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.
The life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most productive wilderness areas. It was was designated as the country’s second World Heritage Site and is renowned as one of the continent’s premier game-viewing regions. This stretch of the Zambezi get its name from the local Shona word for '4' which refers to the number of pools back from the river which are remnants of where the Zambezi used to flow many years ago. Game drives, exciting walks and canoe trips and sleep-outs are all part of the Mana experience. The backdrop of the escarpment on the Zambian side of the river coupled with the enormous Winter Thorn and Mahogany trees make for superb views and photographic opportunities. Canoe trips are offered year round and are a unique and memorable way to experience wildlife viewing. Carmine Bee-eater nesting colonies (Sept/Oct), lion prides, elephant and hippo are some of the many highlights her. Whilst the dry season is the best for game viewing, any trip to Mana is bound to live long in your memory.
STAR ATTRACTIONS:
Mammals include: Lion | Leopard | Buffalo | Elephant | Wild Dog | Spotted Hyena | Hippo | Greater Kudu | Common Waterbuck
Birds include: Southern Carmine Bee-eater | Pel's Fishing Owl | Red-necked Falcon | Eastern Nicator | Black-throated Wattle-eye
Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western end of these iconic falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around. It serves as an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two-thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay.
Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or microlights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, some of the world's finest white-water rafting (seasonal), and day safaris across the border in Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation, restaurant options, coffee shops, a craft brewery as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay. This vibrant little frontier town is always alive despite Zimbabwe's long-terms challenges.
