Oh, if you go on a safari at a private park, be sure to factor in a LARGE tip for the ranger, tracker, and other employees - I think we ended up giving over $600 for four people staying four nights. They expect a lot, rightfully so (the tip guidelines were in the rooms). They treat you like royalty. Of course, it helps that the exchange rate is so favorable for Americans! You can get amazing meals for very reasonable prices.
Good point about bringing shirts or shoes for the vendors. I can’t recall what we did for that particular trip but, before we travel to places less fortunate than the US, I generally check (google, trip advisor, etc.) for advice about what people need and how/where we can donate. When we went to Kenya and Tanzania (different trip from Vic Falls), we collected eye glasses and donated them when we were in town. We also visited an orphanage in Tanzania and brought some things on their ‘requested’ list along with some toys, milk and cookies. If this holds any appeal, you can also see what the need is in Lusaka. My D volunteered in Lusaka with an organization that worked with boys who couldn’t afford school (cost of uniforms and supplies) and helped get them off the street and into schools so I’m sure Lusaka has a variety of needs.
I’m so excited. My brother sent me 3 itineraries he has been this king of for the trip. The 3rd includes the tour we had been looking at for Vic falls but with an additional 2 days to go to Hwange for and do more safari. The tour operator had mentioned it when we were corresponding about the first tour but i hadn’t said anything about it as I didn’t think my brother was as interested in the safaris as me.
Thanks for the heads up that we need some warmer clothes. That honestly had never crossed my mind.
^Yeah, I was shocked in 2014 how cold it was. Being from Maine, I assumed that the South African winter wouldn’t be that cold. I was wrong! That reminds me I’ve got to make sure my parents bring warm clothes in June.
I’m excited for you, @swimcatsmom! You will have to write up a detailed report of your trip. 
It has grown from a one week trip to a 2 week trip (plus the few days before and after to get from the US tot he UK and back). It is going to be so amazing and getting to go back to where our parents met and where we both originated (he was born there and my Mum discovered she was pregnant with me on the ship returning to England - I was just a zygote when I was there but it counts, right?) is just priceless.
Is it warm during the day and just cold in the mornings and at night? Or do I need to rethink my whole packing plan - not that I had one, but I was thinking linen pants and some capris! Trying to pack for 2 weeks is going to be a challenge!
I am so glad you are going to Hwange. One of my favorites. It does warm up to the upper 70s by afternoon. Nights can be low 40s or even into the 30s and no heat in tents and vehicles are open on sides. I usually sleep in my clothes for the next day and a fleece and then I am ready to go and do not have to change until it is warmer in the day. A winter hat, scarf are easy to pack. Layering is the name of the game. Also most camps will do your laundry for free.
You will love your time in both countries. They are fabulous and safe. The people are amazing and the elephants of Hwange- oh the elephants!!!
Yes, the temps can fluctuate a lot!
On our trip, we are stopping in Beirut on the way to see our son. So I will have to pack for Middle East summer heat plus South Africa winter cold. It will be tricky.
I’m glad you extended the length of your trip - you will need every minute! Cool that you get to see where you both began!
For those of us getting inspired from this thread, what times of the year are best for avoiding the coldest of nights and hottest of days? Is rain (monsoon variety) an issue during those times?
For Southern Africa ( Which includes South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, etc) The most tolerable temps occur End of August, Sept , and early Oct. This is the end of the dry season and game viewing at its height - Moderate to warm nights and warm days ( not hot) Keep in mind that this is mainly for safaris as opposed to cultural travel. Due to ideal game viewing it is also the most expensive time. It I can be hot in some of these countries Nov- Jan , but some tolerate the heat better than others. The Green season ( generally Jan -May) is a pretty time to go and prices are lower. Some areas close for safari and when it rains, it is usually not all day. It can be an interesting time to go if you choose wisely.
East Africa - ( Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda ) similar, but closer to equator so can have a little variance. It can have a short dry season in Feb - March along with June - Oct.
Weather is changing in Africa too due to global warming and the rule is not always true.
West Africa- Ha! I could go on and on!
As some of you know, who have been on safari or travelled culturally to parts of Africa - there is nothing better!
Hope this helps.
@collage1 - we are thinking of spending a couple of days at the Avani as out final 2 nights of the trip. It sounds like you have free access to the Zambia side of the falls from the hotel - am I reading that correctly?
Yes, there’s a gate on their property, IIRC, and you just pass through it. We found our experience there almost miraculous with the interaction/sightings we had with the zebra and giraffes as well. I’m so glad you’re able to take this trip!
Thanks. The 6 day Victoria Falls/Chobe/Hwange are going to be pretty busy and hectic and I suggested the Avani to my brother for the last 2 nights. It will be a bit of a splurge but I’m hoping he will go for it - I told him we could go to the falls as often as we want from there without paying the park fees and I think that may sell him on the idea - just wanted to make sure I was telling him the truth! It sounds magical.
I am getting so excited about the trip. Probably paying for the plane tickets and the 6 day tour this weekend and hopefully finalizing the Lusaka and Livingstone hotels. I’m paying for parts in dollars and he’s paying for parts pounds and then we’ll sort out the difference. The simplest way we could figure it out with us living on different continents with different currencies.
We are sharing rooms where we can be assured of twin beds. At least one of them (the safari lodge) has mosquito nets. The last time I shared a room with him that had mosquito nets, he burned the room down. He had found matches and struck one and the nets went pffff! He was about 6 and I was about 4. The baby sitter ran up and down the stairs screaming fire fire - a passing policemen broke in and rescued us. Hopefully no repeats of that event!
What a memory! Yes, I’m sure he’s matured quite a bit in all that time! You can always email the hotel to confirm but I do not recall needing to pay any fees–just walking through a gate. What a great trip you’re going to have!
Well the flights are booked from England to Lusaka>Livingstone>England. The Avani is booked for the last 2 nights of our trip (thank you @collage1 for that recommendation it will be a lovely ending to our trip). That’s my part of the booking done (other than my round trip from the US to the UK). The Victoria Falls and safari packages are all organized - we decided to go with a tour organizer for that part to make sure we get everything in that we want to do - plus they are picking us up at Livingstone airport and transferring us to the hotel in Vic Falls then transferring us back to the Avani from Zimbabwe after the Hwange safari. My brother will be paying for that on Monday. Just the Lusaka hotel to decide on and book - leaving that to him as he has been looking into Lusaka and where our parents married etc. I thought he had about decided on a place but he wants to research it a bit more.
I’m so excited. As usually college confidential has really helped with some personal insights. I was excited before but I am so much more excited now with the additional things we will be doing. Only 3 months and a few days till we go!
So excited for you, @swimcatsmom! It really is one of those bucket list, once in a lifetime opportunities!