Zimbabwe is a captivating destination in southern Africa, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The country is home to some of the continent’s most iconic natural attractions, including Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into a deep gorge in a spectacular display of power. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore Hwange National Park, famous for its large elephant population and diverse game viewing opportunities, or visit Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its walking safaris, canoeing adventures, and close wildlife encounters. Lake Kariba, one of the world's largest man-made lakes, offers scenic boat cruises, excellent fishing, and breathtaking sunsets. Combining adventure, natural beauty, and authentic safari experiences, Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s most rewarding travel destinations.
The Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is a sight not to be missed. Especially when the Zambezi river is in full flow (April to June/July) when over a mile of unbroken surging water plunges into the Zambezi gorge below. The pleasant town is compact enough to walk around and the Falls are within easy walking distance.
The Victoria Falls is bordered by Zimbabwe and Zambia and each country offers a different viewing perspective. Towards the end of the dry season, from late September to January, the spectacle is best seen from the Zimbabwe side of the Victoria Falls.
A host of activities are on offer centred around the Falls themselves, the magnificent Zambezi River and the Zambezi National Park. Enjoy guided tours of the Falls and then a languorous sunset boat cruises. To gain an overall impression of the Falls, the helicopter 'Flight of Angels' is essential. A microlight ride and bungee jumping are available for the more daring. The wide gentle river above the Falls is the perfect place for canoeing and fishing, whilst below the Falls, the serious white-water rafting or jet-boating is on offer. Game drives and horse riding are offered in the Zambezi National Park to view elephant and buffalo, or you can take a day safari to nearby Chobe National Park. You can also sample elephant back safaris and interactions.
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.
The Chobe river is alive with crocodile and hippo and marvellous birdlife, including kingfishers and bee-eaters. Languorous sunset cruises are a speciality of the Chobe river area, as well as morning game drives in the park. Staying on the Chobe riverfront is therefore popular, given its abundant wildlife and ease of access to Victoria Falls (1½ hours by road) and also to the Okavango Delta. So game drives in the northern park are not an exclusive experience.
