experience"

Going on The Leap MidLife was a great decision for me: spending time with a very entertaining and engaging group of people in the amazing and ancient landscape of Namibia on a meaningful adventure has been a wonderful experience.

Oana is a very special conservation reserve, and the passion, vision and determination of the camp managers has inspired a long term make-a-difference approach in us all. Although I have left Namibia and am now back in England, the memories of a fantastic and happy community thrown together for a purpose under the African skies will stay with me for ever.

- Carrie Watson

"An extraordinary and memorable trip"

If you are feeling motivated to make a difference and looking for an off grid adventure, have a look at The Leap’s website.

If you enjoy a challenge and want to feel intrepid, you can join a group of like minded individuals for an extraordinary and memorable trip, organised for you by experts. I cannot recommend The Leap more highly.

- Penny Mountbatten

"Extraordinary and inspiring"

On arrival the trepidation and pre-match nerves soon disappeared and I realised it was the best decision I had ever made. The photos are amazing, but to be there is even better. Having never had a gap year, been camping, been away without family, been to Africa or known anyone on the trip beforehand I was taking a big Leap into the unknown…..and I LOVED every minute. It was a wonderful and unique experience.

I now miss waking up in camp every morning, chatting and laughing with a very special group of now lifelong friends, being inspired by the amazing Dre and Red, looking at the beautiful stars, trekking to the top of mountains to admire the never ending breathtaking views.

The white water rafting and camping on the side of the Orange River towards the end of the 9 days enhanced what had already become the most phenomenal trip. I feel everyone should now make that Midlife Leap and then truly understand why it is so extraordinary and inspiring….

- Alice Fisher

" I would not hesitate to recommend The Leap to any midlifer who wants to challenge themselves and make lifelong friends in the process."

I booked the midlife trip to Peru to fulfil an ambition to see Machu Picchu, to set myself a physical challenge by completing a high altitude trek and to have fun with like-minded people. Well the trip was an unqualified success. Owing to The Leap's association with AASD, we learnt about sustainability and farming in Peru, we worked on their farms and visited indigenous communities that we would not otherwise have had access to. During the first week in Peru, we stayed with Peruvian families while acclimatising to the altitude. These families were incredibly hospitable and the food was delicious. Week 2 meant the high Andes trek - thank goodness I packed everything on the kit list as we certainly needed it - this was undoubtedly the toughest trek I have ever done but also the most rewarding - we did not see any other tourists, we were superbly looked after by our Guide, Ruben and chef, Edgar. We spend 2 nights camping and 1 night in a hostel and we thought that was it but the icing on the cake of our trip was the short Inca trail - another demanding hike but with the reward of the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu at the top - this was truly incredible and a momentous moment of my life. I would not hesitate to recommend The Leap to any midlifer who wants to challenge themselves and make lifelong friends in the process.

- Annie

"?Jordan was more than I expected in so many ways"

The Jordanians we met were friendly, polite and cheerful and helped us at every stage of the journey. After a whistle stop tour of Amman where we visited roman temples and markets with a huge variety of spices and the largest radishes I have ever seen (the size of apples), we headed down to the desert and at one point below sea level.

This was our first encounter with the Bedouin tribe as we were led on a trek by a Bedouin tribesman who taught us how to make soap from a rubbing a natural plant with water on a rock. As we headed further to Wadi Rum we went past a re enactment of the famous railway attack from the Lawrence of Arabia film, complete with Bedouin horseman attacking the train.

After a night in Petra we left early and started our 15 kms trek from Little Petra to Petra through the desert and along the rock cliff tracks which were stunning due to the scenery and the peace of being alone with a small group and our lovely guide Annas. Petra and the various temples is incredible, justifying the 40 years it took for the workers to build it.

My favourite experience however was Wadi Rum, arriving in the back of a Toyota pick-up truck driven by a 13 year old Bedouin the scenery was like nowhere else I have ever been. Desert flanked by incredible huge rocks and cliffs .. camel trains, completely magical and I wish we could have stayed longer here.

Loved it - add it to your bucket list.

- Guy Whitehead

"Soul and mind rebooted and the most amazing group of new friends"

I wasn’t sure how I was going to cope with the sleeping arrangements and roughing it, especially as I’m a contact user and need clean hands and a mirror to get them in, but it wasn’t a problem and all the things I worried about before I left were forgotten once I was there.

I had to pinch myself that we actually swam with manta rays and whale sharks and saw the most perfect beaches and yet balanced this with making other peoples lives better on ‘work days’, when we painted a school and health clinic and made bricks for a school build project.

- Emma O'Grady

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