One in a series of blog posts where we attempt to highlight the distinguishing characteristics of a particular country in terms of its appeal to visitors. So here are my top, (and highly subjective), Zimbabwe attractions and 10 reasons why you should add a Zimbabwe safari to your bucket list.
1) Victoria Falls year round
The Victoria Falls lie on the boundary of Zimbabwe and Zambia but it’s fair to say that Zimbabwe has the better views in the drier months of September to January. (Some would say these views are better all year round). Certainly with the full array of hotels and activities on offer in Victoria Falls, there is no particular advantage to staying on the Zambian side of the Falls, unless the rest of your safari is in Zambia.
The other plus point is that you can travel by road from Victoria Falls town for approx 2 hours and reach two superb game reserves: Hwange National Park and Chobe National Park…
2) Excellent game-viewing without the crowds
The remoteness of some of Zimbabwe’s National Parks means that they have retained their wildlife numbers. And the comparatively low visitor numbers on Zimbabwe safaris means that you seldom have a ‘Chobe (or a Kruger) moment’ when an excellent wildlife sighting produces a sudden convergence of vehicles seemingly from nowhere.
The private concessions operating within the National Parks have also ensured that wildlife conservation has been maintained and parks like Hwange offer some of the best game-viewing in Africa in the dry season months of June to October.
3) Superb guiding
Zimbabwe safaris are justifiably known for their excellent guiding. The reasons are multi-faceted but the strictness of the Zimbabwean guiding exams combined with the fact that guiding is a comparatively well-paid career in Zimbabwe means that there are plenty of high calibre candidates keen to undertake the rigorous mutli-year training.
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Last but not least, the high guiding standards in Zimbabwe means that this is an excellent place to try a walking safari with an experienced and armed ranger. Bush walks of all durations are available in Mana Pools, Lake Kariba and Hwange whilst the lack of predators in the Matobo hills means that this offers the appealing prospect of self-guided walking.
Indeed Zimbabwe guides love to combine a game drive with taking some time off the vehicle approaching some of the larger wildlife on foot. This is a thrilling experience and is possible because of the highly trained nature of their guides.
5) Greater Value-for-money safari experience
Let me make this clear – we are not exactly talking inexpensive! But Zimbabwe safaris don’t generally exhibit the same high season price hikes of Botswana (or even Zambia). Furthermore both Hwange and the Matobo hills are very accessible by road so you don’t always need to fly. This means that – especially in peak season from July to October – prices are noticeably keener in Zimbabwe…
Download our Insiders guide to the best Victoria Falls Tours
Comprehensive Guide to all the Tours, Activities on both the Zimbabwe and Zambia side of Victoria Falls with Up-to-date Pricing Get our Free Guide here6) Game-viewing from the water
Unlike say South Africa, Zimbabwe safaris offer abundant opportunities to enjoy your game-viewing both on land (by vehicle or foot) and from the water either by boat or canoe. Check out Lake Kariba and Mana Pools in particular. Here you can explore the quiet inlets and tributaries and enjoy close-up views of semi-aquatic elephants as they enjoy the water. These are also two of the finest areas in Zimbabwe to try your luck at the famous tiger-fishing.
7) Year round destination
As with other countries, Zimbabwe has a peak season in terms of game-viewing – generally the dry Southern hemisphere winter and spring months of May to October. But unlike Zambia, most of the camps remain open for business throughout the year. (Only Mana Pools has a shorter season from April or May to mid November).
8) Diversity of landscapes
Much more than its famous neighbour Botswana, a longer Zimbabwe safari offers a diversity of landscapes. From the awe-inspiring power of the Victoria Falls to the spiritual serenity of the Matobo Hills. Or the languid beauty of Lake Kariba contrasting with the game-rich plains of Hwange. And finally, from the watery paradise of Mana Pools, to mountainous rugged scenery of the Eastern Highlands. Zimbabwe seems to have all you could want from a safari holiday.
Check out our Zimbabwe Safari Explorer to get a taste of that… You can add Matobo onto this to get an even more varied safari experience.
9) Ancient culture – Matobo & Great Zimbabwe
Great Zimbabwe in Southern Zimbabwe is considered by many to be the birthplace of African city-state and is an awe-inspiring place to visit, as are the Matobo hills (a protected World Heritage Site). Home to some of the best-preserved rock paintings in Africa, there is a spirituality about the Matobo Hills that calms and rejuvenates even the weariest and jaded of people.
10) Paradise for Birders
This diversity of landscapes means that Zimbabwe is a veritable treasure chest for keen birders. There are over 670 bird species ranging from the tiny common waxbills with their bright blue breastbones to impressive raptors including the martial and black eagle. We especially recommend the Mana Pools and Lake Kariba but also Hwange National Park and the lodges along the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this review of Zimbabwe attractions and reasons to visit. Check out our pages on Zimbabwe for more info…
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Zimbabwe safaris – 10 Reasons to Visit” was written by Safari Specialists, Cedarberg Africa
Cedarberg Africa is a specialist tour operator for Southern and East Africa. We focus on upmarket tailormade safaris for discerning and inquiring people. Several of us have visited Zimbabwe a few times and so we can chat to you about a possible trip from personal experience, weighing up the different options, to plan a trip that is just right for you.
Feel free to contact us if you want us to plan a safari to Zimbabwe.
