Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a premier safari destination known for the Victoria Falls, its incredible wildlife and diverse National Parks. The country’s commitment to conservation, rigorous training of safari guides, and stunning natural landscapes make it a top choice for safari enthusiasts. The wildlife in Zimbabwe is abundant, with the opportunity to see the "BIG 5" – elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, lion, and buffalo – in parks like Hwange National Park.

 

The country’s dedication to conservation is evident through its participation in cross-border parks like the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) and the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. These initiatives aim to preserve natural habitats and migratory routes for animals across Southern Africa.

 

In Zimbabwe there are several national parks and game reserves that offer unique wildlife experiences, and the top parks are:

 

Hwange National Park is known as the Land of Giants. The park covers approximately 3.6 million acres and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including over 100 mammal species including the highly endangered African Wild dog, the Big 5, and 400 bird species. It is estimated that Hwange National Park has an elephant population of around 50,000. The park’s biodiversity is rich, with various ecosystems such as Kalahari woodland dominated by Zambezi Teak, seasonal wetlands forming grasslands, and mopane woodlands in the northwestern region.

 

Mana Pools National Park is considered one of the most picturesque reserves globally and offers abundant wildlife near the Zambezi River. Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Zimbabwe along the southern banks of the Zambezi River. Covering an area of 550,000 acres the park is characterized by its floodplain that transforms into expansive lakes during the rainy season, attracting a variety of large animals in search of water. The name “Mana” means "four" in Shona, referring to the four large permanent pools created by the Zambezi River’s meanderings. This region boasts a rich ecosystem with river frontage, islands, sandbanks, and forests teeming with mahogany, wild figs, ebonies, and baobabs. Mana Pools National Park is home to a plethora of wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, zebras, Cape buffaloes, lions, cheetahs, and more. It also supports threatened species like the black rhinoceros. Activities such as canoe safaris allow visitors to observe hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and various bird species up close.

 

Matobo National Park is a protected area located in the Matobo Hills just south of Bulawayo. It covers approximately 100,000 acres and is known for its unique landscape of granite kopjes, wooded valleys, and diverse flora and fauna. The park was established in 1926 and is the oldest national park in Zimbabwe. Matobo National Park is home to over 200 species of trees, including the mountain acacia and wild pear, as well as a variety of wildlife such as white rhinos, sable antelopes, impalas, leopards, and a significant population of black eagles. The park also boasts a rich cultural heritage with over 3,000 registered rock art sites left by the San people who lived in the area around 2,000 years ago.

 

Other notable parks in Zimbabwe include Chizarira National Park, Gonarezhou National Park, Matusadona National Park, Nyanga National Park in the Eastern Highlands, and Zambezi National Park near Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

 

Victoria Falls is recognized as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World for its extraordinary natural beauty, geological significance, and cultural importance. Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is known for its impressive size, with a width of 5,604 feet and a height of 354 feet making it the largest waterfall based on its combined width and height. The falls are roughly twice the height of North America’s Niagara Falls and well over twice its width. The noise from Victoria Falls can be heard from up to 25 miles away, while the spray and mist rising from the falling water can reach heights of over 1,300 meters and be seen from a distance of 35 miles away.

 

Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone first sighted Victoria Falls in 1855 during his travels in Africa. He named the falls after Queen Victoria, although it is also known by its local names such as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”). Livingstone was captivated by the beauty of the falls despite initially considering them an obstacle on his journey.

 

When visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, there is a diverse range of experiences catering to different preferences, from adventurous pursuits to more leisurely explorations:

 

• Walk along the footpaths of Victoria Falls National Park: Explore the lush rainforest reserve on the Zimbabwe side for stunning views of the falls.

• Sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Zambezi River to witness breathtaking sunsets.

• Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls: Get a bird’s eye view of the majestic falls and surrounding landscapes.

• Elephant encounters: Interact with these majestic creatures up close for a memorable experience.

• Black Rhino Conservation Experience: An immersive talk with an expert guide followed by a drive into the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve in search of the black rhino.

• Zambezi zipline and Flying Fox: Experience thrilling zip lining adventures over the Zambezi River.

• Royal Livingstone Express: A traditional steam train dinner run crossing the Victoria Falls bridge as the sun sets over the Falls

• Bungee jump from the Victoria Falls bridge: For adrenaline junkies, take on the 364 feet high bungee jump.

• White water rafting on the Zambezi River: Brave one of the wildest one-day white water rafting trips in the world.

• Zimbabwe Artists at Victoria Falls: Stroll through town and visit the local artist shops, considered some of the best craftsmen in Africa

• Boma Drum and Dinner show: An unforgettable African experience infused with Zimbabwean cuisine, dancing and performing arts.