Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a country filled with magic. Home to some of the friendliest and most resilient people one can meet, this beautiful landlocked country, located south of the Zambezi will surprise and enchant you with its incredible natural landscapes and wildlife. In the north, the Mosi-oa-tunya, the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ otherwise known as the Victoria Falls, heave up to 700 000 cubic metres of water over the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. But Zim has so much more to offer than rainbows and gigantic waterfalls, and our favourite spot of all is the wondrous, mystic Mana Pools, where walking with wildlife is not only permitted, it is the norm. Game viewing is just as superb in Zimbabwe’s other top wildlife destination, Hwange National Park, for its savannah grasslands and Mopane woods harbour a rich diversity of wildlife viewable on foot, horseback or from the comfort of a safari vehicle.
Seasonality :
October - November
April - May
Shoulder Season
Highlights :
A few of our favourite places in Zimbabwe...
Mana Pools
The Most Enchanting of Them All
We shouldn’t have favourites, but let’s be honest. Located on the banks of the mighty Zambezi, Mana’s blue forests and orange pools of golden light will enchant you forever, particularly as you stroll through them on foot in the search of elephants that have learned to balance on their hind legs. One’s soul never returns fully whole from Mana Pools. Sip your coffee or tea by one of Mana’s – meaning ‘four’ in Shona – magnificent natural pools whilst game, big and small, roams around you. Track wild dogs and gigantic elephants on foot, feeling the rush of excitement, exhilaration and humility as you feel Nature’s splendour surround you. A sunset in Africa is unforgettable, but a sunset by the Zambezi is something else, whispers of past explorers, adventures and lovers of Africa hanging in the air as the blazing orb descends behind the valley mountains.
Hwange National Park
One of the Last Great Elephant Sanctuaries
Roughly the size of Belgium, Hwange is Zimbabwe’s most diverse national park. Close to the Kalahari desert, the park’s landscape is a mix of beautiful Mopane woodlands and savannah grasslands. Sightings of lions, cheetah and leopard are a common occurrence here, particularly in the dry season as they congregate to the water-holes. The park has no permanent water sources, meaning that impressive animal numbers will gather around small manmade springs after the rains stop. With tens of thousands of elephants coursing through the park each year, Hwange is definitely considered as one of the top destinations for elephant sightings in the world.
The Victoria Falls
Tremble in Wonder Before the ‘Smoke that Thunders’
Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight, wrote Dr. Livingstone as he described the mighty Victoria Falls. Referred to by some locals as the Mosi-Oa-Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders, or in Chongwe, The Place of the Rainbow, the Falls are amongst one of the seven natural wonders of the world. A natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Falls are considered as some of the world’s largest waterfalls, pumping up to 3000m3 of water per second in the wet season. Gigantic sheets of water plummet into the depths of a 1078m wide chasm, crossed by a bridge from which it is possible to bungee jump for an adrenaline pumping thrill. A myriad of other activities are also on offer, for those wanting something a little more relaxed. The Victoria Falls town is deliciously vibrant and full of local artisans and creatives, making it a great place to unwind after a safari!
Nyanga National Park
A Gem in the Eastern Highlands
In the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe lays one of the most spectacular landscapes of Africa: Nyanga National Park. Nyanga is a paradise for the adventurer wanting to experience something different. Hiking with exquisite views, exploring and swimming around Mutarazi Falls, fly-fishing the rivers and lakes for trout and some of the best birding in Zimbabwe, are only a few of the activities to be experienced in this magical place, for a journey into Zimbabwe far from the well trodden tourist paths.
Great Zimbabwe
One of the World's Most Fascinating Historical Sites
One of the most important historical sites in Africa, Great Zimbabwe has attracted adventurers, historians and tourists for centuries. Many have tried to make sense of the mysteries hidden within its impressive walls. Historians date the start of the Great Zimbabwe edifice around the early 11th century, and it is understood that this mighty kingdom stood proud until meeting its downfall in the late 15th century. As one walks the deep passageways, rock walls towering above them, or stands amongst the ruins of the citadel on the mountain, the imagination runs wild after having undoubtedly been introduced to one of Africa’s most fascinating sites.
Matopos National Park
Granite Boulders, White Rhinos and Rhodes' grave
A mountain range like no other, the Matopos National Park is a sea of megalithic rock formations, stretching as far as the eye can see. So scenically beautiful, so spiritually occupied, that Cecil Rhodes himself declared it his burial site. The mountain tops are places to be awed by stunningly endless views, and the lowlands are home to wondrous experiences. Matopos is home to some of the best hiking in Africa, alongside white rhino tracking, game drives and cycling, all of which are also offered in this wonderful escape from the world.
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"it will change you"
Going to Mana Pools was an experience unlike anything i have ever done before, it will change you! – Jill Blighton
