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.
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.
As previously described
“Mosi-oa-Tunya,” the smoke that thunders, is more commonly known as Victoria Falls. Located almost exactly halfway along the Zambezi River’s 2 700 km journey to the Indian Ocean, it is a World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural Wonders of the World.
The Falls of the Zambezi River are among the worlds largest, spanning more than a mile (nearly 2 km) and dropping 355 feet (108 metres) – twice as wide and twice as deep as Niagara Falls. The constant pounding by the currents of the Zambezi has over millennia, cut through the rock faults and fissures of its ancient bed, and carved eight successive precipices, to form one of the greatest spectacles on earth.
The Zambezi is Africa’s fourth-largest river, winding from Angola through Zambia to Victoria Falls, from where it travels east forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, filling Lake Kariba, before crossing over Mozambique and finally emptying into the Indian Ocean.
The bustling town of Victoria Falls is a springboard to all of the activities the area has to offer. For the adrenaline junkies there’s white water rafting, bungee jumping and croc cage diving. Or you can soak up the serenity of the Zambezi on a canoeing trip, or sunset cruise.
For centuries the river has attracted explorers and today is no different. Modern day adventurers include game-viewers, bird-watchers, thrill-seekers and fishermen, who come to explore the Zambezi by vehicle, on foot, or even by canoe – with significantly more comfort than that experienced by Dr David Livingstone all those years ago. Above the Falls, the south bank is a pristine wilderness protected by the Zambezi National Park – forested sandveld combines with the floodplain near the river to provide a special variety of habitat, scenery and wildlife for the modern explorer.
