Zimbabwe

Many people only touch on this wonderful country when they add a visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls to a Botswana or South Africa trip but in doing so they are missing some magnificent areas. Zimbabwe has great deal to offer; it is a beautiful country with a temperate climate and a wide variety of ecosystems to explore. The great Zambezi River cuts along its northern frontier to form the border with Zambia, while the more languid Limpopo forms the southern border with South Africa. Both rivers flow in tropical low-lying valleys where wildlife is abundant. The central plateau is dominated by open woodland and is extensively utilized for farming.

Despite the bad news that we often hear about Zimbabwe`s social and economic woes, it remains a welcoming place for tourists and provides a wealth of opportunities for anyone wishing to observe a wide spectrum of African wildlife and culture. 

Two must-see places are  Matobo National Park, with its bizarre geological formations and black rhinos, and Great Zimbabwe - the fascinating ruins of one of Africa`s earliest civilizations. To the east, a long chain of mountains (actually the southern most tip of the Great Rift Valley) rises up off the central plateau and these eastern highlands, including Chimanimani National Park provide a wonderful opportunity for hiking and seeking out plants and animals not found elsewhere in the region.

Zimbabwe`s largest wildlife sanctuary is Hwange National Park, situated on the western border with Botswana. Hwange is home to one of Africa`s largest elephant populations and myriad other species, including the spectacular but elusive sable antelope. Other excellent game viewing areas are Matusadona, Mana Pools and Zambezi National Parks.  The Zambezi provides opportunities for water activities such as canoe trips, kayaking and whitewater rafting.  Zimbabwe also has a vibrant artistic and musical culture and its people are some of the friendliest people in Africa. 

Of course no visit to Zimbabwe is complete without a visit to Victoria Falls.  Spend a day checking out the spectacular Falls from a variety of vantage points, or take a helicopter ride to get an entirely different view.