You will be leaving as I am coming back (leave the 28th of July, return August 23rd). I am taking Emirates as well, from LAX, arrangements made by Lori (RIP) of Travel Express.
Buzz & Co. are having me spend a night at both ends of the trip at Amanzi lodge as well. It is supposed to be a decent place though all I will need is a bed after a 9 hour flight inbound and a 6 hour drive outbound.
Originally I was going to leave the day after the hunting, drive to Harare, get PCR testing and results in time for my flight back home. However, I thought to myself: "This is Zimbabwe where unexpected can happen" , so decided to spend a night in order to make sure I get the PCR test results in time.
I'll make sure I leave behind a hard boss buffalo and decent size sable for you.