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.
Bordering Mozambique in the southeastern lowveld of Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou, meaning ‘place of elephants’, is Zimbabwe’s second-largest national park and home to over 10 000 elephants. The Gonarezhou National Park extends across a vast area of floodplains, baobab-dotted scrubland, mopane woodland and pale orange sandstone cliffs. It is home to 4 of Africa’s ‘Big Five’ – elephant, leopard, lion and buffalo – as well as a multiplicity of other animal and bird species. Visitors can camp in an unfenced campsite for a truly close encounter with an array of spectacular wildlife including 140 species of mammal, at least 100 different reptile species and over 500 species of bird. Other highlights include: game viewing, bird watching, and viewing the beautiful Chilojo Cliffs towering over the scenic Runde River valley.
As previously described
Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500 kilometres of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving. Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants. Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However, you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again.
Located in the Great Rift Valley, in Central Mozambique, the Gorongosa National Park is known for its unique biodiversity, spectacular natural scenery and abundant wildlife. The focus of a National Geographic film entitled ‘Africa’s Lost Eden’, the Gorongosa National Park – with its cobalt-blue lagoons, wide open savannah and forested mountains studded with waterfalls – is indeed an earthly paradise, tucked beneath the towering peak of Mount Gorongosa. This popular ecotourism destination presents a conservation success story of community-engaged environmentalism at its best. Activities offered include game drives, guided game treks, waterfall hikes, sundowner excursions, and birding safaris.
