Explore:
Zimbabwe
General Information
- Population: 11,365,366
- Ethnic groups: African 98% (Shona 71%, Ndebele 16%, other 11%), mixed and Asian 1%, white 1%
- Religions: syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1%
- Languages: English (official), Shona, Sindebele (the language of the Ndebele, sometimes called Ndebele), numerous but minor tribal dialects
What to wear
Cool, comfortable clothing is best suited for safari wear. Warm tracksuits and sweaters may be needed in the evenings and early mornings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as are sunglasses, sun block and a wide brimmed hat. A 35 mm camera with a 100-300 mm lens and binoculars are recommended.
How to get there
Zimbabwe is served internationally by air Zimbabwe and other international airlines. Its major points of entry by air are through the Harare International Airport, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo. There are 10 points of entry by road from the countries five neighbours. All have immigration facilities.
Health
No inoculations are necessary, but Zimbabwe is a malaria area. It is essential that you consult with your Doctor about malaria prophylactics.
Things To Do
There is no shortage of activities, especially in the areas surrounding Victoria Falls.
For the adrenalin-junkie; get your fix bungi jumping, white water rafting or jetboating. The adventurous traveller, who knows their limits, can enjoy abseiling, helicopter flights and elephant safaris.
For those wishing to experience the true African Bush, with 11% of the country being National Parks, wild game and protected bush is plentiful. Enjoy game-drives, walking or camping safaris, or stay in any of the rustic accommodation on offer.
For the not so adventurous, relax on a houseboat on Lake Kariba, or take a hot air balloon flight and enjoy cocktails while watching the sun set in the magnificent African sky.
LAKE KARIBA
Situated in the North Western top of Zimbabwe, Lake Kariba is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. It has a hot climate with rains being between December-March. There are many resorts and options for accommodation including spending time on one of the many houseboats located at either Kariba Town or Binga.
WHAT TO DO? The shores of Lake kariba are abundant in big game so game viewing is a definate. Kariba is also home to the Tigerfish, one of the world’s most desired sporting fish so angling is also good. There are visits to the Croc Farm and a casino resort for the gamblers out there.
GREAT ZIMBABWE
Visit the centre of an ancient civilisation. Located near the Town of Masvingo in central Zimbabwe, Great Zimbabwe is a special place for cultural enthusiasts. Massive stone walls surround a central area where there is a sense of culture and history. Rainy season is also December-March.
WHAT TO DO? Guided Tours of the Great Zimbabwe enclosure are a must. There is a large man-made lake, Mturikwe, close by where there is fantastic bass angling as well as Game Tours on local game areas. [/ale_one_half_last]
MATOPOS
Located a mere 34kms from Bulawayo, Matobo National Park is a beautiful area with some of the most stunning views in the country. It is a place of cultural and religious significance for the African People with many of the granite hills being religiously revered. Cecil Rhodes, a man of much importance in Zimbabwe’s history, so loved the views here, he is buried on top of a hill he named “World’s View”.
WHAT TO DO? Guided Tours of the main areas are avaialable. There are many caves in the park with fantastic Bushman paintings. Walks onto the bigger hills are popular with Rhodes Grave being a favourite. There are amazing rock formations, bushman paintings and a dam with some good fishing. There are rhino in Matobo which are one of the planets most endangered species.
HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
Hwange is the largest National Park in the country. It is known for having one of the largest elephant populations in Africa and there are most of the other large African game species here including leopard, lion, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, painted dog, large antelope and pretty much anything else that moves. Overnighting here is highly recommended.
WHAT TO DO? Game, game and more game is the order of the day. Game drives and game walks, learning interesting and fascinating facts about the bush and the animals in it are about all you want to do here. There are choices of accommodation and trips so do contact us to find out more. To sum it up Zimbabwe is an amazing country filled with many beautiful and fascinating sights and experiences. The people are friendly and visiting us is relatively cheap compared to many other African destinations. We hope to see you soon.