Zimbabwe

“Spectacular wilderness, perfect year-round climate, Zimbabwe ranks as one of the most beautiful countries in southern Africa. Zimbabwe combines a wealth of scenic landscapes, remnants of ancient civilisations, incredible wildlife and adventures galore.”
– Fodors

“We have been on safari every year for the past 12 years and we’ve not encountered anything like walking within 5 meters from growling lions at Mana Pools.”
– fellow traveler
 

Mother Nature’s Charm

Zimbabwe is the proud custodian of one of Nature’s 7 wonders, Victoria Falls, which it shares with neighbouring Zambia. This magnificent waterfall tumbles into the Zambezi River and is also known as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’.

After having endured some turbulent political history, Zimbabwe has fought hard to bring back Mother Nature’s charm and provide a home for the many animals that have found their way back to the safe havens of Zimbabwe’s National Parks.

Mana Pools is home to some stylish luxury lodges, and one of the biggest wild dog populations in Southern Africa; while Hwange National Park is known for its overwhelming elephant population.

Zimbabwe is a country less discovered and here, guests will find flourishing beauty in the smaller parks, such as Gonarezhou, Matusadona and Lake Kariba, which is famous for one of the biggest wildlife relocation projects, Operation Noah.
 

Wildlife

Zimbabwe sits at the crossroads of the northern tropics of Central Africa and the southern temperate zone of South Africa. Its more than 5,000 species of flowering plants and ferns are testament to the diversity that is possible in a relatively small country at such a meeting place. The Zambezi River traces the northern border of the country flowing into Lake Kariba and then through the hot low-lying Zambezi Valley and the World Heritage Site of Mana Pools National Park, providing water year-round for all manner of wildlife and waterfowl in the dry season. Large concentrations of buffalo and elephant are found along the river’s edges, while predators such as lion, wild dog and leopard are often sighted. Kudu, zebra, impala and waterbuck feed on the surrounding plains and hippo and crocodile are also numerous.

Along the Botswana border the easternmost tongues of the Kalahari sands creep into the country and mix with the teak forests of the interior. Here Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hwange, is home to some of southern Africa’s last great elephant, buffalo and sable herds and plays an integral role in a network of southern African conservation areas. The large numbers of animals all year round – elephant, buffalo, sable, roan, giraffe, wildebeest, impala and even gemsbok – are followed by their predators: lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah, along with African wildcat, serval, honey badger, civet and spotted hyena.