A nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture, Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading safari destinations was dampened for years by its political instability. But now that the country is transcending its strife and returning to a state of equilibrium, it is once again emerging as a vacation highlight of the continent. Victoria Falls – known to locals as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ – is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the sheer power of this massive body of water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is awe-inspiring and unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, is an idyllic safari spot featuring mind-blowing sunsets; Hwange National Park is known for its huge herds of elephants; and a kayak trip down the Zambezi through the Mana Pools National Park will appeal to the intrepid traveller, providing close encounters with crocodiles, hippos and a host of other wildlife.
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 metres in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.
Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. Home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, the park is a wonderland for animal lovers. Several protected animals inhabit the awe-inspiring open landscapes, including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable - along with lion, cheetah, and around 500 bird species. Adventurers can look forward to guided bush hikes, game drives, and horse riding safaris, all of which offer excellent photographic opportunities. Hwange boasts several unique natural features, most notably the natural seeps such as Nehimba and Shakwanki animals dig for water.
Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host a significant pride of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Botswana, on the banks of the famous Chobe River, the scenic little town of Kasane rests on the doorstep of the spectacular Chobe National Park. There are no boundary fences separating the village from the park and game such as elephant and hippo are often spotted roaming around the town. If on the lookout for elusive game, pay a visit to the Sedudu Valley Road, where large dead trees provide temporary homes for leopards. Within Kasane, an ancient baobab tree stands on display, once serving as a local prison. Visitors can look forward to a multitude of activities including: enjoying a game drive through the park, taking a sunset cruise down the Chobe River, visiting a local village or jumping on a day trip to the breathtaking Victoria Falls.
The Mapula and Sekwana Concession, also known as NG12 (an acronym for the broader Ngamiland) is situated north of the breathtaking Okavango Delta, spreading out over 220,000 acres, and is accessible via a 45-minute light aircraft trip from Maun. This Community Concession boasts magnificent delta landscapes, as well as mopane woodlands. In the southern part of the park, visitors will be able to see prolific birdlife (African paradise flycatcher, Carmine bee-eaters, and the endangered wattled crane) as well as giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, lions, wild dogs, and numerous antelope species. A range of guided tours and game drives are on offer. Several villages are encompassed by the concession, and the local communities work in conjunction with NG12 management to sustain the beautiful natural area.
Known as the gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans, the tiny old Botswanan village of Gweta is a pleasant place to stay while exploring the vast salt pans. Take a guided walk or quad bike ride through Gweta’s surrounds and discover flint-head spears and other artefacts abandoned by the area’s early Stone Age inhabitants. Experience a barbeque under the star-studded African sky while sipping on traditional, organic sorghum beer or a creamy baobab milkshake. During the rainy season, the Gweta area teems with zebra and wildebeest and these, in turn, attract hungry predators such as lion and cheetah. If a unique and interesting getaway is what you are after, Gweta won’t fail to impress.
The small town of Xhumaga is situated in north-central Botswana and rests on the western bank of the Boteti River, flanking the Makgadikgadi National Park. This photographer’s wonderland presents visitors with striking scenes of vast open plains, dramatic Acacia tree silhouettes and wandering herds of wildlife. The Makgadikgadi National Park, which encompasses the largest saltpan in the world, provides a home for antelope, zebra and wildebeest, and stone-age tools and artefacts dot the landscape. At the Nxai Pan, nature enthusiasts can spot unusual species such as hartebeest, bat-eared fox, brown hyena, and cheetah. A rich culture flourishes here, and the town is happy to welcome visitors to their way of life. Make sure to try some of the region’s traditional dishes such as mopane worms, lamb, meat stew (seswaa) and maize porridge (pap), as well as the sweet, tasty watermelon (lerotse) grown here.
