ZIMBABWE, once revered as a top safari destination in Southern Africa is re-emerging as an exciting, unspoilt and uncrowded place to visit. It’s a country with a great choice of attractions: diversity of animals and birds, magnificent and unique scenery and friendly people. It currently represents the best value destination in Africa while offering luxurious lodges with incredibly hospitable staff. Zimbabwe’s professional safari guides have earned the reputation of being among the best in Africa and you can benefit from their expertise on game drives, on foot and on the water in canoes. Zimbabwe is well worth including in one’s itinerary.

Zimbabwe Highlights: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools

At more than twice the size of Niagara Falls, the Victoria Falls are among the Seven Wonders of the World.   Mosi-oa-Tunya – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ (derived from the towering column of spray when the Zambezi River runs high) is the name that Zimbabwe's local people have given to this awesome natural phenomenon. Five separate falls make up this watery spectacle that plunges more than 328 feet into a sheer-sided chasm which separates Zimbabwe from Zambia. Originating from the mighty Zambezi River that meanders through more than 1,677 miles of African countryside, the masses of water plunge down the Falls and into the gorge below. In addition to enjoying the natural beauty of the Falls, there are numerous activities to enjoy ranging from leisurely cruises on the river to many adrenaline producing pursuits!

Hwange National Park, situated in the west of the country covers 14,600 sq km ranks and is home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and giraffe. The vegetation and scenery is varied and includes desert sand, thorny thickets, open vleis and Ilala palms. Hwange is one of the few National Parks where game can be viewed on foot and on horseback.

Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage site, is situated at the most northerly point of Southern Africa in Zimbabwe’s Zambezi Valley. The park borders the tranquil Zambezi River, with its wonderful wildlife, flood plains, immense stands of Acacia trees and the towering backdrop of the Zambezi Valley Escarpment. Here the river is filtered by a series of channels and pools, which attract vast quantities of animals. Large herds of buffalo swim out to the grassy islands, and many pods of hippo bathe in the clear waters. With walking and canoeing safaris allowing one to get close to the animals and birds, it really is a photographer and wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.

More to come....