Zimbabwe

About Zimbabwe

From stunning wildlife to awe-inspiring scenery, holidays to Zimbabwe promise countless unforgettable experiences. A landlocked country often described as the most beautiful in all of Southern Africa, bordered on the north-west by the great Zambezi and in the south-west by the Limpopo, Zimbabwe is home to the awesome majesty of Victoria Falls, swathes of wild savannah and magical wilderness of Mana Pools National Park. 

The Matusadona National Park and Lake Kariba offer a water wilderness while the Matobo National Park is where to go to see 20,000-year-old San paintings, and for bird-watchers it is as near to heaven as is possible, being home to one-third of the world’s species of eagle. Nature’s largesse also knows no bounds when it comes to the Hwange National Park, for here some 30,000 elephants are free to roam, while the Matobo National Park remains a sanctuary for rhino.

It is a country so rich in nature’s gifts with a superabundance of flora, fauna, game and wildlife. From its great evergreen forests and acres of bush come 60 different species of mammal and more than 500 different species of birds, and well over 130 different types of fish. It is a naturalist’s idea of heaven and still almost completely unspoilt.

Interesting things to do in Zimbabwe

While most visitors to Zimbabwe will want to go on safari to see Africa’s big game and also marvel at a natural wonder of the world, the Victoria Falls, on a guided walk or from up high on a helicopter trip, there are numerous other ways to enjoy your holiday here.

The Elephant Express is a unique railcar excursion that visitors can take when transferring to or from Hwange National Park, where there are plenty of opportunities for game viewing on the park’s guided game drives. The Elephant Express is also your chance to take in the scenery as you travel along one of the world’s longest stretches of perfectly straight railway line.

 In the south-east of Zimbabwe, guests at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge are welcome to visit the local village for an authentic, non-touristy experience and a glimpse of rural life.

When on safari in the Mana Pools National Park, enhance your experience by taking to the waters of the Zambezi River on a canoeing trip. Here, you can spot crocodiles and hippos in the water as well as elephants and buffalos on the shoreline.

If you prefer to be more active on safari, a stay at Jozibanini gives you the opportunity to explore a remote part of the Hwange National Park and get closer to nature on a guided mountain bike excursion.

For more information on Zimbabwe holidays, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk

Seasons

• Dry - May to September
• Green - November to March

In The Know

• Capital – Harare
• Currency – US Dollar
• Point of Entry – Victoria Falls, Harare, Bulawayo
• Airlines – British Airways & South African Airways via Johannesburg, Kenya Airways via Nairobi,Emirates via Dubai
• Flying Time – 1 hour 30 minutes from Johannesburg
• Time Zone – GMT +2
• Visa on arrival
• Medical Requirements – Malaria prophylaxis recommended

Insider Tips

• Try not to get to Victoria Falls airport too early - there is not a lot on offer at the airport
• For a real thrill, stay in the open-air Doves Nest tree-house at The Hide Safari Camp in Hwange
• Do engage with the locals – Zimbabweans are the friendliest people in Africa
• Walk across the bridge to the Zambian side for a different view of the Victoria Falls.
• Drink the local Zambezi beer – it is far better than most overseas brands