Zimbabwe is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, has some of the finest game viewing and is an incredibly beautiful country. Zimbabwe is also famous for its 13000 year old rock art and the ancient ruins of the ancient civilization of the Great Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe offers superb game viewing without the crowds, setting it apart from its south African neighbors and you are able to enjoy unguided walking experiences at Mana Pools, one of the few areas in Africa that allow this. Of course, it is highly recommended that you use a guide! Along with the game drives, Zimbabwe is one of the best countries for walking safaris and along with this it is one of the few countries where you can do canoe safaris along the Zambezi River, camping on remote islands along the way!
Zimbabwe is a Big 5 destination, a country where you can experience game viewing without the crowds, stay at exclusive unfenced camps, knowing you will be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of the bush!
Mozambique
Known by the local tribes as Mosi-o-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders" as one can hear the waters from 40 km away and are able to see the mist and spray from the falling waters from 50 km away! Considered the largest falls in the world, they are more than a kilometer wide with a 100 meter drop. The falls are at their fullest April to May and are at their lowest in October and early November. The falls can be seen from Zimbabwe and Zambia, but Zimbabwe has a better view of the falls, while Zambia affords great views of the gorge. Victoria Falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
Victoria Falls are awe inspiring and full of adventure! Upon seeing the falls, David Livingstone famously wrote in 1855 "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight" and one of the best way to appreciate and experience this splendor is by helicopter. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the largest sheet of falling water in the world! Adrenaline junkies will enjoy bungy jumping, white water rafting, gorge swings, zip lining, tree top canopy tours and of course, the Devils Pool Excursion! Adjacent to Livingstone Island, the Devils Pool is accessed by speed boat, then a short swim across the Zambezi River, landing you in the cliff edge pool overlooking the falls! Other activities include morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris, island lunches, elephant interactions, cultural tours and breakfast and sundowner cruises.
Mozambique receives far fewer visitors than some of its neighbors and is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. The country offers a magic blend of adventure and relaxation, with idyllic islands to explore and vast swathes of protected reserves. Mozambique’s location on the southeast coast of the African subcontinent once made it an important trading center, and the remains of trading ports and company headquarters can still be found along the coast today.
Various African, Arab and European influences have created an eclectic mix of architecture and an interesting culture – perhaps best witnessed on Ilha de Mozambique, now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venture to the Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos and you will discover unspoilt, peaceful islands with small, intimate hotels perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle.
The sea here offers some of the richest coral reefs on the continent and contains abundant marine life, including humpback whale, marlin, dolphin, manta ray, five turtle species and one of world’s few viable populations of the endangered dugong, as well as tropical fish which can be easily spotted, should you choose to snorkel or dive.
Ilha de Mozambique
Ilha de Mozambique is a UNESCO World Heritage Site linked to the mainland by a narrow road bridge. Here you’ll discover a fascinating mix of African, Arab and European culture and history, evident in the form of churches and mosques, beautiful colonial buildings and small traditional houses. The island was a major Arab port and boat building centre long before Vasco da Gama visited in 1498. The Portuguese established a port and naval base in 1507, and built the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte – now considered the oldest European building in the southern hemisphere – in 1522.
Ponta Mamoli
One of Africa’s best kept secrets, Ponta Mamoli is situated on Mozambique’s Lagoon Coast in the south east. Beautiful beaches and clear waters warmed by the Indian Ocean current moving south from the Equator make this a relaxing, peaceful beach retreat. The surrounding area is equally unspoiled and includes the Maputo Special Reserve.
Quirimbas Archipelago
Consisting of over 50 coral islands, the Quirimbas Archipelago has recently been granted protection status in the form of the 12-square-kilometre Quirimbas National Park. The park has some of the richest coral reefs on the continent and provides a habitat for a lush marine life, and as the islands have never been developed and remain an unexplored holiday paradise, there is superb snorkeling and scuba diving on offer.
Bazaruto Archipelago
The five sun-soaked tropical islands which make up the Bazaruto Archipelago lie around 30 kilometers off Mozambique’s coast and are reached by boat or light aircraft from the mainland town of Vilanculos. White-sand beaches, tall palms and unspoiled nature have deservedly led to the islands being called ‘the Crown Jewels of the Indian Ocean’, and all of the islands fall within the Bazaruto Marine Reserve, one of the largest protected marine areas in the Indian Ocean. Its waters contain humpback whale, marlin, dolphin, manta ray, dazzling coral, turtle and one of world’s few viable populations of the endangered
Hwange National Park - Big 5
Is the largest park in Zimbabwe at 15000 square kilometers, located one hour south of Victoria Falls. Hwange has the biggest diversity of mammals (108) of all the national parks in the world. It is home to the Big 5 with approximately 50,000 elephants, large prides of lions, herds of buffalos and has an impressive variety of antelope including the Greater Kudu and Sable. Hwange has the largest population of African wild dogs in the world and is home to 400 species of birds. Hwange has the largest concentration of game, making it top for wild life viewing and with 482 km of game viewing roads, you don't run into too many tourists! The best game viewing months are may to August.
Hwange should be on every safari lovers bucket list
Gonarezhou National Park - The Place of Many Elephants
Gonarezhou is the second largest national park in Zimbabwe, covering over 5000 square kilometers. This park is characterized by its magnificent Chilogo sand stone cliffs, the extensive woodlands and the three wandering rivers. This park is truly a premier destination where you can escape the crowds as it is the least visited of Zimbabwe's national parks, creating a more personal experience. Gonarezhou National Park is home to over 400 species of birds, including 13 species that are rare or of a conservation interest. The wildlife has over 89 species of mammals including elephants (over 11000), several species of antelopes, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, lions, cheetahs, hippo's, hyena's and giraffe. Unfortunately, the black rhino was again poached out in the early 1990's and has not been reintroduced.
Gonarezhou is an extremely scenic park, largely undiscovered and where you feel you have the place to yourself! Best time to visit is the dry season, April to October.
Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
Is 124,000 acres of wilderness bordering the Gonarezhou National Park. It is home to the highest concentration of endangered black rhinos as well as 14 species of eagles. The reserve is known for its Mopane forest and the majestic baobab trees. One of the very unique characteristics of the reserve are the rock art sites dating back to more than 2000 years ago. There are over 100 sites and is one of the main attractions of visiting .
Mana Pools
Situated in the northern most part of Zimbabwe on the banks of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools is one of the least developed national parks in South Africa. never gets crowded, making you feel like you have the place to yourself! Mana pools is remarkably beautiful with its baobab trees and forests, the Zambezi river and the floodplains. It is famous for its huge elephant and buffalo herds, large populations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and the great sightings of lions, leopards and endangered wilds dogs, best seen on a game drive. Walking or canoeing safari's are a great way to experience the park. During the dry season, April to October, a walking safari is best and of course, in the wet season, November to March, a canoe safari is a wonderful way to experience the park. Keep in mind that in the wet season, many lodges are closed (January to March) for renovations and many roads are impassible. Mana Pools is an immersive experience and if you choose to stay at one of the exclusive, unfenced camps in the midst of the wilderness, not only do you have the place to yourself, but your experience is enhanced ten fold. It is not recommended that children under 12 stay in these camps due to the wildlife, but in one of the lodges.
Mana Pools is also well known for catch and release tiger fishing!
Matusadona National Park & Lake Kariba
Matusadona National park is bounded on the west by the Ume River and the Sanyati River on the east. The park is famous for the "drowned forests" and is home to some of Zimbabwe's biggest elephant and buffalo herds. You will find all of the Big 5 here, including the small, but significant number of endangered black rhinos. There are also over 240 bird species and is an excellent place for fishing! The best time to visit is May to October where game viewing becomes incredible as the wildlife are then drawn to Lake Kariba. And keep your camera handy as the sunsets are often fiery red as the sun dips below the petrified trees and shimmering waters. One way to experience this area is on the Matusdona houseboat. This is a unique offering, exclusive use with 4 cabins. If you have done a Zimbabwe tour, this is a great way to end your trip!
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