Zimbabwe is home to beautiful landscapes, untamed, highly regarded National Parks, rare species of plants and animals, and of course, some of the world’s most famous tourist destinations, including the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the Matobo Hills, Lake Kariba, and the magnificent Victoria Falls. Additionally, it has a great climate and provides outdoor activities all year round.
Prior to its widely reported political unrest and economic collapse, Zimbabwe was the most popular African travel destination for many years. Travel advisories to Zimbabwe had been in effect for a while, although at the moment the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not set any limitations on their advice. Despite the media attention surrounding its politics, Zimbabwe has an excellent track record when it comes to tourism safety, thus vigilance is still advised as in all other countries.
Zimbabwe operators have persevered and kept developing and investing in their properties despite some difficult years in the tourism industry, and guests have been rewarded with some truly incredible experiences. The variety of its tourist attractions, the high standard of its infrastructure, and the friendly “Zimbabwean Welcome” provide for excellent and enduring travel experiences. These experiences are attested to by the many uplifting remarks on different travel websites.
Zimbabwe has typically had a very stable period during the past few years. As the number of tourists constantly rises, many tourist institutions that remained open throughout hard economic times are now starting to see the benefits of their optimism and investment. Many carriers, including British Airways (COMAIR), Emirates, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airways, and many more, offer flights either via Johannesburg and or direct to Victoria Falls via their national capitals e.g. Nairobi, Dubai and Addis Ababa.
Given future political stability and the capacity of the flights, it would appear that other airlines would undoubtedly follow suit in an effort to take a piece of this expanding and potentially extremely lucrative route. Air Zimbabwe operates domestic flights between regional hubs such Harare, Kariba, Victoria Falls, and Bulawayo. Next, let’s talk at Zimbabwe’s tourism options. What can a traveler anticipate? There are a lot of amazing things for tourists to see and do, and of course Zimbabwe has accommodations for all budgets and comfort levels. Mid-priced to upscale hotels, safari camps and resorts, various designated camping sites, “overlander” facilities, and B&Bs are only a few of the accommodations.
The terrain of Zimbabwe is one of rather striking contrasts. There are the cooler, mountainous Eastern Highlands with their tea estates and apple orchards, the drier but diverse and pristine South East, which includes Gonarezhou National Park and the Rundi and Save Rivers, the rocky Matobo Hills with their unique rock formations and San Bushmen paintings, the wide stretches of changeable terrain of the Hwange National Park, the mighty Zambezi River with all its wildlife and animals, and the massively beautiful Lake Kariba with its unique tiger fishing and spectacular sunsets and of course the iconic Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe has a lot more to offer, but its most famous attractions are the magnificent Victoria Falls and the Hwange Game Reserve. Two of the most distinctive and well-preserved ancient cities in the world are the Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Masvingo) and the Khami Ruins (Bulawayo), while the almost 240 km long Kariba Dam was an engineering marvel for its time and is still an imposing sight. It is a popular vacation spot with a variety of tourist amenities, including as safari camps, houseboats, game viewing, and fishing. The annual Tiger fishing tournament, which is held in October, continues to draw many local and international participants.
The expansive Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, which include Juliasdale, the Honde Valley, Nyanga, Melsetter, Chimanimani, and the Vumba, stand in stark contrast to the raw power of the Falls and the immense open spaces of Kariba. The region is home to various stunning mountainous granite formations, lovely forests, and a range of lodging options. The region offers a significantly different choice of activities and is noticeably cooler than the rest of the country. The region is a well-liked location for walkers, birders, trout fishers, and golfers and is only two to three hours from Harare. One of the most distinctive and beautiful golf courses in all of Africa may be found at Leopard Rock, which is in the Vumba region.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge boasts one of Africa’s finest wilderness locations with an elevated position on a range of remote hills overlooking the vastness of Lake Kariba. Bumi is situated near the Northeastern border of the Matusadona National Park and is easily accessible by light aircraft and boat, allowing you to be swiftly transported into paradise without the stress of a long journey.
This ​family safari​ camp, located slightly to the west of sister camp Somalisa sits on the edge of a seasonal floodplain in Hwange National Park. ​Somalisa Acacia​ is tucked away beneath the dappled shade of an Acacia grove. Somalisa Acacia comprises of 2 Luxury Family Units with inter-leading walkways between the parent’s and children’s rooms which are both en-suite, as well as 2 Luxury Sail Tents.
Hwange National Park is a land of contrasts from dense teak and acacia forest to vast open savannah, offering guests an exhibition of raw and diverse Africa. This intimate bush camp is perfect for a relaxing Hwange safari with friends and loved ones. Somalisa Camp is a place where tranquillity meets adventure. At one moment you are sipping on your gin and tonic, and the next elephants at your doorstep
Set in the most remote part of the World Heritage Site in Mana Pools is the Kanga Pan. The 12-bedded luxury tented camp has en-suite bathroom facilities with outdoor showers and basins overlooking the water hole. Two of the tents are luxury family/honeymoon tents with their own private dining and seating areas. The main area has a comfortable lounge and dining area, offering you uninterrupted views of a very active water hole.Â
The legendary Mana Pools is known for its wildlife rich flood plains and magnificent views of the Zambezi River, with the Zambezi Escarpment in Zambia as a dramatic backdrop to the scenery. The river boasts some of Africa’s most amazing tiger fishing and adventure canoeing safaris, creating the perfect combination of beauty and fun and making this World Heritage site a must-visit national park.
Nyamatusi Mahogany is the perfect luxury safari experience for families. Consisting of 2 luxury tented suites and 2 luxury family suites nested under ancient mahogany trees on the lush shores of the mighty Zambezi River, the camp has been designed with style and serenity in mind.
Nyamatusi is African Bush Camps’ third camp in Mana Pools National Park and is located in the Nyamatusi Wilderness area. The park itself exudes a feeling of beauty, an untouched wilderness. Mana Pools offers a diversity of different wildlife and bird species, including the endangered and rare wild dog. The Zambezi River itself is famous for its large concentrations of hippos and crocodiles.
Somalisa Expeditions is set in the heart of Hwange National Park , and is known as the land of the giants for its big elephant herds. As an exact replica of the original Somalisa Camp, Somalisa Expeditions offers one of the most authentic ways to experience this exceptional wildlife haven. Nestled under an incredible grove of Acacias, along the edge of a seasonal flood plain.
Situated in the heart of the Matobo Hills, just outside the boundary of the national park, lies Khayelitshe House. Enclosed by the iconic balancing rocks and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of massive boulders, Khayelitshe House got its name from the Ndebele words ‘Ekhaya’ and ‘Litshe’- Home in the Rocks.This is a home that is completely off-the-grid, one that inspires peacefulness and being at one with nature.
To create an itinerary just for you based on your travel wishes, get in touch with one of our Africa Travel specialists.
