Zimbabwe is a safari traveler’s dream come true. Being a small country means that the sights are not too far apart and one can comfortably drive across the country to visit the main sights. This is a country that is blessed with a temperate climate and very distinctive hot and cold seasons. Zim’s most popular attraction is undoubtedly the majestic Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. The Zambezi begins its journey in the northwestern corner of Zambia as a small spring and slowly meanders through Angola, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, finally delivering its cargo to the Indian Ocean at Mozambique.
Made famous by intrepid traveler and missionary David Livingstone, the falls are the largest sheet of water on the planet when in full flood. Zimbabwe has other attractions such as the Mana Pools on the country’s northern border with Zambia. Named after four pools found in the floodplains, Mana is a world heritage sight and is one of the few places on earth where you can go unaccompanied on a trek through dangerous game country. This came to be from the days of yore when Mana was the playground of the local farming communities when they were on vacation. It was agreed that these farmers lived all their lives in the wilds of Africa and would have the sensibilities to know what to do in “big game country”. Mana is home to the acrobatic elephant bulls that can be seen standing on their hind legs as if they are in a circus act. In fact, they will attempt to obtain the nutritious Albida fruit that feeds most of the herbivores in the valley during the winter.
Lake Kariba is another amazing stop. Built in 1959 as a source of hydroelectric power, the lake soon became one of the best water parks in the region. After the dam was created, the valley was faced with a dilemma, as many animals were being abandoned on the islands by the rapidly rising water. A man named Rupert Fothergill started what would become the largest animal rescue operation ever to take place on the planet. Operation Noah was a resounding success with the help of ladies from around the world who donated their nylon stockings to use as ropes to secure the animals during transport. The southern shore of the lake is home to the Matusadona National Park. This water wonderland has stunning sunsets and is home to the elusive black rhino, as well as having the highest concentration of lions on the continent. Walking safaris are a big draw, as are vehicle and small boat safaris.
Leaving the valley behind, you climb the escarpment and in 3 hours you reach the capital Harare. A bustling metropolis of fine architecture and amazing art sculptures. The city is kept alive at night to the rhythm of many local musicians. There are many places to enjoy good local and international cuisine and the people are very friendly and hospitable.
The ruins of Great Zimbabwe give this country its name. This site was once the center of the Shona Kingdom Civilization and from here the Shona kings traded with Arab merchants from the east coast. These ruins are the largest ancient civilization south of the equator and the second largest on the continent after the Egyptian pyramids. A walk up the hill complex leaves you in awe of the workmanship and some say they can feel the “magic” of kings.
In the south of Matabeleland is the Matopos National Park
BULAWAYO (City of Kings)
Home of the Ndebele warrior nation which is a branch of the Zulus. Bulawayo has maintained its colonial splendor and has wide streets designed to allow 16-span oxen carts to make U-turns.
Matobo National Park is nearby and has white rhino rides as its main attraction. Matopos has undulating mounds of balanced granite boulders that create the feeling of being in a giant art gallery which in fact we are. Matopos also has the highest concentration of leopards and black eagles in the world.
Cecil John Rhodes became so enamored with Matopos that he chose his burial place in what is known as “Worlds View”.
Hwange National Park is the largest park in Zimbabwe and is home to the Big Five. Hwange is unique in that it has no rivers flowing through the heart of the park, so the animals have to rely on natural waterholes that are supplemented by artificial pumps during the dry season. Ted Davidson was the park’s first warden and came up with the ingenious plan to pump water during the dry season. The result was that the animals stopped making the annual migration to the northern rivers and this pushed the Game numbers to what we see today.
Zimbabwe is not just about big game. The Eastern Highlands are home to rolling hills reminiscent of parts of England. Pine forests were introduced here a long time ago and now it is a driving business. Mount Nyangani is the highest point in the country and is a good challenge for more adventurous hikers. There are many ancient structures that are still at the center of much debate about who built them and the function of “pit structures.”